DEFINITION Myocardial infarction is the medical term for heart attack. The term myocardial infarction place emphasis on the myocardium (the heart muscle) and the significant changes that occur to it. A heart attack occurs when there is a disturbance of blood flow to a part of the heart. This disturbance may be from a decrease …
MALIGNANT HYPERTHERMIA Malignant hyperthermia is a type of severe reaction to certain drugs used as anesthesia for surgery and other invasive procedures. People at increased risk are said to have a malignant hyperthermia susceptibility Except for susceptibility to triggering agents, affected people are usually not distinguishable from the general population Susceptible people are usually recommended …
Lumbar Puncture Lumbar puncture is the medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the spinal cord to collect a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid. The cerebrospinal fluid is the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and brain. Lumbar puncture is also called spinal tap and is done to diagnose diseases of the central …
HYPERKALEMIA Hyperkalemia is an elevated level of potassium in the bloodstream. Potassium is a very significant body mineral. It is one of the main blood minerals called ‘electrolytes’ – the others are sodium and chloride. It carries a tiny electrical potential and is critical to the function of the nerve and muscle cells, including those …
Foot Massage During Pregnancy You might have been ready for the larger belly that comes with a pregnancy, but it is difficult to be prepared for the pressure it puts on your feet. The thicker toes and plump ankles that show up in the third trimester are a result of the extra weight you’re carrying, …
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CYSTIC FIBROSIS Cystic fibrosis is a serious genetic disorder that causes severe damage to the digestive and respiratory systems and some other organs in the body. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce sweat, mucus, and digestive enzymes. Cystic fibrosis is characterized by abnormal secretions, leading to a buildup of thick, sticky mucus that damages …
CHOLESTEROL Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that is produced in the body and travels around it in the bloodstream. Cholesterol is carried throughout the body by lipoproteins which are made up of fats called lipid and proteins. Cholesterol has important natural functions without which we could not survive including the production of many hormones, …
CHALAZION A chalazion is a benign, usually painless, nodule or swelling that appears on the eyelid. More than one chalazion may be present in an eyelid at the same time, and both lower and upper eyelids may be affected. A chalazion can occur in one or both eyes and may disappear without treatment. The term …
CELIAC DISEASE Celiac disease is a long-term autoimmune disorder that is characterized by an inflammation in the small intestine due to an exposure to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. If you have celiac disease and eat food with gluten, your immune system responds by creating toxins that damage your villi. Villi …
BIRTH CONTROL Birth control, also known as contraception is the use of various methods such as drugs, devices, agents, sexual practices, or surgical procedures to prevent pregnancy or conception. Birth control can be permanent or temporary The right method of birth control for you and your partner may depend on: Your overall health Whether you …
