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Glossary
P
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Positron emission tomography (PET scan) |
A nuclear diagnostic test that uses special radioisotopes that emit positrons and produce unique three-dimensional pictures of heart blood flow and metabolism. |
| potassium-sparing diuretic |
a type of diuretic medication that is less powerful at getting rid of water and lowering blood pressure than other types of diuretics, but has the advantage of preventing your body from losing too much potassium; often prescribed together with another type of diuretic |
| Pre-diabetes |
When blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but are not yet at diabetic levels. |
| Pre-eclampsia |
A condition that can only occur in the last 3 months of pregnancy. Its symptoms include high blood pressure, headaches, and fluid buildup. Also known as toxemia. See also Eclampsia. |
| Prehypertension |
Blood pressure above normal, but not yet at the cutoff for high blood pressure (between 120/80 and 140/90). |
| Prinzmetal’s angina |
See Variant angina. |
| Prodromal symptom |
Symptoms that occur weeks or months before an acute attack. |
| Progestin |
A synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. |
| Prolapse |
The slipping or falling out of place of an organ generally through the opening with which it is usually connected, such as a prolapsed uterus. |
| Prophylaxis (prophylactic antibiotics) |
The use of antibiotics to prevent infection, often given to patients with endocarditis or rheumatic heart disease. |
| Prostaglandins |
Chemicals similar to hormones that are secreted primarily by body tissues and used in blood clotting, control of blood vessel size, and muscle function. |
| Prothrombin |
A blood clotting protein. Inherited defects affecting this protein may increase your risk of blood clotting problems that can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| PTCA |
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. See Angioplasty. |
| Pulmonary |
Pertaining to the lungs. |
| Pulmonary artery |
The large blood vessel that transports oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs. |
