Category: Ha-Hf

High density lipoprotein cholesterol. Lipoproteins, which are combinations of fats (lipids) and proteins, are the form in which lipids are transported in the blood. HDLs transport cholesterol from the tissues of the body to the liver, so the cholesterol can be eliminated in the bile. HDL cholesterol is therefore considered the ‘good’ cholesterol: The higher the HDL cholesterol level, the lower the…

High density lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are combinations of lipids (fats) and proteins. They are the form in which lipids are transported in the blood. The high density lipoproteins transport cholesterol from the tissues of the body to the liver so it can be gotten rid of in the bile. HDL cholesterol is therefore considered the “good” cholesterol. The higher the HDL cholesterol level, the lower…

HCV PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a test for the hepatitis C virus (HCV). There are three types of HCV PCR tests: The three different HCV PCR tests serve different purposes. The qualitative test is done to confirm the presence of HCV in the blood of a person with positive HCV antibody test. The quantitative test is done…

Abbreviation for hematocrit.

Hepatitis B virus. A virus which primarily causes inflammation of the liver. The hepatitis B virus can be transmitted in several ways including blood transfusion, needle sticks, body piercing and tattooing using unsterile instruments, dialysis, sexual and even less intimate close contact, and childbirth. Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, and light stools. Diagnosis is by blood…

Hb is the standard abbreviation for hemoglobin.

A seasonal allergy to airborne particles characterized by itchy eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy throat, and excess mucus. Hay fever is a misnomer because it is not caused by hay and it does not produce a fever. It is also known as allergic rhinitis or pollinosis.

Hepatitis A virus.

A situation in which the total level of a gene product (a particular protein) produced by the cell is about half of the normal level and that is not sufficient to permit the cell to function normally. Another way to define haploinsufficiency is as a condition that arises when the normal phenotype requires the protein product of…

Acronym for High Altitude pulmonary edema, the accumulation in the lungs of extravascular fluid (fluid outside of blood vessels) at high altitude, a consequence of rapid altitude ascent, especially when that ascent is accompanied by significant exercise. HAPE leads to dyspnea (shortness of breath), cough, tachycardia (fast heart rate) and decreased arterial oxygen levels. HAPE varies in degree from very mild to potentially fatal.…