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Glossary
A
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Atheroma |
A mass of plaque that has formed in an artery. See also Plaque. |
| Atherosclerosis |
the progressive narrowing and hardening of the arteries caused by buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) on the artery walls over time. Atherosclerosis can reduce or block blood flow. |
| Atrial fibrillation |
a heart rhythm disorder in which the upper chambers of the heart (atria) contract rapidly and irregularly; a risk factor for heart failure and stroke |
| atrial septal defect (ASD) |
a type of congenital heart defect in which there is a hole in the heart muscle wall that separates the left atrium from the right atrium; this allows oxygen-rich blood to flow from the left atrium into the right atrium instead of into the left ventricle to be pumped to the rest of the body; over time they can stretch and weaken the right side of the heart, leading to heart failure |
| Atrioventricular (AV) node |
A bundle of cells that regulates the electrical current between the upper and lower chambers of the heart, maintaining heart rhythm. |
| Atrium |
One of the two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood from the lungs or body and push it into the ventricles. |
| atrophy |
wasting away of the muscles; women with PAD may develop atrophy of the leg muscles |
| Autonomic nervous system |
The involuntary nervous system that controls heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and other unconscious body functions. |
