If either you or a loved one has heart trouble, you can better understand and participate in
treatment if you familiarize yourself with the following medical terms that may be used by your
health care provider.
CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS & WARNING SIGNS
Following is a brief summary of known risk factors and warning signs of present or possible future
cardiovascular problems, including stroke.
RISK FACTORS
High blood pressure
Heart disease, especially a type of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) called atrial fibrillation (AF).
Smoking.
Diabetes.
High blood cholesterol.
Obesity or eating disorder (anorexia, bulimia).
Poor diet.
WARNING SIGNS
Numbness or weakness in face, arm, or leg.
Difficulty speaking.
Severe dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden dimness, loss of vision.
Sudden intense headache.
Brief loss of consciousness.
If any of the known risk factors apply to you, consult with your health care provider about ways to lower
your risk. If you experience any of the warning signs listed above, seek medical attention at once.
|
ANEURYSM
An aneurysm is a spot in a blood vessel where the wall becomes thin
and bulges outward as blood presses against it. If it ruptures, circulation is disrupted.
Depending on the location of the aneurysm, the consequences of this can be dangerous or even
fatal. If detected in time, aneurysms can be repaired surgically in many cases.
Aneurysms come in two shapes. The first is called a saccular aneurysm and is a formation of a sac or
pouch on one side of the blood vessel wall. The second type is called a fusiform aneurysm and is an
outward bulging of the blood vessel wall in all directions. A ruptured aneurysm is one that has burst and
caused bleeding into the surrounding tissues.
Texas Heart Institute: Aneurysms & Dissections
MGH / Harvard: Brain Aneurysm & Arteriovenous Malformation Center
YourTotalHealth: Aneurysm Center - Info About Conditions & Treatment
The Internet Encyclopedia of Science: Aneurysms
Answers.com: Aortic Aneurysm Repair
ANGINA PECTORIS
Angina refers to pain or heavy pressure in the chest that is caused by an insufficient
supply of oxygen to the heart tissue. This chest pain may be severe or mild and is usually
associated with physical exertion and relieved by rest. It can be a warning sign of impending heart attack.
eMedicine: Angina Pectoris
The Angina Pectoris Official Site
AmericanHeart.org: Angina Pectoris
HeartOnline.org: Angina
ANGIOGRAM
An angiogram is a diagnostic picture produced by injecting into the heart and / or blood vessels a
type of dye that is visible on x-ray. It may be done to diagnose valvular disease, blood vessel
blockage, and other conditions.
VascularWeb.org: Angiogram
YourTotalHealth: Coronary - Angiogram
American Heart Asso: What is a Coronary Angiogram?
Mayo Clinic: Coronary Angiography: A Look Inside Your Heart's Blood Vessels
RadiologyInfo: Computed Tomography (CT) - Angiography
ANGIOPLASTY
Angioplasty is a non-surgical procedure employed to treat heart disease. It is used to open up blocked
coronary arteries. Angioplasty is performed in a cardiac catherization laboratory by a team of specialists
composed of a head cardiologist, cardiovascular nurses and technicians.
Angioplasty is a step by step process in which a small balloon is inserted into a blocked or partially
blocked artery and then inflated. This compresses the plaque on the vessel wall, widening the artery and allowing
more blood to flow through it.
Angioplasty is a step by step process. First of all, the patient is given local anesthesia. Next, a
thin plastic tube or sheath is inserted into the artery. Usually the plastic tube is inserted in the groin
region through the femoral artery. Sometimes the artery in the arm is also used. The catheter is then
passes through the sheath and guided through the blood vessel to the arteries of the heart. A contrast
material or dye is passed through the catheter and its circulation in the chambers of the heart is
monitored. By analyzing the digital pictures of the contrast material, the precise location of the block
or malfunctioning of the valves can be found out.
Once the block is detected one of the following interventional techniques are used to remove the block:
- Balloon Angioplasty: In balloon angioplasty, a special catheter is used. The catheter has
a balloon tip which is inflatable. The catheter is guided to the region of the block and once it is
in place, the balloon in inflated. The inflating balloon compresses the fatty deposits into the wall
of the artery and stretches the lumen of the blood vessels so that the flow of blood to the heart muscle
becomes free.
- Stent: A stent is a small cylindrical tube made of mesh which is used to provide support to
the coronary artery. The stent is placed in the coronary artery which has become narrow due to cholesterol
deposits, using a balloon catheter. Once in place the balloon tip is inflated which causes the stent
to expand and fit into the coronary artery. The stent holds the coronary artery open. The balloon tip
is then deflated and removed while the stent stays. Over the next few weeks, the artery wall heals
around the stent. Stents are commonly used during interventional procedures such angioplasty as these
procedures require that the coronary artery be open. Stents that contain medicine are also available.
