MedlinePlus is a service of the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the world's largest medical library, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It was built as an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends.
MedlinePlus presents high-quality, easy to understand, relevant health and wellness information that is trusted.
Heart disease is the leading cause of the death in the United States. It is also a major cause of disability. But you can take steps to improve your health ...
Around half of American adults have high blood pressure (hypertension). Many of those people don't know they have it because there are usually no warning signs. ...
What is HPV? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses. Some of them are spread through sexual contact. Most people have been ...
What is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, happens when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs. Your ...
What is blood glucose? Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is the main sugar found in your blood. It is your body's primary source of energy. It comes from ...
What is hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, happens when your thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body's ...
What is a hysterectomy? A hysterectomy is surgery to remove the uterus (womb). The uterus is the place where a fetus grows during pregnancy. A hysterectomy ...
What is the immune system? Your immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs. Together they help the body fight infections and other ...
We usually think of air pollution as being outdoors, but the air in your house or office could also be polluted. Sources of indoor pollution include: Mold ...
Food provides the energy and nutrients that babies need to be healthy. For a
baby, breast milk is best. It has all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Infant ...
What is infectious mononucleosis (mono)? Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is a disease caused by viruses.The most common cause is the Epstein-Barr virus ( ...
What is infertility? Infertility means not becoming pregnant after having frequent, unprotected sex for one year or longer. If you are age 35 or older, ...
Inhalation injuries are acute injuries to your respiratory system and lungs. They can happen if you breathe in toxic substances, such as smoke (from fires), chemicals, ...
What is insomnia? Insomnia is a common sleep disorder. If you have it, you may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. As a result, you ...
What is intimate partner violence (IPV)? Intimate partner violence (IPV) is abuse that happens in a romantic relationship. The intimate partner could be ...
What is iron? Iron is a mineral that our bodies need for growth and development. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. ...
What is an ischemic stroke? A stroke happens when there is a loss of blood flow to part of the brain. Your brain cells cannot get the oxygen and nutrients ...
What are islets? Islets are groups of cells in your pancreas. The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach. It makes hormones that control your blood glucose, ...
What are joints? Your joints are places where two or more bones come together. Your shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and knuckles are all joints. Your ...
What is Kawasaki disease? Kawasaki disease is a rare illness that usually affects small children. Other names for the disease are Kawasaki syndrome and ...
