Glossary of terms

ablation

Elimination or removal. 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 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

anastomosis

a surgical connection, often between two blood vessels.

aneurysm

a thin, weakened area in a blood vessel or chamber of the heart.

See also Critical care (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit); Surgery (general); Grace is "In it to win it"

angiography

an x-ray study that uses dye injected into arteries to study blood circulation.

angioplasty

the use of a small balloon on the tip of a catheter (a flexible tube generally used to drain fluid from or inject fluid into the body) inserted into a blood vessel to open up an area of blockage inside the vessel.

anticoagulant

a medication that keeps blood from clotting.

antihypertensive

a medication that lowers blood pressure.

aorta

the blood vessel that delivers oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body; the largest blood vessel in the body.

aortic arch

the curved portion of the aorta.

aortic regurgitation

the 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

the narrowing of the opening of the aortic valve. Fetal aortic stenosis can be diagnosed by an echocardiogram before birth so that special preparations can be made in advance for optimal care at delivery.

See also Institute for Fetal Health

aortic valve

the valve that lies between the left ventricle (lower chamber) and the aorta; it has three cusps (flaps). During ventricular systole (contraction), pressure rises in the left ventricle. When this pressure rises above the pressure in the aorta, the aortic valve opens, allowing blood to exit the left ventricle into the aorta. When ventricular systole ends, pressure in the left ventricle drops. As this pressure decreases, the aortic pressure pressure forces the aortic valve to close.

arrhythmia (also called dysrhythmia)

a fast, slow or irregular heartbeat. Fetal arrhythmias are diagnosed before birth by ultrasound exams.

See also Institute for Fetal Health; Expert cardiac care transforms Bailey's life; Lighting up the room with her smile

arterioles

the 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.

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). Fetal ASDs are found on prenatal ultrasound exam and confirmed by echocardiogram.

See also Institute for Fetal Health

atrial septum

the wall between the right and left atria (the two upper chambers of the heart).

atrioventricular (AV) node

a cluster of cells between the atria and ventricles that regulate the electrical current in the heart.

atrioventricular block

an interruption of the electrical signal between the atria and the ventricles of the heart.

atrioventricular canal

a term that refers to a congenital (present at birth) 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 canal defect

major abnormality in the formation of the heart structure. Fetal A/V canal defects are diagnosed before birth and confirmed by echocardiogram. This allows for special preparations at delivery for optimal care.

See also Institute for Fetal Health

atrioventricular node

a cluster of cells between the atria and ventricles that regulate the electrical current in the heart.

atrium (atria pl.)

one of two upper chambers in the heart.

bacterial endocarditis

an infection of the lining of the heart that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and lodge inside the heart, where they multiply and cause infection

balloon angioplasty

a procedure usually performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory that uses a catheter (a tube with a light and camera lens) 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.

biopsy

a procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope.

blood clot

a thick, gelled mass of blood.

See also Premature birth brings battle to baby Colton

blood pressure

the pressure of blood against the walls of a blood vessel or heart chamber.

blood vessels

the tubes (arteries and veins) that carry blood.

bradycardia

abnormally slow heartbeat.

bundle-branch block

a condition in which the heart's electrical system is unable to normally conduct the electrical signal.

calcium channel blocker

a medication that lowers blood pressure.

capillaries

the tiny blood vessels between arteries and veins that distribute oxygen-rich blood to the body.

cardiac (heart) arrhythmia

abnormal rhythm of the heart beat. Fetal cardiac arrhythmias are diagnosed before birth by an ultrasound exam of the pregnant mother.

See also Critical care (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit); Heart transplant program; Institute for Fetal Health; Mending hearts, shaping futures

cardiac arrest

the stopping of the heartbeat.

See also Emergency medicine; Our Children’s “family” saved our little guy

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 echocardiogram (echo)

a diagnostic method in which pulses of high-frequency sound, called ultrasound, are transmitted into the body; the echoes returning from the heart and other structures are made into an electronic picture. These pictures are then studied for diagnostic purposes.

See also Institute for Fetal Health; Kajsa battles hypoplastic left heart syndrome; Lighting up the room with her smile

cardiac output

the total amount of blood being pumped by the heart over a particular period of time.

cardiomyopathy

a disease of the heart muscle that causes it to lose its pumping strength.

