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.

Pause is a temporary gap between heartbeats seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG) or rhythm monitor. It describes a moment when the heart’s electrical system does not produce or conduct a beat as expected. Clinicians most often discuss Pause when evaluating symptoms like fainting, dizziness, or unexplained fatigue. Pause is also a term used in reports from Holter monitors, telemetry, and implanted rhythm recorders.

Atrial Ectopy is a term for extra heartbeats that start in the atria (the heart’s upper chambers). It most often refers to premature atrial contractions (PACs), sometimes called atrial premature beats. It is commonly discussed on ECGs, Holter monitors, event monitors, and wearable rhythm recordings. It can be an incidental finding or a clue that helps explain symptoms like palpitations.

Ventricular Ectopy means extra heartbeats that start in the ventricles, the heart’s lower pumping chambers. These beats occur outside the normal rhythm pathway and may feel like a “skip” or “thump.” It is a common finding on ECGs and heart monitors in clinics, emergency departments, and hospitals. Clinicians use the term when describing premature ventricular beats and related patterns.

Narrow Complex Tachycardia is a fast heart rhythm with a “narrow” QRS complex on an ECG. In plain terms, it usually means the heartbeat is rapid but is still using the heart’s normal ventricular conduction pathways. It is most often discussed when evaluating supraventricular tachycardias (rhythms that start above the ventricles). Clinicians use it as an ECG description that guides diagnosis and next-step testing.

Wide Complex Tachycardia is a fast heart rhythm with a “wide” QRS complex on an electrocardiogram (ECG). “Wide” usually means the ventricles (the heart’s main pumping chambers) are being activated more slowly than normal. It is a common ECG description used in emergency care, cardiology clinics, and inpatient units. Because some causes can be serious, it is treated as an important clinical finding rather than a single diagnosis.

LBBB stands for **left bundle branch block**. It is an **electrical conduction abnormality** seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG). It means the heart’s usual electrical signal reaches the **left ventricle later than expected**. LBBB is commonly discussed in cardiology when interpreting ECGs and evaluating heart function.

Left Bundle Branch Block is an electrical conduction pattern seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG). It means the heart’s left-sided conduction pathway is delayed or blocked, so the ventricles activate out of sync. It is commonly discussed when evaluating symptoms, heart structure, and heart function. It can also affect how clinicians interpret other ECG findings.

RBBB is an abbreviation for **right bundle branch block**. It describes a **pattern on an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)** showing slowed electrical conduction through the right side of the heart’s wiring system. RBBB can be found in people with or without heart disease. It is commonly discussed in ECG reports, emergency evaluations, and cardiology clinic visits.