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:

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Sleep apnea

Brief periods of recurrent cessation of breathing during sleep that is caused by obstruction of the airway or a disturbance in the brain's respiratory center and is associated especially with excessive daytime sleepiness

Stem cells

An unspecialized cell that gives rise to differentiated cells

Stenosis

A stricture or narrowing of any canal or orifice.

Stent

Interventional procedure that uses a small wire mesh tubes to support the artery wall and keep arteries open

Stress test

Any standardized procedure for assessing the effect of stress on cardiac function and myocardial perfusion. Stress may be induced by physical exercise or simulated by administration of a coronary vasodilator. Heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram are monitored before, during, and after the challenge

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