Health conditions and diseases starting with V. Get trusted insights on symptoms, causes, and treatments to manage health confidently.
Ventricular premature beats (VPBs), also referred to as premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), are early depolarizations originating in the ventricles. They disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart by causing an extra, abnormal beat before the regular heartbeat resumes. While often benign, frequent VPBs may signify underlying cardiac pathology and can predispose to more serious arrhythmias
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia characterized by chaotic electrical activity in the ventricles, resulting in the cessation of effective cardiac output. As the most common cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD), VF requires immediate recognition and defibrillation to prevent irreversible brain damage or death. The disorganized impulses prevent the heart from pumping
Ventricular arrhythmias are potentially life-threatening cardiac rhythm disturbances originating from the ventricles. They range from benign premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) to lethal ventricular fibrillation (VF). These arrhythmias disrupt the heart’s ability to pump effectively, often resulting in hemodynamic instability, syncope, or sudden cardiac death (SCD). Pathophysiology of Ventricular Arrhythmias Abnormal ventricular rhythms are caused by
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) due to Acinetobacter species, particularly Acinetobacter baumannii, presents a formidable challenge in critical care settings. Known for its ability to colonize the respiratory tract and persist on hospital surfaces, Acinetobacter is a significant cause of nosocomial infections, especially in patients undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation. Its multidrug-resistant (MDR) profile further complicates treatment strategies
Ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP) is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that occurs in patients receiving mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours. As a subtype of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), VABP significantly contributes to morbidity, mortality, prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stays, and increased healthcare costs. Pathogenesis and Risk Factors of VABP VABP develops when
Venous thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within a vein. This condition can obstruct normal blood flow, leading to swelling, pain, and in severe cases, life-threatening complications such as pulmonary embolism (PE). The most common type is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), usually affecting the deep veins of the legs. Pathophysiology of
Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), most commonly experienced as hot flashes and night sweats, are hallmark signs of the menopausal transition. These symptoms stem from hormonal changes, primarily the declining levels of estrogen, which disrupt the body’s thermoregulation. VMS affect approximately 75% of menopausal women, with varying intensity and duration. For some, these symptoms are mild and
Vasomotor rhinitis is a chronic, nonallergic condition characterized by nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and postnasal drip without an identifiable allergic cause. Unlike allergic rhinitis, which is triggered by allergens such as pollen or dust mites, vasomotor rhinitis arises due to imbalances in the autonomic nervous system that affect blood vessels in the nasal mucosa.
Vasculitis refers to a group of rare disorders characterized by inflammation of blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries. This inflammation leads to changes in vessel walls—thickening, weakening, narrowing, or scarring—which can restrict blood flow and damage vital tissues and organs. The severity of vasculitis ranges from mild and self-limiting to life-threatening, depending on the
Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, resulting from impaired blood flow to the brain. The condition arises due to damage in cerebral vessels, typically from strokes or small vessel disease, which compromises oxygen and nutrient delivery to brain tissue. The resulting neuronal injury leads to cognitive decline, memory