The medicine on the stent prevents re-stenosis.
- Rotoblation: In rotoblation a special catheter is used which has a rotating diamond tip.
The catheter is guided to the place of artery blockage and the diamond tip is then activated. The
diamond tip cuts away the plaque into microscopic granules. These granules are carried by away the blood
stream and removed by the liver and spleen. Rotoblation is repeated as and when needed to allow better
flow of blood through the coronary artery. Rotoblation is not being used nowadays. Balloon angioplasty
and stent give much better results that rotoblation. Also rotoblation is difficult to perform when
compared with balloon angioplasty and stent.
- Atherectomy: A special catheter is used in atherectomy. The tip is the catheter is made
of a hollow cylinder and an inflatable on the other side. The cylinder has a window and cutting blades
inside it. When the balloon is inflated, the cylinder is pushed into the fatty matter. The fatty deposits
enter into the window and are shaved off by the blades inside the cylinder. The shaved off deposits are
stored inside the cylinder and are removed. This procedure is performed as and when required until the
lumen of the coronary artery opens wide open, allowing sufficient blood to flow to the heart muscle.
- Cutting Balloon: The cutting balloon catheter has a inflatable balloon and small cutting blades
at its tip. When the balloon is inflated, the blades are activated. The blades chop of the plaque and at
the same time the scored off plaque is compressed into the wall of the artery.
These interventional procedures can open a blocked artery but they cannot cure coronary artery disease.
Coronary artery disease can only be treated through lifestyle changes. Smoking should be avoided at any
cost. Consumption of junk foods should be avoided. Regular exercise and avoiding stress are advised.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Atherosclerosis & Arteriosclerosis
National Institute of Health: How Is Coronary Angioplasty Done?
VascularWeb: Angioplasty & Stenting
THE AORTA
The aorta is the main channel for arterial circulation; the large artery into which oxygenated blood
is pumped by the heart. The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It rises from the heart's major
pumping chamber, the left ventricle and supplies oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the
body. When the aorta is diseased or compromised it puts all other organ systems at risk.
AORTA STRUCTURE
Aortic Root - The aorta begins at the root. Starting from the aortic valve (annulus) and becoming
slightly wider in diameter (sinuses of Valsalva), it gives rise to two coronary arteries and ends at
the beginning of the ascending aorta (sinotubular junction). The two coronary arteries are responsible
for carrying oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle itself.
Ascending Aorta - Extends upward from the aortic root to the point where the innominate artery
branches off the aorta, and the aorta begins to form an arch. It is within the heart sack (pericardium)
by itself and has no branching arteries. There is little support from surrounding tissue and must
therefore handle the entire cardiac output volume (minus the coronary arteries). The ascending segment
is the most vulnerable part of the aorta.
Aortic Arch - Represents the curved portion at the top of the aorta. The innominate, left
common carotid, and left subclavian arteries supply blood to the head and upper body, and branch from
the arch. The aortic arch is outside the pericardial sack and has better support from surrounding structures.
Descending Aorta - This section begins just beyond the arch as the aorta bends down into the
body and ends at the diaphragm. It contains the arteries that feed the spinal cord.
Thoracoabdominal Aorta - It begins at the diaphragm and ends at the celiac, superior mesenteric
and renal arteries which are known as the visceral vessels.
Abdominal Aorta - This segment begins below the renal arteries, which supply blood to the
kidneys, and ends where it divides into the two iliac arteries. It contains a small artery named
the inferior mesenteric artery.
HHMI.org: Anatomy & Physiology of the Heart (Cool Animated Heart Graphics!)
VirtualRheumatologyCentre: Anatomy & Physiology of the Heart (Great Tutorial Graphics!)
AORTIC ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Aortic Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease involving the heart, brain, aorta, and peripheral arteries.
Blood tests have not traditionally been used to diagnose or to assess risk. Trans-esophageal echocardiography,
a type of ultrasound test, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) have been used to identify plaque buildup.
A resent blood test for the presence of C-reactive protein may be helpful. The C-reactive protein is a
systemic biomarker for inflammation.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Atherosclerosis & Arteriosclerosis
MicroscopyU: Human Pathology - Aortic Atherosclerosis
AORTIC STENOSIS (AS)
Aortic Stenosis (AS) is a condition in which the aortic valve is narrowed, restricting blood flow from the heart
into the aorta. It can result from congenital malformations of the valve or from damage,
such as from rheumatic fever. Symptoms, which may begin in early childhood, include fainting,
chest pain, and shortness of breath, especially with exertion.
