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Heart Index – H

A B C D E F H I L M N O P R S T V
Haemorrhagic stroke

A stroke which is caused by the rupturing of one or more blood vessels in the brain.

HDL

Short for high-density lipoproteins. The type of lipoproteins which transports fat and cholesterol back to the liver for breakdown, thus “cleansing” the arteries.

HDL cholesterol

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol; also known as “good” cholesterol. It refers to cholesterol which is being transported by HDL (high-density lipoproteins) away from blood vessels for excretion from the body.

Healthy Diet Pyramid

A diet based on the classification of food into various food groups, namely: (i) rice and other forms of carbohydrate; (ii) fruits; (iii) vegetables; (iv) meat and alternative forms of protein; and (v) seasonings such as fat, oils, sugar, and salt. It advocates the consumption of more energy from the food groups on the lower tiers of the Pyramid (i.e. carbohydrate, fruits, and vegetables); less from the meat/protein food group which is placed higher up the Pyramid; and least from fats, oils, sugar, and salt which together make up the tip of the Pyramid.

Heart failure

Another term for congestive heart failure. A condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the oxygen requirements of other organs in the body.

Heart-lung machine

An apparatus which oxygenates and pumps blood during open-heart surgery and heart transplants.

Holter monitoring

Electrocardiogram monitoring done over time, usually over a 24-hour period.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

A form of oestrogen treatment which is used to control menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis.

Hydrogenated fat

Unsaturated fat to which hydrogen has been added to make it more stable and solid at room temperature.

Hypertension

Also known as high blood pressure. A condition in which the sufferer has a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg.