GLOSSARY HEART MONITORING

GLOSSARY

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib or AF) – A type of irregular heartbeat that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat very fast and unpredictably, producing an irregular heartbeat.

Autonomic Reflex Testing – A series of tests that monitor blood pressure, blood flow, heart rate, skin temperature, and sweating in response to stimuli to determine if the autonomic nervous system is functioning normally.

Blood Volume Determination – A test used to evaluate if the amount of blood in the body is right for a given gender, height, and weight.

Bradycardia – A slower than normal heart rate of under 60 beats per minute.

Cardiologist – A doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases in the heart and blood vessels.

Cryptogenic Stroke – A stroke of unknown cause.

Echocardiogram – A device that provides a “moving” picture of the heart, heart valves, and how the heart is pumping.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) – A test that records the heart’s electrical activity.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) – A test that records brain wave activity to help determine where seizures may occur.

Electrophysiologist – A cardiologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating abnormal heartbeats, including when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or in a way that pumps blood inefficiently.

Electrophysiology (EP) Study – A test that reproduces abnormal heart rhythms and extra heartbeats so the heart’s electrical impulses and responses to the heartbeats can be evaluated.

Event Recorder – A recorder worn on the body for up to 30 days. It typically requires activation by pushing a button to record the heart’s activity.

Heart Palpitations – Sensations that feel like the heart is pounding, racing, fluttering, skipping, or adding a beat.

Hemodynamic Testing – A test that evaluates the blood flow and pressure when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood throughout the body.

Holter Monitor – A portable external monitor that includes wires with patches that attach to the skin. It continuously measures and records the heart’s activity for 1-2 days.

Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) – A device for delivering extra heartbeats or electrical shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – A technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within your body.

Mobile Cardiac Telemetry (MCT)  – A portable external monitor that, when a cardiac anomaly is detected, automatically sends data. 

Neurologist – A doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system.

Pacemaker – A device for stimulating the heart muscle and regulating its contractions.

Patient Assistant – A handheld device used to mark symptoms in the Reveal LINQ ICM, such as dizziness, fainting or palpitations.

Reveal LINQ™ Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM) – An insertable cardiac monitor placed just under the skin that automatically detects and records abnormal heart rhythms.

Screening Tilt Table Test – A test conducted on a table that tilts by varying angles and is connected to a machine that allows a doctor to measure blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm response to changes in body position.

Stress Test – A test performed during exercise to measure how the heart functions when there is an increase in the body’s demand for oxygen.

Stroke – Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is suddenly blocked or bursts, resulting in damage to the brain tissue.

Syncope – A brief and sudden loss of consciousness that occurs when blood pressure drops and not enough oxygen reaches the brain.

Tachycardia – An abnormally fast resting heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute.