fibrocystic breast condition The presence of lumpiness and/or discomfort in one or both breasts. The condition is very common and benign. Fibrocystic breast condition was formerly referred to as fibrocystic breast disease and primarily affects women between the ages of 30 and 50; it tends to become less of a problem after menopause. The diagnosis…
fibroblast growth factors A family of signaling molecules that bind to surface receptors and exert actions on cells known as fibroblasts. Abbreviated FGFs. There are multiple types of FGFs, and FGF molecules bind to a family of fibroblast growth factor receptor molecules (FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, and FGFR4). This interaction plays a role in wound healing…
fibroblast A type of cell found in connective tissue throughout the body that produces collagen and other proteins found in the extracellular (between cells) spaces.
fibroadenoma The most common benign tumor of the breast and the most common breast tumor in women under 30 years of age. Fibroadenomas are usually solitary and may increase in size during pregnancy. The most common signs of fibroadenoma are a painless, rubbery or firm, moveable mass of the breast. The diagnosis of fibroadenoma is…
fibrinogen The protein from which fibrin is formed in normal blood clotting.
fibrin The protein that is formed during normal blood clotting and that is the essence of the clot.
fibrillation, ventricular An abnormal and irregular heart rhythm in which there are rapid uncoordinated fluttering contractions of the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. Ventricular fibrillation disrupts the synchrony between the heartbeat and the pulse beat. Ventricular fibrillation is commonly associated with heart attacks and scarring of the heart muscle from previous heart attacks. Ventricular…
fibrillation, auricular See fibrillation, atrial.
fibrillation, atrial An abnormal and irregular heart rhythm in which electrical signals are generated chaotically throughout the upper chambers (atria) of the heart. Many people with atrial fibrillation have no symptoms. Among those who do, the most common symptom is an uncomfortable awareness of the rapid and irregular heartbeat (palpitations). Atrial fibrillation can promote the…
fibrillation In cardiology, an abnormal and erratic twitching of the heart muscle.
fibril A small fiber, a fine thread.
fibrates Cholesterol-lowering drugs that are effective in lowering triglycerides and, to a lesser extent, in increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Gemfibrozil (brand name: Lopid), the fibrate most widely used in the US, can be effective for patients with high triglyceride levels, but it is not very effective for lowering LDL cholesterol. As a result, it is…