Madisons Foundation - Moms And Dads In Search Of Needed Support

heart murmur

The sound a physician hears when blood rushes through the different parts of the heart. It can be completely normal or be a sign that something is not right with the heart.

hemiparesis

Weakness over one side of the body.

hemoglobin

a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body

heterozygous

Possessing two different forms of a particular gene, one inherited from each parent.

histamine

Histimine is a chemical found in cells throughout the body that is released during an allergic reaction. Histamine is one of the substances responsible for the symptoms of inflammation. It is the major reason for itchy, watery eyes and running noses. It also stimulates production of acid by the stomach and narrows the airways in the lungs.

homozygous

Possessing two identical forms of a particular gene, one inherited from each parent.

hypertension

Higher blood pressure than expected for a child's age, sex and height.

hypotonia

Hypotonia is characterized by decreased muscle tone. Infants with hypotonia seem floppy and have been described as feeling like a "rag doll."