See also From volunteer to cardiologist: My Children’s journey ; Our Children’s “family” saved our little guy

cardiopulmonary arrest

when the child has no heart beat and is not breathing; may be caused by events such as trauma, sudden infant death syndrome, submersion (drowning), shock

See also Critical care (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit); Lindsay's triumph

cardiopulmonary bypass

a procedure using the heart-lung machine. During open-heart surgery the heart is sometimes stopped while the surgeon performs the repair. While the heart is stopped, the heart-lung machine is used to circulate and oxygenate the patient's blood, bypassing the work that a beating heart usually performs.

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

an emergency life-saving technique in which artificial respirations and chest compressions are used to restart the heart and lungs.

See also Resuscitation classes

cardiovascular

refers to systems involving the heart and blood vessels, including arterial and venous problems

See also A mother's prayers, answered; Anything but ordinary: Anna and Isabella beat the odds; Expert cardiac care transforms Bailey's life; Josiah blossoms day by day; Kathleen’s story: My new heart is a “keeper”

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 flexible tube used to drain fluid from or inject fluid into the body. The most common catheters are the Foley catheter, used to drain urine from the bladder, and intravenous (IV) catheters inserted into veins to administer fluids.

cholangiography

an x-ray of the bile ducts.

cholesterol

a substance normally made by the body, but also found in foods from animal sources, such as 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.

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

refers to heart surgery that is performed without a heart/lung maching. A small incision on the side of the chest is made, and the heart is not cut open.

coarctation of the aorta

a congenital heart abnormality in which narrowing occurs in the largest blood vessel leading away from the heart. Fetal coarctation of the aorta can be suggested before birth by ultrasound and confirmed by echocardiogram.

See also Institute for Fetal Health

collateral vessels

the 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.

See also What is a cardiac CT angiography?; What is a computed tomography (CT) scan?

conduction system

the electrical system inside the heart that stimulates the heart to beat.

congenital

present at birth

See also Plastic and reconstructive surgery

congenital anomaly

a health problem or abnormality present at birth (not necessarily genetic). Fetal congenital anomalies can sometimes be diagnosed before birth by sonogram, MRI, genetic or blood tests.

See also Institute for Fetal Health

congenital heart disease

a heart problem present at birth, caused by improper development of the heart during fetal development. Fetal diagnosis of heart disease can be made before birth by ultrasound examination.

See also Heart transplant program; Institute for Fetal Health; Neonatology (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit); Becca’s amazing turnaround; From patient to volunteer to medical student; Healing the tiniest of hearts

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.

coronary arteries

two arteries that come from the aorta, then arch down over the top of the heart and branch out to provide blood to the working heart muscle.

CT scanner

uses x-rays that pass through the body to create computerized images of bones and organs

See also Medical imaging (radiology); What is a computed tomography (CT) scan? ; Brandt travels halfway around the world for treatment

cyanosis

a blue coloring of the skin due to insufficient oxygen in the blood.

cyanotic

appearing blue, due to insufficient oxygen in the blood

deep vein thrombosis

a term used to describe blood clotting that occurs within deep-lying veins.

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; the fetal condition occurs due to an abnormality in heart development during pregnancy and is diagnosed by ultrasound.

See also Institute for Fetal Health

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.

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 the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, and valves.

double outlet right ventricle

a congenital (present at birth) heart defect in which both the aorta and the pulmonary artery are connected to the right ventricle. This fetal condition is diagnosed by ultrasound so that special preparations can be made for optimum care at delivery.

See also Institute for Fetal Health

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. Fetal diagnosis can be made by invasive genetic testing or by a combination of ultrasound and blood tests.

See also Institute for Fetal Health

ductus arteriosus

a connection between the aorta and the pulmonary artery that is necessary in fetal life, but becomes unnecessary after birth.

dyspnea

a shortness of breath or a difficulty in breathing.

Ebstein anomaly

a congenital downward displacement of the tricuspid valve (located between the heart's upper and lower chambers on the right side) into the heart's right bottom chamber (or right ventricle).

echocardiography

a procedure that evaluates the structure and function of the heart by using sound waves recorded on an electronic sensor that produce a moving picture of the heart and heart valves.

ECMO

cardiopulmonary bypass pumping done for prolonged periods of time at a child's bedside. Cardiopulmonary bypass was originally developed to allow surgery on the pediatric heart during "open heart surgery."

See also Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO); Fetal diaphragmatic hernia; Neonatology services

edema

the presence of swelling due to the build-up of fluid.

ejection fraction

the measurement of the amount of blood pumped out of the ventricles.

electrocardiogram (ECG)

a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, displays the presence of abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and detects the presence of heart muscle damage.

embolization

the insertion of a substance through a catheter into a blood vessel to stop hemorrhaging, or excessive bleeding

embolus

a "wandering" blood clot

end-to-end anastomosis

a surgical connection between two segments of blood vessel created by stitching the open end of one segment to the open end of another segment.

endarterectomy

the surgical removal of plaque or blood clots in an artery

endocarditis

inflammation of the endocardium (the thin layer of tissue cells lining the inner surface of the heart muscle and valves)

endocardium

the membrane that covers the inside surface of the heart.

endotracheal tube (ET)

a tube placed through the mouth or nose into the trachea (windpipe).

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 patient exercise on a treadmill or bicycle.

expiration

a term which refers to exhaling; giving off carbon dioxide.

fetal heart rate monitoring

a method of checking the rate and rhythm of the fetal heartbeat.

fetal ventriculomegaly

A congenital finding in which the ventricular system, the fluid-filled spaces in the brain, is enlarged. It occurs in approximately 1 in every 1,000 births.

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

a term used to describe ineffective contractions of the heart muscles.

Fontan procedure

surgery performed to repair heart defects in which only one ventricle is working. It connects the right atrium to the pulmonary artery, allowing oxygen-poor blood from the body to flow into the lungs.

See also Institute for Fetal Health; Lighting up the room with her smile

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.

general anesthetic

an anesthetic which causes the patient to become unconscious during surgery.

Glenn shunt

A surgical connection between the superior vena cava and the right pulmonary artery, allowing oxygen-poor (blue) blood to flow into the lungs.

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

an interrupted electrical impulse to heart muscles.

heart failure and cardiomyopathy

a history and physical examination that suggests that the child's heart is unable to meet the body's demands either at rest or with exertion

See also Heart transplant program; Jonathan's new heart (video); From volunteer to cardiologist: My Children’s journey

heart murmer

the sound of blood flow in the chest heard with the stethoscope

heart rate

the rate at which the heart beats per minute.

heart transplantation

a procedure that places a healthy heart from one person into a recipient's body.

See also Overview of Heart transplant program; From volunteer to cardiologist: My Children’s journey ; Josiah blossoms day by day; Kathleen’s story: My new heart is a “keeper”; Nurse practitioners play key role in heart transplant care; Our Children’s “family” saved our little guy

heart valve prolapse

a condition of the heart valve in which it is partially open when it should be closed.

heart valves

valves in the heart that prevent blood from flowing the wrong way.

See also My son's open heart surgery

heart-lung machine

a special instrument used to provide circulation to the body during open heart surgery.

heartbeat

a term which refers to one complete contraction of the heart.

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.

hypertension (high blood pressure)

a term used to describe blood pressure that is above the normal range

hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (also called idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis)

an enlarged heart muscle that causes impeded blood flow

hypoplastic

an abnormally small organ or blood vessel due to abnormal development prior to birth

hypoplastic left heart syndrome

abnormally small growth of the heart's major pumping chamber. Fetal hypoplastic left heart is diagnosed by ultrasound and requires special preparations for optimal care at delivery.

See also Critical care (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit); Institute for Fetal Health; Kajsa battles hypoplastic left heart syndrome

hypotension

a term which refers to low blood pressure.

hypoxia

an abnormal oxygen content in the organs and tissues of the body.

immunosuppressive medications

medications that suppress the body's immune system; used to minimize rejection of transplanted organs.

See also Liver transplant program

incision

a cut made with a surgical instrument during an operation

inferior vena cava

a large blood vessel (vein) that carries de-oxygenated blood from the lower half of the body into the heart. The vein connects to the heart at a valve attached to the right atrium.

intravenous (IV)

a method of administering medications or fluids directly into the vein.

ischemia

a 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

jugular veins

the veins that carry blood from the head back to the heart.

Kawasaki disease

an immune system disorder that if untreated can affect the heart, particularly the coronary arteries

See also Infectious diseases; Kawasaki Disease Fund Family Day; KD Fund Spring Gala; Signs and symptoms of Kawasaki disease; Treatment for Kawasaki disease; What is Kawasaki disease?; Andre confronts Kawasaki disease; Infectious Diseases: Constant change with global implications; Kawasaki disease expertise crucial in hard-to-treat cases; Rapid diagnosis helps Morgan recover from Kawasaki Disease; Rowley zeroes in on cause of Kawasaki disease; Researchers zero in on the possible cause of Kawasaki disease

left atrium

the upper left-hand chamber of the heart; receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs via the pulmonary veins and pumps it through the mitral valve into the left ventricle.

left ventricle

the lower left-hand chamber of the heart; receives oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium and pumps it through the aortic valve to be delivered throughout the body, including to the heart muscle itself.

lipid

a fatty substance 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

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. Fetal MRI is used increasingly to visualize structures with more detail than is possible with ultrasound.

