Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome. Down syndrome varies in severity among individuals, causing lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays. …

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop primarily within your kidneys, causing your kidneys to enlarge and lose function over time. Cysts are noncancerous round sacs containing fluid. The cysts vary in size, and they can grow very large. Having many cysts or …

Left-sided heart failure The heart’s pumping action moves oxygen-rich blood as it travels from the lungs to the left atrium, then on to the left ventricle, which pumps it to the rest of the body. The left ventricle supplies most of the heart’s pumping power, so it’s larger than the other …

Damaged heart muscle after a heart attack can lead to structural remodeling and decline in ventricular performance. The resulting enlargement of the heart may induce shortness of breath and fatigue, impinging on patients’ ability to function and maintain quality of life. In such cases, making the heart smaller with an …

What is a slipped capital femoral epiphysis? A slipped capital femoral epiphysis occurs when the upper end of the thigh bone (femur) slips at the area where the bone is growing (growth plate or physis) and does not fit in the hip socket correctly. The condition is most common in …

If your doctor diagnoses you with advanced, HER2-negative breast cancer, know this: You have options for treating the disease. As you explore them, it helps to understand what it means to have advanced, HER2-negative breast cancer. Advanced breast cancer, also called stage III or IV, means the cancer is big …

Back pain from AS isn’t the same as more common types of back pain caused by things like muscle spasms or slipped disks. AS back pain is caused by inflammation. It’s chronic, which means it lasts a long time. But treatments can help lessen pain and stiffness. To get started, …

You don’t have to slim down to your high school size to get real health benefits. Losing just a few pounds makes a big difference. Five percent of your body weight — 10 pounds for a 200-pound person — can improve all kinds of health problems, and make you feel …

Heart failure is common in the United States. Nearly 6 million Americans live with it. But there are simple steps you can take to lower your odds of getting the condition. What Is Heart Failure? You get heart failure when your heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen to your …

When you have diabetes, your chance of heart disease goes up, so you may need tests that check how well your ticker is working. They’ll help your doctor see if you have signs of heart trouble and figure out the best treatment for you. Blood pressure check. It’s a painless test …