ACE inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are a class of vasodilators, drugs that open ("dilate") the arteries, lowering blood pressure and therefore helping prevent stroke .

Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are drugs that prevent the formation of blood clots that can block blood flow to the brain. See "Antiplatelets."

Antiplatelets 
Antiplatelets are drugs that stop blood platelets (substances in blood that promote clotting) from clumping together to form clots.  See "Anticoagulants."

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.

Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are medicines that reduce the heart's tendency to beat faster, and therefore help reduce blood pressure.

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."

PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention)
PCI is the process of using a catheter with a balloon at its tip to open or widen a narrowed blood vessel. Recently, the procedure has included the placement of a stent. 

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.

Polymeal
The Polymeal diet is based on the ingredients in a traditional "heart-healthy" diet and includes fish, fruits and vegetables, and a small amount of garlic, dark chocolate, and wine.

Polypill
The Polypill is a proposed "cocktail" of six of the drugs known to be effective in treating various kinds of heart and cardiovascular disease, including a statin, three beta blockers, aspirin, and folic acid.  It would be taken by everyone over 55 to help prevent CAD and heart disease.

Statins
Statins are a class of drugs that help lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
Statins are a class of LDL-cholesterol lowering drugs that has been found to be highly effective

Stent
A stent is an object – usually a tiny tube made of a metallic mesh – put inside a blood vessel to keep it open and unblocked. 

Thrombolytics
Thrombolytics are drugs that dissolve blood clots, such as TPA (tissue plasminogen activator.

Vasodilators
Vasodilators are drugs that open ("dilate") the arteries, lowering blood pressure; ACE inhibitors are one of  the newest class of vasodilators.