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click on the virtual library icon to view a 3D animation of select terms
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| ACS | |
| The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community- based voluntary health organization. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the ACS has state divisions and more than 3,400 local offices, and dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. |
| ADA | |
| The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation's leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association conducts programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reaching hundreds of communities. Find out what is happening in your area. |
| AHA | |
| The American Heart Association (AHA) is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Since 1949, the American Heart Association has grown rapidly in size, financial resources, involvement with medical and non-medical volunteers, and influence both nationally and internationally. The volunteer-led affiliates and their divisions form a national network of local AHA organizations involved in providing research, education, and community programs and in raising money to support the association's work. |
| Angiocardiography (Angiogram) |  |
| Angiocardiography or Angiogram is an examination or fluoroscopic X-ray of the blood vessels or chambers of the heart. Performed by photographing the course of a special fluid called contrast dye that is injected into the bloodstream, movies made from the photographs or X-rays are called angiograms. |
| Angioplasty | |
| Angioplasty is usually performed on the arteries which supply the heart. A small tube, or catheter, with a deflated balloon on its tip is passed into a narrowed artery segment. The balloon is then inflated at the narrow segment in order to widen the area and increase blood flow. |
| Ankle Brachial Index | |
The ratio of systolic blood pressure measured at the ankle to the systolic blood pressure measured at the brachial artery (arm). It can be an indication of peripheral vascular disease.This test is done by measuring blood pressure at the ankle and in the arm while a person is at rest. Measurements are then repeated at both sites after 5 minutes of walking on a treadmill.
A normal resting ankle-brachial index is 1 or 1.1. This means that your blood pressure at your ankle is the same or greater than the pressure at your arm and there is no significant narrowing or blockage of blood flow. An Abnormal resting ankle-brachial index of less than 1.
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| Antibody | |
| Substances (immunoglobulins) produced by the body’s immune system to fight antigens (foreign objects like bacteria and viruses) and counter their effects by attaching to the antigen and making it more susceptible to destruction. Each antibody recognizes a specific antigen unique to its target. The terms antibody and immunoglobulin are often used interchangeably. |
| Antigen | |
| A protein or other substance like a toxin or an enzyme that can stimulate the body’s immune (disease fighting) system to produce antibodies against it. An antigen may be a foreign substance from the environment such as chemicals, bacteria, viruses, or pollen. An antigen may also be formed within the body, as with bacterial toxins or tissue cells. |
| Aortic Aneurysm | |
| The aorta is the large, high-pressure artery that carries blood from the heart to the smaller arteries of the body. Aneurysms occur most often in the aorta, the main artery of the chest and abdomen. Aortic Aneurysm occurs when the muscular walls of the aorta deteriorate and at a “weak spot,” blood is forced between the muscle layers creating a bulge (aneurysm). The aneurysm will grow larger and eventually rupture if it is not diagnosed and treated. |
| Arthritis | |
Arthritis literally means joint inflammation, and it can affect joints in any part of the body. Joints are places in the body where two bones meet. The inflammation of the body’s joints is due to infectious, metabolic or constitutional causes. Arthritis is often a chronic disease, which means that it can affect you over a long period of time. Many forms of arthritis cause swelling, redness, heat, and pain. There are over 100 forms of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Osteoarthritis is a joint inflammation that results from cartilage degeneration; it is the most common of the different types of arthritis conditions. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, hips, and knees.
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| Asthma Prevention | |
| Asthma is a chronic condition involving the respiratory system in which the bronchial tubes are inflamed and extremely sensitive to irritants. The inflammation causes the airways to produce excessive amounts of mucus. Irritants or “triggers” can cause the airways to constrict, causing shortness of breath, and in some cases, the inability to breathe altogether. These episodes, or “attacks”, may be triggered by exposure to cold air, warm air, moist air, too much exercise, allergens, or emotional stress. |
| Autoimmune | |
When the immune system mistakes “self” tissues for “nonself” and mounts an inappropriate attack, the result is an autoimmune disease (a condition in which the immune defenses attack normal body tissues). There are many different autoimmune diseases, Some examples are multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), and rheumatoid arthritis. Most autoimmune diseases strike women more often than men, particularly affecting women of working age and during their childbearing years
Autoimmune diseases can each affect the body in different ways. For instance, the autoimmune reaction is directed against the brain in multiple sclerosis and the gut in Crohn's disease. In other diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus affected tissues and organs may vary among individuals with the same disease.
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| Balloon angioplasty | |
| Balloon Angioplasty is also called balloon dilation angioplasty. A balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into a narrowed area of an artery. When the balloon is inflated, the narrowed area is stretched and widened; the balloon is then deflated and removed. Balloon angioplasty is usually performed on the arteries that supply blood to the heart. |
| Balloon valvuloplasty | |
| Balloon Valvuloplasty uses a balloon-tipped catheter that is inserted across the opening of a narrowed heart valve. After the balloon is properly placed, it is inflated and the valve is stretched open. The balloon is then removed completing the procedure. |
| Blood Clot | |
| Clot or Blood Clots are a jelly-like mass of blood tissue that stops the flow of blood. Formed by clotting factors and blood cells, clots can stop the flow of blood from an injury or can form inside an artery whose walls are damaged by atherosclerotic plaque buildup. Clots in arteries can cause a heart attack or stroke. A blood clot that forms in a vessel or within the heart and remains there is called a thrombus. A thrombus that travels from the vessel or heart chamber where it formed to another location in the body, is called an embolus, and the disorder, an embolism. |
| Blood Pressure | |
| Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Each time the heart beats (about 60-70 times a minute at rest), it pumps out blood into the arteries. Blood pressure is at its highest when the heart beats, pumping the blood (systolic pressure). When the heart is at rest, between beats, blood pressure falls (diastolic pressure). Blood pressure is always given as these two numbers, the systolic and diastolic pressures. Usually they are written one above or before the other, such as 120/80 mmHg. The top or first number is the systolic and the bottom or second number the diastolic. |
| Body Mass Index (BMI) | |
Based on a formula, this number indicates whether your weight is appropriate for a person of your height: <18 .5 (underweight), 18.5 - 24.9 (normal), 25 – 29.9 (overweight), >30 (obese), > 40 morbidly obese.
Your BMI estimates how much you should weigh, based on your height. Here are the steps to calculate it:
• Multiply your weight in pounds by 703.
• Divide that answer by your height in inches.
• Divide that answer by your height in inches again.
Your BMI estimates whether you are at a healthy weight. Being overweight puts strain on your heart and can lead to serious health problems. These problems include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, varicose veins, and other chronic conditions.
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| Body Metrics | |
| Basic measurements of physical characteristics like height, weight, pulse rate and body temperature. The three most common measurement techniques are hydrostatic weighing, bioelectrical impedance, and skinfold measurement. The most important of these measures is your body fat percentage. Your body composition is a key indicator in assessing your overall health and fitness. Other measures include condition (how "in shape" you feel), weight, chest, waist, hips, stomach, neck, shoulders, biceps, forearms, thighs, and calf measurements. |
| Brain scan | |
| Three-dimensional pictures of active brain tissues made with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) or computer tomography (CT). Brain scans use cumputerized x-rays and magnetic fields to show the parts of the brain. The scans give doctors and scientists a picture of how the brain is working. Brain scan can also be used to find abnormalities in the brain, including brain cancer and cancer that has spread to the brain from other places in the body |
| Bronchitis | |
| Bronchitis is a condition which occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes, the main air passageways of your lungs, becomes infected and inflamed. Almost always caused by viruses, bronchitis often follows a respiratory infection such as a cold. Just as most people get occasional colds, virtually everyone has bronchitis at least once. It takes time for your body to eliminate the viruses and heal the damage to your bronchial tubes.
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| CA-125 | |
| CA 125 is a protein made by certain cells in the body which include those of the uterine tubes, uterus, cervix, and the lining of the abdominal and chest cavities (peritoneum and pleura). The presence of elevated levels of this cancer antigen can be an indicator of ovarian cancer, as well as uterine, hepatic, pancreatic, colon and lung cancer. Very nonspecific as a screening tool. |
| Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) | |
This is a tumor marker used to determine the extent of disease and prognosis in individuals who are known to have cancer. It is elevated in cancers of the colon, breast, pancreas, liver and stomach; and it may be elevated in people with inflammatory bowel disease, cirrhosis, diverticulitis and chronic smoking. Very nonspecific as a screening tool.
Human neoplasms may produce and release into the circulation a variety of substances collectively referred to as tumor markers. The oncofetal antigens comprise one particular group of markers, of which the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been the most widely studied.
CEA is a glycoprotein of about 200,000 molecular size. It is expressed in significant amounts during embryonic life, especially by the large intestine, and postnatally by carcinomas arising from this site. CEA can be released by these tumors into the circulation to cause raised levels which may be measured by sensitive radioimmunoassay and related techniques. Such methods have, however, demonstrated that small amounts of CEA are also present in the normal adult large intestine and in the circulation of healthy subjects.
Subsequent investigations have revealed that many epithelial-derived tumors at other sites may also express CEA and be associated with elevated circulating blood levels. Thus, it may be that the assay of plasma CEA has protean applications in oncology.
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| Cardiac catheterization | |
| Cardiac Catheterization is an invasive examination of the heart performed by inserting thin tubes or catheters into an artery or vein in the arm or leg, advancing them into the chambers of the heart or into the coronary arteries. This procedure is done to sample oxygen levels, measure pressure, and to make X-ray movies while contrast dye is injected into arteries and chambers of the heart. |
| Cardiovascular | |
Refers to the blood-circulating system of the body, including the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular – arteries and veins).
The term cardiovascular refers to the heart (cardio) and the blood vessels (vascular). The cardiovascular system includes arteries, veins, arterioles, venules, and capillaries.
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| Carotid artery | |
| The two large arteries (left and right) that extend from your aorta in your chest to the brain inside your skull and carry blood through the neck to the brain and face.
Carotid artery disease occurs when these arteries become narrowed or blocked. Symptoms associated with carotid disease vary in length and may be temporary or permanent. If the symptoms are temporary it is called a transient ischemic attack or TIA. Frequently, carotid disease produces no symptoms. The only indication that you may have carotid disease could be a "bruit" (a noise in the neck) heard by your physician during a routine physical examination. These symptoms and signs act as a warning signal, but with corrective surgery or medical treatment, further symptoms may be controlled before a permanent stroke occurs.
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| Carpal tunnel syndrome | |
| Carpal Tunnel Syndrome refers to the carpal tunnel, a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones in the wrist. It houses the median nerve and forearm muscle tendons. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm, side of the thumb, and fingers. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling, narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. |
| CDC | |
| The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the 13 major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Since it was founded in 1946 to help control malaria, CDC has remained at the forefront of public health efforts to prevent and control infectious and chronic diseases, injuries, workplace hazards, disabilities, and environmental health threats. |
| Chemistry / Metabolic Panel | |
| The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is typically a group of 14 specific tests. The CMP is a frequently ordered panel that gives your doctor important information about the current status of your kidneys, liver, and electrolyte and acid/base balance as well as of your blood sugar and blood proteins. Abnormal results, and especially combinations of abnormal results, can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed. The CMP may also be ordered to monitor known conditions, such as hypertension, and to monitor patients taking specific medications for any kidney- or liver-related side effects |
| Cholesterol | |
A waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in many tissues in the body. Measures of types of cholesterol can help gauge risk of chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disease.
In general, you want your total cholesterol to be less than 200 mg/dl, because that level carries the least risk of heart disease. When the level is above 200 mg/dl, the risk for heart disease increases.
You should also know your levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL, also known as the "good cholesterol") and low density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad cholesterol"). Talk to your health care provider about what your cholesterol levels mean.
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| Chronic Disease | |
| Conditions like cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes that develop gradually, often unnoticed, until enough damage is done to produce symptoms. See Pre-symptomatic.
