Abdominal
Of or pertaining to the abdomen; the area between the chest and hips on the front side of the body
AICD (Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator)
A device implanted in the chest to restore the heart rhythm when the ventricle is out of control.
Aneurysm
The bulging of a vessel due to disease.
Angina
A heavy, squeezing and sometimes painful sensation in the chest which is caused by an inadequate delivery of oxygen to the heart muscle.
Angiogram/Angiography
A test in which dye is injected into any vessel of the body with suspected disease so that it can be seen on an x-ray.
Angioplasty
Also known as a PTCA (Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty) A procedure in which a thin wire with an un-inflated balloon is inserted into a vessel that contains disease. The balloon is expanded to clear the blockage and allow greater blood flow.
Anti-Coagulants
Medications that thin the blood to prevent clots. They are often used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation as well as in patients with mechanical valves.
Anti-Thrombolytics Also referred to as "clot-busters," these are medications given to dissolve an already present clot. They are given in the early stages of a heart attack to prevent death of the heart muscle.
Aorta
The main artery in the body, it carries the blood out of the heart and distributes it to the body. It runs next to the spine roughly from the top of the chest to the groin.
Aortic Valve
One of the four valves of the heart, it is located between the left ventricle and the aorta.
Arteries/Arterial System
The system of vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.
Atherosclerosis
A narrowing and/or hardening of the vessels over time.
Atrial Fibrillation
A quivering, or very rapid rhythm in the heart's upper chamber.
Atrium One of the two upper chambers of the heart.
