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ablation - elimination or removal. Ablation also refers to a procedure that eliminates extra electrical pathways within the heart that cause fast or irregular heart rhythms.
ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor - a medication that opens up blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood forward to the body; also used to lower blood pressure.
acyanotic - refers to a group of congenital heart defects in which there is a normal amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, giving a pink color to the lips and nailbeds.
analgesic - any medication intended to alleviate pain.
anastomosis - a surgical connection, often between two blood vessels.
anesthesia - medication administered for the relief of pain and sensation during surgery.
anesthesiologist - a physician who specializes in administering medications or other agents that prevent or relieve pain, especially during surgery.
aneurysm - a thin, weakened area in a blood vessel or area of the heart.
angiography - an x-ray study that uses dye injected into arteries to study blood circulation.
angioplasty - a non-surgical procedure for treating narrowed arteries.
antibiotic - medication used to treat infection.
anticoagulant - a medication that keeps blood from clotting.
antihypertensive - a medication that lowers blood pressure.
aorta - the largest artery in the body and the primary blood vessel which carries oxygenated blood out of the heart to the rest of the body.
aortic arch - the curved portion of the aorta (the large blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body).
aortic regurgitation - backwards leakage of blood from the aorta, through a weakened aortic valve, and into the left ventricle, resulting in stress in the left heart and inadequate blood flow to the body.
aortic stenosis - narrowing of the opening of the aortic valve (the valve that regulates blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta).
aortic valve - the valve that regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta.
arrhythmia (Also called dysrhythmia.) - a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat.
arterioles - small branches of arteries.
arteriosclerosis - commonly called "hardening of the arteries;" a variety of conditions caused by fatty or calcium deposits in the artery walls causing them to thicken.
artery - a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body.
asplenia - absence of the spleen, either from improper development before birth, or due to the surgical removal of the spleen resulting from injury or disease.
asymmetry - lacking symmetry; parts of the body are unequal in shape or size.
atresia - inadequate development of an organ or part of an organ during pregnancy.
atrial fibrillation - a very fast and irregular beating of the atria (the upper two chambers of the heart).
atrial flutter - a very fast beating of the atria (the upper two chambers of the heart).
atrial septal defect (ASD) - a hole in the wall between the right and left atria (the two upper chambers of the heart).
atrial septum - the wall between the right and left atria (the two upper chambers of the heart).
atrioventricular block - an interruption of the electrical signal between the atria and the ventricles.
atrioventricular canal - refers to a congenital heart defect involving an opening low in the atrial septum, an opening high in the ventricular septum, and abnormal development of the mitral and/or tricuspid valves.
atrioventricular (AV) node - a cluster of cells between the atria and ventricles that regulate the electrical current.
atrium (atria pl.) - one of two upper chambers in the heart.
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bacterial endocarditis - a bacterial infection of the valves and interior surfaces of the heart.
balloon angioplasty - a procedure usually done in the cardiac catheterization laboratory that uses a catheter (tube) with a balloon in the tip to open up a narrowed valve or blood vessel.
beta blocker - a medication that limits the activity of epinephrine (a hormone that increases blood pressure).
bicuspid - a valve that has two leaflets.
bilateral - affecting both sides.
biopsy - a procedure in which tissue samples are removed from the body for microscopic examination to establish a diagnosis.
blood clot - a thick, gelled mass of blood.
blood pressure - pressure of blood against the walls of a blood vessel or heart chamber.
blood pressure cuff - a device usually placed around the upper portion of the arm to measure blood pressure.
bone graft - a transplant of bone taken from one area to another area.
brachycephaly - disproportionate shortness of the head.
brady - suffix meaning slow.
bradycardia - abnormally slow heartbeat.
bundle-branch block - a condition in which the heart's electrical system is unable to normally conduct the electrical signal.
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calcium channel blocker - a medication that lowers blood pressure.
capillaries - tiny blood vessels between arteries and veins that distribute oxygen-rich blood to the body.
cardiac - pertaining to the heart.
cardiac arrest - the stopping of heartbeat.
cardiac catheterization - a diagnostic procedure in which a tiny, hollow tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery or vein in order to evaluate the heart and blood vessels.
cardiac output - total amount of blood being pumped by the heart over a particular period of time.
cardiologist - a physician who specializes in the medical evaluation and treatment of heart diseases.
cardiology - the clinical study and practice of treating the heart.
cardiomyopathy - a disease of the heart muscle that causes it to lose its pumping strength.
cardiovascular (CV) - pertaining to the heart and blood vessel (circulatory) system.
cardioversion - the procedure of applying electrical shock to the chest to change an abnormal heartbeat into a normal one.
carotid artery - the major arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain.
catheter - a small, thin tube; may refer to a tube used during a cardiac catheterization procedure to inject dye, obtain blood samples, and measure pressures inside the heart; may also refer to a flexible tube used to drain fluid from or inject into the body.
cholesterol - a substance normally made by the body, but also found in foods from animal sources, like beef, eggs, and butter. Too much cholesterol in the body can lead to narrowing and blockage of the arteries, especially those that feed the heart and keep it healthy. High cholesterol can also cause the formation of gallstones. Ideally, blood cholesterol levels should be less than 200mg/dL.
cineangiography - the procedure of taking moving pictures to show the passage of dye through blood vessels.
circulatory system - pertaining to the heart and blood vessels, and the circulation of blood.
closed heart surgery - an operation that repairs problems involving the blood vessels attached to the heart, and may not need the use of the heart-lung bypass machine.
coarctation of the aorta - a congenital heart defect that results in narrowing of the aorta.
collateral vessels - new blood vessels that are created by the body to provide extra blood flow to an area when the blood vessel(s) that are already there are too small, narrowed, or blocked.
computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
conduction system - the electrical system inside the heart that stimulates the heart to beat.
congenital - present at birth.
congenital heart defect - a heart problem present at birth, caused by improper development of the heart during fetal development.
congenital heart disease - see congenital heart defect.
congestive heart failure - a condition in which the heart cannot pump out all of the blood that enters it, which leads to an accumulation of blood in the vessels leading to the heart and fluid in the body tissues. Excess blood in the pulmonary (lung) blood vessels can also occur, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs.
coronal suture - the joining line (suture) between the frontal and parietal bones of the skull that crosses the top of the skull from temple to temple.
coronary arteries - two arteries that come from the aorta to provide blood to the heart muscle.
craniofacial - pertaining to the head and face.
cyanosis - insufficient oxygen in the blood.
cyanotic - appearing blue, due to insufficient oxygen in the blood.
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defibrillator - an electronic device used to establish normal heartbeat.
dextrocardia - a heart that is "flipped over," so that the structures that are normally on the right side of the chest are on the left, and vice versa. The arteries and veins are connected correctly; occurs due to an abnormality in heart development during pregnancy.
diastole - the time during each heartbeat when the ventricles are at rest, filling with blood and not pumping.
diastolic blood pressure - the lowest blood pressure measure in the arteries, which occurs between heartbeats.
DiGeorge syndrome (Also known as Shprintzen, velo-cardio-facial, and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.) - A genetic disease caused by a missing piece of chromosome material on chromosome #22 that results in many different health problems, and affects the normal fetal development of the heart, thymus, and parathyroid glands.
diuretic - a medication that helps the kidneys to remove excess fluids from the body, lowering blood pressure as well as decreasing edema (swelling).
Doppler ultrasound - A procedure that uses sound waves to evaluate heart, blood vessels, and valves.
double outlet right ventricle - a congenital heart defect in which both the aorta and the pulmonary artery are connected to the right ventricle.
