Medical Glossary

Terms starting with H

BladderHarnblase: The urinary bladder is a muscular hollow organ in the pelvis that collects and stores urine before it is passed out. It can stretch and contract during urination.
Cardiac arrhythmiaHerzrhythmusstörung: A cardiac arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat that is too fast or too slow. Some forms are harmless, while others can impair the circulation and require treatment.
Cardiac catheterHerzkatheter: Cardiac catheterisation is an examination in which a thin tube is advanced through a blood vessel up to the heart. This makes it possible to visualise narrowed coronary arteries and often to widen them with a stent during the same procedure.
Cardiac ultrasoundHerzultraschall: Cardiac ultrasound is a pain-free examination in which the heart is imaged using sound waves. It allows the size, pumping function and heart valves to be assessed.
Carotid arteryHalsschlagader: The carotid artery is the large artery that supplies the brain with oxygen-rich blood. Deposits on its wall can increase the risk of a stroke.
Cerebral infarctionHirninfarkt: A cerebral infarction is the most common form of stroke and occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked. The affected brain tissue is then no longer supplied with oxygen.
CorneaHornhaut: The cornea is the clear, curved front layer of the eye through which light enters the interior. It contributes substantially to focusing the light and thus to sharp vision.
CoughHusten: Coughing is a protective reflex that clears mucus or foreign bodies from the airways. It accompanies many respiratory illnesses and may be dry or productive with sputum.
ENTHNO: HNO stands for ear, nose and throat medicine, the medical speciality for disorders of these areas. This includes, among other things, hearing problems, sinus infections and throat complaints.
HaematemesisHämatemesis: Haematemesis refers to the vomiting of blood. It indicates a source of bleeding in the upper digestive tract and is usually an emergency.
HaematogenousHämatogen: Haematogenous means «via the blood» and describes something spreading through the bloodstream. Pathogens, for example, can spread haematogenously throughout the body.
HaemodialysisHämodialyse: Haemodialysis is a blood-cleansing procedure used in kidney failure. The blood is passed outside the body through a filter that removes toxins and excess water.
Hallux valgus: Hallux valgus is a common misalignment of the big toe, which tilts towards the outside of the foot. An often painful bunion forms on the ball of the foot.
Hay feverHeuschnupfen: Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen from grasses, trees or herbaceous plants. It causes sneezing, a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes, usually on a seasonal basis.
HbA1c: The HbA1c value, also known as long-term blood sugar, shows the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. It is used to assess and monitor diabetes.
HDL: HDL is a form of cholesterol in the blood that transports excess cholesterol back to the liver. It is therefore commonly known as «good» cholesterol.
Hearing aidHörgerät: A hearing aid is a small electronic device that amplifies sound and thus improves hearing in cases of hearing loss. It is individually adapted to the ear and to the degree of hearing loss.
Heart attackHerzinfarkt: A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked and part of the heart muscle is no longer supplied with oxygen. Severe chest pain is typical; a heart attack is an emergency.
Heart failureHerzinsuffizienz: In heart failure, the heart is no longer able to pump enough blood through the body. Typical symptoms are shortness of breath, rapid fatigue and fluid accumulation in the legs.
Heart valveHerzklappe: Heart valves are valve-like structures in the heart that ensure the blood flows in one direction only. If they are narrowed or leaking, this is referred to as a heart valve defect.
HemangiomaHämangiom: A haemangioma is a benign growth of blood vessels, colloquially known as a «strawberry mark». It often occurs on the skin of infants and frequently regresses on its own.
HematocritHämatokrit: The haematocrit indicates what proportion of the total blood volume is made up of the solid blood components — above all the red blood cells. It is given as a percentage and helps to detect anaemia or a thickening of the blood.
HematologyHämatologie: Haematology is the medical speciality concerned with the blood and the blood-forming organs. This includes conditions such as anaemia, clotting disorders and blood cancer.
HematomaHämatom: A haematoma is a bruise, that is, a collection of blood in the tissue outside the blood vessels. It usually results from an injury and appears as a bluish mark that changes colour as it heals.
HematuriaHämaturie: Haematuria means blood in the urine. It may be visible to the naked eye or detectable only under the microscope and has many possible causes, from a urinary tract infection to kidney stones.
HemiparesisHemiparese: Hemiparesis is an incomplete paralysis of one half of the body. It is a common consequence of a stroke and affects the arm and leg on the same side.
HemochromatosisHämochromatose: Haemochromatosis is an iron storage disease that is usually inherited. The body absorbs too much iron and deposits it in organs such as the liver, heart and pancreas, which can damage them.
HemoglobinHämoglobin: Haemoglobin is the red blood pigment in the red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the organs. The haemoglobin level is determined in almost every blood test and shows, among other things, whether anaemia is present.
HemolysisHämolyse: Haemolysis refers to the premature breakdown of red blood cells. If this happens to an increased extent, a special form of anaemia can develop, known as haemolytic anaemia.
HemophiliaHämophilie: Haemophilia is the condition commonly known as «bleeder's disease», a usually inherited disorder of blood clotting. Those affected bleed for longer after injuries because a particular clotting factor is missing or reduced.
HemorrhageHämorrhagie: Haemorrhage is the medical term for bleeding. The term is used for both external and internal bleeding.
HemorrhoidsHämorrhoiden: Haemorrhoids are cushions of blood vessels at the end of the rectum that everyone has. If they become enlarged, they can lead to itching, weeping or bright red bleeding during bowel movements.
HemostasisHämostase: Haemostasis refers to the arrest of bleeding, that is, all the processes that bring bleeding to a stop after an injury. These include the contraction of the blood vessels and the formation of a blood clot.
Hepatitis: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by viruses, alcohol, medication or the body's own immune system and takes an acute or chronic course.
HepatocyteHepatozyt: Hepatocytes are the actual liver cells and make up the largest part of the liver tissue. They perform key tasks in metabolism, such as breaking down toxins.
HepatologyHepatologie: Hepatology is the subspeciality of internal medicine that deals with diseases of the liver, the bile ducts and the pancreas.
HepatomegalyHepatomegalie: Hepatomegaly refers to an enlarged liver. It is not a disease in its own right, but rather an indication of various conditions such as inflammation of the liver or congestion.
HerniaHernie: A hernia is a rupture in which internal organs protrude outwards through a gap or weak point in the abdominal wall. Common forms are the inguinal hernia and the umbilical hernia, which appear as a palpable bulge.
Herpes: Herpes is an infection caused by herpes viruses that usually appears as painful blisters on the lips or in the genital area. The viruses remain in the body for life and can flare up again.
Hip jointHüftgelenk: The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the thigh bone with the pelvis. It carries the body's weight and makes walking, standing and bending possible.
Hip prosthesisHüftprothese: A hip prosthesis is an artificial hip joint that replaces a worn or injured joint. It is frequently used in advanced osteoarthritis of the hip joint.
HistamineHistamin: Histamine is a messenger substance produced by the body that is released during allergic reactions and inflammation. Among other things, it causes itching, redness and the widening of blood vessels.
HistologyHistologie: Histology is the study of tissues and their examination at the microscopic level. It serves, for example, to check a tissue sample for benign or malignant changes.
HIV: HIV is a virus that attacks the defence cells of the immune system and, if left untreated, can lead to the immune deficiency Aids. It is transmitted mainly through blood and during sexual intercourse.
HoarsenessHeiserkeit: Hoarseness is a rough or scratchy change in the voice. Common causes are inflammation of the larynx or overuse of the vocal cords.
HomeostasisHomöostase: Homeostasis refers to the body's efforts to keep its internal balance constant, for example with regard to temperature, blood sugar or fluid balance. Control mechanisms continuously compensate for deviations.
HormoneHormon: Hormones are messenger substances that are released into the blood by glands and control the function of organs. They regulate, for example, metabolism, growth and reproduction.
HospitalizationHospitalisation: Hospitalisation refers to the admission and treatment of a patient in hospital. The term is also used as a measure of how frequently hospital stays occur.
HydrationHydratation: Hydration refers to supplying the body with fluids. Adequate hydration is important for the circulation, the kidneys and the metabolism.
HydrocephalusHydrozephalus: Hydrocephalus, colloquially known as water on the brain, is an enlargement of the fluid-filled spaces within the brain. This can raise the pressure inside the head and cause symptoms.
HydronephrosisHydronephrose: In hydronephrosis, urine backs up in the kidney because its outflow is obstructed, for example by a kidney stone. The renal pelvis becomes dilated as a result.
Hygiene: Hygiene comprises all measures that serve to maintain health and prevent infections. In hospital, hand hygiene in particular plays a central role.
HyperacusisHyperakusis: Hyperacusis is an abnormally increased sensitivity to normal everyday sounds. Those affected already perceive moderately loud sounds as unpleasant or painful.
HypercalcemiaHyperkalzämie: In hypercalcaemia, the calcium level in the blood is raised. Possible complaints are tiredness, constipation, increased thirst and kidney stones.
HypercholesterolemiaHypercholesterinämie: Hypercholesterolaemia refers to a raised cholesterol level in the blood. It promotes deposits in the blood vessels and thus cardiovascular disease.
HyperemiaHyperämie: Hyperaemia is an increased blood flow to a tissue or organ. It often shows itself as redness, for example in an inflammation.
HyperglycemiaHyperglykämie: Hyperglycaemia means an elevated blood sugar level. It occurs above all in diabetes mellitus and can manifest itself through intense thirst, frequent urination and fatigue.
HyperhidrosisHyperhidrose: Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that goes beyond the normal degree needed for heat regulation. It frequently affects the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet or the armpits.
HyperkalemiaHyperkaliämie: Hyperkalaemia is a raised potassium level in the blood. A markedly excessive value can disturb the heart rhythm and must be assessed by a doctor.
HyperkinesiaHyperkinesie: Hyperkinesia refers to increased, involuntary movements that the affected person cannot control. It occurs in various neurological disorders.
