Cardiovascular Disease Glossary

Acronym for percutaneous coronary intervention, minimally invasive procedure to open blocked coronary arteries.

Double-walled sac surrounding the heart that provides protection and reduces friction.

Total amount of atherosclerotic plaque present in coronary arteries, typically measured using intravascular imaging tech...

The degree of ventricular stretch at the end of diastole, determined by venous return and ventricular compliance.

Fluid accumulation in the lungs, often due to heart failure or increased pulmonary capillary pressure.

Elevated pressure in the pulmonary arteries that can lead to right heart failure if untreated.

Re-narrowing of a previously treated coronary artery segment, typically occurring after angioplasty or stent placement.

ST-elevation myocardial infarction - a severe heart attack with characteristic ECG changes requiring emergency treatment...

Abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel or heart valve that restricts blood flow.

A small mesh tube inserted into narrowed arteries to keep them open and maintain blood flow.

Temporary loss of consciousness due to inadequate cerebral blood flow, commonly called fainting.

Angiographic scoring system that quantifies the complexity of coronary artery disease to guide treatment selection betwe...

Relating to the phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood.

Abnormally fast heart rate, typically defined as greater than 100 beats per minute in adults.

A form of reversible cardiomyopathy triggered by severe emotional or physical stress, characterized by transient dysfunc...

Minimally invasive procedure to replace aortic valve without open-heart surgery.

Ultrasound imaging of the heart performed through a probe placed in the esophagus.

A complex congenital heart defect consisting of four anatomical abnormalities that affect blood oxygenation.

A blood clot that forms within a blood vessel and remains attached to its site of origin.

Standardized angiographic scoring system (0-3) used to assess coronary blood flow during cardiac catheterization procedu...

Cardiac biomarker protein released into blood when heart muscle is damaged, used to diagnose heart attacks.

Minimally invasive procedure to repair or widen narrowed heart valves.

Calcium deposit accumulation in arterial walls, indicating advanced atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular risk.

Cardiac stress test using medications to dilate coronary arteries instead of exercise.