Fibrillation, atrial

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Fibrillation, atrial

Fibrillation, atrial

An abnormal irregular heart rhythm whereby electrical signals are generated chaotically throughout the upper chambers (atria) of the heart. Although many persons with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms, the most common symptom is palpitations, an uncomfortable awareness of the rapid and irregular heartbeat. Atrial fibrillation can cause blood clots that travel from the heart to the brain, causing stroke. Treatment of atrial fibrillation involves controlling the risk factors, medications to slow the heart rate and/or convert the heart to normal rhythm, and preventing complications of blood clotting.

RELATED TERMS
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Abnormal
Not normal. Deviating from the usual structure, position, condition, or behavior. In referring to a growth, abnormal may mean that it is cancerous or premalignant (likely to become cancer).

Heart
The hollow, muscular organ responsible for pumping blood through the circulatory system.

Atrial
Pertaining to the atria, the upper chambers of the heart, as in atrial fibrillation and atrial septal defect.

Fibrillation
Rapid contractions of the heart muscles.

Symptom
A subjective manifestation of a pathological condition. Symptoms are reported by the affected individual rather than observed by the examiner.

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.

Brain
"That part of the central nervous system that is located within the cranium (skull). The brain functions as the primary receiver, organizer and distributor of information for the body. It has two (right and left) halves called ""hemispheres."" "

Stroke
A stroke, or a Cerebrovascular Accident, occurs when blood vessels that deliver oxygen to the brain, either rupture or become clogged, causing brain/nerve cells to die. Results are usually devastating as nerve/brain cells are not replaced. Usually characterized by a slurring of words, weakness on one side of the body, and a drooping facial expression on one side of the face.

Risk
In clinical trials, the probability of harm or discomfort for subjects, arising from the test product. Acceptable risk differs depending on the condition for which a product is being tested. A product for sore throat, for example, will be expected to have a low incidence of side effects. However, unpleasant side effects may be an acceptable risk when testing a promising treatment for a life-threatening illness.

Clotting
The sealing of a blood vessel with coagulated blood.

SIMILAR TERMS
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Fibrates for lowering cholesterol
Fibrates are cholesterol-lowering drugs that are primarily effective in lowering triglycerides and, to a lesser extent, in increasing HDL-cholesterol levels.

Fibril
The diminutive of fiber. A small fiber, a fine thread.

Fibrillation
Rapid contractions of the heart muscles.

Fibrillation, auricular
Essentially the same as atrial fibrillation.

Fibrillation, ventricular
An abnormal irregular heart rhythm whereby there are very rapid uncoordinated fluttering contractions of the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. Ventricular fibrillation disrupts the synchrony between the heartbeat and the pulse beat. Ventricular fibrillation is commonly associated with heart attacks or scarring of the heart muscle from previous heart attack. Ventricular fibrillation is life threatening.

Fibrin
A filamentous protein formed from the precursor fibrinogen by the enzyme thrombin.

Fibrinogen
The protein from which is generated fibrin, the essence of a normal blood clot.

Fibroadenoma
Noncancerous, firm, rubbery lump in the breast that is painless and moves around easily when touched.

Fibroblast
A connective tissue cell.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2
A mutation (change) in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene on chromosome 10 causes the best-known type of acrocephalosyndactyly, namely Apert syndrome which is characterized by abnormalities of the skull and face and the hands and feet. There is premature closure of some of the sutures of the skull (craniosynostosis) resulting in an abnormally shaped head (which is unusually tall but short from front-to-back) and an abnormally shaped face with shallow eye sockets and underdevelopment of the midface. There is fusion of fingers and toes (syndactyly) and broad ends of the thumbs and big toes. Surgery is often useful with the skull, face, hands and feet. Different mutations in FGFR2 are responsible for two other genetic diseases, namely, Pfeiffer syndrome (another type of acrocephalosyndactyly) and Crouzon syndrome (purely a craniofacial disorder with no hand or foot problems). All are inherited as dominant traits.

Fibrocystic breasts
Noncancerous condition in which small lumps and cysts develop in the breasts.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP)
A rare but dramatic genetic disorder that turns muscles, tendons and ligaments into bone, threatening to transform the victim into "a statue of stone." FOP is characterized by physical handicap due to bone forming in the wrong places and malformed big toes which often contain only one bone. Other features of FOP can include short thumbs, fifth finger clinodactyly (pinkie curved toward the thumb), malformed cervical (neck) vertebrae, short broad neck of the femur (thighbone), deafness, scalp baldness, and mild mental retardation.

Fibroid
A noncancerous tumor of the uterus composed of muscle fibers. Also called uterine myoma.

Fibroids
Noncancerous growths in, on, or within the walls of the uterus that develop from muscle cells in the wall of the uterus.

Fibroma
A mass composed of fibrous tissue or connective tissue. Also called a fibroid tumor or fibroid.

Fibroma, cemento-ossifying
A hard fibrous lesion that continues to grow, sometimes to very large size, unless treated, most frequently seen in the jaw or mouth, sometimes in connection with a fracture or another type of injury. Treatment is by surgery. Abbreviated COF.

Fibroma, desmoplastic
A rare type of primary bone tumor characteristically composed of well-differentiated cells that produce collagen. Desmoplastic fibromas are discovered most often in the first three decades of life, in the mandible (the femur and pelvis are also favored sites). Although benign, these tumors are locally infiltrative and may cause pain and swelling or an effusion (if near a joint). Treatment is surgical removal but the tumor may recur.

Fibroma, nonossifying
A growing lesion with a fibroma structure. Treatment is by surgery.

Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a debilitating chronic syndrome (constellation of signs and symptoms) characterized by diffuse pain, fatigue, and a wide range of other symptoms. It is not contagious, and recent studies suggest that people with fibromyalgia may be genetically predispose. It affects more women than men, with a ratio globally of 3-5:1. Fibromyalgia is seen in 3-10% of the general population, and is mostly found between the ages 20 and 50.

Fibrosarcoma
A malignant tumor that begins in fibrous connective tissue at the ends of the arm or leg bones and may spread to surrounding soft tissue. Fibrosarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma found in children under one year of age. It presents as a rapidly growing mass at birth or early infancy. Fibrosarcoma can also occur in older children and adults. The symptoms may include a lump, soreness, pain, or a limp (if the tumor is in the leg).

Fibrosis
The presence of scar tissue or collagen fibers in any tissue. In the liver, fibrosis or scarring of the liver damages the architecture and thus the functionality of the organ. Fibrosis, combined with the liver’s ability to regenerate, causes cirrhosis (regeneration within the scar tissue).

Fibrosis, cystic
One of the most common grave genetic (inherited) diseases, CF affects the exocrine glands and is characterized by the production of abnormal secretions, leading to mucous build-up.

Fibrosis, radiation
Scarring of the lungs from radiation. Radiation fibrosis is a sequel of radiation pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs due to radiation), as from radiation therapy. Radiation pneumonitis typically occurs after radiation treatments for cancer within the chest or breast and usually manifests itself 2 weeks to 6 months after completion of radiation therapy. Symptoms include shortness of breath upon activity, cough and fever. Radiation pneumonitis frequently is discovered as an incidental finding on chest x-ray in patients who have no symptoms.

Fibrositis
Inflammation of fibrous connective tissues in muscles. It often affects the muscles of the trunk and back. It may be a symptom of another disease, such as Sciatica, but in most cases the cause is unknown. Pain and stiffness.

Fibrous dysplasia, monostotic
Excessive growth of hard fibrous tissue that replaces normal bone tissue in a single bone. Symptoms may include pain and fracture of the bone. Most cases are diagnosed in adolescence and young adulthood and remain unchanged throughout life. The prognosis (outlook) is usually very good.

Fibrous dysplasia, polyostotic
A genetic disorder of bones, skin pigmentation and hormonal problems with premature sexual development. Also called McCune-Albright syndrome or the Albright syndrome. In the syndrome, there is bone disease with fractures and deformity of the legs, arms and skull; pigment patches of the skin; and endocrine (hormonal) disease with early puberty (early menstrual bleeding, development of breasts and pubic hair) and an increased rate of growth. Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia is usually caused by mosaicism for a mutation in a gene called GNAS1 (Guanine Nucleotide binding protein, Alpha Stimulating activity polypeptide 1).

Fibrous tissue
Tissue consisting of or containing fibers.

PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS
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Fiber FISH
A cytogenetic (chromosome) laboratory technique in which FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) is done on chromosomes that have been mechanically stretched. Fiber FISH provides a higher resolution of analysis than conventional FISH and yields more precise information as to the localization of a specific DNA probe on the chromosome.

Fiber, elastic
A slender fiber in connective tissue that is rich in the protein elastin and has an elastic quality.

Fiber, soluble and insoluble
Fiber (the portion of plants that cannot be digested by the human digestive tract) is classified as soluble and insoluble. Oats, beans, dried peas, and legumes are major sources of soluble fiber whereas wheat bran, whole grain products, and vegetables are major sources of insoluble fiber. Fruits, vegetables, and barley are sources of both insoluble and soluble fiber. Soluble fiber and insoluble fiber differ in function. For example, soluble fiber delays the time of transit through the intestine whereas insoluble fiber speeds up intestinal transit. For another example, soluble fiber and decreases the level of cholesterol in the blood whereas insoluble fiber has no effect on serum cholesterol.

Fibrates for lowering cholesterol
Fibrates are cholesterol-lowering drugs that are primarily effective in lowering triglycerides and, to a lesser extent, in increasing HDL-cholesterol levels.

Fibril
The diminutive of fiber. A small fiber, a fine thread.

Fibrillation, atrial

Fibrillation, auricular
Essentially the same as atrial fibrillation.

Fibrillation, ventricular
An abnormal irregular heart rhythm whereby there are very rapid uncoordinated fluttering contractions of the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. Ventricular fibrillation disrupts the synchrony between the heartbeat and the pulse beat. Ventricular fibrillation is commonly associated with heart attacks or scarring of the heart muscle from previous heart attack. Ventricular fibrillation is life threatening.

Fibrinogen
The protein from which is generated fibrin, the essence of a normal blood clot.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2
A mutation (change) in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene on chromosome 10 causes the best-known type of acrocephalosyndactyly, namely Apert syndrome which is characterized by abnormalities of the skull and face and the hands and feet. There is premature closure of some of the sutures of the skull (craniosynostosis) resulting in an abnormally shaped head (which is unusually tall but short from front-to-back) and an abnormally shaped face with shallow eye sockets and underdevelopment of the midface. There is fusion of fingers and toes (syndactyly) and broad ends of the thumbs and big toes. Surgery is often useful with the skull, face, hands and feet. Different mutations in FGFR2 are responsible for two other genetic diseases, namely, Pfeiffer syndrome (another type of acrocephalosyndactyly) and Crouzon syndrome (purely a craniofacial disorder with no hand or foot problems). All are inherited as dominant traits.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP)
A rare but dramatic genetic disorder that turns muscles, tendons and ligaments into bone, threatening to transform the victim into "a statue of stone." FOP is characterized by physical handicap due to bone forming in the wrong places and malformed big toes which often contain only one bone. Other features of FOP can include short thumbs, fifth finger clinodactyly (pinkie curved toward the thumb), malformed cervical (neck) vertebrae, short broad neck of the femur (thighbone), deafness, scalp baldness, and mild mental retardation.

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This dictionary contains 25007 terms.

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