First Responder Quiz – REDIRECTED

Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure

The foramen ovale is a small hole or channel in the wall between the top two heart chambers that allows oxygenated blood to mix in a baby before it is born. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) refers to the condition that happens if the hole stays open after a baby is born. A catheter can be…

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside a part of the body. It mainly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh, but can occur in other deep veins, such as in the arms and pelvis. DVT is most common in…

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during the night. The main types of sleep apnea are: Obstructive sleep apnea – the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax Central sleep apnea – which occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to the muscles that…

Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease occurs when the carotid arteries become narrowed or blocked.The carotid arteries provide part of the main blood supply to the brain. They are located on each side of the neck. Carotid artery disease occurs when fatty material called plaque builds up inside the arteries. This buildup of plaque is called hardening of…

Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR)

Heart Attack

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a heart attack. A heart attack is caused by a blood clot that blocks a coronary artery. The coronary arteries supply blood and oxygen to the heart. If the blood flow is blocked, the heart is deprived of oxygen and heart muscle dies. The medical term…

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Blood pressure naturally rises and falls throughout the day, but it can cause problems if it stays high for a long time. Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It is sometimes referred to as “the silent killer” because frequently people don’t even know they have it. Common risk factors for hypertension include:…

Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung disease is a group of lung disorders in which lung tissue becomes inflamed and damaged. In people with interstitial lung disease, tissue between the air sacs in the lungs becomes stiff or scarred, and the air sacs are not able to expand completely. As a result, not as much oxygen can get to the…

Venous Ulcer

Venous ulcers are open sores that can occur when the veins in the legs do not push blood back up to the heart as well as they should. Blood backs up in the veins increasing pressure. Common causes of damaged veins include blood clots, injury, aging, and obesity. If not treated, increased pressure and excess fluid…