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Dilated cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy A disease of the myocardium (heart muscle) that causes the heart cavity to become stretched and enlarged, and the pumping capacity of the heart is reduced.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Disease
Illness or sickness often characterized by typical patient problems (symptoms) and physical findings (signs). Disruption sequence: The events that occur when a fetus that is developing normally is subjected to a destructive agent such as the rubella (German measles) virus.
Myocardium
The muscle wall of the heart.
Heart
The hollow, muscular organ responsible for pumping blood through the circulatory system.
Cavity
A hollow place or hole within the body.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Dilacor xr
Dilacor xr is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): diltiazem hydrochloride.
Dilantin
Dilantin is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): phenytoin.
Dilantin-125
Dilantin-125 is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): phenytoin.
Dilantin-30
Dilantin-30 is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): phenytoin.
Dilatation
The increase in size of a blood vessel.
Dilatation and curettage
A minor operation in which the cervix is expanded enough (dilatation) to permit the cervical canal and uterine lining to be scraped with a curet (or curette), an instrument shaped like a spoon. This procedure also is called D and C.
Dilate
To stretch or enlarge. It comes from the Latin verb "dilatare" meaning "to enlarge or expand."
Dilated Pupil Examination
A necessary part of an examination for diabetic eye disease. Special drops are used to enlarge the pupils, enabling the doctor to view the back of the eye for damage.
Dilating
The widening and opening of the cervix caused by uterine contractions.
Dilation
The opening of the cervix during labor.
Dilation and Curettage (D and C)
Surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated (widened) and the endometrium (lining of the uterus) is scraped away.
Dilation, pupil
This examination enables your eye care professional to see more of your retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of your eye. Dilating (widening) the pupil permits your eye to be examined for signs of disease. To do this, drops are placed into the eye to dilate (widen) the pupil. After the examination, your vision may (or may not) remain blurred for several hours.
Dilation, pupil (test)
This examination enables your eye care professional to see more of your retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of your eye. Dilating (widening) the pupil permits the retina to be examined for signs of disease. To do this, drops are placed into the eye to dilate (widen) the pupil. After the examination, your vision may (or may not) remain blurred and you may (or may not) be bothered by the brightness of the sun for several hours. The pupil, the opening of the iris, may appear to open (dilate) and close (constrict) but it is really the iris that is the prime mover; the pupil is merely the absence of iris. The pupil determines how much light is let into the eye.
Dilator
A device used to stretch or enlarge an opening. Patients with scarring of the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach (esophagus) can require a dilator procedure in order to open the esophagus for adequate passage of food and fluids.
Dilatrate-sr
Dilatrate-sr is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): isosorbide dinitrate.
Dilaudid
Dilaudid is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydromorphone hydrochloride.
Dilaudid-hp
Dilaudid-hp is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): hydromorphone hydrochloride.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Dentures
A denture or a complete denture as it is often called, is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips. Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated two different ways. A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed. An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture. An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth). A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue. The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain or a combination thereof. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over endodonticly treated teeth (See "Root Canals") and a complete denture can be attached to implants (See "Implants") to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance. Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dentist examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change. See also "Partial Dentures."
Decisional Incapacity
A condition in which a patient is unable to understand his or her choices or declare personal wishes about his or her care.
Diastolic Pressure
The pressure of the blood in the arteries when the heart is filling. It is the lower of two blood pressure measurements, e.g., 120/80, where 80 is the diastolic pressure.
Diastolic
The lower number in a blood pressure reading that indicates the pressure in the heart when the muscle is relaxed (the point of least pressure).
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Dilatation
The increase in size of a blood vessel.
DNR Order (Do Not Resuscitate Order)
An advanced directive that means no CPR is to be done when the heart and lungs stop.
Donor
A person who gives an organ, tissue or blood to another person. A compatible donor is a person who has the same tissue and blood types as the person who receives the organ, tissue or blood.
D-dimer
A fragment produced during the degradation of a clot. The D here stands for domain. Dimer indicates two identical units, in this case two identical domains. D-dimer result from complete breakdown of the clot. Monoclonal antibody to the D-dimer fragment provide the basis for the main methods of detecting it. The presence of D-dimers in the blood is a reliable clue that clotting has begun. Sometimes written d-dimer or D-Dimer. Pronounced deemer.
D-IBS
Diarrhea-predominant IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
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