Heart Health Glossary

Widely prescribed for high blood pressure, heart failure, and following a heart attack to protect the heart muscle and improve long-term outcomes.

A first-line drug in cardiac arrest resuscitation and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Given by injection, often by paramedics or in the emergency department.

Very effective but requires careful monitoring as it can affect the thyroid, lungs, and liver over time. Regular blood tests and check-ups are needed.

Many aortic aneurysms are detected incidentally on scans. Small ones are monitored with regular imaging; large ones may require surgery or an endovascular repair.

A warning sign of coronary artery disease. New or worsening angina — particularly at rest — requires urgent medical assessment as it may indicate an unstable condition or impending heart attack.

The gold standard for detecting blockages in the coronary arteries. Often combined with treatment (stenting) in the same procedure if a blockage is found.

Restores blood flow to the heart muscle and can prevent or limit damage during a heart attack. A minimally invasive alternative to bypass surgery for many patients.

Diseases of the aorta — including aneurysm and dissection — can be life-threatening. The aortic valve sits at its base and regulates flow from the heart into it.

Aortic stenosis (narrowing) is the most common valve disease in adults over 65. Severe cases cause breathlessness, chest pain, and fainting — and may require valve replacement via TAVI or open surgery.

Some arrhythmias are harmless. Others — particularly ventricular arrhythmias — can be life-threatening and require prompt treatment. An ECG is the key diagnostic tool.

The underlying cause of most heart attacks and strokes. Develops silently over decades. Modifiable risk factors — smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes — all accelerate it.

AF increases stroke risk by up to five times because blood can pool and clot in the atria. Most patients require anticoagulation (blood thinners) and rate or rhythm control treatment.

Used to prevent repeat heart attacks and strokes in people with established cardiovascular disease. Increases bleeding risk, so should only be taken long-term on medical advice.

Like atrial fibrillation, flutter increases stroke risk and usually requires anticoagulation. Catheter ablation is highly effective for typical flutter, with success rates over 90%. Often coexists with AF.

Used to treat angina, heart failure, high blood pressure, and arrhythmias. After a heart attack, beta blockers improve long-term survival. Should not be stopped suddenly without medical advice.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading modifiable risk factors for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease — often with no symptoms at all, which is why regular monitoring is important.

Elevated levels suggest the heart is working under strain. Helps doctors decide whether breathlessness is cardiac in origin and how well heart failure treatment is working.

Symptomatic bradycardia (causing dizziness, breathlessness or blackouts) may require a pacemaker. Some medications — including beta blockers — can slow the heart too much in susceptible individuals.

Recommended for patients with multiple vessel disease or blockages not suitable for stenting. Restores blood flow to the heart muscle and can significantly reduce angina and improve survival.

A cornerstone treatment for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, where it significantly improves survival. Also used for hypertension, angina, and rate control in atrial fibrillation. Should never be stopped abruptly — always wean under medical supervision.

New LBBB can be a sign of a heart attack or cardiomyopathy. Patients with LBBB and heart failure may benefit from cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT). RBBB is often an incidental finding with less clinical significance.

A medical emergency requiring immediate CPR and defibrillation. Every minute without treatment reduces survival by around 10%. Not the same as a heart attack — though a heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest.

Strong evidence shows cardiac rehab reduces readmission rates and improves quality of life. Offered by most hospitals — ask your cardiologist or GP for a referral if you have not been enrolled.

Can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and in some cases sudden cardiac death. Some forms are inherited — family screening is often recommended when a diagnosis is made.

Often used to treat atrial fibrillation or flutter. Success rates are high but the rhythm may revert. Patients usually need anticoagulation before and after the procedure to reduce stroke risk.

High LDL cholesterol accelerates atherosclerosis. Most people with heart disease or high risk are treated with statins to lower LDL and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The combination of aspirin and clopidogrel (dual antiplatelet therapy or DAPT) is essential after coronary stenting to prevent the stent from clotting. Do not stop without consulting your cardiologist.

The leading cause of heart attacks and angina. Managed with lifestyle changes, medications, angioplasty/stenting, or bypass surgery depending on the extent of disease.