Down syndrome (Also called Trisomy 21.) - A combination of birth defects caused by the presence of an extra #21 chromosome in each cell of the body. Many children with Down syndrome also have congenital heart disease - usually atrioventricular canal defect.
ductus arteriosus - a connection between the aorta and the pulmonary artery that is necessary in fetal life, but becomes unnecessary after birth.
dyspnea - shortness of breath.
dysrhythmia - an abnormal heart rhythm.
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Ebstein's anomaly - Abnormal development of the tricuspid valve during pregnancy, causing an abnormally positioned valve that does not open easily (stenosis) and allows backflow of blood from the right ventricle into the right atrium (regurgitation).
echocardiogram (echo) - a procedure that evaluates the structure and function of the heart by using sound waves recorded on an electronic sensor which produce a moving picture of the heart and heart valves.
edema - swelling due to the buildup of fluid.
effusion - a collection of fluid in a closed cavity.
ejection fraction - the measurement of the amount of blood pumped out of the ventricles.
electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and detects heart muscle damage.
electrophysiological study (EPS) - a cardiac catheterization to study electrical current in patients who have arrhythmias.
endocarditis - a bacterial infection of the valves and interior surfaces of the heart.
endocardium - the membrane that covers the inside surface of the heart.
end-to-end anastomosis - surgical connection of two segments of blood vessel by stitching the open end of one segment to the open end of another segment.
enlarged heart - a condition of the heart in which it is larger than normal.
epicardium - the membrane that covers the outside of the heart.
exercise electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - a test to assess the cardiac rhythm and function by having the child exercise on a treadmill or bicycle.
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failure to thrive - failure to grow and gain weight; often due to increased energy expenditure with congenital heart disease.
fibrillation - rapid contractions of the heart muscles.
fluoroscopy - an x-ray procedure that takes continuous pictures to evaluate moving structures within the body, such as the heart.
flutter - ineffective contractions of the heart muscles.
Fontan procedure - A surgical procedure performed to repair heart defects in which only one ventricle is functional. It connects the right atrium to the pulmonary artery, allowing oxygen-poor (blue) blood from the body to flow into the lungs.
foramen ovale - a hole between the right and left atria, present in all unborn children, that remains open after birth for variable periods of time.
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Glenn shunt - A surgical connection between the perior vena cava and the right pulmonary artery, allowing oxygen-poor (blue) blood to flow into the lungs.
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heart attack (Also called myocardial infarction.) - occurs when one of more regions of the heart muscle experience a severe or prolonged decrease in oxygen supply caused by a blocked blood flow to the heart muscle.
heart block - interrupted electrical impulse to heart muscles.
heart-lung bypass machine - a machine that performs for the heart and lungs during open heart surgery.
heart valve prolapse - a condition of the heart valve in which it is partially open when it should be closed.
high blood pressure (Also called hypertension.) - blood pressure that is above the normal range.
high density lipoprotein (HDL) - the "good" cholesterol that promotes breakdown and removal of cholesterol from the body.
Holter monitor - A portable EKG machine worn for a 24-hour period or longer to evaluate irregular, fast, or slow heart rhythms while engaging in normal activities.
homograft - a blood vessel taken from a tissue donor, used to replace a defective blood vessel, most often the pulmonary artery or aorta.
hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (Also called HOCM, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, asymmetrical septal hypertrophy, or ASH, or idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis or IHSS.) - enlarged heart muscle that causes impeded blood flow.
hypoplastic - refers to an abnormally small organ or blood vessel due to abnormal development prior to birth.
hypoplastic left heart syndrome - a congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is poorly developed, resulting in small mitral valve, left ventricle, and aorta.
hypotension - low blood pressure.
hypoxia - bnormal oxygen content in the organs and tissues of the body.
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immunosuppressive medications - medications that suppress the body's immune system; used to minimize rejection of transplanted organs.
incision - a cut made with a surgical instrument during an operation.
inferior vena cava - the large blood vessel (vein) that returns blood from the legs and abdomen to the heart.
insufficiency - a valve deformity that allows the blood to leak backwards when the valve is closed.
ischemia - decreased flow of oxygenated blood to an organ due to obstruction in an artery.
ischemic heart disease - coronary artery disease or coronary heart disease caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries and decreased blood flow to the heart.
