Terminology

% abv is percentage alcohol by volume.

RCPE's partner organisation SHAAP works on reducing alcohol-related harm and deaths.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA, termed 'triple A') is a swelling in the aorta (the main artery from the heart) that can grow over time and can rupture, which is a medical emergency.

There is AAA screening in the UK.

Arterial blood gas (ABG) testing assesses gas exchange, acid/base status and provides immediate information on electrolytes. ABG analysis helps to diagnose respiratory failure and may reveal acid/base disturbance (and if the body is compensating or not).

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is characterised by a hypersensitivity allergic response to the spores of Aspergillus mould. ABPA is the non-invasive form of aspergillosis.

ABPA is most common in people with asthma, CF or bronchiectasis.

Radiopaedia - ABPA

The ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) is the ratio of the systolic blood pressure at the ankle (highest of the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial artery pressures) to the systolic blood pressure in the upper arm (brachial artery pressure).

ABPI is measured on the same side of the body (left ankle compared with left upper arm).

Lower blood pressure in the leg than the arm (a low ABPI, less than 1) suggests blocked arteries due to PAD.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) encompasses myocardial infarction (MI, both STEMI and NSTEMI) and unstable angina.

SIGN 148 - Acute coronary syndrome

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a group of behavioural symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

Source: NHS Inform - ADHD

An ADR is an adverse drug reaction, an unwanted symptom/reaction brought on by a medication (when prescribed and taken appropriately).

ADRs can be reported via the MHRA's Yellow Card Scheme.

NICE CKS - Adverse drug reactions

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of cardiac arrhythmia characterised by rapid and irregular beating of the heart's atria, due to aberrant electrical activity.

NICE CKS - Atrial fibrillation

The NHS recognises 14 Allied Health Profession(al)s (AHPs), including OT, PT and SALT.