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Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
Topic Index
- + HD
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- HD
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"HD" is more commonly referred to as "Hirschsprung's Disease" in the medical community.
Hirschsprung's Disease
Also Known As: "Aganglionic Megacolon"
A birth defect where certain nerve cells are lacking in the large intestine preventing it from moving stool through, resulting in intestinal blockage that causes the abdomen to swell.
More Information on Hirschsprung's Disease: Pediatric Digestive
- + HDL
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- HDL
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"HDL" is more commonly referred to as "High Density Lipoprotein" in the medical community.
High Density Lipoprotein
Also Known As: "Cholesterol HDL, Good Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol"
"Good" cholesterol, HDLs move easily through the blood. They are stable and do not stick to artery walls. They help to prevent heart disease by carrying cholesterol away from the arteries, back to the liver and out of the body.
More Information on High Density Lipoprotein: Cholesterol
- + HDL Cholesterol
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- HDL Cholesterol
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"HDL Cholesterol" is more commonly referred to as "High Density Lipoprotein" in the medical community.
High Density Lipoprotein
Also Known As: "Cholesterol HDL, Good Cholesterol, HDL"
"Good" cholesterol, HDLs move easily through the blood. They are stable and do not stick to artery walls. They help to prevent heart disease by carrying cholesterol away from the arteries, back to the liver and out of the body.
More Information on High Density Lipoprotein: Cholesterol
- + HDL Test
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- HDL Test
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"HDL Test" is more commonly referred to as "Cholesterol Test" in the medical community.
Cholesterol Test
Also Known As: "Triglyceride Test, VLDL Test, Total Cholesterol Test, Blood Fat Profile, Lipoprotein Analysis, LDL Test, Lipid Profile"
A group of blood tests that reveal the composition, volume and distribution of the types of fat found in the blood, including cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins. Some tests measure total levels while others measure only one type of fat.
More Information on Cholesterol Test: Blood Tests
- + HDV
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- HDV
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Also Known As: "Hep D, Hepatitis Delta"
A liver infection caused by an RNA virus, occurring either simultaneously with hepatitis B or as a superinfection in hepatitis B carriers. It is typically more severe than other forms of hepatitis and is transmitted through sex or blood products.
More Information on HDV: Liver, Pancreas & Biliary
- + Head & Neck Cancers
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- Head & Neck Cancers
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Head and neck cancers include a broad category of cancers, many of which are caused by smoking or alcohol abuse. These cancers are much more common in men than women.
More Information on Head & Neck Cancers: Head, Neck & Mouth Cancer
- + Head Concussion
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- Head Concussion
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"Head Concussion" is more commonly referred to as "Concussion" in the medical community.
Concussion
Also Known As: "Cerebral Concussion, Brain Concussion"
A mild type of head injury involving the brain that commonly triggers headaches. The headaches usually resolve with time, but severe headaches may indicate a more serious condition (e.g., hemorrhage).
More Information on Concussion: Head & Spine Injury
- + Head Injuries & Children
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- Head Injuries & Children
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Head injuries are especially common in children. Most only involve the scalp, which may bleed a lot but usually is not serious. However, internal head injuries, such as damage to the skull or brain, can be quite serious and require medical attention.
More Information on Head Injuries & Children: Pediatric First Aid & Safety
- + Head Injury
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- Head Injury
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Also Known As: "Brain Trauma, Brain Injury, Head Trauma"
Injury to the scalp, skull or brain. These range from mild to potentially life threatening. Associated headaches often resolve with time, but should be reported. Severe headaches may indicate a serious condition (e.g., hemorrhage).
More Information on Head Injury: Head & Spine Injury
- + Head Lice
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- Head Lice
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Also Known As: "Pediculus Humanis Capitis Infestation, Head Louse, Pediculosis Capitis"
Tiny insects that are sometimes found on the human body and which are spread from person to person through close contact. Varieties include head lice, body lice and pubic lice (also called crabs). They often cause intense itching.
More Information on Head Lice: Skin Related Infections
- + Head Louse
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- Head Louse
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Also Known As: "Pediculus Humanis Capitis Infestation, Pediculosis Capitis"
Tiny insects that are sometimes found on the human body and which are spread from person to person through close contact. Varieties include head lice, body lice and pubic lice (also called crabs). They often cause intense itching.
