Glossary

• Haemorrhage

  Bleeding caused by blood escaping into the tissues. 

• Haemorrhagic stroke

  A stroke that happens when a blood vessel bursts, leading to bleeding in the brain (also called a ‘brain haemorrhage’). 

• Healthcare professional

  A professional involved in stroke care, such as a doctor, nurse, therapist, or care staff.  

• HEART UK

  A cholesterol charity. 

• Hemianopia

  Blindness or some loss of vision in one part of the visual field.  

• Homeostasis

  Regulation of internal environment (e.g. body temperature regulated at 37°C).  

• Hydrocephalus

  A build up of fluid within the skull. 

• Hyperacute stroke unit/centre/service

  A stroke unit, centre or service that treats patients in the first 72 hours of symptom onset. 

• Hyperlipidaemia

  Raised levels of lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides or both) in the blood serum. 

• Hypertension

  Raised blood pressure. 

• Hypertensive encephalopathy

  Brain damage caused by raised blood pressure. 

• Hypoglycaemia

  Blood sugar levels lower than the normal range. 

• Hypoxia

  Blood oxygen levels outside the normal range, e.g. below 95% saturation.