Medical dictionary

What is coronary artery bypass surgery? Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an open heart surgical procedure. It diverts blood around narrowed or clogged parts of the major arteries to improve blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart.   What is coronary bypass surgery for? As we’ve said, CABG restores the normal blood flow to the arteries, thus avoiding extremely

What is a coronary CT? A coronary CT scan or coronary CT angiogram (CCTA) is an imaging test used to examine the condition of the arteries and other blood vessels coming in and out of the heart. CT stands for computerised tomography. This scans utilise X-ray images taken from multiple angles to produce a complete cross-section of the body part that needs examining – in this case, the h

What is coronary heart disease?  Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as ischaemic heart disease or coronary artery disease (CAD), is when the coronary arteries narrow over time due to a build-up of fatty material within the artery walls. The coronary arteries are responsible for supplying the heart with oxygenated blood. Is there a cure for coronary heart disease? If treated

What is a coronary stent? A coronary stent is an expandable cylindrical device, usually made of mesh, which is inserted within a vessel or duct to keep the passageway open and to preserve its shape and functionality. They are used in procedures to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, which restrict blood flow to the heart. The procedure is called a coronary angioplasty, and is perf

What is coronary surgery?       Heart surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass surgery or a coronary bypass surgery, is a type of surgery used to divert the blood and avoid blocked coronary arteries. The blockage may affect one or more of the arteries that carry blood to the heart, and may be partial or total (stenosis).    When arteries are blocke

What is a coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe illnesses such as pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Almost everyone will get infected by a coronavirus at least once in their life, and most of the time t

What is analysed? Coronavirus (COVID-19) tests analyse the presence of the virus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. COVID-19 tests include: The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test: Analyses the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The test detects the presence of viral RNA to confirm an active infection. The antigen test: Analyses the presence of specific viral proteins (the nu

What is a coronectomy?A coronectomy is a dental surgical procedure to remove the crown of the wisdom tooth while leaving behind the roots of the tooth, preserving the nerve endings. It is performed on wisdom teeth in the lower jaw that are impacted but cannot be entirely removed due to the risk of nerve damage. When is a coronectomy needed?Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last

What is analysed? Cortisol analysis involves measuring the levels of cortisol hormone in the blood, urine, or saliva to assess adrenal function and stress response. How is it used? Cortisol levels are used to evaluate adrenal gland function, diagnose conditions such as Cushing's syndrome or Addison's disease, monitor stress response, and assess cortisol replacement therapy.