Category: En Encyclopedia

Atrial Fibrillation Atrial fibrillation is also called A-fib or atrial fib. This is an abnormal heart rhythm.  The heart’s rhythm is controlled by electrical signals in the heart. The sinus node sends electrical signals to the rest of the heart. These signals cause the heart to contract and pump blood. Normally, the heart contracts and…

Arthritis Arthritis occurs when the joints in the body are inflamed or there is a breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Joints are places in the body where two or more bones meet, such as the hip or knee.  Cartilage is the cushion in the joints that protects them from pressure and makes movements smooth.…

Holter Monitor The Holter monitor is worn to record your heart rate for 24 to 48 hours. The monitor is carried in your pocket or in a small pouch worn around your neck. You will be asked to record any signs you have while you wear the monitor, such as: Feeling dizzy. Feeling faint. Heart…

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) An EKG is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. With each heart beat, an electrical impulse travels through the heart. This impulse causes the heart muscle to squeeze and pump blood from the heart. An EKG will show the doctor if: The electrical impulse is normal, slow,…

EPS (Electrophysiology Study) EPS is a test that checks the electrical system of your heart. It is done to find why you are feeling faint or dizzy or having irregular or fast heart beats. An adult family member or friend needs to come with you to take you home after the test. It is not…

Wearing a Shoulder Sling A shoulder sling is used to support your arm after injury or surgery. It may also be used to limit movement or to raise the arm to reduce pain and swelling. When to wear the sling All the time until your follow up appointment. As you need for comfort. During the…

Assisted Arm Range of Motion Exercises Someone will need to help you with these exercises. Do each exercise slowly _____ times, _____ times a day. Do each exercise with both arms, while lying on your back or while sitting. Do only the exercises checked. Shoulder 1 Hold the arm at the elbow and wrist in…

Active Range of Motion Exercises: Wrists, Elbows, Forearms, and Shoulders Repeat these exercises ____ times, _____ times a day. Do only the exercises checked. Do the exercises with: Both arms. Right arm. Left arm. Wrists 1 Rest your arm on a table and hang your hand over the edge. Slowly bend your wrist up and…

Appendectomy Appendectomy is a surgery to remove the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch that comes off the large intestine. The appendix sometimes gets blocked and becomes infected and swollen. Signs of an infected appendix include abdominal pain in the lower right side, fever, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting. If the appendix bursts, it…

Anthrax: What You Need to Know What is Anthrax? Anthrax is a serious disease caused by bacteria that forms spores. Anthrax can make you sick by getting into your skin, lungs or digestive system. It can be deadly if untreated. How Do You Get Anthrax? The most common and also the most deadly form of…

Ankle Sprain The ankle is a joint where the bones of the legs and the feet meet. These bones are kept in place by ligaments. A sprain occurs when the ligaments are suddenly stretched or torn. Signs Pain or tenderness. Swelling. Bruising. Not able to move the ankle well. Your Care Your doctor may want…

Ankle Exercises Begin ankle exercises as directed by your doctor or therapist. You may have some soreness while exercising. If you have more than mild discomfort, stop exercising. Apply ice to your ankle for 15 minutes after exercising. Do not apply the ice directly to the skin. Do the exercises 3 times a day. If…

Bronchitis Bronchitis is swelling of the lining of the large airways called bronchi in the lungs. The swelling causes more mucus than normal to be made. This can block the airflow through the lungs and may damage the lungs. Acute bronchitis often starts to get better in days, but the cough may last 2 to…

Nebulizer Treatments Some medicines need to be given through a nebulizer treatment. Nebulizer treatments are also called breathing treatments, aerosol treatments or med nebs. A nebulizer changes liquid medicine into a fine mist that you breathe into the airways of your lungs. Sometimes it is used for people who have a hard time using inhalers. …

Peak Flow Meter A peak flow meter measures how fast air moves out of the lungs. This is a good way to check changes in your airways from asthma before you may feel them. Then you can take your medicines early to stop these changes and avoid a severe asthma attack. Use a peak flow…

Ways to Manage Your Weight Being overweight puts you at greater risk for health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Make healthy choices each day instead of going on and off diets. A slow weight loss of ½ to 2 pounds per week is best. If you lose weight too fast,…

Nitroglycerin Nitroglycerin is a medicine used to treat chest pain called angina. Take nitroglycerin as directed by your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine. Always keep your nitroglycerin with you. This medicine may make you dizzy or lightheaded when you stand up or get out of…

