This glossary is for Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, families and non-specialists. It explains the terms used in the clinical recommendations and other terms that may be used by your medical team when talking about care.
A side effect of steroid medicines which causes the adrenal glands to become 'sleepy' and stop producing the hormone cortisol
A medical emergency caused by a lack of cortisol. It is a risk in people with DMD who are treated with steroids after an accident or severe illness.
A hormone which regulates body functions and plays an important role in helping the body respond to stress, illness or injury
A doctor who specialises in the heart
A disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood around the body. Weakening heart muscles are part of the natural progression of DMD.
A type of cardiomyopathy where muscle fibres in the heart stretch and become larger.
A protein which strengthens muscles and protects them from injury. DMD is caused by a fault in the gene which enables the body to produce dystrophin.
A simple test to check the heart's rhythm and electrical activity.
A scan used to check the heart's rhythm and check how blood is moving through the heart. It is a type of ultrasound scan.
A measure of how well the left chamber of the heart is pumping blood to the body
A measure of how well the left chamber of the heart is pumping blood to the body
Another term for high blood pressure. High blood pressure rarely has noticeable symptoms but, if untreated, it can put strain on the heart and other organs.
Another term for low blood pressure. Low blood pressure can be helpful in DMD, but can sometimes cause symptoms such as feeling faint and dizzy.
The muscle of the heart
A type of scan that produces detailed images of inside the body.
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