Heart failure is a common medical condition and remains an increasing global problem. In many ways, heart failure is synonymous with end-stage heart disease. Of course, prognosis varies depending on the severity of the disorder. However, in advanced heart failure survival is dismal. All diseases of the heart may ultimately lead to heart failure. A simple … Read more
Menopausal hormone therapy is an effective treatment for hot flashes associated with menopause. It may also help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) and reduce the risk of bone fractures in postmenopausal women. However, menopausal hormone therapy may also be associated with risks for the patient. The risks depend on the individual treated, the type of hormone … Read more
Triglycerides are important organic compounds. Most of the fat we consume in our diet is triglyceride and so is most of the fat we store in our body. Fatty acids contained in triglycerides are an essential source of energy for the cells of our body. Triglyceride concentration can be measured in blood and may provide … Read more
There are several reasons why we should be interested in the numbers reflecting the amount of cholesterol circulating in our bloodstream. However, to be able to interpret these numbers we have to know certain things about cholesterol as a chemical substance and its role health and disease. Interestingly, although cholesterol is an essential substance for … Read more
Most women will experience hot flashes when going through the menopause. In the USA, the term hot flashes is used to describe this phenomenon whereas in the UK the term hot flushes is used. Both mean the same thing. Hot flashes are also known as vasomotor symptoms. The term ‘vasomotor’ refers to the vasomotor center in … Read more
Coughing is a reflex action where the air is rapidly expelled from the lungs to clear excessive secretions, fluids, or foreign material from the airway. Therefore, cough is an important respiratory defense mechanism. However, coughing may also be a symptom of an underlying disease. Apart from the discomfort of coughing itself, excessive coughing can cause multisystem problems. For … Read more
High blood pressure (BP), also called hypertension, increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. It is one of the most important causes of premature death worldwide. In 2025, an estimated 1.56 billion adults will be living with hypertension (1). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension kills nearly 8 million people every … Read more
For the last few days, my Kindle has been my closest companion. “What are you reading”? my wife asked. “I’m reading Lore of Nutrition.” “Ooh, I was sure it was a thriller or one of your crime stories.” In fact, she was right. Although Lore of Nutrition is a book about nutrition, it reads like … Read more
“Fatigue is here, in my body, in my legs and eyes. That is what gets you in the end. Faith is only a word, embroidered.” ― Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale. Fatigue or tiredness is a common medical complaint that may seriously affect people’s quality of life. However, despite many possible underlying causes, a specific medical disorder is … Read more
In-flight medical emergencies on commercial flights occur every day. In 2013, it was estimated that 44.000 such events occurred worldwide every year (1). So if you are a doctor, a nurse, a medical student, an emergency medical technician or a person with first aid training, it is quite likely that one day your service will be … Read more