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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
- + LDH
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- LDH
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"LDH" is more commonly referred to as "Lactate Dehydrogenase" in the medical community.
Lactate Dehydrogenase
An enzyme that helps metabolism and is found in nearly all body tissues. There is more of one form of this enzyme (LDH1 levels) in the blood than another form (LDH2) following a heart attack.
- + LDL
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- LDL
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"LDL" is more commonly referred to as "Low Density Lipoprotein" in the medical community.
Low Density Lipoprotein
Also Known As: "Cholesterol LDL, Bad Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol"
Low-density lipoproteins, or "bad" cholesterol, contain more fat and less protein than HDLs. LDLs are unstable; they tend to fall apart. Rather than being removed from the body by the liver, they stick to artery walls and contribute to plaque build-up.
More Information on Low Density Lipoprotein: Cholesterol
- + LDL Cholesterol
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- LDL Cholesterol
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"LDL Cholesterol" is more commonly referred to as "Low Density Lipoprotein" in the medical community.
Low Density Lipoprotein
Also Known As: "LDL, Cholesterol LDL, Bad Cholesterol"
Low-density lipoproteins, or "bad" cholesterol, contain more fat and less protein than HDLs. LDLs are unstable; they tend to fall apart. Rather than being removed from the body by the liver, they stick to artery walls and contribute to plaque build-up.
More Information on Low Density Lipoprotein: Cholesterol
- + LDL Test
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- LDL Test
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"LDL 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, HDL Test, Blood Fat Profile, Lipoprotein Analysis, 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
- + Lead Poisoning
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- Lead Poisoning
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Ingestion of lead into the body that can cause serious problems in children, including mental retardation, liver or kidney damage and developmental delays. Lead is present in dust, soil, some older lead pipes and paint in older buildings.
More Information on Lead Poisoning: Pediatric Brain & Nerve
- + Leaflet
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- Leaflet
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Also Known As: "Valve Leaflet, Valve Flap"
A leaflike structure or organ. Also, the name for the flaps on each of the heart's valves.
More Information on Leaflet: Heart Basics
- + Leak Point
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- Leak Point
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"Leak Point" is more commonly referred to as "Kidney Threshold" in the medical community.
Kidney Threshold
Also Known As: "Renal Threshold, Spilling Point"
The point at which there is too much of a substance for the kidneys to hold, forcing it to "spill out" into urine. It then appears and can often be measured in urine tests.
More Information on Kidney Threshold: Kidney (Renal)
- + Lean Body Mass
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- Lean Body Mass
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The portion of the body that does not include stored fat, including muscle, bone, connective tissue, organs and water.
- + Learning & Play
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- Learning & Play
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Infants and small children learn through play. This is how they develop social and communication skills and learn to interact with the world around them.
More Information on Learning & Play: Growth & Development
- + Learning Disability
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- Learning Disability
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Also Known As: "Reading Disability"
Disorders characterized by low academic function and problems in the learning process despite a normal range in intelligence.
More Information on Learning Disability: Attention & Learning Disorders
- + Learning Disorders
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- Learning Disorders
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Also Known As: "Learning Disability, Reading Disability"
Disorders characterized by low academic function and problems in the learning process despite a normal range in intelligence.
More Information on Learning Disorders: Attention & Learning Disorders
- + Lecithin
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- Lecithin
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A blend of phospholipids with different nitrogen-containing components. It is found in egg yolk and in many plant and animal cells and is used commercially as an emulsifier.
More Information on Lecithin: Additives & Seasonings
- + LED Light Therapy
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- LED Light Therapy
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"LED Light Therapy" is more commonly referred to as "Light Emitting Diode Therapy" in the medical community.
Light Emitting Diode Therapy
Also Known As: "LED Therapy"
A type of photodynamic therapy that uses a particular type of light (LED). Photosensitive drugs are injected into the body and given time to accumulate in a tumor. LED light is then introduced to cause changes in the drug that kills cancer cells.
More Information on Light Emitting Diode Therapy: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
- + LED Therapy
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- LED Therapy
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"LED Therapy" is more commonly referred to as "Light Emitting Diode Therapy" in the medical community.
Light Emitting Diode Therapy
Also Known As: "LED Light Therapy"
A type of photodynamic therapy that uses a particular type of light (LED). Photosensitive drugs are injected into the body and given time to accumulate in a tumor. LED light is then introduced to cause changes in the drug that kills cancer cells.
More Information on Light Emitting Diode Therapy: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
- + LEEP
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- LEEP
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"LEEP" is more commonly referred to as "Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure" in the medical community.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure
Also Known As: "Loop Electrosurgery, Loop Excision, Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone, Loop Procedure, LLETZ"
A surgical technique involving the use of a thin electrified wire in the shape of a loop. It may be used to remove (excise) abnormal tissue in the cervix.
More Information on Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure: Vaginal & Cervical Health
- + Left Anterior Bundle Branch Block
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- Left Anterior Bundle Branch Block
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Also Known As: "Left Anterior Hemiblock, Block of Anterior Division of Left Bundle Branch, Anterior Fascicular Block, Left Anterior Divisional Block"
An abnormal heart rhythm in which the electrical impulses traveling through the anterior (front) section of the heart's left bundle branch are delayed or blocked. It causes an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
More Information on Left Anterior Bundle Branch Block: Arrhythmia
- + Left Anterior Descending Artery
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- Left Anterior Descending Artery
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The left and right coronary arteries supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood. The left coronary artery branches out before reaching the heart. One of these branches is the left anterior descending artery, and the other is the circumflex artery.
More Information on Left Anterior Descending Artery: Heart Basics
- + Left Anterior Divisional Block
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- Left Anterior Divisional Block
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Also Known As: "Block of Anterior Division of Left Bundle Branch, Anterior Fascicular Block, Left Anterior Hemiblock"
An abnormal heart rhythm in which the electrical impulses traveling through the anterior (front) section of the heart's left bundle branch are delayed or blocked. It causes an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
More Information on Left Anterior Divisional Block: Arrhythmia
- + Left Anterior Hemiblock
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- Left Anterior Hemiblock
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Also Known As: "Block of Anterior Division of Left Bundle Branch, Anterior Fascicular Block, Left Anterior Divisional Block"
An abnormal heart rhythm in which the electrical impulses traveling through the anterior (front) section of the heart's left bundle branch are delayed or blocked. It causes an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
More Information on Left Anterior Hemiblock: Arrhythmia
- + Left Atrial Aneurysm
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- Left Atrial Aneurysm
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"Left Atrial Aneurysm" is more commonly referred to as "Atrial Aneurysm" in the medical community.
Atrial Aneurysm
Also Known As: "Atrial Septal Aneurysm, Aneurysm of Septum Secundum, Right Atrial Aneurysm, Aneurysm of Septum Primum"
Bulging of part of the wall of an atrium. When in the wall between atria, it is called atrial septal aneurysm or aneurysm of septum primum (or secundum). It is often congenital and has been linked to increased stroke risk and patent foramen ovale.
More Information on Atrial Aneurysm: Aneurysm
- + Left Atrial Pressure
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- Left Atrial Pressure
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"Left Atrial Pressure" is more commonly referred to as "Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure" in the medical community.
Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure
Also Known As: "PAWP, Atrial Pressure"
An indirect measurement of pressure in the left atrium, because direct measurement is rather risky. A balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into the pulmonary artery, and the balloon is inflated, wedging itself in. Pressure can then be measured.
- + Left Atrioventricular Valve
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- Left Atrioventricular Valve
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"Left Atrioventricular Valve" is more commonly referred to as "Mitral Valve" in the medical community.
Mitral Valve
Also Known As: "Bicuspid Valve"
One of the heart's four valves. The mitral valve normally swings open to allow the smooth passage of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle, then closes. Blood should flow only in one direction and only at the right time.
