Capillaries - The smallest vessels, which contain oxygenated blood. The capillaries, allowing red blood cells to travel in single file, are responsible for delivering oxygen to the tissues at cellular level.
 
Cardiac - Referring to the heart.
 
Cardiac Arrhythmia - An irregularity in the rhythm of the heartbeat, which may be caused by physiological or pathological conditions.
 
Cardiac Auscultation - Examination of the heart by listening to the heart sounds with a stethoscope.
 
Cardiac Catheterization - Special diagnostic test for cardiac diseases during which a small, hollow tube is passed into the heart to measure cardiac output and blood pressure.
 
Cardiac Neurosis - see Asthenia
 
Cardiology - The study of the heart.
 
Cardiomiopathy - A general diagnostic term designating a disease of the heart muscle, often of obscure or unknown etiology.
 
Cardiopathy - Any disease of the heart.
 
Cardiovascular - Referring to the heart and blood vessels.
 
Cardioversion - Conversion of one cardiac rhythm or electrical pattern to another, usually from abnormal to normal. Can be achieved with medication or by electrical stimulation using a defibrillator.
 
Cardioverter - Device that generates an electrical counter shock, which can restore the heart rhythm to normal.
 
Carotid Arteries - Paired large caliber vessels that pass on either side of the neck supplying oxygenated blood to the brain. Occlusive disease (arteriosclerosis) of the vessels can lead to stroke.
 
Catheter - A tubular, flexible, surgical instrument for withdrawing fluids from, or introducing fluids into, a cavity of the body.
 
Cerebral Hemorrhage - Stroke, a hemorrhage into the brain.
 
Cerebral Infarction - Stroke, a blockage of blood supply into the brain.
 
Cerebrovascular Disease - A general term which encompasses a variety of diseases which affect (via the occlusive effects of arteriosclerosis) the arteries which supply the brain.
 
Cholesterol - Steroid found in foods that are high rich in animal fats. Cholesterol is the precursor of steroid hormones and constituent of cell membranes. Cholesterol causes build up of plaque in arteries, which results in hardening and narrowing of the arteries, with blockage of blood flow, and places one at high risk for coronary artery disease and other cardiac problems. Serum cholesterol levels<200 is healthy, 200 - 240 = moderate risk,>240 = high risk for cardiac disease.
 
Chronic - Persisting over a long period of time (from the Greek chronos meaning time).
 
Chronic Venous Insufficiency - A condition in which the veins do not allow the flow of blood adequately. Most often this condition is seen in the veins of the lower extremities. Symptoms include leg swelling, leg pain (sensation of burning) and muscle cramps. This condition can predispose to venous thrombosis.
 
Congestive Heart Failure - Also known as: cardiac failure. Refers to failure of the pumping function of the heart and associated clinical symptoms. The area of the heart that is weak determines the location of the build up of body fluids. Fluids build up in the lower limbs and abdomen when the right side of the heart is weak. If the left side of the heart is weak, the lungs fill up with fluid.
 
Coronary - A term applied to vessels, nerves, ligaments, etc. The term usually denotes the arteries that supply the heart muscle and, by extension, a pathologic involvement of them.
 
Coronary Aneurysm - Aneurysm of a coronary vessel. A coronary artery aneurysm is rarely congenital; it is usually due to arteriosclerosis, inflammatory processes.
 
Coronary Angioplasty - Percutaneous coronary angioplasty. This procedure involves the introduction of a thin flexible, hollow catheter into an artery in the groin. The catheter is advanced through the blood vessel to the heart. A special balloon tip on the catheter allows the physician to open a narrowed coronary artery by inflating the balloon and dilating the diseased vessel.
 
Coronary Artery Disease - Narrowing of the coronary arteries that reduces blood supply to the heart muscles. The most common cause is arteriosclerosis. In severe cases, the lack of blood supply may result in damage to the heart muscles. Any artery that has become narrow is considered to be diseased.
 
Coronary Bypass - Surgery that uses shunts (shortcuts) to bypass an obstruction causing diminished blood flow in the coronary arteries.
 
Coronary Embolism - An obstruction in a coronary artery due to a clot or mass.