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| Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm |
| Weakening of the wall of the aorta (the largest blood vessel in the body leading away from the heart) causing enlargement in its diameter. Usually due to atherosclerosis. Rupture can be fatal. Large aneurysms are repaired by vascular surgeons. |
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| Acid Reflux |
| The spillage of stomach acid into the esophagus (tube leading from throat to stomach). Can be due to a hiatus hernia. Long term cases can lead to injury or cancer of the esophagus. |
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| Adrenal Gland |
| Gland located on each kidney responsible for the release of adrenalin. |
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| Allergy Desensitization Shots |
| Repeated injections of the substance responsible for an allergic reaction in gradually increasing concentration. Usually performed by an allergist. |
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| Anemia |
| Reduced number of red blood cells in the blood. |
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| Appendicitis |
| Inflammation of the appendix. May lead to rupture of the appendix if not treated with appendectomy. |
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| Arrhythmia |
| Abnormal or uncoordinated beating of the heart. Many different types and severities. Can reduce heart function and increase risk of stroke. |
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| Arterial Bypass Grafting |
| Used for treatment of vascular insufficiency, particularly of the legs. The athero–sclerotic artery segment is bypassed using vein graft or artificial blood vessel material. |
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| Arteritis |
| A disorder of the immune system which causes inflammatory changes in blood vessels. Can lead to stroke. May occur with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. |
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| Arthroscopy |
| Placement of a camera into a joint, the knee and shoulder are common locations, to detect and repair injuries to ligaments, remove free bodies, and inspect internal joint structure. |
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| Asthma |
| Increased sensitivity of airways to immune system stimulation, causing wheezing, airway constriction and reduced ability to breathe in severe cases. |
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| Atherosclerosis |
| “Hardening of the arteries” caused by deposits (plaques) of cholesterol and fats in the walls of arteries. This may result in reduced blood flow. |
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