More Information on Mitral Valve: Heart Valve
- + Left Atrium
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- Left Atrium
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"Left Atrium" is more commonly referred to as "Atrium" in the medical community.
Atrium
Also Known As: "Atria, Right Atrium"
One of two upper chambers of the heart. Oxygen-poor blood travels from the right atrium to the right ventricle and out to the lungs. Oxygen-rich blood travels from the left atrium to the left ventricle and out to the body.
More Information on Atrium: Heart Basics
- + Left Bundle Branch Block
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- Left Bundle Branch Block
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Also Known As: "Complete Left Bundle Branch Block, Complete LBBB, Partial Left Bundle Branch Block, Partial LBBB, LBBB, Incomplete Left Bundle Branch Block, Incomplete LBBB"
An abnormal heart rhythm in which the electrical impulses through the heart's left bundle branch are delayed or blocked. It is "partial" or "incomplete" when involving either the anterior or posterior sections and "complete" when involving both.
More Information on Left Bundle Branch Block: Arrhythmia
- + Left Heart Hypoplasia
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- Left Heart Hypoplasia
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"Left Heart Hypoplasia" is more commonly referred to as "Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome" in the medical community.
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Also Known As: "Underdeveloped Left Ventricle Syndrome, HLHS"
A heart defect that can be fatal unless repaired early in life. The chambers, valves and related vessels on the left side of the heart are so malformed that they cannot efficiently pump blood to the rest of the body.
More Information on Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Pediatric Heart
- + Left Hemicolectomy
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- Left Hemicolectomy
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"Left Hemicolectomy" is more commonly referred to as "Colectomy" in the medical community.
Colectomy
Also Known As: "Bowel Resection, Open Colectomy, Right Hemicolectomy, Partial Colectomy, Laparoscopic Colectomy, Sigmoid Colectomy, Hemicolectomy"
Surgical removal of all or part of the colon (large intestine). Partial colectomy may also be called hemicolectomy. It may be performed in a open procedure (one large incision) or through laparoscopy (uses a camera and several smaller incisions).
More Information on Colectomy: Digestive Treatments
- + Left Posterior Bundle Branch Block
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- Left Posterior Bundle Branch Block
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Also Known As: "Left Posterior Divisional Block, Left Posterior Hemiblock, Block of Posterior Division of Left Bundle Branch, Posterior Fascicular Block"
An abnormal heart rhythm in which the electrical impulses traveling through the posterior (back) section of the heart's left bundle branch are delayed or blocked. It causes an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
More Information on Left Posterior Bundle Branch Block: Arrhythmia
- + Left Posterior Divisional Block
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- Left Posterior Divisional Block
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Also Known As: "Left Posterior Hemiblock, Block of Posterior Division of Left Bundle Branch, Posterior Fascicular Block"
An abnormal heart rhythm in which the electrical impulses traveling through the posterior (back) section of the heart's left bundle branch are delayed or blocked. It causes an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
More Information on Left Posterior Divisional Block: Arrhythmia
- + Left Posterior Hemiblock
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- Left Posterior Hemiblock
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Also Known As: "Block of Posterior Division of Left Bundle Branch, Posterior Fascicular Block, Left Posterior Divisional Block"
An abnormal heart rhythm in which the electrical impulses traveling through the posterior (back) section of the heart's left bundle branch are delayed or blocked. It causes an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
More Information on Left Posterior Hemiblock: Arrhythmia
- + Left Sided Appendicitis
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- Left Sided Appendicitis
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"Left Sided Appendicitis" is more commonly referred to as "Diverticulitis" in the medical community.
Diverticulitis
Also Known As: "Complicated Diverticulosis, Complicated Diverticular Disease"
Infection or irritation of the diverticula (small pouches in the colon).
More Information on Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis & Diverticulosis
- + Left Sided Colitis
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- Left Sided Colitis
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Also Known As: "Limited Colitis, Distal Colitis"
A type of inflammatory bowel disease where inflammation and irritation occurs along the left side of the large intestine, from the rectum into the colon.
