Atherosclerosis: Narrowing and clogging of the arteries caused by plaque buildup. Also called hardening of the arteries.
Birth control: Devices or medications used to prevent pregnancy.
Cardiovascular disease: Disease of the heart and blood vessels.
Complications: Diseases or conditions that occur as a result of another disease or condition. An example is pneumonia that occurs as a result of the flu. A complication can also occur as a result of a condition, such as pregnancy. An example of a pregnancy complication is premature birth.
Diabetes Mellitus: A condition in which blood sugar levels are too high.
Diastolic blood pressure: The force of blood in the arteries when the heart is relaxed. It is the lowest reading when taking blood pressure.
Estrogen: Female hormone produced in the ovaries.
Fetus: The stage of human development beyond the full 8 weeks after fertilization.
Gestational hypertension: High blood pressure that is diagnosed after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Myocardial infarction: Damage to part of the heart muscle that occurs when its blood supply is interrupted. A heart attack is almost always caused by a narrowing or blockage of the heart’s blood vessels.
Hypertension: Blood pressure above normal level. Also called hypertension.
Hormone therapy: Treatment in which estrogen and often progestin are taken to help relieve symptoms that may occur during the time of menopause.
Hypertension: Hypertension.
Nephropathy: General term for any disease that affects the functioning of the kidneys.
Oxygen: An element that we breathe to sustain life.
Preeclampsia: A disorder that may occur during pregnancy or after childbirth in which there is high blood pressure and other signs of organ damage. These signs include an abnormal amount of protein in the urine, a low number of platelets, abnormal kidney or liver function, pain in the upper abdomen, fluid in the lungs, or severe headache or vision changes.
Pre-pregnancy: Before pregnancy.
Premature: Less than 37 weeks pregnant.
Progestin: A synthetic form of progesterone that is similar to the hormone the body produces naturally.
Stroke: A sudden interruption of blood flow to all or part of the brain, caused by the blockage or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. A stroke often results in loss of consciousness and temporary or permanent paralysis.
Systolic blood pressure: The force of blood in the arteries when the heart contracts. It is the highest reading when blood pressure is taken.
