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Medical Glossary
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Medical Glossary "A" through "D"
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Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter that causes muscles to contract.
Ace-inhibitors: A class of pharmaceutical drugs used to treat hypertension by blocking the formation of a hormone which causes blood vessel constriction. Common ace-inhibitors include Altace (ramipril), Capoten (captopril); Lotensin (benazapril), and Vasotec (enalapril).
Adenine nucleotides: A class of compounds including ATP, ADP and AMP. Adenine nucleotides contain adenine, D-ribose (forming adenosine) and one to three phosphate groups held to adenosine by high energy chemical bonds.
Adenosine: A compound formed from D-ribose by the addition of the purine ring, adenine. In nature, the purine ring is built on a D-ribose by adding structure one atom at a time. It is not simply formed by attaching a purine ring to the ribose moiety. Adenosine forms the foundation for synthesis of adenine nucleotides.
Adenosine diphosphate (ADP): An adenine nucleotide containing two phosphate molecules. ADP is formed from ATP when one of the phosphate molecules is removed to release energy.
Adenosine monophosphate (AMP): An adenine nucleotide containing one phosphate molecule. AMP is formed when one of the phosphate molecules of ADP is removed.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP): An adenine nucleotide containing three high-energy phosphate bonds. ATP is the primary source of energy for all living cells. It produces energy when the chemical bond holding one of the phosphate molecules is broken from the ATP molecule, forming ADP, inorganic phosphate and a release of energy.
Adrenal glands: A pair of endocrine organs located atop the kidneys, the adrenal glands produce epinephrine and norepinephrine as well as glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid, and androgenic hormones.
Adrenaline: See Epinephrine.
Aerobic metabolism: Metabolism in the cell that takes place in the presence of oxygen. Most aerobic metabolism takes place in the mitochondria of the cell.
Allicin: Found in garlic, allicin is a sulfur compound with potent antimicrobial activity, especially as an antibacterial agent.
Alpha linoleic acid: A type of omega-3 fatty acid found in plants (e.g. flax and walnuts) which can be converted in the body to essential fatty acids: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA): ALA is a fat- and water-soluble molecule that functions as an antioxidant, while helping to recycle vitamins C and E (as well as glutathione), which enhances all of their antioxidant properties. ALA has also been shown to prevent cataracts, improve the immune system, and enhance the liver’s ability to detoxify metals. It has shown promising results in treating diabetic nerve damage and improving blood flow to the peripheral nerves.
Anabolic: Pertaining to the build up or growth phase of metabolism (anabolism) in which the body builds up new tissues for growth and repair.
Anaerobic metabolism: Metabolism in the cell that does not use oxygen. Most anaerobic metabolism takes place in the cytosol of the cell. Anaerobic metabolism is important in producing short bursts of energy, but is not sufficient to supply cells, in the long term, with energy.
Angina pectoris: Classically defined as a squeezing or pressure, or even a burning-like chest pain, angina is commonly known as a “heart cramp.” Angina is caused by an insufficient supply of oxygen to heart tissues, causing them to run out of energy and making them vulnerable. This oxygen deprivation is almost always caused by atherosclerotic plaque formation in the blood vessels feeding the heart.
Angioplasty: A medical procedure whereby a balloon is placed in a clogged coronary artery and inflated, breaking plaque away from the artery wall and opening the artery to restore blood flow to ischemic tissue. Also called percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.
Antibodies (immunoglobulins): Proteins in the blood produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects.
Antioxidants: Substances that prevent or reverse the damage of free-radical stress. For example, antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E can neutralize oxygen and free radicals to help prevent fats from becoming oxidized or rancid. Antioxidants can help prevent many of the degenerative diseases of the twenty-first century.
Arachidonic acid: An unsaturated, 20-carbon long, omega-6 fatty acid which is a precursor to “unfavorable” eicosanoids. It is synthesized via the omega-6 pathway. Arachidonic acid is a highly inflammatory compound produced by cells in the presence of free radicals that sets the stage for inflammatory events.
Argenine: An amino acid that converts to nitric oxide in the body, and thus helps relax blood vessels.
Arrhythmia: An irregular heart rhythm or pulse. While atrial fibrillation is the most commonly encountered type of arrhythmia, arrhythmias involving premature atrial contractions (PACs) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are not uncommon. Deadly types of arrhythmia include ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
Arteriosclerosis: Damage in blood vessels characterized by thickening and loss of elasticity of arterial walls. Much of this damage is thought to be due to free-radical stress and inflammation.
Articular: Associated with the joints between bones.
Astaxanthin: A naturally occurring red carotenoid pigment commonly found in salmon and other marine animals which have consumed the algae which contains it. Astaxanthin has powerful antioxidant capabilities and potential to boost immune system activity.
Atherosclerosis: A common form of arteriosclerosis in which deposits of yellowish plaque (atheromas) containing cholesterol, clotted blood, and other lipids form within the walls of arteries causing compromised circulation.
