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Glossary
P
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Perfusion CT |
A type of CT scan that uses a special dye to produce a map of all the blood in your brain; used to evaluate stroke |
| Perfusion imaging |
Use of a radioactive tracer substance to produce an image of blood flow to the heart muscle, including areas not receiving enough blood. Usually used in conjunction with a cardiac stress test, such as walking on a treadmill or taking drugs to speed up the heartbeat. |
| Pericarditis |
An inflammation of the pericardium. |
| Pericardium |
The membrane sac that surrounds the heart. |
| peripartum cardiomyopathy |
heart muscle disease that develops in the last 3 months of pregnancy or in the first 5 months after delivery; a cause of heart failure that is unique to women |
| peripheral artery bypass surgery |
a surgical procedure used to treat peripheral artery disease; a blood vessel from another part of your body is used to make an alternate path for blood to flow around a blocked artery |
| peripheral artery disease (PAD) |
disease of the arteries outside your heart, including the arteries that supply blood to your legs, arms, brain, kidneys, and other organs |
| peripheral vascular disease (PVD) |
a general term that refers to all diseases of the blood vessels (arteries and veins) outside the heart |
| pharmacological stress test |
an alternative to an exercise stress test for women who cannot exercise; used to see how your heart functions when it is working hard |
| Phlebitis |
An inflammation of a vein or veins, most often in the legs. |
| phlebography |
see “venography” |
| Phosphodiesterase 4D |
Some variations of this gene can triple the risk of stroke in smokers |
| Physical examination |
An examination of the patient's body by a health care provider to check for signs of disease |
| Physical rehabilitation |
A part of stroke recovery that helps restore strength, control, and coordination to the muscles affected by stroke |
| PLAC |
A blood test used to help determine your risk for heart disease and stroke |
