Chest pain or discomfort as a result of insufficient oxygen-rich blood going to the heart.
Atherosclerosis
A condition in which an artery wall thickens as the result of a build-up of plaque, which consists of fatty materials such as cholesterol.
Atria
Hollow heart chambers located at the top of the heart on the right and left sides. Atria work with the lower heart chambers, or ventricles, to pump blood through the heart.
Cholesterol
A substance found in certain foods such as eggs, meat, and dairy products. There are two types of cholesterol: "bad" cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL), increases plaque deposits inside the arteries. "Good" cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL), helps carry fat away from artery walls.
Coronary Arteries
Blood vessels that supply the heart with blood, oxygen, and vital nutrients.
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
Also referred to as coronary artery disease. This condition is a result of the build-up of plaque, a material made of fat, cholesterol, and other substances found in the blood. When plaque builds up over time, it can narrow the arteries, reducing normal blood flow to the heart. This narrowing can prevent the heart from pumping blood efficiently, which may cause many symptoms, such as chest pain. If not treated, CHD can lead to serious heart conditions, including heart attack.
A protein present in the blood that rises during episodes of inflammation, such as those associated with coronary artery disease. High levels of C-reactive protein can indicate an increased risk for CHD.
Diabetes
A disease in which the body doesn't make enough insulin or use it properly, leading to a high level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
The use of ultrasound to create a picture of the size and shape of your heart and review how well it's working. An echocardiogram can detect restricted blood flow in areas of the heart.
Electrocardiogram/electrocardiograph
This device measures the electrical activity of the heart, how fast the heart beats and whether the heart rhythm is regular or irregular.
Exercise stress test
A diagnostic test that helps determine how well your heart responds to stress. Your heart rate is measured while you walk or run on a treadmill or pedal a stationary exercise bike. When you exercise, your heart works harder and beats faster. This test can show potential signs of CHD, including abnormal changes in heart rhythm, electrical activity, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery, cutting off blood and oxygen to the heart muscle, resulting in damage to that portion of the heart. Symptoms may include chest pain, nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, palpitations, vomiting, and dizziness.
Occurs when the heart can't pump adequate blood to the body. Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue that increases with activity, and swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, and abdomen.
High blood pressure
Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is when the pressure of the blood pumping through arteries is consistently high.
Pharmacologic stress test
A diagnostic test used for people who are unable to exercise on a treadmill. A medical technician will inject a drug that makes the heart respond as if the person is exercising.
Plaque
A substance that is made up of cholesterol and other materials that deposit on the artery walls and can build up over time, thickening the walls. Plaque may also narrow the artery wall, constricting the delivery of oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the heart.
Stress test
A test to determine how well your heart responds to stress.. There are several types, including exercise stress tests and pharmacologic stress tests. Either by exercising on a treadmill or using a chemical injection, a patient’s heart is stressed and monitored to detect any signs of CHD.
Stroke
An interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain. Strokes can cause damage and/or death to a portion of the brain.
Ventricles
Two large right and left hollow chambers at the bottom of the heart, which collect and expel blood received from an atrium.
If your doctor has recommended a stress test, register here for a program designed to help take the stress out of taking a stress test.
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Discover nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes that are suggested for patients with CHD.
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