Alpha Thalassemia Index
Alpha thalassemia is a disorder in which the alpha globin protein is underproduced. There are two pairs of genes that carry the code for the alpha chains of hemoglobin. When one gene is impaired, that person is in a carrier state and suffers no medical problems. When four genes are impaired, the production of fetal and adult hemoglobin is prevented, resulting in hydrops fetalis and leading to death before birth.
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Anemia
Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin...learn more »
In This Article
Anemia Article
- Anemia facts*
- What is anemia?
- What causes anemia?
- Can inadequate iron cause anemia?
- What about acute (sudden) blood loss as a cause of anemia?
- What are other causes of anemia?
- Can anemia be hereditary?
- What are the symptoms of anemia?
- How is anemia diagnosed?
- What is a complete blood cell (CBC) count?
- How is blood collected for a complete blood cell (CBC)?
- What is the red blood cell (RBC) count?
- What is hemoglobin?
- What does a low hemoglobin level mean?
- What is the hematocrit?
- How is hematocrit determined?
- How is anemia treated?
- What are the complications of anemia?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for anemia?
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Arrhythmia
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. With an arrhythmia, the heartbeats may be irregular or too slow (bradycardia), to...learn more »
In This Article
Arrhythmia Article
- Introduction to Arrhythmia
- What causes an arrhythmia?
- What are the types of arrhythmias?
- What are the symptoms of arrhythmias?
- How are arrhythmias diagnosed?
- How are arrhythmias treated?
- What medications are used to treat arrhythmias?
- What lifestyle changes should be made?
- What is electrical cardioversion?
- What is a pacemaker?
- What is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)?
- What is catheter ablation?
- What is heart surgery?
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Gallstones
Gallstones are stones that form when substances in the bile harden. Gallstones (formed in the gallbladder) can be as small as a...learn more »
In This Article
Gallstones Article
- Gallstones facts
- What are gallstones?
- What causes gallstones?
- Who is at risk for gallstones?
- What are the symptoms of gallstones?
- What are the complications of gallstones?
- What is the relationship of gallbladder sludge to gallstones?
- How are gallstones diagnosed?
- What are the potential pitfalls of diagnosing gallstones?
- How are gallstones treated?
- Can gallstones be prevented?
- Can symptoms continue after gallstones are removed?
- What is new with gallstones?
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In This Article
Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) Article
- What is an enlarged spleen?
- What are the causes of an enlarged spleen?
- What are the symptoms of an enlarged spleen?
- When should I seek medical care for an enlarged spleen?
- How is enlarged spleen diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for an enlarged spleen?
- What are the complications of an enlarged spleen?
- Can an enlarged spleen be prevented?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for an enlarged spleen?
- Enlarged Spleen At A Glance
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Malaria
Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms of malaria include chills,...learn more »
In This Article
Malaria Article
- What is malaria?
- What are malaria symptoms and signs?
- How is malaria transmitted?
- Where is malaria a particular problem?
- What is the incubation period for malaria?
- How is malaria diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for malaria?
- Is malaria a particular problem during pregnancy?
- Is malaria a particular problem for children?
- How do people avoid getting malaria?
- What is the prognosis (outcome) for people with malaria?
- Where can people get more information about malaria?
- Malaria At A Glance
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In This Article
Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Heart Rhythm Disorders) Article
- How does the heart work?
- Premature atrial contractions (PACs) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
- Sinus tachycardia
- Sinus bradycardia
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Tachycardia
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Ventricular flutter
- Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)
- Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome
- Atrial fibrillation
- Atrial Flutter
- Bradycardia
- Heart blocks
- When should I seek medical care?
- How are heart rhythm disorders diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for heart rhythm disorders?
- Can heart rhythm disorders be prevented?
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