AcuteHaving a rapid, intense onset and usually a short course with symptoms of varying degrees of intensity.
ACE inhibitorsA class of drugs that lower blood pressure by interfering with the body’s production of angiotensin.
Adrenaline (epinephrine)One of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands. It narrows the small blood vessels, increases the heart rate, and raises the blood pressure.
Aerobic exerciseA method of physical exercise for producing beneficial changes in the respiratory and circulatory systems by activities that require only a minimal or modest increase in oxygen intake.
Ambulatory ECG monitoringSee Holter monitor below.
AmphetaminesA class of drugs that stimulate the nervous system and suppress appetite.
Anaerobic exerciseA method of physical exercise in which more oxygen is used than is available, usually leading to exhaustion.
AneurysmA ballooning-out of the wall of a heart chamber or an artery blood vessel due to a weakening of the wall by disease, injury, or congenital defect.
Angina (angina pectoris)Discomfort usually in the chest or in other locations (back, arm, neck, etc.) due to inadequate supply of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle, resulting from the narrowing or blockage of one or more coronary arteries.
AngiogramPictures of heart chambers or blood vessels taken during the course of an angiography examination. See angiography.
AngiographyAn X-ray technique that involves the injection of dye, through a catheter, into the heart chambers or blood vessels, resulting in a detailed picture of the insides of these structures. See angiogram.
AngioplastyA catheter technique to elevate and dilate narrowed coronary arteries at the point where they have become narrowed by plaque (see below).
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitorsSee ACE inhibitors.
Antianginal drugA drug used to relieve angina symptoms.
Antiarrhythmic drugA drug that helps control or prevent cardiac arrhythmias.
AnticoagulantsDrugs, commonly called “blood thinners,” that retard the blood-clotting process.
AntihypertensiveA drug that lowers blood pressure.
AortaThe body’s largest artery, which carries blood from the main pumping chamber (left ventricle) of the heart and distributes it to all parts of the body.
Aortic valveThe valve through which oxygenated blood passes from the main pumping chamber (left ventricle) of the heart to the body’s largest artery. See aorta.
ArrhythmiaAny disturbance of the heart’s normal rhythm.
ArteriolesThe smallest arteries of the body, which conduct blood to the capillaries.
ArteriosclerosisA disease of the lining of a coronary artery, which results in hardening and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls; commonly called “hardening of the arteries.”
Arteriosclerotic heart diseaseSee ischemic heart disease.
ArteryA blood vessel that transports blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. An artery usually carries oxygenated blood, except in the case of the pulmonary artery, which carries unoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for a new oxygen supply.
AtheromaA mass of yellowish fatty and cellular material that forms in and behind the inner lining of arterial walls.
AtherosclerosisA form of arteriosclerosis in which, in addition to the hardening and loss of elasticity of the arteries, a fatty substance (plaque) forms on the inner walls of the arteries, frequently causing diminishment or obstruction of the flow of blood. See arteriosclerosis.
AtriumOne of the two upper chambers of the heart that receive unoxygenated blood from the body or lungs and transport it to the ventricles.
Atroventricular nodeA small nodule of muscular fibers at the base of the wall behind the right and left atria that conducts impulses from the sinoatrial node to the ventricle.
AuscultationThe act of listening to sounds within the body, usually using a stethoscope.
Beta-blockerA drug that blocks the action of the beta receptors, the nerve endings that affect the heart rate and force of contraction. Such drugs are used for the treatment and control of angina, high blood pressure, and certain cardiac arrhythmias.
Bile acid sequestrantsThese medications (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol) bind cholesterol-containing bile acids in the intestines and remove them in the feces.
Blood pressureThe force exerted by the blood against the arterial walls, created by the heart as it pumps blood to all parts of the body.
Blood vesselA vein or artery.
BradycardiaAn abnormally slow heart rate, usually less than sixty beats per minute.
Bypass surgerySee coronary artery bypass surgery.
Calcium channel blockerA drug that blocks the calcium transport mechanism in blood vessels and heart muscle cells. Such drugs relax the walls of the coronary arteries, preventing coronary spasm. They are used mainly for the treatment and prevention of angina.
CalorieA numerical unit used to express the amount of heat output by an organism and the fuel or energy value of food.
CapillariesTiny, thin-walled blood vessels forming a network between the arterioles and the veins that facilitate the exchange of substances between the surrounding tissues and the blood.
CarbohydrateOne of the three food ingredients that supply energy to the body and are essential for normal body function.
CardiacPertaining to the heart.
Cardiac arrestAbrupt cessation of heartbeat.
Cardiac catheterizationSee catheterization.
Cardiac cycleOne complete heartbeat, consisting of a contraction and a relaxation of the heart.
Cardiac outputThe amount of blood pumped by the heart each minute.
CardiologistA physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.
CardiologyThe study of the heart in health and disease.
CardiomyopathyA term for diseases of the heart muscle (myocardium), which can cause it to become stiff and weak.
CardiopulmonaryPertaining to the heart and lungs.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)Emergency procedure for reviving heart and lung function, using special physical techniques and electrical and mechanical equipment.
CardiovascularPertaining to the heart and blood vessels.
CardioversionThe restoration of normal heart rhythm in patients afflicted with certain cardiac arrhythmias, after using an electric shock applied across the chest wall.
CatheterA thin, flexible tube that, in cardiology, can be guided through a vein or artery (in the groin or arm) into the heart. It can be used to measure pressures, inject X-ray dye, or open up arteries.
CatheterizationIn cardiology, the process of introducing a catheter into a vein or artery, then usually directing it toward the heart.
CholesterolA natural body fat found in foods of animal origin (meat, dairy products), but not in foods of plant origin; an ingredient in fatty plaques that may block coronary arteries. Blood cholesterol is made up of cholesterol manufactured in the liver and absorbed from ingested food.
ChronicOf long duration or frequent recurrence.
Circulatory Pertaining to the heart, blood vessels, and circulation.
CoagulationThe formation of a clot.
Collateral circulationCirculation pathways using nearby smaller vessels going around a main artery that has been blocked.
Complex carbohydratesStarch and fiber sugars from plants.
CongenitalPertaining to an inherited feature; that which is present at birth.
Congestive heart failureA condition in which a weakened heart is unable to pump enough blood, effectively leading to congestion of the lungs and retention of water in the body.
ConstrictionA narrowing or tightening due to an inward pressure.
Contrast agentAn organic iodine solution that increases the radiodensity of blood so that the blood vessels will contrast with soft tissues of the heart and/or other tissues.
CoronaryPertaining to the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with blood and oxygen. Also, used as a noun, an abbreviated term for heart attack.
Coronary arteriesSee coronary.
Coronary arteriogramPictures of coronary arteries taken with an X-ray technique involving injection of dye into the heart’s blood vessels. See angiography.
Coronary artery bypass surgeryThe surgical revascularization (see below) of the heart, using healthy blood vessels of the patient to bypass or circumvent obstructed coronary arteries and improve blood flow.
Coronary artery diseaseAtherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. See atherosclerosis.
Coronary artery risk factorSee risk factor.
Coronary thrombosisA blood clot in a coronary artery.
CT scanIn cardiology, a computer X-ray technique (computed tomography) for heart scanning.
CyanosisA bluish discoloration of the skin, fingernails, and lips due to insufficient oxygen in the blood. It is common in patients with certain types of congenital heart defects and other diseases.
DefibrillationTermination of fibrillation (see below). Usually refers to the treatment of atrial or ventricular fibrillation (a life-threatening arrhythmia) by the application of an electric shock (cardioversion) and/or drugs.
Diabetes mellitusA disorder of sugar metabolism characterized by inadequate production or utilization of the hormone insulin.
DiastoleThe period of each heartbeat during which the pumping chambers (ventricles) relax and fill with blood.
Diastolic blood pressureThe diastolic reading obtained in blood pressure measurement (i.e., the second or lower number).
Dietary cholesterolCholesterol contained in ingested foods.
DigitalisA drug that strengthens the force of contraction of the heart and slows the rate at which it beats. Digitalis drugs are used in the treatment of congestive heart failure and in the management of certain cardiac arrhythmias.
DilatationEnlargement of the blood vessels (usually arteries) or heart chambers.
DiureticA drug that increases the flow of urine and excretion of body fluid.
DyspneaDifficulty in breathing.
EchocardiographyA diagnostic technique that uses ultrasound waves to visualize and examine the heart structures. The pictorial record is called an echocardiogram.
