var arrayFacts = [ "Melanoma

The deadliest of form of skin cancer originates in the cells that produce melanin.

Melanoma can appear on any part of the body, not just on areas exposed to the sun. The cancer may spread to other areas of the body and may be fatal. In the U.S., 41,600 new cases are diagnosed each year and about 7,300 people die annually from melanoma<.", "Basal cell carcinoma

The most common form of skin cancer.

Basal cell carcinomas are usually painless, slow growing, and found in areas exposed to the sun.

These tumors do not spread, but will invade and destroy the surrounding tissues. Removing the carcinomas early can prevent damage and reoccurrence.", "Metastasis

The spreading of cancer.

Cancer cells have no capsules to enclose them, so they are able to escape and spread to other parts of the body by way of the blood or lymphatic system. To avoid the spread of skin cancers, all suspicious lesions should be evaluated by a doctor.", "ABCD rule

A way to distinguish normal moles from melanomas

A - symmetry: If one half of the mole doesn't match the other half.

B - order irregularity: The mole's edges are ragged or notched.

C - Color: Any color change or colors of differing shades.

D - Diameter: The mole is wider then .25 inches.", "Melanoma

Serious skin cancer

Melanomas can begin as new pigmented skin growth or from existing pigmented moles.

If left untreated, they can spread to other parts of the body, where they continues to grow and destroy cells.

People at risk include those with a high number of moles, fair-skinned people, those who burn easily, and people with a family history of melanomas.", "Nevus

A mole

Moles may vary in size and color and are usually formed during childhood.

Moles are noncancerous but can develop into cancerous forms.

Changes in a mole such as enlargement, darkening, bleeding, color changes, itching, or pain are warning signs that should be examined by a physician.", "Actinic keratosis

A precancerous skin condition characterized by small, rough, scaly patches of skin that are caused by overexposure to the sun.

Actinic keratoses are slow growing and may go away on their own. They are a warning sign of sun damage and should be inspected regularity.", "Albinism

Albinism can be a partial or total lack of the melanin pigment. People with total albinism have white hair, pale skin, and pink eyes.

Albinos and light skinned people are more susceptible to sunburns and skin cancer.", "Melanin

Melanin is a substance that gives the skin and hair its coloring. Darker skinned people have more melanin.

A naturally protective substance, melaninabsorbs the energy from ultra-violet rays and prevents the rays from invading the deeper tissues.", "Staging

A process to determine spread of cancer

Once a cancer is diagnosed its stage must be determined. This is the extent to which the cancer has spread.

Stage one cancers are small and localized. Stage four cancers have spread throughout the body. Different treatments may be used for different stages.", "Arteriosclerosis

Hardening of the arteriesArteriosclerosis is a disease in which fatty materials collect in the walls of the arteries. These fatty substances result in narrowing and impairment of blood flow.

Restricted blood flow to the heart can cause pain in the chest area. Fatty diet, smoking, obesity, and high cholesterol can cause arteriosclerosis.", "Angioplasty

A procedure to open blocked vessels

A small, hollow, flexible tube with a balloon at the end is inserted into an artery at the top of the leg.

The small balloon at the end of the catheter is inflated and widens the area of the blockage, restoring adequate blood flow through the artery to the heart muscle.

The procedure is done while the patient is awake and under local anesthesia.", "ThrombusA thrombus is a blood clot that forms in a blood vessel and remains there.

The clot can block the flow of blood to that area and deprive tissues of oxygen, resulting in death of those tissues.

Risks include prolonged sitting, obesity, surgery, and use of medications like birth control pills.", "EmbolusA clot that travels from its original site to a new siteA clot may break away and travel through the bloodstream. It is then called an embolus.

The embolus can lodge itself in the brain, lungs, heart, or other areas, where it can cause severe problems.", "Arterial plaque

Arterial plaque is accumulated fats on the lining of an artery. Plaque can buildup, causing obstruction, or dislodge and travel to major organs.

Obesity, smoking, and inactivity are some of the risk factors.", "IschemiaIschemia is poor blood supply.Ischemia is usually due to obstruction of the arterial blood supply or inadequate blood flow. This can lead to a reduction of oxygen to the tissues, which can result in tissue destruction and death.", "Aneurysm

An aneurysm is an abnormal swelling of an artery or veinAn aneurysm is due to weakening of the walls by disease, injury, or a birth defect.

