Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac that surrounds the heart. It commonly causes sharp chest pain and may occur after infections, autoimmune disease, or cardiac injury. Pericarditis is a clinical diagnosis used in emergency, primary care, and cardiology settings. It is also a key term in cardiovascular imaging and inpatient medicine when evaluating chest pain and fluid around the heart.

Annular Calcification is a buildup of calcium within the fibrous “ring” (annulus) that supports a heart valve. It is most often discussed around the mitral valve (mitral annular calcification) and can also involve the aortic valve annulus. Clinicians commonly identify it on echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) and cardiac CT scans. It is usually a chronic, progressive finding rather than a sudden event.

Valve Calcification is the buildup of calcium deposits in or around a heart valve. It most commonly affects the aortic valve and the mitral valve region. Over time, it can make valve tissue stiffer and less able to open or close normally. Clinicians most often discuss it as an imaging finding on echocardiography or cardiac CT.

Rheumatic Heart Disease is long-term damage to heart valves caused by rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an immune reaction that can follow untreated group A streptococcal throat infection. Rheumatic Heart Disease most often affects the mitral and aortic valves. It is commonly discussed in cardiology clinics, echocardiography labs, and heart valve programs, especially in regions where rheumatic fever remains prevalent.

Infective Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart (the endocardium), most often involving a heart valve. It usually happens when bacteria or fungi enter the bloodstream and attach to heart tissue. Clinicians use the term to describe a serious cardiovascular infection that can damage valves and spread to other organs. It is commonly discussed in cardiology, infectious diseases, cardiac surgery, and hospital medicine.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve is a congenital (present-from-birth) heart valve that has two leaflets instead of the usual three. It sits between the left ventricle (main pumping chamber) and the aorta (main artery to the body). It can work normally for years, or it can become narrowed (stenosis) or leaky (regurgitation). It is commonly discussed in cardiology during heart murmur evaluations and cardiac imaging such as echocardiography.

MVP most commonly refers to **mitral valve prolapse**. It means the **mitral valve leaflets “billow” upward** into the left atrium during heart contraction. MVP is usually discussed in the context of **heart murmurs, mitral regurgitation, and echocardiography**. Many people with MVP have few or no symptoms, but some develop valve leakage that needs monitoring.

Mitral Valve Prolapse is a condition in which the mitral valve leaflets bow backward into the left atrium during heart contraction. It is most often discussed in relation to mitral regurgitation, a “leak” of blood backward through the valve. It is commonly identified on echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound) and described in cardiology reports. It can be found incidentally or during evaluation of symptoms such as palpitations or shortness of breath.

Pulmonary Regurgitation is leakage of blood backward through the pulmonary valve after the heart pumps. It happens between the pulmonary artery and the right ventricle (the heart’s right-sided pumping chamber). Clinicians use the term when describing a valve finding on an exam or heart imaging such as echocardiography.

Pulmonary Stenosis means a narrowing that makes it harder for blood to leave the right side of the heart. It most often involves the pulmonary valve, which sits between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. It is commonly discussed in congenital heart disease (heart conditions present at birth). Clinicians use the term in exams and imaging reports to describe the location and severity of the narrowing.

Tricuspid Stenosis is a narrowing of the tricuspid valve opening in the right side of the heart. It reduces blood flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle. It is discussed in cardiology when evaluating swelling, abdominal fluid buildup, or other signs of right-sided heart congestion. It is commonly identified and graded using echocardiography (heart ultrasound).

Tricuspid Regurgitation is a condition where the tricuspid valve does not close tightly. This allows some blood to leak backward from the right ventricle into the right atrium. It is commonly described during heart exams and echocardiograms (heart ultrasound). Clinicians use it to explain symptoms, assess heart function, and plan follow-up or treatment.

Mitral Regurgitation is a heart valve problem where blood leaks backward through the mitral valve. The mitral valve sits between the left atrium and left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber. This backward leak can be mild or severe, and it can develop suddenly or over years. It is commonly discussed in cardiology clinics and echocardiography (heart ultrasound) reports.

Mitral Stenosis is a narrowing of the mitral valve opening in the heart. It makes it harder for blood to move from the left atrium to the left ventricle. It is most commonly discussed in cardiology clinics, echocardiography (heart ultrasound) labs, and valve disease programs. It is usually a chronic condition that can affect breathing, heart rhythm, and exercise tolerance.

Aortic Regurgitation is a heart valve condition where the aortic valve does not close tightly. This allows some blood to leak backward from the aorta into the left ventricle between heartbeats. It is commonly discussed in cardiology clinics, echocardiography reports, and perioperative cardiac evaluations. The term is used to describe both the diagnosis and its severity over time.

Aortic Stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve opening. It makes it harder for the heart’s left ventricle to push blood into the aorta. It is most often discussed when evaluating a heart murmur, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or fainting. It is commonly assessed with echocardiography (heart ultrasound) in cardiology and cardiovascular care.

SCD most commonly stands for **sudden cardiac death**. It describes an **unexpected death from a cardiac cause**, usually occurring soon after symptoms begin. In practice, clinicians use SCD as a term for an outcome that often relates to **dangerous heart rhythm disturbances**. It is discussed in emergency care, cardiology clinics, electrophysiology, and research on prevention.

Sudden Cardiac Death is an unexpected death caused by a heart-related problem. It typically happens within a short time after symptoms begin, or it may occur without warning. The term is used in emergency care, cardiology clinics, and medical records to describe a specific pattern of death linked to the heart. It is also used in research and public health discussions about preventing fatal heart rhythm problems.

Cardiac Arrest is a sudden stop of effective heart pumping. It causes an abrupt loss of blood flow to the brain and organs. It is most commonly discussed in emergency care, resuscitation, and critical care. It is also used in cardiology to evaluate causes and prevent recurrence.

Asystole is the absence of detectable electrical activity in the heart’s ventricles. On an ECG or monitor, it is commonly described as a “flatline,” although artifacts can mimic it. Clinically, Asystole is most often discussed as a cardiac arrest rhythm in emergency and inpatient settings. It is also used as a term in ECG interpretation, telemetry monitoring, and resuscitation documentation.