See also Institute for Fetal Health; What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?

Marfan syndrome

a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue of the body

See also Genetics, birth defects and metabolism

mean blood pressure

average blood pressure, taking account of the rise and fall that occurs with each heartbeat. It is often estimated by multiplying the diastolic pressure by two, adding the systolic pressure, and then dividing this sum by three.

mechanical valve

an artificial valve used to replace a diseased or defective valve.

median sternotomy

an incision in the center of the chest, from the top to the bottom of the breastbone; used for heart defect repair surgeries.

mitral valve

the heart valve between the left atrium (upper chamber) and the left ventricle (lower chamber); it has two cusps ("flaps").

See also Josiah blossoms day by day

mitral valve prolapse

an abnormality of the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart that causes a backward flow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium.

monounsaturated fats

a term used to describe 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 ischemia

a term used to describe insufficient blood flow to part of the heart.

myocarditis

an inflammation of the heart muscles.

myocardium

the muscular layer of the heart.

non-invasive procedure

a diagnostic effort or treatment that does not require entering the body or puncturing the skin.

obesity

an abnormal increase of fat in the subcutaneous connective tissues.

See also Current research projects; Juvenile justice, federal graduate medical education (GME) funding, obesity, professional liability reform; Obesity; On the front lines of the obesity epidemic; Fast-food heaven just past school

occluded artery

an artery that is narrowed by plaque that impedes blood flow.

open heart surgery

surgery performed inside the heart with the aid of a heart-lung machine.

oxygen desaturation

an insufficient amount 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.

pacemaker

an electronic device that controls the beating of the heart by a series of electrical discharges to the heart.

See also Expert cardiac care transforms Bailey's life; Healing the tiniest of hearts; Unique surgery gives Allison new life

palpitation

a sensation of rapid heartbeats.

patent

a term which means open.

patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

a condition in which the connecting blood vessel between the pulmonary artery and the aorta in fetal circulation stays open in the newborn, allowing 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 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 (the membrane that surrounds the heart)

pericarditis

an inflammation or infection of the sac which surrounds the heart.

pericardium

the membrane that surrounds the heart.

plaque

a term used to describe deposits of fat or other substances attached to the artery wall; also used to refer to a thin, sticky film of bacteria.

platelets

blood cells that assist in clotting

pneumopericardium

a term used to describe when air leaks into the sac surrounding the heart.

pneumothorax

a term used to describe when air becomes trapped in the pleural space (the area between the lung and the chest wall); causes the lung to collapse.

polyunsaturated fat

a type of fat found in vegetable oils and margarines that does not appear to raise blood cholesterol levels.

post-anesthesia care unit (also called recovery room)

the area a patient is brought to after surgery to recover

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

premature atrial contraction (PAC)

an early heartbeat started by the atria.

premature ventricular contraction (PVC)

an early heartbeat started by the ventricles.

prophylaxis

a term which refers to 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.

See also A mother's prayers, answered; Kathleen’s story: My new heart is a “keeper”; Mackenzie rebounds from serious injury; Nicholas triumphs over breathing disorder

pulmonary artery

the large artery that normally conveys unoxygenated blood from the lower right chamber of the heart to the lungs. This is the only artery in the body that normally carries unoxygenated blood; all others carry oxygenated blood.

pulmonary edema

a condition in which there is a fluid accumulation in the lungs caused by an incorrectly functioning heart

See also Pulmonary medicine

pulmonary valve stenosis

a narrowing of the heart valve located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery that controls blood flow to the lungs. It occurs in 8 to 12 % of all children with congenital heart disease and is more common in females. In the fetus, the condition is diagnosed by ultrasound and fetal echocardiogram.

See also Institute for Fetal Health

pulmonary vein

the vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left side of the heart.

pulmonic valve

the valve that lies between the right ventricle (lower chamber) and the pulmonary artery; it has three cusps (flaps). Like the aortic valve, the pulmonic valve opens in ventricular systole (contraction) when the pressure in the right ventricle rises above the pressure in the pulmonary artery. At the end of ventricular systole, when the pressure in the right ventricle falls rapidly, the pressure in the pulmonary artery closes the pulmonic valve.

pulse oximeter

a device that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. Normal oxygen saturation in the arteries is 95 to 100 percent.

radiofrequency ablation

a technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to treat abnormalities of heart beat in children and adolescents

See also Lindsey strikes back at tachycardia

radioisotope

a radioactive material injected into the body so that a nuclear scanner can make pictures.

regurgitation

the backward flow of blood caused by a defective heart valve.

renal

a term pertaining to the kidneys.