More Information on Left Sided Colitis: Inflammatory Bowel (Colitis)
- + Left Sided Heart Failure
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- Left Sided Heart Failure
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"Left Sided Heart Failure" is more commonly referred to as "Heart Failure" in the medical community.
Heart Failure
Also Known As: "Systolic Heart Failure, Diminished Heart Capacity, Congestive Heart Failure, Diastolic Heart Failure, CHF, LV Heart Failure, Left-Ventricular 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
- + Left Ventricle
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- Left Ventricle
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"Left Ventricle" is more commonly referred to as "Ventricle" in the medical community.
Ventricle
Also Known As: "Pumping Chamber, Right Ventricle"
One of two lower chambers of the heart. The right ventricle pumps oxygen-poor blood through the pulmonary artery and to the lungs. The left ventricle pumps oxygen-rich blood through the aorta and to the rest of the body.
More Information on Ventricle: Heart Basics
- + Left Ventricular Aneurysm
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- Left Ventricular Aneurysm
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"Left Ventricular Aneurysm" is more commonly referred to as "Ventricular Aneurysm" in the medical community.
Ventricular Aneurysm
Also Known As: "Right Ventricular Aneurysm, Septal Aneurysm, Heart Aneurysm, Ventricular Septal 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
- + Left Ventricular Angiogram
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- Left Ventricular Angiogram
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"Left Ventricular Angiogram" is more commonly referred to as "Ventriculogram" in the medical community.
Ventriculogram
The results of an electrocardiogram (EKG) represented in the form of vectors (three dimensional signals translated into three, two-dimensional graphs). This can be done for a moment in time or for an entire cardiac cycle.
More Information on Ventriculogram: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
- + Left Ventricular Assist Device
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- Left Ventricular Assist Device
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"Left Ventricular Assist Device" is more commonly referred to as "Ventricular Assist Device" in the medical community.
Ventricular Assist Device
Also Known As: "Heart Assist Pump, Right Ventricular Assist Device, Heart Pump, 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
- + Left Ventricular Atrophy
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- Left Ventricular Atrophy
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"Left Ventricular Atrophy" is more commonly referred to as "Cardiac Atrophy" in the medical community.
Cardiac Atrophy
Also Known As: "LVA, Heart Atrophy, Atrophy of the Left Ventricle"
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
- + Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
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- Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
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Also Known As: "LVH, Hypertrophy of the Left Ventricle"
An increase in size of the left ventricle (the lower left chamber of the heart) resulting from the stretching or thickening of muscle tissue, not the growth in muscle cells or elements.
More Information on Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Heart Signs & Symptoms
- + Left Ventricular Hypokinesis
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- Left Ventricular Hypokinesis
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"Left Ventricular Hypokinesis" is more commonly referred to as "Hypokinesis" in the medical community.
Hypokinesis
Also Known As: "Regional Hypokinesis, Hypokinesia, Global Hypokinesis, Right Ventricular Hypokinesis"
A condition in which either the left or right ventricle does not contract well. If "global" the entire ventricle is affected. If "regional" only part of the ventricle is affected.
More Information on Hypokinesis: Heart Failure
- + Left-to-Right Shunt
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- Left-to-Right Shunt
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"Left-to-Right Shunt" is more commonly referred to as "Shunt" in the medical community.
Shunt
Also Known As: "Arteriovenous Shunt, Right-to-Left Shunt, Cardiovascular Shunt"
A passage that redirects the flow of liquid (e.g., blood) from one route to another. These may occur naturally in the body, but the term usually refers to either an artificial shunt that has been surgically created or a birth defect of the heart.
More Information on Shunt: Pediatric Heart
- + Left-Ventricular Heart Failure
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- Left-Ventricular Heart Failure
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"Left-Ventricular Heart Failure" is more commonly referred to as "Heart Failure" in the medical community.
