Communication is an extremely important element in the medical field, and understanding common medical terminology can be beneficial for doctors, nurses, patients and family members. No one expects individuals who don't work in the medical field to become an expert in all medical terminology. Not only is it important to recognize common terms, but it is also important to understand what they mean.
Blood Pressure
Developing high blood pressure can be a serious medical condition, and is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps by the amount of blood flow resistance in the arteries. When more blood is pumping through the heart, the arteries become narrower, and this raises blood pressure in the body. High blood pressure symptoms don't usually occur until it has reached an advanced and possible life-threatening level. The best way to control high blood pressure is to change lifestyle through exercise and diet. If this isn't enough, a doctor may prescribe medication to lower blood pressure.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, soft substance that is found in the fats of the bloodstream and located in all of the body's cells. While cholesterol is an important part of a health body, because of its capability to form hormones and cell membranes, a high level of cholesterol in the blood can lead to a heart attack. There are two sources of cholesterol, the liver, which produces about 1,000 milligrams a day and foods. Foods, such as eggs, meat, dairy products and shellfish contain cholesterol, while fruits, nuts, vegetables and grains do not.
Privacy
Medical privacy is highly sensitive information, and deserves strong protection under the law. Medical records are created anytime a patient receives treatment from a health care professional, and it includes details on lifestyle, pre-existing conditions and family medical history. Informed consent is the practice of allowing a patient to have a say in their health care decisions. Before an intensive medical procedure can be performed, a patient must be informed of the nature of the procedure and any possible alternatives, risks and benefits. The Office for Civil Right enforces a HIPPA Privacy Law, which is designed to protect individual health and privacy information. Patient confidentiality protects a patient and ensures that their medical professional does not disclose any of their medical information with any other parties.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are performed with a blood sample that is extracted from a vein using a fingerprick or needle and analyzed in laboratory. Medical professionals use blood tests for a variety of purposes, including discovering biochemical states, physiological states, drug use, prescription drug effectiveness, mineral content, organ function and diseases. A basic blood test does this by measuring the amount of glucose, magnesium, chloride, potassium, sodium, bicarbonate and blood urea nitrogen in the body.
Procedures
Medical procedures are designed for diagnostic purposes and to improve the health of patients by making them feel better and curing various ailments. A mammogram is an x-ray exam that is used to evaluate changes in the breast of women of have no complaints or symptoms, such as a lump or nipple discharge. Prostate exam is when a medical professional inserts a finger or electronic device inside the rectum to examine the prostate gland for any abnormalities. Blood sugar tests are responsible for measuring the amount of sugar in the body with a machine called a blood glucose meter, and is used for individuals diagnosed with diabetes. A pap smear test is when cells are taken and examined from a woman's cervix, and used to monitor any changes in the cells that may lead to cervical cancer. Appendectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the appendix, which is a small tube connected to the large intestine. Cesarean section is the surgical delivery of a baby through an incision through the mother's uterus and abdomen. A hysterectomy is when woman's uterus is surgically removed through an abdominal incision or vaginally.
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