Diagnostic words

AAA abdominal aortic aneurysm


ABCs airway, breathing, circulation

abdominal radiotherapy - treatment of disease in the abdomen by exposure to radiation

ABG arterial blood gas

abscess

ABW adjusted body weight

ACLS advanced cardiac life support

adenocarcinoma

adenomatous - pertaining to a nodular hyperplasia of a gland

adenopathy - enlargement of a lymph node

adjuvant - substance added to a drug product formulation that affects the action of the active ingredient in a predictable way.

AE above elbow

AEIOU TIPS a mnemonic for altered mental status check

afferent - Inflowing; conducting toward a center, denoting certain arteries, veins, lymphatics, and nerves. synonym : esodic

AFO ankle-foot orthosis or othotic

aggregating

aggregating - crowding or clustering

AKA above-knee amputation

alk phos/alk P-tase - alkaline phosphatase

Allocraft C-ring - cervical spacer used in diskectomy and fusion surgery of the spine

ALS advanced life support

AMA against medical advice

ambo - transporting ambulance

Ambu - ambu bag, manual resuscitative device

amnion - bag of waters; the extraembryonic membrane of birds, reptiles, and mammals, which lines the chorion and contains the fetus and amniotic fluid

amp ampule

anastomosis - natural communication, direct or indirect, between two blood vessels or other tubular structures. communication

anastomotic

anemia

antegrade - extending or moving anterialy

Anterior drawer test ankle

anterior toward the front

anterolisthesis

anteroposterior

anteroposterior view (AP) X-ray goes from source anterior to detector posterior

AO X3 alert and oriented X 3

AP - anteroposterior

AP/PA anteroposterior/posteroanterior

apnea

appendiceal mucosa

appy - appendectomy

arteriosclerotic - hardened arterial walls.

Aspen cervical collar (brand) - cervical stabilization

assay - any quantitative test

atelectasis - respiratory

atheromatous plaquing - when there is fibrous deposit accumulating on the artery lining.

ATLS advanced trauma life support

atrophy - decrease in tissue bulk or structure from its previous size

atrophy - weakening or degeneration

attenuation

atypia - not typical

autoimmune

autolysis - postmortem change seen in cellular components

avulsion - forcible tearing or separation

Ba barium

bag/banana bag - bag of IV fluids given to alcoholics or patients with nutritional deficiencies or chemical imbalances; named because of its yellow color, it contains multivitamins, folate, thiamine, and sugar

bagging - artifical respiration performed with a respirator bag, such as an ambu bag

barium

BE barium enema

benign - somethin which is not recurrent or progressive

berylliosis - respiratory

BF black female

bicarb - bicarbonate

bili - bilirubin

biliary

biliary tree

bilirubin - bile pigment resulting from degradation of hemoglobin in the liver

Binky test - ability of an infant to evidence basic stability and an interest in "the important things in life" by placidly sucking on a binky

biochemistry - study of chemical properties and substances which interact with the living body

biopsy - removing tissue from a living patient

BKA below-knee amputation

bleed - hemorrhage

BLS basic life support

BM black male/bowel movement

BMI body mass index

BNP Cardiac marker for heart failure.

BPD - biparietal diameter - diameter of fetal head from one parietal eminence to the other.

brace - knee, leg, arm

Brunner glands

BSA body surface area

bulge - disk protruding out against the spinal cord

burn therapy - for patients with severe burns (grafting, whirlpool)

BVM bag-valve-mask

C. diff (Clostridium difficile) Test for bacterial toxin in feces.

C1-7 cervical vertebrae 1-7

CA-125 Ovarian cancer screening to determine treatment.

CABG - coronary artery bypass grafting

cachexia - wasting or atrophy due to starvation

calcific

calcitonin - levels greater than 100 pg/mL may occur in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), leukemia, and myeloproliferative disorders

calculus

caliectasis

caliectasis - means of dilation of the calices and is often a result of obstruction or infection. This term can be used interchangeably with calicectasis.

CAPD continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

capillaries - smallest blood vessels

carcinoma

cardiomegaly - anbormally enlarged heart

carotid

caseating - necrosis in which tissue is changed into a dry mass resembling cheese.

CAT scan computerized axial tomography scan

catheter

caudal toward the feet

cavus foot - high arch

CBC (complete blood count) Simply stated, measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

C-cane straight cane with curved handle

CCU coronary care unit

cecum - the first part of the large intestine, forming a dilated poouch distal to the ileum and proximal to the colon, giving off the vermiform appendix. cul-de-sac

celiotomy - transabdominal incision into the peritoneal cavity

centigray - unit of absorbed radiation

centrally

centrum semiovale

cerebrovascular

Cerrobend blocking

champagne tap - clear tap; no blood

chem dep - chemical dependency

chemotherapeutic

chemotherapy

cholecystectomy - surgical removal of the gallbladder

cholecystitis

choledochojejunostomy

cholelithiasis

cholesterol - fatty material normally found in blood but also occurring in certain tissues and diseases

CHOP - anticancer drug combination - cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone

chorioamnionitis - inflammation of the chorion and amnion

chorionic villi - human embryology, the cellular, outermost extraembryonic membrane

CID cervical immobilization device

CIN cervical intraepithelial neoplasia - femal reproductive

cine - prefix - movement, as in cineradiogram

cine - see-nay

circumference

cirrhosis - liver disease commonly caused by alcoholism

cisplatin

claudication - limping, lameness

clival lesion - one pertaining to the clivas

clivus - bony surface in the posterior cranial fossa sloping upward from the foramen magnum to the dorsum sellae

CMG cystometrogram

collagen - major protein of white fibers of cartilage, bone, and connective tissues

collimated -

cone biopsy - biopsy that is cone shaped

cone biopsy is also referred to as conization

congenital adrenal hyperplasia - endocrine

contiguous - touching or connected throughout in an unbroken sequence

contrast - difference in visual density in an x-ray that results from a difference in radiolucency of the subject

cortex

cortical - relating to an external layer

cortical blindness

cortical sulci

Costoclavicular maneuver - evaluate thoracic outlet syndrome/costoclavicular syndrome

cotyledons - any portion of the uterine surface of the placenta

CPM continuous passive motion

CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation

cranial - toward the head

crepitus - crepitation, crepitance - a crackling or grating noise from the joints, skin, or lungs.

CREST - calcinosis cutis, Taynaud phenomenon, esophageal motility disorder, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia syndrome.

cribriform - pierced with holes, like a sieve

cricopharyngeal

crit - hematocrit

CT computed tomography

CT Scan - cross-sectional images along a single axis of the body or body structure created by a computer from multiple x-ray images.

curettage - surgical scraping

CVA cerebrovascular accident

cystoid macular edema - swelling of macula of eye resulting from injury, surgery, or disease

cystourethrogram

Cytoxan

D5 or D5W dextrose in a 5% normal saline solution

de Quervain disease - wrist

debulking

degeneration - broad term in pathology referring to changes in tissue chemistry

dense - quality of being compact

density

desmoplasia - formation and development of fibrous tissue

desquamation - the shedding of the cuticle in scales or of the outer layer of any surface

DF dorsiflexion

DHL - diffuse histiocytic lymphoma

diabetic retinopathy - affecting patients with diabetes

diagnostic test - for disease clarification

DICOM digital image communication in medicine (meaning transmission between imaging devices)

differential Summary of various types of white cells in a stained smear of blood.

disease atrophy - results from prolonged immobilization or lack of movement.