Heart Failure
Also Known As: "Systolic Heart Failure, Diminished Heart Capacity, Congestive Heart Failure, Diastolic 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
- + Leg Cramp
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- Leg Cramp
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"Leg Cramp" is more commonly referred to as "Charley Horse" in the medical community.
Charley Horse
Sudden painful leg cramp (usually in the calf or thigh) that may follow exercise. Muscle spasms can occur in any muscle in the body. When a muscle is in spasm, it contracts involuntarily and does not relax.
More Information on Charley Horse: Arm & Leg Pain
- + Leg Discomfort
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- Leg Discomfort
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Any pain from the hip to the ankle, including the knee. Certain leg pains are related to nerve compression that occurs in the lower back or to blocked blood vessels in the calf that cause pain while walking (claudication).
More Information on Leg Discomfort: Arm & Leg Pain
- + Leg Pain
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- Leg Pain
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Also Known As: "Leg Discomfort"
Any pain from the hip to the ankle, including the knee. Certain leg pains are related to nerve compression that occurs in the lower back or to blocked blood vessels in the calf that cause pain while walking (claudication).
More Information on Leg Pain: Arm & Leg Pain
- + Leg Ulcer
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- Leg Ulcer
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"Leg Ulcer" is more commonly referred to as "Varicose Veins" in the medical community.
Varicose Veins
Also Known As: "Venous Stasis Ulcer, Varicose Ulcer, Venous Leg Ulcer"
Abnormally dilated veins that appear to be swollen, blue and frequently contorted. They are seen most commonly in the superficial veins just under the skin, especially those found at the back of the calf and thigh.
More Information on Varicose Veins: Vascular Disease
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- + Legionella Pneumophila Infection
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- Legionella Pneumophila Infection
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Infection caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. The disease has two distinct forms -- Legionnaires' disease (more severe, including pneumonia) and Pontiac fever (milder illness).
More Information on Legionella Pneumophila Infection: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
- + Legionellosis
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- Legionellosis
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Also Known As: "Legionella Pneumophila Infection"
Infection caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. The disease has two distinct forms -- Legionnaires' disease (more severe, including pneumonia) and Pontiac fever (milder illness).
More Information on Legionellosis: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
- + Legionnaire Disease
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- Legionnaire Disease
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An infection caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila that can lead to pneumonia. It is the more severe of two forms of legionellosis, along with a milder form (Pontiac fever).
More Information on Legionnaire Disease: Pneumonia & Lung Infection
- + Legumes
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- Legumes
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The seeds of certain plants used as food, primarily peas and beans. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber with typically little fat and no cholesterol.
More Information on Legumes: Nutrition Basics
- + Leigh Disease
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- Leigh Disease
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An inherited neurometabolic disorder marked by central nervous system degeneration due to mitochondrial DNA mutations or pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiencies. Symptoms are poor sucking ability and loss of head control and motor skills.
More Information on Leigh Disease: Pediatric Brain & Nerve
- + Leiomyoma
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- Leiomyoma
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"Leiomyoma" is more commonly referred to as "Fibroid" in the medical community.
Fibroid
A benign tumor of the uterine muscle and connective tissue.
More Information on Fibroid: Uterine & Ovarian Health
- + Leiomyosarcoma
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- Leiomyosarcoma
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A cancer of the smooth muscle cells that can appear anywhere in the body, but is most common in the cells of the uterus, prostate, digestive tract, pelvis or extremities (hands and feet).
More Information on Leiomyosarcoma: Cancer Basics
- + Leishmania Infection
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- Leishmania Infection
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Also Known As: "Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Visceral Leishmaniasis, Kala Azar"
A parasitic disease spread by the bite of infected sand flies. There are several different forms, including cutaneous (causes skin sores) and visceral (affects some internal organs).
