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Glossary
N
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Neurological examination |
A series of questions and physical and mental tests that evaluate how your nervous system—including the brain—is functioning |
| Neuroprotective agents |
medications designed to prevent damage to the brain caused by lack of oxygen during a stroke |
| Neutropenia |
A dangerously low level of white blood cells. |
| Niacin |
See Nicotinic acid. |
| Niacin flush |
A side effect of the drug niacin characterized by warmth, redness, tingling, and possible itching in the face, neck, and chest. |
| Nicotinic acid |
The most effective cholesterol medication for increasing HDL ( good ) cholesterol. It also lowers triglycerides. |
| Nitrate tolerance |
When the body becomes so used to having nitrate in its system that the nitrates are no longer effective for treating chest pain. |
| Nitrates |
Drugs that relax blood vessels and relieve chest pain used to treat angina and manage congestive heart failure. |
| Nitroglycerin |
A drug that widens the blood vessels of the heart. It is used to treat angina. |
| Non-heme iron |
Iron that comes mainly from plant sources (e.g., spinach); other foods in your diet can affect the absorption of non-heme iron. |
| Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction |
A mild heart attack that does not produce the typical heart attack pattern (ST elevation) on an ECG. |
| Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) |
Drugs that relieve pain, fever, and inflammation, including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and aspirin; should not be taken by women with heart failure (except aspirin, if your doctor has prescribed an aspirin regimen) |
| Noninvasive test |
A test that does not involve surgery, needle puncture, or skin penetration. |
| Norepinephrine |
A hormone secreted by nerve endings and the adrenal glands that helps maintain constant blood pressure. |
| Norwood procedure |
An operation to treat pulmonary insufficiency involving the creation of a shunt in order to provide blood flow from the heart to the lungs. |