DISH - diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis

distal toward the fingers/toes

distortion - state of being out of normal shape or position

diverticula - small bulging sacs pushing outward from the colon wall

diverticulitis - inflammation of a diverticulum

diverticulum - a circumscribed pouch or sac occurring normally or created by herniation of the lining mucous membrane through a defect in the muscular coat of a tubular organ

DJD degenerative joint disease

DNI do not intubate

DNR do not resuscitate

DOA dead on arrival

Domeboro - astringent wet dressing for relief of inflammatory conditions of the skin; ruduce weeping that may occur in dermatitis

duodenal

duodenal bulb

dysphagia - trouble with eating or swallowing

dysplastic - cells or tissue that have undergone abnormal development

dystrophic calcification - calcium deposits in inflamed tissue, fibrotic or degenerative tissue

ECC emergency cardiac care

echo - prefix - repeated sound, as in echocardiogram

echo - slang for echocariogram.

echogenicity

ectocervical

edema - excessive accumulation of fluid in tissue

EEC - endocervical curettings

EEG electroencephalogram

efferent - conducting fluid or a nerve impulse outward from a given organ, cell, or part thereof, the efferent connections of a group of nerve cells, efferent blood vessels, or excretory duct of an organ

effusion - escape of a fluid into a part; exudation or transudation. Effused materioal; and exudate or transudate

electrolyte Minerals of the body which have an electrical charge and are found in blood, urine.

ellipse - oval or oblong shape

emergency room or department - an area in a hospital or clinic that is staffed and equipped to provide emergency care to persons requiring immediate medical treatment.

emesis

EMS emergency medical service

EMT emergency medical technician

endocervical

Endo-MATE endotracheal tube holder - ENT device

endoscopy

endoscopy - examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible tube with scope

enterocleisis - blockage in the alimentary canal

enteroclysis - radiographic procedure

eos - osinophils

eosinophilic

eosinophilic granuloma - disease marked by formation of granulomas in the bone

epi - epinephrine

epi sick - pale, green, nauseous, chest-pounding, tachycardic appearance of patient who has received aggressive subcutaneious epinephrine therapy for anaphylaxis or status asthmaticus

epicondylitis - tennis elbow/swimmer's elbow

epis - epithelial cells

epithelium

epithelium - cellular covering of skin and covers the internal organs

ER external rotation

ERCP endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

erythrocyte sedimentation

erythropoiesis - formation of erythrocytes

esophagram

ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, sed rate) Blood test to determine inflammation in the body.

ESR erythrocyte sedimentation rate

ETA estimated time of arrival

ethmoid

excisional biopsy - removal of entire tumor, lesion, or affected diseased organ from a living patient

exocervical - external to the cervix

exploratory laparotomy - surgery performed to examine and/or visualize the abdomen.

extension - patient lengthens or straightens a flexed limb.

External rotation test - ankle

extrarenal pelvis - portion of the renal pelvis expansion located outside of the kidney

FACEP Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians

false negative - normal or negative result despite disease presence in a person

falso positive - abnormal or positive result in an otherwise healthy person

fatty infiltration - fat content increases in connective tissue areas of various organs

FDIU fetal death in utero

FHT fetal heart tone

fibrinous

fibroadipose - fibrous and fatty

fibrosis

fistula - digestive

fistulous - of or pertaining to an abnormal passage from one epithelial surface to another epithelial surface.

flexion - patient bending a specific part of the body

fluor/o root word - luminous, as in fluoroscopic

fluoro - slang or short for fluoroscopy

FNA - fine needle aspiration - removing cells via suction from a mass

follicle - a spherical mass of cells

FOOSH fall onto outstretched hand

foraminal

formalin - 10% solution of formaldehyde in water and is used to preserve specimens for analysis

fossa

four H's - hypoxemia, hypoglycemia, hypovolemia, and high bladder

French Horn shoulder test shoulder

frontal (coronal) - vertical plane divides the body into anterior and posterior. PA view of chest x-ray uses the frontal plane.

frontoparietal

frozen section - rapid freezing of water in tissue and embedding with parffin or other artificial medium

FWW front-wheel walker

Galeazzi sign - hip disorder evaluation

gallbladder

ganglia

gangrene - local and extensive necrosis usually affecting an extremity

gastritis

Gastrografin

gastrohepatic

gastrointestinal

gastrojejunostomy

gauge

GCS Glasgow coma scale

genitourinary

GGT Test to screen for liver disease, alcohol abuse. .

GI gastrointestinal (usually upper GI—the area examined)

gorked - obtunded or not alert, either acutely or chronically

gout - metabolic disease of uric acid crystals in tissues

grab bars - for bathroom safety

gram - suffix - record, as in cardiogram

granuloma

granuloma - tumor caused by infection or inflammation

graphy - suffix - process of recording, as in ultrasonography

GSW gunshot wound

H&E - sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin

headache

Heberden nodes - bony swelling around joint margins

Helicobacter

hematocrit The proportion of blood that consists of red blood cells.

hematology - study of blood

heme negative - no blood detected on rectal exam

hemiplegia - paralysis on one side of the body

hemithorax - one side of the chest

hemiwalker - quad cane/ walker combo

hemoglobin The protein in red cells that carries oxygen.

hemorrhage

HF Hispanic female

HIDA hydroxyiminodiacetic acid

hidradenitis

hilar - pertaining to a hilum

hilum - part of an organ where the nerves and vessels enter and leave

histologic

HM Hispanic male

HOB head of bed

HOD - heroin overdose

Hodgkin disease - lymph

Hoyer lift - assistance in lifting bed/chair ridden patients

hydatidiform mole - female reproductive

hydrocele - male reproductive

hydrocephalus - large brain

hydronephrosis

hyperchromatism - abnormal increase in pigmentation

hypernephroma - excretory

hyperplastic -abnormal increase in the number of normal cells or tissue which increases its volume

hypertrophy

hypo - below normal

hypo - hypodermic injection

hypoplasia - underdeveloped

hypoplastic - underdeveloped

hypotonia - muscular tonicity loss

IABP intraaortic balloon pump

IBW ideal body weight

ileus - digestive

iliac - of or relating to the hipbone

IM intramuscular

immobilizer - knee

inapsine - trademark preparation of droperidol, an antiemetic (among other things).

incisional biopsy - surgical removal of a part or section of a tumor, diseased organ, or lesion

inclusion

infarction - necrosis that is localized and due to an obstruction

inferior below

infiltration - passing into or through by permeating

ingested

interventional radiology - the use of image guidance for therapeutic and angiographic procedures

intimal - an abnormal narrowing of a passageway

intracellular

intracranial

intraductal papilloma - breast

intrahepatic

intravenous

inversion - patient turning inward

IO intraosseous

is/o root word - same, as in radioisotope

ischemic

isodose

ITB iliotibial band

IV intravenous

IVDA intravenous drug abuser

IVP intravenous push

IVP intravenous pyelogram

jaundice - yellow or greenish color in tissue as a result of liver disease

Jobst boot (brand) foot

JONES a mnemonic for assessment of rheumatic fever

KAFO knee-ankle-foot orthosis

keloid - skin

keratin

keratin - fibrous scleroprotein occurring in the outer layer of skin, hair, nails, etc.

koilocytotic /koilocyte/ koilocytosis - concave or hollow cell. the presence of ambnormal koilocytes that a vacuolated with clear cytoplasm or perinuclear halos and nuclear pyknosis

KUB kidneys, ureters, bladder

kyphosis - humpback

L1-5 lumbar vertebrae 1-5

lac - laceration

Lachman test - anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACL)

lacunar

laminectomy

lap coly - laparoscopic cholecystectomy

lateral decubitus - Patient lying down on side, x-ray beam positioned horizontally

lateral toward/from the side

left lateral view - X-ray goes from a source located to right of patient to a detector located to the left of the patient.

lesion - a pathologic change in the tissue

leukemia

leuks - leukocytes

lido - lidocaine

ligamentum flavum hypertrophy

light microscopy - brings out features otherwise not seen in specimens

linear

LMA laryngeal mask airway

LOC loss of consciousness

localization - the placement of something is determined during...

longitudinal plane - cuts along the long (longitudinal) axis of the body.

LR lactated Ringer

LS lumbosacral (films)

lucency - something that has a softly bright appearance or is marked by clarity or transparency.

lucent - suffix - to shine, as in translucent

LWBS left without being seen

lymph nodes

lymphangitic - pertaining to inflammation of a lymphatic vessel

lytes - electrolytes

M&M morbidity and mortality

macule - skin

mag - magnesium

Magnevist

malignant

mammography - radiography of the breast

mass

maxillary

MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin) Measurement of average amount of hemoglobin inside a red blood cell.

