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Glossary
All
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| A1c |
A simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar over the last 3 months; important for controlling diabetes; also known as glycosylated hemoglobin or HbA1c |
| abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) |
an aneurysm in the lower part of the aorta that runs through the abdomen; AAAs account for 3 in 4 aortic aneurysms |
| Abdominal Obesity |
Excess weight around a person's belly, resulting in an apple-shaped figure. Also called central obesity. It is defined as a waist measurement of more than 35 inches -40 inches for men |
| Ablation |
The surgical removal or destruction of tissue by electrocautery. |
| ACE inhibitors |
a class of drugs that block the production of angiotensin (a hormone involved in blood vessel constriction); part of the basic treatment of heart failure, can also be used to treat high blood pressure; also called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors |
| Activities of daily living (ADL) |
tasks of everyday life, including eating, dressing, getting into or out of a bed or chair, and using the bathroom; they often need to be relearned after a stroke |
| Acute coronary syndrome |
A broad definition that includes typical heart attacks -AMI-, mild heart attacks -NSTEMI-, and unstable angina. |
| Acute Symptom |
A sudden and typically severe attack. |
| Adrenal glands |
Hormone-producing glands resting atop each kidney that secrete several hormones, including adrenaline and aldosterone. |
| Adrenaline |
A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that increases heart rate and blood pressure by narrowing the blood vessels, often during stressful situations. Also known as epinephrine. |
| alcoholic cardiomyopathy |
heart muscle disease caused by heavy, long-term use of alcohol; can lead to heart failure |
| Aldosterone |
A hormone secreted by the outer portion of the adrenal glands that regulates the levels of potassium and sodium in the body. |
| Aldosterone antagonists |
a class of drug used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure (as well as some hormone problems); they trigger the body to get rid of more salt and water, lowering blood pressure |
| Alpha blockers |
Drugs that block the effects of stress hormones such as adrenaline preventing these hormones from narrowing the blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. |
| Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) |
A polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid found in seed and nut oils. ALA is an essential fatty acid - your body can't make it so you must include it in your diet. |
