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Y | Z
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ablation - elimination or removal. Ablation 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
forward 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.
analgesic - any medication intended to alleviate pain.
anastomosis - a surgical connection, often between two blood
vessels.
anesthesia - medication administered for the relief of pain and
sensation during surgery.
anesthesiologist - a physician who specializes in administering
medications or other agents that prevent or relieve pain, especially
during surgery.
aneurysm - a thin, weakened area in a blood vessel or area of
the heart.
angiography - an x-ray study that uses dye injected into
arteries to study blood circulation.
angioplasty - a non-surgical procedure for treating narrowed
arteries.
antibiotic - medication used to treat infection.
anticoagulant - a medication that keeps blood from clotting.
antihypertensive - a medication that lowers blood pressure.
aorta - the largest artery in the body and the primary blood
vessel which carries oxygenated blood out of the heart to the rest of the
body.
aortic arch - the curved portion of the aorta (the large blood
vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body).
aortic regurgitation - 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 - narrowing of the opening of the aortic valve
(the valve that regulates blood flow from the left ventricle into the
aorta).
aortic valve - the valve that regulates blood flow from the
heart into the aorta.
arrhythmia (Also called dysrhythmia.) - a fast, slow, or
irregular heartbeat.
arterioles - 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.
asplenia - absence of the spleen, either from improper
development before birth, or due to the surgical removal of the spleen
resulting from injury or disease.
asymmetry - lacking symmetry; parts of the body are unequal in
shape or size.
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).
atrial septum - the wall between the right and left atria (the
two upper chambers of the heart).
atrioventricular block - an interruption of the electrical
signal between the atria and the ventricles.
atrioventricular canal - refers to a congenital 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 (AV) node - a cluster of cells between the
atria and ventricles that regulate the electrical current.
atrium (atria pl.) - one of two upper chambers in the heart.
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bacterial endocarditis - a bacterial infection of the valves and
interior surfaces of the heart.
balloon angioplasty - a procedure usually done in the cardiac
catheterization laboratory that uses a catheter (tube) 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.
bilateral - affecting both sides.
biopsy - a procedure in which tissue samples are removed from
the body for microscopic examination to establish a diagnosis.
blood clot - a thick, gelled mass of blood.
blood pressure - pressure of blood against the walls of a blood
vessel or heart chamber.
blood pressure cuff - a device usually placed around the upper
portion of the arm to measure blood pressure.
bone graft - a transplant of bone taken from one area to another
area.
brachycephaly - disproportionate shortness of the head.
brady - suffix meaning slow.
bradycardia - abnormally slow heartbeat.
bundle-branch block - a condition in which the heart's
electrical system is unable to normally conduct the electrical signal.
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calcium channel blocker - a medication that lowers blood
pressure.
capillaries - tiny blood vessels between arteries and veins that
distribute oxygen-rich blood to the body.
cardiac - pertaining to the heart.
cardiac arrest - the stopping of heartbeat.
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 output - total amount of blood being pumped by the heart
over a particular period of time.
cardiologist - a physician who specializes in the medical
evaluation and treatment of heart diseases.
cardiology - the clinical study and practice of treating the
heart.
cardiomyopathy - a disease of the heart muscle that causes it to
lose its pumping strength.
cardiovascular (CV) - pertaining to the heart and blood vessel
(circulatory) system.
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 small, thin tube; may refer to a tube used during a
cardiac catheterization procedure to inject dye, obtain blood samples, and
measure pressures inside the heart; may also refer to a flexible tube used
to drain fluid from or inject into the body.
cholesterol - a substance normally made by the body, but also
found in foods from animal sources, like 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. High
cholesterol can also cause the formation of gallstones. Ideally, blood
cholesterol levels should be less than 200mg/dL.
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 - an operation that repairs problems
involving the blood vessels attached to the heart, and may not need the
use of the heart-lung bypass machine.
coarctation of the aorta - a congenital heart defect that
results in narrowing of the aorta.
collateral vessels - 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.
conduction system - the electrical system inside the heart that
stimulates the heart to beat.
congenital - present at birth.
congenital heart defect - a heart problem present at birth,
caused by improper development of the heart during fetal development.
congenital heart disease - see congenital heart defect.
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.
coronal suture - the joining line (suture) between the frontal
and parietal bones of the skull that crosses the top of the skull from
temple to temple.
coronary arteries - two arteries that come from the aorta to
provide blood to the heart muscle.
craniofacial - pertaining to the head and face.
cyanosis - insufficient oxygen in the blood.
cyanotic - appearing blue, due to insufficient
oxygen in the blood.
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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;
occurs due to an abnormality in heart development during pregnancy.
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.
DiGeorge syndrome (Also known as Shprintzen, velo-cardio-facial, and
22q11.2 deletion syndrome.) - A genetic disease caused by a missing
piece of chromosome material on chromosome #22 that results in many
different health problems, and affects the normal fetal development of the
heart, thymus, and parathyroid glands.