MCV (mean corpuscular volume) Measurement of average size of RBCs.

medial toward the middle

medullary - cancer of the medulla of a body part

medullary carcinoma

melena

membrane

MEN - multiple endocrine neoplasia - conditions that result in overactivity and enlargement in certain endocrine glands. MEN syndromes are typically inherited conditions

metastatic

metastatic - when a disease spreads to another part of the body or another organ

methylcellulose

mets - short or slang for metastases

microbiology - study of microscopic living things, such as fungi and bacteria

microcalcifications

microhematuria - small or microscopic presence of blood or red blood cells in the urine

midcoronal (midaxillary) plane - longitudinal plane which cuts through the head and body along the coronal suture of the head and extended cut down through the body.

midline shift - a displacement of the midline of the brain to one side of the head due to swelling

midsagittal (median) - right and left halves. Lateral chest x-ray uses the sagittal plane.

mitotic

mitotic - pertaining to mitosis, cell division

MMT manual muscle test

moldable insert - lumbosacral

monos - monocytes

MPDO - microscopic performed, description omitted

MPGR - multiplanar gradient recall

MRI magnetic resonance imaging

MTC - medullary thyroid carcinoma

mucosa

MUGA multiple gated acquisition

muscularis

MVA motor vehicle accident

myelogram

myelographic

myeloproliferative

myoclonic - shocklike contractions of a muscle or a group of muscles

nausea

necrosis - physical and chemical changes of tissue, cells, or organs which is seen in death

needle biopsy - removing inner core of tissue, such as liver and kidney.

neural

neuts - neutrophils

NG nasogastric (tube)

nitro paste - Nitrol, nitroglycerin paste

nodularity

nodularity - increased density of breast tissue

nonsteroidal

NS normal saline

NSR normal sinus rhythm

nuclear medicine - the use of radioactive materials to identify or destroy lesions and disease processes.

nucleus - structure that houses the chromosomes

NWB nonweightbearing

O & P orthotics and prosthetics

oblique view - X-rays will travel in a slanted direction at an angle stemming from the perpendicular plane. Regions normally hidden in PA or AP view will appear in oblique views.

occipitofrontal diameter

occlusion

OCG oral cholecystogram

OD overdose

omentectomy - partial or total excision of the omentum

Omnipaque

opaque - suffix - obscure, as in radiopaque

OPQRST a mnemonic for pain evaluation

ossicle - small bone

ossification - pathologic calcification as well as bone tissue formation

osteoarthritis - may require hip replacement (arthroplasty)

osteoblastic

osteochondroma - skeletal

osteopenic - bone deficiency

osteophyte - a bony abnormal outgrowth

osteophytes

ovoid - rounded like an egg

PA posteroanterior

PACS picture archival and communications system

palliative

palliative - recuding severity of disease without curing it

palmar toward the palm of the hand

PALS pediatric advanced life support

pancreatic

panel - tests frequently performed as a group

Pap smear - Cells are detached from a surface (primarily the uterine cervix).

papule - skin

paracentral

parakeratosis - pathology seen in psoriasis

parakeratosis - persistence of the nuclei of keratinocytes as they rise into the stratum corneum of the epidermis. It in normal in the true mucous membrane of the mouth and vagina.

parenchymal - pertaining to the essential elements of an organ

parietooccipital

peptic ulcer - digestive

perfed appy - ruptured appendix

periaortic

periappendicitis

perihilar - around the hilum

periosteal - situated around bone

peripheral toward the surface

persistent

PET positron emission tomography

Phalen maneuver - carpel tunnel syndrome evaluation

Phalen test

phleboliths - calcification or stone within a vein.

physiatrist - person who practices physical medicine and rehabilitation

PICC - peripherally inserted central catheter

placenta

plane

plane - two dimensional flat surface

plantar fasciitis - foot

plantar toward the sole of the foot

plaquing

plasia - development or formation

platelet count Test to determine how many platelets (to clot blood) in the blood.

pleomorphic

pleomorphic/ pleomorphism/ pleomorphous - the occurrence of various distinct forms by a single organism or within a species (having various distinct forms)

PM&R / Physical medicine and rehabilitation - branch of medicine that covers the ongoing treatment for physical problems, such as severely broken bones, torn ligaments, knee and hip replacements, rehab for spinal injuries, postsurgical rehab, and similar conditions.

pneumothoraces

pneumothorax - abnormal presence of air in the chest outside the lung

polycystic kidney - excretory

polyp - a mass of tissue or vascular growth

polyps

post pregnancy scarring - pelvic floor rehab is used for this, including kegel exercises

postauricular - situated to the back of the ear

posterior toward the back

posterior-anterior (PA) - most common chest x-ray view. X-ray goes from source posterior to detector anterior.

posteroanterior - direction from posterior to anterior

PQRST a mnemonic to quickly evaluate chest pain

Probe-to-bone test - evaluate osteomyelitis/diabetic foot ulcers

PROM passive range of motion

prone - Patient lying on the stomach, face down

proximal - situated nearest the point of origin

proximal toward the limb's attachment

pseudostratified - closely packed cells that are all attached to the basement membrane, but that appear to be layered.

punch biopsy - removal of a plug of skin or mucous membrane with a device called a "punch."

purulent

putrefaction - also called decay (of the body after death)

PUW pick-up walker

QC quad cane

QNS - quantity not sufficient

quadrant - one quarter of a circle

Quadriceps femoris muscle angle knee

quant beta/Q-beta - quantitative beta HCG

radiation therapy - the use of radiation for treatment of disease

reagent - chemical substance which is made to react with another substance (such as on a urine dipstick).

recumbent - patient lying down, either prone or supine

recurrence - a return of symptoms or relapse

reflux - abnormally backward flow of body fluids

renal pelvis - expansion of the upper end of the ureter.

reproducibility - ability of a test to yield the same result time and again

resorption - the assimilation of substances previously produced by the body back into the body.

rete ridges - downward thickening of the epidermis between the dermal papillae

RF (rheumatoid factor) To assess for rheumatoid arthritis.

rickets - osteomalacia in children

rickets - skeletal

roentgen/o - root word - x-ray, as in roentgenology

RRR regular rate and rhythm

rule of 9's - for assessing percentage of body surface burned

rupture

sagittal (lateral) - Unequal right and left sides.

salpingo-oophorectomy - removal of the ovary and its uterine tube

satting/sat - oxygen saturation

SBQC small base quad cane

scar - injured tissue that has healed and has a fibrous cover

scint/i root word - spark, as in scintigraphy

screening test - used to identify disease or problems before further harm

SD shoulder disarticulation

senile atrophy - irreversible chemical changes due to agin

serosal

serum/urine ozm(s) - serum/ urine osmolality, osmolalities (lab)

shave biopsy - removal of a thin skin layer with a blade

SLR straight-leg raise

son/o root word - sound, as in sonogram

specificity - refers to a test's ability to reflect a specific abnormality

SPECT - single-photon emission computed tomography

spermatocele - epididymal cyst

sphenoid

Spica splint thumb

spiculations - small needle-shaped body

squamous - scaly or platelike

staphyloma - special senses (eye)

stenosis

stenosis - an abnormal narrowing of a passageway

stepdown unit - a monitored setting, not as intense as any type of ICU

steroid

Straight leg raise lumbar spine

stroma - the matrix or supporting tissue of an organ

Stryker (brand) hip, knee, shoulder implants

subarachnoid - layer of tissue between the pia mater and the arachnoid

subpulmonic

sulcus - anatomic nomenclature for a long groove or furrow, especially one of the cerebral sulci

superimposed - placed on or over something

superior above

supine - patient lying on the back, face up

suppurative - pyogenesis

sux/sucks - succinylcholine

SVC - superior vena cava

SVCS - group of symptoms occurring when the superior vena cava becomes clogged or partially blocked.

sweat chloride test To screen for cystic fibrosis.

sweat glands

syncytial - of or pertaining to syncytium - multinucleate mass of protoplasm produced by the merging of cells

syringomyelia - nervous

systolic

T1-12 thoracic spine 1-12

Talar tilt (inversion stress test) - for lateral ankle sprains

Tee-3/TN-3/Ty-3 - Tylenol No. 3

Teflon - non-stick surface

tenosynovitis - overuse of tendons from trauma, overuse

tetralogy of Fallot - congenital heart defect

thecal

thoracic - of or relating to the chest

thrombocytopenia

thrombocytopenia - abnormally low number of platelets in the blood

thyroidectomy

Tinel - tingling or pins and needles

Tinel sign wrist

TKA total knee arthroplasty

TMJ (temporomandibular joint - jaw/head

tom/o root word - to cut, as in tomography

tonsillar crypts - clefts or cave-like recessions in the tonsils

TORCH panel Screening for birth defects in infants and other ailments in adults.

tox - toxicology

traked - endotracheally intubated

transpyloric plane - transverse plane so named because it should cross over the pylorus of the stomach.

transverse (horizontal) - upper (superior) and lower (inferior) portions. CT scan uses the transverse plane

Trendelenburg symptom - hip evaluation (not to be confused with trendelenburg anatomic position)

triage - a medical screening of the nature and severity of illness to determine relative priority for treatment.

triage care - making an assessment of the patient's immediate need, stabilizing the "emergency," and then (when necessary) referring the patient to an appropriate setting for ongoing and/or followup care.

triple A - abdominal aortic aneurysm, AAA

TTP trauma transport protocol

TTWB - toe touch weighbearing

tweak score - scale for assessing alcoholism dependence

UGI upper gastrointestinal (series)

ulceration

ultra - prefix - beyond, as in ultrasonogram

umbilical cord

UPJ - ureteropelvic junction

uric acid - found in gout tissues and other metabolic disorders

urinology - microscopic and chemical examination or urinary specimens

Urovist

US or U/S ultrasound

vacuolated - containing vacuoles

vacuoles - any membrane-bound space or cavity within a cell

vascular

VCUG voiding cystourethrogram

Vehicle lifts - assisting patients in wheelchairs

ventriculomegaly - abnormally large ventricle of the brain /

vermiform appendix

versus

vertebral basilar TIAs

vertigo

villi - plural of villus - a small vascular process or protrusion, especially from the free surface of a membrane

villous

vitamin H - ER short form for Haldol

vitr/o - root word - glass, as in in vitro

viv/o root word - life, as in in vivo

voiding - discharging waste matter, usually referencing urination

Waddell test lumbar spine

washing - using saline or other fluid to collect cells (from, for example, the stomach).

WD withdrawal

WF white female

WM white male

WNL - within normal limits

WNL within normal limits

WNL within normal limits

WNR within normal range

WO weeks old

WOB work of breathing

wound VAC - vacuum-assisted closure for wounds

WX wound of exit

XKO not knocked out

XRT radiation therapy

Xylocaine

Y/N yes/no

Yergason test shoulder

YO years old

Possibilities

For the last few days, I've been fighting a very bad headache. I went to the chiropractor today and he asked me what caused it. Well. Sitting at my desk with the monitor too high. Yep, 2 inches can make a difference. It wasn't completely because I didn't know that the monitor should be set so the top of the screen is at eye height.

A combination of factors led to this. My desk was donated by my brother, who rarely used it. The shelf took up half the space of the top of the desk and the open space of the desk was on the side where the tower has to sit. In order to line up the monitor, keyboard, and chair the monitor had to sit on the shelf. Just completely backwards. That's the only way to describe it.

Last month I had a similar headach that lasted for days. The month before. The month before that too. Finally, my self-preservation kicked in. I removed the shelf. Of course, that didn't fix the damage already done. That's the chiropractor's job!

I just love my chiropractor. He's kept me walking and able to turn my head for many years now. After a bit of torturously fast twists and thumps, I'm mostly headache free. Yay!

Going to the doctor today did give me a unique opportunity though. I asked the doctor how he handles his reports. He's in the dark ages! He does his reports from his own scribbled notes on the charts! Considering the training we're receiving, it is surprising to me that this doctor, who's been in the business for years and years has never had anyone writing his reports for him. He's got a small, 1-man practice and every time I've seen him he's rushing from patient to patient. After his appointments are done for the day, he goes into his x-ray room/office and rewrites his notes into report form for his paper files. Huh? Yep, I said paper files. Are those dirty words in our business?

Anyway, this gave me the opportunity to explain what I'm actually learning, how far along in the course I am, and the school and it's reputation among transcription companies as being one of the few schools that graduates are hired straight out of school. This was also my opportunity to drop the bug in his ear that his method of report writing could be made more efficient for him. I explained that I was familiar with writing chiropractic reports due to my experience doing exactly that for another chiropractor for 2 years and that I was interested in working for him.

We talked for about 15 minutes after my appointment about transcription. I explained my difficulties with East Indian accents and how I would rather work for local doctors so that I might be able to avoid having these types of accounts assigned to me. (Indian doctors are few and far between in my neck of the woods.) I don't want to get my hopes up too high, but he really sounded interested in our discussion topic.

The conversation gave me things to think about. Things like finding doctors locally to work for after graduation. Doctors like my chiropractor, who haven't truly caught up to the changes in technology or the trend toward large transcription companies hiring transcriptionists to work for large pools of doctors or accounts with ESL doctors with accents so thick they're impossible to understand or having difficulty with a dictation because of pronunciation and not being able to find out from the doctor what the word should be.

Living in a town the size of mine and a state that is usually 5-10 years behind times may work to my advantage. It would definitely make my life a little more bearable to not have doctors I can't communicate with directly nor understand half the time!

Possibilities, possibilities! Endless possibilities!

East Indian Accents - Will I ever get it?

That East Indian accent is going to kill me. I can understand only 1 of every 3 words, and that's only the English ones. Throw in medical terminology and I'm toast. I did 1/3 of a report today by a doctor I am dubbing the "Talking Gerbil." I've tried watching shows with East Indian accents, but they are actually much slower and careful with pronunciation so they don't help very much. I've tried using a site that exposes you to various accents, which unfortunately also uses speakers who speak slowly and carefully. I can't even hold a conversation on the phone with someone with the accent because I can't understand them. I've tried. Really! I have!

I can handle Spanish, American regional dialects, British, German, Chinese, Australian, and New Zealand. At least most of the time. They get a little fun going into the Physical Examination and laboratory values. Of course the medications can get interesting, as well. But, most of the time I can handle them.

Is it some sort of mental block? Something that when they start speaking my brain translates into a garbled mass of unending sound? It's like listening to some of the music my daughter and son listen to that I call "Scream Rock." Between the guitar that goes so fast and high pitched and the vocalist trying to imitate the sound of tomcats battling for a female in heat, I can't make a positive identification of a single word! When my daughter listens to this music, she's required to wear headphones. She laughs and sometimes puts on "Mom approved" music for when she wants to listen to her music without the headphones.

Where's the Mom Approved East Indian setting? Practice, practice, and more practice? Hello! I hear this accent and my stress level goes sky high, just like my daughter's Scream Rock!

If doctors with this accent end up on whatever test I have to take for employment or account I become responsible for, I fear for my sanity and livelihood. God, please be kind. I need to make a living, not end up in the Psych Ward at the hospital!

I keep telling myself this will get better. Maybe it's the headache I've had for the last couple of days. I don't know. I just hope this is the only report from the "Talking Gerbil" that I get in the course. Either that or a long, long, looooooong way down the road!

CARDIOVASCULAR WORD LIST

Abdomen - The area of the body between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the thighs.

Abdominal aorta - The portion of the aorta in the abdomen.

Ablation - Elimination or removal.

ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor - A medicine that lowers blood pressure by interfering with the breakdown of a protein-like substance involved in blood pressure regulation.

Acetylcholine - A type of chemical (called a neurotransmitter) that transmits messages among nerve cells and muscle cells.

Alveoli - Air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.

Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) - A kind of medicine (called an antiarrhythmic) used to treat irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. It works by regulating nerve impulses in your heart. Amiodarone is mainly given to patients who have not responded to other antiarrhythmic medicines.

Aneurysm - A sac-like protrusion from a blood vessel or the heart, resulting from a weakening of the vessel wall or heart muscle.

Angina or angina pectoris - Chest pain that occurs when diseased blood vessels restrict blood flow to the heart.

Angiography - An x-ray technique where dye is injected into the chambers of your heart or the arteries that lead to your heart (the coronary arteries). The test lets doctors measure the blood flow and blood pressure in the heart chambers and see if the coronary arteries are blocked.

Angioplasty - A nonsurgical technique for treating diseased arteries by temporarily inflating a tiny balloon inside an artery.

Angiotensin II receptor blocker - A medicine that lowers blood pressure by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a chemical in the body that causes the blood vessels to tighten (constrict).

Annulus - The ring around a heart valve where the valve leaflet merges with the heart muscle.

Antiarrhythmics - Medicines used to treat patients who have irregular heart rhythms.

Anticoagulant - Any medicine that keeps blood from clotting; a blood thinner.

Antihypertensive - Any medicine or other therapy that lowers blood pressure.

Antiplatelet therapy - Medicines that stop blood cells (called platelets) from sticking together and forming a blood clot.

Aorta - The largest artery in the body and the initial vessel to supply blood from the heart.

Aortic valve - The valve that regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta.

Aphasia - The inability to speak, write, or understand spoken or written language because of brain injury or disease.

