Hypertension and Stroke Special Report
Hypertension and Stroke Glossary
Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Stroke Hypertension and Stroke Glossary
Johns Hopkins Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
and Stroke Glossary
Derived from The Johns Hopkins White Paper 2007: Hypertension and Stroke
ACE inhibitors
Drugs that lower blood pressure by preventing the formation of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes arteries to constrict and that triggers the release of the hormone aldosterone. Also used to slow the progression of kidney disease.aldosterone
A hormone released by the adrenal glands that increases blood pressure by signaling the kidneys to retain sodium, which increases blood volume.aldosterone blockers
Drugs that lower blood pressure by interfering with the activity of the hormone aldosterone.aldosteronism
An overproduction of aldosterone caused by a tumor or overgrowth of cells in the adrenal gland. Aldosteronism can lead to hypertension.alpha-blockers
Drugs that decrease blood pressure by blocking nerve impulses that constrict small arteries.ambulatory blood pressure monitor
A portable device that automatically measures and records blood pressure over a 24- to 48-hour period. Measurements are taken while you go about daily activities as well as during sleep.aneroid blood pressure monitor
A manually operated monitor that consists of a cuff, bulb, and dial gauge to register blood pressure levels.aneurysm
A ballooning of the wall of a blood vessel caused by weakening of the wall.angina
Episodes of chest pain caused by an inadequate supply of oxygen and blood to the heart. It occurs most often during physical activity.angioplasty
A procedure in which a small balloon is inflated in a blocked artery to enlarge the path for blood flow.angiotensin
A hormone that has two forms: angiotensin I and angiotensin II. The latter raises blood pressure by causing arteries to constrict and triggering the release of aldosterone.angiotensin II receptor blockers
Drugs that help lower blood pressure by interfering with the action of angiotensin II.anticoagulants
Anticlotting drugs that work by inhibiting the formation of fibrin, a protein required for blood clot formation. Examples are heparin and warfarin (Coumadin).antiplatelets
Anticlotting drugs that work by inhibiting the clumping of blood cells called platelets. One example is aspirin.aphasia
Difficulty in comprehending or producing spoken or written language. Results from damage to the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, or limbic system.arteriovenous malformation
A disorder present at birth and characterized by a complex, tangled web of arteries and veins.aspiration pneumonia
Pneumonia caused by the inhalation of food and other particles into the lungs.atherosclerosis
The narrowing of arteries by fatty deposits (called plaques) within the artery walls that can cause a reduction in blood flow.atrial fibrillation
A common abnormal heart rhythm in which the atria (the upper chambers of the heart) quiver chaotically instead of contracting in a rhythmic pattern.baroreceptors
Special nerve endings in the walls of arteries that monitor blood pressure.basilar arteries
Arteries that provide branches to sections of the brain (cerebrum, cerebellum) often involved in strokes. The basilar artery is the major artery feeding the brain stem.beta-blockers
Drugs that slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure by diminishing the amount of blood pumped by the heart.b-mode imaging
An imaging technique that uses highfrequency sound waves to produce a three-dimensional view of the carotid arteries.brain stem
An area located at the base of the brain above the spinal cord that maintains basic life support functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.calcium channel blockers
Drugs that lower blood pressure by dilating arteries and, in some cases, by decreasing the amount of blood pumped by the heart.cardiac output
The amount of blood pumped by the heart.cardiovascular disease
Disease affecting the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other organs. Coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease are the most common cardiovascular diseases.carotid arteries
Blood vessels that carry oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood from the heart to the brain. There are two carotid arteries
one on each side of the front of the neck.carotid endarterectomy
A surgical procedure to remove plaque from the carotid arteries.carotid stenosis
A narrowing of the carotid arteries by plaque.central alpha agonists
Drugs that lower blood pressure by blocking nerve impulses that constrict small arteries.cerebellum
The area of the brain located above the brain stem that controls coordination, balance, and posture.cerebral angiography
A procedure involving the injection of an iodine-based contrast solution into the bloodstream to produce high-quality x-ray images of the blood vessels within the brain.cerebral edema
Swelling of the brain due to bleeding, trauma, a stroke, or a tumor.Posted in Hypertension and Stroke on April 14, 2007