EdemaSwelling of body tissue caused by a buildup of fluid.
EffusionAccumulation of fluid between body tissues or in organs.
Ejection fractionA measurement of left ventricular contraction that provides a useful measure of left ventricular function.
ElectrocardiographyA diagnostic technique in which small electrodes are placed on the patient’s chest, arms, and legs for the purpose of recording the electrical activity of the heart. The resulting tracing is called an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG).
EKGElectrocardiogram; a record of the electrical activity of the heart (sometimes called ECG).
EmbolismThe blocking of a blood vessel by a clot (embolus) carried in the bloodstream from another location, where it was formed.
EmbolusA bit of matter (generally a blood clot) that drifts unattached in the bloodstream until it lodges in a blood vessel and frequently obstructs it.
EndocarditisInfection of the inner lining of the heart chambers (endocardium).
EndotheliumThe single layer of smooth, thin cells that lines the heart, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and body cavities.
EpinephrineA hormone secreted by the adrenal gland upon stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system in response to stress such as anger or fear. It produces an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, and sugar metabolism.
EPSElectrophysiological study. An invasive method for study of the basic electrical activity of the heart. Used in patients with serious arrhythmia.
Exercise echocardiogramAn echocardiographic study performed during and after exercise and correlated with a simultaneously performed electrocardiographic stress test. See echocardiography.
Exercise stress testA test that symptomatically and electrocardiographically measures the heart’s ability to tolerate an increased rate. See stress test.
ExtrasystolA premature beat, originating in either a ventricle or an atrium. See ventricular premature beat.
FatA component of most foods of plant or animal origin. An essential element in the diet.
Fatty acidsThe basic chemical units of fats. These can be either saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated, depending on how many hydrogen atoms they hold. All dietary fats are a mixture of the three types of fatty acids in varying amounts.
FiberA nondigestible type of complex carbohydrate.
FibrillationUncoordinated contraction of the heart muscle. It may involve the upper chambers (atrial fibrillation) or the lower chambers (ventricular fibrillation). See ventricular fibrillation.
Framingham Heart StudyAn epidemiological heart study performed in a town in eastern Massachusetts since 1948, the source of well over four hundred scientific publications regarding the natural life histories and the specifics of all aspects of cardiovascular disease including risk factors, hypertension, and so forth.
HDLSee high-density lipoproteins.
Heart attackSee myocardial infarction.
Heart blockAn arrhythmia caused by disruption (either partial or total) of the heart’s electrical conduction pathways.
Heart failureSee congestive heart failure.
Heart-lung machineA machine through which the bloodstream is diverted for pumping and oxygenation during heart surgery.
Heart murmurAn abnormal sound that can be heard through the chest with a stethoscope, resulting from turbulence in the bloodstream. It generally represents a malfunctioning heart valve.
HemorrhageAbnormal bleeding and loss of blood.
High blood pressureSee hypertension.
High-density lipoproteins (HDL)Lipoproteins that contain a small amount of cholesterol and help to carry cholesterol away from body cells. The higher the HDL level, the better, as far as arteriosclerosis is concerned.
Holter monitorA portable electrocardiograph worn by a patient over an extended period to assess the effects of activities of daily living on the heart rhythm and the electrocardiogram.
HormoneGlandular secretion transported by the bloodstream to various organs in order to regulate vital functions and processes.
HydrogenationThe chemical process that changes liquid vegetable oils (unsaturated fats) to a more solid (saturated) form.
HypercholesterolemiaAn excess of cholesterol in the blood.
HypertensionHigh blood pressure. A condition characterized by excessive pressure within the arteries.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathyEnlargement of the left ventricle of the heart, resulting from a heart disease of unknown cause (possibly congenital). May cause congestive heart failure or sudden death.
HypertrophyIncreased size and thickening of a muscle, causing strengthening of the force of contraction. It commonly occurs in the heart.
HypotensionLow blood pressure.
InfarctionAn irreversible injury to an area of the heart, usually as a result of a total blockage of the blood supply to the region. See myocardial infarction.
InsufficiencySee regurgitation.
IntravenousWithin a vein. A route for administration of drugs and other products.
Invasive procedureA procedure that requires the entry of a needle, catheter, or other instrument into the body.
