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Florida Cardiology, P.A.

Medical Terms Glossary

Glossary of medical terms and conditions found throughout our website.

* Please contact us if you are experiencing any symptoms, or need to see a specialist for any of the following conditions.

A

Angina

Chest tightness, pressure, or pain that occurs when the heart muscle is not receiving adequate blood flow. It is not a disease on its own but rather a warning signal from the heart — most often linked to narrowed coronary arteries. Symptoms may radiate to the arm, neck, jaw, or back and are frequently triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress.

Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter

Two related but distinct rhythm disorders affecting the upper chambers of the heart. In atrial fibrillation, the atria fire chaotically and out of sync, producing an irregular and often rapid pulse. In atrial flutter, the atria beat in a fast but organized loop, which can cause the lower chambers to pump very rapidly. Both conditions become more prevalent with age and can significantly raise the risk of stroke if left untreated.

B

Bradycardia

A resting heart rate below 60 beats per minute. For well-conditioned athletes this can be completely normal, as a stronger heart requires fewer beats to circulate blood effectively. In other individuals, however, a slow heart rate may mean the heart is not delivering enough oxygen to the body, leading to fatigue, dizziness, or fainting.

C

Cardiac Arrhythmia

A broad term covering any disruption to the heart's normal electrical rhythm — whether the heart beats too fast, too slow, or in an irregular pattern. The heart relies on a precise sequence of electrical signals to coordinate each contraction; when that sequence is interrupted or misfires, an arrhythmia results. Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others require prompt medical attention.

Cardiomyopathy

A condition in which the heart muscle itself becomes structurally or functionally abnormal, reducing its ability to pump blood efficiently. The three main forms are dilated (the muscle weakens and the heart enlarges), hypertrophic (the muscle thickens abnormally, often inherited), and restrictive (the muscle stiffens and cannot fill properly). All forms can progress to heart failure if not managed.

Carotid Artery Disease

Progressive narrowing of the carotid arteries — the large vessels on either side of the neck that carry blood to the brain — caused by the gradual buildup of fatty plaque along the artery walls. Because these arteries feed the brain directly, significant narrowing raises the risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). The condition often develops silently over many years before symptoms appear.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

A condition in which the heart's pumping capacity has declined to the point where it can no longer keep up with the body's demands. Fluid backs up into the lungs and surrounding tissues, causing breathlessness, swollen legs and ankles, and persistent fatigue. CHF develops gradually — often as a consequence of long-standing high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, or valve problems — and requires ongoing management to prevent worsening.

Coronary Artery Disease

The leading form of heart disease, caused by the slow accumulation of cholesterol-rich plaque inside the arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood. As these vessels narrow over time, the heart receives less oxygen — particularly during exertion — which can produce chest pain (angina). If a plaque deposit ruptures and triggers a clot that completely blocks an artery, the result is a heart attack.

D

Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)

The formation of a blood clot within one of the deep veins of the body, most commonly in the calf or thigh. The affected leg may become swollen, warm, and painful. The primary danger is that the clot can break free, travel through the bloodstream, and lodge in the lungs — a potentially life-threatening complication called pulmonary embolism.

E

Endocarditis

An infection of the heart's inner lining, most often involving one or more of the heart valves. It typically occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream — through dental procedures, skin infections, or intravenous drug use — and settle on valve tissue that has been damaged or is otherwise vulnerable. Without treatment, endocarditis can destroy valve function and spread infection throughout the body.

H

Hypertension

Persistently elevated pressure within the arteries, commonly referred to as high blood pressure. Because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms, many people live with it for years without knowing. Over time, the constant strain damages artery walls, forces the heart to work harder, and significantly raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss.

M

Mitral Valve Prolapse

A condition in which one or both leaflets of the mitral valve — the valve between the heart's left upper and lower chambers — are slightly oversized and bow backward into the upper chamber when the heart contracts. Most people with this condition live normal lives without complications. In some cases, however, the valve does not seal completely, allowing blood to leak backward, which may eventually require treatment.

P

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the pericardium, the two-layered protective sac that surrounds the heart. When these layers become irritated — most often by a viral infection — they rub against each other with each heartbeat, producing a sharp, stabbing chest pain that typically worsens when lying flat and improves when sitting upright and leaning forward. Most cases resolve with anti-inflammatory treatment.

S

Syncope

A sudden, brief loss of consciousness caused by a temporary drop in blood flow to the brain. It is commonly known as fainting or "blacking out." Syncope can be triggered by standing up too quickly, prolonged standing, dehydration, emotional stress, or an underlying heart rhythm problem. While many episodes are benign, recurrent or unexplained syncope warrants a thorough cardiac evaluation.

V

Valvular Heart Disease

Any condition that impairs the normal function of one or more of the heart's four valves — the aortic, mitral, pulmonary, or tricuspid. Valves can fail in two ways: stenosis, in which the valve opening becomes narrowed and restricts forward blood flow; or regurgitation, in which the valve does not close fully and allows blood to leak backward. Both place extra strain on the heart over time.

Ventricular Ectopy

Extra heartbeats that originate in the ventricles (the heart's lower pumping chambers) rather than from the heart's normal electrical pacemaker. These premature beats — often called PVCs — can feel like a skipped beat, a thud, or a brief flutter in the chest. They are extremely common and usually harmless, though frequent or complex patterns may warrant further evaluation.

Ventricular Tachycardia

A rapid heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles and causes the heart to beat faster than 100 times per minute in a sustained, abnormal pattern. Because the ventricles are the heart's main pumping chambers, this rhythm can severely reduce the heart's ability to circulate blood. Sustained ventricular tachycardia is a serious condition that requires immediate medical evaluation and treatment.

New Patient Resource

Heart Dictionary — "What Did My Doctor Say?"

Search 50+ cardiac terms by symptom, nickname, or plain-English description. Type "racing heart," "leaky valve," or "fluid on the lungs" and get a clear answer.

Open Heart Dictionary

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