More Information on Head Louse: Skin Related Infections
- + Head Trauma
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- Head Trauma
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Also Known As: "Brain Trauma, Brain Injury"
Injury to the scalp, skull or brain. These range from mild to potentially life threatening. Associated headaches often resolve with time, but should be reported. Severe headaches may indicate a serious condition (e.g., hemorrhage).
More Information on Head Trauma: Head & Spine Injury
- + Headache Drugs
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- Headache Drugs
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Also Known As: "Headache Medicines"
Medications used to relieve or prevent intermittent headaches or chronic headache conditions (e.g., migraines, tension headaches). They may work by blocking pain, reducing inflammation, opening restricted blood vessels or by other methods.
More Information on Headache Drugs: Headache & Migraine
- + Headache in Children
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- Headache in Children
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As in adults, headaches occurring in children may be classified as primary (not caused by an underlying condition) or secondary (caused by an underlying condition). Due to the age of the patient, however, it may be difficult to determine the cause.
More Information on Headache in Children: Headache & Migraine
- + Headache Medications
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- Headache Medications
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Also Known As: "Headache Drugs, Headache Medicines"
Medications used to relieve or prevent intermittent headaches or chronic headache conditions (e.g., migraines, tension headaches). They may work by blocking pain, reducing inflammation, opening restricted blood vessels or by other methods.
More Information on Headache Medications: Headache & Migraine
- + Headache Medicines
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- Headache Medicines
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Also Known As: "Headache Drugs"
Medications used to relieve or prevent intermittent headaches or chronic headache conditions (e.g., migraines, tension headaches). They may work by blocking pain, reducing inflammation, opening restricted blood vessels or by other methods.
More Information on Headache Medicines: Headache & Migraine
- + Headaches
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- Headaches
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Also Known As: "Primary Headaches, Secondary Headaches, Cephalalgia"
Pain in the head that occurs due to muscle contractions, blood vessel constrictions or other causes. It may be primary (e.g., migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches) or secondary (caused by other factors, such as injury or infection).
More Information on Headaches: Headache & Migraine
- + Headgear
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- Headgear
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A device that puts pressure on the upper teeth and upper jaw and influences upper jaw growth and upper tooth eruption. It may be removed by the patient and is usually worn 10 to 12 hours per day.
More Information on Headgear: Dental Braces & Alignment
- + Health Claims
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- Health Claims
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FDA-approved claims made by food manufacturers describing an established relationship between a product or product ingredient and a disease or medical condition (e.g., "Diets low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure").
More Information on Health Claims: Nutrition Basics
- + Health Clubs
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- Health Clubs
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"Health Clubs" is more commonly referred to as "Fitness Clubs" in the medical community.
Fitness Clubs
Also Known As: "Gyms"
Facilities that provide a workout environment with plenty of equipment and a knowledgeable staff. They often offer classes (e.g., aerobics, yoga) as well as providing equipment for both cardio and strength-training exercises.
More Information on Fitness Clubs: Exercise & Weight
- + Health Maintenance Organization
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- Health Maintenance Organization
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Also Known As: "HMO"
These insurance providers offer managed care plans, in which patients pay reduced rates for medical services in exchange for certain limitations on their choice of doctors and/or specialty care. Preventive care is generally emphasized.
More Information on Health Maintenance Organization: Healthcare Basics
- + Health Question
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- Health Question
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"Health Question" is more commonly referred to as "Questions for Your Cardiologist" in the medical community.
Questions for Your Cardiologist
Also Known As: "Medical Question"
This article suggests questions to print out and bring with you to your next doctor appointment. If you don't feel comfortable asking some of these questions, you can just hand the list to your cardiologist to be sure that they are all addressed.
More Information on Questions for Your Cardiologist: Heart Basics
- + Health Risk Appraisal
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- Health Risk Appraisal
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"Health Risk Appraisal" is more commonly referred to as "Coronary Risk Profile" in the medical community.
Coronary Risk Profile
Also Known As: "Risk Profile, HRA, Coronary Profile"
A tool for measuring a person's chance of developing coronary artery disease in his or her lifetime. It includes genetic traits, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, age, activity level and related conditions, such as diabetes.
More Information on Coronary Risk Profile: Heart Risk Factors
- + Health Sickness Rating Scale
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- Health Sickness Rating Scale
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Also Known As: "HSRS"
A 100-point scale used to judge the mental health of a patient.