Boston Children's Hospital: My Child Has Aortic Stenosis
ARRHYTHMIA
Cardiac arrhythmias are disruptions in the natural rhythm of the heartbeat that are caused
by improper functioning of electrical system cells in the heart. There are different kinds of
arrhythmias.
- Palpitations is a term that refers to the feeling of a pounding heartbeat, whether regular or irregular.
- Tachycardia is an abnormal increase in the resting heart rate.
- Bradycardia is the opposite, and abnormally slow heart rate.
- Ectopic beats are premature beats (often felt as "skipped" beats).
- Flutter and fibrillation are situations in which the normal steady beating of
the heart are converted by electrical error into a rapid twitching of the heart muscle. This
ineffective functioning results in an insufficient supply of blood being carried to the body's tissues.
Electrical conduction in the heart originates in the SA node and travels through the AV node to the ventricles,
resulting in a heart beat.
Tachycardia is an abnormally fast heart rhythm. Common symptoms associated with tachycardia are
palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, and even fainting spells. Sometimes tachycardias
are so mild that they're not even noticed; but some tachycardias may be life-threatening. Most cases of
tachycardia are due to an abnormal electrical pathway known as a re-entry circuit. When an electrical
impulse gets into the pathway, it may start traveling in a loop, causing the heart to contract with each
impulse through the pathway. As a result, the heart beats very rapidly. Types of tachycardia that are most
common among the general population include AV Nodal Re-entrant Tachycardia, accessory pathway
tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular tachycardia.
American Heart Asso: Arrhythmia
MedlinePlus: NIH - Arrhythmia
Supraventricular Tachycardia Management in the Adult
Rhythm Disorders: EKG Index
Cardiology In Critical Care: Arrhythmia Recognition
Heart Sounds, Arrhythmias and ECG's
MedicineNet: Heart Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat)
CARDIAC ARREST
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating. When this happens, the blood supply to the brain
is cut off and the person loses consciousness. A person in apparent good health who
experiences cardiac arrest usually has unsuspected coronary artery disease.
MoonDragon's Health Care Index: CPR & Cardiovascular Patient Care
MoonDragon's EMS Information Index - Emergency Medical Service Protocols
American Heart Asso: Heart Attack & Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs
Inside Cardiac Arrest: Sudden Cardiac Arrest
YourTotalHealth: Cardiac Arrest (Animated Tutorial Included)
CARDIOMEGALY
Cardiomegaly is the medical term for enlargement of the heart. If the heart is unable to function
effectively, as in heart failure, or if there is too much resistance to the normal pumping
of blood through the blood vessels, as in high blood pressure, the body attempts to increase
the strength of the heart by increasing its size. Cardiomegaly is characteristic of
a number of different heart disorders. It is also known as cardiac hypertrophy.
YourTotalHealth: Enlarged Heart
CARDIOMYOPATHY
Cardiomyopathy is any of a group of diseases of the heart muscle that result in impaired heart function and,
ultimately heart failure. Cardiomyopathies are classified according to characteristic
physical changes in the heart, such as enlargement of the heart, dilation of one or more
of the heart's chambers, or rigidity of the heart muscle. These disorders may be related
to inherited defects or may be caused by any of a number of different diseases. Often, the cause is unknown.
Cardiomyopathy Association
Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation
MedlinePlus: Cardiomyopathy
The Internet Encyclopedia of Science: Cardiomyopathy
CARDIOVERSION
Cardioversion is a procedure used to correct arrhythmia, in which electrical current is applied to the
heart to restore rhythm. For many people, drugs alone will not convert an arrhythmia to a normal
heart rhythm. For these people, a procedure called cardioversion or electrical cardioversion may be necessary.
Cardioversion is a treatment for heart rhythms that are irregular (arrhythmia). During cardioversion,
a special machine is used to send electrical energy to the heart muscle to restore normal rhythm.
The procedure restores the normal heart rate and rhythm, allowing the heart to pump more effectively.
Cardioversion can be used to treat many types of fast and/or irregular heart rhythms. Most often, it is
used to treat atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. But cardioversion may also be used to treat ventricular
tachycardia, another arrhythmia that can lead to a dangerous condition called ventricular fibrillation
(a cause of sudden cardiac death.)
