Hypertension Dictionary

postmenopausal: Often synonymous with the term menopause, meaning the years following a 12-month period of menstruation cessation.

pre-eclampsia: An elevation in blood pressure during pregnancy; also called toxemia. Sometimes accompanied by excessive bodily swelling.

pulmonary: Related to the lungs.

Qi gong: Pronounced "chee gung," this ancient Chinese practice involves breathing, meditation and specific exercises for whole-body health and healing.

reflexotherapy: An alternative and ancient treatment involving both acupressure and acupuncture.

retinopathy: Referring to damage to the eye resulting from changes in blood flow due to such diseases as hypertension and diabetes. Retinopathy can also be caused by drugs and may result in impaired sight or blindness.

sedentary: The lack of exercise or a lifestyle that includes a majority of time sitting or resting.

sodium: A chemical occurring in the body as well as an outside source that may be used to increase the taste of some foods.

sodium chloride: Generally known as table salt but also assists in a body's electrolyte balance.

stimulant: Any over-the-counter, prescription or illegal substance that works on the nervous system to reduce fatigue and temporarily raise alertness. Includes caffeine, nicotine and cocaine.

stroke: The abrupt disruption of blood flow to the brain, occurring in a blockage by clotting (ischemic stroke), a bursting of a vessel (hemorrhagic stroke) or in the case of a mini-stroke, which is a temporary condition known as TIA (transient ischemic attack).