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.
"HHNS" is more commonly referred to as "Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome" in the medical community. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome
Also Known As: "NKHH, Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic State, Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State, Nonketosis Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemia, HHS"
A dangerous condition in which a person experiences very high glucose (blood sugar) and dehydration. Left untreated, it can lead to seizures, coma or death. More Information on Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome: Glucose
"HHS" is more commonly referred to as "Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome" in the medical community. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome
Also Known As: "NKHH, Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic State, Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State, Nonketosis Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemia, HHNS"
A dangerous condition in which a person experiences very high glucose (blood sugar) and dehydration. Left untreated, it can lead to seizures, coma or death. More Information on Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome: Glucose
The protrusion of the stomach into the chest through a tear or weakness in the diaphragm. It is associated with pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn. More Information on Hiatal Hernia: GERD & Heartburn
The protrusion of the stomach into the chest through a tear or weakness in the diaphragm. It is associated with pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn. More Information on Hiatus Hernia: GERD & Heartburn
Also Known As: "Haemophilus Influenzae, Haemophilus Influenzae Serotype B Infection, Haemophilus Influenzae B, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B"
Infection with the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria that infects the lining of the brain and causes meningitis. It was once the chief cause of meningitis. However, vaccination has sharply reduced such infections in the United States. More Information on Hib Disease: Brain Related Infections
Also Known As: "Haemophilus Influenzae, Haemophilus Influenzae Serotype B Infection, Hib Disease, Haemophilus Influenzae B, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B"
Infection with the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria that infects the lining of the brain and causes meningitis. It was once the chief cause of meningitis. However, vaccination has sharply reduced such infections in the United States. More Information on Hib Infection: Brain Related Infections
An involuntary spasm of the diaphragm resulting in a sudden intake of air, generally occurring repeatedly for a period of time. More Information on Hiccough: Abdominal Pain
An involuntary spasm of the diaphragm resulting in a sudden intake of air, generally occurring repeatedly for a period of time. More Information on Hiccups: Abdominal Pain
"Hickman Catheter" is more commonly referred to as "Catheter" in the medical community. Catheter
Also Known As: "Arteriovenous Shunt Catheter, Peripheral Intravenous Catheter, Coronary Perfusion Catheter, Swan-Ganz Catheter, Implantable Venous Catheter, Guiding Catheter"
A long, thin, hollow tube that is inserted by a physician into a large blood vessel and fed to a target area (e.g., the heart). This allows the physician to perform sophisticated, minimally invasive tests and procedures. More Information on Catheter: Catheter Tests & Procedures
A test involving an injection of a contrast medium and x-rays to diagnose abnormal contractions in the gallbladder. More Information on HIDA Scan: Digestive Imaging Tests
Chronic disease marked by clogging of the apocrine glands, sweat glands found on certain parts of the body. It causes chronic scarring and pus formation of the underarms, groin/inner thigh areas and under the breasts. More Information on Hidradenitis Axillaris: Perspiration & Chafing
Also Known As: "Acne Inversa, Hidradenitis Axillaris"
Chronic disease marked by clogging of the apocrine glands, sweat glands found on certain parts of the body. It causes chronic scarring and pus formation of the underarms, groin/inner thigh areas and under the breasts. More Information on Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Perspiration & Chafing
"Hidrosis" is more commonly referred to as "Perspiration" in the medical community. Perspiration
Also Known As: "Sweat"
The process by which fluid leaves the body through sweat glands. It helps regulate body temperature and occurs in response to heat, exercise or stress. The fluid can also be called perspiration, or sweat. More Information on Perspiration: Perspiration & Chafing
Higher than normal blood pressure (the force, or tension, of the blood in the walls of the arteries). High blood pressure (hypertension) stresses the heart and can contribute to coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke. More Information on High Blood Pressure: Blood Pressure
Also Known As: "Hypertension and Black Americans, Blood Pressure and Black Americans"
Black Americans are at greater risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension) than white people or other racial groups. Black Americans also tend to have an unusually high number of risk factors for high blood pressure. More Information on High Blood Pressure & Black Americans: Blood Pressure
