Term
A-fib (Atrial Fibrillation)
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Definition
| A-fib is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to poor blood flow. The atria (upper chambers of the heart) beat chaotically, which can increase the risk of stroke and heart-related complications. |
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Term
AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
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Definition
| An AED is a portable device that can detect life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and deliver an electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm, typically used during sudden cardiac arrest. |
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Term
CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft)
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Definition
| CABG is a surgical procedure that improves blood flow to the heart by using a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body to bypass a blocked coronary artery, restoring oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart muscle. |
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Term
CAD (Coronary Artery Disease)
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Definition
| CAD is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of plaque, reducing blood flow to the heart. It is the most common cause of heart attacks. |
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Term
Card cath, CC (Cardiac Catheterization)
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Definition
| Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions by inserting a thin tube (catheter) into the heart through blood vessels, often used to examine blockages or perform treatments like angioplasty. |
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Term
CVI (Chronic Venous Insufficiency)
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Definition
| CVI occurs when veins in the legs don’t allow blood to flow back properly to the heart, causing blood to pool in the veins. This can lead to symptoms such as swelling, varicose veins, and skin changes. |
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Term
EKG, ECG (Electrocardiogram)
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Definition
An EKG (or ECG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the myocardium to detect abnormalities in heart rhythm, structure, or function. |
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Term
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Definition
| Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is too high, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. |
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Term
ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator)
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Definition
An ICD is a device implanted in the chest or abdomen to monitor heart rhythm and deliver shocks if dangerous arrhythmias are detected, preventing sudden cardiac arrest.
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Term
MI (Myocardial Infarction)
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Definition
| A myocardial infarction, or heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. This is often caused by a blockage in one or more coronary arteries. |
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Term
PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease)
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Definition
PAD is a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, commonly the legs. It can cause leg pain and increase the risk of heart disease or stroke. |
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Term
PVD (Peripheral Vascular Disease)
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Definition
PVD is a circulation disorder that affects blood vessels outside the heart and brain, often causing reduced blood flow to the arms and legs, leading to pain or cramping. |
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Term
TPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator)
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Definition
Tpa is a clot-dissolving medication used in the treatment of stroke or heart attack by breaking down blood clots that obstruct blood flow to vital organs. |
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Term
TST (Treadmill Stress Test)
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Definition
| A TST is a diagnostic test that involves walking on a treadmill while monitoring heart activity to assess how the heart functions during physical stress. |
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Term
V-fib (Ventricular Fibrillation)
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Definition
| V-fib is a life-threatening arrhythmia in which the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) quiver instead of pumping blood effectively, often leading to cardiac arrest. |
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Term
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Definition
| Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. It primarily affects older adults and is the most common cause of dementia. |
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Term
ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
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Definition
| ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually respiratory failure. |
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Term
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
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Definition
| ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness that interfere with daily functioning or development. |
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Term
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Definition
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, or posture, caused by damage to the developing brain, typically before or at birth. |
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Term
CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid)
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Definition
| Cerebrospinal fluid is the clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and acting as a medium for nutrient and waste exchange. |
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Term
EEG (Electroencephalogram)
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Definition
| An EEG is a diagnostic test that records electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp, often used to detect seizures, brain disorders, or sleep disturbances. |
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Term
ICP (Intracranial Pressure)
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Definition
| Intracranial pressure refers to the pressure inside the skull and brain. Elevated ICP can result from head injury, brain swelling, or other neurological conditions and can lead to serious complications if not managed. |
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Term
LOC (Level of Consciousness)
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Definition
| Level of consciousness refers to a person's state of awareness, ranging from full alertness to deep coma. It is often used to assess a patient's neurological function after injury or illness. |
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Term
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Definition
| A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, is a medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic testing, often used to diagnose conditions like meningitis or multiple sclerosis. |
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Term
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Definition
| Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to damage to the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and difficulty with coordination. |
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Term
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
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Definition
| Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to damage to the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and difficulty with coordination. |
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Term
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
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Definition
| PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is characterized by flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. |
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Term
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Definition
| A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, or consciousness. Seizures can vary in severity and are often associated with epilepsy. |
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Term
TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)
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Definition
A TIA, or mini-stroke, occurs when there is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms that resolve within a few minutes to hours without permanent damage.
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