Vascular Diseases Dictionary

aneurysm: An abnormal dilation, or ballooning, of a blood vessel. An aneurysm may rupture.

angiogenesis: The growth and development of new blood vessels.

angiography: A diagnostic test in which dye is injected into blood vessels so they will appear on x-rays.

anticoagulant: Any medication or substance that prevents blood from coagulating, or thickening.

anti-platelet agents: Medication that thins the blood by inhibiting platelet formation, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

aorta: The main artery transporting blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

aortic aneurysm: A dilation, or ballooning, of part of the aorta. A ruptured aortic aneurysm can be fatal.

arterial Doppler test: An ultrasound test to examine circulation in extremities.

arterial insufficiency: A medical condition that blocks the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

artery: Blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

atherosclerosis: A condition where the arteries lose flexibility, harden and narrow. Caused by hypertension, diet, diabetes, smoking and cholesterol levels.

balloon angioplasty: In this medical procedure, a small balloon is inflated in a narrow artery to widen the surrounding area.

blood: The fluid that carries nourishment and oxygen to the body.

blood clot: A blood clot occurs when blood thickens, or coagulates, in a blood vessel, blocking the flow of blood and increasing the risk of amputation, stroke or embolism.

blood pressure: Pressure placed on the blood vessel walls by blood.

blood thinners: Medication that prevents blood clotting.

bruit: Abnormal sounds heard with a stethoscope when examining a damaged or diseased blood vessel.

capillaries: The smallest blood vessels in the body.

cardiovascular: Of or relating to the heart and vascular system.

carotid: The artery in the neck that supplies the brain with blood and oxygen.

carotid artery plaques: Abnormal build up of cholesterol, fat and other compounds in the carotid artery. A possible cause of stroke.

carotid endarterectomy: Surgery to remove plaques from the carotid artery.

cholesterol: A substance found in the blood. LDL, or "bad," cholesterol can build up in blood vessels, causing atherosclerosis.

circulatory system: The network that is comprised of the heart, blood vessels, lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels. Transports lymph and blood through the body.

congestive heart failure: A condition where the heart can no longer transport adequate blood supply to the rest of the body.

coronary arteries: Arteries that provide blood to the heart.

deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins. Blood thinners are used to remove a DVT.

diabetes: A disease caused by a lack of insulin or a resistance to insulin. Results in an inability to control blood sugar levels.

embolism: A blood clot that breaks loose from its origin in a blood vessel and travels through the blood vessels. An embolism that travels to the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism.

endarterectomy: The surgical removal of a portion of a diseased blood vessel.