How Is Cardioversion Performed? While your heart and blood pressure are monitored, a short-acting
sedative is administered. Then an electrical shock is delivered to your chest wall through paddles or
patches that stops the abnormal heartbeat and allows your heart to resume a normal rhythm. Your health care
provider may want to give you blood thinners prior to and for a period after the procedure. In some people,
a moderately invasive imaging test called transesophageal echocardiogram (or TEE) may be performed prior
to the cardioversion to make sure that the heart is free from blood clots. The TEE is performed by
swallowing a narrow tube with a camera at its tip that can be placed against the back wall of the heart.
Internal cardioversion may be used in people whose heartbeat did not return to normal after external
cardioversion. Internal cardioversion works by delivering an electrical shock through soft wires (catheters)
placed in the heart. Because the patient is sedated, the shock isn't felt. A successful cardioversion may
take several electrical shocks.
What's the Difference Between Cardioversion and Defibrillation? Cardioversion and defibrillation
procedures both employ the use of a device to deliver an electrical shock to the heart. Electrical
cardioversion, however, uses much lower electricity levels to administer the shock than defibrillation.
Defibrillation is often used to treat much more difficult to convert arrhythmias.
What Happens After the Procedure? Recovery from cardioversion only takes a few hours. After the
procedure, you may also be required to take antiarrhythmia drugs to help your heart maintain its normal rhythm.
Additional cardioversion may be needed as well.
MoonDragon's Health Care Index: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
MoonDragon's EMS Information Index - Emergency Medical Service Protocols
Heart Rhythm Society: Cardioversion
ClevelandClinic: Cardioversion Procedure
CARDITIS
Carditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. This can result from infection or from an
inflammatory response, as in rheumatic fever, and it can lead to permanent heart damage if not treated.
Carditis Net Taskforce
Kcom.edu: Carditis Lecture
THE CAROTID ARTERY
The carotid artery is the major artery to the brain. Carotid artery disease occurs when the major
arteries in your neck become narrowed or blocked. These arteries, called the carotid arteries, supply your
brain with blood. Your carotid arteries extend from your aorta in your chest to the brain inside your skull.
MedlinePlus: Carotid Artery Disease
VascularWeb: Carotid Artery Disease, Stoke, Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)
WebMD: Heart Disease - Carotid Artery Disease
CATHETERIZATION
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure sometimes used to diagnose the condition of the heart and/or circulatory
system and, in some cases, to treat cardiovascular disease. A hollow, flexible tube called
a catheter is inserted by means of a very fine flexible wire into a blood vessel somewhere in
the body (usually the arm, neck, or leg), and from there is threaded through the blood vessel
to the heart or other location being investigated. Catheterization can be used to detect (and
in some cases to treat) arterial blockage, to discover malformations of the heart, and to study
electrical conduction in the heart, among other things.
Catheterization Articles, Support Groups, & Resources
St. Jude Medical: Cardiac Catheterization - What To Expect
WebMD: Cardiac Catheterization
YourTotalHealth: Cardiac Catheterization
CLAUDICATION
Claudication is cramp-like pains in the leg as a result of poor circulation to the leg muscle. This usually
occurs as a result of atherosclerosis. Claudication is largely a disorder of the elderly. It is estimated
that at least 10 percent of persons over the age of 70 years have claudication; by comparison, it is seen
in only 1 to 2 percent of those 37 to 69 years of age. Claudication is therefore growing as a clinical
problem due to the increasingly aged population of the United States and other developed countries.
The location of claudication pain correlates to the site of occlusion. For instance, the blue shaded area
in the picture above would most likely correspond to an occlusion in the femoral artery/common inguinal
artery, the orange shaded area = popliteal/tibial arteries, the green shaded area = distal tibial (ie. PT or DP).
AAFP: A Primary Care Approach - Claudication
MedicineNet: Claudication Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment
FamilyDoctor: Peripheral Arterial Disease & Claudication
YourTotalHealth: Claudication
CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT
A congenital heart defect is a defect that is present at birth, though not necessarily inherited.
The most common types of congenital heart defects are:
- Ventricular septal defect (A)
- Complete transposition of the great vessels (B)
- Tetralogy of Fallot (C)
- Coarctation of the aorta (D) and
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
(E)
CongenitalHeartDefects.com: CHD-Related Resources
American Heart Asso: Congenital Cardiovascular Defects
MedlinePlus: Congenital Heart Defects
KidsHealth: Congenital Heart Defects
CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition of chronic heart failure that results in fluid
accumulation in the lungs, labored breathing after even mild exertion, and edema (swelling) in the ankles and feet.