Arrhythmia (or dysrhythmia) - An abnormal heartbeat.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) - ARVD is a type of cardiomyopathy with no known cause. It appears to be a genetic condition (passed down through a family's genes). ARVD causes ventricular arrhythmias. The most common symptoms are heart palpitations, fainting or loss of consciousness (syncope), and, sometimes, sudden death.

Arteriography - A test that is combined with cardiac catheterization to visualize an artery or the arterial system after injection of a contrast dye.

Arterioles - Small, muscular branches of arteries. When they contract, they raise resistance to blood flow, and blood pressure in the arteries increases.

Arteriosclerosis - A disease process, commonly called "hardening of the arteries", which includes a variety of conditions that cause artery walls to thicken and lose elasticity.

Arteritis - Inflammation of the arteries.

Artery - A vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood to the body.

Ascending aorta - The first portion of the aorta, emerging from the heart's left ventricle.

Aspirin - Acetylsalicylic acid; a medicine used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent blood clots.

Atherectomy - A nonsurgical technique for treating diseased arteries with a rotating device that cuts or shaves away material that is blocking or narrowing an artery.

Atherosclerosis - A disease process that leads to the buildup of a waxy substance, called plaque, inside blood vessels.

Atrial flutter - A type of arrhythmia where the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat very fast, causing the walls of the lower chambers (the ventricles) to beat inefficiently as well.

Atrial septal defect - See septal defect.

Atrial tachycardia - A type of arrhythmia that begins in the heart's upper chambers (the atria) and causes a very fast heart rate of 160 to 200 beats a minute. A resting heart rate is normally 60 to 100 beats a minute.

Atrioventricular (AV) node - A group of cells in the heart located between the upper two chambers (the atria) and the lower two chambers (the ventricles) that regulates the electrical current that passes through it to the ventricles.

Atrioventricular block - An interruption or disturbance of the electrical signal between the heart's upper two chambers (the atria) and lower two chambers (the ventricles).

Atrium - Either one of the heart's two upper chambers.

Atrium (right and left) - The two upper or holding chambers of the heart (together referred to as atria).

Autologous - Relating to self. For example, autologous stem cells are those taken from the patient’s own body.

Autoregulation - When blood flow to an organ stays the same although pressure in the artery that delivers blood to that organ may have changed.

Bacteria - Germs that can lead to disease.

Bacterial endocarditis - A bacterial infection of the lining of the heart's chambers (called the endocardium) or the heart's valves.

Balloon catheter - A long tube-like device with a small balloon on the end that can be threaded through an artery. Used in angioplasty or valvuloplasty.

Balloon valvuloplasty - A procedure to repair a heart valve that is not working properly. A balloon-tipped catheter is threaded through an artery and into the heart. The balloon is inflated to open and separate any narrowed or stiffened flaps (called leaflets) of a valve. The catheter and deflated balloon are removed after the procedure.

Beta-blocker - An antihypertensive medicine that limits the activity of epinephrine, a hormone that increases blood pressure.

Biopsy - The process by which a small sample of tissue is taken for examination.

Blalock-Taussig procedure - A shunt between the subclavian and pulmonary arteries used to increase the supply of oxygen-rich blood in "blue babies" (see below).

Blood clot - A jelly-like mass of blood tissue formed by clotting factors in the blood. Clots stop the flow of blood from an injury. Clots can also form inside an artery when the artery's walls are damaged by atherosclerotic buildup, possibly causing a heart attack or stroke.

Blood pressure - The force or pressure exerted by the heart in pumping blood; the pressure of blood in the arteries.

Blue babies - Babies who have a blue tinge to their skin (cyanosis) resulting from insufficient oxygen in the arterial blood. This condition often indicates a heart defect.

Body mass index (BMI) - A number that doctors use to determine the risk of cardiovascular disease created by a person being overweight. BMI is calculated using a formula of weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (BMI =W [kg]/H [m2]). Click here for a BMI calculator.

Bradycardia - Abnormally slow heartbeat.

Bruit - A sound made in the blood vessels resulting from turbulence, perhaps because of a buildup of plaque or damage to the vessels.

Bundle branch block - A condition in which parts of the heart's conduction system are defective and unable to conduct the electrical signal normally, causing an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).

Bypass - Surgery that can improve blood flow to the heart (or other organs and tissues) by providing a new route, or "bypass," around a section of clogged or diseased artery.

Calcium channel blocker (or calcium blocker) - A medicine that lowers blood pressure by regulating calcium-related electrical activity in the heart.

Capillaries - Microscopically small blood vessels between arteries and veins that distribute oxygen-rich blood to the body's tissues.

Cardiac - Pertaining to the heart.

Cardiac arrest - The stopping of the heartbeat, usually because of interference with the electrical signal (often associated with coronary heart disease).

Cardiac catheterization - A procedure that involves inserting a fine, hollow tube (catheter) into an artery, usually in the groin area, and passing the tube into the heart. Often used along with angiography and other procedures, cardiac catheterization has become a primary tool for visualizing the heart and blood vessels and diagnosing and treating heart disease.

Cardiac enzymes - Complex substances capable of speeding up certain biochemical processes in the heart muscle. Abnormal levels of these enzymes signal heart attack.

Cardiac output - The amount of blood the heart pumps through the circulatory system in one minute.

Cardiologist - A doctor who specializes in the study of the heart and its function in health and disease.

Cardiology - The study of the heart and its function in health and disease.

Cardiomegaly - An enlarged heart. It is usually a sign of another underlying problem, such as high blood pressure, heart valve problems, or cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy - A disease of the heart muscle that leads to generalized deterioration of the muscle and its pumping ability.

Cardiopulmonary bypass - The process by which a machine is used to do the work of the heart and lungs so the heart can be stopped during surgery.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) - An emergency measure that can maintain a person's breathing and heartbeat. The person who performs CPR actually helps the patient's circulatory system by breathing into the patient's mouth to give them oxygen and by giving chest compressions to circulate the patient's blood.

Cardiovascular (CV) - Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels that make up the circulatory system.

Cardioversion - A technique of applying an electrical shock to the chest to convert an abnormal heartbeat to a normal rhythm.

Carotid artery - A major artery (right and left) in the neck supplying blood to the brain.

Cerebral embolism - A blood clot formed in one part of the body and then carried by the bloodstream to the brain, where it blocks an artery.

Cerebral hemorrhage - Bleeding within the brain resulting from a ruptured blood vessel, aneurysm, or head injury.

Cerebral thrombosis - Formation of a blood clot in an artery that supplies part of the brain.

Cerebrovascular - Pertaining to the blood vessels of the brain.

Cerebrovascular accident - Also called cerebral vascular accident, apoplexy, or stroke. Blood supply to some part of the brain is slowed or stopped, resulting in injury to brain tissue.

Cerebrovascular occlusion - The blocking or closing of a blood vessel in the brain.

Cholesterol - An oily substance that occurs naturally in the body, in animal fats and in dairy products, and that is transported in the blood. Limited amounts are essential for the normal development of cell membranes.

Cineangiography - The technique of using moving pictures to show how a special dye passes through blood vessels, allowing doctors to diagnose diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Circulatory system - Pertaining to the heart, blood vessels, and circulation of blood.

Claudication - A tiredness or pain in the arms and legs caused by an inadequate supply of oxygen to the muscles, usually due to narrowed arteries.

Collateral circulation - Blood flow through small, nearby vessels in response to blockage of a main blood vessel.

Commissurotomy -A procedure used to widen the opening of a heart valve that has been narrowed by scar tissue. First developed to correct rheumatic heart disease.

Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) - An x-ray technique that uses a computer to create cross-sectional images of the body.

Conduction system - Special muscle fibers that conduct electrical impulses throughout the heart muscle.

Congenital - Refers to conditions existing at birth.

Congenital heart defects - Malformation of the heart or of its major blood vessels present at birth.

Congestive heart failure - A condition in which the heart cannot pump all the blood returning to it, leading to a backup of blood in the vessels and an accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues, including the lungs.

Coronary arteries - Two arteries arising from the aorta that arch down over the top of the heart and divide into branches. They provide blood to the heart muscle.

Coronary artery anomaly (CAA) - A congenital defect in one or more of the coronary arteries of the heart.

Coronary artery bypass (CAB) - Surgical rerouting of blood around a diseased vessel that supplies blood to the heart. Done by grafting either a piece of vein from the leg or the artery from under the breastbone.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) - A narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The condition results from a buildup of plaque and greatly increases the risk of a heart attack.

