Electrophysiology Glossary

Electrophysiology Glossary Reading resources Electrophysiology Study (EPS) and Catheter Ablation Vocabulary resources Electrophysiology glossary flash cardsElectrophysiology glossary Electrophysiology Glossary ablation A removal or excision, usually carried out surgically. abnormal Outside the expected norm, or uncharacteristic of a particular patient. anemia A reduction in the hemoglobin of red blood cells with consequent deficiency of oxygen in the blood, leading to weakness and pallor. aneurysm A localized, pathological, blood-filled dilatation of a blood vessel caused by a disease or weakening of the vessel’s wall. ankle The joint connecting the leg and the foot. antiseptic Something that discourages the growth microorganisms. By contrast, aseptic refers to the absence of microorganisms. aorta The great arterial trunk that carries blood from the heart to be distributed by branch arteries through the body. appointment An arrangement to meet a person or be at a place at a certain time. arm The appendage that extends from the shoulder to the hand. arrhythmia An abnormal heart rhythm. atrium A chamber of the heart that receives blood from the veins and forces it into a ventricle, and is also called an auricle. back The posterior part of the human body, extending from the neck to the pelvis. beat To throb rhythmically; pulsate. bedpan A shallow vessel used by a bedridden person for urination or defecation . belt A flexible band, as of leather or cloth, worn around the waist to support clothing, secure tools or weapons, or serve as decoration. blanket A large piece of woven material used as a covering for warmth, especially on a bed. bleed To emit or lose blood. bleeding The flow of blood from a ruptured blood vessel. blind Sightless; having less than 1/10 of normal vision in the more efficient eye when refractive defects are fully corrected by lenses . blindness A lack or impairment of vision in which maximal visual acuity after correction by refractive lenses is one-tenth normal vision or less in the better eye. blood clot A semisolid gelatinous mass of coagulated blood that consists of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets entrapped in a fibrin network. blood pressure The pressure exerted by the blood on the inner walls of the arteries, being relative to the elasticity and diameter of the vessels and the force of the heartbeat. blood test An analysis of a sample of blood, especially for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. blood The fluid that circulates in the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins of a vertebrate animal carrying nourishment and oxygen to and bringing away waste products from all parts of the body. bone The dense, semirigid, porous, calcified connective tissue forming the major portion of the skeleton of most vertebrates. bra A woman’s undergarment for supporting the breasts. bracelet An ornamental band or chain encircling the wrist or arm. brain The portion of the vertebrate central nervous system that is enclosed within the cranium, continuous with the spinal cord, and composed of gray matter and white matter. breast Either of two milk-secreting, glandular organs on the chest of a woman; the human mammary gland. breathe To inhale and exhale air, especially when naturally and freely. breathlessness Breathing with difficulty; gasping. cane A stick used as an aid in walking or carried as an accessory. cardiac arrest A temporary or permanent cessation of the heartbeat . cardiology The study of the heart and its functions in health and disease. catheter A thin, flexible tube. cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (stroke) A sudden interruption of the blood supply to the brain caused by rupture of an artery in the brain (cerebral haemorrhage) or the blocking of a blood vessel, as by a clot of blood. chest The area of the body located between the neck and the abdomen, containing the lungs, the heart, and part of the aorta. The walls are supported by the dorsal vertebrae, the ribs, and the sternum. Also known as the thorax. chew To bite and grind with the teeth; masticate. chills A disagreeable sensation of cold accompanied by shivering . cold A viral infection characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the upper respiratory passages and usually accompanied by malaise, fever, chills, coughing, and sneezing. coma A state of unconsciousness from which a person cannot be aroused. concussion A jarring of the brain, caused by a blow or a fall, usually resulting in loss of consciousness. conscious Having an awareness of one’s environment and one’s own existence, sensations, and thoughts. consciousness The state of being conscious; awareness. convulsion A violent involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles. cough To expel air from the lungs suddenly and noisily, often to keep the respiratory passages free of irritating material. cramp A sudden, involuntary, spasmodic muscular contraction causing severe pain, often occurring in the leg or shoulder as the result of strain or chill. crutch A staff or support used by the physically injured or disabled as an aid in walking, usually designed to fit under the armpit and often used in pairs. data Numerical or other information represented in a form suitable for processing by computer. date of birth The date on which a person was born. deaf Partially or completely lacking in the sense of hearing. deafness The lack or severe impairment of the ability to hear. deep Extending far inward from an outer surface. diabetes A polygenic disease characterized by abnormally high glucose levels in the blood; any of several metabolic disorders marked by excessive urination and persistent thirst. diabetic (n) A person who has diabetes ; of, relating to, or having diabetes. diarrhea Abnormally frequent and watery bowel movements . dizziness A sensation of whirling and a tendency to fall; giddy; vertiginous. dizziness A whirling sensation in the head with a tendency to fall . dizzy Having a whirling sensation in the head with a tendency to fall . doctor A person licensed to practise medicine. duration The length of time that something lasts or continues. elbow The joint between the upper arm and the forearm, formed by the junction of the radius and ulna with the humerus. electricity Any phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons, ions, or other charged particles. electrocardiogram A tracing of the electric currents that initiate the heartbeat, used to diagnose possible heart disorders. electrocardiogram A tracing of the electric currents that initiate the heartbeat, used to diagnose possible heart disorders. electrode A conductor, not necessarily metallic, through which a current enters or leaves a nonmetallic medium. electrode A solid electric conductor through which an electric current enters or leaves an electrolytic cell or other medium. Electroencephalography A graphic record produced by an electroencephalograph. electromyography A device for recording electric currents from an active muscle to produce an electromyogram. electronystagmography A study of the recorded changes in corneoretinal potential caused by movements of the eye, used to assess nystagmus. Electrophysiology The branch of physiology dealing with the electric phenomena associated with the body and its functions. epilepsy A disorder of the nervous system, characterized either by seizures. exam Physical inspection of a patient or parts of his body, in order to verify health or diagnose disease. exhale To breathe out. faint To fall into a usually brief state of unconsciousness. fainting spell An instance of a loss of consciousness caused by a temporary lack of oxygen to the brain. family history Part of a patient’s medical history in which questions are asked in an attempt to find out whether the patient has hereditary tendencies toward particular diseases. feel To perceive as a physical sensation. fever A rise of body temperature above the normal . finger One of the five digits of the hand, especially one other than the thumb. follow-up exam An examination that is scheduled to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, assess healing after a surgical procedure, or monitor the progression of a disease. forearm The part of the arm from the elbow to the wrist. forehead The part of the face between the eyebrows, the normal hairline, and the temples. gown A robe or smock worn in operating rooms and other parts of hospitals as a guard against contamination. groin The area where the thigh meets the hip. haemorrhage Profuse bleeding from ruptured blood vessels. hair A growth of filaments, as that forming the coat of an animal or covering the scalp of a human. head The uppermost or forwardmost part of the body of a vertebrate, containing the brain and the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and jaws. headache A pain in the head. health The overall condition of an organism at a given time. healthy Possessing good health. hear To perceive (sound) by the ear. hearing The sense by which sound is perceived; the capacity to hear. heart attack Sudden interruption or insufficiency of the supply of blood to the heart; also called myocardial infarction. heart disease An abnormal organic condition of the heart or of the heart and circulation . heart A hollow muscular organ of vertebrates that expands and contracts to move blood through the arteries, veins, and capillaries. heartbeat A single complete pulsation of the heart. hip The part of the body that curves outward below the waist on each side and is formed by the side part of the pelvis and the upper part of the thigh . hold your breath To keep the air that you inhaled in your lungs. hospital An institution that provides medical, surgical, or psychiatric care and treatment for the sick or the injured. hurt To have or produce a feeling of physical pain or discomfort. hypertension Arterial disease in which chronic high blood pressure is the primary symptom. hyperventilate To breathe in an abnormally deep, long, and rapid manner, sometimes resulting in cramp and dizziness. ill Not healthy; sick. illness Poor health resulting from disease of body or mind; sickness. inflammation The reaction of living tissue to injury or infection, characterized by heat, redness, swelling, and pain. inhale To draw (air or smoke, for example) into the lungs by breathing; inspire. injure To cause physical harm to; hurt. injury Damage or harm done to or suffered by a person or thing. insomnia Chronic inability to fall asleep or remain asleep for an adequate length of time. itch An irritating skin sensation causing a desire to scratch. keep To remain in a state or condition. laboratory A building, part of a building, or other place equipped to conduct scientific experiments, tests, and investigations. left-handed Using the left hand more skillfully or easily than the right. leg One of the lower or hind limbs in humans and primates. length The amount of time between specified moments; the duration. lie down To be or place oneself at rest in a flat, horizontal, or recumbent position; recline. lift To direct or carry from a lower to a higher position; raise. limb An arm or leg. lose your balance To fail to keep or maintain your ability to stand up. lung One of the usually paired organs forming the special breathing structure of vertebrates that breathe air . medication A substance used for medical treatment, especially a medicine or drug. muscle A tissue composed of fibers capable of contracting to move the body. muscular disorder A disturbance of the regular or normal functions of muscles. muscular Of, relating to, or consisting of muscle; having well-developed muscles. myopathy Any abnormality or disease of muscle tissue. mytonia Tonic muscle spasm or muscular rigidity. nausea The sensation that precedes vomiting. nauseous Affected with or causing nausea. neck The part of the body joining the head to the shoulders. nerve Any of the cordlike bundles of fibres that conduct sensory or motor impulses between the brain or spinal cord and another part of the body. nervous system The system of cells, tissues, and organs that regulates the body’s responses to internal and external stimuli. neurological Of or relating to the