Glossary

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ACE: angiotensin-converting enzyme; an enzyme that causes inactive angiotensin I to be converted to active angiotensin II; also known as kinase II

acute: brief; short term

adrenal gland: a gland that is at the upper end of each kidney; it is a ductless glands that secretes catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) from the medulla portion of the gland and steroid hormones (such as cortisol) from the cortex portion of the gland

adrenal gland tumors: tumors (abnormal tissue growth characterized by the rapid growth and reproduction of cells with a lack of structural organization) that affect the adrenal gland

adrenergic: refers to the catecholamines, epinephrine and norepinephrine

adverse effects: any undesirable or unwanted consequences of a drug or a preventive, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedure

aerobic physical activity: physical activity that increases the heart rate

aldosterone: hormone secreted from the adrenal cortex that causes sodium absorption (with secondary water reabsorption) in the kidneys (in other words, it increases the volume of circulating blood)

angina: pressure, tightness, or constricting pain in the chest that occurs due to inadequate blood flow to heart muscle; is usually associated with significant coronary artery disease

angioedema: type of swelling involving the face and airways that is related to allergy

angiotensin II: a potent vasoconstrictor and growth-promoter produced by the RAAS following stimulation by renin; also triggers the release of vasopressin (a pituitary hormone that affects vascular tone and body fluid levels)

angiotensin: converting enzyme (ACE): enzyme that causes inactive angiotensin I to be converted to active angiotensin II

angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI): agents used in the treatment of mild-to-moderate hypertension, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, and diabetic nephropathy. Their mechanism of action involves blocking the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II (ACE), thus reducing the availability of angiotensin II.

angiotensin II receptor blockers: a new class of antihypertensive agents; their mechanism of action involves the site-specific blockade of certain angiotensin II receptors

antidiuretic hormone: hormone that decreases the excretion of urine (ie, retains water in body) and also causes contraction of smooth muscle in arteries (vasoconstriction); also referred to as vasopressin.

antihypertensive medication: a drug that is intended to reduce the blood pressure of individuals with high blood pressure

aorta: large artery of the elastic type that is the main trunk of the systemic arterial system

arteries: blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart

arterioles: small arteries

arteriosclerosis: a condition involving arterial (or vascular) sclerosis or hardening of the vessels

artery: blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart

AT₁ receptors: a subtype of angiotensin II receptor thought to mediate the effects of angiotensin II (i.e., vasoconstriction, promotion of growth)

AT₂ receptors: a subtype of angiotensin II receptors thought to mediate actions of angiotensin II that oppose actions mediated by AT₁ receptors

atria: upper cavities or chambers of the right and left sides of the heart; singular is "atrium"

atherosclerosis: represents a form of arteriosclerosis characterized by irregularly distributed fatty deposits and fibrous tissue in the inner layer of large- and medium-sized vessels, causing narrowing of the blood vessel

atheromatous plaques: also called "atheromas" or just "plaques"; refers to lesions associated with atherosclerosis; these lesions form due to the deposition of fatty substances and fibrous tissue and lead to the narrowing and hardening of arteries

autonomic nervous system (ANS): the motor division of the peripheral nervous system that supplies nerve fibers to smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands

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