MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
A graphical representation of the electrical activity of the heart created by analyzing several electrodes on the body surface.
What is an ECG lead?
Mostly present in the extracellular fluid, this electrolyte plays a major role in skeletal mineralization, contraction of muscles, the transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting, and secretion of hormones.
What is calcium?
Caused by plaque buildup in the wall of the arteries that supply blood to the heart, causing them to struggle with supplying enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients.
What is coronary artery disease (CAD)?
Acts on the Na-K-Cl cotransporter along the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the kidney, primarily used to treat hypertension and edema often due to CHF or chronic kidney disease.
What are Loop diuretics?
An examination room in a hospital has diagnostic imaging equipment used to quickly visualize the arteries of the heart and the chambers.
What is a catheterization (cath) lab?
A hormone secreted by cardiomyocytes in the heart ventricles in response to stretching caused by increased ventricular blood volume. Abnormally high numbers are indicative of heart failure.
What is Brain natriuretic peptide, AKA B-type natriuretic peptide, or BNP?
This disease causes the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs. It is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries.
What is peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
A class of lipid-lowering medications that reduce illness and mortality in those who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
What are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, AKA statins?
A class of medication used primarily for the treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure. They work by causing the relaxation of blood vessels as well as a decrease in blood volume, which leads to lower blood pressure and decreased oxygen demand from the heart.
What are Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors?