OHSU Healthcare Topic Search: Chest Pain

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New Strategy May Find Heart Attacks Quickly

Millions of Americans end up in the ER each year with chest pain, and doctors need to know as soon as possible if that chest pain means a heart attack. A common blood test may be able to provide a definitive answer within an hour.

Podcast: New Strategy May Find Heart Attacks Quickly (podcast)

Potential Emergency Situations and Conditions

Detailed information on potential emergency situations and conditions, including animal bites, rabies, cat scratch disease, appendicitis, asthma attack, chest pain, heart attack, dehydration, heat stroke, fever, food allergy, food-drug interaction, frostb

Topic Index - Non-Traumatic Emergencies

Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) and Stent Placement (tests & procedures)

During percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), a special catheter (long hollow tube) is inserted into coronary arteries that are blocked as a result of coronary artery disease (CAD), restoring arterial blood flow to the heart tissue without open-heart surgery.

Cardiac Biomarkers (Blood)

This test measures the levels of cardiac biomarkers – enzymes, hormones, and proteins – in your blood. Some of these markers increase after you've had a heart attack.

Electrophysiological Studies (tests & procedures)

When a problem develops with the heart’s rhythm, there may or may not be any symptoms. An electrophysiological study (EP study) is an invasive procedure that tests the heart's electrical system to determine the cause of the dysrhythmia.

Heart Conditions in Adults - FAQ

Frequently asked questions regarding heart conditions in adults, including heart attack, cardiac arrhythmias, pacemakers, heart valve disease, Holter monitor, and cardiac rehabilitation

Robotic Cardiac Surgery

Robotic cardiac surgery is a form of heart surgery performed through tiny incisions in the chest. Thanks to the use of tiny instruments and robotic devices, surgeons are able to perform several types of heart surgery in a way that is much less invasive than other types of heart surgery.

Sickle Cell Disease

Detailed information on sickle cell disease, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Sickle Cell Disease in Children

Sickle cell disease involves the red blood cells, or hemoglobin, and their ability to carry oxygen.

Angina Pectoris

Angina pectoris occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough blood and oxygen for a given level of work.

Anomalous Coronary Artery (ACA)

An anomalous coronary artery is a coronary artery that has an abnormality or malformation.

Creatine Kinase MB (Blood)

This test measures the amount of the enzyme creatine kinase in your blood. A certain form of this enzyme can help find out whether you're having a heart attack.

Creatine Kinase MB/Creatine Kinase Ratio

This test measures the amount of creatine kinase (CK), an enzyme, in your blood. The test can help your doctor find out whether you're having a heart attack.

Lung Scan (tests & procedures)

A lung scan is a procedure that uses nuclear radiology to assess the function and structure of the lungs. It is most often performed when problems with the lungs and respiratory tract are suspected.

Valvuloplasty (tests & procedures)

During a valvuloplasty, a catheter is threaded through a vein to the heart where a balloon is used to open a stiff valve. Once opened, the balloon and catheter are removed.

Lung Biopsy (tests & procedures)

A lung biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed with a special needle to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when the blood supply is cut off from the heart muscle, usually because of a blood clot. Without blood and oxygen, the muscle cells are damaged and die.

Glossary - Digestive Disorders

Glossary of terms relating to digestive disorders for patients and consumers

Cardiac Catheterization (tests & procedures)

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure in which a catheter is moved through a blood vessel to the heart in order to better diagnose coronary heart disease, valvular heart disease, congestive heart failure and other heart conditions.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Detailed information on cpr, including how to become properly trained in cpr

Lobectomy (tests & procedures)

A lobectomy is a surgical procedure that removes one of the lobes of the lungs.

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac (membrane) that surrounds the heart.

Glossary - Breast Health

Glossary of terms relating to breast health written for patients and consumers

Glossary - Cancer Center

Glossary of terms relating to cancer

Glossary - Transplantation

Glossary of terms relating to transplantation in children

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Chest (tests & procedures)

CT/CAT scans are more detailed than standard x-rays and are often used to assess the organs of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems,and esophagus, for injuries, abnormalities, or disease.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Detailed information on thoracic aortic aneurysms, including description of a thoracic aortic aneurysm, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and full-color anatomical illustrations

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Insertion (tests & procedures)

During this procedure, an electronic device is inserted into the chest to help regulate electrical problems with the heart by providing either anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) or shock therapy to prevent sudden cardiac arrest.

Aisle Seat Better for Preventing Blood Clots

< Feb. 08, 2012 > -- Next time you book a flight, you might want to pick an aisle seat instead of one next to the window.

