Category: E
-
Ejection fraction (EF)
The percentage of end-diastolic volume that is ejected. Percentage of the total diastolic volume of blood the heart ejects as it contracts. The percentage of blood emptied from the ventricle during contraction; normal value for healthy hearts is 60-70 percent but may be much lower with valve disorders or myocardial infarction. The ratio of the…
-
Economy
The oxygen cost of any activity, but particularly walking or running at varying speeds. In psychology, the theory that the person meets stress in the simplest way possible.
-
Ergometer
An apparatus for measuring workloads by an individual, e.g., bicycle. An exercise device. A device designed to measure the amount of energy used or amount of work done while a person is engaged in a specific task. An ergometer may be used to test the overall ability of the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and muscles…
-
Epicardium
Thin, transparent outer layer of the heart wall. Serous membrane on the surface of the myocardium. The inner layer of the pericardium which lines the walls of the heart, outside the myocardium. Innermost of the two layers of the pericardium, the membranous covering of the heart. The outermost layer of the heart wall, enveloping the…
-
Endocrine glands
Ductless glands that empty their secretions directly into the blood stream; these secretions contain specific hormones that influence growth, reproduction, emotion. Glands that secrete their products (hormones) into the blood, which then carries them to their specific target organs. For example, adrenalin, produced in the adrenal glands, is carried to the heart (and other muscles)…
-
Empty calories
A term used to denote food contributing calories that are void of nutrients, protein, vitamins, and minerals, i.e., alcohol, sugar, fat. Foods containing only calories but no significant amounts of other nutrients. Calories that provide very little if any nutritional value with the exception of providing calories found in simple sugars.
-
Electrolyte imbalance
Inappropriate concentration of ions in body fluids.
-
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
A graphic record of the electrical activity and heart beat pattern. Tracing that provides a graphic illustration of the electrical current generated by excitation of the heart muscle. A test to record the electrical processes originating within the heart, such as heartbeat, and to assess heart problems. The test involves electrodes, or leads, attached to…
-
Eccentric contraction
Muscle lengthens while contracting, developing tension as when the muscles oppose the force of gravity. A dynamic muscle contraction that produces tension (force) while lengthening. A muscle contraction in which the muscle gradually lengthens while combating the pull of gravity. Eccentric contraction is one in which the muscle lengthens as it is contracted. Eccentric contraction…
-
Explosive personality
A disorder of impulse control in which several episodes of serious outbursts of relatively unprovoked aggression lead to assault on others or the destruction of property. There is no organic, epileptic, or any other personality disorder that might account for the behavior. Also called intermittent explosive personality.