HyperlipidemiaHyperlipidämie: Hyperlipidaemia means raised blood lipid levels, for example of cholesterol or triglycerides. It is a risk factor for hardening of the arteries and is detected through blood values.
HyperpigmentationHyperpigmentierung: Hyperpigmentation is an increased brown discolouration of the skin caused by greater deposition of the pigment melanin. It can occur after sun exposure, inflammation or hormonal changes.
HyperplasiaHyperplasie: Hyperplasia is the enlargement of a tissue through an increased number of cells. One example is the benign enlargement of the prostate in older age.
HypertensionHypertonie: Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure — a persistently elevated pressure in the blood vessels. It often causes no symptoms, but increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and is monitored regularly.
HypertensiveHypertensiv: Hypertensive is an adjective meaning «relating to high blood pressure» or «accompanied by elevated blood pressure». A hypertensive crisis, for example, describes a dangerously severe rise in blood pressure.
HyperthyroidismHyperthyreose: In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too many hormones. Possible consequences are palpitations, nervousness, weight loss and increased sweating.
HypertrophyHypertrophie: Hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of a tissue or organ through growth of the individual cells. A well-known example is the thickening of the heart muscle in cases of persistently high blood pressure.
HyperuricemiaHyperurikämie: Hyperuricaemia refers to a raised uric acid level in the blood. It can lead to gout attacks and to the formation of uric acid stones.
Hyperventilation: Hyperventilation is breathing that is too fast and too deep, during which too much carbon dioxide is breathed out. It can be triggered by anxiety or agitation and cause tingling, dizziness and muscle cramps.
HypesthesiaHypästhesie: Hypaesthesia refers to a reduced sense of touch or feeling in the skin. It is an indication of a disturbance of the nerves responsible.
HypoglycemiaHypoglykämie: Hypoglycaemia is a blood sugar level that is too low. It can lead to trembling, sweating, ravenous hunger and, in pronounced cases, to impaired consciousness.
HypokalemiaHypokaliämie: Hypokalaemia refers to a potassium level in the blood that is too low. It can cause muscle weakness, cramps and cardiac arrhythmias.
HyponatremiaHyponatriämie: Hyponatraemia is a sodium level in the blood that is too low. Depending on its severity, it can trigger headaches, nausea, confusion or seizures.
HypotensionHypotonie: Hypotension refers to low blood pressure. It can cause dizziness, fatigue, or brief blackouts before the eyes when standing up; whether it has disease value depends on the cause and symptoms.
HypothyroidismHypothyreose: Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland with insufficient hormone production. Typical signs are fatigue, feeling cold, weight gain and listlessness.
HypovolemiaHypovolämie: Hypovolaemia is a reduced volume of circulating blood, for example due to a severe loss of fluid or a major bleed. It can put the circulation at risk.
HypoxiaHypoxie: Hypoxia refers to a lack of oxygen in the tissue. It can arise from lung or heart disease, high altitude or circulatory disorders.
LumbagoHexenschuss: Lumbago is a sudden, shooting, severe pain in the lower back. It usually arises from an awkward movement and generally subsides again after a few days.
MeningesHirnhaut: The meninges are several layers of connective tissue that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation of these membranes is known as meningitis.
MeningitisHirnhautentzündung: Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, most often caused by viruses or bacteria. Typical signs are headache, fever, and a stiff neck. If meningitis is suspected, it is always an emergency until a milder viral form has been confirmed.
PacemakerHerzschrittmacher: A pacemaker is a small electronic device that is implanted under the skin and controls the heartbeat by means of electrical impulses. It is used above all when the heartbeat is too slow.
Skin biopsyHautbiopsie: During a skin biopsy, a small tissue sample is taken from the skin and examined under the microscope. It helps to clarify unclear skin changes.
Sudden hearing lossHörsturz: Sudden hearing loss is an abrupt, usually one-sided loss of hearing with no recognisable external cause. It can be accompanied by noises in the ear and should be investigated promptly.
Testicular torsionHodentorsion: Testicular torsion is a twisting of the testicle around its own vascular stalk, which cuts off the blood supply. It causes sudden severe pain and is an emergency.
Undescended testicleHodenhochstand: In undescended testis, one or both of a boy's testicles have not moved down into the scrotum as they normally would. It is monitored during childhood and treated if necessary.
UreterHarnleiter: The ureters are two thin muscular tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. A kidney stone can become lodged in them and trigger severe colic.
UrethraHarnröhre: The urethra is the channel through which urine is carried from the bladder to the outside. In men it is considerably longer than in women.
Uric acidHarnsäure: Uric acid is a breakdown product of metabolism that is excreted via the kidneys. A persistently raised value can promote gout.
Urinary incontinenceHarninkontinenz: Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary loss of urine. It has various causes and forms and can affect people of any age.
Urinary tract infectionHarnwegsinfekt: A urinary tract infection is an inflammation of the urinary tract, usually caused by bacteria. Typical complaints are burning during urination and a frequent urge to urinate.