Atrial fibrillation (AF): The most common type of arrhythmia, AF occurs when one atrium (heart chamber) no longer responds to electrical signals sent by the sinoatrial node, or pacemaker. Instead, the atrium will contracts or vibrate as a result of signals sent from elsewhere in the heart.
ATP: See Adenosine triphosphate.
ATP-ADP translocase: An enzyme that moves ATP out of mitochondria replacing it with an ADP from the cytosol. ATP-ADP translocase keeps the cell supplied with available energy and provides energy-forming substrate to the mitochondria.
Autonomic nervous system (ANS): The part of the nervous system that is concerned with control of involuntary bodily functions such as the heartbeat, salivation, and sweating. The sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS are respectively responsible for the body’s fight-or-flight and relaxation responses.
Balloon Angioplasty: A medical procedure through which an obstructed or narrowed artery is widened by inflating a small balloon within the artery which flattens the plaque or blocking agent against the wall. Stents are often used to keep the artery open after angioplasty.
Beta blockers: A class of pharmaceutical drugs used to treat high blood pressure, beta blockers decrease heart rate and heart output. Beta blockers also interfere with the production of rennin, a hormone which increases blood pressure. Common beta blockers include Corgard (naldolol), Inderal (propranolol), and Lopressor (metoprolol).
Beta carotene: A form of provitamin A (vitamin A precursor) found mainly in yellow and/or orange fruits and vegetables. When vitamin A levels are insufficient, ingested beta carotene will be converted to vitamin A as needed by the body.
Bioavailability: A measure of the amount of a consumed substance that actually reaches the blood and intended tissue target to exert its biological action.
Bioflavonoid: See Flavonoid.
Blood viscosity: Blood thickness; a marker for identifying the risk of atherosclerosis. The thicker a person’s blood, the greater the risk of blood clots and cardiac events.
Bromelain: This enzyme (derived from pineapple) works similarly to papain, and therefore helps aid digestion.
C-reactive protein (CRP): A phase-reacting protein substance that reflects the presence of a previous infectious agent in the blood stream. A high CRP level is a major prognostic indicator of coronary heart disease, as it tends to be the main inflammatory risk factor for the heart.
Calcium: The most abundant mineral in the body. Its major function is building and maintaining bones and teeth, but it is also an important part of most of the body's enzyme activity. The contraction of muscles, release of neurotransmitters, regulation of heartbeat, and the clotting ability of the blood all depend on calcium.
Calcium channel blockers: A class of pharmaceutical drugs that act to reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. Common calcium channel blockers include rate-limiters Cardizem / Cartia / Dilacor (diltiazem) and non-rate limiters, Adalat / Procardia (nifedipine) or Plendil (felodipine).
Calorie: A unit for measuring energy. The more calories a food has, the more energy producing value it has. While proteins and carbohydrates each contain 4 calories per gram, fats contain 9 calories per gram.
Carbohydrates: Various forms of sugar that, when converted to glucose, are the primary source of fuel for the body. Simple carbohydrates are absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream than complex carbohydrates. like whole grains and fibers, and therefore have a higher glycemic index value.
Carcinogens: Cancer-producing substances such as chemicals, heavy metals, free radicals, radiation, viruses, insecticides, and pesticides.
Cardiac event: A blockage of life-sustaining blood and oxygen in an artery leading to the heart.
Cardiomegaly: An enlarged heart.
Cardiomyopathy: A state in which the muscle tissue of the heart has become damaged, diseased, enlarged (hypertrophied), or stretched out and thinned (dilated), leaving the muscle fibers weakened. This most happens as a result of heart attacks or longstanding untreated high blood pressure. Cardiomyopathic hearts cannot metabolize energy efficiently.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD): Also referred to as heart disease, CVD characterizes the range of diseases which affect the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and congenital heart defects.
Carnitine: See L-carnitine
Carotenoids: Naturally occurring pigments responsible for the red, yellow, and orange color in plants, and are associated with Vitamin A, including lutein, lycopene, beta-carotene, and astaxanthin. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants with anti-cancer and immune enhancing capabilities.
Catabolic: Pertaining to the breakdown phase of metabolism (catabolism) in which the body breaks down complex substances into simpler ones.
Catecholamines: Hormones produced by the adrenal glands that are released during moments of emotional or physical stress. Catecholamines include dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine (once called adrenaline).
Cellulase: An enzyme that helps digest fiber.
Cholesterol: A fatty wax-like substance, necessary in small amounts for cell function, though potentially harmful for the heart if too much is consumed or produced by the body. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is considered “good” cholesterol because it can lower one’s risk for heart disease, while LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is considered “bad” cholesterol because too much of it can place one at risk for heart disease.
Chromium: This mineral promotes glucose metabolism, and helps insulin regulate blood sugar.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD): Diseases of the lungs such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis which hinder ability to breathe by blocking airflow. COPD is most often caused most by active and passive smoking, as well as inhaling pollutants and other irritants, and lung infections.
Coenzyme A (CoA): A vitamin-like compound used by the cell to carry food (fuel) to the mitochondria where it enters the Krebs cycle for energy recycling.
