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Diagnosis, stages, and prevention of heart diseases

Diagnosis, stages, and prevention of heart diseases

Heart disease is a serious health condition, and it is also one of the main causes of death in the country. Irrespective of what kind of heart-related issue one has, they can be diagnosed with the help of certain tests. Once these are carried out, and a proper diagnosis is arrived at, the heart specialist, also known as a cardiologist, treats the condition accordingly.

Diagnosis of heart diseases

Heart-related conditions can be diagnosed via chest X-ray and blood tests. However, these are not the only available options that doctors use to determine the cause of the problems. Here is a list of some common tests that are also an option.

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Holter monitoring
  • Echocardiogram
  • Stress test
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan
  • Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Different stages of heart failure

Heart failure is a heart disease with different types and stages. There are mainly four stages known as A, B, C, and D. Stage A exposes one to the risk of heart failure. It can develop due to family history, hypertension, diabetes, alcohol abuse, coronary artery disease, and metabolic syndrome, among others. Stage B is more serious, as one starts to develop pre-heart failure conditions. During this stage, systolic left ventricular dysfunction occurs, which can lead to heart failure in the future.

Stage C is when one is first diagnosed with heart failure. The various symptoms of this stage include shortness of breath, fatigue, inability to exercise, weakening of legs, waking up for urination regularly, and swelling in the abdomen, lower legs, feet, and ankles. Stage D is the last stage of this heart disease wherein the patient shows advanced symptoms of this health condition. The symptoms of this stage do not respond to medical treatments.

Prevention of heart disease

People who have a history of heart disease in their family are more likely to develop certain heart conditions themselves. On the positive side, one can do various things to keep their heart-healthy. Below is a list of things that can be done to prevent heart-related issues.

  • Keep the blood pressure under control
    People who have high blood pressure are more likely to develop heart conditions. It is essential for one to get their blood pressure checked at least once a year. If the doctor prescribes medicines and lifestyle changes, these must be followed accordingly.
  • Control the cholesterol level
    Coronary artery disease is a serious heart condition, which is a result of clogged arteries. If one can keep their cholesterol levels under control, they immediately lower the chances of developing heart diseases. This can be successfully done with medicine and lifestyle changes.
  • Follow a healthy diet :
    There is no better way to prevent heart diseases than maintaining a healthy diet. Food items that are high in sugar, sodium, and saturated fat should be avoided. One’s diet should include whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. The right diet not only keeps the heart healthy, but it also helps one prevent blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Other than these, maintaining overall good health also helps to prevent heart diseases. One can achieve this by exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and stopping smoking or drinking alcohol.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of heartburn

Heartburn and GERD are often used interchangeably. However, heartburn is a common symptom experienced by people who suffer from acid reflux, and if heartburn occurs more than just twice in a week, the condition is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). As per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the condition affects as many as 20 percent of the country’s total population. Stages of GERDGERD is a progressive condition, and the treatment offered depends on the stage of the condition. How severely the reflux is taking place into the esophagus determines the stage of the condition. So, the various stages of GERD are:Stage IAt this stage, the symptoms of the condition are mild and occur about once or twice the month. The treatment at this stage involves more lifestyle changes combined with some over-the-counter medications.Stage IIWhen a patient is at this stage, the symptoms become more frequent and the need to take an acid-suppressive medication arises. If the medication is not taken, the symptoms of the condition can become severe and can interfere with the daily routine of the patient. When left untreated, the symptoms are also linked with inflammation of the esophagus.Stage IIIPatients at this stage have symptoms that cannot be treated with prescription medications. The symptoms interfere with their day-to-day tasks and affect their quality of life. Esophageal inflammation is also common at this stage. Patients at this stage need expert advice and an anti-reflux procedure can be done to enhance the quality of life. Stage IVWhen GERD is left untreated for many years, it leads to this stage which is also known as esophageal cancer. Out of the total patients with long-term GERD, 10% go on to progress to this stage. At this stage, these patients suffer from Barrett’s esophagus, which is a condition that occurs before cancer. If at this stage, the patient does not get treatment, their condition can progress and can eventually lead to cancer.DiagnosisTo diagnose GERD, your doctor will check the history of your symptoms and will conduct a physical exam. In some cases, the doctors might also want to check for any complications caused by the condition. In such situations, the following tests can be ordered:Upper endoscopyAmbulatory acid probe testEsophageal manometryAn X-ray conducted on the upper part of the digestive systemPreventionThere are several ways to prevent GERD. These include the following:Lose extra weight One of the main causes of GERD is obesity or unhealthy body weight. When there is extra fat on the stomach, it causes pressure on the abdomen area and creates pressure on the gastric juices. This sends the juices up to the esophagus and causes heartburn and GERD.Avoid certain foods There are certain foods known to put you at the risk of GERD. Therefore, you must refrain from consuming:Spicy foodFoods rich in acid such as tomatoesMintCoffeeOnionsChocolates

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

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