Also Known As: "Children and High Blood Pressure, Hypertension in Children, Pediatric Hypertension"
A condition in which a child's blood pressure is consistently higher than normal. Normal blood pressure for ages 6 to 12 is up to 125/80, and ages 13-15 is up to 126/78. More Information on High Blood Pressure in Children: Blood Pressure
"High Carbohydrate High Fiber Diet" is more commonly referred to as "HCF Diet" in the medical community. HCF Diet
An eating plan high in both carbohydrates and dietary fiber that some believe can help control diabetes. It developed after increases in diabetes rates were observed in non-Western cultures when people began eating more refined and processed foods. More Information on HCF Diet: Diabetes Diet & Fitness
A high total cholesterol level (hypercholesterolemia). Too much cholesterol, particularly in the form of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), may cause a dangerous build-up of plaque. More Information on High Cholesterol: Cholesterol
"High Chylomicrons" is more commonly referred to as "Hyperchylomicronemia" in the medical community. Hyperchylomicronemia
Also Known As: "Type I Hyperlipoproteinemia, Chylomicronemia Syndrome"
Abnormally high blood levels of chylomicrons, lipoproteins that carry cholesterol and triglycerides through the bloodstream. More Information on Hyperchylomicronemia: Cholesterol
Also Known As: "HDL, 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
"High Dose Rate Remote Brachytherapy" is more commonly referred to as "Remote Brachytherapy" in the medical community. Remote Brachytherapy
Also Known As: "High Dose Rate Remote Radiation Therapy"
A type of radiation therapy (brachytherapy), in which a burst of radiation is introduced directly into a tumor to shrink or close the growth. It differs from classic brachytherapy in that the radiation source is removed between treatments. More Information on Remote Brachytherapy: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
"High Dose Rate Remote Radiation Therapy" is more commonly referred to as "Remote Brachytherapy" in the medical community. Remote Brachytherapy
Also Known As: "High Dose Rate Remote Brachytherapy"
A type of radiation therapy (brachytherapy), in which a burst of radiation is introduced directly into a tumor to shrink or close the growth. It differs from classic brachytherapy in that the radiation source is removed between treatments. More Information on Remote Brachytherapy: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
"High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter" is more commonly referred to as "HEPA Filters" in the medical community. HEPA Filters
Also Known As: "True HEPA, HEPA Air Filter, High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance"
Highly effective type of filter that removes particles from the air by forcing them through screens with microscopic pores. HEPA is an acronym for high efficiency particulate air filter. More Information on HEPA Filters: Allergy Basics
"High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance" is more commonly referred to as "HEPA Filters" in the medical community. HEPA Filters
Also Known As: "True HEPA, HEPA Air Filter, High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter"
Highly effective type of filter that removes particles from the air by forcing them through screens with microscopic pores. HEPA is an acronym for high efficiency particulate air filter. More Information on HEPA Filters: Allergy Basics
A type of radiation therapy that uses high-energy photons. It penetrates deeply into inner tissues while minimizing radiation to surface tissues, such as the skin. More Information on High Energy Photon Therapy: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
A compound composed of 55 percent fructose and 45 percent sucrose that is produced by converting glucose (from corn syrup) to fructose. It is used primarily to sweeten foods and also prevents rapid spoilage of food products. More Information on High Fructose Corn Syrup: Carbs & Sugars
Pregnancy involving factors that increase risk to mother and/or baby. These may include conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure), behavior (e.g., poor diet, drug abuse), age, multiple births (e.g., twins) or complications (e.g., bleeding). More Information on High Risk Pregnancy: Pregnancy Basics
A form of avian flu that can survive in the environment for long periods of time and start a serious epidemic. Found in birds, it can be transmitted to humans, who have no immunity against it. More Information on Highly Pathogenic form of Avian Influenza: Cold & Flu Basics
Also Known As: "Hill Posterior Gastropexy, Hill Operation, Hill Procedure"
A surgical procedure that anchors the stomach to the diaphragm to prevent its displacement. It may be used for patients with small stomachs due to previous surgery. More Information on Hill Gastropexy: Digestive Treatments
Also Known As: "Hill Procedure, Hill Posterior Gastropexy"
A surgical procedure that anchors the stomach to the diaphragm to prevent its displacement. It may be used for patients with small stomachs due to previous surgery. More Information on Hill Operation: Digestive Treatments
A surgical procedure that anchors the stomach to the diaphragm to prevent its displacement. It may be used for patients with small stomachs due to previous surgery. More Information on Hill Posterior Gastropexy: Digestive Treatments
Also Known As: "Hill Posterior Gastropexy, Hill Operation"
