Glossary of Cardiology Terms
A
angiography (also known as coronary angiography)
Angiography is an image of blood vessels captured through use of a minimally invasive fluoroscopic instrument and contrast dye injected into the body.
angioplasty (also called percutaneous coronary intervention)
Angioplasty is a procedure that involves insertion of a tiny balloon to unclog heart arteries.
aortic valve
The aortic valve is a valve located at the exit of the heart’s left ventricle.
aortic valve stenosis
Aortic valve stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve that prevents it from opening fully, reducing the volume of blood that can pass through it.
arrhythmia
Arrhythmia is an electrical system malfunction of the heart related to its rhythm and characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm, notably in the pace and number of heartbeats.
arteriosclerotic heart disease (ASHD)
Arteriosclerotic heart disease (ASHD) is a hardening of the arteries that can be the result of fatty deposits, calcification or thickening arterial walls.
atria
The atria are the two top (left and right) chambers of the heart.
atrial fibrillation (also called Afib)
Atrial fibrillation is a type of racing of the upper part of the heart (supraventricular tachycardia) caused by multiple abnormal electrical short circuits in the heart’s top left chamber (left atrium), just outside the pulmonary veins.
atrial flutter
Atrial flutter is a type of arrhythmia. More specifically, it is a type of supraventricular tachycardia caused by an abnormal electrical short circuit in the top chambers of the heart (atria).
atrial septal defect
Atrial septal defect is an opening in the wall between the left and right upper chambers of the heart.
atrial tachycardia
Atrial tachycardia is a type of supraventricular tachycardia caused by the abnormal firing of a group of cells in one of the top chambers of the heart (atria).
atrioventricular node
The atrioventricular node is a small channel of heart tissue separating the heart’s atria (top chambers) and ventricles (bottom chambers). It helps regulate the heart rate.
B
broken heart syndrome
Broken heart syndrome is a temporary heart condition associated with chest pain that can be triggered by major stress, such as death of a loved one or serious physical illness.
bradycardia
Bradycardia is a very slow heart rhythm (under 50-60 beats per minute) with symptoms that can include lightheadedness, shortness of breath or fainting.
C
cardiac catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure in which a thin tube and contrast dye are inserted into a vessel in the arm, upper thigh or neck to access the heart and determine how well it is functioning (angiogram).
cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a heart disease in which the heart muscle becomes weakened, stretched or has another structural problem.
catheter ablation
Catheter ablation is a minimally-invasive procedure to treat tissue in the heart responsible for its abnormal rhythm (arrhythmia).
congestive heart failure
Congestive heart failure is a condition caused when fluid builds up in the lungs and interferes with breathing and healthy functioning.
coronary artery disease
Coronary artery disease is a narrowing or blockage of the heart’s coronary arteries caused by buildup of calcified plaque from cholesterol deposits.
coronary bypass surgery
Coronary bypass surgery is a surgical procedure that restores normal blood flow to a blocked coronary artery.
coronary heart disease
Also known as coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease is a narrowing or blockage of the heart’s coronary arteries caused by buildup of calcified plaque from cholesterol deposits.
cryptogenic stroke
Cryptogenic stroke is a stroke with no known cause that can sometimes be traced later to previously undiagnosed cardiovascular conditions.
D
diastolic heart failure
Diastolic heart failure is a condition in which the heart’s left ventricle cannot fill adequately with blood, resulting in less oxygenated blood pumped from the heart out to the body.
E
echocardiogram
Echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of the heart, particularly its chambers and valves.
electrocardiogram
Electrocardiogram is a test used to assess a heart’s rhythm.
electrophysiology study
Electrophysiology study is a test used to diagnose an abnormal heart rhythm.
exercise stress test
Exercise stress test is a physical test during which a patient’s heart rate, heart rhythm and blood pressure are continuously monitored.
extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a type of acute mechanical circulatory support device used in a hospital setting to help provide 24/7 acute care for heart patients.
H
heart attack
Heart attack is a sudden and potential fatal event that kills heart muscle when there is blockage in one of the heart’s arteries.
heart CT scan
Heart CT scan is an imaging test that provides a digital picture of the heart’s vessels.
heart disease
Also known as coronary artery disease, heart disease is a narrowing or blockage of the heart’s coronary arteries caused by buildup of calcified plaque from cholesterol deposits.
