Glossary of terms used on this site
There are 324 entries in this glossary.H
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hardening of the arteries |
Common descriptive expression referring to a group of diseases (forms of arteriosclerosis) characterized by abnormal thickening and hardening (sclerosis) of arterial walls, in which the arteries lose their elasticity. If the thickening/hardening is significant, it may interfere with blood flow. |
| Heart |
The muscle that pumps blood received from veins into arteries throughout the body. It is positioned in the chest behind the sternum (breastbone; in front of the trachea, esophagus, and aorta; and above the diaphragm muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities. The normal heart is about the size of a closed fist, and weighs about 10.5 ounces. It is cone-shaped, with the point of the cone pointing down to the left. Two-thirds of the heart lies in the left side of the chest with the balance in the right chest. |
| Hematoma |
A blister-like collection of blood under the skin. |
| Hematospermia |
A disorder in which blood is found in the ejaculate. |
| High blood pressure |
Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is, by definition, a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above 140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. |
| High-density lipoprotein |
(HDL). Often called the ""good"" cholesterol. History An oral or written interview that consists of questions about your medical, social, and sexual background. |
| Histamine H2 receptor antagonists |
Medications used to treat stomach ulcers that work by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach (e.g. Nexium, Prevacid). |
| Hormone |
A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs. |
| Hypercholesterolemia |
Excess of cholesterol in the blood. |
| Hyperprolactinemia |
A condition of excess prolactin production. This may be related to a tumor of the pituitary gland but also may be caused by certain medications. |
| Hypogonadism |
A condition in which decreased production of gonadal hormones leads to below-normal function of the gonads and to retardation of sexual growth and development. (The gonads are the ovaries and testes and the hormones they normally produce include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.) |
| Hypotension |
Low blood pressure. |
| Hypothyroid |
Deficiency of thyroid hormone which is normally made by the thyroid gland which is located in the front of the neck. |