Reye syndrome

A specific disease process that can affect the liver, brain, pancreas, kidney, heart, and muscle. Reye syndrome usually occurs in children under 18 years of age, and typically starts with a red rash, vomiting, and confusion that follows a viral infection. This can lead into seizures, coma, and breathing problems. The cause of Reye syndrome is not known although a variety of factors are thought to be involved, such as genetics or the use of aspirin during a viral illness.

rheumatic fever

a disease caused by a strep infection that may damage the heart valves.

right atrium

the upper right chamber of the heart; it receives oxygen-depleted blood from the body via the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava and pumps it through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle.

right ventricle

the lower right chamber of the heart; it receives oxygen-depleted blood from the right atrium and pumps it through the pulmonary valve into the lungs via the pulmonary artery.

risk factor

a condition, trait, element, or activity that increases a person's chance of developing a disease.

Ross procedure

surgery performed to repair aortic stenosis. The child's own pulmonary valve and base of the pulmonary artery replace the defective aorta; a blood vessel from a tissue donor replaces the pulmonary valve and base of the pulmonary artery.

rubella (also called German measles)

an acute viral infection that causes a mild illness in children and slightly more severe illness in adults. The disease is spread from person to person through airborne particles, and takes two to three weeks to incubate. Rubella can cause birth defects, including congenital heart disease, if a woman contracts it for the first time during pregnancy. Fetal rubella occurs in approximately 20 percent of pregnancies in which the mother contracts rubella in the first 3 months of pregnancy. While rubella in the mother is diagnosed with blood tests, no easy accurate method exists for diagnosis in unborn babies.

See also Infectious diseases; Institute for Fetal Health

saturated fat

the 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 low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.

septal defect

a hole in the wall between the atria or the ventricles (upper or lower heart chambers).

septum

a wall that divides two body cavities

shunt

a hole or a small passage that allows movement of fluid from one part of the body to another

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

stenosis

a term which refers to narrowing or constriction.

stent

a device implanted in a vessel to help to keep it open.

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

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

a large but short vein that carries de-oxygenated blood from the upper half of the body into the heart. The vein connects to the heart at a valve attached to the right atrium.

supraventricular tachycardia

a fast heart rate that originates in the upper chambers of the heart (atria) but does not start in the sinus node.

syncope

a term which refers to 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.

tachycardia

an usually fast heart rate

See also Mending hearts, shaping futures

tachypnea

a term used to describe 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

The group of heart defects present at birth includes 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 of blood flow. Fetal tetralogy of Fallot is diagnosed by ultrasound before birth so that special preparations can be made for optimal care at delivery.

See also Institute for Fetal Health

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

a 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

to transfer organs, tissues, or cells form one person to another or from one area of the body to another, in order to replace a diseased structure and to restore function.

See also Jonathan's new heart (video); Overview of The Siragusa Transplantation Center; Heart transplant puts Liam back in the swing of things; The Siragusa family – Ensuring world-class transplant care for children; Then and now: Kidney transplants; Treyton receives the most precious gift of all

transposition of the great arteries (or vessels)

Present at birth, this heart defect involves abnormal development of the great arteries (the aorta and the pulmonary artery) during the time the fetal heart is forming. 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 a normal connection. The condition is diagnosed by ultrasound before birth so that special preparations can be made for optimal care at delivery.

See also Institute for Fetal Health

tricuspid atresia

a congenital (present at birth) 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 on the right side of the heart between the right atrium (upper chamber) and the right ventricle (lower chamber).

triglyceride

a fat-like substance found in the blood.

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 (present at birth) 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 fetal development

ultrasound

a painless diagnostic imaging technique that 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.

See also Medical imaging (radiology); What is an ultrasound? ; Prenatal ultrasound detects baby Chloe's bowel obstruction

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

the surgical repair of a heart valve for relief of stenosis or incompetence.

vascular

a term 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. Fetal ventricular septal defect is diagnosed with ultrasound and echocardiography.

See also Institute for Fetal Health

ventricular tachycardia

a condition in which the ventricles beat very quickly.

vertigo

a term which refers to dizziness.

whole blood

blood containing all its components, such as red and white blood cells, platelets, and more

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

an extra electrical pathway that connects the atria and ventricles and causes rapid heartbeat