Coronary heart disease - Disease of the heart caused by a buildup of atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries that can lead to angina pectoris or heart attack; a general term.

Coronary occlusion - An obstruction of one of the coronary arteries that hinders blood flow to the heart muscle.

Coronary thrombosis - Formation of a clot in one of the arteries carrying blood to the heart muscle. Also called coronary occlusion.

Cryoablation - The removal of tissue using an instrument called a cold probe.

Cyanosis - Blueness of the skin caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood.

Cyanotic heart disease - A birth defect of the heart that causes oxygen-poor (blue) blood to circulate to the body without first passing through the lungs.

Death rate (age-adjusted) - A death rate that has been standardized for age so different populations can be compared or the same population can be compared over time.

Deep vein thrombosis - A blood clot in a deep vein in the calf.

Defibrillator - A machine that helps restore a normal heart rhythm by delivering an electric shock.

Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) - A disease in which the body doesn't produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is needed to convert sugar and starch into the energy used in daily life.

Diastolic blood pressure - The lowest blood pressure measured in the arteries. It occurs when the heart muscle is relaxed between beats.

Digitalis - A medicine made from the leaves of the foxglove plant. Digitalis is used to treat congestive heart failure (CHF) and heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias). Digitalis can increase blood flow throughout the body and reduce swelling in the hands and ankles.

Dissecting aneurysm - A condition in which the layers of an artery separate or are torn, causing blood to flow between the layers. Dissecting aneurysms usually happen in the aorta, the large vessel that carries blood from the heart to other parts of the body.

Diuretic - A drug that lowers blood pressure by causing fluid loss. Diuretics promote urine production.

Doppler ultrasound - A technology that uses sound waves to assess blood flow within the heart and blood vessels and to identify leaking valves.

Dysarthria - A speech disorder resulting from muscular problems caused by damage to the brain or nervous system.

Dyspnea - Shortness of breath.

Echocardiography - A method of studying the heart's structure and function by analyzing sound waves bounced off the heart and recorded by an electronic sensor placed on the chest. A computer processes the information to produce a one-, two- or three-dimensional moving picture that shows how the heart and heart valves are functioning.

Edema - Swelling caused by fluid accumulation in body tissues.

Ejection fraction - A measurement of blood that is pumped out of a filled ventricle. The normal rate is 50% or more.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - A test in which several electronic sensors are placed on the body to monitor electrical activity associated with the heartbeat.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) - A test that can detect and record the brain's electrical activity. The test is done by pasting metal disks, called electrodes, to the scalp.

Electrophysiological study (EPS) - A test that uses cardiac catheterization to study patients who have arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats). An electrical current stimulates the heart in an effort to provoke an arrhythmia, which is immediately treated with medicine. EPS is used primarily to identify the origin of arrhythmias and to test the effectiveness of medicines used to treat abnormal heart rhythms.

Embolus - Also called embolism; a blood clot that forms in a blood vessel in one part of the body and travels to another part.

Endarterectomy - Surgical removal of plaque deposits or blood clots in an artery.

Endocarditis - A bacterial infection of the heart's inner lining (endothelium).

Endocardium - The smooth membrane covering the inside of the heart. The innermost lining of the heart.

Endothelium - The smooth inner lining of many body structures, including the heart (endocardium) and blood vessels.

Enlarged heart - A state in which the heart is larger than normal due to heredity, long-term heavy exercise, or diseases and disorders such as obesity, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease.

Enzyme - A complex chemical capable of speeding up specific biochemical processes in the body.

Epicardium - The thin membrane covering the outside surface of the heart muscle.

Estrogen - A female hormone produced by the ovaries that may protect premenopausal women against heart disease. Estrogen production stops after menopause.

Estrogen (or hormone) replacement therapy (ERT or HRT) - Hormones that some women may take to offset the effects of menopause.

Exercise stress test - A common test for diagnosing coronary artery disease, especially in patients who have symptoms of heart disease. The test helps doctors assess blood flow through coronary arteries in response to exercise, usually walking, at varied speeds and for various lengths of time on a treadmill. A stress test may include use of electrocardiography, echocardiography, and injected radioactive substances. Also called exercise test, stress test, or treadmill test.

Familial hypercholesterolemia - A genetic predisposition to dangerously high cholesterol levels.

Fatty acids (fats) - Substances that occur in several forms in foods; different fatty acids have different effects on lipid profiles.

Fibrillation - Rapid, uncoordinated contractions of individual heart muscle fibers. The heart chamber involved can't contract all at once and pumps blood ineffectively, if at all.

First-degree heart block - When an electrical impulse from the heart's upper chambers (the atria) is slowed as it moves through the atria and atrioventricular (AV) node.

Flutter - The rapid, ineffective contractions of any heart chamber. A flutter is considered to be more coordinated than fibrillation.

Fusiform aneurysm - A tube-shaped aneurysm that causes the artery to bulge outward. Involves the entire circumference (outside wall) of the artery.

Gated blood pool scan - An x-ray analysis of how blood pools in the heart during rest and exercise. The test makes use of a radioactive substance injected into the blood to tag or label red cells. The test provides an estimate of the heart's overall ability to pump and its ability to compensate for one or more blocked arteries. Also called MUGA, for multi-unit gated analysis.

Genetic testing - Blood tests that study a person's genes to find out if he or she is at risk for certain diseases that are passed down through family members.

Guidewire - A small, bendable wire that is threaded through an artery; it helps doctors position a catheter so they can perform angioplasty or stent procedures. The guidewire is small enough that it can be inserted into the vessel through a needle, but it is also stiff enough to be threaded "up" the artery.

Heart assist device - A mechanical device that is surgically implanted to ease the workload of the heart.

Heart attack - Death of, or damage to, part of the heart muscle caused by a lack of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

Heart block - General term for conditions in which the electrical impulse that activates the heart muscle cells is delayed or interrupted somewhere along its path.

Heart failure - See congestive heart failure.

Heart murmur -An abnormal heart sound caused by turbulent blood flow. The sound may indicate that blood is flowing through a damaged or overworked heart valve, that there may be a hole in one of the heart's walls, or that there is a narrowing in one of the heart's vessels. Some heart murmurs are a harmless type called innocent heart murmurs, which are common in children and usually do not require treatment.

Heart-lung machine - An apparatus that oxygenates and pumps blood to the body during open heart surgery.

Heredity - The genetic transmission of a particular quality or trait from parent to child.

High blood pressure - A chronic increase in blood pressure above its normal range.

High density lipoprotein (HDL) - A component of cholesterol, HDL helps protect against heart disease by promoting cholesterol breakdown and removal from the blood; hence, its nickname "good cholesterol."

Holter monitor - A portable device for recording heartbeats over a period of 24 hours or more.

Homocysteine – An amino acid (one of the building blocks that makes up a protein) normally found in small amounts in the blood. Too much homocysteine in the blood may promote the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries. For some people, high homocysteine levels are genetic. For others, it is because they do not get enough of certain B vitamins in their diet (B-12, B-6, and folic acid). Most people can keep their homocysteine levels in check by eating foods rich in B vitamins. Your doctor may also recommend a vitamin supplement. (Common misspelling: homocystine)

Hormones - Chemicals released into the bloodstream that control different functions in the body, including metabolism, growth, sexual development, and responses to stress or illness.

Hypertension - High blood pressure.

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) - An overgrown heart muscle that creates a bulge into the ventricle and impedes blood flow.

Hypertrophy - Enlargement of tissues or organs because of increased workload.

Hyperventilation - Rapid breathing usually caused by anxiety. People feel like they can't get enough air, so they breathe heavily and rapidly, which can lead to numb or tingly arms and legs, or fainting.

Hypoglycemia - Low levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Hypotension - Abnormally low blood pressure.

Hypoxia - Less than normal content of oxygen in the organs and tissues of the body.

Idiopathic - No known cause.

Immunosuppressants - Any medicine that suppresses the body's immune system. These medicines are used to minimize the chances that the body will reject a newly transplanted organ, such as a heart.

Impedance plethysmography - A noninvasive diagnostic test used to evaluate blood flow through the leg.

Incompetent valve - Also called insufficiency; a valve that is not working properly, causing it to leak blood back in the wrong direction.

Infarct - The area of heart tissue permanently damaged by an inadequate supply of oxygen.

Infective endocarditis - An infection of the heart valves and the innermost lining of the heart (the endocardium), caused by bacteria in the bloodstream.

