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.
"HNPCC" is more commonly referred to as "Lynch Syndrome" in the medical community. Lynch Syndrome
Also Known As: "Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colon Cancer"
An inherited disorder that puts a person at high risk of developing colon cancer, usually before age 50. It also involves an increased risk of other cancers (e.g., brain, skin, gastrointestinal, biliary, urinary tract, uterine, ovarian). More Information on Lynch Syndrome: Gastrointestinal System Cancer
An abnormal growth of muscle fibers on the heart muscle, often causing a thickened septum. It can lead to sudden cardiac death and is a major cause of death in young athletes. More Information on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Heart Failure
A form of lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system) that has specific characteristics that make it unlike other forms of lymphoma (which are known as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas). It was the first lymphoma to be described (in 1832 by Dr. Thomas Hodgkin). More Information on Hodgkin's Disease: Lymphoma (Hodgkin's & Non)
A form of lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system) that has specific characteristics that make it unlike other forms of lymphoma (which are known as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas). It was the first lymphoma to be described (in 1832 by Dr. Thomas Hodgkin). More Information on Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Lymphoma (Hodgkin's & Non)
A form of lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system) that develops in a woman during pregnancy. It has specific characteristics that make it unlike other forms of lymphoma (which are known as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas). More Information on Hodgkin's Lymphoma During Pregnancy: Lymphoma (Hodgkin's & Non)
Also Known As: "Juvenile Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Pediatric Hodgkin's Lymphoma"
A form of lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system) that has specific characteristics that make it unlike other forms of lymphoma (which are known as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas). About 10 to 15 percent of cases are diagnosed by age 16. More Information on Hodgkin's Lymphoma in Children: Pediatric Cancer
Feelings of loneliness during the holidays often lead to depression and the stress of getting everything accomplished and living up to the expectations of others may result in significant stress. More Information on Holiday Depression & Stress: Stress
A rapid heart rate (atrial fibrillation) that develops after heavy alcohol use. In young, healthy people, the rhythm usually returns to normal within hours. Those with heart disease may be at higher risk of heart attack once holiday heart develops. More Information on Holiday Heart: Arrhythmia
A rapid heart rate (atrial fibrillation) that develops after heavy alcohol use. In young, healthy people, the rhythm usually returns to normal within hours. Those with heart disease may be at higher risk of heart attack once holiday heart develops. More Information on Holiday Heart Syndrome: Arrhythmia
Also Known As: "Lobar Holoprosencephaly, Alobar Holoprosencephaly, Arhinencephaly, Semilobar Holoprosencephaly"
A condition in which the forebrain of the embryo fails to develop, which usually occurs in the fifth or sixth weeks of pregnancy. Types include alobar (most severe), semilobar (intermediate) and lobar (least severe). More Information on Holoprosencephaly: Pediatric Brain & Nerve
A hereditary condition present from birth that primarily affects the upper limbs. It may also include birth defects of the heart such as ventricular septal defect or atrial septal defect. More Information on Holt Oram Syndrome: Pediatric Heart
Also Known As: "Continuous EKG, Continuous Ambulatory EKG"
An electrocardiogram (EKG) that is temporarily attached to patients for 24 hours. It continuously records the heart's electrical activity as the patients go about their daily routines. More Information on Holter Monitor: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
"Holy Ghost Root" is more commonly referred to as "Angelica Root" in the medical community. Angelica Root
Also Known As: "Archangelica Root, Dong Quai, Angelicae Pubescentis, Bai Zhi, Angelicae Dahuricae, Archangel Root, Dang Gui"
A root from any of a group of Angelica plants or herbs. It may be used in aromatherapy and perfumes. However, some cultures use it as an herbal remedy for loss of appetite, gas or other gastrointestinal problems. More Information on Angelica Root: Herbs & Supplements
An assessment of the daily routines, activities and the structure of the home environment of children and how these features accommodate the needs of children. Typically assessed by means of parental interview.