AmericanHeart.org: Congestive Heart Failure
Texas Heart Institute: Congestive Heart Failure
eMedicine: Congestive Heart Failure & Pulmonary Edema
CORONARY ARTERIES
Like all organs, your heart is made of tissue and requires a supply of oxygen and nutrients. Although
its chambers are full of blood, the heart receives no nourishment from this blood. The heart receives
its own supply of blood from a network of arteries, called the coronary arteries. Two major coronary
arteries branch off from the aorta near the point where the aorta and the left ventricle meet:
- The right coronary artery (RCA) which supplies the right atrium and right ventricle. It branches into
the posterior descending artery which supplies the bottom portion of the left ventricle and back of the septum.
- The left main coronary artery, which branches into:
- The circumflex artery, which supplies blood to the left atrium, side and back of the left ventricle.
- The left anterior descending artery (LAD), which supplies the front and bottom of the left ventricle
and the front of the septum.
These arteries and their branches supply all parts of the heart muscle with blood.
Wikipedia: Coronary Circulation
ClevelandClinic: The Coronary Arteries
CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE (CAD)
Atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a chronic disease in which
blood flow is obstructed through the coronary arteries that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood.
This obstruction is caused by a disease known as atherosclerosis, which is sometimes called "hardening
of the arteries." An estimated 13.2 million Americans suffer from CAD. Also referred to as coronary
heart disease, CAD is the most common form of cardiovascular disease in the United States today.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Atherosclerosis & Arteriosclerosis
American Heart Asso: Bypass Surgery, Coronary Artery
MedlinePlus: Coronary Artery Disease
YourTotalHealth: Coronary Artery Disease
ECHOCARDIOGRAM
An echocardiogram is a procedure in which ultrasound technology is used to form an image of the heart. It is used
to detect structural and functional abnormalities, enlargement or inflammation of the heart, and other conditions.
Heartsite.com: Echocardiogram
Trans-esophageal Echocardiogram
Stress Echo Test
Medline: Echocardiography
ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (ECG or EKG)
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a diagnostic test that tracks electrical impulses in the heart and
checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. An EKG translates the heart's electrical
activity into line tracings on paper. The spikes and dips in the line tracings are called waves.
Wikipedia: Electrocardiogram
WebMD: Electrocardiogram
MedicineNet: Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) Procedure & Results
EMBOLISM
An embolism is a circulatory condition in which a foreign object such as air, tissue, gas, or a piece of
tumor is transported around the body and becomes trapped in a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood.
Embolisms are usually described by either the type of material that is involved, such as air or fat,
or the vessel that is obstructed, such as the pulmonary artery. The most common type is a thromboembolism,
which is caused by a piece of a blood clot. This could lead to heart attack or stroke.
YourTotalHealth: Embolism / Embolus
Wikipedia: Embolism
Wikipedia: Pulmonary Embolism
MedicineNet: Deep Vein Thrombosis (Blood Clot in the Legs)
MedlinePlus: Arterial Embolism
ENDOARTERITIS (ENDARTERITIS) OBLITERANS
Endoarteritis (endarteritis) obliterans is inflammation of the innermost coat (intima) of the arterial wall,
particularly of small arteries, accompanied by degeneration of the intima, leading to the narrowing of
the passage and obstruction in the flow of blood. Also known as obliterating endarteritis.
ENDOCARDITIS
Endocarditis is an inflammation of the endocardium, the membrane surrounding the heart muscle,
usually as a result of a bacterial infection. Endocarditis is not uncommon in persons with
compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV and AIDS. It also can occur as a complication
of surgery to replace defective heart valves. This disorder can result in permanent heart damage.
Wikipedia: Endocarditis
MedicineNet: Information About Endocarditis
eMedicine: Endocarditis
American Heart Asso: Infective Endocarditis (Bacterial Endocarditis)
Chaser News: Bacterial Endocarditis
FIBRILLATION
Fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat characterized by a rapid twitching or vibrating of heart muscle
rather than slow, steady beats. Atrial fibrillation can be episodic or chronic, even constant.
Symptoms may include dizziness, light-headedness, and general weakness. Ventricular fibrillation
is a medical emergency that can lead rapidly to loss of consciousness and death. It most often is a
complication of a heart attack.
In atrial fibrillation, the electrical signals from the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) are fast
and irregular, causing the atria to quiver instead of beating effectively. To fix it, surgeons seek to
isolate the electrical signals causing the problem. This is typically done by creating a lesion or burn
around the atrium through microwave energy. If successful, the resulting scar tissue will prevent the
abnormal electrical impulses from affecting the rest of the heart.
This is similar to ventricular tachycardia only the heart beats even faster and more erratically, over
300 beats each minute, and the electrical action is quite disorganized. Very little blood is pumped from
the heart and around the body. A person with ventricular fibrillation becomes unconscious very quickly.