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jugular veins - veins that carry blood from the head back to the heart.
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Kawasaki disease - An immune system disorder affecting the heart, particularly the coronary arteries.
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left atrium - the upper left-hand chamber of the heart. It receives oxygen-rich (red) blood from the lungs via the four pulmonary veins, and then sends this blood to the left ventricle.
left ventricle - the lower left-hand chamber of the heart. It receives oxygen-rich (red) blood from the left atrium and pumps it into the aorta, which takes the blood to the body. The left ventricle must be strong and muscular in order to pump enough blood to the body to meet its requirements.
lesion - an injury or wound.
lipid - a fatty substance in the blood.
lipoproteins - transporters of fatty substances in the blood.
low density lipoprotein (LDL) - the primary cholesterol-carrying substance in the body. In large amounts, it accumulates inside arteries.
lumen - the hollow area inside a blood vessel.
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magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
Marfan syndrome - A genetic disorder which affects the connective tissue of the body. It causes dilation of blood vessels and abnormalities of cardiac valves.
mechanical valve - an artificial valve used to replace a diseased or defective valve, most often the aortic valve.
median sternotomy - an incision in the center of the chest, from the top to the bottom of the breastbone, used for many congenital heart defect repair surgeries.
mitral valve - the valve that controls blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle in the heart.
mitral valve prolapse - an abnormality of the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart that causes backward flow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium.
monounsaturated fats - dietary fats, such as olive oil or canola oil, that may lower LDL cholesterol levels.
murmur - a blowing or rasping sound heard while listening to the heart that may or may not indicate problems within the heart or circulatory system.
myocardial infarction (Also called heart attack.) - occurs when one of more regions of the heart muscle experience a severe or prolonged decrease in oxygen supply caused by a blocked blood flow to the heart muscle.
myocardial ischemia - insufficient blood flow to part of the heart.
myocarditis - inflammation of the heart muscles.
myocardium - the muscular layer of the heart.
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noninvasive procedure - a diagnostic effort or treatment that does not require entering the body or puncturing the skin.
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obesity - overweight by 30 percent of the ideal body weight.
occluded artery - an artery that is narrowed by plaque that impedes blood flow.
open heart surgery - surgery that involves opening the chest and heart while a heart-lung machine performs for the heart and lungs during the operation.
oxygen desaturation - insufficient amounts of oxygen in the bloodstream. Desaturation can occur when oxygen-poor (blue) blood from the right side of the heart circulation mixes with oxygen-rich (red) blood in the left side of the heart circulation and goes to the body. Normal oxygen saturation in the arteries is 95 to 100 percent.
oxygen saturation - the extent to which the hemoglobin is saturated with oxygen. (Hemoglobin is an element in the bloodstream that binds with oxygen and carries it to the organs and tissues of the body.) A normal oxygen saturation of the blood leaving the heart to the body is 95 to 100 percent. The oxygen saturation of the blood returning to the heart after delivering oxygen to the body is 75 percent.
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pacemaker - an electronic device that is surgically placed in the patient's body and connected to the heart to regulate the heartbeat.
palpitation - a sensation of rapid heartbeats.
patent - open.
patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) - a blood vessel present in all infants that usually closes shortly after birth. It connects the aorta to the pulmonary artery. When it remains open, it allows extra blood to pass through from the aorta to the lungs.
patent foramen ovale - an opening in the atrial septum (wall between the right and left atria) that is present in all infants, but which usually closes shortly after birth. When it remains open, it allows extra blood to pass through the opening from the left atrium to the right atrium.
pericardial effusion - a build up of excess fluid in-between the heart and the membrane that surrounds it, often due to inflammation.
pericardiocentesis - a diagnostic procedure that uses a needle to draw fluid from the pericardium.
pericarditis - an inflammation or infection of the sac which surrounds the heart.