Coenzyme Q10: CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that enhances energy at the cellular level. It supports cardiac function by stabilizing cardiac cellular membranes, and enhancing stamina and energy by providing ATP support. When taken in higher dosages, it can help the heart to pump blood more efficiently, promote healthy blood pressure levels, and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Congestive heart failure (CHF): Progressive disease of the heart in which the heart becomes so weak it cannot efficiently pump blood to the various parts of the body. Patients with these conditions usually experience shortness of breath with minimal exercise. Some may have pain or weakness in their legs and other peripheral skeletal muscles because the heart cannot pump enough blood to supply the oxygen needed by the rest of the body to make energy.
Copper: This mineral has many different functions, including promoting connective tissue formation, central nervous system function, and normal red blood cell formation. It acts as a catalyst in storage and release of iron to form hemoglobin for red blood cells, and assists in production of several enzymes involved in respiration.
Coronary angiogram (cardiac catheterization): The "gold standard" for evaluating heart disease in men and women. Expensive (about $5,000 to $10,000); usually not recommended unless preliminary tests strongly suggest presence of coronary artery disease. Involves threading a catheter into an artery in the bend of the arm or crease of the groin and threading it through the arterial system all the way to the heart. A radioopaque dye is injected, lighting up the heart like a Christmas tree and illuminating any blockages around the heart.
Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS): A procedure designed to permit blood flow to heart muscle despite blockages in arteries, CABS connects a healthier blood vessel taken from the patient's arm, leg, abdomen, or chest to other arteries in the heart so that blood gets "bypassed" around the obstructed area.
Coronary artery disease (CAD): A heart disease caused by caused by buildup of plaque in the blood vessels feeding the heart. This plaque formation restricts blood flow to the heart muscle itself and deprives the heart cells of oxygen, forcing them to use their energy supply faster than it can be restored, and causing severe depression of the energy pool in affected tissue. Also called ischemic heart disease.
Corticosteroid: (1) Hormonal substance released by the adrenal gland as an adaptive response to chronic stress; (2) Pharmaceutical drug (e.g. prednisone) prescribed for inflammatory disease conditions.
Cortisol: Hormone produced in the adrenal gland to help control stress by inhibiting the formation of both “good” and “bad” eicosanoids. Too much or too little cortisol can accelerate the aging process.
Coumadin: The brand name of warfarin, a pharmaceutical drug used to treat blood pressure, Coumadin is an anticoagulant, or blood thinner.
Curcumin: A compound with anti anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, and antifungal properties. Curcumin is the principle curcuminoid (polyphenol) in turmeric spice and is responsible for turmeric's yellow color.
CVA: Cerebral vascular accident or stroke from an obstruction in the carotid artery or in an artery in the brain.
Cytosol: The fluid portion of the cell.
Cytokines: Regulatory proteins secreted into the blood by immune system cells to mediate and regulate inflammation and immunity.
D-ribose: A naturally occurring five-carbon (pentose) sugar found in all living cells. Ribose is a compound used by cells, including heart and skeletal muscle cells, to produce PRPP, which is required for salvage and de novo synthesis of energy-producing compounds, or adenine nucleotides. Ribose is formed naturally through a series of slow and energy-consuming biochemical reactions in the pentose phosphate pathway.
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS): Muscle soreness and stiffness that usually remain for several days following strenuous exercise in healthy, normal individuals.
De Novo: A Latin term meaning "new." In biochemical terms de novo synthesis refers to the cell's ability to form new compounds. As used here, de novo describes the metabolic process through which the cell generates new energy-producing compounds.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) - DHA is a member of the omega-3 essential fatty acid family. It helps prevent blood clotting while also having anti-inflammatory properties, and helps to decrease blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
Diabetes: A condition in which blood glucose (sugar) is not well controlled. People with type I diabetes, a condition often developed in childhood, do not produce enough or any insulin to help digest blood sugar and require insulin, usually via injection. People with type II, or “adult-onset,” diabetes produce too much insulin. Their target cells have become insulin resistant from chronically high insulin levels in the blood. By controlling insulin release through dietary measures, Type II diabetics can help bring balance back to their hormonal systems. Diabetes places one at risk for obesity and, subsequently, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Diastole: The phase of heart beat during which the heart relaxes and fills with blood before contracting again to send blood out to the rest of the body. In a blood pressure reading, diastolic pressure is the second number and reflects minimum arterial pressure, The first number represents systolic pressure, or maximum arterial pressure.
Diastolic dysfunction: Progressive stiffening of the heart muscle that prevents it from stretching and filling properly.
Digitalis (Digoxin): A class of pharmaceutical drugs that help slow the heart so that it can fill and empty better and increase the strength of its contractions. Digitalis is frequently used in patients with congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
Diuretic: A class of pharmaceutical drugs that help the body rid itself of excess salt and water. Diuretics are frequently used by patients with congestive heart failure.
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol): DMAE promotes the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and can therefore help to increase memory.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid): The genetic material found in all living cells; DNA passes the genetic code from one generation to the next.
© 2010 Heart MD Institute, PA
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