Unfamiliar with heart attack terms? Need a definition of stroke? Puzzled by P.A.D.? Click on a topic below for more information:
Acute Coronary Syndrome
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a term used by doctors to describe the following 3 conditions: heart-related chest pain (unstable angina), ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction ("STEMI" or "Q-wave" heart attack) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction ("NSTEMI" or "non-Q-wave" heart attack). These conditions are usually caused by clots that block the flow of blood in arteries of the heart. ACS patients are at greater risk not only of having a future heart attack but also of having a stroke.
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Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
A test that compares the blood pressures in the legs and arms to detect the presence of P.A.D.
Artery
A blood vessel that carries blood with oxygen from the heart to all parts of the body.
Cholesterol
A natural fat substance both produced by your body and absorbed from some animal products in food. It helps build various structures and substances in the body. But too high a level of a certain type of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk for coronary heart disease and a risk factor for stroke.
Claudication
Refers to a cramping leg pain that people with P.A.D. experience following exercise or walking that is relieved by rest. Usually the result of reduced blood supply to the leg muscles.
Clots
Platelets, red blood cells, and other materials in the blood that stick together during the natural healing process and can block or slow blood flow through your arteries.
Heart Attack
A serious event that occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart is partially or severely blocked, limiting the flow of blood. In most cases, the blockage is caused by clots.
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Non-ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction ("NSTEMI" Or "Non-Q-wave" Heart Attack)
A non-ST-segment elevation heart attack is caused by a partially blocked artery.
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Peripheral Arteries
Arteries that are away from the center of the body, such as those in the legs.
Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.)
P.A.D. is a condition in which the arteries of your legs, and sometimes your arms, begin to narrow from plaque, restricting the flow of oxygen-rich blood. The symptoms of P.A.D. include pain, cramps, a tired feeling, or heaviness in your calves, thighs, or buttocks that occurs when you exercise—even when just walking a short distance—that eases after rest. P.A.D. can be an indicator that you are at risk for a heart attack or stroke. Most people with P.A.D. experience no symptoms at all. In fact, only about one third of P.A.D. patients feel any pain. If you do have P.A.D., by the time you actually feel pain in your legs, your arteries may have narrowed by 60% or more.
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Plaque
A buildup of cholesterol and other materials in the walls of the arteries. Plaque can rupture, causing platelets in the blood to stick together and form a clot.
Platelets
Microscopic particles within the blood that form clots to reduce bleeding.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow through an artery that supplies blood to the brain is severely reduced or blocked. As a result, the brain is temporarily or permanently damaged. Most strokes are ischemic, meaning they result from a blockage, usually by a clot, in an artery leading to the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a vessel ruptures, causing blood to leak into the brain.
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ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction ("STEMI" Or "Q-wave" Heart Attack)
An ST-elevation heart attack is caused by a completely blocked artery. It’s life-threatening and results in significant heart damage.
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Unstable Angina
Heart-related chest pain or discomfort that can lead to hospitalization. This condition is due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle caused by clots or severe narrowing of the arteries. Symptoms can occur at any time, during exercise or at rest.
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