Shock (circulatory)Shock is the state of insufficient blood flow to the tissues of the body as a result of problems with the circulatory system. Initial symptoms of shock may include weakness, elevated heart rate, fast breathing, sweating, anxiety, and increased thirst. This may be followed by confusion, unconsciousness, or cardiac arrest, as complications worsen. Shock is divided into four main types based on the underlying cause: hypovolemic, cardiogenic, obstructive, and distributive shock.
Human skin colorHuman skin color, also known as skin tone, ranges from the darkest brown to the lightest hues. Differences in skin color among individuals is caused by variation in pigmentation, which is largely due to genetics (inherited from one's biological parents), and, in adults in particular, to exposure to the sun, disorders, or some combination thereof.
Peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a vascular disorder that causes abnormal narrowing of arteries other than those that supply the heart or brain. PAD can happen in any blood vessel, but it is more common in the legs than the arms. When narrowing occurs in the heart, it is called coronary artery disease (CAD), and in the brain, it is called cerebrovascular disease.
DehydrationIn physiology, dehydration is a lack of total body water that disrupts metabolic processes. It occurs when free water loss exceeds intake, often resulting from excessive sweating, health conditions, or inadequate consumption of water. Mild dehydration can also be caused by immersion diuresis, which may increase risk of decompression sickness in divers. Most people can tolerate a 3–4% decrease in total body water without difficulty or adverse health effects.
Raynaud syndromeRaynaud syndrome, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a medical condition in which the spasm of small arteries causes episodes of reduced blood flow to end arterioles. Typically the disease affects the fingers, and, less commonly, the toes, though it rarely also affects the nose, ears, nipples, or lips. The episodes classically result in the affected part turning white and then blue. Often, numbness or pain occurs. As blood flow returns, the area turns red and burns.
Room temperatureRoom temperature, colloquially, denotes the range of air temperatures most people find comfortable indoors while dressed in typical clothing. Comfortable temperatures can be extended beyond this range depending on humidity, air circulation, and other factors. In certain fields, like science and engineering, and within a particular context, room temperature can mean different agreed-upon ranges.
ContraindicationIn medicine, a contraindication is a condition (a situation or factor) that serves as a reason not to take a certain medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient. Contraindication is the opposite of indication, which is a reason to use a certain treatment. Absolute contraindications are contraindications for which there are no reasonable circumstances for undertaking a course of action (that is, overriding the prohibition).
GumsThe gums or gingiva (pl.: gingivae) consist of the mucosal tissue that lies over the mandible and maxilla inside the mouth. Gum health and disease can have an effect on general health.
Blanch (medical)When skin is blanched, it takes on a whitish appearance as blood flow to the region is prevented. This occurs during and is the basis of the physiologic test known as diascopy. Blanching of the fingers is also one of the most clinically evident signs of Raynaud's phenomenon. Blanching is prevented in gangrene as the red blood corpuscles are extravasated and impart red color to the gangrenous part.
CapillaryA capillary is a small blood vessel, from 5 to 10 micrometres in diameter, and is part of the microcirculation system. Capillaries are microvessels and the smallest blood vessels in the body. They are composed of only the tunica intima (the innermost layer of an artery or vein), consisting of a thin wall of simple squamous endothelial cells.
PerfusionPerfusion is the passage of fluid through the circulatory system or lymphatic system to an organ or a tissue, usually referring to the delivery of blood to a capillary bed in tissue. Perfusion may also refer to fixation via perfusion, used in histological studies. Perfusion is measured as the rate at which blood is delivered to tissue, or volume of blood per unit time (blood flow) per unit tissue mass.Hand arm vibrationsIn occupational safety and health, hand arm vibrations (HAVs) are a specific type of occupational hazard which can lead to hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). HAVS, also known as vibration white finger (VWF) or dead finger, is an industrial injury triggered by continuous use of vibrating hand-held machinery and constituting a secondary form of Raynaud's syndrome.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.