Peter Munk Cardiac Centre

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This is not an exhaustive list, but includes some of the terminology commonly used in the assessment and treatment of cardiac disorders. To view this glossary simply click on the corresponding letter below:

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

Cardiomyopathy

A type of progressive heart disease in which the heart is abnormally enlarged, thickened and/or stiffened. As a result, the heart muscle's ability to pump blood is weakened

Carotid Arteries

arteries supplying blood to the brain.

Catheter

A tubular instrument to allow passage of fluid from or into a body cavity or blood vessel.  Generally, a catheter designed to be passed through the urethra into the bladder to drain it of urine.

Cognitive function

conscious intellectual activity, such as the ability to think, reason, remember, imagine, or learn words

Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan)

A noninvasive, painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.  CT imaging uses special x-ray equipment to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body and a computer to join them together in cross-sectional views of the area being studied. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed.

Congenital Heart Disease

A type of defect or malformation in one or more structures of the heart or blood vessels that occurs before birth. These defects occur while the fetus is developing in the uterus and affect 8-10 out of every 1,000 children. Congenital heart defects may produce symptoms at birth, during childhood and sometimes not until adulthood.  In adults, if symptoms are present, they may include: shortness of breath and a limited ability to exercise.

Coronary Artery Disease

Atherosclerosis of the cornary arteries. Atherosclerosis occurs when the arteries become clogged and narrowed, restricting blood flow to the heart. Without adequate blood, the heart becomes starved of oxygen and vital nutrients it needs to work properly.

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