Dictionary

aortitis Inflammation of the aorta. The causes of aortitis include syphilis and rheumatic fever.

aortic valve, bicuspid An abnormal aortic valve with only two cusps. See also aortic stenosis.

aortic valve One of the four valves of the heart. The aortic valve is positioned at the beginning of the aorta. It normally permits blood from the left ventricle to flow into the aorta, and prevents blood in the aorta from returning to the heart. See also heart valve.

aortic stenosis Narrowing (stenosis) of the aortic valve, the valve between the left ventricle of the heart and the aorta. This narrowing impedes the delivery of blood to the body through the aorta and makes the heart work harder. The need for surgery depends on the degree of stenosis. A procedure called balloon valvuloplasty has…

aortic regurgitation See aortic insufficiency.

aortic insufficiency Backflow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle across a weakened aortic valve. Also known as aortic regurgitation.

aortic arch The second section of the aorta following the ascending aorta. As it continues from the heart, it gives off the brachiocephalic trunk, and the left common carotid and subclavian arteries. The brachiocephalic trunk splits to form the right subclavian and the right common carotid arteries, which supply blood to the right arm and…

aortic aneurysm See aneurysm, aortic.

aorta, coarctation of the A constriction of the aorta. At the point of coarctation, the sides of the aorta appear to be pressed together. Blood pressure is increased above the constriction, and the flow of blood is impeded below the level of the constriction. Symptoms may not be evident at birth but can develop as…

aorta The largest artery in the body, the major conduit from the heart to the body. The aorta arises from the left ventricle of the heart, ascends a little, arches, and then descends through the chest and the abdomen, ending by dividing into two arteries, the common iliac arteries, that supply blood to the lower…

anxiety disorder A chronic condition characterized by an excessive and persistent sense of apprehension, with physical symptoms such as sweating, palpitations, and feelings of stress. Treatments include the comfort offered by understanding the condition, avoiding or desensitizing exacerbating situations, and medications.

anxiety A feeling of apprehension and fear, characterized by physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and feelings of stress.