Glossary
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Acute Coronary Syndrome
Clots
Heart Attack
Non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction ("NSTEMI" or "non–Q-wave" heart attack)
Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.)
Plaque
Platelets
Stroke
ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction ("STEMI" or "Q-wave" heart attack)
Unstable Angina
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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Platelets,red blood cells and other materials in the blood that stick together and
can block or slow blood flow through your arteries.
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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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A non–ST-segment elevation heart attack occurs when an artery is partially blocked.
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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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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.
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Microscopic particles within the blood that form clots to reduce bleeding when blood vessels are injured.
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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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An ST-elevation heart attack occurs because an artery is completely blocked. It is often life-threatening and may result in significant heart muscle damage.
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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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