Ischemia: Ischemia is inadequate oxygen supply to the heart muscle. Ischemia is caused because of a shortage of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle due to narrowing or blockage of one or more of the coronary (heart) arteries. In many cases ischemia is a temporary problem.
Lipoprotein: Lipoproteins basically contain lipids and proteins and are the principal means by which lipids are transported in the blood. There are three types of lipoproteins – HDL (High density lipoprotein), LDL (Low density lipoprotein) and VLDL (Very low density lipoprotein).
Low density lipoprotein: Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is composed of moderate amount of protein and a large amount of lipid. It transports cholesterol in the blood. LDL is the ‘bad’ cholesterol, because it collects in the walls of blood vessels, causing the blockages or atherosclerosis.
Mitral insufficiency: Mitral insufficiency or mitral regurgitation (MR) is a condition of the heart in which the mitral valve malfunctions and allows blood to flow in the wrong direction. When the left ventricle contracts, there is abnormal leaking of blood from the left ventricle (heart chamber) into the left atrium (heart chamber). MR is the most common form of valvular heart disease. If serious, this condition can lead to heart failure. Mitral valve regurgitation can either be ongoing (chronic) or sudden (acute). Acute MR is a medical emergency which requires immediate treatment by repairing or replacing the mitral valve.
Mitral stenosis: Mitral stenosis is a disease of the heart valve characterized by the narrowing of the opening of the mitral valve of the heart. Mitral valve stenosis is a lifelong heart disease in which the mitral valve doesn’t open to its full potential. It can lead to heart failure, stroke, endocarditis or arrhythmia.
Myocardial infarction: Myocardial infarction (Myo – muscle, cardial – heart, infarction – death of tissue) or heart attack is the death of, or damage to, part of the heart muscle due to severe reduction or stoppage of blood supply to the heart muscle. Most heart attacks are the end result of coronary heart disease. If a blood clot totally blocks the artery, the heart muscle becomes ‘hungry’ for oxygen. Within a short time, heart muscle cells die, causing permanent damage. They can be fatal if medical care isn’t received quickly.
Know your heart health terms – part 1
Know your heart health terms – part 3