Glossary of Terms
|
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
|
|
| Dextrocardia | Abnormal position of the heart within the chest. The heart normally is in the left chest. When dextrocardia is present, the heart is on the right side. This occurs frequently when a congenital heart defect is present. |
| Diastolic Blood Pressure | The blood pressure inside the arteries when the heart muscle is relaxed. |
| Digoxin (Digitalis) | A drug that causes the heart muscle to pump more effectively, thereby improving the circulation of the blood, and promoting the normal elimination of excess fluid. This drug is often used to treat heart failure. It is also used for certain arrhythmias. |
| Diuretic | A medicine that promotes the excretion of urine. These drugs are often used to treat conditions involving excess body fluid, hypertension and congestive heart failure. |
| Ductus Arteriosus | A connection outside the heart of the fetus between the pulmonary artery and the aorta. Normally this connection closes soon after birth. If it does not close, the condition is known as patent or open ductus arteriosus. |
| Dysrhythmia (Arrhythmia) | An abnormal rhythm of the heart. |