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Glossary
O
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Obesity |
A body weight of 20% or more above the accepted value for a person's age, sex, and body type. It is also defined as a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30. See Body mass index. |
| Observational Study |
A study that tracks and observes a subject's medical condition and/or quality of life, but does not intervene. |
| Occluded artery |
An artery in which the blood flow has been impaired by an occlusion (blockage). |
| Occlusion |
Blockage. |
| Occupational therapy |
A type of rehabilitation after stroke that helps you relearn the skills required for the activities of daily living (ADL) |
| Omega-3 fatty acids |
A group of polyunsaturated fatty acids including the oils found in fish, particularly oily fish (e.g., salmon, tuna, and mackerel), and plant-based fatty acids from soybeans, canola oil, and walnuts. A diet rich in Omega-3 may help lower your risk of heart disease. |
| Oophorectomy |
Surgical removal of one or both ovaries. |
| Open-heart surgery |
A surgical procedure in which circulatory functions are temporarily taken over by a heart-lung machine. |
| Orthopnea |
A type of shortness of breath that occurs when a person is lying down. It is often a symptom of heart failure. |
| Orthostatic hypotension |
A sudden drop in blood pressure occurring when a person stands up. It can cause fainting. |
| Osteoporosis |
A condition where bones loose their mass and become very brittle. |
| OTC |
Over the counter (i.e., a non-prescription medication). |
| Overweight |
Having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher. See Body mass index. |