More Information on Leishmania Infection: Parasitic Disease
- + Leishmaniasis
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- Leishmaniasis
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Also Known As: "Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Leishmania Infection, Visceral Leishmaniasis, Kala Azar"
A parasitic disease spread by the bite of infected sand flies. There are several different forms, including cutaneous (causes skin sores) and visceral (affects some internal organs).
More Information on Leishmaniasis: Parasitic Disease
- + Lennox Gastaut Syndrome
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- Lennox Gastaut Syndrome
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A severe form of epilepsy that includes seizure types such as tonic, atonic, atypical absence and myoclonic. Seizures usually begin before 4 years of age. There is no cure, but anti-epileptic medications can help.
More Information on Lennox Gastaut Syndrome: Epilepsy & Seizure
- + Lente Insulin
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- Lente Insulin
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A type of intermediate-acting insulin.
More Information on Lente Insulin: Insulin
- + Lentigo
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- Lentigo
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A small, flat spot on the skin that is tan, brown or black.
More Information on Lentigo: Skin Growths
- + Lentigo Maligna Melanoma
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- Lentigo Maligna Melanoma
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A slow-growing type of skin cancer that typically begins as a patch of mottled pigmentation that is dark brown, tan or black.
More Information on Lentigo Maligna Melanoma: Skin Growths
- + Lepra
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- Lepra
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Also Known As: "Hanseniasis, Hansen Disease, Hansenosis"
A disease caused by a bacterial infection that occurs in tropical and sub-tropical regions. If untreated it is characterized by skin lesions, and may also involve the loss of sensation, muscle weakness and paralysis.
More Information on Lepra: Skin Related Infections
- + Leprosy
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- Leprosy
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Also Known As: "Hanseniasis, Hansen Disease, Lepra, Hansenosis"
A disease caused by a bacterial infection that occurs in tropical and sub-tropical regions. If untreated it is characterized by skin lesions, and may also involve the loss of sensation, muscle weakness and paralysis.
More Information on Leprosy: Skin Related Infections
- + Leptin
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- Leptin
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A peptide hormone produced by fat cells. It helps regulate body weight by acting on the hypothalamus to suppress appetite and burn fat stored in adipose tissue.
More Information on Leptin: Fats & Oils
- + Leptospira Infection
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- Leptospira Infection
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Also Known As: "Weil Disease"
Infection with Leptospira bacteria. It is caused by exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. The first phase involves mild or no symptoms. The second phase (Weil disease) does not always occur, but is much more serious.
More Information on Leptospira Infection: Infectious Disease Basics
- + Leptospirosis
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- Leptospirosis
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Also Known As: "Leptospira Infection, Weil Disease"
Infection with Leptospira bacteria. It is caused by exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. The first phase involves mild or no symptoms. The second phase (Weil disease) does not always occur, but is much more serious.
More Information on Leptospirosis: Infectious Disease Basics
- + LES
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- LES
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"LES" is more commonly referred to as "Lower Esophageal Sphincter" in the medical community.
Lower Esophageal Sphincter
The muscle separating the esophagus and stomach that relaxes to let food pass from the esophagus to the stomach and closes to keep stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
More Information on Lower Esophageal Sphincter: GERD & Heartburn
- + Lesch Nyhan Syndrome
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- Lesch Nyhan Syndrome
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An inherited disorder caused by deficiency of the HPRT enzyme. The gene for this syndrome is passed from mothers to sons. Symptoms include severe gout, moderate retardation and self-mutilating behavior (e.g., lip-biting).
More Information on Lesch Nyhan Syndrome: Birth & Genetic Disorders
- + Lescol
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- Lescol
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Also Known As: "Lescol XL, Fluvastatin Sodium"
A brand name medication (generic fluvastatin sodium) belonging to a class of drugs called statins -- cholesterol-reducing medications used in the treatment of high cholesterol.
More Information on Lescol: Heart Drug & Medication
- + Lescol XL
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- Lescol XL
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Also Known As: "Fluvastatin Sodium"
A brand name medication (generic fluvastatin sodium) belonging to a class of drugs called statins -- cholesterol-reducing medications used in the treatment of high cholesterol.
