Hypertension Glossary of Terms

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33**Angina:** [chest pain](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/whats-causing-my-chest-pain)
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55**Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors:** one kind of [medication](https://www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx) used to treat high blood pressure by preventing the body from making the chemical angiotensin II. This chemical causes blood vessels to narrow, which can raise blood pressure. [ACE inhibitors](https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/medicine-ace-inhibitors) allow the vessels to expand, which lowers blood pressure. These drugs are also used to treat [congestive heart failure](https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/guide-heart-failure), to protect the kidneys in people with diabetes, and to treat people who have had a heart attack.
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77[**Atherosclerosis**](https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/what-is-atherosclerosis)**:** the build-up of fatty deposits within the [arteries](https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/clogged-arteries-arterial-plaque), eventually may cause a blockage of blood flow or stiffening of the artery walls.
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9**Balloon** [**Angioplasty**](https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/treatment-angioplasty-stents)**:** a procedure in which a small balloon at the tip of the catheter (see [cardiac catheterization](https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/cardiac-catheterization1)) is inflated while in an artery to stretch a narrowed artery opening and allow for increased blood flow.
9**Balloon** [**Angioplasty**](https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/treatment-angioplasty-stents)**:** a procedure in which a small balloon at the tip of the catheter (see [cardiac catheterization](https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/cardiac-catheterization1)) is inflated while in an artery to stretch a narrowed artery opening and allow for increased blood flow.
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1111**Beta-Blockers:** one kind of medication used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, and [irregular heartbeat](https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/what-causes-heart-palpitations) and to help protect a person from heart disease. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline in various parts of the body. Beta-blockers relieve stress on the heart so that it requires less blood and oxygen. As a result, the heart doesn't have to work as hard and blood pressure is lowered.
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1313**Calcium Channel Blockers:** one kind of [high blood pressure](https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/default.htm) drug that slows the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and the walls of the arteries (blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the tissues). This relaxes the arteries and reduces the pressure in the blood vessels and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
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1515Cardiac Catheterization**:** a procedure in which a catheter (a small flexible tube) is inserted into a large artery and guided to the coronary arteries in the heart to determine pressure and blood flow in the heart.
2121**Computed Tomography (CT) Scan:** a test that uses X-rays to create a cross-sectional image of selected body sections of a person.
2222
2323**Congestive Heart Failure:** the inability of the heart to adequately pump blood. This can be caused by a number of problems, including untreated high blood pressure, [heart attacks](https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-disease-heart-attacks), or infections.
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2525**Corticosteroids:** natural hormones, or a group of drugs that are similar to the natural hormones, produced by the adrenal glands. There are two main types: glucocorticoids, which have anti-inflammatory effects, and mineralocorticoids, which are necessary for salt and water balance.
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27[**Cyclosporine**](https://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-5108-CYCLOSPORINE+SOLUTION+-+ORAL.aspx)**:** a drug that [organ transplant](https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cm/organ-transplant-donor-information) patients take to suppress the immune system in order to prevent their bodies from rejecting the transplant.
27[**Cyclosporine**](https://www.webmd.com/drugs/cyclosporine-neoral)**:** a drug that [organ transplant](https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cm/organ-transplant-donor-information) patients take to suppress the immune system in order to prevent their bodies from rejecting the transplant.
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29[**DASH Diet**](https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/dash-diet)**:**[The DASH diet](https://www.webmd.com/diet/cm/low-sodium-recipe-cooking-tips), which stands for the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, calls for a certain number of servings daily from various food groups, including more daily servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.
29[**DASH Diet**](https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/dash-diet)**:**[The DASH diet](https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/cm/low-sodium-recipe-cooking-tips), which stands for the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, calls for a certain number of servings daily from various food groups, including more daily servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.
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3131[**Diastolic Blood Pressure**](https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/diastolic-and-systolic-blood-pressure-know-your-numbers)**:** the pressure of blood against the walls of the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats. It is the "bottom" number when referring to a specific blood pressure. For example, if your blood pressure is 120 over 80 or 120/80, the diastolic measurement is 80.
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3333[**Diuretics**](https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/diuretic-treatment-high-blood-pressure)**:** Diuretics act on the kidneys to remove excess salt and fluid from the blood. This increases the flow of urine and the need to urinate, which reduces the amount of water in the body. This can help lower blood pressure and can be used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
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3535[**Echocardiogram**](https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/diagnosing-echocardiogram)**:** a test that uses a device to bounce sound waves off the heart to create an image of the heart. The [ultrasound](https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-an-ultrasound) image details the blood flow in the heart's chambers and evaluates heart chamber size and how the heart valves are functioning.