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Definition
| X-ray visualization of the internal anatomy of the heart and blood vessels after introducing a radiopaque substance(contrast medium) that makes the image visible. of internal structures that are otherwise diffucult to see on X-ray film. This substance is injected into an artery or vein. |
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Definition
| A diagnostic procedure in which a catheter(a hollow,flexible tube) is introduced into a large vein or artery (usually of an arm or a leg) and then threaded through the circulatory system to the heart. It is used to obtain detalied information about the structure and function of the heart chambers, valves, and teh great vessels. |
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Definition
| are performed on samples of blood obtained by venipuncture to determine teh presence of damage to the myocardial muscle. |
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Term
| computed axial tomography(CAT) |
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Definition
| is a diagnostic X-ray technique that uses ionizing radiation to produce a cross-sectional image of the body. It is often used to detect aneurysms of the aorta. X-ray signals are fed into a computer, which then turns them into a cross-sectional picture of the section of the body being scanned; called CAT scan. |
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Definition
| is a diagnostic procedure for studying the structure and motion of the heart. It is useful in evaluating structural and functional changes in a variety of heart disorders. |
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Definition
| is a graphic record of the electrical action of the heart as reflected from various angels to the surface of the skin;known as an EKG or ECG |
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Term
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Definition
| is similar to the Holter monitor in that it also records the electrical activity of the heart while the patient goes about usual daily activities. A cardia event monitor can be used for a longer period of time than a Holter monitor(usually a month) |
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Definition
| A means of assessing cardiac function by subjecting the patient to carefully controlled amouns of physical stress (treadmill). |
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Definition
| A small, portable monitoring device that makes prolonged electrocardiograph recordings on a portable tape recorder. This continuous EKG is recorded on a magnetic tape recording while the patient conducts normal daily activities. |
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Term
| implantable cardioverter defibrillator |
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Definition
| An implantable cardioverter defibrillator ICD is a small, lightweight, electronic device placed under the skin or muscle in either the chest or abdomen to monitor the heart's rhythm. If an abnormal rhythm occurs, the ICD helps return the heart to its normal rhythm. |
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Term
| magnetic resonance imaging MRI |
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Definition
| involves the use of a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to produce imaging that is valuable in providing images of the heart, large blood vessels, brain, and soft tissue. |
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Term
| positron emission tomography PET |
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Definition
| a computerized X-ray technique that uses radioactive substances to examine the blood flow and the metabolic activity of various body structures such as the heart and blood vessels. The patient is given doses of strong radioactive tracers by injection or inhalation. The radiation emitted is measured by the PET camera. |
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Definition
| measures the amount of fatty substances (cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins) in a sample of blood obtained by venipuncture. |
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Definition
| one of several nuclear stress tests, is a combination of exercise stress testing with thallium imaging (myocardial perfusion scan) to assess changes in coronary blood flow during excercise. |
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