More Information on Health Sickness Rating Scale: Emotional Health Basics
- + Healthcare Proxy
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- Healthcare Proxy
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A document that designates an agent to make healthcare decisions for another person in the event that the person is unable to do so. Healthcare providers must respect the agent's decisions as if he or she were the patient.
More Information on Healthcare Proxy: Healthcare Basics
- + Healthy Weight
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- Healthy Weight
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Also Known As: "Ideal Weight"
A body weight range that is considered to be healthy for an individual. Those who weigh more than their healthy body weight range are considered overweight.
More Information on Healthy Weight: Weight & Obesity Basics
- + Hearing Evaluation
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- Hearing Evaluation
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A child's hearing can be evaluated at any age through a variety of procedures. If hearing loss is detected, it can often be treated. A child's ability to hear greatly influences the development of language and communication skills.
More Information on Hearing Evaluation: Pediatric Hearing & Vision
- + Hearing Impairment
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- Hearing Impairment
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Also Known As: "Deafness"
The gradual or sudden loss of the sense of sound. May be partial (hearing impairment) or complete (deafness).
More Information on Hearing Impairment: Neuro Signs & Symptoms
- + Hearing Loss
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- Hearing Loss
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Also Known As: "Deafness, Hearing Impairment"
The gradual or sudden loss of the sense of sound. May be partial (hearing impairment) or complete (deafness).
More Information on Hearing Loss: Neuro Signs & Symptoms
- + Hearing Loss & Children
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- Hearing Loss & Children
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Children may experience a gradual or sudden loss of the sense of sound. May be partial (hearing impairment) or complete (deafness), sometimes the result of infections. Problems with hearing are among the most common major abnormalities in babies.
More Information on Hearing Loss & Children: Pediatric Hearing & Vision
- + Hearing Tests & Children
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- Hearing Tests & Children
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Also Known As: "Hearing Evaluation"
A child's hearing can be evaluated at any age through a variety of procedures. If hearing loss is detected, it can often be treated. A child's ability to hear greatly influences the development of language and communication skills.
More Information on Hearing Tests & Children: Pediatric Hearing & Vision
- + Heart & Blood Disorder Organizations
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- Heart & Blood Disorder Organizations
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Physicians and other health care providers represent only the beginning when it comes to managing heart health. There is a vast network of organizations concerned with cardiovascular health information and advocacy in the US and around the world.
More Information on Heart & Blood Disorder Organizations: Heart Basics
- + Heart Aneurysm
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- Heart Aneurysm
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"Heart Aneurysm" is more commonly referred to as "Ventricular Aneurysm" in the medical community.
Ventricular Aneurysm
Also Known As: "Right Ventricular Aneurysm, Septal Aneurysm, Ventricular Septal Aneurysm, Left Ventricular Aneurysm, Interventricular Aneurysm"
Bulging of part of the wall of a ventricle, usually the left. When in the wall between ventricles it is called ventricular septal aneurysm, interventricular aneurysm or septal aneurysm. It may be congenital or from trauma (e.g., heart attack).
More Information on Ventricular Aneurysm: Aneurysm
- + Heart Arrest
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- Heart Arrest
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"Heart Arrest" is more commonly referred to as "Cardiac Arrest" in the medical community.
Cardiac Arrest
Also Known As: "Cardiopulmonary Arrest, Massive Heart Attack, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Heart Seizure"
The abrupt, immediate stopping of the heart. Without immediate treatment with a defibrillator, sudden cardiac death is unavoidable.
More Information on Cardiac Arrest: Arrhythmia
- + Heart Assist Pump
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- Heart Assist Pump
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"Heart Assist Pump" is more commonly referred to as "Ventricular Assist Device" in the medical community.
Ventricular Assist Device
Also Known As: "Right Ventricular Assist Device, Heart Pump, Left Ventricular Assist Device, RVAD, VAD, LVAD"
A device that helps either of the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) to pump blood. Some patients require one device to help each ventricle. These devices have been approved by the FDA and are fairly commonly used.
More Information on Ventricular Assist Device: Heart Failure
- + Heart Atrophy
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- Heart Atrophy
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"Heart Atrophy" is more commonly referred to as "Cardiac Atrophy" in the medical community.
Cardiac Atrophy
Also Known As: "LVA, Atrophy of the Left Ventricle, Left Ventricular Atrophy"
A decrease in size of the heart. It can be brought on by prolonged immobilization or overall "wasting" that can occur with debilitating, chronic illnesses (e.g., anorexia). Left ventricle atrophy affects the lower left chamber of the heart.
More Information on Cardiac Atrophy: Heart Failure
- + Heart Attack
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- Heart Attack
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Also Known As: "Acute Myocardial Infarction, MI, Myocardial Infarction, Acute MI, Acute Heart Attack, A Coronary"
Scarring, or death, of heart muscle due to lack of oxygen. Oxygen-rich blood is blocked by a blood clot in a coronary artery, usually due to plaque-related narrowing of the artery.
More Information on Heart Attack: Cholesterol
- + Heart Attacks & Women
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- Heart Attacks & Women
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Also Known As: "Women and Heart Attacks"
Heart disease and heart attacks are the number one killers of women in America and all other developed countries throughout the world. Every year, coronary artery disease claims more female lives than breast cancer, accidents and diabetes combined.
More Information on Heart Attacks & Women: Women's Heart
- + Heart Birth Defect
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- Heart Birth Defect
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"Heart Birth Defect" is more commonly referred to as "Congenital Heart Disease" in the medical community.
Congenital Heart Disease
Also Known As: "Congenital Cardiovascular Disease, Defects, Heart Defect, Congenital Heart Defect, Congenital Septal Heart Defect"
A heart abnormality, defect or malformation that is present from birth.
More Information on Congenital Heart Disease: Pediatric Heart
- + Heart Block
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- Heart Block
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Also Known As: "Third Degree Heart Block, Atrioventricular Block, First Degree Heart Block, Complete Heart Block, Movitz AV Block, Second Degree Heart Block, AV Block, Complete AV Block"
The delayed or complete lack of electrical communication between the heart's upper chambers and lower chambers. This causes abnormally slow heart rhythms. It may be classified by the extent that electrical activity is disrupted.
More Information on Heart Block: Arrhythmia
- + Heart Bypass Surgery
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- Heart Bypass Surgery
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"Heart Bypass Surgery" is more commonly referred to as "Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery" in the medical community.
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Also Known As: "Coronary Bypass Surgery, Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, CABG, Coronary Artery Bypass"
A surgery to treat coronary artery disease. The surgeon takes a segment of a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body, and uses it to create a detour around the blocked portion of a blood vessel in the heart.
More Information on Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Bypass Surgery
- + Heart Care & Black Americans
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- Heart Care & Black Americans
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Although it is accepted that there are racial differences in medical treatment, researchers are struggling to make sense of recent studies examining this area. Experts disagree about the reasons for these differences.
More Information on Heart Care & Black Americans: Heart Basics
- + Heart Care & Women
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- Heart Care & Women
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There are gender differences in the medical treatment of male and female heart patients. Traditionally, diagnoses of heart conditions are based on a male model of symptoms, often resulting in misdiagnosis in women.
More Information on Heart Care & Women: Women's Heart
- + Heart Catheterization
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- Heart Catheterization
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"Heart Catheterization" is more commonly referred to as "Cardiac Catheterization" in the medical community.
Cardiac Catheterization
Also Known As: "Outpatient Cardiac Catheterization, Ambulatory Cardiac Catheterization, Catheterization, Cardiac Cath, Arterial Catheterization"
The process by which a catheter is inserted by a physician into a blood vessel and all the way to the heart, in order to obtain information about the heart and the coronary arteries. This term may also describe catheter-based procedures.
More Information on Cardiac Catheterization: Catheter Tests & Procedures
- + Heart Clasp
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- Heart Clasp
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An experimental sac-like device that fits around the outside of an enlarged heart and applies inward pressure. It may help the heart to shrink to normal size or prevent further enlargement. A variation is a metal band (clasp) around the heart.
More Information on Heart Clasp: Heart Failure
- + Heart Conditions & Diabetes
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- Heart Conditions & Diabetes
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People with diabetes are at an increased risk of heart and blood vessel diseases, including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and more.
More Information on Heart Conditions & Diabetes: Diabetes Heart & Blood Vessel
- + Heart Defect
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- Heart Defect
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"Heart Defect" is more commonly referred to as "Congenital Heart Disease" in the medical community.
