embolus
the obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot that has broken off from a thrombus somewhere else in the body and traveled to the point of obstruction. If it occurs in a coronary artery, it may result in a myocardial infarction.
infarct
an area of tissue within an organ or part that undergoes necrosis (death) following the loss of its blood supply.
ischemia
the localized and temporary deficiency of blood supply due to an obstruction to the circulation.
murmur
a sound, in addition to the normal heart sounds, arising from blood flowing through the heart. This extra sound may or may not indicate a heart abnormality.
orthostatic hypotension
the sudden drop in blood pressure a person experiences when standing straight up suddenly.
palpitations
pounding, racing heartbeats.
plaque
a yellow, fatty deposit of lipids in an artery that is the hallmark of atherosclerosis. Also called an atheroma.
regurgitation
to flow backwards. in the cardiovascular system this refers to the backflow of blood through a valve.
tachycardia
the condition of having a fast heart rate; typically more than 100 beats/minute while at rest.
thrombus
a blood clot forming within a blood vessel. may partially or completely occlude the blood vessel.
angina pectoris
condition in which there is severe pain with a sensation of constriction around the heart. Caused by a deficiency of oxygen to the heart muscle.
arrhythmia
Irregularity in the heartbeat or action. Comes in many different forms; some are not serious, while others are life-threatening.
bundle branch block (BBB)
Occurs when the electrical impulse is blocked from traveling down the bundle of His or bundle branches. Results in the ventricles beating at a different rate than the atria. Also called a heart block.
cardiac arrest
Complete stopping of heart activity.
cardiomegaly
An enlarged heart.
cardiomyopathy
General term for a disease of the myocardium. can be caused by alcohol abuse, parasites, viral infection, and congestive heart failure. One of the most common reasons a patient may require a heart transplant.
congenital septal defect (CSD)
A hole, present at birth, in the septum between two heart chambers; results in a mixture of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. There can be an atrial septal defect (ASD) and a ventricular septal defect (VSD).
coronary artery disease (CAD)
Insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle due to an obstruction of one or more coronary arteries. May be caused by atherosclerosis and may cause angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.
endocarditis
Inflammation of the lining membranes of the heart. May be due to bacteria or to an abnormal immunological response. In bacterial endocarditis, the mass of bacteria that forms is referred to as vegetation.
fibrillation
An extremely serious arrhythmia characterized by an abnormal quivering or contraction of heart fibers. When this occurs in the ventricles, cardiac arrest and death can occur. Emergency equipment to defibrillate, or convert the heart to a normal beat, is n
flutter
An arrhythmia in which the atria beat too rapidly, but in a regular pattern.
heart valve prolapse
Condition in which the cusps or flaps of the heart valve are too loose and fail to shut tightly, allowing blood to flow backward through the valve when the heart chamber contracts. Most commonly occurs in the mitral valve, but may affect any of the heart
heart valve stenosis
The cusps or flaps of the heart valve are too stiff. Therefore, they are unable to open fully, making it difficult for blood to flow through, or shut tightly, allowing blood to flow backward. This condition may affect any of the heart valves.
myocardial infarction (MI)
Condition caused by the partial or complete occlusion or closing of one or more of the coronary arteries. Symptoms include a squeezing pain or heavy pressure in the middle of the chest (angina pectoris). A delay in treatment could result in death. Also re
myocarditis
Inflammation of the muscle layer of the heart wall.
pericarditis
Inflammation of the pericardial sac around the heart.
tetralogy of Fallot
Combination of four congenital anomalies: pulmonary stenosis, an interventricular septal defect, improper placement of the aorta, and hypertrophy of the right ventricle. Needs immediate surgery to correct.
valvulitis
The inflammation of a heart valve.
aneurysm
Weakness in the wall of an artery resulting in localized widening of the artery. Although an aneurysm may develop in an artery, common sites include the aorta in the abdomen and the cerebral arteries in the brain.
arteriorrhexis
A ruptured artery; may occur if an aneurysm ruptures an arterial wall.
arteriosclerosis
Thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the walls of the arteries. Most often due to atherosclerosis.
atheroma
A deposit of fatty substance in the wall of an artery that bulges into and narrows the lumen of the artery; a characteristic of atherosclerosis. Also called a plaque.
atherosclerosis
The most common form of arteriosclerosis. Caused by the formation of yellowish plaques of cholesterol on the inner walls of arteries.
coarctation of the aorta (CoA)
Severe congenital narrowing of the aorta.
hemorrhoid
Varicose veins in the anal region.
hypertension (HTN)
Blood pressure above the normal range. Essential or primary hypertension occurs directly from cardiovascular disease. Secondary hypertension refers to high blood pressure resulting from another disease such as kidney disease.
hypotension
Decrease in blood pressure. Can occur in shock, infection, cancer, anemia, or as death approaches.
patent ductus arteriosus
congenital heart anomaly in which the connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta fails to close at birth. This condition may be treated with medication and resolve with time. However, in some cases surgery is required.
peripheral vascular disease
Any abnormal condition affecting blood vessels outside the heart. Symptoms may include pain, pallor, numbness, and loss of circulation and pulses.
phlebitis
The inflammation of a vein.
polyarteritis
Inflammation of several arteries.
Raynaud's phenomenon
Periodic ischemic attacks affecting the extremities of the body, especially the fingers, toes, ears, and nose. The affected extremities become cyanotic and very painful. These attacks are brought on by arterial constriction due to extreme cold or emotiona
thrombophlebitis
Inflammation of a vein resulting in the formation of blood clots within the vein.
varicose veins
Swollen and distended veins, usually in the legs.