Inferior vena cava - The large vein returning blood from the legs and abdomen to the heart.

Inotropes - Positive inotropes: Any medicine that increases the strength of the heart's contraction.  Negative inotropes: Any medicine that decreases the strength of the heart's contraction and the blood pressure in the vessels.

Intravascular echocardiography - A combination of echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. A miniature echo device on the tip of a catheter is used to generate images inside the heart and blood vessels.

Introducer sheath - A catheter-like tube that is placed inside a patient's vessel during an interventional procedure to help the doctor with insertion and proper placement of the actual catheter. Also called a sheath.

Ischemia - Decreased blood flow to an organ, usually due to constriction or obstruction of an artery.

Ischemic heart disease - Also called coronary artery disease and coronary heart disease, this term is applied to heart problems caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries, thereby causing a decreased blood supply to the heart.

Ischemic stroke - A type of stroke that is caused by blockage in a blood vessel.

Jugular veins - The veins that carry blood back from the head to the heart.

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)- A mechanical device that can be placed outside the body or implanted inside the body. An LVAD does not replace the heart—it "assists" or "helps" it pump oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body.

Lesion - An injury or wound. An atherosclerotic lesion is an injury to an artery due to hardening of the arteries.

Lipid - A fatty substance that is insoluble (cannot be dissolved) in the blood.

Lipoprotein - A lipid surrounded by a protein; the protein makes it so the lipid is soluble (can be dissolved) in the blood.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) - The body's primary cholesterol-carrying molecule. High blood levels of LDL increase a person's risk of heart disease by promoting cholesterol attachment and accumulation in blood vessels; hence, the popular nickname "bad cholesterol."

Lumen - The hollow area within a tube, such as a blood vessel.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - A technique that produces images of the heart and other body structures by measuring the response of certain elements (such as hydrogen) in the body to a magnetic field. When stimulated by radio waves, the elements emit distinctive signals in a magnetic field. MRI can produce detailed pictures of the heart and its various structures without the need to inject a dye.

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Maze surgery- A type of heart surgery that is used to treat chronic atrial fibrillation by creating a surgical "maze" of new electrical pathways to let electrical impulses travel easily through the heart. Also called the Maze procedure.

Mitral stenosis - A narrowing of the mitral valve, which controls blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber (the left atrium) to its lower left chamber (the left ventricle). May result from an inherited (congenital) problem or from rheumatic fever.

Mitral valve - The structure that controls blood flow between the heart's left atrium (upper chamber) and left ventricle (lower chamber).

Mitral valve prolapse - A condition that occurs when the leaflets of the mitral valve between the left atrium (upper chamber) and left ventricle (lower chamber) bulge into the atrium and permit backflow of blood into the atrium. The condition is often associated with progressive mitral regurgitation.

Mitral valve regurgitation - Failure of the mitral valve to close properly, causing blood to flow back into the heart's upper left chamber (the left atrium) instead of moving forward into the lower left chamber (the left ventricle).

mm Hg- An abbreviation for millimeters of mercury. Blood pressure is measured in units of mm Hg—how high the pressure inside the arteries would be able to raise a column of mercury.

Monounsaturated fats - A type of fat found in many foods but mainly in avocados and in canola, olive, and peanut oils. Monounsaturated fat tends to lower LDL cholesterol levels, and some studies suggest that it may do so without also lowering HDL cholesterol levels.

Mortality - The total number of deaths from a given disease in a population during an interval of time, usually a year.

Murmur - Noises superimposed on normal heart sounds. They are caused by congenital defects or damaged heart valves that do not close properly and allow blood to leak back into the chamber from which it has come.

Myocardial infarction - A heart attack. The damage or death of an area of the heart muscle (myocardium) resulting from a blocked blood supply to the area. The affected tissue dies, injuring the heart. Symptoms include prolonged, intensive chest pain and a decrease in blood pressure that often causes shock.

Myocardial ischemia - A part of the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen.

Myocarditis – A rare condition where the heart muscle becomes inflamed as a result of infection, toxic drug poisoning, or diseases like rheumatic fever, diphtheria, or tuberculosis.

Myocardium - The muscular wall of the heart. It contracts to pump blood out of the heart and then relaxes as the heart refills with returning blood.

Myxomatous degeneration - A connective tissue disorder that causes the heart valve tissue to weaken and lose elasticity.

Necrosis - Referring to the death of tissue within a certain area.

Nitroglycerin - A medicine that helps relax and dilate arteries; often used to treat cardiac chest pain (angina).

Noninvasive procedures - Any diagnostic or treatment procedure in which no instrument enters the body.

Obesity - The condition of being significantly overweight. It is usually applied to a condition of 30 percent or more over ideal body weight. Obesity puts a strain on the heart and can increase the chance of developing high blood pressure and diabetes.

Occluded artery - An artery in which the blood flow has been impaired by a blockage.

Open heart surgery - An operation in which the chest and heart are opened surgically while the bloodstream is diverted through a heart-lung (cardiopulmonary bypass) machine.

Pacemaker - A surgically implanted electronic device that helps regulate the heartbeat.

Palpitation - An uncomfortable feeling within the chest caused by an irregular heartbeat.

Pancreas - The organ behind the stomach that helps control blood sugar levels.

Pancreatitis - Swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas.

Paralysis -Loss of the ability to move muscles and feel in part of the body or the whole body. Paralysis may be temporary or permanent.

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) – An occasional rapid heart rate (150-250 beats per minute) that is caused by events triggered in areas above the heart’s lower chambers (the ventricles). “Paroxysmal” means from time to time. See also supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

Patent ductus arteriosus - A congenital defect in which the opening between the aorta and the pulmonary artery does not close after birth.

Patent foramen ovale - An opening between the left and right atria (the upper chambers) of the heart. Everyone has a PFO before birth, but in 1 out of every 3 or 4 people, the opening does not close naturally, as it should, after birth.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)- Any of the noninvasive procedures usually performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Angioplasty is an example of a percutaneous coronary intervention. Also called a transcatheter intervention.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) - See angioplasty.

Pericardiocentesis - A diagnostic procedure that uses a needle to withdraw fluid from the sac or membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium).

Pericarditis - Inflammation of the outer membrane surrounding the heart. When pericarditis occurs, the amount of fluid between the two layers of the pericardium increases. This increased fluid presses on the heart and restricts its pumping action.

Pericardium - The outer fibrous sac that surrounds the heart.

Plaque - A deposit of fatty (and other) substances in the inner lining of the artery wall; it is characteristic of atherosclerosis.

Platelets - One of the three types of cells found in blood; they aid in the clotting of the blood.

Polyunsaturated fat - The major fat in most vegetable oils, including corn, safflower, sunflower, and soybean oils. These oils are liquid at room temperature. Polyunsaturated fat actually tends to lower LDL cholesterol levels but may reduce HDL cholesterol levels as well.

Positron emission tomography (PET) - A test that uses information about the energy of certain elements in your body to show whether parts of the heart muscle are alive and working. A PET scan can also show if your heart is getting enough blood to keep the muscle healthy.

Premature ventricular contraction (PVC) - An early or extra heartbeat that happens when the heart's lower chambers (the ventricles) contract too soon, out of sequence with the normal heartbeat.

Prevalence - The total number of cases of a given disease that exist in a population at a specific time.

Pulmonary - Referring to the lungs and respiratory system.

Pulmonary embolism - A condition in which a blood clot that has formed elsewhere in the body travels to the lungs.

Pulmonary valve - The heart valve between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery that controls blood flow from the heart into the lungs.

Pulmonary vein - The blood vessel that carries newly oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the left atrium of the heart.

Radial artery access - Using the radial artery in the wrist as the entry point for the catheter in an angioplasty or stent procedure. Also called transradial access, the transradial approach, or transradial angioplasty.

Radionuclide imaging - A test in which a harmless radioactive substance is injected into the bloodstream to show information about blood flow through the arteries. Damaged or dead heart muscle can often be identified, as can serious narrowing in an artery.

Radionuclide studies - Any of the diagnostic tests in which a small amount of radioactive material is injected into the bloodstream. The material makes it possible for a special camera to take pictures of the heart.

Radionuclide ventriculography - A diagnostic test used to determine the size and shape of the heart's pumping chambers (the ventricles).

Regurgitation - Backward flow of blood through a defective heart valve.

Renal - Pertaining to the kidneys.