Congenital Heart Disease
Also Known As: "Congenital Cardiovascular Disease, Defects, Congenital Heart Defect, Congenital Septal Heart Defect, Heart Birth Defect"
A heart abnormality, defect or malformation that is present from birth.
More Information on Congenital Heart Disease: Pediatric Heart
- + Heart Diet
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- Heart Diet
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A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in saturated fat, trans fat and salt, to promote wellness and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis or obesity.
More Information on Heart Diet: Heart Diet & Fitness
- + Heart Disease
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- Heart Disease
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Any pathological condition of the heart.
More Information on Heart Disease: Heart Basics
- + Heart Disease and Women
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- Heart Disease and Women
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"Heart Disease and Women" is more commonly referred to as "Cardiovascular Disease & Women" in the medical community.
Cardiovascular Disease & Women
Also Known As: "Women and Heart Disease Myths, Women and Heart Disease"
It is estimated that one out of every two women will eventually die from conditions that are the result of cardiovascular disease (diseases of the heart and/or blood vessels).
More Information on Cardiovascular Disease & Women: Women's Heart
- + Heart Disease Risk Factors & Women
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- Heart Disease Risk Factors & Women
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Also Known As: "Women and Heart Disease Risk Factors, Risk Factors and Women"
Women have some of the same risks for heart disease as men, such as smoking, obesity and high cholesterol levels. A woman's risk for heart disease increases after menopause.
More Information on Heart Disease Risk Factors & Women: Women's Heart
- + Heart Enlargement
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- Heart Enlargement
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"Heart Enlargement" is more commonly referred to as "Enlarged Heart" in the medical community.
Enlarged Heart
Also Known As: "Cardiomegaly, Osteochondrodysplasia Syndrome, Athlete Heart"
A sign that the heart is overworked. When underlying disease or other conditions (e.g., heavy exercise) cause the heart to work harder, the heart enlarges to compensate for the increased need.
More Information on Enlarged Heart: Heart Signs & Symptoms
- + Heart Failure
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- Heart Failure
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Also Known As: "Systolic Heart Failure, Diminished Heart Capacity, Congestive Heart Failure, Diastolic Heart Failure, Left-Ventricular Heart Failure, CHF, LV Heart Failure, Left Sided Heart Failure"
A chronic condition in which at least one chamber of the heart is not pumping well enough to meet the body's needs. This leads to congestion in the lungs or pulmonary blood vessels and may cause fluid backup or swelling in the lungs, legs and ankles.
More Information on Heart Failure: Heart Failure
- + Heart Failure Class
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- Heart Failure Class
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"Heart Failure Class" is more commonly referred to as "New York Heart Association Class" in the medical community.
New York Heart Association Class
Also Known As: "NYHA Class"
A classification of heart failure stages. I -- no symptoms or activity limits. II -- mild symptoms; minor activity limits. III -- symptoms occur during exertion; significant activity limits. IV -- symptoms occur at rest; unable to engage in activity.
More Information on New York Heart Association Class: Heart Failure
- + Heart Healthy Diet
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- Heart Healthy Diet
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Also Known As: "Heart Diet"
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in saturated fat, trans fat and salt, to promote wellness and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis or obesity.
More Information on Heart Healthy Diet: Heart Diet & Fitness
- + Heart Inflammation
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- Heart Inflammation
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"Heart Inflammation" is more commonly referred to as "Pancarditis" in the medical community.
Pancarditis
Also Known As: "Cardiac Inflammation"
General inflammation of the heart including all three of its layers: The myocardium, pericardium and endocardium.
More Information on Pancarditis: Heart Injuries & Infections
- + Heart Jacket
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- Heart Jacket
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Also Known As: "Heart Clasp"
An experimental sac-like device that fits around the outside of an enlarged heart and applies inward pressure. It may help the heart to shrink to normal size or prevent further enlargement. A variation is a metal band (clasp) around the heart.
More Information on Heart Jacket: Heart Failure
- + Heart Lung Bypass Machine
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- Heart Lung Bypass Machine
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Also Known As: "Lung Heart Machine, Extracorporeal Circulation Machine, Oxygenator Bypass Machine, Pump Oxygenator"
A machine that takes over the heart's functions when the heart is stopped during open-heart surgery. A heart-lung machine enables cardiopulmonary bypass, or the procedure of circulating blood and oxygen for a patient during open-heart surgery.