"Home Blood Glucose Monitoring" is more commonly referred to as "Glucose Monitoring" in the medical community. Glucose Monitoring
Also Known As: "Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose, Blood Glucose Monitoring, Blood Sampling Devices"
A method of self-testing glucose (blood sugar) levels for the management of diabetes. This usually involves pricking the finger for a sample of blood and placing the sample on a test strip. The strip is then analyzed by a hand-held device. More Information on Glucose Monitoring: Glucose
Home care can provide a more comfortable environment during treatment, and most chemotherapy takes place outside a hospital. Patients and caregivers need to assess the practicality and physical needs of home care. More Information on Home Care: Healthcare Basics
An assessment of the daily routines, activities and the structure of the home environment of children and how these features accommodate the needs of children. Typically assessed by means of parental interview.
"Homeopathy" is more commonly referred to as "Alternative Treatment" in the medical community. Alternative Treatment
Also Known As: "Alternative Medicine"
Alternative treatment is a broad term used for any concept or method of therapy that is not generally accepted or used by licensed physicians or other licensed healthcare providers.
Homocysteine is a byproduct of the normal metabolic process. There is convincing evidence that high serum homocysteine may contribute to coronary artery disease, stroke, high blood pressure and other heart- and vessel-related conditions. More Information on Homocysteine: Heart Diet & Fitness
A rare genetic disorder in which patients have very high levels of homocysteine in the urine. As a result they develop early atherosclerosis and even heart attacks. More Information on Homocystinuria: Cholesterol
A graft where the donor and recipient are of the same species. For example, tissue from one dog is attached to tissue of another dog, as opposed to tissue from a cat being attached to tissue of a dog (xenograft).
Also Known As: "Uncinaria Stenocephala, Ancylostoma Caninum, Ancylostoma Braziliense"
An intestinal parasite that generally enters the body through the skin. More Information on Hookworm Infection Ancylostoma Infection: Parasitic Disease
"Hormonal Rhinitis" is more commonly referred to as "Rhinitis" in the medical community. Rhinitis
Also Known As: "Infectious Rhinitis, Drug Induced Rhinitis, Vasomotor Rhinitis, Structural Rhinitis, Rhinitis Medicamentosa, Irritant Rhinitis, Eosinophilic Rhinitis"
Inflammation of the mucous membrane, which lines the nose. It may be caused by infection, allergies or a combination of both. Symptoms may include sneezing, itching, nasal congestion or runny nose. More Information on Rhinitis: Nose & Throat
Active chemical substances formed in endocrine system glands and carried to other body parts in the blood where they either stimulate or suppress cell and tissue activity.
Drugs that interfere with hormone production or action to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. More Information on Hormone Antagonists: Cancer Drug & Medication
Drugs that interfere with hormone production or action to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. More Information on Hormone Blocking Agents: Cancer Drug & Medication
A lab test that examines a sample of cancer tissue to determine whether certain hormone receptors are present (e.g., estrogen, progesterone). Tumors with receptors are more likely to respond to hormone therapy. More Information on Hormone Receptor Assay: Cancer Drug & Medication
A lab test that examines a sample of cancer tissue to determine whether certain hormone receptors are present (e.g., estrogen, progesterone). Tumors with receptors are more likely to respond to hormone therapy. More Information on Hormone Receptor Test: Cancer Drug & Medication
Also Known As: "Estrogen Replacement Therapy, Progestin Replacement Therapy, ERT, Progesterone Replacement Therapy, HRT, Postmenopausal Estrogen/Progestin Intervention"
Replacement of the female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) lost during menopause. Replacement may be of either or both hormones. Studies have suggested that this may increase breast cancer risk and HRT use has dropped as a result. More Information on Hormone Replacement Therapy: Menopause & HRT
Use of hormones and hormonal drugs to treat a variety of conditions. Types include premenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT), postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), birth control pills and more. More Information on Hormone Therapy: Menopause & HRT
Treatment that uses hormones, or drugs that affect hormones, to kill cancer cells. May also include removal of hormone-producing glands. Some cancers respond better to hormone therapy than others, such as breast and prostate cancers. More Information on Hormone Therapy & Cancer: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
