AED (Automated external defibrillators)
An AED is a small, portable device, attached to a person's chest with wires, that checks the person's heart rhythm, decides if that rhythm is "off," and gives the heart an electric shock (called a defibrillating shock) that restores the correct, natural rhythm. 

Antioxidant
Antioxidants are nutrients and other substances that protect cells in the body from the damage caused by "oxygen free radicals" (molecules that seek to become oxidized, a process that harms body tissues and has been linked to many diseases, including stroke, heart disease, and cancer).

Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is the build-up of plaque (deposits of fat or cholesterol) in a blood vessel that eventually blocks the flow of blood through that vessel.

Blood pressure
The force exerted by blood on the walls of the arteries. This pressure is greatest during the contraction of the ventricles of the heart (systolic pressure), which forces blood into the arterial system. Pressure falls to its lowest level when the heart is filling with blood (diastolic pressure).

CAD (Coronary artery disease)
see atherosclerosis

CHD (coronary heart disease)
see atherosclerosis

CVD (cardiovascular disease)
CVD refers to conditions or diseases of the heart and blood vessels in general, including CAD, angina, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure, and stroke.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
CPR is a series of emergency steps given to people whose hearts have stopped pumping blood (a condition known as cardiac arrest).  These steps include rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) and chest compressions.  

Calcium score
see EBCT

Cardiac ischemia
Ischemia means that a part of the body is receiving a less than adequate supply of blood and oxygen; cardiac ischemia means not enough blood and oxygen are flowing into the heart.

EBCT (Electron beam computerized tomography or "Ultrafast CT")
EBCT is a very fast form of computerized tomography (popularly known as CT scan or "CAT scan") that measures calcium deposits in the coronary arteries; the measurement is reported as a "calcium score."

Echocardiogram
An imaging test in which sound waves are bounced off the heart to produce still and moving images of it.

EKG (also known as electrocardiogram, ECG, or cardiogram)
An EKG is diagnostic test that measures the heart's electrical activity (which controls the heartbeat) using an EKG machine, which is attached to the chest with wires called "electrodes."

Heart disease
An abnormal organic condition of the heart or of the heart and circulation.

Heart-healthy lifestyle
This means living in a way that promotes general health, mental as well as physical.  It emphasizes exercise, non-smoking, moderation in alcohol use, and a "healthy diet" rich in fruits and vegetables.

High blood pressure (Hypertension)
A condition in adults normally described by a systolic pressure of greater than 140 mmHg or a diastolic pressure greater than 90 mmHg.  Typically, three separate abnormally high readings over a few weeks is necessary to diagnosis this condition.

Plaque
Plaque is a deposit of fat or cholesterol that builds up inside a blood vessel which, left untreated, can eventually block the flow of blood through that vessel.

Risk factors
Risk factors are things that increase a person's chance of getting a disease or developing a condition. 

Stress echo
A stress test and an echocardiogram done at the same time.

Stress test
An electrocardiogram made while the person is exercising, usually by jogging on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike.