Anchor Restorative Medicine
Medical Glossary
Clear definitions of the medical terms you may hear during a visit, see in your health record, or find in your test results.
30 terms
A
Care & Prevention
Acute Illness
An acute illness is a health problem that develops over a relatively short period, often with a new onset of symptoms.
Care & Prevention
Annual Physical Examination
An annual physical examination is a periodic visit that combines a health review with a physical assessment.
B
Tests & Labs
Blood Glucose
Blood glucose is the amount of glucose, or sugar, circulating in the blood.
Exams & Measurements
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood against artery walls as the heart pumps.
Exams & Measurements
Body Mass Index
Body mass index, or BMI, is a screening measure that relates body weight to height.
C
Heart & Metabolic Health
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance the body uses to make cells, hormones, and other essential substances.
Care & Prevention
Chronic Disease Management
Chronic disease management is continuing care for health conditions that persist over time.
Tests & Labs
Complete Blood Count
A complete blood count, or CBC, measures several types and characteristics of cells in the blood.
Tests & Labs
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
A comprehensive metabolic panel, or CMP, is a blood test that measures 14 substances related to metabolism and organ function.
H
Tests & Labs
Hemoglobin A1c
Hemoglobin A1c is a blood test that estimates average blood glucose over approximately the previous three months.
Heart & Metabolic Health
Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia is an elevation of one or more fats, or lipids, in the blood, such as cholesterol or triglycerides.
Heart & Metabolic Health
Hypertension
Hypertension means blood pressure is persistently higher than the recommended range.
Thyroid & Nutrition
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone than the body needs.
Heart & Metabolic Health
Hypotension
Hypotension means blood pressure is lower than expected, particularly when it reduces adequate blood flow or causes symptoms.
Thyroid & Nutrition
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.
I
L
M
Exams & Measurements
Medical History
A medical history is information about a person’s past and current health used to guide clinical care.
Heart & Metabolic Health
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that together increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
P
Care & Prevention
Patient-Centered Care
Patient-centered care considers a person’s priorities, values, and preferences when making health care decisions.
Exams & Measurements
Physical Examination
A physical examination is a clinician’s assessment of the body for signs of health or illness.
Heart & Metabolic Health
Prediabetes
Prediabetes means blood glucose is higher than normal but not high enough to meet the usual criteria for diabetes.
Care & Prevention
Preventive Care
Preventive care is health care intended to reduce disease risk or detect health problems before symptoms develop.
Care & Prevention
Primary Care
Primary care is ongoing, first-contact health care for prevention, common illnesses, and long-term conditions.
T
Tests & Labs
Thyroid Function Tests
Thyroid function tests measure hormones involved in how the thyroid gland regulates the body’s use of energy.
Heart & Metabolic Health
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not use insulin effectively and may not produce enough to maintain healthy blood glucose.
V
Exams & Measurements
Vital Signs
Vital signs are measurements of essential body functions, including heart rate, breathing rate, temperature, and blood pressure.
Thyroid & Nutrition
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency means the body has too little vitamin D to support normal functions, particularly bone and mineral health.
W
For general education only. Your clinician can help interpret symptoms and results in the context of your health.