Acquired valve disease
Disease of the heart valve which was not present at birth.
Allograft
A graft for transplant made from tissue from a member of the same species that is nor genetically identical. Most human tissue and organ transplants are allografts.
Angina pectoris
Chest pain caused by the lack of blood and oxygen supply to the heart.
Angiography
A medical imaging method in which an X-ray picture is taken to visualize the inner opening of blood filled structures, including arteries, veins and the heart chambers.
Angioplasty
The mechanical widening of a narrowed or totally-obstructed (blocked) blood vessel.
Annuloplasty
The method of mitral valve repair that includes inserting a ring or band around the valve to bring the leaflets into contact with each other.
Annulus
The ring-like tissue on your heart valve where the leaflets of the valve are anchored.
Anticoagulant
A substance or drug that prevents blood from clotting. An anticoagulant is required after implantation of a mechanical heart valve.
Aorta
Blood vessel which carries the oxygenated blood away from the heart.
Aortic Valve
Heart valve between the left ventricle and the aorta.