A surgical procedure that anchors the stomach to the diaphragm to prevent its displacement. It may be used for patients with small stomachs due to previous surgery. More Information on Hill Procedure: Digestive Treatments
The region of the brain associated with memory and learning. It is named for its shape, which resembles a sea horse. More Information on Hippocampus: Brain & Nerve Basics
"Hirayama Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Monomelic Amyotrophy" in the medical community. Monomelic Amyotrophy
Also Known As: "Benign Focal Amyotrophy, O'Sullivan McLeod Syndrome"
A progressive degeneration and loss of motor neurons marked by weakness and wasting in a single limb, typically an arm and hand. There is no cure, but muscle strengthening exercises and training in hand coordination can help. More Information on Monomelic Amyotrophy: Movement Disorders
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
Excess hair on a woman in areas where hair growth usually does not appear in females. It is caused by increased sensitivity of the skin to hormones called androgens or increased production of these hormones. More Information on Hirsutism: Skin Signs & Symptoms
A bundle of fibers through which electrical impulses normally travel after leaving the atrioventricular node. This bundle of fibers divides into the left and right bundle branches. More Information on His Bundle: Arrhythmia
A bundle of fibers through which electrical impulses normally travel after leaving the atrioventricular node. This bundle of fibers divides into the left and right bundle branches. More Information on His Purkinje System: Arrhythmia
A chemical present in cells that is released by allergens. Histamine attaches to receptors on nearby blood vessels and is the major reason for sneezing, runny nose and itching. It also contributes to narrowing of the lung's airways. More Information on Histamine: Allergy Basics
Type of food poisoning caused by the ingestion of the chemical histamine which is common is spoiled fish. When a person eats spoiled fish, histamines can cause hives and flushing very similar to an allergic reaction. More Information on Histamine Fish Poisoning: Gastroenteritis & Food Illness
A disease caused by a fungal organism found in the soil of many areas of the United States. It primarily affects the lungs, but can also cause problems with the skin and other body areas. More Information on Histoplasma: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
A disease caused by a fungal organism found in the soil of many areas of the United States. It primarily affects the lungs, but can also cause problems with the skin and other body areas. More Information on Histoplasma Capsulatum Infection: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
Also Known As: "Histoplasma Capsulatum Infection, Histoplasma"
A disease caused by a fungal organism found in the soil of many areas of the United States. It primarily affects the lungs, but can also cause problems with the skin and other body areas. More Information on Histoplasmosis: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
A disorder characterized by a pattern of attention-seeking behavior and excessive emotional behavior that may be perceived as superficial and exaggerated. More Information on Histrionic Personality Disorder: Personality Disorders
Also Known As: "Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV Infection"
An infection that gradually destroys the immune system, resulting in infections that the body struggles to fight. It usually progresses to the life-threatening acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). More Information on HIV: Sexual Health
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). This affects the body's ability to fight infection. There is no cure and the disease is potentially fatal. More Information on HIV & AIDS: STD & Genital Infections
A link has consistently been found between HIV and the heart. HIV appears to increase the risk of heart conditions such as pericarditis (an inflammation of the pericardial sac around the heart), dilated cardiomyopathy or heart failure. More Information on HIV & the Heart: Heart Injuries & Infections
An infection that gradually destroys the immune system, resulting in infections that the body struggles to fight. It usually progresses to the life-threatening acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). More Information on HIV Infection: Sexual Health
"HIV Related Lymphoma" is more commonly referred to as "AIDS Related Lymphoma" in the medical community. AIDS Related Lymphoma
A type of lymphoma (cancer of certain white blood cells) that occurs in people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These tumors grow rapidly and are estimated to occur in 10 percent of HIV patients. More Information on AIDS Related Lymphoma: Lymphoma (Hodgkin's & Non)
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). This affects the body's ability to fight infection. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may pass the disease to their child. More Information on HIV, AIDS & Women: STD & Genital Infections
Red, swollen patches of skin that occur in groups and may burn, sting or itch. An allergic reaction causes blood plasma to leak into skin, creating hives. They fade within hours, leaving no trace. But, new patches may appear as older ones fade. More Information on Hives: Dermatitis, Eczema & Hives
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