Pure Hypercholesterolemia

People with this condition may have elevatedlow-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levelsand prematurecoronary heart disease. According to the Familial Hypercholesterolemia Foundation, an estimated one in 250 people worldwide have pure hypercholesterolemia. This article explores the types, symptoms, and causes of PH. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health Learn how it is diagnosed and treated and the prognosis for those with PH. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health What Is Pure Hypercholesterolemia?...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 311 words · John Armstrong

Purpose and Side Effects of an Angiogram

During anangiogram,contrast substancesare injected into the blood to better show how it flows. This can help with diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, especially those that impact the heart and brain. Angiography is not considered a high risk procedure. JazzIRT / Getty Images This article discusses the reasons why angiography is performed. It also covers techniques, side effects, complications, and the recovery associated with this procedure. What Is Angiography Used For?...

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 1001 words · Elizabeth Nicholson

Purpose of Mastoidectomy Surgery

The purpose of a mastoidectomy is to remove any part of an infected or diseased mastoid. M_a_y_a / Getty Images Mastoidectomy: What Is the Mastoid? The mastoid portion of the skull’stemporal bonesits just behind the ear. M_a_y_a / Getty Images This part of the skull bone has many air-filled cavities called mastoid air cells. The pattern of mastoid air cells resembles the irregularly shaped air bubbles inside an English muffin....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 296 words · Megan Garcia

Purpose of Mohs Surgery

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. Or, the doctor may perform a biopsy to determine if a lesion is cancerous. American Academy of Dermatology.Basal cell carcinoma: Overview. lissart / E+ / Getty Images American Academy of Dermatology.Squamous cell carcinoma: Overview. American Academy of Dermatology.Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. American Academy of Dermatology.Merkel cell carcinoma: Overview. American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is Mohs surgery? American Cancer Society.Tests for melanoma skin cancer....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 110 words · Michael George

Purpose of Subcutaneous Fat and How to Lose the Extra

Subcutaneous fat is the fat you might “pinch.” Factors like genetics, diet, and exercise can affect the amount of subcutaneous fat you carry. Reducing the amount of subcutaneous fat may require changes in lifestyle, diet, and exercise. Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health Subcutaneous fat provides the following benefits: Subcutaneous fat is located under your skin. The differences between these two are often misunderstood. It is also located in youromentum....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 344 words · Jennifer Bernard

Purpose of the Air Puff Test in an Eye Exam

“Puff tonometry” is a good screening test for eye doctors, but can sometimes overestimate pressures. This test is not as accurate as traditional tonometry, but is very sensitive in picking up pressure problems. Many people prefer the air puff test, as no contact is made with the eye. Westend61 / Getty Images The puff of air you will feel is not painful. However, this pop in of testing requires a skilled technician to perform it correctly....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 196 words · Erin Norman

Purpose of Triple Bypass Surgery

Furthermore, it can improve overall heart function and quality of life and reduce the risk of death. Westend61 / Getty Images What Is Bypass Surgery? Your surgeon will choose which blood vessel to use as both veins and arteries can be used. Westend61 / Getty Images Bypass surgery is not always the first line of treatment for CAD. Reasons for Triple Bypass Surgery The most common reason for triple bypass surgery is CAD due toatherosclerosis....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 330 words · Katelyn King

Purpura: Bruise-Like Spots on Skin That Aren't Bruises

Generally, they are small bruise-like spots on the skin that look different than typical bruising. On light skin, purpuras appear purple. On dark skin, the patches appear dark brown or black. Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health You may notice them on your skin ormucous membranes(e.g., inside your mouth). There are several possible causes of purpuras, ranging from the use of certain medications to serious medical conditions. Some cases may be temporary, while others are longer-lasting....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 973 words · Luis Mccarthy

Pus in a Wound After Surgery

What Exactly Is Pus? Pus is also known aspurulentdrainage. It is a general term for the thick, often white fluid that collects at the source of aninfection. Barrett Forster / Getty Images Pus can occur around many types of infections, but it can be especially concerning after surgery. Drainage that appears in an incision may be a sign of infection, but not all drainage is pus. Still, it can be an alarming thing to see at yoursurgical incision....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 448 words · Michael Barton

Pycnogenol: Benefits and Safety

An antioxidant supplement studied for its effects on inflammation and disease prevention. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. What Is Pycnogenol? Dzmitry Dzemidovich / Getty Images Procyanidinis the primary active ingredient in the commercial product pycnogenol. Oxidative stress is associated withinflammationandcancer. Clinical trials are few and far between, and many have used only small sample sizes. Some data suggest that pycnogenol may lower the risk of heart disease or help withosteoarthritis symptoms....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 424 words · Anna Cruz

Quad Canes to Help With Walking

A quad cane is amobility devicethat aids walking and mobility. These feet have rubber caps that help reduce slippage on the floor. Quad canes are usually made of lightweight aluminum and are adjustable with a small push button. Alto/Michele Constantini/Getty Images This weakness may prevent you from walking normally. An advantage of a quad cane is that it provides good stability. Quad canes can also be used on stairs, unlike a standard or wheeled walker....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 409 words · Christopher Navarro

Quintuple Bypass Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

This article discusses quintuple bypass surgery, why it’s done, and what happens during the procedure. It also talks about recovery time and long-term outlook. What Is Quintuple Bypass Surgery? Catherine Song / Verywell Quintuple bypass surgery is a surgical procedure done to treat blockedcoronary arteries. The coronary arteries are the blood vessels that provide the heart muscle with its own blood supply. In some people, the coronary arteries become blocked, a condition known ascoronary artery disease....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 774 words · Natalie Heath

Quiz: Should You Get That Rash Looked At?

But its important to evaluate skin abnormalities thoughtfully and seek medical attention if youre unsure. Also, look for other signs of illness in your body. Take this quiz to help you identify the signs of a serious rash. Certain signs indicate a rash may be part of a serious health problem that requires medical attention. However, many rashes may not appear as serious as they are, and vice versa. When in doubt, always call a trusted health provider....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 197 words · Paul Watkins