Aneurysms are usually caused by high blood pressure. An aneurysm isn't life-threatening by itself, but if it bursts in the brain it can cause a stroke.

If it bursts in a major artery, it can cause the person to bleed to death.", "Intermittent claudication

Intermittent pain in the legs.The pain is intermittent, worse when walking, and better with rest. Narrowing of the arteries that supply the leg with blood cause the pain.

During exertion, the oxygen requirements cannot be met, causing cramping and pain.", "Atherectomy

A procedure for opening blocked arteries.

Atherectomy is a procedure where a catheter is introduced into a blood vessel and threaded to the blocked artery.

A high-speed rotating device at the tip of the catheter grinds the fatty deposits into tiny particles.", "Vasospasm

A vasospasm is a spasm in one of the blood vessels supplying the heart.

When a vessel goes into spasm it can decrease or stop the flow of blood to the heart.

Spasms may occur in a normal coronary artery, as well as in partially blocked arteries.

The reasons for spasms are unclear and typically occur during rest.

The spasms can cause chest pain, and, if severe enough, will cause a heart attack.", "Edema

Edema is excess fluid in the tissues.

Edematous skin becomes swollen as the fluids build up, causing the skin to appear stretched and shiny.

Major causes of edema are heart and kidney failure.

If you are experiencing edema, please consult with your health care professional.", "DyspneaDyspnea is difficult or uncomfortable breathing, the sensation of running out of air, or the inability to breath deeply enough.

Dyspnea occurs because the heart is unable to keep up with increased oxygen needs during exercise.

Unexplained shortness of breath can be signs of the first stages of heart failure.", "OrthopneaOrthopnea is difficulty breathing while lying down.A person with orthopnea must keep their head elevated while sleeping to breath easily. Two or three pillows are often used to elevate the head.

When the person resumes an upright position, breathing is less labored.

This symptom indicates a compromise of the cardiovascular system, such as in congestive heart failure.", "Pulmonary edemaPulmonary edema is fluid buildup in the lungs.

Diseases of the heart can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs.

Shortness of breath can occur, especially when lying down, because fluid moves into the lungs.

A person with pulmonary edema will wake up gasping for breath or wheezing. Severe buildup is life threatening.", "Syncope

Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness (fainting) due to decreased blood flow to the brain.

Many illnesses can cause a person to faint.

However, if a person has had a head injury, fainting is accompanied by a feeling that the room is spinning, or light-headedness lasts longer than three weeks, the person should call his or her physician.", "Angina

Angina, or angina pectoris, is a pain that occurs from inadequate oxygen delivery to the heart muscle

It is often linked with hardening of the arteries. The pain may be aching, sharp, tingling, burning, or feel like pressure.

Pain that radiates to the arms or neck, and is not relieved by rest should be taken seriously.

If you are experiencing chest pain get medical attention immediately.", "Nocturnal paroxysmal dyspnea

This is a nighttime attack of shortness of breath.

Nocturnal paroxysmal dyspnea is a sudden attack of shortness of breath, profuse sweating, rapid heart rate, and wheezing that awaken a person from sleep.

Causes may be nightmares, coughing, sudden noises, or heart failure.", "Heart murmurA heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound caused when one or more valves fail to function normally.

The sounds are produced when turbulent blood flow goes through the heart or vessels.

The turbulence causes vibrations that can be detected as a whooshing or blowing sound.", "Hypervolemia

Hypervolemia is excess blood volume.

Hypervolemia can result from cardiac disease, steroids, and excess intake of sodium.

The extra circulation increases the load on an already diseased heart and cardiac failure occurs.", "Heart failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart loses its ability to pump efficiently.

Because the heart cannot pump efficiently, the body doesn't receive enough blood to meet its needs.

People with heart failure cannot exert themselves, because they become short of breath and tire easily.

Congestion and fluid build up cause swelling in the legs and ankles.", "Myocarditis

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle.

Myocarditis may be a complication from viral diseases such as polio, influenza, and rheumatic fever.

Chemical exposure and connective tissue diseases may also cause it.

The middle layer of the heart becomes inflamed, causing rapid onset of heart failure.", "Pericarditis

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane or sac, that surrounds the heart.

It can be caused by bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. Injury or trauma to the chest can also cause inflammation.

Pericarditis mostly affects men between the ages 20 to 50, usually following a respiratory illness.", "Myocardial infarctionThis is a heart attack.

When an area of the heart doesn't receive an adequate supply of oxygen, damage occurs, causing a heart attack.

Damage can occur from blood clots and narrowing of the arteries.

Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity are some of the contributing factors.

Myocardial infarction is a major cause of sudden death.", "Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a serious disease in which the heart muscle becomes inflamed and will not work as well as it should.

The disorder is chronic and the condition can progress rapidly, altering the structure or impairing the function of the heart muscle.", "Cardiac tamponade

Cardiac tamponade happens when blood gets inside of the pericardial sac surrounding the heart.

Cardiac tamponade is a life threatening situation that interferes with the performance of the heart.

Bacterial and viral infections can cause blood or fluid to collect in the pericardium.

The ventricles cannot expand fully, so they are unable to fill or pump blood efficiently.

If left untreated, the end result will be low blood pressure, shock, and death.", "Buerger's disease

Buerger's disease is a disorder caused by inflammation and changes in the walls of the arteries and veins.

The vessels become obstructed by clots and inflamed tissue, which reduces the availability of blood to the tissue in the hands and feet.

The disorder causes pain and eventually destroys the tissue. This makes the tissue prone to infection.

Beurger's disease effects men, 20 to 40 years old, who have a history of smoking or chewing tobacco.", "Cardiogenic shock

Cardiogenic shock is when the heart fails to deliver enough blood to the body.

Cardiogenic shock is a state in which blood flow is inadequate to sustain life because of insufficient cardiac output.

Cadiogenic shock can result from disorders of the heart muscle, valves, or the heart's electrical conduction system.", "Coronary artery disease (CAD)

CAD is the progressive narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries by deposits of fatty material (plaque).

Risk factors include high cholesterol levels, smoking, excess body fat, and a sedentary lifestyle.", "Acrocyanosis (also called Raynaud's sign)

Acrocyanosis is blueness of the extremities.

Acrocyanosis is caused by spasms of the blood vessels and may be proceeded by anxiety or hormonal disorders.

Symptoms are bluish coloring of the skin, coldness, and profuse sweating of the affected body parts.", "Palpitations

Palpitations are a pounding or racing of the heart that can be felt in the chest, neck, or throat.

Exercise and stress can cause heart palpitations, but it is rarely associated with heart disease.

The significance is dependent on the presence of other symptoms.", "Tachycardia

Tachycardia is a rapid heart rate.

The heart normally speeds up in response to fever, exercise, and stress to increase the oxygen level to the cells.

When tachycardia occurs for no known reason and for prolonged periods, it may be a sign of a heart disorder.", "Bradycardia

Bradycardia is a condition in which the heart beats steadily, but at less than 60 beats a minute.

It can cause dizziness, fainting, and collapse of circulation.

Brain tumors, digitalis overdoses, and abnormal responses of the autonomic nervous system can cause a slow heart rate.", "Flutter

Flutter occurs from ineffective contractions of the heart muscles

Fast contractions cause the walls of the heart to flutter, so blood isn't pumped effectively through the chambers.

Inadequate amounts of blood are pumped out of the heart, causing blood pressure to fall and possible heart failure.

The cause is often an underlying disease, such as rheumatic fever or alcohol abuse.", "Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is any deviation from the normal rhythm of the heart.

The heartbeats may be too slow (less than 60 beats a minute), too fast (more than 100 beats a minute), irregular, or too early.

Abnormal rhythms are caused by a disruption of the heart's electrical conduction system.

When an arrhythmia causes a severe decrease in the heart's pumping function, it can stop blood circulation and cause damage to the organs.", "Sinoatrial node

The sinoatrial node is the natural pacemaker of the heart.

This system generates electrical impulses and conducts them through the heart muscles, causing the muscles to contract and pump blood, and controlling the heart rate.", "Sick sinus syndrome

The sick sinus syndrome is a group of abnormal heartbeats.

A group of disorders that can occur when the heart's natural pacemaker is not functioning normally.

The malfunctioning heart cannot pump efficiently, which leads to impaired circulation.

The impairment leads to dizziness, confusion, fainting, and eventual heart failure.", ];