High Blood Calcium High blood calcium, also called hypercalcemia, means that there is too much calcium in the blood. Most of the calcium in a person’s body is in the bones and teeth. Some calcium in blood helps the body to work right. Too much calcium in the blood affects the nerves, digestive tract, heart…

Heart Cath and Heart Angioplasty A heart cath is also called cardiac catheterization, cardiac cath or coronary angiogram. A heart cath shows blood vessels of the heart and the inside of the heart as it pumps. A tube called a catheter is put into a blood vessel in the top of your leg in your…

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test This test shows how well your body uses sugar called glucose. This test may be done to check for diabetes, or how well diabetes treatment may be working. To Prepare Do not eat or drink anything, except water, after midnight before the test. This includes coffee, gum, candy and mints.…

EEG (Electroencephalogram) An EEG is a test that records the electrical activity of the brain. The test may be done to check for: Seizures Confusion or changes in behavior Head injury or disease Changes in level of unconsciousness Arrive on time for your test. Plan on being here about 2 hours. To Prepare The night…

Choosing a Health Care Provider for Your Baby Before you deliver your baby, you will need to choose a health care provider for your baby. Questions to Ask Yourself Ask yourself these questions before you choose: Where is the office or clinic located? Do they accept my health insurance? How is payment handled? What are…

Bronchoscopy A bronchoscopy is a test to look at your airways and lungs. A long, thin tube is put through your nose or mouth into your lungs. This test is used to check for lung disease or to remove mucous. A small piece of tissue may be removed and studied in the lab. This is…

Blood Vessel Disease Blood vessel disease is also called peripheral vascular disease or peripheral artery disease. It is the narrowing of the blood vessels in the abdomen, legs and arms. Blood vessel disease is caused by a build-up of fatty deposits called plaque that narrows blood vessels. When the blood vessels narrow, less oxygen-rich blood…

Barium Enema A barium enema is an x-ray test of the large intestine, also called the colon. This test lets your doctor see the lining of your colon and rectum. Be sure to review these instructions before your test so you can prepare. If you take medicines each day, ask your doctor which of your…

Child a for Appendectomy Simple Appendectomy is a surgery to remove the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch that attaches to the large intestine. The appendix sometimes gets blocked and becomes infected and swollen. Signs of an infected appendix include abdominal pain in the lower right side, fever, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting. If…

Animal Bites and Scratches If you or your child is bitten or scratched by an animal, the wound can get infected. Clean the wound right away and get medical help as soon as possible. Even if the animal is your family pet, you should follow these steps: Wash the wound well with soap and water.…

Angina Angina is chest pain or pressure caused by decreased blood flow to the heart. Pain may also be felt in your arms, jaw or upper back. The pain is a signal that your heart is not getting enough oxygen. It is a sign that you need treatment to prevent a heart attack. Angina may…

Anemia A person with anemia has fewer red blood cells in his or her blood than the normal level. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all the cells in the body. When the number of red blood cells is lower than normal, less oxygen is carried in the blood. Signs A person with anemia may…

Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia. Dementia occurs as a result of changes in the brain that affect a person’s ability to think and remember. It can become severe enough to affect daily activities. Alzheimer’s Disease causes brain changes over years and is not a normal part of aging. No…

Allergies An allergy occurs when the body reacts to a substance. This may cause a mild to severe problem. There are different kinds of allergies. The most common allergies are to: Things in the air such as pollen, mold, pet dander, or dust. Things you touch such as metal, latex, or chemicals. Foods you eat…

Advance Directives Advance directives are legal documents to tell your loved ones and your doctors about the medical treatment you would want if you are not able to speak for yourself. Because a severe illness or accident can happen at any time, all adults should have advance directives. It is important to let your health…

Asthma Asthma is a disease that causes the airways that lead into your lungs to become narrow and produce mucus. When this happens, it may become hard to breathe. Some people have a hard time breathing only at certain times. This may be during allergy season, when they get a cold, or when they exercise.…

Child a for Appendectomy Simple Appendectomy is a surgery to remove the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch that attaches to the large intestine. The appendix sometimes gets blocked and becomes infected and swollen. Signs of an infected appendix include abdominal pain in the lower right side, fever, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting. If…

Amniocentesis Amniocentesis is a test in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed with a thin needle. Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds a baby in the uterus (womb). The sample is sent to a lab and tested for certain birth defects or genetic problems. This test may also be done for…