Wikipedia: Atrial Fibrillation
Wikipedia: Ventricular Fibrillation
GATED BLOOD POOL SCAN
Gated Blood Pool Scan is a diagnostic test in which a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected
to "tag" red blood cells, which are then tracked as they progress through the heart, creating a
series of pictures that show the size and shape of the heart, the motion of the heart wall, and the
heart's pumping efficiently. The test can be done while you are resting or during exercise. It is
also known as multi-unit gated analysis (MUGA).
Wikipedia: MUGA Scan
MedlinePlus: Nuclear Ventriculography
HEART ATTACK
The medical term for a heart attack is myocardial infarction (MI). This refers to
the formation of infarcts (areas of local tissue death or decay) in the myocardium
(heart muscle). Infarction occurs when the blood supply to an area of the heart is cut off,
usually as a result of a blood clot that blocks a narrowed coronary artery. Depending on
the size and location of the areas affected, a heart attack may be described as mild or severe,
but it always involves some irreparable damage to the heart.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Atherosclerosis & Arteriosclerosis
MedLib.Med.Utah.edu: Tutorial - Myocardial Infarction
WebMD: Heart Attach - Myocardial Infarction
eMedicine: Myocardial Infarction
HEART FAILURE
Heart failure is a disorder occurs when a damaged heart becomes unable to pump effectively, depriving
the body's tissues of adequate oxygen and nutrients to function properly. Heart failure can
be either acute (short-term) or chronic, and has a variety of different causes.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Atherosclerosis & Arteriosclerosis
Medtronic.com: Treating Heart Failure
Heart Failure Online
HEART MURMUR
A heart murmur is a sound made by the heart that may or may not point to the existence of a heart condition.
A diastolic murmur occurs between beats. A systolic murmur occurs during heart contractions.
Heart murmurs are very common, especially in children, and are usually harmless. These normal murmurs
are called "innocent" heart murmurs. There is nothing wrong with your heart when you have an innocent
murmur. Up to half of all children have innocent murmurs. They usually go away as children grow.
Adults can have innocent murmurs too. They can happen when your blood flows harder and faster than
usual-during pregnancy, for example, or a temporary illness, such as a fever. They usually go away on their own.
Sometimes, though, a heart murmur is a sign of a serious heart problem. This is called an abnormal heart murmur.
Abnormal murmurs are signs of a heart problem. In children, abnormal heart murmurs are usually caused by
problems they are born with, such as a heart valve that doesn't work right or a hole in the wall between
two heart chambers. In adults, abnormal murmurs are most often caused by damaged heart valves. Heart
valves operate like one-way gates, helping blood flow in one direction between heart chambers as well
as into and out of the heart. When disease or an infection damages a heart valve, it can cause scarring
and affect how well the valve works. The valve may not be able to close properly, allowing blood to leak
through. Or the valve may become too narrow or stiff to let enough blood through. When a damaged heart
valve cannot close properly, the problem is called regurgitation. When the valve cannot let enough blood
through, the problem is called stenosis.
Heart valves can be damaged by heart disease or by infections like rheumatic fever or endocarditis. The
normal wear and tear that comes with aging can also cause some damage. Some heart murmurs are caused by
an enlarged heart. When the heart muscle grows too large, it can get in the way of normal blood flow and
cause a murmur.
Wikipedia: Heart Murmur
American Heart Asso: Heart Murmurs
HEMATOMA
A hematoma is a collection of blood trapped in the skin, or in an organ, after a trauma or surgery.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Bruising
Health Scout: Hematoma - Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
HOLTER MONITOR
A Holter Monitor is a small device worn on the body that monitors the heart on a 24 hour basis.
HeartSite.com: Holter Monitor
American Heart Asso: What Are Holter, Event & Transtelephonic Monitors?
YourTotalHealth: Holter Monitor
HYPERTENSION
Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Wikipedia: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
MedicineNet: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
WebMD: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
American Society of Hypertension, Inc.
HYPOTENSION
Hypotension is also known as low blood pressure. In physiology and medicine, hypotension refers to
an abnormally low blood pressure. This is best understood as a physiologic state, rather than a
disease. It is often associated with shock, though not necessarily indicative of it. Hypotension is
not hypertension, which is high blood pressure. Hypotension may be life-threatening.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Shock
Wikipedia: Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
MedicineNet: Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure), Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is caused by obstruction of the blood flow to the heart, usually as a result of
atherosclerosis. Ischemia (lack of
sufficient oxygen) can lead to angina, cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, or a heart attack.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Atherosclerosis & Arteriosclerosis
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Heart Attack
Silent Ischemia & Ischemic Heart Disease
WebHealthCentre.com: Ischemic Heart Disease
MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY (MRS)
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is used in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), an imaging test that can show areas of damaged heart muscle. It does this by measuring
levels of creatine kinase MB, an enzyme that is severely depleted after a heart attack.
