Acute Myocardial Ischemias
A sudden reduction in blood flow to heart muscle tissue.
Glossary
Anticoagulants
Medicines that reduce blood clot formation to lower risk of stroke or other clot-related events.
Aorta
The main artery carrying oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the body.
Aortic Valve
Valve between the left ventricle and aorta that prevents backflow into the ventricle.
Artery
A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to tissues.
Atheroma
A fatty plaque in an artery wall that narrows the vessel.
Atherosclerosis
Progressive plaque buildup in artery walls that can reduce blood flow and raise cardiovascular risk.
Atrioventricular bundle
Electrical pathway (bundle of His) that carries impulses from AV node to ventricles.
AV node
A node that briefly delays signals between atria and ventricles so filling occurs before contraction.
Carcinogens
Substances that can raise cancer risk by damaging DNA or cells.
Cardiac Arrest
Sudden loss of heart function requiring immediate CPR and emergency treatment.
Diagnose
To identify a condition using symptoms, exam findings, and tests.
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter involved in reward and motivation pathways that can influence habit and addiction behavior.
Endothelium
Thin inner lining of blood vessels that helps regulate blood flow and vessel health.
Heart Diseases
A group of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease and valve disorders.
Heart Disease
General term for diseases that affect heart structure or function.
Left Atrium
Upper left heart chamber that receives oxygen-rich blood from the pulmonary veins.
Left Ventricle
Lower left chamber that pumps oxygen-rich blood into the aorta and body circulation.
Mediterranean Diet
Eating pattern emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, and healthy fats like olive oil.
Mitral Regurgitation
Backward leakage of blood through the mitral valve when the left ventricle contracts.
Mitral Valve
Valve between left atrium and left ventricle that directs one-way blood flow.
Oxidized Blood
Blood that has picked up oxygen in the lungs and is ready to supply body tissues.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Rest-and-digest branch of the autonomic nervous system that usually slows heart rate.
Pacemakers and ICDs
Implanted devices that manage dangerous rhythms: pacemakers support slow rhythms and ICDs shock life-threatening ones.
Pulmonary Artery
Vessel carrying oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.
Pulmonary Valve
Valve between right ventricle and pulmonary artery that prevents backflow into the ventricle.
Pulmonary Vein
Vein carrying oxygen-rich blood from lungs to the left atrium.
Purkinje Fibers
Specialized conduction fibers that spread impulses through ventricles for coordinated contraction.
Right Atrium
Upper right chamber that receives oxygen-poor blood from the body via the vena cavae.
Right Ventricle
Lower right chamber that pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs.
SA node
Natural pacemaker in the right atrium that starts each heartbeat.
Saturated Fats
Fats that can raise LDL cholesterol when consumed in excess.
Strokes
Brain injury caused by blocked or ruptured blood vessels reducing brain blood flow.
Sympathetic Nervous System
Fight-or-flight branch of the autonomic nervous system that raises heart rate and blood pressure.
Tricuspid Valve
Valve between right atrium and right ventricle that keeps blood moving one direction.
Vena Cava
The superior and inferior vena cavae are large veins that return oxygen-poor blood to the right atrium.