Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

the hand, are applied to the lower breast-
bone until trained help arrives. Both
these measures are used to restore
blood circulation to the brain. Brain
damage is likely if the brain is starved of
oxygen for more than 3–4 minutes.
cardiotocographySee fetal heart mon-
itoring.
cardiovascularPertaining to the heart
and blood vessels.
cardiovascular disordersDisorders
of the heart, blood vessels, and blood
circulation (see heart disorders; arteries,
disorders of; veins, disorders of).
cardiovascular surgeryThe branch
of surgery concerned with the heart and
blood vessels. Cardiovascular surgery
includes operations to prevent or repair
damage caused, for example, by con-
genital heart disease (see heart disease,
congenital), atherosclerosis, or a myocar-
dialinfarction(heart attack). Procedures
include heart valve surgery, coronary
artery bypass, and heart transplant.
cardioversionAn alternative name for
defibrillation.
carditisA general term for inflammation
of any part of the heart or its linings.
There are 3 types of carditis: myocarditis
(inflammation of the heart muscle),
which is usually caused by a viral infec-
tion; endocarditis (inflammation of the
internal lining of the heart), which is
usually due to a bacterial infection; and
pericarditis(inflammation of the outer
covering of the heart), which is usually
due to a viral or bacterial infection but
may be associated with a myocardial
infarctionor an autoimmune disorder,
such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
caries, dentalTooth decay; the gradual
erosion of enamel (the covering of the
tooth) and dentine (the substance be-
neath the enamel). Initial decay usually
occurs on the grinding surfaces of the
back teeth and areas around the gum
line. The main cause is plaque, a sticky
substance consisting of food deposits,
saliva by-products, and bacteria that
collects on the teeth. The breakdown of
food deposits by bacteria creates an
acid that eats into theenamel to form
cavities. Unchecked decay spreads to the
dentine, and as the cavity enlarges, bac-
teria may invade and destroy the pulp

at the tooth's core. Advanced decay

causes toothache and bad breath.

Treatment consists of drilling away the

area of decay and filling the cavity (see

filling, dental). In advanced decay, it may

be necessary to remove the infected

pulp (see extraction, dental).

Water fluoridationand the use of fluo-

ride toothpaste helps prevent caries. The

risk of caries is also reduced by cutting

sugar consumption, practising good oral

hygiene,and visiting the dentist regularly.

carotenaemiaA harmless condition in

which the blood level of the orange pig-

ment carotene, found in carrots and

other vegetables, is excessively high.

The condition may cause temporary yel-

lowing of the skin.

caroteneAn orange pigment found in

carrots, tomatoes, and leafy green veg-

etables. The most important form, called

beta-carotene, is an antioxidantthat is

converted in the intestines into vitamin A,

which is essential for vision and the

health of the skin and other organs.

Excessive intake of foods containing

carotene may result in carotenaemia.

carotid arteryAny of the main arteries

of the neck and head. There are 2 com-

mon carotid arteries (left and right),

each of which divides into 2 main

branches (internal and external).

The left carotid arises from the aorta

and runs up the neck on the left side of

the trachea(windpipe). The right carotid

arises from the subclavian artery (which

branches off the aorta) and follows a

similar route on the right side of the

CARDIOTOCOGRAPHY CAROTID ARTERY

C

Internal

carotid

artery

External

carotid

artery

Common

carotid

artery

CAROTID ARTERY