GLOSSARY: W, X, & Z TERMS

Waist circumference

A practical tool to measure the abdominal fat in patients with a BMI of less than 35.

Wernicke syndrome

-Neurologic condition caused by thiamine deficiency and characterized by classic triad of symptoms (mental confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia).

Wheeze

A high-pitched whistling sound caused by air moving through narrowed airways. Wheezes are usually heard at the end of expiration but may be heard during inspiration and expiration in acute severe asthma.

White coat hypertension

A persistently elevated average office blood pressure of greater than 140/90 mm Hg and an average awake ambulatory reading of less than 135/85 mm Hg.

Wild-type virus

-The phenotype of naturally occurring, nonmutated strain of the HIV virus.

-Refers to natural form of HIV virus without any genetic mutations.

Wilson disease

A disorder of copper metabolism, characterized by cirrhosis of the liver and neurological manifestations.

Xanthomas

Firm raised nodules composed of lipid-containing histocytes.

Xerostomia

Unusual dryness of the mouth.

ZAP-70 expression

An intracellular tyrosine kinase found in CLL B-cells.

Zymogen

An inactive protein precursor of an enzyme that is converted into an active form.