More Information on Lescol XL: Heart Drug & Medication
- + Lesion
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- Lesion
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A wound, injury, infection or diseased patch of skin. Also, a change in a body organ or tissue in one area of the body as a result of disease.
More Information on Lesion: Skin Growths
- + Let Down Reflex
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- Let Down Reflex
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The release of milk from the breast tissue. It occurs when a child suckles at the breast, stimulating the hormone oxytocin to trigger the milk release.
More Information on Let Down Reflex: Newborn Care
- + Lethargy
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- Lethargy
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A lack of energy, often with sluggishness, tiredness and indifference.
More Information on Lethargy: Emotional Signs & Symptoms
- + Leukemias
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- Leukemias
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Also Known As: "Acute Leukemias, Chronic Leukemias"
Cancers affecting the blood or organs that form blood. Clones of immature blood cells form and multiply at the expense of normal blood cells, resulting in anemia, infection and bleeding. It can be chronic or acute and is fatal if untreated.
More Information on Leukemias: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
- + Leukocytes
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- Leukocytes
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"Leukocytes" is more commonly referred to as "White Blood Cells" in the medical community.
White Blood Cells
Also Known As: "WBC"
The body's primary cells for fighting damage and disease. They destroy foreign organisms and damaged body cells as well as initiate the repair process. There are several types including lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, eosinophils and neutrophils.
More Information on White Blood Cells: Infectious Disease Basics
- + Leukocytosis
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- Leukocytosis
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Higher than normal levels of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the blood.
More Information on Leukocytosis: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
- + Leukodystrophy
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- Leukodystrophy
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A group of genetic disorders that results in damage to the myelin sheath that insulates nerves. Myelin is made of many substances, and each type of this disorder involves a defect in the gene that controls one of those substances.
More Information on Leukodystrophy: Pediatric Brain & Nerve
- + Leukopenia
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- Leukopenia
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Lower than normal levels of white blood cells (leukocytes) circulating in the blood. This is a common side effect of chemotherapy.
More Information on Leukopenia: Leukemia & Bone Cancer
- + Leukoplakia
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- Leukoplakia
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A white or gray discoloration in the mouth that is not linked to another condition and most frequently appears on the tongue. It can also appear on the insides of the cheeks, roof of the mouth or gums and rarely progresses to oral cancer.
More Information on Leukoplakia: Mouth & Tongue Disorders
- + Leukotriene Antagonist
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- Leukotriene Antagonist
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Also Known As: "Montelukast, Zileuton, Zafirlukast, Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists"
A new class of drugs for the treatment of asthma. Leukotrienes are chemical compounds released in the body during an inflammatory process, which cause the airways to narrow. The drug blocks the production or the action of leukotrienes.
More Information on Leukotriene Antagonist: Allergy & Asthma Drugs
- + Leukotriene Modifiers
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- Leukotriene Modifiers
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Also Known As: "Montelukast, Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists, Zileuton, Leukotriene Antagonist, Zafirlukast"
A new class of drugs for the treatment of asthma. Leukotrienes are chemical compounds released in the body during an inflammatory process, which cause the airways to narrow. The drug blocks the production or the action of leukotrienes.
More Information on Leukotriene Modifiers: Allergy & Asthma Drugs
- + Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists
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- Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists
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Also Known As: "Montelukast, Zileuton, Leukotriene Antagonist, Zafirlukast"
A new class of drugs for the treatment of asthma. Leukotrienes are chemical compounds released in the body during an inflammatory process, which cause the airways to narrow. The drug blocks the production or the action of leukotrienes.
More Information on Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists: Allergy & Asthma Drugs
- + Leukotrienes
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- Leukotrienes
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Chemicals that inflame the lining of airways and cause symptoms of hay fever and asthma, such as wheezing and shortness of breath. They are part of the body's natural defense system, and are chemical mediators in the inflammation process.
- + Leuteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone
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- Leuteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone
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