More Information on Heart Lung Bypass Machine: Bypass Surgery
- + Heart Lung Machine
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- Heart Lung Machine
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Also Known As: "Lung Heart Machine, Extracorporeal Circulation Machine, Oxygenator Bypass Machine, Heart Lung Bypass Machine, Pump Oxygenator"
A machine that takes over the heart's functions when the heart is stopped during open-heart surgery. A heart-lung machine enables cardiopulmonary bypass, or the procedure of circulating blood and oxygen for a patient during open-heart surgery.
More Information on Heart Lung Machine: Bypass Surgery
- + Heart Murmur
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- Heart Murmur
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Also Known As: "Continuous Murmur, Cardiac Murmur, Systolic Murmur, Murmur, Diastolic Murmur"
An abnormal heart sound. It may stem from a heart valve problem or be "innocent" (unassociated with disease). It may increase the risk of infection from dental procedures, leading to the prophylactic use of antibiotics.
More Information on Heart Murmur: Heart Signs & Symptoms
- + Heart Output
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- Heart Output
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"Heart Output" is more commonly referred to as "Cardiac Output" in the medical community.
Cardiac Output
Also Known As: "Decreased Cardiac Output, Low Cardiac Output"
The measurement of blood pumped from the left or right ventricle per minute. Decreased output is a sign that the heart is not performing efficiently.
More Information on Cardiac Output: Heart Failure
- + Heart Palpitation
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- Heart Palpitation
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"Heart Palpitation" is more commonly referred to as "Palpitations" in the medical community.
Palpitations
Also Known As: "Racing Heart"
An awareness of a strong, fast, irregular or "galloping" heartbeat. Palpitations tend to be unpleasant and may even be quite violent. Fortunately, palpitations are usually brief.
More Information on Palpitations: Heart Signs & Symptoms
- + Heart Patients & Pregnancy
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- Heart Patients & Pregnancy
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"Heart Patients & Pregnancy" is more commonly referred to as "Pregnancy & the Heart" in the medical community.
Pregnancy & the Heart
Also Known As: "Pregnancy and Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy"
The best way for a woman to increase her chances of bringing a healthy baby into the world (and to remain healthy herself) is to involve a physician and other professional medical personnel as soon as she decides to have a child.
More Information on Pregnancy & the Heart: Women's Heart
- + Heart Problem
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- Heart Problem
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"Heart Problem" is more commonly referred to as "Cardiovascular Disease" in the medical community.
Cardiovascular Disease
A term that refers to diseases of the heart and/or blood vessels. These conditions develop over time and can interrupt the flow of blood to the heart and brain, leading to heart attack, stroke or other problems.
More Information on Cardiovascular Disease: Heart Basics
- + Heart Pump
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- Heart Pump
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"Heart Pump" is more commonly referred to as "Ventricular Assist Device" in the medical community.
Ventricular Assist Device
Also Known As: "Right Ventricular Assist Device, Left Ventricular Assist Device, RVAD, VAD, LVAD, Heart Assist Pump"
A device that helps either of the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) to pump blood. Some patients require one device to help each ventricle. These devices have been approved by the FDA and are fairly commonly used.
More Information on Ventricular Assist Device: Heart Failure
- + Heart Rate
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- Heart Rate
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The pace of the heart. A normal resting heart rate is 60 to 85 beats per minute. A normal exercising heart rate is 50 to 75 percent of the patient's maximum heart rate, which is a suggested figure based on age.
More Information on Heart Rate: Heart Basics
- + Heart Related Gestational Problems
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- Heart Related Gestational Problems
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"Heart Related Gestational Problems" is more commonly referred to as "Gestational Heart Related Problems" in the medical community.
Gestational Heart Related Problems
Heart-related problems that can happen during the pregnancies of otherwise healthy women. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, and other problems, some of which can be life-threatening in rare cases.
More Information on Gestational Heart Related Problems: Women's Heart
- + Heart Revascularization
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- Heart Revascularization
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"Heart Revascularization" is more commonly referred to as "Revascularization" in the medical community.
Revascularization
Also Known As: "Cardiac Revascularization, Myocardial Revascularization"
he process or practice of restoring blood flow to a body part. In the case of the heart, this is done by surgery such as bypass surgery, or by dissolving blood clots with medications called "clot busters."