nervous system or neurology. neurologist A physician specializing in neurology. neurology The science of the nerves and the nervous system, especially of the diseases affecting them. neuropathology The branch of medicine concerned with diseases of the nervous system. numb A loss of the sensation of feeling in an area of the body, resulting from damage, the cold or from an anesthetic. nurse A person formally educated and trained in the care of the sick or infirm at a hospital. nystagmus A congenital or acquired persistent, rapid, involuntary, and oscillatory movement of the eyeball, usually from side to side. pacemaker A system that sends electrical impulses to the heart in order to set the heart rhythm. pain Physical suffering associated with disease, injury, or other bodily disorder. painful Affected with, causing, or characterized by pain. painless Free from complication or pain. palpitation Irregular, rapid beating or pulsation of the heart. paralysis Loss or impairment of the ability to move a body part, usually as a result of damage to its nerve supply. pathophysiology The disordered physiological processes associated with disease or injury. patient A person who is receiving medical care. physician A person legally qualified to practise medicine, esp one specializing in areas of treatment other than surgery; doctor of medicine. pillow A cloth case stuffed with something soft used to cushion the head during sleep. pneumonia A disease of the lungs marked by inflammation, congestion, fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing and caused especially by infection . prescribe To order the use of (a medicine or other treatment). prescription A written order by a physician for the preparation and administration of a medicine or other treatment. pulse The rhythmical throbbing of arteries produced by the regular contractions of the heart, especially as palpated at the wrist or in the neck. raise To move to a higher position; elevate. relax To make or become lax or loose. remove To take off; to take away. rest To be, become, or remain temporarily still, quiet, or inactive. rheumatic fever An acute inflammatory disease occurring during recovery from infection with a strain of streptococcus bacteria, having an onset marked by fever and joint pain and frequently resulting in scarring of the heart valves. rib One of a series of long curved bones occurring in 12 pairs in humans and extending from the spine to or toward the sternum. right Of, belonging to, located on, or being the side of the body to the south when the subject is facing east. right-handed Using the right hand more skillfully or easily than the left. risk The possibility of suffering harm or loss; danger; a factor, thing, element, or course involving uncertain danger; a hazard. roll up your sleeve Fold the sleeve of your shirt in on itself to expose the arm. scalp The skin covering the top of the human head. scar A mark left on the skin after injured tissue has healed. see double See things as if they were there twice. seizure A sudden attack, spasm, or convulsion, as in epilepsy or another disorder. shave To remove the beard or other body hair from, with a razor or shaver. short of breath A subjective experience of breathing discomfort that consists of qualitatively distinct sensations that vary in intensity; also called dyspnea. shoulder The joint connecting the arm with the torso. side effect A peripheral or secondary effect, especially an undesirable secondary effect of a drug or therapy. sleep disorders Problems with sleeping, including trouble falling or staying asleep, falling asleep at the wrong times, too much sleep or abnormal behaviors during sleep. smoke To draw in and exhale smoke from a cigarette, cigar, or pipe. stand up To rise to an upright position on the feet. sternum A flat narrow piece of bone or cartilage in the chest that connects the ribs in most vertebrates other than fishes called also breastbone. stretcher A device for carrying a sick, injured, or dead person. strobe light A flash lamp that produces high-intensity short-duration light pulses by electric discharge in a gas. stroke Sudden weakening or loss of consciousness or the power to feel or move caused by the breaking or blocking (as by a clot) of a blood vessel in the brain called also apoplexy. suffer To feel pain or distress; sustain loss, injury, harm, or punishment; to undergo or sustain something painful, injurious, or unpleasant. swallow To take through the mouth and esophagus into the stomach . swell To grow or cause to grow in size, esp as a result of internal pressure. swelling Becoming abnormally enlarged or puffed up . symptom A sign or an indication of disorder or disease, especially when experienced by an individual as a change from normal function, sensation, or appearance. take a deep breath To inhale air deeply and slowly and then release it. technologist A specialist in technology. temple The flat region on either side of the forehead. therapy The treatment of disease or disorders, as by some remedial, rehabilitative, or curative process. thigh The part of the leg that extends from the hip to the knee . thyroid gland A large endocrine gland at the base of the neck of most vertebrates that produces iodine-containing hormones (as thyroxine) that affect growth, development, and metabolism. tingling A prickling, stinging sensation. treat To give medical aid to counteract a disease or condition. treatment Administration or application of remedies to a patient or for a disease or injury; medicinal or surgical management; therapy. vein A blood vessel that carries blood that is low in oxygen content from the body back to the heart. The de-oxygenated form of hemoglobin in venous blood makes it appear dark. ventricle A chamber of the heart, having thick muscular walls, that receives blood from the atrium and pumps it to the arteries. vision The faculty of sight; eyesight. vomit To eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth as the result of involuntary muscular spasms of the stomach and oesophagus. weak Lacking physical strength, energy, or vigor; feeble. Please follow and like us: