Cardiomyopathy

general diagnostic term that designates primary disease of the heart muscle itself

myocarditis

inflammation of the heart muscle

Endocarditis

infective microorganisms that invade the endocardium, and the heart valves are frequently affected

pericarditis

Inflammation of the pericardium

electrocardiogram

measurements taken during stress tests

electrocardiograph

instrument used for recording an electrocardiography

Echocardiography

the use of ultrasonography in diagnosing heart disease.

echocardiogram

record of the heart obtained by directing ultrasonic waves through the chest wall

Cardiac catheterization

passage of a long, flexible tube into the heart chambers through a vein in an arm or leg or the neck.

PET scans are especially helpful in:

examining blood flow in the heart and blood vessels.

angina pectoris

Severe chest pain and constriction about the heart caused by an insufficient supply of blood to the heart itself.

arrhythmia

Irregularity or loss of rhythm of the heartbeat. (dysrhythmia)

asystole

the absence of a heartbeat

cardiomegaly

enlargement of the heart

congenital heart defects

abnormalities present in the heart at birth

congestive heart failure (CHF)

Condition characterized by weakness, breathlessness, and edema in lower portions of the body; the work demanded of the heart is greater than its ability to perform.

coronary artery disease (CAD)

Abnormal condition that affects the heart’s arteries and produces various pathologic effects, especially the reduced flow of blood to the myocardium.

coronary heart disease (CHD)

Heart damage resulting from insufficient oxygen caused by pathologic changes in the coronary arteries.

fibrillation

Severe cardiac arrhythmia in which contractions are too rapid and uncoordinated for effective blood circulation. Reversed by defibrillator.

heart murmur

Soft blowing or rasping sound that may be heard when listening to the heart with a stethoscope

hyperlipidemia

Excessive lipids (fats) in the blood.

hypertension

Elevated blood pressure above the normal values

hypotension

low blood pressure

infarction

Necrosis of a localized area of tissue caused by lack of blood supply to that area.

occlusion stenosis

narrowing or obstruction on an artery that supplies blood to tissue

myocardial infarction (MI)

death of an area of the heart muscle that occurs as a result of oxygen deprivation.

myocardial ischemia

Deficiency of blood supply to the myocardium.

septal defect

Defect in the wall separating the left and right sides of the heart.

shock

Serious condition in which blood flow to the heart is reduced to such an extent that body tissues do not receive enough blood.