MEDICAL DEFINITIONS...
ACE
(angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors — A type of heart failure
medication that works by preventing the body from creating angiotensin, a substance
in the blood that causes vessels to tighten and raises blood pressure. In large-scale
studies, ACE inhibitors have been proven to slow the progression of heart failure.
Advance Directive — A written document that states a person's
healthcare choices and names someone to make those choices, should the person
become unable to make their own decisions about medical care. The most common
types of Advance Directives are a living will and a durable power of attorney
for healthcare.
Anemia — A reduction in the amount of oxygen-carrying
red blood cells. Anemia can have many causes, but the most common is a lack of
iron in the body. Also known as iron-poor blood.
Angiography —
An X-ray test used to detect diseases of the blood vessels, such as weakening
of the vessel walls and the narrowing or blocking of vessels. The X-ray is taken
after the vessels have been injected with a substance that allows them to be seen
on film.
Angioplasty— A procedure that reopens blocked blood
vessels to the heart. A physician inserts a hollow needle (catheter) into the
diseased artery and pushes a small deflated balloon into the blocked section.
Then the physician inflates the balloon to widen the artery.
Angiotensin
II receptor blocker — A medication that blocks the action of a special
chemical called angiotensin, which normally raises the heart rate and blood pressure.
Arrhythmia — An abnormal rhythm or rate of the heartbeat caused
by disturbances in the movement of electrical impulses through the heart.
Atrial fibrillation — Rapid, uneven contractions in the upper
heart chambers (atria), which cause the lower chambers (ventricles) to beat irregularly.
Atrium — One of the two upper chambers of the heart.
Beta-blockers — Medications that reduce the heart's tendency
to beat faster by blocking specific receptors ("beta receptors") on
the cells that make up the heart.
Blood thinners — Medications,
such as warfarin and heparin, used to prevent blood clotting. Some people with
heart failure are prescribed blood thinners to reduce the risk of stroke.
Additional
Medical Definitions | Additional
Medical Definitions
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