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 heart, blood vessels, and valves.
double outlet right ventricle - a congenital heart defect in
which both the aorta and the pulmonary artery are connected to the right
ventricle.
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. Many children with Down syndrome also have congenital heart
disease - usually atrioventricular canal defect.
ductus arteriosus - a connection between the aorta and the
pulmonary artery that is necessary in fetal life, but becomes unnecessary
after birth.
dyspnea - shortness of breath.
dysrhythmia - an abnormal heart rhythm.
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Ebstein's anomaly - Abnormal development of the tricuspid valve
during pregnancy, causing an abnormally positioned valve that does not
open easily (stenosis) and allows backflow of blood from the right
ventricle into the right atrium (regurgitation).
echocardiogram (echo) - a procedure that evaluates the structure
and function of the heart by using sound waves recorded on an electronic
sensor which produce a moving picture of the heart and heart valves.
edema - swelling due to the buildup of fluid.
effusion - a collection of fluid in a closed cavity.
ejection fraction - the measurement of the amount of blood
pumped out of the ventricles.
electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - a test that records the
electrical activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or
dysrhythmias), and detects heart muscle damage.
electrophysiological study (EPS) - a cardiac catheterization to
study electrical current in patients who have arrhythmias.
endocarditis - a bacterial infection of the valves and interior
surfaces of the heart.
endocardium - the membrane that covers the inside surface of the
heart.
end-to-end anastomosis - surgical connection of two segments of
blood vessel by stitching the open end of one segment to the open end of
another segment.
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 child exercise on a treadmill or
bicycle.
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failure to thrive - failure to grow and gain weight; often due
to increased energy expenditure with congenital heart disease.
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 - ineffective contractions of the heart muscles.
Fontan procedure - A surgical procedure performed to repair
heart defects in which only one ventricle is functional. It connects the
right atrium to the pulmonary artery, allowing oxygen-poor (blue) blood
from the body to flow into the lungs.
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.
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Glenn shunt - A surgical connection between the perior
vena cava and the right pulmonary artery, allowing oxygen-poor (blue)
blood to flow into the lungs.
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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 - interrupted electrical impulse to heart muscles.
heart-lung bypass machine - a machine that performs for the
heart and lungs during open heart surgery.
heart valve prolapse - a condition of the heart valve in which
it is partially open when it should be closed.
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.
hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (Also called HOCM,
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, asymmetrical septal hypertrophy, or ASH, or
idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis or IHSS.) - enlarged heart
muscle that causes impeded blood flow.
hypoplastic - refers to an abnormally small organ or blood
vessel due to abnormal development prior to birth.
hypoplastic left heart syndrome - a congenital heart defect in
which the left side of the heart is poorly developed, resulting in small
mitral valve, left ventricle, and aorta.
hypotension - low blood pressure.
hypoxia - bnormal oxygen content in the organs and tissues of
the body.
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immunosuppressive medications - medications that suppress the
body's immune system; used to minimize rejection of transplanted organs.
incision - a cut made with a surgical instrument during an
operation.
inferior vena cava - the large blood vessel (vein) that returns
blood from the legs and abdomen to the heart.
insufficiency - a valve deformity that allows the blood to leak
backwards when the valve is closed.
ischemia - 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.
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jugular veins - veins that carry blood from the head back to the
heart.
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Kawasaki disease - An immune system disorder affecting the
heart, particularly the coronary arteries.
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left atrium - the upper left-hand chamber of the heart. It
receives oxygen-rich (red) blood from the lungs via the four pulmonary
veins, and then sends this blood to the left ventricle.
left ventricle - the lower left-hand chamber of the heart. It
receives oxygen-rich (red) blood from the left atrium and pumps it into
the aorta, which takes the blood to the body. The left ventricle must be
strong and muscular in order to pump enough blood to the body to meet its
requirements.
lesion - an injury or wound.
lipid - a fatty substance in the blood.
lipoproteins - transporters of fatty substances 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.
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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.
Marfan syndrome - A genetic disorder which affects the
connective tissue of the body. It causes dilation of blood vessels and
abnormalities of cardiac valves.
mechanical valve - an artificial valve used to replace a
diseased or defective valve, most often the aortic valve.
median sternotomy - an incision in the center of the chest, from
the top to the bottom of the breastbone, used for many congenital heart
defect repair surgeries.
mitral valve - the valve that controls blood flow between the
left atrium and left ventricle in the heart.
mitral valve prolapse - an abnormality of the valve between the
left atrium and left ventricle of the heart that causes backward flow of
blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium.
monounsaturated fats - 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 infarction (Also called heart attack.) - 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.
myocardial ischemia - insufficient blood flow to part of the
heart.
myocarditis - inflammation of the heart muscles.
myocardium - the muscular layer of the heart.
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noninvasive procedure - a diagnostic effort or treatment that
does not require entering the body or puncturing the skin.
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obesity - overweight by 30 percent of the ideal body weight.
occluded artery - an artery that is narrowed by plaque that
impedes blood flow.
open heart surgery - surgery that involves opening the chest and
heart while a heart-lung machine performs for the heart and lungs during
the operation.
oxygen desaturation - insufficient amounts 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.
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pacemaker - an electronic device that is surgically placed in
the patient's body and connected to the heart to regulate the heartbeat.
palpitation - a sensation of rapid heartbeats.
patent - open.
patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) - a blood vessel present in all
infants that usually closes shortly after birth. It connects the aorta to
the pulmonary artery. When it remains open, it allows 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
which 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.
pericarditis - an inflammation or infection of the sac which
surrounds the heart.
pericardium - the membrane that surrounds the heart.
plaque - deposits of fat or other substances attached to the
artery wall.
platelets - cells found in the blood that assist in clotting.
polyunsaturated fat - a type of fat found in vegetable oils and
margarines that does not appear to raise blood cholesterol levels.
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. ("Post" means after, and "pericardiotomy"
means opening the membrane around the heart for 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 - 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.
pulmonary artery - the blood vessel connecting the right
ventricle to the lungs, allowing oxygen-poor (blue) blood to receive
oxygen.
pulmonary edema - a condition in which there is fluid
accumulation in the lungs caused by an incorrectly functioning heart.
pulmonary valve - the heart valve located between the right
ventricle and the pulmonary artery that controls blood flow to the lungs.
pulmonary vein - the vessel that carries oxygenated blood from
the lungs to the left side of the heart.
pulse oximeter - a device that measures the amount of oxygen in
the blood. Normal oxygen saturation in the arteries is 95 to 100 percent.
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radioisotope - a radioactive material injected into the body so
that a nuclear scanner can make pictures.
regurgitation - backward flow of blood caused by a defective
heart valve.
renal - pertaining to the kidneys.
rheumatic fever - a disease caused by a strep infection that may
damage the heart valves.
right atrium - the upper right chamber of the heart, which
receives oxygen-poor (blue) blood from the body and sends it to the right
ventricle.
right ventricle - the lower right chamber of the heart, which
receives oxygen-poor (blue) blood from the right atrium and sends it to
the pulmonary artery.
risk factor - a condition, element, or activity that may
adversely affect the heart.
Ross procedure - A surgical procedure performed to repair aortic
stenosis. The child's own pulmonary valve and base of the pulmonary artery
(autograft) replace the defective aorta, while a homograft (blood vessel
from a tissue donor) replaces the pulmonary valve and base of the
pulmonary artery.
rubella - an illness that can cause birth defects, including
congenital heart disease, if a woman contracts it for the first time
during pregnancy; can be prevented by immunization with the MMR vaccine.
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saturated fat - 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 LDL levels.
scaphocephaly - a form of craniosynostosis that results in a
long, narrow head. Scaphocephaly is an early fusion of the sagittal
suture. This suture runs front to back, down the middle of the top of the
head.
septal defect - a hole in the wall between the atria or the
ventricles (upper or lower heart chambers).
septum - the muscle wall between the atria or ventricles (upper
or lower heart chambers).
shunt - a connector to allow blood flow between two locations.
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.
stent - a device implanted in a vessel used to help keep it
open.
stenosis - narrowing or constriction of a blood vessel or valve
in the heart.
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.
stress - mental or physical tension that results from physical,
emotional, or chemical causes.
stroke - the sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain.
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 - the large vein that returns blood to the
heart from the head and arms.
supraventricular tachycardia - a fast heart rate that originates
in the aorta, but does not start in the sinus node.
syncope - 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.
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tachycardia - rapid heartbeat.
tachypnea - 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 (TOF) - a group of congenital heart defects,
including 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 to blood flow.
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 - 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 - replacing a damaged organ with one from a
donor.
transposition of the great arteries (Also called transposition of
the great vessels.) - a congenital heart defect involving abnormal
development of the great arteries (the aorta and the pulmonary artery)
during the time the heart is forming prior to birth. 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 how they are
normally connected.
tricuspid atresia - a congenital 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 that controls blood flow from
the right atrium into the right ventricle.
triglyceride - a fat-like substance found in the blood.
trigonocephaly - a form of craniosynostosis that results in a
triangular configuration of the skull. Trigonocephaly is the premature
fusion of the two halves of the frontal bones at the metopic suture.
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 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 the time the heart is forming prior to birth.
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ultrasound (Also called
sonography.) - a diagnostic imaging technique which 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.
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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 - surgical repair of a heart valve for relief or
incompetence.
vascular - 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.
ventricular tachycardia - a condition in which the ventricles
beat very quickly.
vertigo - dizziness.
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Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome - An extra
electrical pathway that connects the atria and ventricles and causes rapid
heartbeat.
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x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic
energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto
film.
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Heart Center
Heart Conditions in Children