Restenosis- The re-closing or re-narrowing of an artery after an interventional procedure such as angioplasty or stent placement.

Revascularization - A procedure to restore blood flow to the tissues. Coronary artery bypass surgery is an example of a revascularization procedure.

Rheumatic fever - A disease, usually occurring in childhood, that may follow a streptococcal infection. Symptoms may include fever, sore or swollen joints, skin rash, involuntary muscle twitching, and development of nodules under the skin. If the infection involves the heart, scars may form on heart valves, and the heart's outer lining may be damaged.

Rheumatic heart disease - A disease of the heart (mainly affecting the heart's valves) caused by rheumatic fever.

Right ventricular assist device (RVAD) - A mechanical device that can be placed outside the body or implanted inside the body. An RVAD does not replace the heart—it "assists" or "helps" it pump oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Risk factor - An element or condition involving a certain hazard or danger. When referring to heart and blood vessels, a risk factor is associated with an increased chance of developing cardiovascular disease, including stroke.

Rubella - Commonly known as German measles.

Saccular aneurysm - A round aneurysm that bulges out from an artery. Involves only part of the circumference (outside wall) of the artery.

Saturated fat - Type of fat found in foods of animal origin and a few of vegetable origin; they are usually solid at room temperature. Abundant in meat and dairy products, saturated fat tends to increase LDL cholesterol levels, and it may raise the risk of certain types of cancer.

Second-degree heart block - Impulses traveling through the heart's upper chambers (the atria) are delayed in the area between the upper and lower chambers (the AV node) and fail to make the ventricles beat at the right moment.

Septal defect - A hole in the wall of the heart separating the atria or in the wall of the heart separating the ventricles.

Septum - The muscular wall dividing a chamber on the left side of the heart from the chamber on the right.

Sheath - A catheter-like tube that is placed inside a patient's vessel during an interventional procedure to help the doctor with insertion and proper placement of the actual catheter. Also called an introducer sheath.

Shock - A condition in which body function is impaired because the volume of fluid circulating through the body is insufficient to maintain normal metabolism. This may be caused by blood loss or by a disturbance in the function of the circulatory system.

Shunt - A connector that allows blood to flow between two locations.

Sick sinus syndrome - The failure of the sinus node to regulate the heart's rhythm.

Silent ischemia - Episodes of cardiac ischemia that are not accompanied by chest pain.

Sinus (SA) node - The "natural" pacemaker of the heart. The node is a group of specialized cells in the top of the right atrium which produces the electrical impulses that travel down to eventually reach the ventricular muscle, causing the heart to contract.

Sodium - A mineral essential to life found in nearly all plant and animal tissue. Table salt (sodium chloride) is nearly half sodium.

Sphygmomanometer - An instrument used to measure blood pressure.

Stem cells - Special cells in the body that are able to transform into other cells. It is possible for stem cells to transform into heart cells, nerve cells, or other cells of the body, possibly helping to improve the function of failing organs, including the heart.

Stenosis - The narrowing or constriction of an opening, such as a blood vessel or heart valve.

Stent - A device made of expandable, metal mesh that is placed (by using a balloon catheter) at the site of a narrowing artery. The stent is then expanded and left in place to keep the artery open.

Sternum - The breastbone.

Stethoscope - An instrument for listening to sounds within the body.

Stokes-Adams disease - Also called third-degree heart block; a condition that happens when the impulses that pace your heartbeat do not reach the lower chambers of your heart (the ventricles). To make up for this, the ventricles use their own "backup" pacemaker with its slower rate. This rhythm can cause severe dizziness or fainting. Stokes-Adams disease is very serious and can lead to heart failure or death.

Streptococcal infection ("strep" infection) - An infection, usually in the throat, resulting from the presence of streptococcus bacteria.

Streptokinase - A clot-dissolving medicine used to treat heart attack patients.

Stress - Bodily or mental tension resulting from physical, chemical, or emotional factors. Stress can refer to physical exertion as well as mental anxiety.

Stroke - A sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain, either by a clot or a leak in a blood vessel.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage - Bleeding from a blood vessel on the surface of the brain into the space between the brain and the skull.

Sudden death - Death that occurs unexpectedly and instantaneously or shortly after the onset of symptoms. The most common underlying reason for patients dying suddenly is cardiovascular disease, in particular coronary heart disease.

Superior vena cava - The large vein that returns blood from the head and arms to the heart.

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) - An occasional rapid heart rate (150-250 beats per minute) that is caused by events triggered in areas above the heart’s lower chambers (the ventricles); see also paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).

Syncope - A temporary, insufficient blood supply to the brain which causes a loss of consciousness. Usually caused by a serious arrhythmia.

Systolic blood pressure - The highest blood pressure measured in the arteries. It occurs when the heart contracts with each heartbeat.

Tachycardia - Accelerated beating of the heart. Paroxysmal tachycardia is a particular form of rapid heart action, occurring in seizures that may last from a few seconds to several days.

Tachypnea - Rapid breathing.

Thallium-201 stress test - An x-ray study that follows the path of radioactive potassium carried by the blood into heart muscle. Damaged or dead muscle can be defined, as can the extent of narrowing in an artery.

Third-degree heart block - Also called Stokes-Adams disease; impulses from the heart's upper chambers (the atria) are completely blocked from reaching the heart's lower chambers (the ventricles). To make up for this, the ventricles use their own "backup" pacemaker with its slower rate.

Thrombolysis - The breaking up of a blood clot.

Thrombolytic therapy - Intravenous or intra-arterial medicines that are used to dissolve blood clots in an artery.

Thrombosis - A blood clot that forms inside the blood vessel or cavity of the heart.

Thrombus - A blood clot.

Thyroid - A gland located in the front of the neck, just below the voice box.

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) - A clot-dissolving medicine that is used to treat heart attack and stroke patients.

Trans fat - Created when hydrogen is forced through an ordinary vegetable oil (hydrogenation), converting some polyunsaturates to monounsaturates, and some monounsaturates to saturates. Trans fat, like saturated fat, tends to raise LDL cholesterol levels, and, unlike saturated fat, trans fat also lowers HDL cholesterol levels at the same time.

Transcatheter intervention - Any of the noninvasive procedures usually performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Angioplasty is an example of a transcatheter intervention. Also called a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Transesophageal echocardiography - A diagnostic test that analyzes sound waves bounced off the heart. The sound waves are sent through a tube-like device inserted in the mouth and passed down the esophagus (food pipe), which ends near the heart. This technique is useful in studying patients whose heart and vessels, for various reasons, are difficult to assess with standard echocardiography.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) - A stroke-like event that lasts only for a short time and is caused by a temporarily blocked blood vessel.

Transplantation - Replacing a failing organ with a healthy one from a donor.

Tricuspid valve - The structure that controls blood flow from the heart's upper right chamber (the right atrium) into the lower right chamber (the right ventricle).

Triglyceride - The most common fatty substance found in the blood; normally stored as an energy source in fat tissue. High triglyceride levels may thicken the blood and make a person more susceptible to clot formation. High triglyceride levels tend to accompany high cholesterol levels and other risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity.

Ultrasound - High-frequency sound vibrations, which cannot be heard by the human ear, used in medical diagnosis.

Valve replacement - An operation to replace a heart valve that is either blocking normal blood flow or causing blood to leak backward into the heart (regurgitation).

Valvuloplasty - Reshaping of a heart valve with surgical or catheter techniques.

Varicose vein - Any vein that is abnormally dilated (widened).

Vascular - Pertaining to the blood vessels.

Vasodilators - Any medicine that dilates (widens) the arteries.

Vasopressors - Any medicine that elevates blood pressure.

Vein - Any one of a series of blood vessels of the vascular system that carries blood from various parts of the body back to the heart, returning oxygen-poor blood to the heart.

Ventricle (right and left) - One of the two lower chambers of the heart.

Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) - A mechanical pump that helps the ventricles pump blood, easing the workload of the heart in patients with heart failure.

Ventricular fibrillation - A condition in which the ventricles contract in a rapid, unsynchronized fashion. When fibrillation occurs, the ventricles cannot pump blood throughout the body.

Ventricular tachycardia - An arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) in the ventricle characterized by a very fast heartbeat.

Vertigo - A feeling of dizziness or spinning.

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome - A condition in which an extra electrical pathway connects the atria (two upper chambers) and the ventricles (two lower chambers). It may cause a rapid heartbeat.

X-ray - Form of radiation used to create a picture of internal body structures on film.