Atherosclerosis: Narrowing and clogging of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque. 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 happen as a result of another disease or condition. An example is pneumonia that occurs as a result of the flu. A complication also can occur as a result of a condition, such as pregnancy. An example of a pregnancy complication is preterm labor.
Diabetes Mellitus: A condition in which the levels of sugar in the blood are too high.
Diastolic Blood Pressure: The force of the blood in the arteries when the heart is relaxed. It is the lower reading when blood pressure is taken.
Estrogen: A female hormone produced in the ovaries.
Fetus: The stage of human development beyond 8 completed weeks after fertilization.
Gestational Hypertension: High blood pressure that is diagnosed after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Heart Attack: Damage to part of the heart muscle that occurs when its blood supply is interrupted. A heart attack almost always is caused by narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels in the heart.
High Blood Pressure: Blood pressure above the normal level. Also called hypertension.
Hormone Therapy: Treatment in which estrogen and often progestin are taken to help relieve symptoms that may happen around the time of menopause.
Hypertension: High blood pressure.
Kidney Disease: A general term for any disease that affects how the kidneys function.
Oxygen: An element that we breathe in to sustain life.
Preeclampsia: A disorder that can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth in which there is high blood pressure and other signs of organ injury. These signs include an abnormal amount of protein in the urine, a low number of platelets, abnormal kidney or liver function, pain over the upper abdomen, fluid in the lungs, or a severe headache or changes in vision.
Prepregnancy: Before pregnancy.
Preterm: Less than 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Progestin: A synthetic form of progesterone that is similar to the hormone made naturally by the body.
Stroke: A sudden interruption of blood flow to all or part of the brain, caused by blockage or bursting 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 the blood in the arteries when the heart is contracting. It is the higher reading when blood pressure is taken.