HeartFlow
HeartFlow FFR/CT is a patented, advanced imaging test to assess coronary artery disease.
heart failure
Heart failure is a condition caused by the heart’s inability to pump blood properly to deliver enough oxygen to the body.
heart palpitations
Heart palpitations are a sensation that the heart is racing, pounding or fluttering, and can be caused anxiety, medications, panic disorders and more.
heart valve disease
Heart valve disease is a condition in which a heart valve is not functioning properly and limits regular flow of blood to the body.
heart valve surgery
Heart valve surgery is a surgical procedure to repair a diseased or faulty heart valve.
heart rate
Heart rate is the number of heartbeats measured in a unit of time, typically one minute.
high blood pressure
Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is defined by the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology as 130/80 or higher for systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) readings.
Holter monitor
A Holter monitor is a device worn on the body to measure heart rhythm.
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a complex condition in which heart muscle cells enlarge and can cause the walls of the ventricles to thicken, weakening its ability to pump oxygenated blood to the body.
hypertension
Hypertension is a term to describe high blood pressure, which is defined by the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology as 130/80 or higher for systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) readings.
I
implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small, battery-powered device placed under the skin to monitor heart rate and heart rhythm and provide an electrical shock to restore normal rate and rhythm.
intravascular ultrasound
Intravascular ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to evaluate coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood.
L
left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is an implanted device that helps the heart supply a sufficient amount of oxygen-rich blood to the body.
LINQ
LINQ is a patented, implantable wireless cardiac monitoring system.
M
mitral valve regurgitation
Mitral valve regurgitation is the abnormal and reverse flow of blood from the heart’s left ventricle to the left atrium.
mitral valve surgery
Mitral valve surgery is a surgical procedure to repair a diseased mitral valve.
MitraClip
MitraClip is also known as a transcatheter mitral valve repair, a proprietary non-surgical procedure to repair a diseased mitral valve.
N
Nanostim
A nanostim is a tiny patented leadless and wireless type of pacemaker that is implanted directly in the heart and designed for patients with bradycardia.
P
pacemaker
A pacemaker is a small device implanted under the skin to set the heart rate of the bottom chambers to correct heart arrhythmia.
patent foramen ovale
Patent foramen ovale is an opening in the wall between the left and right chambers of the heart.
peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to limbs, most commonly the legs.
peripartum cardiomyopathy
Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a form of heart failure that can occur in women during pregnancy.
pulmonary valve stenosis
Pulmonary valve stenosis is a narrowing of the pulmonary valve that can result in the reduction of blood flow to the lungs to be oxygenated.
S
sinoatrial node
The sinoatrial node is a group of cells in the upper right atrium that start a heartbeat. It’s our body’s natural pacemaker.
sinus node
Also known as the sinoatrial node, The sinus node is a group of cells in the upper right atrium that start a heartbeat. It’s our body’s natural pacemaker.
stent
A stent is a tiny, mesh wire tube inserted into a clogged or blocked artery to reopen it and restore normal blood flow.
structural heart disease
Structural heart disease is a term that can be used to describe abnormalities in the walls, valves and vessels of the heart that are congenital (present at birth) or due to other causes such as age and wear and tear.
supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a group of heart arrhythmias that involves the top chambers of the heart (atria) and causes your heart to beat too fast (tachycardia). “Supra” means “above,” so supraventricular literally translates to “above the ventricles.”
T
tachycardia
Tachycardia is a very fast heart rhythm (over 120 beats per minute), with symptoms that can include the sensation of a racing heart, as well as lightheadedness, shortness of breath, chest tightness and fainting.
transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure in which an artificial device is placed inside a diseased aortic valve to push out old valve leaflets and restore normal blood flow.
transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a test that uses sound waves to assess structure and function of the heart.
transtelephonic monitoring
Transtelephonic monitoring is the ability for patients with permanent pacemakers, implantable defibrillators or implantable loop recorders to be monitored real-time for earlier detection of arrhythmias, heart failure decompensations or other possible issues.
V
ventricles
Ventricles are the two lower (right and left) chambers of the heart.
ventricular fibrillation
Ventricular fibrillation is the most serious type of heart arrhythmia. During ventricular fibrillation, the heart’s electrical system becomes chaotic and disordered, causing the lower chambers (ventricles) to “flutter” instead of beating normally and pumping blood to the body.
ventricular tachycardia
Ventricular tachycardia is a type of arrhythmia that originates in the heart’s ventricles and involves a very fast heartbeat.
W
Watchman
Watchman is a patented device and procedure to treat atrial fibrillation. The Watchman closes off the left atrial appendage with the goal of reducing risk of stroke and ending reliance on blood thinners.