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| This glossary contains: 19186 medical terms |
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Bloody nose
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Bloody nose"The nose is a part of the body that is very rich in blood vessels (vascular) and is situated in a vulnerable position on the face. As a result, any trauma to the face can cause bleeding which may be profuse. Nosebleeds can occur spontaneously when the nasal membranes dry out, crust, and crack, as is common in dry climates, or during the winter months when the air is dry and warm from household heaters. People are more susceptible if they are taking medications which prevent normal blood clotting (Coumadin, warfarin, aspirin, or any anti-inflammatory medication). Other predisposing factors include infection, trauma, allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, hypertension, alcohol abuse, and inherited bleeding problems. To stop a nosebleed, you should: 1. Pinch all the soft parts of the nose together between your thumb and index finger. 2. Press firmly toward the face - compressing the pinched parts of the nose against the bones of the face. 3. Hold the nose for at least 5 minutes (timed by the clock). Repeat as necessary until the nose has stopped bleeding. 4. Sit quietly, keeping the head higher than the level of the heart; that is, sit up or lie with the head elevated. Do not lay flat or put your head between your legs. 5. Apply ice (crushed in a plastic bag or washcloth) to nose and cheeks. "
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Trauma
Injury caused by external force, chemical, temperature extremes, or poor tooth alignment.
Membranes
Also know as the bag of waters, this thin sac contains the amniotic fluid and the fetus. The membranes will either rupture spontaneously during labor or be ruptured to speed up labor.
Clotting
The sealing of a blood vessel with coagulated blood.
Warfarin
Warfarin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clots from forming. It is used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation and artificial heart valves.
Aspirin
Acetylsalicylic acid. Developed by Bayer. Long used to treat pain, fevers, and inflammation, aspirin is also known to prevent platelets from clumping in the process of blood clot formation. As a result, studies have shown that small, regular doses of aspirin may help prevent heart attacks in: 1) people who have ischemic heart disease, 2) people who are recovering from coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and 3) people who have no symptoms but are at high risk. Aspirin is also used to prevent strokes and TIAs is people who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.
Infection
Anything that invades the body and reproduces. Infections can be bacteria, protozoa, fungi, or viruses. Bacteria and fungi are one celled creatures that cause many infections including strep throat, bladder infections, and some lung infections. Fungi cause “athlete’s foot” and thrush, an infection in the mouth. Protozoa are small organisms with many cells that can cause infections in the guts or in the lungs. Most healthy people do not get protozoal infections, but people with suppressed immune systems can. Viruses are not really organisms; they are tiny particles that can live only inside another cell. They reproduce by taking over a cell and causing that cell to make more virus particles, rather than doing what the cell is supposed to do. Viruses cause most colds and flu cases.
Rhinitis
An inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose, often due to allergy to pollen, dust or other airborne substances, which causes sneezing, itching, a runny nose and nasal congestion.
Hypertension
Higher blood pressure than normal. Diastolic blood pressure from 90 to 99 mm HG is considered mild hypertension; 100–109, moderate hypertension; and 110 or greater, severe hypertension. Systolic blood pressure from 140 to 159 mm HG is considered mild hypertension; 160–179, moderate hypertension; and 180 or greater, severe hypertension.
Alcohol
An organic chemical in which one or more hydroxyl (OH) groups are attached to carbon (C) atoms in place of hydrogen (H) atoms. Common alcohols include ethyl alcohol or ethanol (found in alcoholic beverages), methyl alcohol or methanol (can cause blindness) and propyl alcohol or propanol (used as a solvent and antiseptic). Rubbing alcohol is a mixture of acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, and ethyl alcohol. In everyday talk, alcohol usually refers to ethanol as, for example, in wine, beer, and liquor. It can cause changes in behavior and be addictive.
Heart
The hollow, muscular organ responsible for pumping blood through the circulatory system.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Blood agar
A mixture of blood and nutrient agar, used for the cultivation of many medically important microorganisms.
Blood bank
A place where blood is collected from donors, typed, separated into components, stored, and prepared for transfusion to recipients. A blood bank may be a separate free-standing facility or part of a larger laboratory in a hospital.
Blood blister
A blister full of blood due to a pinch, bruise or repeated friction.
Blood brain barrier
A protective barrier formed by the blood vessels and glia of the brain. It prevents some substances in the blood from entering brain tissue.
Blood cleaner
"A process designed to eliminate most pathogens -- viruses, bacteria and fungi -- from donated blood. The process is termed ""pathogen inactivation."" It depends upon the fact that three components of blood that are given in transfusions -- red blood cells to carry oxygen, platelets to help blood clot and plasma for clotting and other purposes -- do not contain DNA or RNA, the basic genetic materials of life, whereas viruses, bacteria and fungi do. Therefore inactivating DNA or RNA can selectively kill these pathogens while leaving the blood itself unharmed. "
Blood clot
A gelled mass of blood tissue.
Blood Clot (thrombus)
A clot forms when clotting factors in the blood cause it to coagulate or become a solid, jelly-like mass. When a blood clot forms inside a blood vessel (a thrombus), it can dislodge and travel through the blood stream, causing a heart attack or stroke.
Blood clots, estrogen-associated
Blood clots are occasional but serious side effects of estrogen therapy. They are dose-related, that is, they occur more frequently with higher doses of estrogen.
Blood count
The calculated number of white or red blood cells (WBCs or RBCs) in a cubic millimeter of blood.
Blood culture
A test designed to detect if microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi are present in blood. A sample of blood obtained using sterile technique is placed in a culture media and incubated in a controlled environment for 1 to 7 days. If microorganisms grow, they can be identified as to type and tested against different antibiotics for proper treatment of the infection. Because microorganisms may only be intermittently present in blood, a series of 3 blood cultures is usually done before the result is considered negative.
Blood draw
Removal of blood, usually by venipuncture (phlebotomy, venous blood sampling). Blood draw is a popular term that is coming into common usage both as an adjective and noun. Stanford University Medical Center has a number of blood draw sites. This morning I had a blood draw.
Blood dyscrasia
Blood disease.
Blood Glucose
The primary source of energy for the brain. Elevated blood glucose levels cause diabetes and accelerate aging.
Blood glucose
The main sugar that the body makes from the food in the diet. Glucose is carried through the bloodstream to provide energy to all cells in the body. Cells cannot use glucose without the help of insulin.
Blood Glucose Meter / Blood Glucose Monitoring
A way of testing how much glucose (sugar) is in the blood. A drop of blood, usually taken from the fingertip, is placed on he end of a specially coated strip, called a testing strip. The strip has a chemical on it that makes it change color according to how much glucose is in the blood. A person can tell if the level of glucose is low, high, or normal in one of two ways. The first is by comparing the color on the end of the strip to a color chart that is printed on the side of the test strip container. The second is by inserting the strip into a small machine, called a meter, which "reads" the strip and shows the level of blood glucose in a digital window display. Some meters have a memory that can store results from multiple tests. good testing is more accurate than urine testing in monitoring blood glucose levels because it shows what the current level of glucose is, rather than what the level was an hour or so previously.
Blood group
An inherited feature on the surface of the red blood cells. A series of related blood types constitute a blood group system such as the Rh or the ABO system.
Blood group, ABO
The major human blood group system. The ABO type of a person depends upon the presence or absence of two genes, A and B. These genes determine the configuration of the red blood cell surface.
Blood in semen
Blood in semen (ejaculate) is also called hematospermia. Blood in semen can be caused by many conditions affecting the tubes that distribute semen from the testicles (seminal vesicles) or the prostate gland. The most common cause of blood in semen is inflammation of the seminal vesicles or prostate gland. Blood in the semen can temporarily be caused by injury to the prostate gland, such as from prostate biopsy.
Blood in the eye
Medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage. A very common cause of a painless bloody eye usually first noticed by somebody else or by the person with it when they look in the mirror. The bleeding results from a break in a small blood vessel in the sclera, the white of the eye. This releases a tiny amount (less than a drop) of blood which is trapped underneath the conjunctiva, much like the blood in a bruise is trapped in the skin. It is called a subconjunctival hemorrhage since it occurs beneath the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the sclera.
Blood in the urine
Blood in the urine is termed hematuria. Gross hematuria refers to blood that is so plentiful in the urine that the blood is visible grossly, with just the naked eye.
Blood in urine
Blood in urine refers to the situation when the appendix is impinging on the ureter.
Blood pH
The acidity or alkalinity of blood. The pH of any fluid is the measure of the hydrogen ion (H-) concentration. A pH of 7 is neutral. The lower the pH, the more acidic the blood. A variety of factors affect blood pH including what is ingested, vomiting, diarrhea, lung function, endocrine function, kidney function, and urinary tract infection. The normal blood pH is tightly regulated between 7.35 and 7.45.
Blood poisoning
Infection within the circulatory system. A potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment.
Blood pressure
The force or pressure exerted by the heart when pumping blood; also, the pressure of blood in the arteries.
Blood Pressure
The force of the blood on the walls of arteries. Two levels of blood pressure are measured-the higher, or systolic, pressure, which occurs each time the heart pushes blood into the vessels, and the lower, or diastolic, pressure, which occurs when the heart rests. In a blood pressure reading of 120/80, for example, 120 is the systolic pressure and 80 is the diastolic pressure. A reading of 120/80 is said to be the normal range. Blood pressure that is too high can cause health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
Blood pressure cuff
A device usually placed around the upper of the arm to measure blood pressure.
Blood pressure, high
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.
Blood pressure, low
Any blood pressure that is below the normal expected for an individual in a given environment. Low blood pressure is also referred to as hypotension.
Blood sugar
Blood glucose.
Blood sugar, high
An elevated level of the sugar glucose in the blood. Also called hyperglycemia.
Blood sugar, low
The sugar here is glucose. Low blood glucose constitutes hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is only significant when it is associated with symptoms. It has many causes including drugs, liver disease, surgical absence of the stomach, pre-diabetes, and rare tumors that release excess insulin.
Blood Thinners (anticoagulants)
Medicine used to prevent clots from forming or getting larger. Heparin is generally given through the vein and Coumadin (warfarin) by mouth.
Blood transfusion
The transfer of blood or blood components from one person (the donor) into the bloodstream of another person (the recipient). This may be done as a lifesaving maneuver to replace blood cells or blood products lost through bleeding. Transfusion of your own blood (autologous) is the safest method but requires advance planning and not all patients are eligible. Directed donor blood allows the patient to receive blood from known donors. Volunteer donor blood is usually most readily available and, when properly tested has a low incidence of adverse events. Blood conserving techniques are an important aspect of limiting transfusion requirements.
Blood Typing
A test that can help establish compatibility between two different types of blood. Blood types include A, B, AB or O.
Blood urea nitrogen
Abbreviated BUN. A measure primarily of the urea level in blood. Urea is cleared by the kidney. Diseases that compromise the function of the kidney frequently lead to an increased BUN.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
A waste product of the kidneys. Increased levels of BUN in the blood may indicate early kidney damage.
Blood Vessels
Tubes that act like a system of roads or canals to carry blood to and from all parts of the body. The three main types of blood vessels are arteries, veins, and capillaries. The heart pumps blood through these vessels so that the blood can carry with it oxygen and nutrients that the cells need or take away waste that the cells do not need.
Blood, urinary
Medically called hematuria, blood in the urine can be microscopic or gross. Evaluating hematuria requires consideration of the entire urinary tract. Tests used for the diagnosis of hematuria include the intravenous pyelogram (IVP), cystoscopy, and urine cytology. Management of hematuria depends upon the underlying cause.
Blood-brain barrier
The protective membrane that separates circulating blood from brain cells.
Blood-Sampling Devices
A small instrument for pricking the skin with a fine needle to obtain a sample of blood to test for glucose (sugar).
Blood-thinner
A common name for an anticoagulant agent used to prevent the formation of blood clots. Blood-thinners do not really thin the blood. They prevent it from clotting.
Bloody show
The discharge - often mucus tinged with blood - that appears as labor approaches. Sometimes refers to light bleeding, other times is used to mean the mucus plug that dislodges when the cervix begins to efface and/or dilate.
Bloody sputum
Spitting up blood or bloody mucus. Bloody sputum can come from common forms of infection in the lungs and airways, such as acute bronchitis or pneumonia. Whenever bloody sputum is present and cannot be attributed to one of these curable conditions, a complete lung evaluation is warranted, including bronchoscopy. Bloody sputum is also referred to as hemoptysis.
Bloomington Hospita
Bloomington Hospita is a hospital in Bloomington, Indiana (USA).
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Blood sugar, low
The sugar here is glucose. Low blood glucose constitutes hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is only significant when it is associated with symptoms. It has many causes including drugs, liver disease, surgical absence of the stomach, pre-diabetes, and rare tumors that release excess insulin.
Blood transfusion
The transfer of blood or blood components from one person (the donor) into the bloodstream of another person (the recipient). This may be done as a lifesaving maneuver to replace blood cells or blood products lost through bleeding. Transfusion of your own blood (autologous) is the safest method but requires advance planning and not all patients are eligible. Directed donor blood allows the patient to receive blood from known donors. Volunteer donor blood is usually most readily available and, when properly tested has a low incidence of adverse events. Blood conserving techniques are an important aspect of limiting transfusion requirements.
Blood urea nitrogen
Abbreviated BUN. A measure primarily of the urea level in blood. Urea is cleared by the kidney. Diseases that compromise the function of the kidney frequently lead to an increased BUN.
Blood, urinary
Medically called hematuria, blood in the urine can be microscopic or gross. Evaluating hematuria requires consideration of the entire urinary tract. Tests used for the diagnosis of hematuria include the intravenous pyelogram (IVP), cystoscopy, and urine cytology. Management of hematuria depends upon the underlying cause.
Blood-thinner
A common name for an anticoagulant agent used to prevent the formation of blood clots. Blood-thinners do not really thin the blood. They prevent it from clotting.
Bloody nose
Bloody sputum
Spitting up blood or bloody mucus. Bloody sputum can come from common forms of infection in the lungs and airways, such as acute bronchitis or pneumonia. Whenever bloody sputum is present and cannot be attributed to one of these curable conditions, a complete lung evaluation is warranted, including bronchoscopy. Bloody sputum is also referred to as hemoptysis.
Blot, Northern
A technique in molecular biology, used mainly to separate and identify pieces of RNA.
Blot, Southern
A test commonly used in molecular biology and genetics, the purpose of the test being to check for a match between DNA molecules.
Blot, Western
A technique in molecular biology, used to separate and identify proteins.
Blue baby operation
A surgical procedure for a baby who is cyanotic (blue) due to a heart malformation that prevents blood from being fully oxygenated. The bluish color reflects the deoxygenated state of the blood. The surgery is designed to palliate or ideally correct the heart defect and relieve the cyanosis.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Trauma
Injury caused by external force, chemical, temperature extremes, or poor tooth alignment.
Membranes
Also know as the bag of waters, this thin sac contains the amniotic fluid and the fetus. The membranes will either rupture spontaneously during labor or be ruptured to speed up labor.
Clotting
The sealing of a blood vessel with coagulated blood.
Warfarin
Warfarin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clots from forming. It is used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation and artificial heart valves.
Aspirin
Acetylsalicylic acid. Developed by Bayer. Long used to treat pain, fevers, and inflammation, aspirin is also known to prevent platelets from clumping in the process of blood clot formation. As a result, studies have shown that small, regular doses of aspirin may help prevent heart attacks in: 1) people who have ischemic heart disease, 2) people who are recovering from coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and 3) people who have no symptoms but are at high risk. Aspirin is also used to prevent strokes and TIAs is people who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.
Infection
Anything that invades the body and reproduces. Infections can be bacteria, protozoa, fungi, or viruses. Bacteria and fungi are one celled creatures that cause many infections including strep throat, bladder infections, and some lung infections. Fungi cause “athlete’s foot” and thrush, an infection in the mouth. Protozoa are small organisms with many cells that can cause infections in the guts or in the lungs. Most healthy people do not get protozoal infections, but people with suppressed immune systems can. Viruses are not really organisms; they are tiny particles that can live only inside another cell. They reproduce by taking over a cell and causing that cell to make more virus particles, rather than doing what the cell is supposed to do. Viruses cause most colds and flu cases.
Rhinitis
An inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose, often due to allergy to pollen, dust or other airborne substances, which causes sneezing, itching, a runny nose and nasal congestion.
Hypertension
Higher blood pressure than normal. Diastolic blood pressure from 90 to 99 mm HG is considered mild hypertension; 100–109, moderate hypertension; and 110 or greater, severe hypertension. Systolic blood pressure from 140 to 159 mm HG is considered mild hypertension; 160–179, moderate hypertension; and 180 or greater, severe hypertension.
Alcohol
An organic chemical in which one or more hydroxyl (OH) groups are attached to carbon (C) atoms in place of hydrogen (H) atoms. Common alcohols include ethyl alcohol or ethanol (found in alcoholic beverages), methyl alcohol or methanol (can cause blindness) and propyl alcohol or propanol (used as a solvent and antiseptic). Rubbing alcohol is a mixture of acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, and ethyl alcohol. In everyday talk, alcohol usually refers to ethanol as, for example, in wine, beer, and liquor. It can cause changes in behavior and be addictive.
Heart
The hollow, muscular organ responsible for pumping blood through the circulatory system.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Blood agar
A mixture of blood and nutrient agar, used for the cultivation of many medically important microorganisms.
Blood bank
A place where blood is collected from donors, typed, separated into components, stored, and prepared for transfusion to recipients. A blood bank may be a separate free-standing facility or part of a larger laboratory in a hospital.
Blood blister
A blister full of blood due to a pinch, bruise or repeated friction.
Blood brain barrier
A protective barrier formed by the blood vessels and glia of the brain. It prevents some substances in the blood from entering brain tissue.
Blood cleaner
"A process designed to eliminate most pathogens -- viruses, bacteria and fungi -- from donated blood. The process is termed ""pathogen inactivation."" It depends upon the fact that three components of blood that are given in transfusions -- red blood cells to carry oxygen, platelets to help blood clot and plasma for clotting and other purposes -- do not contain DNA or RNA, the basic genetic materials of life, whereas viruses, bacteria and fungi do. Therefore inactivating DNA or RNA can selectively kill these pathogens while leaving the blood itself unharmed. "
Blood clot
A gelled mass of blood tissue.
Blood Clot (thrombus)
A clot forms when clotting factors in the blood cause it to coagulate or become a solid, jelly-like mass. When a blood clot forms inside a blood vessel (a thrombus), it can dislodge and travel through the blood stream, causing a heart attack or stroke.
Blood clots, estrogen-associated
Blood clots are occasional but serious side effects of estrogen therapy. They are dose-related, that is, they occur more frequently with higher doses of estrogen.
Blood count
The calculated number of white or red blood cells (WBCs or RBCs) in a cubic millimeter of blood.
Blood culture
A test designed to detect if microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi are present in blood. A sample of blood obtained using sterile technique is placed in a culture media and incubated in a controlled environment for 1 to 7 days. If microorganisms grow, they can be identified as to type and tested against different antibiotics for proper treatment of the infection. Because microorganisms may only be intermittently present in blood, a series of 3 blood cultures is usually done before the result is considered negative.
Blood draw
Removal of blood, usually by venipuncture (phlebotomy, venous blood sampling). Blood draw is a popular term that is coming into common usage both as an adjective and noun. Stanford University Medical Center has a number of blood draw sites. This morning I had a blood draw.
Blood dyscrasia
Blood disease.
Blood Glucose
The primary source of energy for the brain. Elevated blood glucose levels cause diabetes and accelerate aging.
Blood glucose
The main sugar that the body makes from the food in the diet. Glucose is carried through the bloodstream to provide energy to all cells in the body. Cells cannot use glucose without the help of insulin.
Blood Glucose Meter / Blood Glucose Monitoring
A way of testing how much glucose (sugar) is in the blood. A drop of blood, usually taken from the fingertip, is placed on he end of a specially coated strip, called a testing strip. The strip has a chemical on it that makes it change color according to how much glucose is in the blood. A person can tell if the level of glucose is low, high, or normal in one of two ways. The first is by comparing the color on the end of the strip to a color chart that is printed on the side of the test strip container. The second is by inserting the strip into a small machine, called a meter, which "reads" the strip and shows the level of blood glucose in a digital window display. Some meters have a memory that can store results from multiple tests. good testing is more accurate than urine testing in monitoring blood glucose levels because it shows what the current level of glucose is, rather than what the level was an hour or so previously.
Blood group
An inherited feature on the surface of the red blood cells. A series of related blood types constitute a blood group system such as the Rh or the ABO system.
Blood group, ABO
The major human blood group system. The ABO type of a person depends upon the presence or absence of two genes, A and B. These genes determine the configuration of the red blood cell surface.
Blood in semen
Blood in semen (ejaculate) is also called hematospermia. Blood in semen can be caused by many conditions affecting the tubes that distribute semen from the testicles (seminal vesicles) or the prostate gland. The most common cause of blood in semen is inflammation of the seminal vesicles or prostate gland. Blood in the semen can temporarily be caused by injury to the prostate gland, such as from prostate biopsy.
Blood in the eye
Medically known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage. A very common cause of a painless bloody eye usually first noticed by somebody else or by the person with it when they look in the mirror. The bleeding results from a break in a small blood vessel in the sclera, the white of the eye. This releases a tiny amount (less than a drop) of blood which is trapped underneath the conjunctiva, much like the blood in a bruise is trapped in the skin. It is called a subconjunctival hemorrhage since it occurs beneath the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the sclera.
Blood in the urine
Blood in the urine is termed hematuria. Gross hematuria refers to blood that is so plentiful in the urine that the blood is visible grossly, with just the naked eye.
Blood in urine
Blood in urine refers to the situation when the appendix is impinging on the ureter.
Blood pH
The acidity or alkalinity of blood. The pH of any fluid is the measure of the hydrogen ion (H-) concentration. A pH of 7 is neutral. The lower the pH, the more acidic the blood. A variety of factors affect blood pH including what is ingested, vomiting, diarrhea, lung function, endocrine function, kidney function, and urinary tract infection. The normal blood pH is tightly regulated between 7.35 and 7.45.
Blood poisoning
Infection within the circulatory system. A potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt treatment.
Blood pressure
The force or pressure exerted by the heart when pumping blood; also, the pressure of blood in the arteries.
Blood Pressure
The force of the blood on the walls of arteries. Two levels of blood pressure are measured-the higher, or systolic, pressure, which occurs each time the heart pushes blood into the vessels, and the lower, or diastolic, pressure, which occurs when the heart rests. In a blood pressure reading of 120/80, for example, 120 is the systolic pressure and 80 is the diastolic pressure. A reading of 120/80 is said to be the normal range. Blood pressure that is too high can cause health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
Blood pressure cuff
A device usually placed around the upper of the arm to measure blood pressure.
Blood pressure, high
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.
Blood pressure, low
Any blood pressure that is below the normal expected for an individual in a given environment. Low blood pressure is also referred to as hypotension.
Blood sugar
Blood glucose.
Blood sugar, high
An elevated level of the sugar glucose in the blood. Also called hyperglycemia.
Blood sugar, low
The sugar here is glucose. Low blood glucose constitutes hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is only significant when it is associated with symptoms. It has many causes including drugs, liver disease, surgical absence of the stomach, pre-diabetes, and rare tumors that release excess insulin.
Blood Thinners (anticoagulants)
Medicine used to prevent clots from forming or getting larger. Heparin is generally given through the vein and Coumadin (warfarin) by mouth.
Blood transfusion
The transfer of blood or blood components from one person (the donor) into the bloodstream of another person (the recipient). This may be done as a lifesaving maneuver to replace blood cells or blood products lost through bleeding. Transfusion of your own blood (autologous) is the safest method but requires advance planning and not all patients are eligible. Directed donor blood allows the patient to receive blood from known donors. Volunteer donor blood is usually most readily available and, when properly tested has a low incidence of adverse events. Blood conserving techniques are an important aspect of limiting transfusion requirements.
Blood Typing
A test that can help establish compatibility between two different types of blood. Blood types include A, B, AB or O.
Blood urea nitrogen
Abbreviated BUN. A measure primarily of the urea level in blood. Urea is cleared by the kidney. Diseases that compromise the function of the kidney frequently lead to an increased BUN.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
A waste product of the kidneys. Increased levels of BUN in the blood may indicate early kidney damage.
Blood Vessels
Tubes that act like a system of roads or canals to carry blood to and from all parts of the body. The three main types of blood vessels are arteries, veins, and capillaries. The heart pumps blood through these vessels so that the blood can carry with it oxygen and nutrients that the cells need or take away waste that the cells do not need.
Blood, urinary
Medically called hematuria, blood in the urine can be microscopic or gross. Evaluating hematuria requires consideration of the entire urinary tract. Tests used for the diagnosis of hematuria include the intravenous pyelogram (IVP), cystoscopy, and urine cytology. Management of hematuria depends upon the underlying cause.
Blood-brain barrier
The protective membrane that separates circulating blood from brain cells.
Blood-Sampling Devices
A small instrument for pricking the skin with a fine needle to obtain a sample of blood to test for glucose (sugar).
Blood-thinner
A common name for an anticoagulant agent used to prevent the formation of blood clots. Blood-thinners do not really thin the blood. They prevent it from clotting.
Bloody show
The discharge - often mucus tinged with blood - that appears as labor approaches. Sometimes refers to light bleeding, other times is used to mean the mucus plug that dislodges when the cervix begins to efface and/or dilate.
Bloody sputum
Spitting up blood or bloody mucus. Bloody sputum can come from common forms of infection in the lungs and airways, such as acute bronchitis or pneumonia. Whenever bloody sputum is present and cannot be attributed to one of these curable conditions, a complete lung evaluation is warranted, including bronchoscopy. Bloody sputum is also referred to as hemoptysis.
Bloomington Hospita
Bloomington Hospita is a hospital in Bloomington, Indiana (USA).
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Blood sugar, low
The sugar here is glucose. Low blood glucose constitutes hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is only significant when it is associated with symptoms. It has many causes including drugs, liver disease, surgical absence of the stomach, pre-diabetes, and rare tumors that release excess insulin.
Blood transfusion
The transfer of blood or blood components from one person (the donor) into the bloodstream of another person (the recipient). This may be done as a lifesaving maneuver to replace blood cells or blood products lost through bleeding. Transfusion of your own blood (autologous) is the safest method but requires advance planning and not all patients are eligible. Directed donor blood allows the patient to receive blood from known donors. Volunteer donor blood is usually most readily available and, when properly tested has a low incidence of adverse events. Blood conserving techniques are an important aspect of limiting transfusion requirements.
Blood urea nitrogen
Abbreviated BUN. A measure primarily of the urea level in blood. Urea is cleared by the kidney. Diseases that compromise the function of the kidney frequently lead to an increased BUN.
Blood, urinary
Medically called hematuria, blood in the urine can be microscopic or gross. Evaluating hematuria requires consideration of the entire urinary tract. Tests used for the diagnosis of hematuria include the intravenous pyelogram (IVP), cystoscopy, and urine cytology. Management of hematuria depends upon the underlying cause.
Blood-thinner
A common name for an anticoagulant agent used to prevent the formation of blood clots. Blood-thinners do not really thin the blood. They prevent it from clotting.
Bloody nose
Bloody sputum
Spitting up blood or bloody mucus. Bloody sputum can come from common forms of infection in the lungs and airways, such as acute bronchitis or pneumonia. Whenever bloody sputum is present and cannot be attributed to one of these curable conditions, a complete lung evaluation is warranted, including bronchoscopy. Bloody sputum is also referred to as hemoptysis.
Blot, Northern
A technique in molecular biology, used mainly to separate and identify pieces of RNA.
Blot, Southern
A test commonly used in molecular biology and genetics, the purpose of the test being to check for a match between DNA molecules.
Blot, Western
A technique in molecular biology, used to separate and identify proteins.
Blue baby operation
A surgical procedure for a baby who is cyanotic (blue) due to a heart malformation that prevents blood from being fully oxygenated. The bluish color reflects the deoxygenated state of the blood. The surgery is designed to palliate or ideally correct the heart defect and relieve the cyanosis.
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