IschemiaA local, usually temporary deficiency in oxygen supply to an organ or tissue due to obstruction or narrowing of the artery supplying that part. See also silent myocardial ischemia.
Ischemic heart diseaseHeart disease most commonly resulting from atherosclerotic narrowing or obstruction of one or more of the coronary arteries.
KidneysThe organs that regulate salt and water metabolism and remove waste products from the bloodstream to be excreted in the urine.
LesionAn abnormal structural defect, such as the narrowing of a coronary artery, seen during surgery or on an angiogram.
LDLSee low-density lipoproteins.
LipidFat or a fatlike substance; examples include cholesterol and triglycerides.
LipoproteinA blood compound consisting of lipid (fat) and protein molecules bound together. Lipoproteins carry fat and cholesterol through the bloodstream.
Low-density lipoproteins (LDL)Lipoproteins that carry the largest amount of cholesterol in the blood. LDL is responsible for depositing cholesterol in the artery walls.
LumenThe canal, duct, or cavity of a tubular organ.
LungsTwo sponge-like organs that oxygenate the blood and expel gaseous waste (carbon dioxide) from the body.
Marfan syndromeAn inherited disease characterized by a generalized abnormality of the connective tissues of the body. It may have major effects on the heart, blood vessels, and skeletal and ocular systems.
Mediterranean dietA diet inspired by the eating habits of the nations that border the Mediterranean Sea. The principal aspects of this diet include proportionally high consumption of olive oil, legumes, unrefined cereals, and fresh fruits and vegetables; moderate to high consumption of fish, seafood, and dairy products (mostly as cheese and yogurt); moderate wine consumption; and low consumption of nonfish meat products. A good deal of research accumulated over the last five decades indicates that the Mediterranean diet lowers the risk of heart disease. Some research shows that olive oil may be the main health-promoting part of the diet.
Milligram (mg)A unit of weight equal to one-thousandth of a gram. There are 28,350 mg in one ounce.
Milligram/deciliter (mg/dl) A method of expressing the concentration of solids in liquids. In blood cholesterol measurements, the weight of cholesterol (in milligrams) in a deciliter (about one-tenth of a quart) of blood.
Mitral valveHeart valve through which blood passes from the left upper chamber (left atrium) to the main pumping chamber (left ventricle).
Mitral valve prolapseA condition in which the mitral valve is improperly positioned and the edges of the valve leaflets do not come together properly.
Monounsaturated fatsFats that lack a hydrogen band at one point in the carbon chain and tend to be associated with lower blood cholesterol content.
MRIMagnetic resonance imaging; a non-X-ray method that can be used to study the heart and other organs.
MurmurSee heart murmur.
Myocardial infarctionAn irreversible injury to an area of heart muscle caused by blockage of a coronary artery. See infarction.
Myocardial ischemiaIschemia (see above) of the heart muscle.
MyocardiumThe heart muscle.
NegativeIn medicine, meaning normal or showing the absence of disease.
NiacinB vitamin essential for cellular energy production; in large doses, a cholesterol-lowering agent.
NicotineA powerfully addictive drug that is the most dangerous component in tobacco cigarette smoke.
NitratesDrugs that relax the walls of blood vessels, especially arteries, causing them to dilate. Used mainly in the management of angina. See nitroglycerine.
NitroglycerineA drug that relaxes the walls of blood vessels, causing them to dilate. Used primarily for the treatment of angina attacks.
Noninvasive procedureA medical procedure or test that does not require entry of a needle, catheter, or instrument into the body.
Nuclear cardiologyThe area of cardiology that uses radioactive substances in heart studies.
ObesityAn excess of body fat. Should be distinguished from heaviness (body weight). Generally defined as at least 10 to 20 percent excess over “ideal” body weight based on one’s age, height, and bone structure.
OcclusionTotal closure of a blood vessel.
Open-heart surgerySurgery performed on the heart, its chambers, and/or the coronary arteries while the patient’s blood is diverted through a heart-lung machine.
OrthopneaA condition in which one has difficulty breathing except when sitting or standing upright.
Outpatient procedureA test or procedure performed outside a hospital.
OxygenA gas that is essential for life and necessary for energy-producing chemical reactions in the cells of the body. Extracted from air inhaled into the lungs, it enters the bloodstream and is carried by the blood to the body tissues.
