A
B
C
D
E
H
I
K
L
M
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y
A
Aortic Valve
The valve that controls blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta, the main artery that carries blood to the body.
Apolipoprotein
A protein that binds with lipids (fats) to form lipoproteins, which transport cholesterol and other fats through the bloodstream.
Arrhythmia
An irregular heartbeat that occurs when the electrical signals that coordinate heartbeats don't work properly.
Atherosclerosis
A condition where fatty deposits (plaque) build up in the artery walls, narrowing the arteries and restricting blood flow to organs.
Atrial Fibrillation
An irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots in the heart and increase stroke risk.
B
Blood Pressure
The force of blood pushing against artery walls as the heart pumps blood. Measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
BMI (Body Mass Index)
A measure of body fat based on height and weight. Calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.
C
Calcium Score
A measurement of calcium buildup in coronary arteries using CT scanning, indicating the presence and extent of coronary artery disease.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body. The body needs cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest food.
Coronary Artery Disease
A condition in which the major blood vessels that supply the heart with blood, oxygen, and nutrients become damaged or diseased, usually due to plaque buildup.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography)
An imaging procedure that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body.
D
DASH Diet
Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension - an eating plan designed to help lower blood pressure through nutrition.
Diabetes
A chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose), leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diastolic Pressure
The bottom number in a blood pressure reading, measuring the pressure in arteries when the heart rests between beats.
E
ECG/EKG (Electrocardiogram)
A test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time using electrodes placed on the skin.
Emergency Medical Services
Healthcare services provided in response to medical emergencies, including ambulance transport and immediate medical care.
H
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
Often called 'good cholesterol' - HDL picks up excess cholesterol in the blood and carries it back to the liver for disposal.
Heart Attack
A medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot, causing damage to the heart muscle.
Heart Murmur
An unusual sound heard during a heartbeat, often caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart valves.
Hypertension
High blood pressure - a condition in which the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high.
I
Insulin Resistance
A condition in which cells don't respond properly to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and increased diabetes risk.
Intermittent Fasting
An eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating, which may have cardiovascular and metabolic benefits.
K
Kidney Function
The ability of the kidneys to filter waste products from the blood and regulate fluid balance, closely linked to heart health.
L
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
Often called 'bad cholesterol' - LDL carries cholesterol to arteries where it may accumulate as plaque.
Lipoprotein(a)
A type of LDL cholesterol particle that can accelerate atherosclerosis and increase heart disease risk.
M
Metabolic Syndrome
A cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels that increase heart disease risk.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
An imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues.
Myocardial Infarction
The medical term for a heart attack - death of heart muscle tissue due to lack of blood supply.
O
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Essential fats that have anti-inflammatory properties and cardiovascular benefits, found in fish, nuts, and seeds.
P
Panic Attack
A sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety that triggers severe physical reactions, sometimes mistaken for heart problems.
Plaque
A buildup of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances in the artery walls that can restrict blood flow.
R
Resveratrol
A compound found in red wine, grapes, and berries that may have cardiovascular protective effects.
S
Saturated Fat
A type of dietary fat that is solid at room temperature and can raise LDL cholesterol levels when consumed in excess.
Silent Heart Attack
A heart attack that occurs with minimal or no symptoms, often going unrecognized until discovered later.
Statin
A class of medications that lower cholesterol levels by blocking an enzyme the liver needs to produce cholesterol.
Stress Test
A diagnostic test that measures heart function during physical activity or medication-induced stress.
Stroke
A medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die.
Systolic Pressure
The top number in a blood pressure reading, measuring the pressure in arteries when the heart beats.
T
Triglycerides
A type of fat found in the blood that, when elevated, can increase the risk of heart disease.
U
Unsaturated Fat
A healthier type of dietary fat that is liquid at room temperature and can help lower LDL cholesterol.
V
Ventricular Septal Defect
A hole in the wall between the heart's two lower chambers (ventricles), often present from birth.
Vertigo
A sensation of spinning or dizziness, which can sometimes be related to cardiovascular issues.
Visceral Fat
Deep abdominal fat that surrounds internal organs and is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease risk.
W
Waist Circumference
A measurement around the abdomen used to assess visceral fat and metabolic disease risk.
Whole Grains
Grains that contain all parts of the grain kernel and provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals beneficial for heart health.
Y
Yoga
A mind-body practice combining physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation that may benefit cardiovascular health.