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Polycystic Kidney Disease What is polycystic kidney disease (PKD)? Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a rare genetic disorder. It causes many cysts filled with fluid to grow in the kidneys. PKD cysts can impair how the kidneys work. It can lead to kidney failure. PKD is the

Cardiomyopathy and Your Child What is cardiomyopathy? Cardiomyopathy is disease of the heart muscle. It makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. There are different types of the disease. Each of these can cause the heart muscle to get larger, thicken, or become stiff

Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes You've probably heard that people with diabetes are at risk for multiple health complications. These include cardiovascular disease. As it turns out, cardiovascular disease is especially common among people with diabetes. Most people with type

Types of Genetic Testing Genetic tests look for changes in a person's genes. They can also look for changes in the amount, function, or structure of key proteins coded by genes. Genetic tests can look at the DNA or RNA that play a role in certain conditions. Abnormal test results

Mammograms and Breast Health What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breast. It's used to find and diagnose breast disease. A mammogram may be done if you have breast problems such as a lump, pain, or nipple discharge. A mammogram is also done as a screening

Components of Food If you are trying to make heart-healthy changes to your lifestyle and diet, it's helpful to know some basics about nutrition, starting with the components of food. Facts about calories You need enough calories to give you energy, but no more than you can burn

Medical Genetics: Types of Genetic Changes The human body has about 20,000 different genes in each cell. Genes are located on chromosomes, which are stick-shaped structures in the middle of the cell (nucleus). Each cell usually has 46 chromosomes grouped in 23 pairs. Each gene

Work and Pregnancy Congratulations on your pregnancy! If you work, you might be wondering if you can continue working throughout your pregnancy. Many women do so without any problems. Pregnancy causes many changes in your body. Your ability to keep working depends on your overall

Overview of Craniofacial Anomalies What are craniofacial anomalies? Craniofacial anomalies (CFA) are a variety of deformities in the growth of the head and facial bones. Anomaly is a medical term meaning different from normal. These abnormalities are present at birth (congenital)

The Child's Immune System What is the immune system? The immune system protects your child's body from outside invaders. This includes germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and toxins (chemicals made by microbes). The immune system is made up of different organs, cells