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Angina (Angina Pectoris)
Pain or discomfort due to lack of oxygen to the heart muscle.
May manifest as pain or discomfort, heaviness, tightness,
pressure or burning, numbness aching, tingling in the chest,
back, neck, throat, jaw or arms.
Angioplasty
An insertion of a balloon at the end of a catheter, blown
up to compress the clogged area of the artery against the
artery wall and then removed.
Anticoagulants
also known as: "Blood thinners". Medications that
slow blood clotting time. Anyone on anticoagulants need regular
blood tests for clotting time. One test is called Prothrombin
time or PT or Protime.
Arrhythmias
Abnormal rhythms of the heart beat. Premature contractions:
can be atrial or ventricular. May or may not be dangerous.
Interrupts the regular heart rhythm.
Fibrillation:
can be atrial or ventricular. Ineffective beats.
Tachycardia:
fast heart beat, usually over 110 a minute.
Bradycardia:
slow heart beat, usually under 50 beats
a minute
Arteries
Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood.
Atherectomy
also known as: Rotorooter. A procedure that uses a catheter
and special cutting or grinding tools to remove plaque from
artery walls.
Coronary Artery
Bypass Graft
also known as: CABG, "Cabbage". Surgery done to
bypass the blocked coronary artery. Uses a vein from the leg
or chest to carry the blood as "a bridge" around
the blocked coronary artery.
Cardiac Cath
or Cardiac Catheterization
A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the arm or groin
(after a local anesthesia is given) and threaded up to the
heart, a dye is injected and X-rays will be taken of the heart
arteries. If there is a blockage in any artery it is usually
easily seen. After the procedure, the catheter is removed
and you may be able to go home.
Catheter
A thin, flexible tube.
Coronary arteries
Four major coronary arteries carry freshly oxygenated blood
to the heart muscle. Known as: Left main coronary artery,
Circumflex coronary artery, Left anterior descending coronary
artery, and Right coronary artery. Can be seen on the exterior
of the heart. Most commonly blocked arteries of the heart
due to plaque, lipids, and blood clots.
Echocardiogram
A study using high-frequency sound waves to picture or visualize
the heart chambers, the thickness of the muscle wall, the
heart valves and major blood vessels located near the heart.
This is a non-invasive procedure.
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Electrocardiogram
also known as: EKG or ECG. A graph of the electrical conduction
system of the heart.
Electrolytes
Elements or chemicals needed to enable the body and heart
to work properly. The most frequently tested by blood test:
Sodium, Potassium, Chloride. If the levels are too high or
too low in your blood, it may cause cardiac (heart) problems.
Enzymes
When the heart is injured (such as a heart attack) certain
enzymes (chemicals) are released. They are called LDH, SGOT
and CPK.
Invasive procedure
A procedure, test or surgery that involves going through the
skin or muscle or into a vein or artery, such as a Cardiac
Catheterization.
NTG-Nitro-Nitroglycerine
A medication that expands or relaxes arteries to enable blood
to flow more easily. Can be taken by mouth, spray, skin patch,
or intravenously.
Noninvasive procedure
A procedure that can be done outside of the body, such as
an X-ray or EKG.
Pulse
The beat of the heart felt in an artery.
Radial: most common pulse site.
In wrist directly under the
thumb.
Brachial: inside the elbow,
little finger side.
Femoral: inside the groin.
Carotid: on each side of the
neck, under outer jaw.
Apical: over the lower half
of the heart, between breast
bone and left nipple, hard to feel. A stethoscope
is usually needed to get a clear sound.
To take a pulse, use the first and second fingers and count
the beats for 60 seconds.
Plaque
A build up in the lining of an damaged artery. Can be caused
by high blood cholesterol or smoking.
Risk factors
Habits or characteristics which can increase the likelihood
of developing heart disease. See risk factors.
Non-modifiable risk factors (risk factors that cannot be changed):
Family history of coronary disease or stroke
Age
Sex
Modifiable risk
factors (risk factors that can be changed):
Smoking
High Blood Pressure (hypertension)
Diet high in animal fats
Sedentary lifestyle (couch potato)
Diabetes
Stress
Type "A" personality
Obesity
Excessive use of alcohol
Stent
Devices that are placed in the artery to keep the inner wall
of the artery open. Small metal coil or mesh tube, permanently
left in the artery.
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