Increasingly used as an alternative to invasive angiogram for patients with lower-risk chest pain. Excellent at ruling out significant coronary disease. Also measures the calcium score.

Immediate CPR can double or triple survival rates from cardiac arrest. Anyone can learn it — compression-only CPR (hands only, no rescue breaths) is equally effective and easier for bystanders.

An excellent predictor of future cardiovascular events. A zero score in an intermediate-risk patient may allow deferral of statin therapy. A high score indicates significant subclinical atherosclerosis even before symptoms develop.

Among the most widely prescribed blood pressure medications. Amlodipine is often used as a first or second-line agent. Common side effects include ankle swelling and flushing. Rate-limiting types should not be combined with beta blockers without specialist advice.

The gateway to most interventional cardiology procedures — stenting, TAVI, ablation, and more. Performed under local anaesthetic. Most patients go home the same or next day. The wrist (radial) approach is now preferred over the groin (femoral) as it is safer and more comfortable.

Defibrillation is the only effective treatment for ventricular fibrillation (VF). AEDs are now widely available in public places — using one within 3–5 minutes of collapse can save a life.

Diabetes significantly increases the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. Tight blood sugar control, combined with cardiovascular risk management, is essential.

Essential for managing fluid overload in heart failure (causing swollen ankles and breathlessness) and for lowering blood pressure. Regular monitoring of kidney function and potassium levels is needed.

One of the most common symptoms of heart failure, valve disease, and coronary artery disease. New or worsening breathlessness warrants prompt medical assessment.

DVT can lead to pulmonary embolism (PE) — a potentially fatal complication. Risk is increased by immobility, recent surgery, cancer, and certain clotting disorders. Treated with anticoagulation for 3–6 months typically.

Used for rate control in atrial fibrillation and in selected heart failure patients. Has a narrow therapeutic window — too much causes toxicity. Regular blood level monitoring is important.

Causes heart failure and increases arrhythmia risk. Can be caused by viral infection, excessive alcohol, certain chemotherapy drugs, or inherited genetic mutations. Modern treatment can lead to significant recovery of heart function.

An integral part of every echocardiogram — used to assess valve function, measure pressures within the heart, and evaluate blood flow through vessels. Also used in vascular studies of the carotid arteries and legs.

The most important non-invasive cardiac imaging test. Measures ejection fraction, detects valve disease, pericardial effusions, and structural abnormalities. Safe, painless, and no radiation.

One of the most important diagnostic tools in cardiology. Can detect arrhythmias, heart attacks (STEMI), heart enlargement, and many other conditions instantly at the bedside.

A key indicator of heart pump function. Reduced ejection fraction (below 40%) indicates systolic heart failure and guides treatment decisions including medications and device therapy (ICD, CRT).

A life-threatening condition requiring 4–6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. Can cause valve destruction, heart failure, stroke, and septic emboli. Good dental hygiene is important for prevention.

Often undiagnosed. Affects 1 in 250 people. If you have high cholesterol, a strong family history of early heart disease, or a first-degree relative with FH — ask your doctor about genetic testing. Statins and PCSK9 inhibitors are highly effective.

A key symptom to monitor in heart failure. Rapid weight gain (more than 2kg in 2 days) often signals worsening fluid retention and should prompt contact with your heart failure team.

A cornerstone of heart failure management. IV furosemide is used in hospital for acute decompensated heart failure. Regular oral use requires monitoring of kidney function and potassium levels — low potassium can trigger dangerous arrhythmias.

If chest pain does not resolve after two doses of GTN spray (5 minutes apart), call an ambulance immediately. Common side effects include headache and dizziness — sit down before use.

A medical emergency — call an ambulance immediately for chest pain, breathlessness, or sweating. Time to treatment is critical: every minute of delay causes more heart muscle damage. Most heart attacks are treated with emergency stenting.

Complete heart block causes dangerously slow heart rates and requires a pacemaker. Some degree of block is a side effect of certain medications (beta blockers, digoxin) that may need dose adjustment.

Symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue, and swollen ankles. Modern treatments — including ACE inhibitors/ARNIs, beta blockers, MRAs, and SGLT2 inhibitors — significantly improve outcomes and quality of life when used together.