Today, chronic diseases—such as cardiovascular disease (primarily heart disease and stroke), cancer, and diabetes—are among the most prevalent, costly, and preventable of all health problems. Seven of every 10 Americans who die each year, or more than 1.7 million people, die of a chronic disease.
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| Circulatory | |
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| Colonoscopy | |
| Inspection of the colon (large intestine) and rectum for signs of disease. Can be done optically (inserting a tube-shaped instrument) or virtually (using CT imaging systems). The procedure is used to look for early signs of cancer in the colon and rectum. It is also used to diagnose the causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits. Colonoscopy enables the physician to see inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, ulcers, and bleeding. |
| Colposcopy | |
| Colposcopy is a procedure usually performed as the result of an abnormal Pap smear test. The procedure involves placing a speculum in the vagina and opening it slightly to observe the cervix, a part of the uterus. The cervix is swabbed with a chemical solution to remove the mucus that covers the surface and to help highlight abnormal areas. A magnifying instrument called a colposcope, is then positioned at the opening of the vagina and the area is thoroughly examined. Photographs may be taken for further review. |
| Complete Blood Count | |
The CBC is a screening test, used to diagnose and manage numerous diseases. The results can reflect problems with fluid volume (such as dehydration) or loss of blood. It can show abnormalities in the production, life span, and rate of destruction of blood cells. It can reflect acute or chronic infection, allergies, and problems with clotting.
A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:
• The number of red blood cells (RBCs)
• The number of white blood cells (WBCs)
• The total amount of hemoglobin in the blood
• The fraction of the blood composed of red blood cells (hematocrit)
• The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) -- the size of the red blood cells |
| Computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT) scan | |
| A specialized X-ray technique in which a series of two-dimensional pictures of “slices” are reconstructed “stacked” by computer from a rotating X-ray beam. Fluid injected in to blood vessels (intravenous contrast dye), may be used to enhance the details of the heart and blood vessels. |
| Congestive heart failure (CHF) | |
| Congestive Heart Failure is the failure of the heart to adequately circulate blood throughout the body or to pump out the blood that returns to it via venous circulation. Inadequate heart function results in blood “backing up” and causing symptoms and signs of congestion. In “left-sided” congestive heart failure, the congested lungs cause shortness of breath. In “right-sided” congestive heart failure, the congestion may enlarge the liver and swelling, or edema, may develop in other body parts, usually in the legs. |
| COPD Prevention | |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD) is often a mix of two diseases: Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. In chronic bronchitis, the airways that carry air to the lungs get inflamed, causing them to swell and make an excessive amount of mucus. This can narrow or block the airways, making it hard to breathe.
Emphysema, on the other hand, affects the lungs themselves. In a healthy person, the tiny air sacs in the lungs act like balloons. As you breathe in and out, they get bigger and smaller to move air through your lungs. With emphysema, the damage to these air sacs causes them to lose their elasticity. Less air gets in and out of the lungs.
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| C-reactive Protein | |
| C-reactive protein (CPR) is a special type of protein produced by the liver that is only present in the blood during episodes of acute inflammation. Your health care provider might test levels of CRP to check for flare-ups of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or vasculitis, also many consider elevated CRP to be a positive risk factor for coronary artery disease. |
| Creatine Phosphokinase | |
A blood test that measures an enzyme found predominantly in the heart, brain and skeletal muscle. When the total Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) level is substantially elevated, it often indicates injury or stress to one or more areas. This test may be used to:
• Diagnose heart attack
• Evaluate cause of chest pain
• Determine the extent of muscle damage caused by drugs, trauma or immobility
• Detect early dermatomyositis and polymyositis
• Distinguish malignant hyperthermia from a postoperative infection
• Help discover carriers of muscular dystrophy
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| CT Imaging | |
| Computerized Axial Tomography, also known as a CAT or CT Scan is a specialized, rotating X-ray beam technique in which a series of pictures are taken to provide detailed, cross-sectional images of the organ being X-rayed. 2D images or “slices” can be rapidly reconstructed or “stacked” by a computer process to provide 3D-computer models of organs. Intravenous contrast dye injected into blood vessels may be used to enhance the details of the heart and blood vessels. |
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