PacemakerA natural mechanism that generates tiny electrical impulses, setting the pace for the heartbeat. Artificial pacemakers are electronic devices that can be implanted under the skin and act as a substitute for a defective natural pacemaker. See sinoatrial node.
PalpitationsAn awareness of the heartbeat. Often described as skipped, fluttering, forceful, and/or irregular heart activity.
PericarditisInflammation of the pericardium (see below).
PericardiumA thin membrane sac that surrounds the heart.
PET testPositron-emission tomography. A heart test using special radionuclides.
PhysiologyThe science that studies the functions of body organs.
PlaqueAbnormal buildup of fatty deposits on the inner layer of an artery. Plaques reduce the internal diameter of the artery and may lead to total blockage. See atheroma.
PlateletTiny cell of the blood that plays an important part in the blood-clotting mechanism.
Platelet inhibitorsDrugs that inhibit blood-clot formation. Common examples are aspirin and Persantine.
Polyunsaturated fatsFats so constituted chemically that they are capable of absorbing additional atoms of hydrogen. They are predominantly vegetable in origin, contain no cholesterol, and are usually liquid at room temperature.
PositiveIn medicine, meaning abnormal or showing the presence of disease.
PotassiumAn essential mineral that is necessary for muscle contraction.
PrognosisPrediction or forecast of the probable course of a disease.
ProphylaxisPrevention of disease. For example, in cardiology, the use of antibiotics to prevent an infection of the heart valves.
ProteinOne of the three nutrients that supply calories to the body.
PTCAPercutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. See angioplasty.
PulmonaryPertaining to the lungs.
Pulmonary arteryThe large artery that transports unoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs. This is the only artery in the body that carries unoxygenated blood.
Pulmonary circulationThe circulation that carries unoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs. It includes the right heart chambers, the main pulmonary artery, and the smaller pulmonary arteries.
Pulmonary edemaA severe form of congestive heart failure in which flooding of fluids into the air sacs in the lungs occurs, producing severe shortness of breath.
Pulmonary embolismA condition in which a blood clot (embolus) has become dislodged, travels through the bloodstream, and becomes lodged in one of the arteries in the lungs.
Pulmonic valveHeart valve through which unoxygenated blood passes from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery and is then transported to the lungs.
PulseThe expansion and contraction of an artery, which may be felt with the fingers.
QRS complexPart of an electrocardiographic tracing.
RadioisotopeA radioactive material used in medical testing as well as in physical and biological research. Examples are thallium-201 and technetium-99m.
RadionuclideA radioactive material. See radioisotope.
RalesMoist crackling sounds that can be heard over the lower portion of the lungs, virtually always present in patients with congestive heart failure.
RegurgitationIn cardiology, the backward leakage of blood through a defective valve.
RenalPertaining to the kidneys.
RespirationThe act of breathing; the inhalation and exhalation of air.
ResuscitationRestoration of breathing and heartbeat.
RevascularizationImprovement of the blood circulation, surgically or by other means.
Risk factorA genetic or lifestyle habit, trait, condition, illness, or physical finding associated with increased risk or likelihood of a disease, such as coronary artery heart disease.
Saturated fatsFats so constituted chemically that they are not capable of absorbing additional atoms of hydrogen. They are predominantly of animal origin (meat, dairy) and are usually solid at room temperature.
SeptumA dividing wall between two chambers. The ventricular septum is located between the two ventricles; the atrial septum is located between the two atria.
SerumThe clear, pale-yellow liquid that separates from the clot after blood coagulates. The liquid portion of blood that carries nutrients and other substances to and from the tissues.
ShockA condition resulting from inadequate circulation. It may be due to loss of blood or to extreme weakness of the heart as a pump. Shock is marked by low blood pressure, rapid pulse, paleness, and cold, clammy skin.
ShuntDiversion of blood between the two sides of the heart owing to the presence of an abnormal opening within or near the heart. Shunts may also occur between two vessels distant from the heart.
Silent heart diseaseSymptom-free heart disorders, including ischemia, heart attacks, and even sudden death. See silent myocardial ischemia.
Silent myocardial ischemiaSymptom-free ischemia or inadequate coronary artery blood flow. See silent heart disease.