pericardium - the membrane that surrounds the heart.
plaque - deposits of fat or other substances attached to the artery wall.
platelets - cells found in the blood that assist in clotting.
polyunsaturated fat - a type of fat found in vegetable oils and margarines that does not appear to raise blood cholesterol levels.
post-pericardiotomy syndrome - a build up of excess fluid in-between the heart and the membrane that surrounds it, often due to inflammation after open heart surgery. ("Post" means after, and "pericardiotomy" means opening the membrane around the heart for open heart surgery.)
premature atrial contraction (PAC) - an early heartbeat started by the atria.
premature ventricular contraction (PVC) - an early heartbeat started by the ventricles.
prophylaxis - prevention.
prostaglandin E1 - an intravenous medication used to keep a patent ductus arteriosus from closing and preserve blood flow to the lungs.
pulmonary - pertaining to the lungs and respiratory system.
pulmonary artery - the blood vessel connecting the right ventricle to the lungs, allowing oxygen-poor (blue) blood to receive oxygen.
pulmonary edema - a condition in which there is fluid accumulation in the lungs caused by an incorrectly functioning heart.
pulmonary valve - the heart valve located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery that controls blood flow to the lungs.
pulmonary vein - the vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left side of the heart.
pulse oximeter - a device that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. Normal oxygen saturation in the arteries is 95 to 100 percent.
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radioisotope - a radioactive material injected into the body so that a nuclear scanner can make pictures.
regurgitation - backward flow of blood caused by a defective heart valve.
renal - pertaining to the kidneys.
rheumatic fever - a disease caused by a strep infection that may damage the heart valves.
right atrium - the upper right chamber of the heart, which receives oxygen-poor (blue) blood from the body and sends it to the right ventricle.
right ventricle - the lower right chamber of the heart, which receives oxygen-poor (blue) blood from the right atrium and sends it to the pulmonary artery.
risk factor - a condition, element, or activity that may adversely affect the heart.
Ross procedure - A surgical procedure performed to repair aortic stenosis. The child's own pulmonary valve and base of the pulmonary artery (autograft) replace the defective aorta, while a homograft (blood vessel from a tissue donor) replaces the pulmonary valve and base of the pulmonary artery.
rubella - an illness that can cause birth defects, including congenital heart disease, if a woman contracts it for the first time during pregnancy; can be prevented by immunization with the MMR vaccine.
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saturated fat - fat that is found in foods from animal meats and skin, dairy products, and some vegetables. Saturated fats are usually solid at room temperatures and can increase LDL levels.
scaphocephaly - a form of craniosynostosis that results in a long, narrow head. Scaphocephaly is an early fusion of the sagittal suture. This suture runs front to back, down the middle of the top of the head.
septal defect - a hole in the wall between the atria or the ventricles (upper or lower heart chambers).
septum - the muscle wall between the atria or ventricles (upper or lower heart chambers).
shunt - a connector to allow blood flow between two locations.
sinus node - the cells that produce the electrical impulses that cause the heart to contract.
sinus rhythm - a normal heart rhythm in which each heartbeat originates in the sinus node, and proceeds through the rest of the electrical conduction system normally.
sinus tachycardia - a heart rhythm that originates in the sinus node and proceeds through the rest of the electrical conduction system, but is faster than normal.
sphygmomanometer - an instrument used to measure blood pressure.
stent - a device implanted in a vessel used to help keep it open.
stenosis - narrowing or constriction of a blood vessel or valve in the heart.
sternotomy - a surgical incision made in the breastbone.
sternum - the breastbone.
stethoscope - an instrument used to listen to the heart and other sounds in the body.
stress - mental or physical tension that results from physical, emotional, or chemical causes.
stroke - the sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain.
subclavian - a blood vessel that branches from the aorta and takes oxygen-rich (red) blood to the head and arms.
subclavian flap - a surgical procedure performed to repair coarctation of the aorta, using part of the left subclavian artery as a patch to enlarge a narrowed aorta.
superior vena cava - the large vein that returns blood to the heart from the head and arms.
supraventricular tachycardia - a fast heart rate that originates in the aorta, but does not start in the sinus node.
syncope - light-headedness or fainting caused by insufficient blood supply to the brain.
systole - the time during the heartbeat when the ventricles are pumping blood, either to the lungs or to the body.
systolic blood pressure - the highest blood pressure measured in the arteries.
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tachycardia - rapid heartbeat.
tachypnea - rapid breathing.
tamponade - an emergency situation that occurs when blood or fluid fills the pericardial sac surrounding the heart, preventing the heart from beating effectively.
telemetry unit - a small box with wires attached to EKG patches on the chest; used to send information about the heartbeat via radio transmission to healthcare professionals for evaluation.
tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) - a group of congenital heart defects, including a ventricular septal defect, obstruction to blood flow out of the right ventricle to the lungs, and an aorta that is shifted to the right. Enlargement of the right ventricle occurs as the right ventricle copes with obstruction to blood flow.
thoracotomy - an incision made on the right or left side of the chest between the ribs, in order to access the heart or lungs during surgery.
trans fat - vegetable oil that has been treated with hydrogen in order to make it more solid and give it a longer shelf life.
transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) - a diagnostic test that uses a long tube guided into the mouth, throat, and esophagus to evaluate the structures inside the heart with sound waves.
transplantation - replacing a damaged organ with one from a donor.
transposition of the great arteries (Also called transposition of the great vessels.) - a congenital heart defect involving abnormal development of the great arteries (the aorta and the pulmonary artery) during the time the heart is forming prior to birth. The aorta ends up being connected to the right ventricle, and the pulmonary artery is connected to the left ventricle, which is the opposite of how they are normally connected.
tricuspid atresia - a congenital heart defect in which the tricuspid valve and right ventricle do not develop properly, preventing oxygen-poor (blue) blood from reaching the lungs via its normal pathway.
tricuspid valve - the heart valve that controls blood flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle.
triglyceride - a fat-like substance found in the blood.
trigonocephaly - a form of craniosynostosis that results in a triangular configuration of the skull. Trigonocephaly is the premature fusion of the two halves of the frontal bones at the metopic suture.
trisomy 21 (Also called Down syndrome.) - the presence of three #21 chromosomes in each cell of the body, rather than the usual pair, which causes the features otherwise known as Down syndrome. Many children with Down syndrome also have congenital heart disease - usually atrioventricular canal defect.
truncus arteriosus - a congenital heart defect involving incomplete separation of the great arteries (the aorta and the pulmonary artery) during the time the heart is forming prior to birth.
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ultrasound (Also called sonography.) - a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.
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valves - the "doors" between the chambers of the heart that allow blood to move forward and prevent it from moving backward. The heart valves are called tricuspid, pulmonic, mitral, and aortic.
valvuloplasty - surgical repair of a heart valve for relief or incompetence.
vascular - pertaining to blood vessels.
vasodilator - a medication that dilates or widens the opening in a blood vessel.
vasopressor - a medication that raises blood pressure.
vasovagal syndrome - a sudden drop in blood pressure, with or without a decrease in heart rate, that is caused by a dysfunction of the nerves controlling the heart and blood vessels.
vein - a blood vessel that carries blood from the body back into the heart.
ventricle - one of the two pumping chambers of the heart; right ventricle receives oxygen-poor blood from the right atrium and pumps it to the lungs through the pulmonary artery; left ventricle receives oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium and pumps it to the body through the aorta.
ventricular fibrillation - a condition in which the ventricles contract in rapid and unsynchronized rhythms and cannot pump blood into the body.
ventricular septal defect - an abnormal opening in the wall between the right and left ventricles.
ventricular tachycardia - a condition in which the ventricles beat very quickly.
vertigo - dizziness.
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Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome - An extra electrical pathway that connects the atria and ventricles and causes rapid heartbeat.
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x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
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