Wikipedia: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MITRIAL VALVE PROLAPSE (MVP)
Mitrial valve prolapse (MVP) is a condition in which the mitral valve, which controls blood flow from the
left atrium and left ventricle, protrudes too far into the left atrium between beats. It may or may not cause
symptoms, such as dizziness or palpitations. It is not considered dangerous. It may also be called Barlow's syndrome.
Wikipedia: Mitral Valve Prolapse
MedicineNet: Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Conscious Choice: Mitral Valve Prolapse
PERICARDITIS
Pericarditis is the inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart.
MayoClinic: Pericarditis
American Heart Asso: Pericardium & Pericarditis
Cardiology Channel: Pericarditis - Overview, Causes, Symptoms
PHLEBITIS (OR THROMBOPHLEBITIS)
Phlebitis (or thrombophlebitis) is the inflammation of a vein, most often accompanied by a clot.
This condition may be caused by trauma to the vessel wall, clots forming in the blood, infection,
or long periods of immobility.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Thrombophlebitis
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
DiagnoseMe.com: Phlebitis / Thrombophlebitis
HealthScout: Phlebitis - Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
WebMD: Understanding Thrombophlebitis - The Basics
POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (PET) SCAN
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a diagnostic test that can be used to assess blood
flow through the arteries to the heart.
PET Scan: PET Scan Info Reveals
WebMD: Positron Emission Tomography
MayoClinic.com: Diagnostic Tests - Positron Emission Tomography
PULMONARY STENOSIS (PS)
Pulmonary stenosis (PS) is a condition in which the pulmonic valve is narrowed, restricting the flow
of blood from the heart to the pulmonary artery, which carries blood from the heart to the lungs. This is most
often a congenital defect. It causes a distinctive murmur and may or may not cause symptoms.
American Heart Asso: Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
MedlinePlus: Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE
Rheumatic heart disease is damage to the heart caused by rheumatic fever, a complication of infection with group A
streptococcus bacteria, the bacteria that cause strep throat. It causes scarring and contracture
of heart valves, and can lead to arrhythmias and heart failure.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Rheumatic Fever
AmericanHeart.org: Rheumatic Heart Disease / Rheumatic Fever
Texas Heart Institute: Rheumatic Fever
Cardiac Matters: Rheumatic Heart Disease
STRESS TEST (Exercise Electrocardiogram)
A stress test (also known as Exercise Electrocardiogram Test, Physiologic Stress Test,
Graded Exercise Test, Exercise Cardiac Stress Test, Cardiac Stress Test, Exercise Treadmill Test,
Treadmill Test, Exercise Electrocardiography, ETT), is a diagnostic test used to assess
blood flow to the heart. A person taking the test is hooked up to equipment to monitor the heart.
He walks slowly in place on a treadmill. Then the speed is increased for a faster pace and the treadmill
is tilted to produce the effect of going up a small hill. He may be asked to breathe into a tube for
a couple of minutes and he can stop the test at any time if needed. Afterwards he will sit or lie down
to have their heart and blood pressure checked. Heart rate, breathing, blood pressure,
electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), and how tired the patient feels are monitored during the test.
A nuclear stress test may be given. The first part of the test involves the injection of a radioactive imaging
substance into the arm. About an hour later, the heart is photographed. In the second part of the test,
an intravenous line is placed in the arm and EKG reading is taken as the patient walks on a treadmill.
When the heart is working at its hardest, the first part of the test is repeated. Also known as a
myocardial perfusion stress test.
THALLIUM STRESS TEST
This is a type of nuclear scanning test or myocardial perfusion imaging test. It shows how well blood
flows to the heart muscle. It's usually done along with an exercise stress test on a treadmill or bicycle.
The thallium stress test is useful to determine:
- Extent of a coronary artery blockage.
- Prognosis of patients who've suffered a heart attack.
- Effectiveness of cardiac procedures done to improve circulation in coronary arteries.
- Cause(s) of chest pain.
- Level of exercise that a patient can safely perform.
When the patient reaches his or her maximum level of exercise, a small amount of a radioactive substance
called thallium is injected into the bloodstream. Then the patient lies down on a special table under
a camera ("gamma camera") that can see the thallium and make pictures. The thallium mixes with the
blood in the bloodstream and heart's arteries and enters heart muscle cells. If a part of the heart
muscle doesn't receive a normal blood supply, less than a normal amount of thallium will be in those
heart muscle cells. The first pictures are made shortly after the exercise test and show blood flow to
the heart during exercise. The heart is "stressed" during the exercise test - thus the name "stress test."
