Infarction

Definition

Tissue death caused by ischemia (lack of blood flow), which is basically what happens when blood vessels abandon their duties.

Example Usage

The acute myocardial infarction required immediate cardiac catheterization to restore coronary blood flow.

Origin

From Latin 'infarcire' (to stuff in); medical terminology since the 1800s.

Fun Fact

The terms 'myocardial infarction' (heart attack) and 'cerebral infarction' (stroke) are essentially the same pathophysiology in different organs.

Source: Cardiology and Neurology standards

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placebo effect

When fake treatment produces real results because the brain is weirdly powerful and suggestible. The reason clinical trials need control groups and pharmaceutical companies have complicated feelings about.

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patients

The individuals on the receiving end of healthcare services who are expected to be patient (hence the name) while waiting hours past their appointment time. In medical jargon, they're the humans whose symptoms, insurance coverage, and Google-assisted self-diagnoses keep the healthcare industry running. They're called patients rather than customers because 'customer' implies a choice and reasonable pricing.

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Lesion

Any abnormal tissue damage or wound, from tiny skin spots to massive organ damage. Medicine's vaguest term, conveniently covering everything from 'weird bump' to 'catastrophic injury.'

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orthostatic hypotension

A drop in blood pressure upon standing, causing dizziness and proving that gravity is not always your friend. It's why hospitals have handrails and why grandma needs to stand up slowly.

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Acute vs. Chronic

Acute = sudden onset, dramatic, demands immediate attention. Chronic = long-term houseguest that won't leave and requires ongoing management. Medicine's version of uninvited guests.

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