Sinoatrial nodeThe natural pacemaker of the heart. A small bundle of specialized cells that generates tiny electrical impulses that spread from the upper to the lower heart chambers, setting the pace of the heartbeat.
Sinus rhythmNormal heart rhythm that occurs because of the electrical impulses initiated in the sinoatrial node.
SodiumAn essential mineral that is necessary to keep fluids distributed in the body. Table salt (sodium chloride) is nearly half sodium.
SpasmTemporary contraction of a muscular segment. Occurs in arterial walls, usually making the lumen smaller. See vasoconstriction and vasospasm.
SphygmomanometerAn instrument used to measure blood pressure.
StenosisNarrowing or stricture of an opening, blood vessel, or valve.
StethoscopeA listening instrument that amplifies sounds coming from within the body.
Stress testA test of cardiovascular health conducted by recording heart rate, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and other measurements while a person undergoes physical exertion or drug-induced stress. See exercise stress test.
StrokeDamage to the brain caused by an interruption of the blood flow to the brain.
Sudden cardiac deathTotally unexpected death occurring within one hour of the onset of symptoms in a victim with or without known preexisting heart disease.
SyncopeA fainting spell. A sudden loss of consciousness owing to a temporary reduction of blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain.
Systemic circulationGeneral circulation, as opposed to pulmonary circulation. It carries oxygenated blood to the entire body.
SystoleThe period of each heartbeat during which the pumping chambers contract and eject their blood content. The systolic reading obtained in blood pressure measurement is the first, higher number.
Systolic blood pressureThe maximum arterial blood pressure, which occurs at the end of the left ventricle’s contraction.
TachycardiaAn abnormally fast heart rate. Generally, anything over one hundred beats per minute is considered tachycardia.
Thallium stress testA stress test conducted by injecting a small amount of radioactive substance (thallium) into the bloodstream and measuring its passage through the heart. See stress test.
ThrombolysisLysis (or dissolution) of a clot or thrombus, usually by drugs known as thrombolytic agents. See TPA.
ThrombosisThe formation of a blood clot (thrombus) that partially or completely blocks a blood vessel.
Total fatThe sum of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats present in the diet.
TPA (tissue plasminogen activator)A clot-dissolving enzyme occurring naturally in small amounts in the blood but now produced in large amounts by genetic engineering techniques.
Treadmill testA stress test performed by using a motorized treadmill to produce physical stress. See stress test.
Tricuspid valveHeart valve through which blood passes from the right atrium to the right ventricle.
TriglycerideA common type of lipid (fat) carried in the bloodstream and found in fatty tissue, primarily ingested with fat in the diet.
Unsaturated fatsSee monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.
ValveA flexible structure that regulates the flow of blood within the heart. It allows the blood to circulate in only one direction and prevents it from backing up.
VascularPertaining to blood vessels.
Vascular diseaseAn ailment of the blood vessels often caused by atherosclerosis. It may occur anywhere in the body (brain, legs, coronary arteries, etc.).
VasoconstrictionNarrowing of blood vessels produced by contraction of the muscles in their walls. See vasospasm.
VasodilatorA drug that lowers blood pressure by relaxing the muscular walls of arteries, causing them to dilate.
VasospasmConstriction or narrowing of an artery, leading to a decrease in its diameter and in the amount of blood it can deliver. See vasoconstriction.
VeinAny of the blood vessels that carry unoxygenated blood from all parts of the body back to the heart.
VentricleOne of the two pumping lower chambers of the heart. The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood through the arteries to all parts of the body except the lungs. The right ventricle pumps unoxygenated blood through the pulmonary artery to the lungs.
Ventricular contractionContraction of the left and right ventricles, the major chambers of the heart.
Ventricular fibrillationA heart arrhythmia characterized by rapid, chaotic electrical impulses, resulting in ineffectual contraction of the ventricles and loss of pulse and blood pressure. If it continues, death ensues.
Ventricular premature beatsPremature beats or contractions originating in a ventricle.
Ventricular relaxationThe phase of the heart cycle in which the ventricles are relaxed and fill with blood.
VentriculogramAn X-ray or radionuclide picture of the major chambers of the heart.
Very low-density lipoproteinsLipoproteins that transport cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream.