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General Illness Information Common Name: Hyperlipidemia, Hypercholesterolemia Medical Term: Hyperlipidemia Description: Abnormally high levels of fat in the blood. Serum cholesterol higher than 200 mg/dL (5.18 mmol/L).  High risk: Serum cholesterol higher than 240 mg/dL (6.22 mmol/L) High density lipoprotein fraction of cholesterol (HDL) is protective [“Good Cholesterol”] Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is atherogenic [“bad cholesterol”] This is a serious and “silent” problem in North America. 120 million people with…

General Illness Information Common Name: Morning Sickness (Severe) Medical Term: Hyperemesis gravidarum Description: Persistent severe nausea and vomiting in a pregnancy; This may lead to dehydration and drastic changes in body chemistry; This is different from, and much more serious than, morning sickness during pregnancy. Causes: Unknown. May be psychological factors; Hyperthyroidism; Hyperparathyroidism; Gestational hormones; Liver dysfunction; Autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Prevention: Don’t use any drugs, including non-prescription drugs or…

General Illness Information Common Name: Hyperhidrosis Medical Term: Hyperhidrosis Description: Excessive perspiration due to over activity of the sweat glands. May be general or confined to the palms, soles, armpits, below the breasts or groin. Often causes social embarrassment. Causes: Genetic factors; Anxiety; Fever and infection; Malignancy; Hyperthyroidism; Menopause; Some drugs and medicines, such as narcotics; Withdrawal from addictive drugs; Unknown in some cases. Prevention: Control anxiety; Keep cool. Signs…

General Illness Information Common Name: Hyperlipidemia, Hypercholesterolemia Medical Term: Hyperlipidemia Description: Abnormally high levels of fat in the blood. Serum cholesterol higher than 200 mg/dL (5.18 mmol/L).  High risk: Serum cholesterol higher than 240 mg/dL (6.22 mmol/L). High density lipoprotein fraction of cholesterol (HDL) is protective [“Good Cholesterol”]. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is atherogenic [“bad cholesterol”]. This is a serious and “silent” problem in North America. 120 million people with…

General Illness Information Common Name: High Blood Pressure Medical Term: Hypertension. Description: Hypertension is defined as a sustained elevated blood pressure (systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or greater and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or greater). 50 million  people in the US have hypertension; 20% of the U.S. population. It is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Even though most patients have no symptoms, treatment…

General Illness Information Common Name: HIV, AIDS Medical Term: HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Description: A chronic infection with a variable course (about 10 years from the time of infection for 50% of persons to develop AIDS). HIV infects cells with CD4 receptors, most notably the CD4 lymphocytes (also called T4 or T helper cells). Infection causes cell death and a decline in immune function resulting in opportunistic infections, malignancies,…

General Illness Information Common Name: Hives Medical Term: Urticaria Description: Disorder characterized by a skin rash with raised areas with redness and itching. Commonly allergic but may also occur on a non-allergic basis. Causes: Allergic or non-allergic; massive histamine release from mast cells in skin; Drug reaction especially Aspirin, Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs; Food or food additive allergy; Allergy to peanuts and/or tree nuts a leading cause of severe (sometimes…

General Illness Information Common Name: Liver Cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) Medical Term: None Specified Description: A malignant tumor arising from liver cells. Although much less common than metastatic liver cancer in most areas of the world, hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common internal malignancy and an important cause of death in certain areas of Africa and Southeast Asia. This is mainly because of the high incidence of Hepatitis B in these…

General Illness Information Common Name: Herpes, Genital Medical Term: Genital Herpes Description: An infection of the genital or anal area caused by the Herpes simplex virus type 2, and occasionally type 1 Herpes simplex virus; It can involve the penis, vagina, cervix, thighs and buttocks  and can affect both sexes, and all ages; In women, genital herpes may increase the risk of cervical cancer; Genital herpes is transmitted by sexual…

General Illness Information Medical Term: HERPES SIMPLEX Common Name: Cold Sores, Fever Blister Description: A common, contagious virus (herpes simplex or HSV-1) infection. Usually involves the lips; gums and mouth area; cornea (rare); occasionally genitals. Primary oral herpes infection (primary herpes gingivostomatitis) is an initial infection by the herpes simplex virus which causes very painful sores on the gums and in the other parts of the mouth. Secondary herpes (recurrent…