Glossary of Terms
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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| Bacterial Endocarditis | An inflammation of the inner layer of the heart caused by bacteria, sometimes resulting as a complication of another infectious disease, an operation, injury or dental work, The lining of the heart valves is most frequently affected, especially valves with previous damage from rheumatic disease or congenital abnormality. |
| Balloon Angioplasty | A technique accomplished during cardiac catheterization or surgery using a balloon tipped catheter inserted into a vessel, usually to dilate a narrowing or to open a blockage. |
| Balloon Valvuloplasty | A procedure in which a balloon is inserted into the opening of a narrowed heart valve, then inflated to stretch the valve open. When the procedure is complete, the balloon is removed. |
| Bicuspid Valve | Any valve with two leaflets. The term may refer to a normal mitral valve or an abnormal aortic or pulmonary valve, which normally has three leaflets. |
| Blood Pressure | The force that flowing blood exerts against the artery walls. Two blood pressures are usually measured: 1) the upper, or systolic, pressure occurs each time the heart contracts to pump blood into the aorta. This part of the heartbeat is called systole: and, 2) the lower, or diastolic, pressure occurs when the heart relaxes and refills with blood. This part of the heartbeat is called diastole. The blood pressure is expressed by two numbers, with the upper one written over the lower one (systolic/diastolic). |
| Blue Babies | Babies having a blue color of skin, called cyanosis, caused by insufficient oxygen in the arterial blood. This often indicates a heart defect, but may have other causes, such as premature birth or impaired respiration. |
| Bradycardia | An abnormally slow heart rate. Generally, anything below 60 beats per minute is considered bradycardia. |
| Bundle of His | Also called the atrioventricular bundle or A-V bundle. This bundle of microscopic specialized fibers lies between the atria and ventricles and is the only known normal direct connection between the atria and the ventricles, serving to conduct impulses to the ventricular heart muscle. It is named after German anatomist Wilhelm His. |