A device implanted in a vessel used to help keep it open.

The breastbone.

Mental or physical tension that results from physical, emotional, or chemical causes.

The sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain.

Death that occurs unexpectedly and from 1 to 24 hours after the onset of symptoms, with or without known preexisting conditions.

Light-headedness or fainting caused by insufficient blood supply to the brain.

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood from the chambers into the arteries.

When the heart contracts

Abnormally rapid heart beat.

Abnormally rapid breathing.

A study in which radioactive potassium is carried by the blood and the progress is followed by x-ray pictures.

Local coagulation or clotting of the blood in a part of the circulatory system.

A diagnostic test using an ultrasound device that is passed into the esophagus of the patient to create a clear image of the heart muscle and other parts of the heart.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is like a stroke, producing similar symptoms, but usually lasting only a few minutes and causing no permanent damage. Often called a mini stroke, a transient ischemic attack may be a warning.

The three-segmented valve of the heart that keeps blood in the right ventricle from flowing back into the right atrium

An ester formed from glycerol and three fatty acid groups. Triglycerides are the main constituents of natural fats and oils.

A condition that affects only girls and women, results from a missing or incomplete X chromosome.

The use of ultrasonic waves for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, specifically to image an internal body structure and monitor a developing fetus.

Pertaining to blood vessels.

Vasodilators are also known as nitrates. Relaxes blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload. Prescribed to patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors; another type of medicine that relaxes the blood vessels. Commonly prescribed include: Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil), Nesiritide (Natrecor), Hydralazine (Apresoline), nitrates and Minoxidil.

Any of the tubes forming part of the blood circulation system of the body, carrying mainly oxygen-depleted blood toward the heart.

Each of the two main chambers of the heart, left and right.

An implantable mechanical pump that helps pump blood from the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles) to the rest of the body. When placed in the left ventricle they are called left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). When placed in the right ventricle they are called right ventricular assist devices (RVADs).

A dizzying sensation of tilting within stable surroundings or of being in tilting or spinning surroundings.

A test that produces images of the structures inside the body.