Dictionary

fallopian tubes: The two tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus.

 

fibrillation: Abnormally rapid heart muscle contractions that interfere with heart rate rhythms.

 

fight or flight: A primitive survival instinct in response to a threat. During fight or flight, the body undergoes a number of physiological changes, including increased adrenaline, in expectation of fighting or running for the sake of survival. A valid response when confronted with a dangerous situation, the fight or flight reflex is also triggered by less tangible threats, such as the loss of a promotion or missing a flight.

 

fluid retention: Medically known as edema, fluid retention causes swelling due to excessive liquid.

 

flushing: A common side effect of using selective enzyme inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil) that is evidenced by a warm feeling across the neck and face accompanied by redness to the skin.

 

gastric stasis: A condition that slows or stops the gastric system during a migraine headache. Can sometimes trigger nausea and vomiting.

 

ginko biloba: A natural supplement that may help treat Alzheimer's patients.

 

glaucoma: Increased fluid pressure within the eyeball, resulting in optic disk damage and vision loss.

 

gonad: A reproductive gland that produces eggs or sperm. The ovaries and the testes are gonads.

 

grade: The speed at which non-Hodgkin's lymphoma develops: low grade, intermediate grade and high grade. Aggressive grade and indolent grade are also commonly used.

 

group therapy: A type of psychotherapy that one or more therapists guiding the interaction of many patients with the same condition.

 

gynecologist: A specialist in the care and treatment of the female reproductive system.

 

habituation: Non-associative learning in which there is a progressive diminution of behavioral response probability with repetition of a stimulus. This is why it is impossible for a person to tell that they have bad breath.

 

hairy cell leukemia: A form of chronic leukemia in which a type of malignant white blood cell can be seen under a microscope in bone marrow and spleen. So named because such cells appear to be covered with tiny, hair-like projections.

 

hay fever: Seasonal allergies caused by increased levels of pollen in the air.

 

headache termination: The window of time when pain and other migraine symptoms fade, usually over several hours. Often accompanied by vomiting and nausea.

 

headache-free-type migraine: When an aura occurs without an actual headache. Only affects patients who have a history of migraine headaches.

 

heart attack: Insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle results in the death of heart muscle tissue, or a heart attack. Heart attacks are most often triggered by a blockage in one of the coronary arteries.

 

heart block: A condition that occurs when the electric impulses from the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) are not received by the lower chambers (the ventricles). The signals may be blocked entirely or their arrival is delayed.

 

heart failure: Describes any condition where the heart is unable to pump sufficient oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

 

heart rate: The number of times the heart beats in a minute.

 

hematopoiesis: The process that forms red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Abnormalities that occur during hematopoiesis are the cause of leukemia.

 

HEPA filter: A high efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter that is one of the most efficient filters at removing airborne particles.

 

heparin: A blood-thinning, or anticoagulant, medication.

 

hippocampus: A portion of the brain located in the forebrain that plays an important role in emotion and memory.

 

hirudin: A blood-thinning, or anticoagulant, medication.

 

hives: A raised, red skin rash.

 

Hodgkin's lymphoma: A cancer of the lymph tissue that is in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and bone marrow.

 

Holter monitor: A portable device that measures the heart's electric activities over the course of a day.

 

homocysteine: An amino acid. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been linked to Alzheimer's disease.

 

hormone: A body substance produced by cells that stimulates or inhibits specific cellular activities.

 

hot flashes: A common side effect of menopause, hot flashes are caused by decreasing levels of estrogen. A hot flash is a sudden wave of mild to intense heat that occurs in conjunction with the dilation and constriction of blood vessels.

 

hyperlipidemia: High levels of lipids in the blood. Lipids are a type of fat.

 

hypermenorhea: Abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.

 

hypertension: High blood pressure.

 

hyperventilation: Breathing too fast, resulting in lightheadedness, shortness of breath and dizziness. Hyperventilation is a common stress response.

 

hypoallergenic cat: A cat that is contains less fur than normal cats, which some believe promotes less indoor allergies.

 

hypoallergenic dog: A type of dog that some believe is less likely to cause allergic reactions within its owner.

 

hypoallergenic pets: Types of household animals that contain less traces of pet dander than others.

 

hypogonadism: A condition in which male hormones are deficient and often caused by testicular abnormalities that can lead to such symptoms as loss of sex drive and the desire to achieve intercourse.

 

hypomania: A mild form of mania characterized by elevated mood, talkativeness, increased sociality and hypersexuality. Some experience irritability and poor judgment during hypomania states.

 

hypothalamus: A portion of the brain that produces the stress hormone ACTH.

 

hysterectomy: The surgical removal of the uterus. Sometimes includes the removal of the ovaries.

 

immune system: The body's system of defenses against disease including cancer, comprised of certain white blood cells and antibodies.

 

impotence: Another term for erectile dysfunction that is less commonly used but that is sometimes listed in conjunction with other underlying disorders and causes.

 

incontinence: Loss of control over fecal or urinary bowel movements.

 

inflammation: Swelling occurring in the bronchial tubes during an asthma attack and restricting airflow to cause asthma symptoms.

 

injection therapy: The application of drugs by needle into the shaft of the penis to achieve an erection by relaxing and opening blood vessels.

 

insomnia: Either the inability to fall asleep or the inability to maintain healthy sleep patterns.

 

intraurethral therapy: The introduction of drugs (suppositories) into the head of the penis at the opening to achieve erection. Can be used in conjunction with oral enzyme inhibitors or in the place of injections.

 

ischemia: Insufficient blood supply to any area of the body. Usually caused by artery blockages.