Glossary

When your heart beats too fast, too slow, or with an irregular pattern.

Temporary loss of feeling or awareness induced by a medical professional during a surgical procedure.

Chest pain caused by poor blood supply to the heart.

A medical imaging test that uses X-rays and dyes to see how blood flows through an artery or a vein.

A procedure that uses an inflatable balloon on a thin tube to internally widen a narrowed blood vessel.

Narrowing of the aortic valve that prevents normal blood flow and makes the heart work harder.

The valve that controls blood flow from the heart to the aorta (largest artery that carries blood to the rest of the body).

Blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood to the body.

Irregular heart rhythm caused by abnormal electrical signals throughout the upper chambers of the heart.

Listening to the sounds of your heart using a stethoscope.

A procedure in which a balloon catheter is inserted through an artery into the heart. The balloon is then inflated to open the narrowed valve.

Replacement heart valve made of animal tissue (cow or pig).

A build-up of calcium on tissue. In the aortic valve, it can reduce the ability for leaflets to open and close properly.

A medically supervised care program designed to improve the health of people who have had heart problems or recent heart surgery.

Surgeon who performs heart surgery.

A thin, hollow tube, either flexible or non-flexible, that is used to add, remove or transfer fluids or instruments used in minimally-invasive procedures.

A procedure in which a slender tube is inserted into a body passage, vessel or cavity.

A type of imaging that displays images of the organs and structures inside your chest, such as your heart, lungs, and large blood vessels.

A chronic condition in which there is a slow, progressive block of airflow into or out of the lungs.

A problem with the structure of the heart that is present at birth.

A type of sedation that relaxes you and blocks pain while awake.

A type of heart disease which happens when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to build-up of plaque on the artery walls.

A medical tool used to guide the transcatheter valve.

A condition in which your blood glucose, or blood sugar, is too high.

Tests that help your doctor confirm if you have aortic stenosis. Some of these tests include echocardiogram (also called echo), cardiac catheterisation, chest X-ray, and electrocardiogram (also called EKG).

To receive a copy of a file, program or document that can be saved and viewed from your computer. The downloaded file may open in a separate window, may be minimised at the bottom of the web browser, or may be located within your computer’s downloads folder.

Shortness of breath.

This diagnostic test uses sound wave technology, or ultrasound, to show three-dimensional images of the heart to better assess its function.

A diagnostic test that records electrical activity in the heart, such as heart rate and rhythm.

A feeling of being extremely tired or having low energy.

The largest blood vessel in the leg that supplies blood to the lower part of the body.

An X-ray procedure that makes it possible to see internal organs in motion.

Increased physical and mental weakness that is often associated with older age.

A device used during open heart procedures to remove blood from the body. The blood is enriched with oxygen and then returned to the body.

A medical emergency that occurs when blood flow is blocked to the heart, leading to death or damage to the heart.

When the heart is unable to pump blood to the body’s organs and maintain their function.

An abnormal heart sound that may indicate heart valve disease.

A group of qualified healthcare professionals who work together to determine the best treatment plan for each individual patient.

A common condition in which the heart valves do not work the way they should.

A hospital unit that provides constant care to patients.

Risk is assessed by evaluating a patient’s current health and likelihood of experiencing major complications as a result of undergoing open heart surgery.

Doctor who specialises in catheter-based treatments for the heart or coronary artery diseases (in most cases this is the doctor who performs TAVI).

A medical procedure that requires entry into the body (usually by cutting skin and inserting instruments into body) and involves a longer recovery period.

Triangular-shaped flaps of tissue within heart valves that open and close to control blood flow.

A medical procedure performed with a small incision and specialised equipment.

Dangerous blood loss due to blood vessel injury.

A drug that temporarily numbs a small area of the skin.

A diagnostic test that uses magnetic and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the heart and other organs.

Replacement heart valve made of artificial materials. Once inserted in the body, lifelong blood thinning medication is required.

A surgical technique for replacing a diseased valve that does not require a large incision or cutting through the entire breastbone.

A procedure that can be performed through a small incision, which typically leads to a faster recovery.

The valve that controls blood flow from the heart’s left upper chamber to the left lower chamber.

A surgical procedure where the chest is cut open to repair damage to the heart.

A disease of the blood vessels resulting in a decrease in circulation to the legs, arms, stomach or kidneys.

Relating to disease, a condition that will continue to get worse.

The valve that controls blood flow from the heart into the lungs.

Inflammation that occurs throughout the body, especially in the heart, if strep throat goes untreated.

A tube placed in an artery or vein during a procedure to help a doctor with insertion of catheter.

An instrument used by a medical professional to listen to low-volume sounds in the body such as a heartbeat.

The sudden death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen, caused by blockage of blood flow to the brain.

Temporary loss of consciousness or fainting.

A way to replace your aortic valve through a small incision in the upper chest.

A way to replace your aortic valve through a small incision in the chest between the ribs.

A less invasive procedure that replaces an unhealthy aortic valve.

A way to replace your aortic valve through a small incision in the leg.

The valve that controls blood flow from the heart’s upper right chamber to lower right chamber.

A diagnostic test that uses sound waves to obtain images of blood flow and your body’s internal structure.

Blood vessel injury or internal bleeding.

Blood vessel that returns blood to the heart.