Atrial Fibrillation

An irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to poor blood flow. 

Automated External Defibrillator

Portable device that can detect life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and deliver an electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

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.

Coronary Artery Disease

The narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of plaque, reducing blood flow to the heart (most common cause of heart attacks)

Cardiac Catheterization

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

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Occurs when the veins in the legs don't allow blood to flow back properly to the heart, causing blood to pool in the veins. Can lead to symptoms: swelling, varicose veins, skin changes

Electrocardiogram

A test that measures the electrical activity of the myocardium to detect abnormalities in heart rhythm, structure, or function

Hypertension

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

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

Device implanted in the chest or abdomen to monitor heart rhythm and deliver shocks if dangerous arrhythmias are detected, preventing sudden cardiac arrest

Myocardial Infarction

(Heart attack) Occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. Often caused by a blockage in one or more coronary arteries

Peripheral Artery Disease

Condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, commonly the legs. Can cause leg pain and increase the risk of heart disease or stroke

Peripheral Vascular Disease

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

Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Clot-dissolving medication is used in the treatment of stroke or heart attack by breaking down blood clots that obstruct blood flow to vital organs

Treadmill Stress Test

Diagnostic test that involves walking on a treadmill while monitoring heart activity to assess how the heart functions during physical stress

Ventricular Fibrillation

Life-threatening arrhythmia in which the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) quiver instead of pumping blood effectively, often leading to cardiac arrest

Pons 

(part of the brainstem)

Vagus nerve

(cranial nerve)

Alzheimer's Disease

Progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

aka Lou Gehrig's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually respiratory failure

Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder

Neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness that interfere with daily functioning or development

Cerebral Palsy

Group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, or posture, caused by damage to the developing brain, typically before or at birth

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and acting as a medium for nutrient and waste exchange 

Electroencephalogram

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

Intracranial Pressure

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 is not managed

Level of Consciousness

Refers to a person's state of awareness, ranging from full alertness to deep coma. Often used to assess a patient's neurological function after injury or illness

Lumbar Puncture

(spinal tap) Medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic testing

Multiple Sclerosis

Chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to damage to the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers, causing symptoms: fatigue, weakness, difficulty with coordination

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Mental health disorders characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform to reduce anxiety

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event

Seizure

Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movement, feelings, or consciousness

Transient Ischemic Attack

(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 w/o permanent damage