Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels, Blood Pressure, and Heart Conditions

Aneurysm

When part of artery weakens. It can abnormally balloon outward and rupture.

Arteriosclerosis

When arteries become thick and stiff. (hardening of the arteries)

Atheroma

Deposits of small fatty nodules on the inner walls of the arteries.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls. This buildup is called plaque.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries.

Hypertension

High blood pressure.

Hypotension

Low blood pressure.

Diastolic

Measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

Systolic

Measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

When arteries that supply the heart (coronary arteries) are blocked and struggle to send enough blood, oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle.

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

Any disease or disorder of the circulatory system outside of the brain and heart.

Hyperlipidemia

An elevated level of lipids — like cholesterol and triglycerides — in your blood.

Phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein; often in the leg.

Thrombophlebitis

One or more blood clots in a vein that causes inflammation.

Cardiac

Pertaining to the heart.

Cardiothoracic

Pertaining to the heart and chest.

Cardiovascular

Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.

Endocardium

The inner layer of the heart.

Hypertrophy

An overgrowth or overdevelopment.

Idiopathic

Relating to a disease or condition for which the cause is unknown.

Myocardium

The middle layer of the heart composed of muscle that contracts to make the heart beat.

Necrosis

Death of living tissue (usually localized or in one place).

Orthostatic

Caused by an upright posture.

Pericardium

Outer layer that surrounds and protects the heart.

Stenosis

A narrowing the diameter of a bodily passage or orifice.

Thoracic

Pertaining to the chest.