Common Chronic Diseases and Disorders

Murmurs

A _____ ______ is an extra heart sound that is produced as a result of the turbulent blood flow that is sufficient to produce and audible noise usually heard with a stethoscope. A functional ______ is usually due to physiologic conditions outside the heart and is usually innocent. ______, however, may also be due to narrowing or leaky valves, or the presence of abnormal passages through which blood flows in or near the heart (usually called burits).

Kidney Stones

A ______ ______ is a solid mass made up of tiny crystals. One or more ______ can be in the kidney or ureter at one time. This is often reoccurring. This can cause severe pain in the lower back, flank, lower abdomen, and groin. Symptoms can include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine (hematuria), and pain when urinating (dysuria).

Grave's Disease

A autoimmune disorder that leads to over activity of the thyroid gland. An abnormal immune system response causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. This disease is the leading cause of hypertension.

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus Aureus

A bacterial infection that is highly resistant to some antibiotics. Staphyloccus Aureus is a common type of bacteria that normally lives on the skin and sometimes in the nasal passages. ____ refers to S. Aureus strains that do not respond to some of the antibiotics used to treat staph infections. The bacteria can cause an infection when they enter the body through a cut, sore, catheter, breathing tube, etc.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

A blockage of a main artery of the lung or one of its branches by a substance that has traveled from elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream. Usually this is due to an embolism of a thrombus (blood clot). The obstruction of the blood flow to the lungs leads to the signs and symptoms of this. Symptoms include difficulty breathing (dyspnea), chest pain on inspiration (pleuritic pain), and palpitations. This is a serious medical emergency. Risk factors for this include prolonged bed rest, smoking, the use of birth control medication, recent periods of long travel, and recent surgery.

Lymphoma

A cancer of the lymphactic cells of the immune system. This cancer typically presents as a solid tumor of the lymphoid cells. Treatment may involve chemotherapy. The malignant cells often originate in the lymph nodes, presenting as an enlargement of the node (tumor). This cancer can also affect other organs.

Multiple Myeloma

A cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow. Plasma cells help the body's immune system fight disease by producing proteins called antibodies. In ________ _______, plasma cells grow out of control in the bone marrow and form tumors in the areas of solid bone. The growth of these tumors make it more difficult for the bone marrow to make RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. This can cause pain, anemia, destruction of the bones, and infections.

Diabetes

A chronic (lifelong) disease marked by high levels or glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that controls blood glucose levels. This can be caused by too little insulin (Type I), resistance to insulin (Type II), or both. Both Type I and Type II are referred to as ________ mellitus. This is a risk factor for other diseases, including heart attack. This can be controlled by diet, oral medication, or insulin injections.

Lupus

A chronic autoimmune disorder that may affect the skin, kidneys, joints and other organs. Normally, the immune system helps protect the body form harmful substances. In individuals with n autoimmune disease, the immune system cannot tell the difference between harmful substances and healthy ones. The result is an over active immune response that attacks otherwise healthy cells and tissues. This leads to chronic inflammation in multiple organ systems.

Eczema

A chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. Blistering and peeling can also be present.

Osteoarthritis

A common joint disorder, osteoarthritis is caused by "wear and tear" on a joint. This is caused by the break down of cartilage that cushions your bones and joints., As the cartilage breaks down, the bones and joints rub against each other, causing pain, swelling and stiffness.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A common lung disease. It is difficult to breathe with this. There are two main forms: 1) Chronic bronchitis, defined by a long-term cough with mucus. 2) Emphysema, defined by destruction of the lungs over time. Smoking is the leading cause of this. Patients may have both chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Psoriasis

A common skin condition that causes irritation, itching, and redness. Most people with this have thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white patches called scales. It is an immune disorder that seems to be hereditary. It cannot be spread from person to person. Skins cells grow deep within the skin and normally rise to the surface slowly. In individuals with psoriasis this process occurs too fast and dead skin cells build up on the surface of the skin.

Fibromyalgia

A common syndrome in which people experience long-term, body-wide, pain and tenderness in joints, tendons, muscles, and other soft tissues.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

A condition causing extremely fragile bones. It is a congenital disease, meaning it is present at birth. It is frequently caused by defect in the gene that produces a type of collagen. Collagen is an important building block of bone. Individuals with this have weak bones, which makes them susceptible to fractures. The severity of the disease varies greatly.

Anemia

A condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to the body tissues. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein found inside red blood cells. People with this deficiency do not have enough hemoglobin. There are many different types of this deficiency. It can result from chronic diseases, kidney failure, use of certain medications, problems with bone marrow, problems with the immune system, etc. Symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, etc.

Acid Reflux Disease (GERD)

A condition in which the liquid content of the stomach, which contains some hydrochloric acid, regurgitates back into the esophagus.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. The condition is often referred to as "as under active thyroid". The thyroid gland is an organ of the endocrine system. The gland produces hormones that control the body's metabolism. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.

Endometriosis

A condition in which tissue that behaves like the cells lining the uterus grows in other areas of the body, causing pain, and irregular bleeding. The tissue growth typically occurs in the pelvic area but can occur in other areas of the body as well.

Tuberculosis (TB)

A contagious bacterial infection that usually involves the lungs but may involve other organs as well. It is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This can spread by breathing in air droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person. The elderly, infants, and individuals wiht weak immune systems are at higher risk for this. An infected person may not experience any symptoms. If symptoms are present they usually include cough, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), wheezing, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), and fever. Skin test (PPD) for this is used in high-rick populations or in people who have been exposed to it, such as healthcare workers.

Autism

A developmental disorder that appears early in life and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills.

Restless Leg Syndrome

A disorder in which there is an urge or need to move the legs to stop unpleasant sensations. This can result in a decreased quality of sleep. This lack of sleep can lead to daytime symptoms such as sleepiness, confusion, anxiety, and depression. This leads to sensations in the lower legs that make you feel uncomfortable unless you move your legs.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A disorder that involves abdominal pain, and cramping, as well as changes in bowel habits. It is not the same as ___. It is not clear why an individual develops ___ but there are many known triggers, one of which is stress.

Alzheimer's Disease

A form of dementia that gradually becomes more severe over time. The disease affects memory, behavior, and thinking. Age and family history are risk factors.

Crohn's Disease

A form of inflammatory bowel disease. The disease usually affects the intestines. People with the disease have chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Abdominal pain is a frequent symptom of this chronic condition.

Migraine Headaches

A form of vascular headache that is a reoccurring, chronic condition. These headaches affect millions of Americans. An intense pain that is usually described as throbbing or pounding characterizes this type of headache. The pain is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and sensitivity to noise (phonophobia). Individuals suffering from this headache usually prefer to be in a dark and quiet place.

GOUT

A kind of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the joints. The chronic version of this disease is repeated episodes of pain and inflammation, which may involve more than one joint. The big toe, ankle joints, and knee joints are often most affected.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A long-term disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can also affect other organs. The cause of the disease is unknown. It is considered an autoimmune disease. Joints on both sides of the body are usually affected symmetrically. Wrists, fingers, knees, feet, and ankles are commonly affected.

Dementia

A loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior. Most types of dementia are degenerative (nonreverseible). Alzheimer's Disease is a common type of this disease.

Back Pain (Chronic)

A reoccurring condition of pain that many people experience in the lower back. The pain usually interferes with work, daily activities, and recreation. In the ED scribes should always ask a patient with back pain if they have saddle paresthesis or loss of bowel or bladder control.

Pneumonia

A respiratory condition in which there is infection in the lung. It is a common illness that affects millions of Americans each year. In adults, bacteria are the most common cause of pneumonia. Common symptoms are fever, cough, chills, and shortness of breath. A chest x-ray is usually ordered to diagnose pneumonia.

Genital Herpes

A sexually transmitted viral infection affecting the skin or mucous membranes of the genitals.

Obesity

A term used to describe an individual's body weight that is much greater than what is considered healthy. If an individual is _____ they also have a much higher amount of body fat than is considered healthy. Adults with a body mass index greater than or equal to 30kg/m2 are considered _____. BMI is calculated by taking a person's weight and dividing by the person's height squared.

Degenerative Disc Disease

A term used to describe the normal changes in your spine discs as you age. The Spinal discs are soft, compressible discs that separate the interlocking vertebrae that make up the spine. The discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing it to bend, twist, and flex. As we age our spinal discs break down. This often affects the lower back and neck region causing pain.

Emphysema

A type of COPD. The destruction of the lungs over time.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A type of anxiety disorder that can occur after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event that involved the threat of injury or death. Individuals with this re-experience the event again and again in different ways. This can cause symptoms such as anxiety, feelings of detachment, and difficulty sleeping.

Hyperglycemia

Also known as high blood sugar, this is a condition in which excessive amounts of glucose circulate in the blood plasma. Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of this.

Hypercholesterolemia

Also known as high cholesterol. It is the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood. This may be related to diet, genetics, and other diseases. Uncontrolled, this can lead to hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) and heart disease. It is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

Hyperkalemia

Also known as high potassium, this is higher than normal potassium levels in the blood. The kidneys normally remove excess potassium from the body.

Kidney Disease

Also referred to as renal failure, ______ _______ occurs when an individual suffers from the gradual loss of kidney function over time. The disease is divided into five stages of increasing severity. The main function of the kidneys is to remove waste products and excess water from the blood. With the loss of kidney function, there is an accumulation of water, waste, and toxic substances in the body. Dialysis is frequently used to provide artificial replacement of loss of kidney function.

Aneurysm

An abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to weakness in the wall of the artery. There are different types of aneurysms such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm, thoracic aortic aneurysm, and cerebral aneurysm. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and atherosclerosis are risk factors for certain types of aneurysms. The risk of death after an aneurysm rupture is high. Symptoms depend on the location of the aneurysm.

Osteomyelitis

An acute or chronic bone infection. Bacteria or fungi can cause a bone infection. Infection can spread to a bone form the skin, muscles or tendons near the bone. The infection can also start in another location in the body and spread to the bone through the blood. The infection can also occur after surgery. Symptoms include fever, swelling, pain, redness, etc.

Bradycardia

An arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate of heart rhythm. Bradycardia refers to the heart beating too slowly. Normally, the heart is able to pump blood to the rest of the body without working any harder than it needs to. The heart has an electrical system that helps it contract in an orderly way. When there is a problem with the heart's conduction system an arrhythmia occurs. Bradycardia is just one type of arrhythmia.

Tachycardia

An arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate or heart rhythm. This refers to the heart beating too fast. Normally, the heart is able to pump blood to the rest of the body without working any harder than it needs to. The heart has an electrical system that helps is contract in an orderly way. When there i a problem wiht the heart's conduction system an arrhythmia occurs. This is just one type of arrhythmia.

Asperger's Syndrome

An autism spectrum disorder that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interactions, along with restrictive and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. Physical clumsiness and atypical use of language are frequently reported.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

An autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (CNS). __ is due to nerve damage caused by inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the body's own immune cells attack the nervous system. __ is characterized by tremors, muscle spasms, loss of balance, problems with coordination, slurred speech, and other problems.

Scabies

An easily spread skin disease caused by a very small species of mite. IT is found worldwide among people of all ages. It is spread by direct contact with infected people and occasionally by sharing clothing or bedding. Outbreaks often occur in nursing homes, shelters and daycare centers. Thedisease is characterized by rashes, itching, and sores.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder that involvles the inability to stay at the minimum body weight considered healthy for the person's age and height. People with this disorder may have an intense fear of weight gain.

Bronchitis

An inflammation of the main air passages to the lungs. Bronchitis may be short-lived (acute) or long lasting (chronic). Common symptoms are cough (with or without sputum), chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Rheumatic Fever

An inflammatory disease that may develop after an injection with Streptococcus bacteria, such as strep throat. The disease can affect the heart, skin, joints, and brain. The disease is not common any longer in the US and mainly affects children.

Asthma

An inflammatory disorder of the airways which can cause attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Most people have attacks that are separated by symptom-free periods.

Cancer

An uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. These cells are also called malignant cells. There are many different kinds of cancers that can affect almost any organ or tissue in the body (i.e. lung, colon, breast, skin, bones, etc.).

Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is often referred to as Atherosclerosis. It is used when referring to the medium and large arteries. It is a condition in which fatty material collects along the artery walls. The fatty material thickens and hardens over time. Arteries may eventually become blocked. Arteriosclerosis can lead to heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolism.

ADD/ADHD

Biological brain based conditions characterized by poor attention, distractibility, and possibly hyperactivity.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are painful, swollen veins in the lower portion of the rectum or anus. Symptoms include anal pruritus (itching), anal pain, and blood in the stool.

Arthritis

Inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. There are many different types of arthritis.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the beginning of the large intestine. Appendicitis is one of the most common causes of emergency abdominal surgery in the United States. Surgical removal of the appendix is called and appendectomy. Appendicitis symptoms usually include pain that is primarily located in the right lower quadrant (RLQ) of the abdomen, fever, nausea, vomiting, etc. The abdominal pain usually becomes more severe with movement. Appendicitis can usually be diagnosed from the patient's history, physical exam, and laboratory tests. In some cases additional tests may be done such as an abdominal CT scan.

Bipolar Disorder

Involves periods of elevated or irritable mood, alternating with periods of depression. The "mood swings" can be very abrupt.

Mitral Valve Prolapse

Is a heart condition in which the valve that separates the upper and lower chambers of the left side of the heart does not close properly. This valve helps blood flow in one direction. It closes to keep blood from moving backwards when the heart beats. Many individuals with this do not have symptoms. Some, however, may experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

Leukemia

Most blood cells develop from stem cells in the bone marrow. Stem cells mature into different types of cells, each with a specific job. White blood cells help fight infection. There are different types of WBCs. This is a type of cancer. In a person with ________, the bone marrow makes abnormal WBCs. ________ cells do not die when they should. They may crowd out normal WBCs, RBCs, and platelets. This makes it more difficult for the normal cells to do their work.

Addison's Disease

The adrenal glands are small hormone-secreting organs that are located on top of each kidney. Addison's disease is a disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough o their hormones. The condition results from damage to the adrenal cortex. Many things such as infections, an autoimmune disease, and tumors can cause the damage. Symptoms can include darkening of the skin, fatigue, changes in blood pressure or heart rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and electrolyte changes.

Aortic Stenosis

The aorta is the main artery carrying blood out of the heart. When blood leaves the heart, it flows through the aortic valve, into the aorta. In aortic stenosis, the aortic valve does not open fully. This decreases blood flow form the heart. Severe forms of aortic stenosis prevent enough blood form reaching the brain and the rest of the body which may result in lightheadedness and fainting. Other symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

Lung Cancer

The lungs are gas exchange organs that help you breathe. This is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs. This is one of the most deadly types of cancer for both men and women. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of this cancer. This can occur in people who have never smoked. Symptoms include a persistent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood (hemoptysis).

Heart Attack

The medical term for this is a Myocardial Infarction (MI) or death to part of the heart muscles. This occurs when a blood vessels that supplies blood to the heart is blocked preventing enough oxygen from getting to the heart. The heart muscle dies or becomes permanently damaged. Common symptoms for this include chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, vomiting, etc. There are many risk factors for a heart attack including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. Personal and family history of this are also important.

Atrial Fibrillation (A Fib)

The most common cardiac arrhythmia. A fib involves the two upper chambers (atria) of the heart. Its name comes from the fibrillating of the heart muscles of the atria instead of a coordinated contraction. During a fib blood is not completely pumped out of the atria into teh ventricles so the blood may pool and clot. If the blood clot leaves the atria and becomes lodged in an artery in the brain, a stroke results. A fib is a risk factor for stroke.

Melanoma

The most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease. It involves cells called melanocytes, which produce a skin pigment called melanin. Melanin is responsible for skin and hair color. This cancer can appear on normal skin or it may begin as a mole and later changed in appearance.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

The narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. This is usually caused by a condition called arteriosclerosis. Can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart attack.

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

These are infections that can be transferred from one person to another through sexual contact. There are many different types of these diseases including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, HPV, and more. These can have severe consequences. Some of these can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease while others can be fatal.

Ovarian Cyst

These are small fluid-filled sacs that develop in a woman's ovaries (reproductive organ). Most of these are normally harmless but some may cause problems such as rupturing, bleeding, or pain. Women may experience symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, pelvic pain, and pain on urination or during bowel movements.

HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

This causes acquired immunodefinciency syndrome. It is a condition in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and certain cancers to thrive. Infection with this occurs by the transfer of body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

This infection begins in the urinary system. The urinary system is composed of the kidney,s ureters, bladder, and urethra. Any part of the urinary system can become infected but most infections involve the lower urinary tract -- bladder and urethra. These infections are more common in women than in men. Common symptoms include lower abdominal pain, painful urination (dysuria) described as burning, blood in the urine (hematuria), and urinary frequency.

Osteoporosis

This is a common bone disease. It is the thinning of bone tissue and the loss of bone density over time. This occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone, when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or both. Calcium and phosphate are two minerals that are essential for bone growth. This can be characterized by bone pain and bone fractures with little or no trauma.

Congestive Heart Failure

This is a condition in which the heart can no longer effectively pump enough blood to the rest of the body. As the pumping action is reduced, blood may back up in other areas of the body. This can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, liver, GI tract, and in the arms and legs. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is leading cause of this, as are hypertension and heart valve disorders.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

This is a condition similar to coronary artery disease. Fatty deposits build up in the inner linings of the artery walls. These blockages restrict blood flow, mainly in the arteries leading to the kidneys, stomach, arms, legs, and feet. Individuals with this have a high risk of having heart attack or stroke.

Sleep Apnea

This is a disorder in which an individual has loud snoring and intermittent pauses in breathing during sleep. Breathing pauses can last for a few seconds to a minute or more. These often occur many times a night. Normal breathing usually starts again after a loud snort or choking sounds. Individuals with this have poor sleeping quality. It is a risk factor for hypertension, stoke, diabetes, and heart attack.

Parkinson's Disease

This is a disorder of the brain that leads to shaking (tremors) and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination. This is one of the most common nervous system diseases of the elderly but can occur in young adults. Nerve cells use a chemical called dopamine to control muscle movements. This occurs when teh nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine are slowly destroyed.

Schizophrenia

This is a mental disorder that makes it difficult to tell the difference between real and unreal experiences, to think logically, to have normal emotional responses, and to behave normally in social situations.

Vertigo

This is a type of dizziness where there is a feeling o motion when one is stationary. The symptoms are often due to a dysfunction of the vestibular system in the inner ear. The vestibular system contributes to balance and the sense of spatial orientation. This is usually associated with nausea, vomiting, and difficulty standing or walking. It is important to note that dizziness is the sensation of the environment rotating and usually is caused by a neurological or inner ear condition. This is different from lightheadedness, which is a "faint feeling" and is usually caused by a circulatory condition.

Ulcerative Colitis

This is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Although stress and certain food trigger symptoms, they do not cause this. The cause of the condition is unknown. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, and bloody stools. A colonoscopy and biopsy is generally used to diagnose this.

Pulmonary Hypertension

This is abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. The increased pressure is due to narrowing of the small arteries in the lungs. It makes the right side of the heart work harder than it normally does. This can cause the right side of the heart to gradually become enlarged. Eventually, symptoms will begin after not enough blood will be able to flow to the lungs to pick up oxygen.

Staph Infection

This is an infection caused y the bacteria Staphylococcus. These infections often begin with a small cut that becomes infected. This infections range from a simple boil to antibiotic-resistant infections. This infection frequently causes pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area.

Pancreatitis

This is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach that produces the hormones insulin and glucagon. The pancreas also produces digestive enzymes that help digest and absorb food. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Stroke (CVA)

This is an interruption of the blood supple to any part of the brain. This is also referred to as a cerebral vascular accident. During this, blood flow to the brain is interrupted due to a blood vessel that has ruptured or is blocked. The brain will not receive enough blood or oxygen during this episode and brain cells can die causing permanent damage. There are many risk factors for this including high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, family history, alcohol abuse, and atrial fibrillation. Symptoms during this usually come on suddenly. Symptoms include numbness and tingling of one side of the boy, weakness or loss of use of one side of the body, slurred speech, dizziness, confusion, and headache.

Peptic Ulcer

This is erosion in the lining of the stomach or the first part in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the intestine, an area called the duodenum. If the peptic ulcer is located in the stomach is called a gastric ulcer. Normally the lining of stomach and small intestine are protected against the irritating acids produced in your stomach. If the protective lining breaks down, it results in inflammation or an ulcer.

Diverticulosis

This is swelling (inflammation) of an abnormal pouch (diverticulum) in the intestinal wall. These pouches are usually found in the large intestine (colon). The presence of the pouches themselves is called ______________. People with this usually complain of left sided abdominal pain, however, the pain can be anywhere in the abdomen.

Hepatitis

This is swelling and inflammation of the liver. Common causes include viral infections and liver damage due to excessive alcohol use. There are many other causes as well.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

This is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein. The blood clot usually affects the leg veins and occasionally affects the veins of the arms or pelvis. This can occur without symptoms but usually the person experiences pain, swelling, and discoloration.

Hypertension (HTN)

This is the medical term for high blood pressure. Blood pressure is a measurement of the force against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood to the rest of the body. Blood pressure is a measurement of systolic pressure/diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure represents ventricular contraction and diastolic pressure represents ventricular filling. Normal blood pressure in a healthy adult is approximately 120/80. This is a risk factor for heart attack, artheriosclerosis, stroke, blood clot formation, kidney disease, and some other conditions.

Hypotension

This is the medical term for low blood pressure. Low blood pressure means the heart, brain, and other parts of the body do not get enough blood.

Depression

This may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or "down in the dumps." Most people experience these feelings at some point in life. True clinical depression is a mood disorder in which these feelings interfere with everyday life and lasts for a prolonged period of time. When this is strongly suspected, the scribe should consider asking about thoughts of suicide and, in some cases, asking about thoughts of homicide or hurting others may be appropriate.

Sciatica

This refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg. It is caused by injury to or compression of the sciatic nerve. This is a symptom of another medical problem. It is not a condition on its own. The nerve starts in the spine and runs down the back of each leg. Common causes of this include pelvic injury, slipped disc, and degenerative disc disease.