Useful when symptoms — palpitations, dizziness, or blackouts — are not happening at the time of a standard ECG. Patients keep a diary of symptoms to correlate with the heart trace.

The single most important modifiable risk factor for stroke and one of the most important for heart attack and kidney disease. Treated with lifestyle changes and/or medication — most people need more than one medication to reach target.

One of the most common causes of sudden cardiac death in young people and athletes. Diagnosed by echocardiogram or MRI. Family members should be screened as it is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.

Low HDL (below 1.0 mmol/L in men, 1.2 mmol/L in women) is an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Regular aerobic exercise is one of the best ways to raise HDL.

Recommended for patients with very low ejection fraction or those at high risk of sudden cardiac death. Patients with ICDs should carry a device card and inform medical staff before procedures involving magnets or certain scans.

Detecting and relieving ischaemia before it causes permanent damage is a central goal of cardiac investigation. Stress testing and CTCA are used to identify areas of the heart with inadequate blood supply.

Too low an INR means the blood is not thin enough — clot and stroke risk increases. Too high means the blood is too thin — bleeding risk increases. Warfarin dose is adjusted to keep INR in the target range.

An elevated JVP is a clinical sign of right heart failure or fluid overload. One of the key bedside findings doctors look for when assessing heart failure patients.

The leading cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. Early treatment with aspirin and IVIG is highly effective. Children who develop coronary aneurysms require long-term cardiac follow-up.

Lower is better, particularly in high-risk patients. International guidelines recommend LDL below 1.4 mmol/L for patients with established cardiovascular disease. Statins, ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitors are the main treatments.

Predisposes to a dangerous arrhythmia called torsades de pointes, which can cause sudden cardiac death. Many common medications can prolong the QT — always inform your cardiologist of all medications you take.

Severe mitral regurgitation or stenosis can lead to heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Many cases are now treated with minimally invasive procedures (MitraClip) rather than open surgery.

Being told you have a murmur can sound alarming — but the majority are innocent. An echocardiogram is usually done to determine whether the murmur has a structural cause needing treatment or monitoring.

Presents with chest pain, breathlessness, and elevated troponin — mimicking a heart attack. Cardiac MRI is the best diagnostic tool. Most patients recover fully with rest, but some develop ongoing cardiomyopathy.

Still a serious event requiring urgent hospital admission and usually angiography within 24–72 hours. Diagnosed by a rise in troponin blood tests. May be treated with stenting or managed with medications depending on findings.

Doctors often ask how many pillows you need to sleep — an increasing number is a sign of worsening heart failure. Contact your heart failure team promptly if you notice this change.

Patients with pacemakers should carry their device card at all times. Certain procedures (MRI scans, some dental treatments, electrocautery) require specific precautions — always inform healthcare providers that you have a pacemaker.

Often benign (caused by anxiety, caffeine, or ectopic beats) but can indicate arrhythmias requiring treatment. Palpitations associated with dizziness, chest pain, or blackout warrant urgent assessment.

The primary treatment for heart attacks and severe angina. In a STEMI heart attack, the goal is to perform PCI within 90 minutes of first medical contact. Most patients go home the following day.

Usually responds well to anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen and colchicine). Strenuous exercise should be avoided until inflammation resolves. Recurrence is common — compliance with full treatment duration is important.

Causes progressive breathlessness, fatigue and right heart failure. Often diagnosed late as symptoms are non-specific. Requires specialist assessment. PAH has targeted vasodilator therapies that significantly improve quality of life and prognosis.

A prolonged QT interval predisposes to dangerous arrhythmias. Many common medications (antibiotics, antihistamines, antidepressants) can prolong the QT — always disclose all medications to your cardiologist.

Recommended for heart failure patients with low ejection fraction and abnormal electrical conduction (broad QRS/LBBB) despite optimal medications. Can dramatically improve symptoms, exercise capacity, and survival.

The radial approach is now the standard in most cardiac catheterisation laboratories. It reduces bleeding complications, allows patients to sit up and walk immediately after the procedure, and is associated with lower mortality in heart attack patients.

