Diseases/Procedures/Specialties: Basic, Circulatory, Musculoskeletal

Atherosclerosis

Artery hardening from fatty plaques → high BP, organ damage

Myocardial Infarction

Heart attack; blocked artery → heart tissue dies

Mitral Valve Problems

Valve between left atrium & ventricle messed up (prolapse, regurgitation, stenosis) → blood flow issues

Angina Pectoris

Chest pain from low blood flow to heart; relieved by nitroglycerine

Arrhythmia/Dysrhythmia

Heart beats too fast, slow, or irregular

Ischemia

Heart not getting enough blood/oxygen → angina or heart attack

Cardiologist

Heart doctor (diseases and treatment of heart)

Hematologist

Blood doctor (diseases of blood)

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)

Heart’s electrical activity recorded on paper (heart rate)

Echocardiography

Ultrasound image of heart; checks valves & defects

Cardiac catheterization

Tube + dye to see artery blockages

Phlebotomist/Venipuncturist

Draws blood & starts IVs

Arthritis

Joint wear → swelling, pain, less movement. Osteoarthritis(age-related joint wear), Rheumatoid Arthritis(immune system attacks joints → severe inflammation)

Osteoporosis

Weak, brittle bones from low calcium

Osteomalacia/Rickets

Soft, weak bones from low calcium or vitamin D

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Wrist nerve compressed → thumb/index/middle finger pain & weakness

Tendonitis

Tendon inflammation from repeated strain → pain, slow healing

Rotator Cuff Tear

Shoulder tendon tear → pain & limited movement

Bursitis

Inflamed fluid sac cushioning joint → pain & limited movement

Muscular Dystrophy 

Inherited → progressive muscle weakness

Myasthenia Gravis

Autoimmune → rapid muscle fatigue (face/neck)

Lupus Erythematosus

Autoimmune → immune system attacks body causing inflammation, pain, and rashes

Orthopaedist

Bone, joint, tendon, ligament, or hip/knee replacement specialist

Rheumatologist

Treats conditions that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissue

Osteopath / D.O.

Doctor with focus on musculoskeletal system + regular medicine

Podiatrist

Foot doctor; treats structural & disease-related foot issues

Physical Therapist

Rehab specialist; teaches exercises for strength, mobility, injury prevention

Arthroscopy

Camera in joint to see bones, tears, inflammation

Bone scan

Inject tiny safe radioactive element → distribution of element shows tumors and bone problems

Electromyography

Needles record muscle electrical activity → diagnose paralysis/muscular dystrophy

Muscle Biopsy

Small muscle sample examined → diagnose neuromuscular diseases