Also Known As: "Hormone Blocking Agents, Hormone Antagonists"
Drugs that interfere with hormone production or action to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. More Information on Hormone Therapy Drugs: Cancer Drug & Medication
"Hornet Sting" is more commonly referred to as "Insect Bites & Stings" in the medical community. Insect Bites & Stings
Also Known As: "Bee Sting, Spider Bite, Wasp Sting"
Injuries that can cause mild pain, swelling and itching. In rare cases, venom released in the stings of bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps and fire ants triggers a life-threatening condition known as anaphylactic shock. More Information on Insect Bites & Stings: Skin Related Infections
"Horse Ragweed" is more commonly referred to as "Ragweed" in the medical community. Ragweed
Also Known As: "Ambrosia Artemisiifolia, Common Ragweed, Ambrosia Trifida, Great Ragweed"
A common weedy plant that produces a pollen known to trigger hay fever and asthma. It grows alongside roads and rivers and in vacant lots. Flowers are yellowish-green. It is often confused with goldenrod, which can not trigger hay fever. More Information on Ragweed: Outdoor Allergies
"Horton's Disease" is more commonly referred to as "Temporal Arteritis" in the medical community. Temporal Arteritis
Also Known As: "Cranial Arteritis, Granulamotous Arteritis, Giant Cell Arteritis"
A chronic vascular disease of unknown origin in the elderly, often associated with polymyalgia rheumatica. The arteries narrow, reducing blood flow in the affected areas. It may cause persistent headaches and vision loss. More Information on Temporal Arteritis: Ear, Eye & Face Pain
"Horton's Headache" is more commonly referred to as "Cluster Headache" in the medical community. Cluster Headache
Also Known As: "Migrainous Neuralgia, Sphenopalatine Neuralgia, Red Migraine, Cephalalgia Neuralgia"
Headache that usually occurs suddenly in or around one eye and can last from a few minutes to several hours. Called cluster because they tend to occur in a group, which may last several months before disappearing. More Information on Cluster Headache: Headache & Migraine
Specialized care for people at the final stage of illness, as well as for their families and caregivers. Hospice may take place in a comfortable, warm facility or in the patient's home. More Information on Hospice Care: Healthcare Basics
Sudden sensation of intense warmth in the face and upper body, sometimes accompanied by rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, headache, weakness or feeling of suffocation. May be due to menopause, pregnancy or other causes. More Information on Hot Flashes: ObGyn Signs & Symptoms
Also Known As: "Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection, Pseudomonas Dermatitis"
A skin infection often caused by the germ Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is spread by direct contact with infected water and may cause itchiness and a tender, bumpy red rash. It usually clears up in a few days without medical treatment. More Information on Hot Tub Rash: Skin Related Infections
"Hot-Spot Myocardial Imaging" is more commonly referred to as "Technetium Scan" in the medical community. Technetium Scan
Also Known As: "Technetium Stress Test"
A test that involves the injection of a radioactive substance called technetium. Energy emitted from the technetium is used by a gamma camera to produce very clear images of the area being scanned. More Information on Technetium Scan: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
Cross-reaction between the allergens found in some kinds of shellfish (e.g., shrimps, mussels, oysters) and those found in some commonly inhaled particles found in the home (e.g. dust mites). More Information on House Dust Mite Crustacean Molluscs Syndrome: Food Allergy & Intolerance
"House Mosquito" is more commonly referred to as "Culex Mosquito" in the medical community. Culex Mosquito
A type of mosquito that bites from dusk to dawn and is a carrier of St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile virus. This mosquito becomes infected by feeding on birds that carry such viruses. More Information on Culex Mosquito: Brain Related Infections
Some people have allergic reactions to chemicals within household cleansing products. Such reactions can be related to contact (skin rash) or inhalation (wheezing) of these chemicals. Even in those not allergic, these chemicals can be irritants. More Information on Household Cleanser Reactions: Cosmetic, Chemical & Metal
Exercise is a lifelong habit, and people are encouraged not to rush into it too quickly or too strenuously. Ideally, it will be enjoyable as well as heart-healthy. Before beginning an exercise program, people are encouraged to consult a physician. More Information on How to Exercise Safely: Heart Diet & Fitness
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