Glossary

A rare illness caused by an abnormal protein, called amyloid, building up in the organs which interferes with a person’s normal function.

Amyloid is not usually found in the body although it can be detected in several types of protein.

Anaemia is the term given when either the level of red blood cells or when the protein used to carry oxygen around the body [haemoglobin] is lower than normal.

This can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, pale or yellowish skin, irregular heartbeats and cold hands and feet.

A potential life threatening illness, also known as anaphylactic shock, which can cause symptoms such as anxiety, irregular heartbeat, wheezing, clammy skin, losing consciousness and fainting.

It can be extremely serious if it’s not treated quickly.

The first signs of Angelman syndrome usually show when a baby is aged between 6 and 12 months when they need help sitting or start making babbling noises.

Most children with the condition are able to communicate using gestures or signs, but they may only be able to say a few words.

They may also have problems walking, their balance and co-ordination which can make the legs stiffer that usual and trembling in the arms.

Other symptoms include short attention spans, hyperactivity, irregular sleeping patterns and a fascination with water.

At the age of two some children will develop an abnormal sized small head and suffer seizures.

A chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the muscles in the heart

Angioedema is usually a result of an allergic reaction when the body mistakes a harmless substance for something dangerous.

When this happens chemicals are released around the body which can cause the skin to swell.

An inflammatory condition which can fuse small bones in the spine over a period of time which makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched-forward posture.

A mental health condition usually connected with women who try to lose weight or stay slim by making themselves vomit after having a meal and taking on excessive exercise.

People with the illness may stop eating meals or avoid fatty food. They may also take laxatives or other medication to clear their bowels

The condition is common in girls aged between 16 and 17. Although boys and men as well as older women can be diagnosed with anorexia.

A serious mental health condition where the person restricts the amount of food they eat, making themselves vomit and over exercising.

Most people with the condition believe they are overweight, although in most cases they aren’t.

Anorexia Nervosa is more common in girls and women.

Also known as APS and Hughes syndrome, antphospholid syndrome increases the risk of blood clots which can lead to deep vein thrombosis [a blood clot that usually develops in the leg], arterial thrombosis [a clot in the artery which can cause a stroke or heart attack] and blood clots in the brain.

Antphospholid syndrome produces abnormal antibodies called antiphospholipid antibodies that attach themselves to fat molecules [phospholipids] which makes the blood more likely to clot.

The condition can affect people of all ages, although most are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 with women being more likely to develop the illness than men.

Despite being no cure for antiphospholipid antibodies the risk of developing blood clots are reduced if diagnosed correctly.

Also known as APS and Hughes syndrome, antphospholid syndrome increases the risk of blood clots which can lead to deep vein thrombosis [a blood clot that usually develops in the leg], arterial thrombosis [a clot in the artery which can cause a stroke or heart attack] and blood clots in the brain.

Antphospholid syndrome produces abnormal antibodies called antiphospholipid antibodies that attach themselves to fat molecules [phospholipids] which makes the blood more likely to clot.

The condition can affect people of all ages, although most are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 with women being more likely to develop the illness than men.

Despite being no cure for antiphospholipid antibodies the risk of developing blood clots are reduced if diagnosed correctly.

Anxiety makes us feel worry, apprehensive, nervous and scared. We all feel anxiety throughout stages of our life, although extreme cases can be extremely debilitating and have a significant impact on a person’s day-today lifestyle.

An unexplained episode of breathing for 20 seconds or longer, or a shorter respiratory pause.

Appendicitis is a severe stomach pain in the lower right-hand side of the abdomen. It can come on suddenly and in most cases the appendix will have to be taken out.

Arrhythmia is a condition affecting the rhythm of heartbeats making the beats either too fast or too slow.

When the heart beats too fast this is known as tachycardia, when it beats too slow this called bradycardia.