As a result, blood vessels enlarge (dilate) and blood pressure is reduced. Atrial fibrillation A heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. Beta-blockers Any of a class of drugs which prevent the stimulation of the adrenergic receptors responsible for increased cardiac action, used to control heart rhythm, treat angina, and reduce high blood pressure B-type natriuretic peptide A hormone produced by your heart. Both BNP and NT-proBNP are released in response to changes in pressure inside the heart. Cardiac resynchronisation therapy An implanted cardiac resynchronization device is a medical device used in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). It resynchronizes the contractions of the heart's ventricles by sending tiny electrical impulses to the heart muscle, which can help the heart pump blood throughout the body more efficiently. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing Provides assessment of the integrative exercise responses involving the pulmonary, cardiovascular, haematopoietic, neuropsychological, and skeletal muscle systems, which are not adequately reflected through the measurement of individual organ system function. Cardiomyopathy Refers to diseases of the heart muscle. Chronic heart failure Heart failure progressively worsens over time. Chronic kidney disease A condition characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Is a type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long-term breathing problems and poor airflow. Coronary artery disease When a waxy substance called plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle Diabetes mellitus Type 1 diabetes mellitus occurs when the body cannot produce sufficient insulin to absorb blood sugar. Ejection fraction A measurement of the percentage of blood leaving your heart each time it contracts. Glomerular filtration rate A measure for level of kidney function to determine the stage of kidney Chronic Heart Failure Glossary NICE 2018. All rights reserved. 