The patient then lies quietly for 2-3 hours and another series of pictures is made. These show blood flow
to the heart muscle during rest.
If the test is normal during both exercise and rest, then blood flow through the coronary arteries is
normal. The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. If the test shows that perfusion (blood
flow) is normal during rest but not during exercise (a perfusion defect), then the heart isn't getting
enough blood when it must work harder than normal. This may be due to a blockage in one or more
coronary arteries. If the test is abnormal during both exercise and rest, there's limited blood flow to
that part of the heart at all times. If no thallium is seen in some part of the heart muscle, the cells in
this part of the heart are dead from a prior heart attack. (They have become scar tissue.)
Sometimes you cannot do an exercise test because you are too sick or have physical problems. In this case,
a drug such as dipyridamole or adenosine is given. This drug increases blood flow to the heart and
thus "mimics" an exercise test. Then the thallium test is given.
WebMD: Exercise Electrocardiogram
AmericanHeart.org: What is a Stress Test?
YourTotalHealth: Stress Test
STROKE
A stroke is an interruption of blood flow to the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when there is bleeding
in the brain; an ischemic stroke, which is more common, is caused by a clot that forms in a
blood vessel that supplies the brain, or a clot that moves from another part of the body to the brain.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Stroke
National Stroke Association: Information on Stroke Prevention, Recovery & Care
MedlinePlus: Stroke
American Stroke Association
THROMBOSIS
Thrombosis is the formation of a clot in a blood vessel.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Thrombophlebitis
Family Doctor: Deep Vein Thrombosis: What you should know
FDA.gov: Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis: Keep the Blood Flowing
TROPONIN T TEST
Troponin T Test is a blood test that can detect damage to heart muscle from a heart attack. It assesses levels
of the protein troponin T, which is released into the bloodstream after a heart attack. This
test can detect even the mildest "silent" heart attack.
When myocardial infarction is suspected, every minute counts. The TROPT sensitive rapid assay allows
rapid determination of the cardiac marker troponin T from a whole blood sample. A qualitative result
is available within minutes - saving you precious time in emergency situations. Troponin T is highly
cardiac specific.
Chest pain or suspected "heart attack" is one of the more common medical emergencies and prompt diagnosis
is essential. TROPT sensitive is most suitable for the rapid diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Patients
with acute coronary syndromes can be diagnosed according to the release of a biochemical marker of
myocardial necrosis. In the absence of characteristic ECG changes, a positive TROPT sensitive rapid
assay clearly establishes the diagnosis of non-ST, non-Q wave myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) which can be
treated immediately and effectively.
Lab Tests Online: Troponin: The Test
HEALTHY CHOLESTEROL & BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS
Two important measurements used in assessing cardiovascular health are blood fat (including
cholesterol and triglycerides) levels and blood pressure. The tables below are approximate
guides to both cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Keep in mind that both levels vary from
person to person, so it is always recommended to have your blood pressure and cholesterol
level checked by your health care provider on a regular basis. Also not that the values here reflect recent
revisions in desirable levels.
Cholesterol & Triglyceride Levels
For People Without Heart Disease (mg/dL)
| Blood Lipid |
Good |
Borderline |
High |
| Total Cholesterol |
200 or Less |
200-239 |
240 and Above |
LDL Cholesterol
("Bad Cholesterol") |
130 or Less |
130-159 |
160 and Above |
| Triglycerides |
150 or Less |
150-199 |
200 and Above |
The desirable level of HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol") is 60 mg/dL or above.
Blood Pressure Levels
For People Without Heart Disease (HT=Hypertension)
| Blood Pressure |
Good |
Normal |
Borderline |
High |
Systolic
(When the heart contracts
and pumps blood out.) |
120 or Less |
120-130 |
131-140 |
141 and Above |
Diastolic
(Between beats, as your heart
fills with blood again.) |
80 or Less |
80-85 |
86-90 |
91 and Above |
| Blood Pressure |
Normal |
Pre-HT |
Stage 1 HT |
Stage 2 HT |
Systolic
(When the heart contracts
and pumps blood out.) |
120 or Less |
120-139 |
140-159 |
160 and Higher |
Diastolic
(Between beats, as your heart
fills with blood again.) |
80 or Less |
80-89 |
90-99 |
100 and Higher |
|
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: The Circulatory System
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Cardiovascular Problems
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MedLib.com: Heart Sounds
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