Pericarditis in Children

Pericarditis is inflammation or infection of the pericardium, the thin sac that surrounds the heart.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a serious inflammation of the lungs in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquid.

Pulmonary Angiogram (tests & procedures)

A pulmonary angiogram is aa procedure that uses a combination of contrast dye and X-rays to examine the blood vessels in the lungs and evaluate blood flow to the lungs.

Femoral Popliteal Bypass Surgery (tests & procedures)

Femoral popliteal (also called femoropopliteal) bypass surgery is a surgical procedure that may be used to treat severe blockage due to plaque in the femoral artery. The femoral and popliteal arteries are located in the legs.

Glossary - Women's Center

Glossary of terms relating to women's health

Diabetic Neuropathy (Nerve Problems)

The risk of developing nerve damage, or neuropathy, increases the longer a person has diabetes. About half of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy.

Sigmoidoscopy (tests & procedures)

A sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that allows the physician to examine the lower one-third of the large intestine and is helpful in identifying the causes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, abnormal growths, and bleeding.

Sympathectomy

During a sympathectomy, a surgeon cuts or clamps the sympathetic nerve chain runs up and down along your spine. This procedure is used to treat heavy sweating in the palms of the hands, the face, the underarms, and feet, as well as to treat facial blushing and Raynaud phenomenon.

Common Surgical Procedures

Detailed information on the most common surgical procedures, including appendectomy, breast biopsy, carotid endarterectomy, cataract surgery, cesarean section, cholecystectomy, coronary artery bypass surgery, debridement of wound, dilation and curettage,

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

An atrial septal defect is an opening in the dividing wall between the two upper chambers of the heart known as the right and left atria.

Mycoplasma (Sputum)

This test looks at sputum, or the mucus from your lower airways. It finds out whether you have a lung infection caused by a certain organism.

Myocardial Perfusion Scan, Stress (tests & procedures)

A stress myocardial perfusion scan is used to assess the blood flow to the heart muscle when it is stressed by exercise or medication and to determine what areas have decreased blood flow.

Tests Performed Before Surgery

Many surgeons order routine laboratory tests before admission to the hospital, or even before certain outpatient procedures, to identify potential problems that might complicate surgery if not detected and treated early.

Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot is a complex condition of several congenital heart defects.

Cardiomyopathy and Your Child

Cardiomyopathy is any disease of the heart muscle in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively.

Coronary Heart Disease

A person with coronary heart disease has an accumulation of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries. These deposits narrow the arteries and can decrease or block the flow of blood to the heart.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome in Children

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a neurological disorder in which a child's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The disorder usually occurs a few days or weeks after the child has had symptoms of a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection.

Hyperbaric Therapy for CO Poisoning and Decompression Sickness

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has helped heal a variety of illnesses. Over the years, research has shown that it can treat many conditions that involve oxygen-starved tissue.

Intensive Care

Intensive care is needed for children who have had certain types of major surgery: heart operations, organ transplants, or neurosurgery.

Smoking and Respiratory Diseases

Smoking is directly responsible for the majority of lung cancer cases (87 percent), emphysema cases, and chronic bronchitis cases.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Detailed information on abdominal aortic aneurysms, including description of abdominal aortic aneurysm, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and full-color anatomical and procedure illustrations

Atrioventricular Canal (AV Canal or AVC)

AV canal is a complex heart problem that involves several abnormalities of structures inside the heart.

Glossary - Cardiovascular Diseases

Glossary of terms relating to cardiovascular disease and heart healthy living

Mastectomy (tests & procedures)

A mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or a portion of a breast is removed as a part of a treatment plan for breast cancer.

Bites and Stings: Insects

Detailed information on insect bites, including bee stings, flea bites, mite bites, chigger bites, spider bites, tick bites, and lyme disease

Chest X-ray (tests & procedures)

A chest X-ray is used to examine the chest and the lungs and other organs and structures located in the chest.

Exercise Electrocardiogram (tests & procedures)

An exercise ECG is a simple and fast procedure that is used to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart's response to stress or exercise.

Fleas, Mites, and Chiggers

Detailed information on flea, mite, and chiggers bites

Hiatal Hernia

Detailed information on hiatal hernias, including causes and treatment

Hormone Combo in Contraception Boosts Heart Risk

Women who use birth control products that contain a combination of estrogen and progestin may double their risk for heart attack and stroke.

Mediastinoscopy (tests & procedures)

A mediastinoscopy is a surgical procedure performed to examine the mediastinum - the space behind the sternum (breastbone) in the middle of the chest that separates the two lungs.

Minor Problem vs. a True Emergency

In general, take your child to an emergency room after an injury anytime you think the problem may need urgent attention.

Myocardial Perfusion Scan, Resting (tests & procedures)

A resting myocardial perfusion scan in a procedure in which nuclear radiology is used to assess blood flow to the heart muscle and determine what areas have decreases blood flow.

Right Heart Catheterization with Heart Tissue Biopsy

Right heart catheterization with heart tissue biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are taken directly from the heart muscle. This procedure may be done in addition to a right heart cath to see if the heart tissue is normal.

Types of Anesthesia

During surgery, your child will be given some form of anesthesia—medication given to relieve pain and sensation.

When to Call For Help

Detailed information on when to call for help in an emergency situation

Pacemaker Insertion (tests & procedures)

During a pacemaker insertio, a small electronic device is implanted in the chest (just below the collarbone) to help regulate electrical problems with the heart.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair (tests & procedures)

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is a procedure used to treat an aneurysm (abnormal enlargement) of the abdominal aorta, which may be performed surgically through an open incision or in a minimally-invasive procedure called endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Spine (tests & procedures)

A CT scan of the spine may be performed to assess the spine for a herniated disk, tumors and other lesions, the extent of injuries, structural anomalies such as spina bifida, blood vessel malformations, or other conditions.

Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a type of therapy that uses electrical stimulation to treat Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, multiple sclerosis, and certain other neurological conditions.

Glossary - Heart Center

Glossary of terms relating to cardiovascular disease and heart healthy living

Glossary - Nontraumatic Emergencies

Glossary of terms relating to non-traumatic emergencies

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a combination of several abnormalities of the heart and great blood vessels.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Heart (tests & procedures)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

PDA is a heart problem in which the connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery remains open after birth, instead of closing as it should.

Pulmonary Atresia (PA)

PA is a serious heart defect in which the pulmonary valve does not allow blood to flow from the heart to the lungs to pick up oxygen.

Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return

In this condition, the four pulmonary veins are connected somewhere besides the left atrium.

Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)

Because of abnormal development of the fetal heart, the large vessels that take blood away from the heart to the lungs, or to the body, are improperly connected.

Tricuspid Atresia (TA)

In tricuspid atresia, the tricuspid valve, normally located between the right atrium and the right ventricle, does not develop properly.

Truncus Arteriosus

Truncus arteriosus occurs when the aorta and the pulmonary artery fail to separate completely during fetal development.

Vascular Studies (tests & procedures)

Vascular studies use ultrasound (sound wave) technology to assess the flow of blood in arteries and veins in the arms, legs, and neck.

Holter Monitoring

Detailed information on Holter or event monitoring

Pneumonia in Children

Detailed information on pneumonia, including different types, diagnosis, and treatment

Exercise: Before Starting an Exercise Program

It is always important to talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program, particularly if you have certain health conditions.

Infectious Esophagitis

Infectious esophagitis is swelling and irritation of your esophagus, triggered by an infection.

Lung Transplantation Procedure (tests & procedures)

In a lung transplant, one or both diseased lungs are removed and replaced with a healthy lung from another person.

Right Heart Catheterization

A right heart catheterization is performed to determine how well the heart is pumping and to measure the pressures in the heart and lungs.

About Taxol

Taxol, or paclitaxel, is a drug used for treating certain women who have advanced breast or ovarian cancer. Paclitaxel is a compound that is extracted from the bark of the Pacific yew tree.

Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (tests & procedures)

A breast MRI is a procedure in which large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer are used to take detailed pictures of the breast in order to search for abnormalities that may signal the presence of cancer.

Children and Fleas, Mites, and Chiggers

Fleas, mites, and chiggers often bite humans, but aren't poisonous. It's sometimes difficult to assess which type of insect caused the bite, or if the rash is caused by poison ivy or other skin conditions.

Glossary - The Child Having Surgery

Glossary of terms relating to surgery in children

Heart Valve Repair or Replacement Surgery (tests & procedures)

Heart valve repair or replacement surgery is a treatment option when the heart valves become damaged or diseased and do not function properly.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is marked by chronic, repeated, and unexpected panic attacks—bouts of overwhelming fear of being in danger when there is no specific cause for the fear.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan) (tests & procedures)

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a specialized radiology procedure used to examine various body tissues to identify certain conditions. PET may also be used to follow the progress of the treatment of certain conditions.

Thrombosis

Detailed information on thrombosis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Trigeminal Neuralgia: Motor Cortex Stimulation

Cardiac Sarcoma

Cardiac sarcoma is a rare type of cancerous tumor that occurs in the heart.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) (tests & procedures)

Coronary artery bypass surgery is performed to treat a blockage or narrowing of one or more of the coronary arteries, thus restoring the blood supply to the heart muscle.

Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis

Detailed information on cystic fibrosis, including diagnosis

Glossary - Cardiovascular Disorders

Glossary of terms relating to cardiovascular disorders in children

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Detailed information on Hodgkin's lymphoma, including causes, stages, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Lymphedema Following a Mastectomy

Whenever the normal drainage pattern in the lymph nodes is disturbed or damaged—often during surgery to remove the lymph nodes—the arm may swell. This swelling, caused by too much fluid, is called lymphedema.

Mitral Valve Prolapse

Mitral valve prolapse is a condition in which blood leaks backward through the mitral valve in the heart. This backflow of blood may result in a heart murmur.

Overview of the Vascular System

Detailed information on vascular conditions, including a description of the vascular system, causes and effects of vascular disease, and a full-color anatomical illustration

Bone Marrow Transplantation

Detailed information on bone marrow transplant, including preparation, types of transplant, transplant team, and possible procedure-related complications or side effects

Glossary - Gynecological Health

Glossary of terms relating to gynecological health

Glossary - Men's Health

Glossary of terms relating to men's health

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Detailed information on autoimmune hepatitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Bee Stings

Detailed information on bee sting and other insect stings, including symptoms and treatment

Blood Smear

This test looks at the number and shape of your red and white blood cells and platelets to see whether they are normal.

Bone Marrow Transplantation in Children

The goal of a bone marrow transplant is to transfuse healthy bone marrow cells into a child after his or her own unhealthy bone marrow has been eliminated.

Eisenmenger's Syndrome

Eisenmenger’s syndrome primarily affects adolescents and adults with congenital heart defects that were repaired after their first birthday or that were never repaired.

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery

Endoscopic endonasal surgery is a minimally invasive technique that allows a surgeon to go through the nose to correct problems or remove a tumor in various areas of the brain and the top of the spine.

Exercise Echocardiogram (tests & procedures)

An exercise echocardiogram is a procedure in which ultrasound, or sound wave technology, is used to asses the heart's response to stress or exercise.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)/Heartburn in Children

Detailed information on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Glossary - Digestive and Liver Disorders

Glossary of terms relating to digestive disorders for patients and consumers

Glossary - Neurological Disorders

Glossary of terms relating to nervous system

Glossary - Women's Health

Glossary of terms relating to women's health

Hemoglobin

This is a blood test to find out how much hemoglobin is in your blood. You may need this test if you have anemia or symptoms of anemia.

HLA-B27 Antigen

This test looks for a certain protein made by your immune system. The test can help tell whether you have an autoimmune disease.

Holter Monitor (tests & procedures)

When symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure, prolonged fatigue, and palpitations continue to occur without a definitive diagnosis obtained with a resting ECG, your physician may request an ECG tracing to be run over a long period of time, using a Holter monitor.

Insect Stings

Yellow jackets cause most of the allergic reactions to stings. Fire ants, found in southern states, can sting multiple times—and the sites are more likely to become infected.

Insect Stings and Allergic Reactions

For most children, the reaction to a sting is short-lived, with redness and swelling followed by pain and itching. For others, however, the allergic reaction to an insect sting can be life threatening.

Mastalgia (Breast Pain)

The most common type of breast pain is associated with the menstrual cycle and is nearly always hormonal.

Metanephrines (Blood)

This test measures the substances metanephrine and normetanephrine in your blood. It helps find out whether you have a tumor of the adrenal glands.

Pediatric Glossary - Infectious Diseases

Glossary of terms relating to infectious diseases

Pleural Biopsy (tests & procedures)

A pleural biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of the pleura (the membrane that surrounds the lungs) is removed with a special biopsy needle or during surgery to determine if disease, infection, or cancer is present.

Pseudocysts of the Pancreas

Detailed information on pseudocysts of the pancreas, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Pulmonary Embolism

Detailed information on pulmonary embolism, including a description of a pulmonary embolism and the circulatory system, symptoms, risk factors, causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and 4 labeled, full-color anatomical illustrations

Retic Count

This test measures the number of reticulocytes in your blood. It can be used to diagnose anemia and find out why you have a disease.

Spider Bites

Detailed information on spider bites, including symptoms and treatment

Spinal Cord Injury

A traumatic injury to the spine can cause a bruise, a partial tear, or a complete tear in the spinal cord. The most common sites of injury are the cervical and thoracic areas.

Troponin

This test measures the amount of the protein troponin in your blood. It can tell your doctor whether you are having a heart attack.

Types of Anesthesia and Your Anesthesiologist

During surgery, you will be given some form of anesthesia—medication administered for the relief of pain and sensation during surgery. The type and dosage of anesthesia is determined by the anesthesiologist.

Wegener’s Granulomatosis

Wegener’s granulomatosis is a condition of the immune system that causes swelling and irritation in blood vessels and other tissues. This inflammation reduces or stops the flow of blood to organs in the body.

Robotic Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman's uterus. When this surgery is done through small incisions using a thin, lighted scope with a camera on the end (a laparoscope), it is called a laparoscopic hysterectomy.

After Surgery: Discomforts and Complications

Detailed information on postoperative discomforts and potential complications, including shock, hemorrhage, wound infection, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary complications, urinary retention, and reaction to anesthesia

Allergen: Insect Stings

Detailed information on allergic reactions to insect bites and stings

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

When you think of allergic reactions, you probably envision itchy eyes and a runny nose. But an allergic reaction can occur in the esophagus – your food pipe – as well.

Legionella Antibody

This test looks for an antibody that may be in your blood if you have Legionnaires’ disease. This disease is a type of pneumonia or serious lung infection.

Measles

Detailed information on measles, including symptoms, complications, prevention, and treatment

Overview of Clinical Complications of Diabetes

Heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney disease are some of the complications of diabetes.

Recovering From Surgery/Intensive Care

Detailed information on recovering from surgery and intensive care

Rib Fracture Repair

Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH)

Detailed information on syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Traveling with Chronic Conditions

See your doctor as early as possible before you leave on your trip. Discuss any risks that may be involved and plan for immunizations, medication, and medical devices you may need while you're away.

Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation is a dangerous, potentially life-threatening heart rhythm problem. This type of arrhythmia can cause the heart to stop beating abruptly and lead to death within minutes.

Blood Clotting Disorders in Children

Clotting disorders are a group of conditions in which people are more likely than normal to experience excessive clotting. The medical term for this is thrombophilia. These disorders may first be spotted in childhood but are usually identified in adolescence and young adulthood.

Cortisol (Blood)

This test may help in the diagnosis of two fairly uncommon medical conditions: Cushing’s syndrome and Addison’s disease. The test also screens for other diseases that affect your pituitary and adrenal glands.

Creatine Kinase with Isoenzymes (Blood)

This test is used to find out whether you have muscle damage, including damage to your heart muscle.

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

The purpose of endoscopic sinus surgery is to open the passages of the sinuses allowing for proper drainage to the nose.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)/Heartburn

Gastroesophageal reflux is the return of acidic stomach juices, or food and fluids, back up into the esophagus.

Myoglobin (Blood)

This test measures the amount of a protein called myoglobin in your blood. It’s done to help diagnose conditions caused by muscle damage, including heart attack.

Pancreatitis

Detailed information on pancreatitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Spider Bites in Children

In the United States, two spiders that can cause serious problems are the black widow and the brown recluse spiders. Both of these spiders are found in warm climates.

Breast-Conserving Surgery (tests & procedures)

A lumpectomy is a type of breast-conserving surgery in which a cancerous lump and a portion of the breast tissue around the cancerous lump are removed, leaving the breast intact.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (tests & procedures)

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure used to diagnose structural or functional abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach, and/or duodenum.

Lumbar Puncture (LP) (tests & procedures)

A lumbar puncture (LP), also known as a spinal tap, is a diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedure used to remove a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid for examination and diagnosis of various disorders.

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

A ventricular septal defect is an opening in the dividing wall between the two lower chambers of the heart known as the right and left ventricles.

Acid-Fast Bacteria Culture

This test is done to find out if you have tuberculosis. Your doctor might order this test if you have a lung infection or symptoms of TB.

Acid-Fast Bacteria Smear

This test looks for a type of bacteria called acid-fast bacillus in your sputum. Tuberculosis is the most common infection from this type of bacteria.

Acromegaly

Detailed information on acromegaly, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Acute Bronchitis

Detailed information on acute bronchitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Breast Scan (tests & procedures)

A breast scan is a procedure in which nuclear radiology is used to assess and diagnose various conditions, such as tumors, abscesses, hematomas, organ enlargement, and cysts, as well as organ function and blood flow to the tissue.

Carbon Monoxide (Blood)

This test measures the level of carbon monoxide in your blood. You may need this test if you have smoke inhalation or symptoms of CO poisoning.

Catheter Ablation

Also known as a cardiac ablation or radiofrequency ablation, this procedure guides a tube into your heart to destroy small areas of heart tissue that may be causing your abnormal heartbeat.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is longstanding pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH)

Detailed information on developmental dysplasia of the hip, including causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and cast care

Discomforts and Complications After Surgery

Common discomforts after surgery include nausea and vomiting, soreness in the throat, and restlessness or sleeplessness.

Erythema Nodosum

Detailed information on erythema nodosum, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Exercise EKG/ECG Testing for Children

Detailed information on exercise electrocardiogram, including how the exercise EKG/ECG is performed and what happens after the procedure

Foreign Bodies in the Ear, Nose, and Airway

Children usually place things in their ears because they are bored, curious, or copying other children. Some objects may cause no symptoms, but other objects, such as food and insects, may cause pain in the ear, redness, or drainage.

Glossary - Care of the Terminally Ill Child

Glossary of terms relating to terminal illness in children

Glossary - Common Childhood Injuries and Poisonings

Glossary of terms relating to common poisonings and injuries of children

Glossary - Respiratory Disorders

Online medical glossary of terms relating to respiratory disorders written for patients and consumers

Juvenile Osteoporosis

Detailed information on juvenile osteoporosis, including cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Leukemia

Detailed information on leukemia in childhood, including symptoms, staging, diagnosis, and treatment

Lymphadenopathy

Detailed information on lymphadenopathy, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Mercury (Blood)

This test measures the amount of mercury in your blood. You can be exposed to mercury from polluted air or water, if you work in an industry that still uses mercury, from eating fish that are high in mercury, and from some complementary and alternative health remedies.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children

Detailed information on non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, including causes, staging, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Normal Breast Development

Breast development occurs in distinct stages, first before birth, and again at puberty and during the childbearing years. Changes also occur to the breasts during menstruation and when a woman reaches menopause.

Pneumocystis Jirovecii (Tissue, Fluid)

This test looks for P. jirovecii fungus in your lung tissue or in fluid from a lung. This fungus causes pneumocystis pneumonia.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

Detailed information on primary pulmonary hypertension, primary pulmonary hypertension causes, primary pulmonary hypertension diagnosis, primary pulmonary hypertension treatment

Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Detailed information on pulmonary sarcoidosis, pulmonary sarcoidosis symptoms, pulmonary sarcoidosis diagnosis, pulmonary sarcoidosis treatment

Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy is a process that precisely sends high levels of radiation directly to the cancer cells. Radiation done after surgery can kill cancer cells that may not be seen during surgery.

Radionuclide Angiogram, Resting and Exercise (tests & procedures)

During this procedure, a small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the vein. Its progress through the heart is then traced with a special camera to evaluate heart function. Doing this during rest and exercise assists the physician in comparing the differences in heart activity.

Ultrafast CT (Computed Tomography) Scan

Detailed information on ultrafast computed tomography scans, also called ultrafast CT scan or ultrafast CAT scan, including information on how the procedure is performed

X-rays of the Spine, Neck, or Back (tests & procedures)

This procedure may be used to diagnose back or neck pain, fractures or broken bones, arthritis, degeneration of the disks, tumors, or other problems.

Cesarean Delivery (tests & procedures)

Cesarean delivery is the surgical delivery of a baby by an incision through the mother's abdomen and uterus. This procedure is performed when it is determined to be a safer method than a vaginal delivery for the mother, baby, or both.

Colonoscopy (tests & procedures)

A colonoscopy uses a small camera to examine the inside of the colon. It is typically used to screen for colon cancer, and to asses other injuries, abnormalities, or disease.

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Abdomen (tests & procedures)

A CT/CAT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, organs, and blood vessels. CT/CAT scans are more detailed than standard x-rays and are used to assess the organs and tissues for for injuries, abnormalities, or disease.

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Bones (tests & procedures)

A CT scan shows detailed images of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays.

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Pancreas (tests & procedures)

CT/CAT scans are more detailed than standard x-rays and are often used to assess the pancreas for injuries, abnormalities, or disease.

Cystic Fibrosis

Detailed information on cystic fibrosis, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and genetics

Echocardiography (Echo)

Detailed information on a echocardiography (echo) procedure, including how the procedure is performed, reasons for the procedure, and pre- and post-evaluation instructions

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (tests & procedures)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure in which x-ray and an endoscope - a long, flexible, lighted tube - are used to assess and treat problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas.

Liver Biopsy (tests & procedures)

A liver biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples from the liver are removed for examination under a microscope to look for signs of damage or disease. It is used to diagnose many liver conditions.

Lung Cancer

Detailed information on lung cancer, lung cancer symptom, lung cancer treatment, lung cancer sign, lung cancer medication, malignant lung tumor, lung cancer cause, benign lung tumor, lung cancer risk factor, lung cancer prevention

Mammography

Upper Gastrointestinal Series (tests & procedures)

An upper gastrointestinal series (UGI) is an x-ray examination of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Achalasia

Achalasia is a disease that makes it hard to eat and drink normally. It affects your esophagus, which is the swallowing tube that connects the back of your throat to your stomach.

Acute Bronchitis in Children

Detailed information on acute bronchitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Adenovirus Infections

Detailed information on adenovirus infections, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin

This test checks to see if a liver disorder or lung disease is caused by a genetic disorder call alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Detailed information on ankylosing spondylitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis caused by a build-up of plaque in the inner lining of an artery.

Biopsy

Detailed information on biopsy, including the most common types of biopsy such as endoscopic biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, excisional biopsy, incisional biopsy, fine needle aspiration biopsy, punch biopsy, shave biopsy, and skin biopsy

Blood Transfusions

Detailed information on blood transfusion, including the components of blood and potential risks involved in a blood transfusion

Cast Types and Maintenance Instructions

The outside of a cast can be made of plaster or fiberglass. Cotton and synthetic materials line the inside of the cast to make it soft and to provide padding around bony areas, such as the wrist or elbow.

Cortisol (Urine)

This test looks for two rare medical conditions: Cushing's syndrome and Addison's disease, as well as other diseases that affect your pituitary and adrenal glands.

Creatine Kinase (Blood)

This test measures the amount of a protein called creatine kinase (CK) in your blood. Levels of CK can rise after a heart attack or skeletal muscle injury.

Diabetes and Heart Disease

Diabetes affects the cardiovascular system, but many problems aren't apparent until a person has a heart attack or stroke.

Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery

The pituitary gland is located at the bottom of your brain and above the inside of your nose. Endoscopic pituitary surgery is the most common surgery used to remove pituitary tumors.

Epidural Corticosteroid Injections

If you are experiencing intense, intractable pain in your legs or arms from inflamed spinal nerves, then an epidural steroid injection might be the preferred treatment to quickly give you relief.

Hematocrit

This test measures how much of your blood is made up of red blood cells. Too many or too few red blood cells can cause health problems.

Normal Breast Development and Changes

Phobias in Children and Adolescents

Common phobias include fear of animals, blood, heights, closed spaces, or flying. In teens, the fear must last at least six months to be considered a phobia.

Smoking

Ninety percent of new smokers are children and teenagers. In many cases, they are replacing the smokers who quit or died prematurely from a smoking-related disease.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Detailed information on tuberculosis, including risks, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Tuberculosis (TB) in Children

Detailed information on tuberculosis, including risks, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Women and Heart Disease: Sometimes a Difficult Diagnosis

Heart disease trumps all other diseases, including cancer, as the number one cause of death for American women. Partly, that's because women may suffer from less recognized heart attack symptoms. The condition may also affect a woman's body differently, making it harder to diagnose. Read on to learn more about the dangers of heart disease.

Acute Spinal Cord Injury

Many types of trauma can cause an acute spinal cord injury. The more common types occur when the area of the spine or neck is bent or compressed.

Acute Spinal Cord Injury in Children

Many types of trauma can cause an acute spinal cord injury. The more common types occur when the area of the spine or neck is bent or compressed.

Care of the Baby in the Delivery Room

A newborn baby is wet from the amniotic fluid and can easily become cold. Drying the baby and using warm blankets and heat lamps can help prevent heat loss. Often a knitted hat is placed on the baby's head.

Colic

Though the name sounds like a disease, colic is really just a term for excessive crying in an infant. Unfortunately, nobody knows for sure what causes colic, but there are several theories and possible risk factors for the condition.

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Kidney (tests & procedures)

CT/CAT scans are more detailed than standard x-rays and are often used to assess the kidneys for injuries, abnormalities, or disease.

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Liver and Biliary Tract (tests & procedures)

CT/CAT scans are more detailed than standard x-rays and are often used to assess the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts for for injuries, abnormalities, or disease.

Epilepsy and Seizures

Epilepsy is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system and affects people of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds.

Gastroparesis

Detailed information on gastroparesis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Heart Block

When you have heart block, there is interference with the electrical signals that usually move from the top chambers of your heart (the atria) to the bottom chambers of your heart (the ventricles), telling it when to beat. This is known as a conduction disorder.

Heart Failure in Children

Detailed information on congestive heart failure, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination (BSE)

By doing BSE regularly, you get to know how your breasts normally feel so that you are more apt to detect any change.

Hyaline Membrane Disease/Respiratory Distress Syndrome

This disease is one of the most common problems of premature babies. It can cause babies to need extra oxygen and help in breathing.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine and Brain (tests & procedures)

MRI may be used to examine the brain and/or spinal cord for injuries or the presence of structural abnormalities or certain other conditions, including tumors or aneurysms.

Mammogram Procedure (tests & procedures)

A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breast amd is used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women.

Occupational Lung Diseases

Repeated and long-term exposure to certain irritants on the job can lead to an array of lung diseases that may have lasting effects, even after exposure ceases.

Overview of Obesity

Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that can inflict substantial harm to a person’s health. Learn about obesity causes and obesity health effects.

Pituitary Tumors

Detailed information on pituitary gland tumors, including symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, and treatment

Prostate/Rectal Sonogram (tests & procedures)

A sonogram uses ultrasound technology to allow quick visualization of the prostate and related structures from outside the body. It may be used to examine the prostate gland for evidence of cancer.

Signal-Averaged Electrocardiogram (tests & procedures)

During this procedure, the electrical activity of the heart is monitored over a period of several minutes in order to capture abnormal heartbeats which may occur only intermittently.

Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease

Smokers not only have increased risk of lung disease, including lung cancer and emphysema, but also have increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and oral cancer.

Ultrafast Computed Tomography (Ultrafast CT Scan) (tests & procedures)

Ultrafast CT, or electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) can take multiple images of the heart within the time of a single heartbeat, and can detect very small amounts of calcium within the heart and the coronary arteries.

Wilms Tumor

Detailed information on Wilms tumor, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Craniotomy (tests & procedures)

Detailed information on craniotomy, including the reasons and preparation for the procedure, how the procedure is performed, after care, an anatomical illustration of the anatomy of the brain, and an illustration of an example of a craniotomy procedure

D-Dimer

This test is used to rule out whether you have a blood clot. When blood clots form and start to break down, they release the substance D-dimer into the blood.

Haemophilus Influenzae Infections

Detailed information on Haemophilus influenzae, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, transmission, treatment, and prevention

Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis

Detailed information on juvenile ankylosing spondylitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Overview of Renal Failure in Children

Detailed information on renal failure, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Seizures and Epilepsy in Children

A seizure occurs when parts of the brain receive a burst of abnormal electrical signals that temporarily interrupts normal electrical brain function.

Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction

Your bile and pancreative juices flow through a duct that is opened and closed by a valve called the sphincter of oddie. If this valve goes into spasm, you end up with severe belly pain.

Uterine Cancer

Cancer of the uterus usually occurs around the time menopause begins. The occasional reappearance of bleeding should not be considered simply part of menopause, but should be checked by a doctor.

A Child Living with a Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

Detailed information on living with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Aneurysm

Detailed information on the dangers of aneurysm, how an aneurysm develops, and aneurysm diagnosis

Bronchoscopy (tests & procedures)

A brochosopy is a procedure in which a long, lighted scope is inserted into the lungs in order to examine the airways of the lungs and to assess lung function.

Chest Ultrasound (tests & procedures)

Chest ultrasound is a procedure in which sound wave technology is used alone, or along with other types of diagnostic methods, to examine the organs and structures of the chest.

Coarctation of the Aorta

Coarctation of the aorta refers to a narrowing of the aorta that restricts the amount of oxygen-rich blood that can travel to the lower part of the body.

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram (tests & procedures)

A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a diagnostic procedure in which an intravenous medication called dobutamine is used when an exercise stress test is not recommended. Dobutamine mimics the effects of exercise on the heart.

Electrocardiogram (tests & procedures)

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a simple and fast procedure that is used to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart, which is measured in "waves." Variations in the waves may indicate problems with the heart.

Glossary - Diabetes and Other Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders

Glossary of terms relating to diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders for patients and consumers

Glossary - Surgical Care

Glossary of terms relating to surgery

Heart Failure

Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body's other organs.

Heart Valve Diseases

Heart valves can malfunction on one of two ways: They can fail to close completely, allowing blood to flow backward, or they can become damaged, limiting blood flow.

Kidney Cancer

Detailed information on renal cell cancer, the most common type of kidney cancer, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Obesity in Adolescents

Children who are inactive—spending time watching TV or sitting at a computer—are at higher risk for obesity, especially when their diet contains lots of high-calorie foods and beverages.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Detailed information on obstructive sleep apnea, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Pulmonary Function Tests (tests & procedures)

Pulmonary function tests measure how well your lungs are functioning and are used to help diagnose certain lung disorders.

Radionuclide Angiogram, Resting (tests & procedures)

During this procedure, a small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the vein. Its progress through the heart is then traced with a special camera.

Stomach Cancer

Detailed information on stomach cancer, including symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment

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