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Hemorrhoids
(HEH-muh-ROYDS)
An enlarged or swollen blood vessel, usually located near the anus or the rectum.
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Heparin
(HEH-puh-rin)
A substance that slows the formation of blood clots. Heparin is made by the liver, lungs, and other tissues in the body and can also made in the laboratory. Heparin may be injected into muscle or blood to prevent or break up blood clots. It is a type of anticoagulant.
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Hepatitis
(HEH-puh-TY-tis)
Disease of the liver causing inflammation. Symptoms include an enlarged liver, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dark urine.
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Hepatitis B
(HEH-puh-TY-tis ...)
A virus that causes hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). It is carried and passed to others through the blood and other body fluids. Different ways the virus is spread include sharing needles with an infected person and being stuck accidentally by a needle contaminated with the virus. Infants born to infected mothers may also become infected with the virus. Although many patients who are infected with hepatitis B virus may not have symptoms, long-term infection may lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer. Also called HBV.
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Hepatoblastoma
HEH-puh-toh-bla-STOH-muh
A type of liver tumor that occurs in infants and children.
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Hepatocellular carcinoma
A type of adenocarcinoma and the most common type of liver tumor.
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Herbal supplement
(ER-bul SUH-pleh-ment)
A product made from a plant that is thought to be useful in treating disease or staying healthy. Herbal supplements are taken by mouth.
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Hereditary
In medicine, describes the passing of genetic information from parent to child through the genes in sperm and egg cells. Also called inherited.
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HICKMAN® catheter
See BROVIAC® catheter.
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High blood pressure
(hy blud PREH-sher)
A blood pressure of 140/90 or higher. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. It can harm the arteries and cause an increase in the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and blindness. Also called hypertension.