Requires 2–4 hours of bed rest after the procedure to prevent bleeding from the puncture site. Patients should report any swelling, bruising, or leg pain after discharge as these can indicate a vascular complication needing treatment.

Non-modifiable risk factors include age, sex, and family history. Addressing multiple risk factors simultaneously — rather than treating them in isolation — provides the greatest cardiovascular protection.

Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by 25–35% in high-risk patients. Muscle aches are the most common side effect — if these occur, tell your doctor. Switching to a different statin or lowering the dose often resolves the problem.

Call 000 (Australia) or 999 (UK) immediately for suspected STEMI. Treatment involves emergency PCI within 90 minutes of diagnosis. Time lost is heart muscle lost.

After a stent is placed, dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin + clopidogrel or ticagrelor) is essential — usually for 6–12 months — to prevent the stent from clotting. Never stop these medications without consulting your cardiologist.

Remember FAST — Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services. A TIA is a major warning sign — up to 20% of patients will have a full stroke within 90 days without treatment.

Blackout without warning, during exercise, or with a family history of sudden cardiac death requires urgent cardiac investigation. Driving restrictions may apply — check with your doctor and relevant licensing authority.

A cornerstone of heart failure treatment — proven to reduce mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Also used in resistant hypertension. Requires regular monitoring of potassium and kidney function.

Causes sudden-onset palpitations with heart rates of 150–250 bpm, sometimes with dizziness or chest tightness. Often terminates with Valsalva manoeuvre (bearing down) or cold water on the face. Catheter ablation is curative in over 95% of typical AVNRT cases.

Transformed the treatment of severe aortic stenosis in older or high-risk patients who previously could not tolerate open surgery. Now also used in younger, lower-risk patients at selected centres. Most patients are discharged within 2–3 days.

A rise in troponin — particularly a rise and fall pattern — confirms myocardial injury. However, troponin can also be mildly elevated in other conditions (heart failure, pulmonary embolism, kidney disease). The clinical picture always matters alongside the number.

Very high levels (above 10 mmol/L) can cause pancreatitis. Lifestyle modification (reducing sugar, alcohol, and refined carbohydrates) is the most effective treatment.

Safe, painless, and produces no radiation. Can be performed at the bedside. The echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound) is the single most informative non-invasive cardiac test available.

Only defibrillation restores the rhythm. Survival depends on immediate CPR and defibrillation. Patients who survive VF are at high risk of recurrence and usually require an ICD implant.

Sustained VT can cause haemodynamic collapse and degenerate into VF. Treated acutely with cardioversion or medication. Long-term management includes antiarrhythmic drugs, ICD implantation, or catheter ablation.

Mild valve disease is common and often needs only monitoring with regular echocardiograms. Severe valve disease causes symptoms and increases cardiac risk — surgical or catheter-based repair or replacement is highly effective.

Still the anticoagulant of choice for patients with mechanical heart valves. For most other patients with AF, NOACs are now preferred as they are equally effective without needing regular blood tests. Many foods and medications interact with warfarin — always check before starting anything new.

Can cause rapid, potentially dangerous arrhythmias. Catheter ablation of the accessory pathway is curative in over 95% of cases. Certain medications (AV nodal blockers like verapamil) can be dangerous in WPW with AF — always inform your cardiologist.

Can detect cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs from heart failure), pleural effusion, and pneumonia. A quick first-line investigation in any patient presenting with breathlessness or chest pain.

Allows the surgeon to achieve complete coronary revascularisation using fewer graft conduits. Arterial Y-grafts have excellent long-term patency rates — often remaining open for 20+ years compared to vein grafts.

Bifurcation lesions are among the most technically challenging in interventional cardiology. Various techniques exist (provisional, crush, culotte) — the choice depends on the size and angle of the branch vessel. Often requires IVUS guidance for optimal results.

An exaggerated or steep Y-descent is a clinical sign of constrictive pericarditis or restrictive cardiomyopathy. A blunted Y-descent may indicate tricuspid stenosis.

A zero calcium score is associated with very low cardiovascular event risk over the following 10 years. In intermediate-risk patients, it may allow deferral of statin therapy. However, it does not completely exclude the possibility of soft (non-calcified) plaque.