With all this talk about heart disease, you might get confused by some of the terms often used. Here's a handy glossary you can refer to. Antioxidant: A substance that inhibits oxidation, a natural body process that causes cell damage. The body uses vitamins C and D as antioxidants. It also uses the minerals selenium and manganese to build potent antioxidant defense mechanisms, such as glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, to protect your cells.

Arteriosclerosis: A disease in which the arteries have thickened, hardened, and lost their elasticity, resulting in impaired blood flow. It develops in people who have high blood pressure, highcholestrol, diabetes and other conditions or as the result of aging. It is also known as "hardening of the arteries."

Atherosclerosis: A type of arteriosclerosis characterized by plaque deposits on the interior walls of arteries.

Fibrinolysis: The body's natural process of breaking up blood clots.

Homocysteine: A sulfur-containing amino acid in the blood that has been linked to an increased risk of premature coronary artery disease, stroke, and blood clots in the veins.

Hypercholesterolemia: High levels of cholesterol in the blood.

Hyperlipidemia: High levels of lipids in the blood.

Lipids: Another word for fats.Includes all types of cholesterol and triglycerides.

Nitric oxide: In the human body, nitric oxide plays a role in oxygen transport, nerve transmission, and other functions. It also helps relax the lining of the blood vessels.

Oxidation: A chemical reaction between oxygen and another substance, sometimes resulting in damage to the substance. For instance, oxidized cholesterol damages the lining of arteries.