More Information on Revascularization: Vascular Disease
- + Heart Rupture
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- Heart Rupture
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Also Known As: "Cardiac Rupture"
Ripping or tearing of the walls of the heart, heart muscle, cardiac septum, chordae tendineae or any of the heart's valves. It may be caused by many conditions, including heart attacks (heart muscle/septum ruptures) or ruptured chordae tendineae.
More Information on Heart Rupture: Heart Injuries & Infections
- + Heart Scan
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- Heart Scan
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"Heart Scan" is more commonly referred to as "Ultrafast Computed Tomography" in the medical community.
Ultrafast Computed Tomography
Also Known As: "Calcium CT, Ultrafast CT, Electron Beam Computed Tomography, EBCT, Ultrafast Heart Scan"
A test that takes multiple clear pictures of the beating heart and the coronary arteries. It also locates and measures the calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, which may provide an indication of how much hard (calcified) plaque is present.
More Information on Ultrafast Computed Tomography: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
- + Heart Seizure
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- Heart Seizure
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"Heart Seizure" is more commonly referred to as "Cardiac Arrest" in the medical community.
Cardiac Arrest
Also Known As: "Cardiopulmonary Arrest, Massive Heart Attack, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Heart Arrest"
The abrupt, immediate stopping of the heart. Without immediate treatment with a defibrillator, sudden cardiac death is unavoidable.
More Information on Cardiac Arrest: Arrhythmia
- + Heart Stunning
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- Heart Stunning
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"Heart Stunning" is more commonly referred to as "Cardiac Stunning" in the medical community.
Cardiac Stunning
Also Known As: "Myocardial Stunning"
Temporary heart failure due to an event such as open-heart surgery or use of a heart-lung machine. The stunned heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It normally passes in a few days, but it can be fatal.
More Information on Cardiac Stunning: Heart Failure
- + Heart Threatening Illnesses
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- Heart Threatening Illnesses
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Any disease or condition that has a secondary effect on the heart. While not technically "heart diseases," these conditions can cause problems with the functions of the heart or lead to serious heart disorders.
More Information on Heart Threatening Illnesses: Heart Injuries & Infections
- + Heart Transplant Surgery
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- Heart Transplant Surgery
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Also Known As: "Cardiac Transplantation, Artificial Heart Transplantation"
A procedure by which a permanently diseased heart is removed and replaced with either an organic or artificial heart. The majority of heart transplants are performed in patients suffering from cardiomyopathy or coronary artery disease.
More Information on Heart Transplant Surgery: Heart Failure
- + Heart Trauma
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- Heart Trauma
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"Heart Trauma" is more commonly referred to as "Trauma to Heart or Blood Vessels" in the medical community.
Trauma to Heart or Blood Vessels
Also Known As: "Cardiac Trauma"
A physical injury or wound to the heart or blood vessels caused by an external force or violence. The major causes of trauma are motor vehicle accidents, falls, burns and gunshot wounds.
More Information on Trauma to Heart or Blood Vessels: Heart Injuries & Infections
- + Heart Valve
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- Heart Valve
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There are four heart valves (aortic, tricuspid, pulmonic and mitral). They keep blood flowing in only one direction. When the heart contracts (beats) they swing open to allow blood through and then shut tightly to keep blood from leaking backward.
More Information on Heart Valve: Heart Valve
- + Heart Valve Atresia
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- Heart Valve Atresia
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"Heart Valve Atresia" is more commonly referred to as "Valvular Atresia" in the medical community.
Valvular Atresia
A birth defect of the heart in which one or more of the heart's valves is completely closed, causing an inadequate flow of blood between the heart's chambers. It can occur in any of the heart's four valves (aortic, pulmonic, mitral or tricuspid).
More Information on Valvular Atresia: Heart Valve
- + Heart Valve Disease
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- Heart Valve Disease
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"Heart Valve Disease" is more commonly referred to as "Valvular Heart Disease Basics" in the medical community.
Valvular Heart Disease Basics
Also Known As: "Rheumatic Valve Disease, Valve Disease"
Any fault or abnormality of one or more of the heart's valves: the pulmonic, mitral, aortic or tricuspid. Valvular heart disease is characterized by stenosis (narrowing) and regurgitation (blood flow in the wrong direction between heart chambers).
More Information on Valvular Heart Disease Basics: Heart Valve
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