Hypertension Glossary of Terms

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2121**Computed Tomography (CT) Scan:** a test that uses X-rays to create a cross-sectional image of selected body sections of a person.
2222
2323**Congestive Heart Failure:** the inability of the heart to adequately pump blood. This can be caused by a number of problems, including untreated high blood pressure, [heart attacks](https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-disease-heart-attacks), or infections.
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2525**Corticosteroids:** natural hormones, or a group of drugs that are similar to the natural hormones, produced by the adrenal glands. There are two main types: glucocorticoids, which have anti-inflammatory effects, and mineralocorticoids, which are necessary for salt and water balance.
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27[**Cyclosporine**](https://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-5108-CYCLOSPORINE+SOLUTION+-+ORAL.aspx)**:** a drug that [organ transplant](https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/organ-transplant-donor-information) patients take to suppress the immune system in order to prevent their bodies from rejecting the transplant.
27[**Cyclosporine**](https://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-5108-CYCLOSPORINE+SOLUTION+-+ORAL.aspx)**:** a drug that [organ transplant](https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/cm/organ-transplant-donor-information) patients take to suppress the immune system in order to prevent their bodies from rejecting the transplant.
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29[**DASH Diet**](https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/dash-diet)**:**[The DASH diet](https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/low-sodium-recipe-cooking-tips), which stands for the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, calls for a certain number of servings daily from various food groups, including more daily servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.
29[**DASH Diet**](https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/dash-diet)**:**[The DASH diet](https://www.webmd.com/diet/cm/low-sodium-recipe-cooking-tips), which stands for the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, calls for a certain number of servings daily from various food groups, including more daily servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.
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3131[**Diastolic Blood Pressure**](https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/diastolic-and-systolic-blood-pressure-know-your-numbers)**:** the pressure of blood against the walls of the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats. It is the "bottom" number when referring to a specific blood pressure. For example, if your blood pressure is 120 over 80 or 120/80, the diastolic measurement is 80.
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3333[**Diuretics**](https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/diuretic-treatment-high-blood-pressure)**:** Diuretics act on the kidneys to remove excess salt and fluid from the blood. This increases the flow of urine and the need to urinate, which reduces the amount of water in the body. This can help lower blood pressure and can be used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
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3535[**Echocardiogram**](https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/diagnosing-echocardiogram)**:** a test that uses a device to bounce sound waves off the heart to create an image of the heart. The [ultrasound](https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-an-ultrasound) image details the blood flow in the heart's chambers and evaluates heart chamber size and how the heart valves are functioning.
5757**Ischemic** Heart Disease**:** a condition caused by a decrease in blood flow to the heart. This decrease is usually the result of narrowed coronary arteries, which impede the blood flow.
5858
5959[**Kidney Failure**](https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-acute-kidney-failure) **(end-stage renal disease):** a condition in which the kidney cannot filter and excrete waste products.
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6161[**Magnetic Resonance Imaging**](https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-an-mri) **(MRI):** a medical test that uses magnetic energy to create images of the body. This test is particularly useful to study soft tissues (such as organs in the body).
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63**Magnetic Resonance** [**Arteriography**](https://www.webmd.com/hw/lab_tests/hw201112.asp) **(MRA):** one type of MRI test that provides detailed pictures of blood vessels and can reveal where arteries may be narrowed or where blood flow is blocked.
63**Magnetic Resonance** Arteriography **(MRA):** one type of MRI test that provides detailed pictures of blood vessels and can reveal where arteries may be narrowed or where blood flow is blocked.
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6565[**Potassium**](https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-potassium)**:** an electrolyte that is vital in ensuring that cells can function properly. It is used to make energy for all muscles, including heart muscles.
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6767[**Proteinuria**](https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/proteinuria-protein-in-urine)**:** the presence of protein in the urine. This may indicate [kidney disease](https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-kidney-disease-basic-information) or damage.
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6969**Secondary Hypertension:** high blood pressure that is secondary to problems in another part of the body, such as the adrenals, kidneys, or aorta.