Terms and Abbreviations related to Heart Disease

Question 1

HF - A clinical syndrome resulting from structural or functional cardiac disorders so that the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s metabolic demands.

Answer 1

Heart Failure

Question 2

CAD - Refers to the reduction of blood flow to the cardiac muscle due to build-up of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries of the heart.

Answer 2

Coronary Artery Disease

Question 3

RAAS - Is a system of hormones, proteins, enzymes and reactions that regulate your blood pressure and blood volume on a long-term basis.

Answer 3

Renin - Angiotensin - Aldosterone System

Question 4

HFrEF - Is another name for Systolic Heart Failure. Occurs when the left ventricle loses the ability to contract effectively, manifesting as EF’s (Ejection Fractions) of less than 40%, reflecting decreased CO (Cardiac Output) and pump failure.

Answer 4

Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

Question 5

HFpEF - Is another name for Diastolic Heart Failure. Occurs when the left ventricular function (Ejection Fraction) measures greater than or equal to 50%, yet the ventricle loses its ability to relax due to myocardial stiffness. Due to the noncompliance of the ventricular wall, the chamber is unable to fill at normal capacity during the relaxation phase of diastole.

Answer 5

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Question 6

General term used to refer to a myriad of diseases of the myocardium.

Answer 6

Cardiomyopathy

Question 7

ARB - Refers to drugs that prevent peripheral vasoconstriction and secretion of aldosterone. Also blocks the binding of AT1 receptors.

Answer 7

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers