Heart terms in plain English

Aorta

The main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body.

Artery

A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.

TAPVC

Also called: TAPVR, total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, total anomalous pulmonary venous return

An arrangement where the veins that bring blood back from the lungs connect differently. It is also called TAPVR.

Atrium

Also called: atria, top chamber, top chambers, upper chamber, upper chambers

An upper chamber of the heart. It receives blood. The two upper chambers are called atria.

Ventricle

Also called: ventricles, lower chamber, lower chambers, bottom chamber

A lower chamber of the heart. It pumps blood onwards.

Valve

A part of the heart that opens and closes to help blood move forwards.

Pulmonary

A word meaning to do with the lungs.

Pulmonary artery

A blood vessel leading to the lungs. In the usual heart, it carries blood from the right ventricle.

Pulmonary vein

A blood vessel that brings blood from the lungs back to the heart.

Vein

A blood vessel that brings blood towards the heart.

Septum

The wall between the two sides of the heart.

Congenital

Present from birth. It may only be found later.

CHD

Short for congenital heart disease. This means a heart condition that was present from birth.

Cardiologist

A doctor who specialises in the heart.

Fetal cardiology

Specialist care that checks a baby’s heart during pregnancy.

Echo

Also called: echocardiogram, echocardiography, heart ultrasound, ultrasound of the heart

Short for echocardiogram. This is an ultrasound scan of the heart.

ECG

Also called: electrocardiogram, heart tracing

Short for electrocardiogram. It records the electrical signals that organise the heartbeat.

MRI

Short for magnetic resonance imaging. This scan uses a magnet and radio waves to make detailed pictures inside the body.

CT

Short for computed tomography. This scan uses X-rays taken from different angles to make detailed pictures inside the body.

Contrast

A substance given during some tests to make parts of the body or blood flow clearer on the pictures.

Catheter

A thin tube. It can be passed into a blood vessel to carry out a test or treatment.

Catheterisation

A procedure using thin tubes passed through blood vessels towards the heart. It can test or treat the heart.

Intervention

A treatment procedure. During a catheter procedure, it may use a balloon, a closing device or a stent to hold a vessel open.

Stent

A small support placed inside a blood vessel to help keep it open.

Cannula

A small tube usually placed in a vein. Medicines or fluids can be given through it.

General anaesthetic

Medicines that keep a person unconscious during a procedure. A specialist team checks them closely throughout.

Anaesthetist

A doctor who gives anaesthetic medicines and looks after a person during a procedure and recovery.

Sedation

Medicine that helps someone relax or become sleepy during a test or procedure.

CICU

Short for cardiac intensive care unit. It provides very close checks and specialist support for children with heart-related care needs.

PICU

Short for paediatric intensive care unit. It provides very close checks and specialist support for seriously unwell children.

NICU

Short for neonatal intensive care unit. It provides very close checks and specialist support for newborn babies.

HDU

Short for high dependency unit. It gives more support and closer checks than a usual ward.

Discharge

Leaving hospital with a plan for care afterwards.

Nasogastric tube

A feeding tube that passes through the nose into the stomach.

Gastrostomy

An opening through the tummy wall into the stomach. A feeding tube can be placed through it.

Dietitian

A trained professional who helps plan food and feeding to meet a person’s needs.

Diuretic

A medicine that helps the body get rid of extra fluid.

Arrhythmia

A problem with how fast the heart beats or the pattern of its beats.

Endocarditis

An infection of the inner lining of the heart. It often affects the valves.

Heart failure

The heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It does not mean the heart has stopped.

Pulse oximetry

A test that estimates how much oxygen the blood carries.

Transition

Preparing over time to move from children’s care to adult care.

ACHD

Short for adult congenital heart disease: a heart condition present from birth in an adult. It can also mean the specialist adult service.

GUCH

Short for grown-up congenital heart disease. This older name is sometimes used for adult care of heart conditions present from birth.

Healthcare plan

A written plan shared with nursery or school. It explains a child’s health needs and how staff should help.