Health Articles

Hypothyroidism Risk Factors

Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid gland is an endocrine condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient levels of thyroid hormones.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is a condition of the thyroid gland that affects the production of thyroid hormones, important hormones in the regulation of metabolism. The symptoms of this condition are non-specific and develop slowly, meaning they are often missed or confused with symptoms of another condition. Therefore, the condition sometimes fails to be diagnosed for years.

Hypothyroidism

The term hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and is an important endocrine organ that produces the thyroid hormones, important hormones responsible for the regulation of metabolism.

Atrial Fibrillation Facts

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one type of arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is a problem with the speed or rhythm of the heartbeat. A disorder in the heart’s electrical system causes AF and other types of arrhythmia. AF occurs when rapid, disorganized electrical signals in the atria cause them to fibrillate (contract in a very fast and irregular way). When this happens, the heart’s upper and lower chambers don’t work together as they should. Often, people who have AF may not even feel symptoms. However, even when not noticed, AF can lead to an increased risk of stroke. In many patients, particularly when the rhythm is rapid, AF can cause chest pain, heart attack, or heart failure. The three types of AF are paroxysmal (the AF comes and goes), persistent (the AF continues until stopped with treatment), and permanent (a normal heart rhythm can’t be restored). Certain conditions, such as problems with the heart's structure or conditions that damage the heart's valves, can lead to AF. Other conditions, such as obesity and high blood pressure, make it more likely that an episode of AF may happen. More than 2 million people in the United States have AF. It's more common in older people, and it affects both men and women. Signs and symptoms of AF include palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness or difficulty exercising, chest pain, dizziness or fainting, fatigue (tiredness), or confusion. AF has two major complications—stroke (caused when blood clots form in the atria and break off and travel to the brain) and heart failure (caused by the heart’s inability to efficiently pump blood to the rest of the body). Heart attack is another, rarer complication. Doctors diagnose AF using family and medical history, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests and procedures. AF can be specifically diagnosed only by EKG recordings. AF treatments, which include medicines and procedures, are designed to prevent blood clots from forming, restore normal the heart rate or rhythm, and treat underlying conditions that cause or raise the risk of AF. People who have AF can live normal, active lives. For some people, treatment can cure AF and return their heart to its normal rhythm. For people with permanent AF, treatment can successfully control symptoms and prevent complications.

Atrial Fibrillation Prevention

You may be able to prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) by leading a healthy lifestyle and taking steps to lower your risk for heart disease. These steps include:

Atrial Fibrillation Treatment

Treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) depends on how severe or frequent the symptoms are and whether you already have heart disease. General treatment options include medicines, medical procedures, and lifestyle changes.

Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis

Sometimes people have atrial fibrillation (AF), but don't have symptoms. For these people, AF is often found during a physical exam or EKG (electrocardiogram) test done for another purpose. Other times, AF is diagnosed after a person goes to the doctor because of symptoms.

Atrial Fibrillation Signs and Symptoms

Atrial fibrillation (AF) usually causes the ventricles to contract faster than normal. When this happens, the ventricles don't have enough time to fill completely with blood to pump to the lungs and body. This inefficient pumping can cause signs and symptoms, such as:

Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

Atrial fibrillation or AF, is the most common arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is a problem with the speed or rhythm of the heartbeat. A disorder in the heart's electrical system causes AF and other types of arrhythmia.

Cystic Fibrosis Facts

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that arises due to a mutation in the gene that codes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR).

Coping With Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the production and flow of mucus in the respiratory and digestive system.

Cystic Fibrosis Treatment

Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis

Cystic fibrosis is often diagnosed at birth, through the routine screening of newborns. The disease may also be suspected early on in childhood due to clinical symptoms such as a persistent cough, recurrent chest infections and excessively salty sweat.

Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the production and flow of mucus in the lungs and digestive system. Symptoms usually manifest within the first year of life, although they can develop later.

Cystic Fibrosis Causes

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the production and flow of mucus within the lungs and digestive system. As a result, the passage ways in these areas become clogged with a thick, sticky mucus.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the production and flow of mucus within the lungs and digestive system, parts of the body that then become clogged with a thick, sticky mucus.

SARS: Tips for Travellers

As with all infectious illnesses, the first line of defence is careful and frequent hand hygiene - most cases of SARS have involved persons who cared for or lived with someone with SARS or had direct contact with infectious material (e.g., respiratory secretions) from a person with SARS.

SARS, Treatment, Control and Tests

Medical Treatment for SARS

How SARS is Spread

SARS is spread in the main by close person-to-person contact and is transmitted by respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, which are propelled through the air and deposited on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, or eyes of persons who are nearby.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

SARS or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus - the SARS associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) - which can be life-threatening.