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CARDIOVASCULAR AND PULMONARY LEGAL GLOSSARY |
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Glossary of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Terms
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Ejection Fraction: The percentage of blood
filling the left ventricle during each heartbeat that flows out of the ventricle
into the body's circulatory system. This reading is a direct measure of the
"pumping" capability of the heart. Damaged/diseased hearts may have an
ejection fraction below 50%.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): A method of recording the electrical impulses given
off by the heart as it beats. This may be done while resting or exercising.
Electrocautery: The use of electrical currents to stop bleeding during surgery.
Electrode: Transmits or receives electrical impulses from one point to another.
Electrogram (EGM): A picture of the electrical activity of the heart as sensed
from within the heart. This is different from an ECG, which is a picture of your
heart's electrical activity sensed from the surface of your skin.
Electromagnetic Field: Invisible lines of force that are the result of the use
of electricity, such as anything plugged into an outlet or operated by a
battery.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): Produced by an electromagnetic field -- if
strong enough, it may interfere with the operation of an AICD system. This
happens only on very rare occasions.
Electrophysiology (EP) Test or Study: An observation and measurement of the
electrical impulses running through the heart as it beats. This test can help a
doctor to recognize abnormal heart rhythms, to determine the origin of
arrhythmias and to determine how well medicines are working. A doctor may also
use the test to observe the implantable defibrillator to see how well it
functions during an abnormal heart rhythm.
Endocardial: The inside surface of the heart. Endocardial leads are inserted
into the heart through the veins.
Endocardial Lead: A long, thin insulated wire that runs from a pulse generator
through a vein into the heart. The lead transmits signals from the heart to the
pulse generator and transmits therapy from the pulse generator to the heart.
Epicardial: The outside surface of the heart. Epicardial leads are placed on the
heart during open-chest surgery.
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 percent or more.
Electrocardiogram: A test in which several
electronic sensors are placed on the body to monitor electrical activity
associated with the heartbeat.
Electroencephalogram: 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: 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.
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.
Endocarditis: A bacterial infection of the
heart's inner lining (endothelium).
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 Replacement Therapy: 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.
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