Medical dictionary

What is cardiovascular disease? Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disorders that affect the heart and the blood vessels. It is associated with the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, which is known as atherosclerosis. It often involves hypertension, which can be both a cause and result of CVD. The disorder is one of the main causes of death in the UK yet can often be prevente

What is carotid artery disease? The blood is delivered to the brain and the head through the carotid arteries. When plaques (fatty deposits) begin to clog the blood vessels in these arteries, this can cause a blockage, which is referred to as carotid artery disease. It is a slow-developing condition but it is one of the major causes of stroke, causing between 10-20% of strokes.  

What is carotid endarterectomy? The carotid arteries (also known as carotids) are the main arteries in the human body. They are located at both sides of the neck and their role is to supply the brain with oxygenated blood from the heart. Sometimes, the carotid arteries by atherosclerosis. That is where there is a build-up of plaques within the blood vessels. The plaques (made of accumulated

What is carpal tunnel surgery? Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition which causes numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand. It is a common condition which occurs due to compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which runs down the carpal tunnel, a narrow passage on the side of the wrist. The nerve controls movement in the thumb, and fingers, except the little finger. Carpal tunnel surger

What is carpal tunnel syndrome? Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition which causes numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand. It is a common condition which occurs due to compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which runs down the carpal tunnel, a narrow passage on the side of the wrist. The nerve controls movement in the thumb, and fingers except the little finger. What are the symp

What are CAR-T cells? CAR-T cells are genetically modified T-cells used as an immunotherapeutic treatment of certain cancers, specifically blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma.     T cells are a type of lymphocyte, a white blood cell that is part of the body’s immune system. T cells travel throughout the body inside the b

What is cartilage repair?   Cartilage is the smooth, white tissue that covers the surface of joints. It reduces friction and acts as a shock absorber. Cartilage damage can occur as a result of a sudden injury, a sports injury or wear-and-tear (osteoarthritis). Cartilage damage can affect the hips, ankles and elbows, but is most common in the knees (articular cartilage). Minor in

What are cataracts, and why do they occur?Cataracts occur when the lens in the eye becomes cloudy, either completely or partially. Cataracts occur most commonly due to age, inflammation, or steroid use.There are many types of cataracts. The main ones include the following:Congenital or infantile cataracts: These occur in children under a year old. The cause is usually unknown, but i

What is it?The lens of the eye is usually clear, allowing it to bend light onto the back of the eye (the retina), which allows us to see. When the lens, or part of the lens, becomes cloudy or opaque, we call this a cataract. Cataracts distort the light that passes through, causing the signals sent by the retina to form a blurred or distorted image in the brain. If left untreated, cataracts ca