11 Cardiovascular Terms You Should Know – Explained Simply
Champion Heart and Cardiovascular Care Makes Heart Health Understandable
If your cardiologist has ever used terms that sound more like a science textbook than plain English—you’re not alone. At Champion Heart and Cardiovascular Care, we believe that knowledge is a powerful step toward better heart health.
So we’re breaking down 11 commonly misunderstood cardiovascular terms to help you feel more confident in managing your heart and vascular care.
1. Atherosclerosis
Simple explanation: Plaque (made of fat and cholesterol) builds up in your arteries, narrowing the blood flow.
Why it’s serious: It can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and circulation problems.
Search-friendly term: blocked arteries, arterial plaque
2. Arrhythmia
Simple explanation: When your heartbeat is irregular—too fast, too slow, or uneven.
Why it’s serious: Some arrhythmias can cause serious health risks like stroke or fainting.
Search-friendly term: irregular heartbeat, arrhythmia symptoms
3. Angina
Simple explanation: Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to your heart muscle.
Why it’s serious: It’s a major red flag for coronary artery disease.
Search-friendly term: chest pain, angina vs heart attack
4. Ejection Fraction (EF)
Simple explanation: The percentage of blood your heart pumps out with each beat.
Why it’s serious: A low EF can be a sign of heart failure. Normal range is 50–70%.
Search-friendly term: ejection fraction, heart function score
5. Ischemia
Simple explanation: A part of your body, like the heart, isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood.
Why it’s serious: It can cause chest pain or a heart attack.
Search-friendly term: ischemia, restricted blood flow
6. Stent
Simple explanation: A small mesh tube inserted into a blocked artery to keep it open.
Why it’s helpful: It improves blood flow and prevents future heart issues.
Search-friendly term: coronary stent, artery blockage treatment
7. Myocardial Infarction
Simple explanation: It’s the clinical term for a heart attack.
Why it’s serious: Blood supply to part of your heart is cut off, damaging the heart muscle.
Search-friendly term: heart attack, MI symptoms
8. Hypertension
Simple explanation: Consistently high blood pressure that strains your heart and vessels.
Why it’s serious: It can cause strokes, kidney failure, and heart disease.
Search-friendly term: high blood pressure, hypertension treatment
9. Tachycardia
Simple explanation: A fast heart rate (over 100 beats per minute at rest).
Why it’s serious: It can signal an underlying condition that needs medical attention.
Search-friendly term: fast heartbeat, tachycardia causes
10. Heart Failure
Simple explanation: The heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it should—not that it has stopped.
Why it’s serious: Can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid buildup.
Search-friendly term: congestive heart failure, symptoms of heart failure
11. Cardiomyopathy
Simple explanation: A disease of the heart muscle that makes pumping blood harder.
Why it’s serious: Can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest.
Search-friendly term: heart muscle disease, enlarged heart
Why Understanding These Terms Matters
Heart health doesn’t have to be confusing. At Champion Heart and Cardiovascular Care, we break down complex conditions and explain every step of your treatment clearly. We believe informed patients make stronger, healthier decisions.
Trusted Heart Care, Right Here in North Carolina
Whether you’re managing high blood pressure or recovering from a procedure, our expert team is here for you.
📍 Visit us at:
Champion Heart and Cardiovascular Care
📍 North Carolina – Oxford, Henderson, Dunn
📞 Call us today: +1 (910) 304-1212
🌐 Explore our services: www.championhealthsystem.com