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Definition
Novel H1N1 influenza, popularly known as swine flu, a respiratory infection caused by an influenza virus first recognized in the spring of 2009. The new virus, which contains the official title of swine influenza A (H1N1), the genetic material of humans and swine and avian influenza viruses.
Technically, the term “swine flu” refers to influenza in pigs. Occasionally, swine influenza viruses transmitted to humans, especially pig farm workers and veterinarians. Less commonly, an infected person to other professionals, the infection goes. You can not catch flu from eating pork pork.
Unlike typical swine flu H1N1 flu spreads quickly and easily. In June 2009, when the infection had spread around the world reviewed the World Health Organization says H1N1 flu causing a global pandemic.
An H1N1 vaccine has been developed for the influenza season 2009/10.
Symptoms
Swine flu symptoms in humans similar to those of infection with other strains of flu:
■ fever
■ Cough
■ Neck pain
■ Body aches
■ Headache
■ Chills
■ Fatigue
■ Diarrhea
■ Vomiting
Swine flu symptoms develop three to five days after exposure to the virus and continue for approximately eight days, beginning one days have recovered before you get sick and run until you are.
When to see a doctor
It is not necessary to call a doctor if you are generally healthy and developing swine flu symptoms such as fever, cough and body aches. Call your doctor, but if you flu-like symptoms and you are pregnant or have a chronic illness like emphysema or heart disease.
Causes
Influenza viruses infect the cells lining the nose, throat and lungs. The virus arrives, your body when you breathe contaminated droplets or live transmission of virus from a contaminated surface, the eyes, nose or mouth on his hand.
Risk Factors
Since new H1N1 virus is new, everyone is afflicted with certain risks. Health care workers to provide direct patient are special risks to catch H1N1 flu. Students and children in school and child care are also at high risk. Children usually get the virus in the class and give it to the other members of the household.
Complications
Influenza complications include:
■ worsening of chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes and asthma
■ Pneumonia
■ Respiratory insufficiency
Severe complications to develop the human and swine influenza H1N1 seem to progress rapidly.
Treatments and drugs
Most cases of influenza, including human influenza have fever, no treatment other than the relief of symptoms. If you have a chronic respiratory disease, your doctor may prescribe additional medication to reduce inflammation, open your airways and lungs to clear secretions.
The antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) can reduce the severity of symptoms, but influenza viruses can develop resistance. To ensure the development of resistance more unlikely and maintain the supplies of these drugs for those who need it most, are subject to anti-viral medications for people at high risk for complications.
Groups at high risk are those who:
■ Are the hospital
■ You have shortness of breath along with other flu symptoms
■ Are younger than 5 years old
■ Are the 65 years of age and older
■ Are Pregnant
■ Are younger than 19 years of age and are receiving long-term aspirin therapy, because an increased risk of Reye’s syndrome
■ You certain chronic diseases such as asthma, emphysema, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neuromuscular disorders, kidney, liver or blood disease have
■ Are the immunosuppression by drugs or HIV
Lifestyle and home remedies
If you come with any kind of flu, they may simply help your symptoms:
■ Drink plenty of fluids. Choose water, juice, clear broth, to prevent dehydration. Drinking enough to have clear or pale yellow urine.
■ Rest Learn more sleep to help your immune system fight the infection.
■ Take over-the-counter medications to reduce the symptoms. Follow directions on the package, you reduce the host acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), fever and pain. Read package labels to be sure any product you give a child or adolescent has no aspirin. Children and teenagers should not aspirin, because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.
Prevention
A vaccine has been developed to prevent swine flu. In the United States, vaccination is recommended for:
■ pregnant women. The risk of swine influenza complications is higher during pregnancy. Mothers can potentially in need of protection for babies who are not vaccinated.
■ Household contacts and caregivers of children younger than 6 months old. Younger children have a higher risk of flu complications, and can not be vaccinated. Vaccination of this age in close contact with infants under 6 months, the children run the risk “of the burden by reducing the virus.
■ health and medical emergency personnel. Infections have been reported in nurses who can be a possible source of infection to vulnerable patients. Similarly, increased absenteeism in health care workers’ health care could reduce capacity.
■ babies, children and adolescents from 6 months to 18 years. Many cases of novel influenza H1N1 have occurred in children. Influenza viruses spread easily in schools and child care, and children infected in those settings carry the infection to their families.
■ Young adults 19 to 24 years. The immunization is important for young adults because they live, work and study in close proximity, and they move and often tend to stay.
■ People aged 25 to 64 years, the health conditions with a higher risk for complications of influenza are associated with. These conditions include heart disease, lung disease and some types of cancer.
Even these measures to prevent, limit flu and its spread:
■ Stay home if you are sick. If you do not swine flu, you can give it to the other from about 24 hours before symptoms develop, and ends about seven days later. Out of consideration for others, do your best to stay in the emergency room, doctor’s office or urgent-care center. You do not want to risk infecting everyone else – especially in a medical facility, where other care can be obtained, especially for the vulnerable flu.
■ Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Use soap and water, or if they are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Flu viruses can survive for two hours or longer on surfaces like doorknobs and countertops.
■ Avoid contact. Stay away from crowds if possible.
■ Reduce the risk in your household. If a member of your household swine flu, designate another member of the household must be responsible for a sick person close personal care.
Definition
Depression is one of the most common health conditions in the world. Depression is not a weakness, it is also not something that you can just “snap out.” Depression, formally called major depression, major depression or clinical depression, is a medical disorder, the body and mind. It affects how you think and behave and can cause a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may not be able to go about your normal daily activities, and depression you may feel as if life is simply not worth living.
Most doctors today consider depression a chronic illness that requires long-term treatment, such as diabetes or hypertension. Although some people have an episode of depression, most have repeated episodes of depression symptoms during the entire life span.
Effective diagnosis and treatment can help, even severe depression symptoms. And with effective treatment, most people with depression feel better, often within a few weeks, and the return to the daily activities they previously enjoyed.
Symptoms
Symptoms of depression include:
■ Loss of interest in normal daily activities
■ feeling sad or down
■ Feeling hopeless
■ Crying spells for no apparent reason
■ Sleep Problems
■ problems to concentrate or
■ Difficulty decisions
■ Unintentional weight gain or loss
■ Irritability
■ restlessness
■ As a slightly annoyed
■ Feeling tired or weak
■ Feeling worthless
■ Loss of interest in sex
■ thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
■ Unexplained physical problems such as back pain or headaches
Depression symptoms can vary greatly because different people depression in different ways. A 25-year-old man with depression may not have the same symptoms as a 70-year-old man, for example. For some people, depression symptoms are so severe that it is obviously something wrong. Others feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why.
Causes
It is not known, in particular, what causes depression. As with many mental disorders, it is believed that a variety of biochemical, genetic and environmental factors may cause depression:
■ Biochemical. Some evidence from high-tech imaging studies indicates that people with depression have physical changes in their brain. The significance of these changes is still uncertain, but may also help to identify causes. The naturally occurring brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that are related to mood, maybe even play a role in depression. Hormonal imbalances can also be a culprit.
■ genes. Some studies show that depression is more prevalent in people whose biological family members also have the condition. The researchers are searching for genes involved in depression.
■ environment. Environment is also thought to play a causal role in any way. Environmental causes are situations in life that are difficult to manage, such as the loss of a loved one, financial problems and stress.
Risk Factors
Although precise statistics are not known, depression is considered to be relatively frequent. Each year about 12 million adults in the United States have depression. Depression cuts across all racial, ethnic and economic divides – no one is immune to the risk of depression.
Depression typically begins in the late’20s, but it may in any age, all young children to older adults. Twice as many women diagnosed with depression than men, but this may be due, in part because women are more likely a treatment for depression.
Although the exact causes of depression is not known, the researchers found that certain factors seem the risk of developing or triggering depression, including:
■ other biological relatives with depression
■ according to family members that their own lives
■ stressful events, such as the death of a loved one
■ With a depressed mood than adolescents
■ disease such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s or HIV / AIDS
■ Long-term use of certain medications, such as some drugs to combat high blood pressure, sleeping pills or, occasionally, birth control pills
■ Certain personality characteristics such as low self-esteem and are overly dependent, self-critical or pessimistic
■ alcohol, nicotine and drug abuse
■ after birth
■ In a lower socio-economic groups
If medical advice
It is quite normal, sometimes sad or angry or unhappy with situations in your life. But with depression, these feelings linger for weeks, months or even years. And these feelings are even more intense than “just the blues” and the relationships, work and daily activities, and also the ability to eat and bathe.
Feelings of depression can also lead to suicide. If you have any signs of depression, seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Depression is usually no better on their own, and it could be even worse if left untreated.
If you have a primary care doctor, talk to him or her about your depression symptoms. Or for help from a mental health provider. If you are reluctant to seek treatment, try to have the courage to trust in someone about your feelings, whether it is a friend or lover, a doctor, a faith leader or someone else you trust. They can help you make the first steps to a successful treatment of depression.
If you have suicidal thoughts
Suicidal thoughts and behavior among people with depression. If you are considering suicide, and have the legal means available, talk to someone now. The best choice is to 911 or your local emergency number. If you simply do not want, for whatever reason, you have other opportunities for contact with someone who:
■ Contact a family member or friend
■ Consult a doctor, mental health or other health care professionals
■ Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone in your faith community
■ Go to your local hospital emergency room
■ Call a crisis center or hotline
Help for a loved one with depression symptoms
If you have a loved one that you believe may be the symptoms of depression, have an open and honest discussion about your concerns. You may not be able to search for someone to professional care, but can you encouragement and support.
They can also help your loved ones find a qualified doctor or mental health provider and make an appointment. You can even able to go to an appointment with him or her. If you have a loved one, the damage itself, or is seriously considering it, take him or her to the hospital or call for emergency help.
Tests and diagnosis
Some doctors and health care providers you questions about your mood and thoughts during routine medical visits. You can even ask you to send us a short questionnaire to help screen, or check for the symptoms of depression.
When doctors suspect someone has depression, they typically have a number of medical and psychological tests and examinations. These can be from other problems, the cause of your symptoms, just a diagnosis and also for any related complications. These tests generally include:
■ Physical examination. This may include measuring height and weight, checking vital functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature, listening to the heart and lungs, and examining the abdomen.
■ Laboratory tests. These may include complete blood count (CBC), screening for alcohol and drugs, and a review of the functioning of the thyroid gland.
■ Psychological Assessment. A doctor or mental health provider talk about your thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns. He or she will ask your symptoms, even if they are, how strong they are, how they affect your daily life and whether you have similar episodes in the past. They will also discuss any thoughts you may have of suicide or self-harm.
Diagnostic criteria for depression
There are several other conditions whose symptoms may include depression. It is important to an accurate diagnosis, so the appropriate treatment. Your doctor or mental health providers assessment will help determine whether you have major depression or other conditions, which sometimes resemble major depression:
■ adjustment disorder. An adjustment disorder is a severe emotional reaction to a difficult event in your life. It is a kind of stress associated with mental disorders that may affect your feelings, thoughts and behavior.
■ Bipolar disorder. This type of depression is characterized by mood swings, from highs to lows. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between bipolar disorder and depression, but it is very important for the correct diagnosis, so that the proper treatment and medication.
■ Cyclothymia. Cyclothymia, or cyclothymic disorder, is a milder form of bipolar disorder.
■ Dysthymia. Dysthymia (DIS-Thi-me-UH) is a less severe but more chronic form of depression. Although it is usually not disabling, Dysthymia can prevent you from functioning normally in your everyday life and the lives of their fullest.
■ Postpartum Depression. This is depression that occurs in a new mother usually within one month after the birth of a child.
■ Psychotic depression. This is accompanied by severe depression, psychosis, such as delusions or hallucinations.
■ Schizoaffective disorder. Schizoaffective disorder is a condition in which a person, the criteria for schizophrenia and a mood disorder.
■ Seasonal affective disorder. This type of depression is associated with changes in the seasons and the lack of exposure to sunlight.
Major depression is distinguished from these other conditions by its symptoms and their severity. In order to diagnose with severe depression, you have the symptom criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This guide is supported by the American Psychiatric Association and is supported by the mental health providers to diagnose mental conditions and by insurance companies for the treatment to be reimbursed.
Diagnostic criteria for depression are:
■ The symptoms that occur almost every day for two or more weeks
■ A depressed mood
■ Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities
■ Significant unintentional weight loss or weight gain
■ difficulty sleeping, sleeping, whether too much, too little or frequent waking episodes, while trying to sleep
■ feelings of restlessness and excitement
■ Feelings of sluggishness
■ fatigue or lack of energy
■ Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
■ Problems thinking, concentrating or decision
■ Thoughts of death or suicide
■ your symptoms cause you distress or impair your functioning in daily life
Make sure you understand what type of depression you have, so you can learn more about your specific situation and its treatments.
Complications
Depression is a serious disease, a terrible toll on individuals and families. Untreated, depression can lead to a downward spiral of disability, addiction and suicide. Depression can cause severe emotional, behavioral, health and legal and financial problems that affect all areas of your life. Complications, which can cause depression, or in connection with included:
■ Suicide
■ Alcohol abuse
■ Drug Abuse
■ Anxiety
■ heart disease and other medical conditions
■ work or school problems
■ Family Conflict
■ Relationship difficulties
■ Social isolation
Treatments and drugs
Numerous treatments for depression are. Standard depression treatment options include:
■ Drugs
■ Psychotherapy
■ Electro-convulsive therapy (EKT)
Emerging and less studied treatments for depression are:
■ Brain Stimulation
■ Complementary and alternative treatments
In some cases, your primary care doctor may disclose your depression. In other cases, you can benefit from treatment with a qualified provider of mental health, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker.
Try an active participant in the treatment of depression. In collaboration with you and your doctor or therapist can decide which treatment options best for your situation, depending on your symptoms and their severity, your personal preferences, insurance, affordability, treatment side effects and other factors. However, in some cases, depression is so severe that a doctor, loved one or guardian will need to secure your supply until you are well enough to participate in decision-making.
Here is a closer look at your depression treatment options.
Drugs
Dozens of drugs to treat depression. Most people find the best relief of symptoms of depression through a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Some medications for depression are antidepressants, which expressly approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of depression. Doctors can also use their medical decision to prescribe other drugs that are not FDA approved to treat depression, but it can still effectively – a common and perfectly legal practice called off-label use.
There are different types of antidepressants. Antidepressants are usually determined by the categories, such as the naturally occurring biochemicals in your brain to set the mood. To determine which antidepressant is best for you, the doctors normally common practice. You may also ask you a blood test, the cytochrome P450 test, which contribute to genetic factors that influence your response to certain antidepressants (as well as some other medications).
Other factors considered when selecting an antidepressant, your symptoms, your family history of depression, and other conditions you may have. Do not give up until you or an antidepressant medication, the suitable for you – you have a good chance of finding one that works and that no intolerable side effects, even if it a few tries.
Most antidepressants are equally effective. But some are a higher risk of serious side effects. Here is how antidepressants and other medications are usually when you start the treatment of depression:
■ Typical first choice. Many doctors start treatment with antidepressants, by an antidepressant known as SSRIs – selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This is because the side effects of medications in the SSRI class of antidepressants are generally more tolerable than the other types of antidepressants, and they normally work well. SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac, Saraf), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro).
Other usual first choice of antidepressants are serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), combined reuptake inhibitors and receptor blockers, and tetracyclic antidepressants.
■ Typical second choice. The class of antidepressants called tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) was increased more than the SSRI class, and TCAs are still effective. But because TCAs tend to have more severe side effects, they are often not prescribed until you’ve tried SSRIs first without an improvement in the depression.
■ Typical recent decisions. The class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is often used as a last resort when other drugs have not worked. That’s because MAOIs, while generally effective, can have negative side effects. They also require strict dietary restrictions because of rare but potentially fatal interactions with certain foods. Newer versions of MAOIs that you are on the skin as a skin patch can not swallow fewer side effects.
■ Other medication strategies. Your doctor may also apply to other medicines to treat your depression. These can be stimulants, mood-stabilizing medications, anti-anxiety medication or anti-psychotic medication. In some cases, your doctor may recommend combining two or more antidepressants or other medications for a better effect, sometimes known as augmentation.
Side effects of antidepressants
All antidepressants may have undesirable side effects. Not everyone experiences the same number or intensity of side effects, though. You may find that your reactions are so mild that you do not need to take antidepressants. Coping strategies can also help you to have side effects. In addition, side effects are often away or decrease within a few weeks of starting an antidepressant.
If you are unpleasant or intolerable side effects, not only taking an antidepressant without consulting your doctor. Some antidepressants can cause withdrawal-like symptoms, unless you slowly taper your dose.
Precautions for antidepressants
Although studies have shown that antidepressants are generally safe, some precautions are in order, if you do. The FDA now requires that all antidepressant drugs, the black box warnings. These are the strictest warnings that the FDA can be used for prescription drugs.
The antidepressant warnings Note that in some cases, children, adolescents and young adults ages 18-24 May an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior when antidepressants, especially in the first weeks after starting an antidepressant or when the dose is changed. Because of these risks, the people in these age groups must be carefully monitored by members, caregivers and health care, with antidepressants.
Some antidepressants have the potential to cause serious or even life-threatening health problems, such as liver failure or a dangerous drop in white cells. While such cases are rare, it is important for blood tests or other work on schedule and get treatment schema. Make sure you understand the risks of the medications you and that you are not properly monitored.
In addition, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, some antidepressants may have an increased risk for the health of your unborn child or nursing child. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have. Also make sure you understand the risks of various antidepressants. In collaboration with you and your doctor ways to make your depression symptoms under control.
Waiting for antidepressants to work
It can be as long as eight to 12 weeks to the full benefits of an antidepressant, even though you may notice some improvements in the mood before this. Certain genetic factors can influence whether an antidepressant works for you and how long it will take for the symptoms to improve. (DHF test) If you are no improvements in mood and thoughts, your doctor may recommend either increasing your dose, combining medications or switching to a new drug.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is another key treatment of depression. It is often combined with medication treatment. Psychotherapy is a general term for a method of treating depression by talking about your condition and the associated problems with the mental health provider. Psychotherapy is also known as therapy, talk therapy, counseling and psycho-social therapy.
Through these meetings to speak, you learn about the causes of depression so that you can better understand. They also learn how to identify and change unhealthy behavior or thinking, relationships and experiences, to better cope with and solve problems, and realistic goals for your life. Psychotherapy can help you restore a sense of happiness and control in your life and contribute to depression symptoms such as hopelessness and anger. It can also help get you to a crisis or other problems.
There are different types of psychotherapy that are effective against depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most frequently used talk therapies for depression. This type of therapy helps you to be pessimistic, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with a healthy, positive ones. It is based on the idea that your own thoughts – not other people or situations – you determine how behavior. Even if an unwanted situation does not change, you can change the way you think and behave in a positive way. Interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy are other types of therapy often used to treat depression.
Electroshock therapy
In Electro-Convulsive Therapy (EKT), electric currents through the brain, a seizure. Although many people are suspicious of the EC Treaty and its side effects, they usually provide quick and effective relief of symptoms of depression. Experts are not sure how this therapy relieves the signs and symptoms of depression. The procedure may be at the level of neurotransmitters in your brain. The most common side effect is confusion, which last from several minutes to several hours. Some people have even partial loss of memory, but memory often returns.
ECT is usually for people who do not improve with medication and for a high risk of suicide. It is perhaps the only treatment available for older adults with severe depression who do not take medication because of heart disease.
Hospitalization and Residential Treatment programs
It is not often that depression is so severe that psychiatric hospitalization. And even with severe depression, it is still not easy to decide whether hospitalization is appropriate. If you can be treated as effectively or better outside the hospital, your doctor will probably not recommend hospitalization.
Psychiatric hospitalization is generally recommended only if you are unable to care for themselves or, if you are in immediate danger of harming themselves or someone else. Psychiatric hospitalization include 24-hour care, partial or day hospital or inpatient treatment, a supportive place to live.
Non-traditional depression treatment options
If standard treatment of depression was not effective, you can try non-traditional depression treatments. These options, sometimes neurotherapeutic treatments, with the direct stimulation of the brain. These include:
■ Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). VNS uses electrical impulses with a surgically implanted pulse generator to affect mood centers of the brain. The FDA approved this treatment in July 2005 for certain cases of serious or chronic illnesses, treatment-resistant depression.
■ Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS is an experimental procedure, the magnetic fields to alter brain activity. A large electromagnetic coil is against your scalp near your forehead, an electrical current in your brain.
■ Deep brain stimulation. This is a highly experimental treatment of depression in which the brain is stimulated with surgically implanted electrodes.
Prevention
It is not sure how to prevent depression. However, measures to relieve stress, increase your resilience and to promote low self-esteem can. Friendship and social support, especially in times of crisis, can help you weather rough spells. In addition, the treatment as early signs of a problem can help prevent a worsening of depression. Long-term maintenance treatment may also contribute to a relapse of depression symptoms.
Lifestyle and home activities
Depression usually is not a disease that you can handle on your own. But you can get some things for themselves, based on your treatment plan. In addition to professional treatment, the following self-care steps for depression:
■ Stick to your treatment plan. Do not skip therapy sessions, even if you do not want.
■ Take your medications directed. Even if you feel comfortable, resist any temptation to skip your medications. If you stop, depression symptoms can come back and you can also experience withdrawal-like symptoms.
■ Learn more about depression. Education about your condition and you can motivate you in your treatment plan.
■ Pay attention to warning signs. Work with your doctor or therapist to learn what might trigger your depression symptoms. Make a plan so that you know what to do if the symptoms return. Contact your doctor or therapist if you have any changes in symptoms or how you feel. Consider your family members or friends in just for warning signs.
■ Be active. Physical activity and exercise has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms. Consider walking, jogging, swimming, gardening or taking up another form of exercise you enjoy.
■ Avoid drugs and alcohol. Alcohol and illicit drugs can worsen depression symptoms.
Coping and support
Dealing with depression can be a challenge. Depression makes it difficult to focus on the behavior and activities that can help you feel better. Talk to your doctor or therapist about improving your coping skills, and these tips on dealing with depression:
■ Simplify your life. Cut back on obligations when possible, and plans for appropriate targets.
■ Think about writing in a journal to express pain, anger, fear or other emotions.
■ Read reputable self-help books and talk about it with your doctor or therapist.
■ not be isolated. Try to participate in normal activities and get together with family or friends regularly.
■ Take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet and get enough sleep.
■ Join a group for people with depression, so that you connect to other similar challenges.
■ Stay focused on your goals. Recovery from depression is an ongoing process. Stay motivated by your recovery goals in mind. Remember that you are responsible for managing your illness and the work on your goals.
■ Learn relaxation and stress management. Try techniques such as stress, such as meditation, yoga or Tai Chi.
■ structure your time. Plan your day and activities. Try to stay organized. You may find it helpful to view a list of daily tasks.
■ Do not make important decisions when you are in the depths of depression, because you may not think clearly.
Alternative Medicine
They are keen to alleviate the symptoms of depression with complementary or alternative medicine strategies. These include nutritional and dietary supplements and mind-body techniques.
Note that the nutritional and dietary products are not regulated. The Food and Drug Administration does not test for safety, purity and efficacy. You can not always be sure of what you get and if they are safe. Also, be aware that herbal and dietary supplements may be associated with the way certain prescription medications or dangerous work interactions, which can damage your health. Talk with your doctors and other health care provider before taking herbal or dietary supplements.
While some researchers, the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine, the jury is still out. Make sure you understand the potential risks and benefits before it. Komplementäre und alternative Behandlungsmethoden im Allgemeinen nicht ein guter Ersatz für die traditionelle medizinische Versorgung.
Ernährungs-und Nahrungsergänzungsmittel
Hier ist ein Blick auf einige Nahrungsergänzungsmittel verwendet für Depression:
■ St. John’s Wort. Bekannte wissenschaftlich wie Hypericum perforatum, das ist ein Kraut, das seit Jahrhunderten zur Behandlung einer Vielzahl von Krankheiten, einschließlich Depression. Es ist nicht von der Food and Drug Administration zur Behandlung von Depressionen in den Vereinigten Staaten. Vielmehr ist es als Nahrungsergänzungsmittel. Aber es ist eine beliebte Behandlung von Depressionen in Europa. Einige Studien zeigen, kann es hilfreich, wenn Sie leichten oder mittelschweren Depressionen.
■ SAM-e. Sprich “Sammy”, dies ist eine synthetische Form einer Chemikalie, die in der Natur in den Körper. Der Name ist die Abkürzung für S-Adenosyl-Methionin. Es ist nicht von der FDA zur Behandlung der Depression in den Vereinigten Staaten. Vielmehr ist es als Nahrungsergänzungsmittel. Doch, er wird in Europa als Medikamente zur Behandlung von Depressionen.
■ Omega-3-Fettsäuren. Diese sind ungesättigte Fette finden meist in Fisch und Meeresfrüchten. Gute Quellen für Omega-3s sind Fettsäuren, kalte-Wasser-Fisch, wie Lachs, Makrele und Hering. Leinsamen, Flachs-Öl-und Walnüsse enthalten Omega-3-Fettsäuren, und kleine Mengen sind in Sojabohnen und Raps-Öl.
Mind-Body-Verbindungen
Die Verbindung zwischen Geist und Körper wurde für Jahrhunderte. Und mit Depressionen, manche Menschen sogar körperliche Symptome mehr als Laune-Symptome. Beispielsweise können sie häufig Müdigkeit, Kopfschmerzen, Rückenschmerzen oder vage Schmerzen.
Geist-Körper-Techniken sind gedacht, um die Kommunikation zwischen Ihrem Geist und Ihrem Körper. Ergänzender und alternativer Medizin Praktiker glauben, dass diese beiden Systeme muss im Einklang stehen für Sie, um gesund zu bleiben oder zu heilen.
Geist-Körper-Techniken zur Verbesserung der Depression Symptome sind:
■ Akupunktur
■ Yoga
■ Meditation
■ Geführte Bilder
■ Massage-Therapie
Wie bei den Nahrungsergänzungsmitteln, die Betreuung bei der Verwendung dieser Techniken. Auch wenn sie sind, stellen sie ein geringeres Risiko, die sich ausschließlich auf diese Behandlung von Depressionen möglicherweise nicht wirksam genug sind. Wenn Sie versuchen, Geist-Körper-Techniken wird erst zur Behandlung Ihrer Depression, sondern sich Ihre Symptome verschlimmern oder nicht verbessern, achten Sie darauf, wenden Sie sich an Ihren Gesundheits-Anbieter
Definition
Thyroid cancer occurs in the cells of the thyroid – a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck, just below the Adam’s Apple. Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight.
Thyroid cancer is not in the United States. About 37,000 people are diagnosed with thyroid cancer each year, according to the National Cancer Institute. Thyroid cancer rates seem to rise, the doctors think may be based on new technology that allows them to small tumors of the thyroid gland that are not found before.
Symptoms
Thyroid cancer usually does not cause any signs or symptoms early in the disease. How thyroid cancer grows, it can lead to:
■ A lump, which is noticeable through the skin on the neck
■ Changes in your voice, including increasing hoarseness
■ difficulty swallowing
■ pain in the neck and throat
■ Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
If a doctor to see
If you have any signs or symptoms that you are afraid to make an appointment with your doctor. Thyroid cancer is not common, so your doctor may be other causes of your complaints and symptoms first.
Causes
It is not clear what causes thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer occurs when cells in the thyroid undergo genetic changes (mutations). The mutations may be the cells grow and multiply rapidly. The cells lose the ability to die as normal cells would. The accumulation of abnormal thyroid cells form a tumor. The abnormal cells can invade nearby tissues and can relax in the whole body.
Types of thyroid cancer
The type of thyroid cancer determines treatment and prognosis. Types of thyroid cancer are:
■ Papillary thyroid cancer. The nature of the Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common, accounting for about 80 percent of all thyroid cancers diagnosed. Papillary thyroid cancer can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in people age between 30 and 50
■ Follicular thyroid cancer. Follicular thyroid cancer and Hurthle cell cancer. Follicular thyroid cancer typically occurs in people older than 50th
■ Medullary thyroid cancer. Medullary thyroid cancer can be inherited genetic syndromes, the tumors in other glands. Most medullary thyroid cancer are sporadic, meaning they are not associated with inherited genetic syndromes.
■ Anaplastic thyroid cancer. The nature of anaplastic thyroid cancer is very rare, aggressive and very difficult to treat. Anaplastic thyroid cancer typically occurs at the age of 60 years or older people.
■ Thyroid Lymphoma. Thyroid lymphoma starts the immune system cells in the thyroid. Thyroid lymphoma is very rare. It occurs mostly in adults age 70 or older.
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the risk of thyroid cancer are:
■ exposure to high radiation. Examples of a high level of radiation those resulting from the irradiation of head and neck and from fallout from nuclear accidents or weapons testing.
■ Personal or family goiter. Goiter is a noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid.
■ Some inherited genetic syndromes. Genetic syndromes that increase the risk of thyroid cancer are familial medullary thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia and familial adenomatous polyposis.
Complications
Thyroid cancer that re -
Despite treatment, thyroid cancer can return, even if you have your thyroid removed. This could happen if microscopic cancer cells on the thyroid gland, before it is removed. Thyroid cancer can recur decades after the thyroid cancer treatment.
Thyroid cancer most common in again:
■ lymph nodes in the neck
■ small thyroid tissue left behind during surgery
■ other areas of the body – usually the lungs or the bone
Thyroid cancer that can be treated again. Your doctor may recommend regular blood tests or thyroid scans to check whether signs of thyroid cancer recurrence.
Preparing for your appointment
If you suspect thyroid cancer, you’re likely to start by first seeing your family doctor or general practitioner. If your doctor suspects you can create a thyroid problem, you may be referred to a doctor specializes in diseases of the endocrine system (endocrinologist).
Because appointments can be brief, and there is often a lot of ground to cover, it is a good idea, well prepared for your order. Here are some details to help you for your order, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
■ Obey all restrictions on futures. At the time you order, make sure to ask if it everything you need to do in advance how your diet.
■ Write down any symptoms you have, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
■ Write down key personal information, including all major stresses or recent changes.
■ Make a list of all medications and vitamins or supplements that you need.
■ Take a family member or friend, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to get all the information received during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember that you missed something or have forgotten it.
■ Write down questions, contact your doctor.
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time together. Your most important questions from the least important in case time runs out. For thyroid cancer, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
■ What type of thyroid cancer do I have?
■ How much is my thyroid cancer?
■ What treatment do you recommend?
■ What are the benefits and risks of the treatment option?
■ Can I work and my work during the treatment of thyroid cancer?
■ Do I have a second opinion?
■ Should I have a doctor who specializes in diseases of the thyroid? What will it cost and will my insurance that?
■ How long do I need to make a decision about thyroid cancer treatment? Can I take some time to see all my options?
■ Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can with me? Which websites do you recommend?
In addition to the questions you prepared to ask your doctor, do not hesitate to ask questions during your order at any time that you do not understand something.
Tests and diagnosis
Tests and procedures for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer are:
■ A physical examination of the sense of the neck of the thyroid lump and lymph node swelling
■ Blood tests, including a test to measure the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in your body
■ Needle biopsy to cells of the thyroid and to examine them with a microscope to look for cancer
■ Imaging tests such as ultrasound of the neck, for an enlarged lymph nodes
Treatments and drugs
Your thyroid cancer treatment options depend on the type and stage of your thyroid cancer, your general health and your preferences.
Surgery
Most people with thyroid cancer surgery, all or most of the thyroid. Surgery to treat thyroid cancer include:
■ removal of all or most of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy). Surgery to remove the entire thyroid gland is the most common treatment for thyroid cancer. In most cases, the surgeon from small rim of the thyroid tissue around the parathyroid glands to reduce the risk of parathyroid damage. Sometimes surgeons in this than near total thyroidectomy.
■ Removing the lymph nodes in the neck. If your thyroid gland, the surgeon may also remove the enlarged lymph nodes from the neck and test it for cancer cells.
Thyroid surgery is through an incision in the skin at the base of your neck. Thyroid surgery carries the risk of bleeding and infection. Damage may occur to your parathyroid glands during surgery, so that low calcium levels in the body. There is also a risk of damaging the nerves to your vocal cords, which can cause VOCAL CORD paralysis, hoarseness, gentle voice, or difficulty breathing.
Thyroid hormone therapy
After thyroid cancer surgery, you can use the thyroid hormone medication levothyroxine (Levothroid, Synthroid, etc.) for life. This has two advantages: It supplies the missing hormone your thyroid gland usually produces, and it suppresses the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the pituitary gland. High TSH levels could be any remaining cancer cells to grow.
You probably have blood tests for your thyroid hormone levels every few months until your doctor finds the right dose for you.
Radioactive iodine
Radioactive iodine treatment uses high doses of a form of iodine that radioactive. Radioactive iodine treatment is often after thyroidectomy to kill all the remaining healthy tissue of the thyroid, as well as microscopic spheres of thyroid cancer that are not removed during the operation. Radioactive iodine treatment can also be used to treat thyroid cancer returns, that after treatment or spread to other areas of the body.
Radioactive iodine treatment is used as a capsule or liquid that you swallow. The radioactive iodine is used mainly by the cells of the thyroid and thyroid cancer cells, there is a low risk of interference from other cells in your body.
Side effects include:
■ Nausea
■ dry mouth
■ Dry Eyes
■ Altered sense of taste or smell
■ pain, where thyroid cancer cells have spread, such as the throat or chest
Most of the radioactive iodine leaves your body in urine within the first days after treatment. During this time you must use the precautionary measures to protect other people from the radiation. For example, you may be asked to temporarily avoid close contact with other people, especially children and pregnant women.
External radiotherapy
Radiation therapy may also be adjusted externally with a machine with the aim of high energy beams to precise points on your body. Called external beam radiotherapy, this treatment is usually administered a few minutes at a time, five days per week, over several weeks. During the treatment, you lie still on a table while a machine moves around you.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a drug treatment, the chemicals to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is usually as an infusion into a vein. The chemicals travel through the body to kill rapidly growing cells, including cancer cells.
Clinical studies
Clinical trials are studies of new cancer therapies or new ways of using existing applications. Enrollment in a clinical trial will give you the opportunity, the latest in cancer treatment, clinical trials, but can not guarantee a cure. Ask your doctor whether you may be entitled, in a clinical study. Together you can about the benefits and risks of a process and decide whether to participate in a clinical trial is right for you.
Coping and support
The diagnosis of cancer of the thyroid can be frightening and overwhelming. You may feel as if you are not sure what to do next. And you might ask what your diagnosis means for your future.
Everyone eventually finds his own way to cope with a cancer diagnosis. , Until you find what works for you, check to:
■ Find out all you can about the thyroid cancer. Write down all the details of your thyroid cancer, such as the nature, timing and treatment options. Ask your doctor if you are interested in more information. Good sources of information to get you started, the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.
■ Connect with other thyroid cancer survivors. Perhaps you can find comfort in conversations with people in your same situation. Ask your doctor about support groups in your area. Or connect with thyroid cancer survivors online at the American Cancer Society or the Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association.
■ check what you are about your health. You can not control whether you thyroid cancer to develop, but you can take steps to make the body healthy to keep, during and after treatment. For example, eat a healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables, plenty of sleep every night, so that you feel rested, and try to make physical activity most days of the week.
Prevention
Doctors are not sure what causes most cases of thyroid cancer, there is no way to prevent thyroid cancer in people who have an average risk of the disease.
Prevention for people with a high risk
People with an inherited gene mutation increases the risk of thyroid cancer, may be thyroid surgery to prevent cancer (prophylactic thyroidectomy). Discuss your options with a genetic consultants who can explain the risk of thyroid cancer and treatment options.
Prevention for people in the vicinity of nuclear power
Fallout from an accident at a nuclear plant could cause cancer in the thyroid in the vicinity of living humans. If you are within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant in the United States, you may be entitled to a medication (potassium), the effect of radiation on the thyroid. If an emergency were to occur, you and your family could be the potassium iodide tablets to prevent thyroid cancer. Contact your local emergency department for further information.
Definition
Schizophrenia is a group of serious disorders of the brain, in reality is interpreted in unusual ways. Schizophrenia causes hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking and behavior. People with schizophrenia from the people and activities in the world around them, retreat into an inner world of psychosis.
Contrary to popular belief, schizophrenia is not the same as a split personality or multiple personality. While the word “schizophrenia” does not mean “split mind”, it refers to a disturbance of the normal balance of emotion and thought.
Schizophrenia is a chronic disease which is life-long treatment. But thanks to new medications, the symptoms of schizophrenia can often be managed by people with the condition to lead productive, enjoyable life.
Symptoms
There are different types of schizophrenia, so signs and symptoms vary. In general, schizophrenia symptoms are:
■ beliefs not on reality (delusions), such as the assumption that there is a conspiracy against you
■ see or hear things that do not exist (hallucinations), especially voices
■ incoherent speech
■ neglect of personal hygiene
■ Lack of emotions
■ emotions inappropriate to the situation
■ Angry outbursts
■ catatonic behavior
■ A persistent feeling observed
■ problems in school and the functioning of labor
■ Social isolation
■ Clumsy, uncoordinated movements
Schizophrenia ranges from mild to severe. Some people may be to function well in daily life, while others need specialized, intensive care. In some cases, schizophrenia symptoms appear suddenly. Other times, schizophrenia symptoms appear gradually over several months, and they may not be noticeable at first.
Over time it will be difficult to function in daily life. You may not be able to go to work or school. You may have difficult relations, partly because of the difficulty reading the instructions, or other social ‘emotions. You lose interest in activities you once enjoyed. It may be in distress or upset or fall into a trance state and is not on others.
In addition to the general symptoms of schizophrenia, symptoms are often used in three ways to help in the diagnosis and treatment:
Negative signs and symptoms
Negative signs and symptoms of a loss or decrease in the emotions or behavioral abilities. They may include:
■ Loss of interest in daily activities
■ obviously lack emotion
■ Reduced ability to plan projects or activities
■ The neglect of hygiene
■ social withdrawal
■ Loss of motivation
Positive signs and symptoms
Positive signs and symptoms are unusual thoughts and perceptions, often with a loss of contact with reality. These symptoms may come and go. They may include:
■ hallucinations, or sensing things that are not real. In schizophrenia, hearing voices is a common hallucination. This voice seems you instructions on how to act, and sometimes they can cause harm to others.
■ Delusions, or beliefs, which has no basis in reality. For example, you may believe that television is the leadership that your behavior or outside forces to control your thoughts.
■ thinking, or difficulty speaking and organizing thoughts, such as the setting in midsentence or jumbling together meaningless words, sometimes referred to as “word salad”.
■ movement disorders, such as repeated movements, clumsiness or involuntary movements.
Cognitive Symptoms
Cognitive symptoms have problems with memory and attention. These symptoms can be disabling in schizophrenia because they are with the ability to perform everyday tasks. These include:
■ problems making sense of information
■ Difficulty attention
■ Memory Problems
Causes
It is not known what causes schizophrenia. But the researchers believe that an interplay of genetics and environment can lead to schizophrenia. Problems with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate, may also contribute to schizophrenia. Neuroimaging studies show differences in the structure of the brain and central nervous system of people with schizophrenia. While the researchers are not yet fully certain about the significance of these changes, they support evidence that schizophrenia is a brain disease.
Risk Factors
Schizophrenia affects about 1 percent of the population. For people who are close relatives with schizophrenia, the illness is much more common – about 10 percent. In men, schizophrenia symptoms typically begin in adolescence or 20s. In women, schizophrenia symptoms typically begin in the 20s or early 30s.
Although the exact causes of schizophrenia is unknown, the researchers found that certain factors seem the risk of developing schizophrenia or trigger, including:
■ A family history of schizophrenia
■ Exposure to viruses, while in the womb
■ malnutrition in the womb
■ stressful circumstances
■ Older paternal age
■ The psycho-active drugs in adolescence
If medical advice
If you have any symptoms of schizophrenia, medical assistance as soon as possible. Schizophrenia is not better on their own, and in fact, usually worsens without treatment. However, if you like some people with schizophrenia, you may not realize that you need help or if you have symptoms. Family and friends, or people at work or school, those who initially recommend you seek help. Try to listen to them as your best interests at heart.
Initial treatment of mental health providers with experience in schizophrenia, you can learn how to manage your symptoms so that the best way to continue with a productive and happy life. If you are reluctant to seek treatment, try, the courage to trust in someone, whether it is a friend or lover, a doctor, a faith leader or someone else you trust. They can help you make the first steps for a successful treatment.
Help for someone who may be schizophrenic
If you have a loved one think you can mask the symptoms of schizophrenia, an open and honest discussion about your concerns. Many people with schizophrenia do not believe that they need help because they, delusions and hallucinations are real. You may not be able to search for someone to seek professional help, but you can offer encouragement and support and help, your loved ones to find a qualified doctor or mental health.
If your love is a danger to themselves or someone else, you need to the police or other emergency responders for assistance. In some cases, emergency hospitalization may be necessary. Laws governing the involuntary commitment to mental health treatment, depending on their condition.
Suicidal thoughts
Suicidal thoughts and behavior among people with schizophrenia. If you are considering suicide, and have the legal means available, talk to someone now. The best choice is to 911 or your local emergency number. If you simply do not want, for whatever reason, you have other opportunities for contact with someone who:
■ Contact a family member or friend
■ Consult a doctor, mental health or other health care professionals
■ Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone in your faith community
■ Go to your local hospital emergency room
■ Call a crisis center or hotline
Tests and diagnosis
When doctors suspect someone has schizophrenia, they typically have a number of medical and psychological tests and examinations. These can be from other problems, the cause of your symptoms, just a diagnosis and also for any related complications. These tests generally include:
■ Physical examination. This may include measuring height and weight, checking vital functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature, listening to the heart and lungs, and examining the abdomen.
■ Laboratory tests. These may include complete blood count (CBC), screening for alcohol and drugs, and imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan.
■ Psychological Assessment. A doctor or mental health provider talk about your thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns. He or she will ask, delusions or hallucinations and verify that signs of psychosis. You can also fill out psychological self-assessments and questionnaires. You may be asked about substance or alcohol abuse. And with your permission, family members or close friends are invited to submit information about your symptoms.
Diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia
To be diagnosed with schizophrenia, you must meet the criteria specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This guide is supported by the American Psychiatric Association and is supported by the mental health providers to diagnose mental conditions and by insurance companies for the treatment to be reimbursed.
Diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia are:
■ presence of at least two of these: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, disorganized or catatonic behavior, or the presence of negative symptoms
■ Significant impairment in the ability to work, to school or normal daily tasks
■ signs for the last six months at least
■ Other mental disorders were excluded
You can use the diagnosis of one of the five subtypes of schizophrenia, although not all people easily in a specific category. The five subtypes are:
■ Paranoid
■ catatonic
■ disordered
■ Production of
■ Residual
Talk to your doctor about which type of schizophrenia you have so that you can learn more about your specific situation and its treatments.
Complications
If untreated, schizophrenia can lead to severe emotional, behavioral, health, and legal and financial problems that affect all areas of your life. Complications that can cause schizophrenia, or in connection with included:
■ Suicide
■ Self-destructive behavior like self-injury
■ Depression
■ The abuse of alcohol, drugs or medication
■ Poverty
■ Homelessness
■ Family Conflict
■ The inability to work or school
■ Health Problems of anti-psychotic drugs
■ As the perpetrators or victims of violent crime
■ Heart disease, often associated with heavy smoking
Treatments and drugs
Schizophrenia is a chronic disease which is life-long treatment, even in times when you feel better and your symptoms subsided. Treatment with medication and psychosocial therapy can help you take control of your condition and become an active and informed participants in their own care. During times of crisis or times of severe symptoms, hospitalization may be necessary for your safety and to ensure that you always proper nutrition, sleep and hygiene.
Schizophrenia Treatment is usually by a psychiatrist experienced in treating the condition. But you may have other people in your team and treatment, including psychologists, social workers and psychiatric health and nursing, because the state can rely on so many areas of your life. You can also use a case manager to ensure that you always all of the treatment you need and that your care is coordinated between all of your health care provider.
Drugs
Drugs are the cornerstone of treatment of schizophrenia. But since drugs for schizophrenia can cause serious but rare side effects, you may be reluctant to it. Work with your psychiatrist and other health care providers for a drug that the government is working for you, with the fewest side effects.
Anti-Psychotic drugs are the most commonly prescribed medicines for the treatment of schizophrenia. They are thought to mask the symptoms caused by the brain neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. There are basically two types of anti-psychotic medication:
■ Conventional or typical antipsychotics. These drugs have traditionally been very effective in managing the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. These medications have frequent and potentially serious neurological side effects, including the possibility of tardive dyskinesia, involuntary movements or collisions. This group of medications includes:
■ Haloperidol (Haldol)
■ thioridazine
■ Fluphenazine
The typical antipsychotics are often cheaper than new partners, especially the generic versions, which are an important factor in long-term treatment is required.
■ New generation, including atypical antipsychotics. These newer anti-psychotic medications are effective in the management of both positive and negative symptoms. These include:
■ Clozapine (Clozaril)
■ risperidone (Risperdal)
■ olanzapine (Zyprexa)
■ Quetiapine (Seroquel)
■ Ziprasidone (Geodon)
■ Aripiprazole (Abilify)
■ Paliperidone (INVEGA)
Risperidone (Risperdal) is the only atypical anti-psychotic medication, which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of schizophrenia in children aged 13-17 Atypical anti-psychotic medication risk of metabolic side effects, including weight gain, diabetes and high cholesterol.
What medication best for you depends on your individual situation. Es kann mehrere Wochen nach dem ersten Start eines Medikaments auf eine Verbesserung in Ihrem Symptome. In general, the goal of treatment with anti-psychotic medication is an effective control of signs and symptoms at the lowest possible dose. Other medications can be helpful, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication.
If a drug is not good for you or intolerable side effects, your doctor may recommend that the medication, switching to another medication or adjust your dosage. Do not stop, your medication without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have a relapse of psychotic symptoms when you stop taking your medication. Moreover, anti-psychotic medication has tapered out, rather than abruptly stopped to withdrawal symptoms.
Be aware that all anti-psychotic medications have side effects and possible health risks. Certain anti-psychotic medication, for example, may increase the risk of diabetes, weight gain, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Clozaril can cause dangerous changes in the white blood cells. Certain anti-psychotic medications can cause serious health problems in some older adults and should be avoided.
Make sure you speak with your doctor about all possible side effects and monitored for health problems, while these drugs. Anti-Psychotic drugs can also interact with other hazardous substances. Your doctors should know about all medications and over-the-counter substances you, including vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements.
Psychosocial Treatments
Although the drugs are the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment, psychotherapy and other psychosocial treatments are also important. These treatments may include:
■ Individual therapy. Psychotherapy with a qualified mental health provider, you can learn how to cope with the challenges of the daily life of schizophrenia. Therapy can help you improve communication skills, relationships, your ability to work and your motivation, your treatment plan. Information about schizophrenia can help you better understand it, with persistent symptoms, and understand how important it is to your medication. Therapy can also help you deal with the stigma surrounding schizophrenia.
■ Family Therapy. You and your family may benefit from that therapy provides support for families and education. Your symptoms are a better chance to improve when your family understand your illness, can recognize stressful situations that might trigger a relapse, and can help you with your treatment plan. Family therapy can also help you and your family better with each other to understand and familial conflicts. Family therapy can also help families cope with their despair about your condition.
■ Rehabilitation. Training in social and vocational skills to live independently is an important part of recovery from schizophrenia. With the help of a therapist, you can learn such skills as good hygiene, cooking and better communication. Many municipalities have programs to help people with schizophrenia with jobs, housing, support groups and crisis situations. If you do not have a case manager to help you with these services, ask your doctor a question. Today there are fewer people with schizophrenia a long hospital stay, because effective treatments are available.
Treatment Challenges
If you have a proper treatment and your treatment plan, you have a good chance to lead a productive life and functioning in daily life. But be prepared for the challenges with the treatment.
For one thing, it is often difficult for people with schizophrenia, in their treatment plans. You may think you do not need any medication or other treatment. Even if you’re not thinking clearly, you can forget to take your medication or to go to therapy appointments. Talk to your doctor about tips to your treatment plan, like a drug that in a long-lasting injectable form. Even with a good treatment, you may have a relapse. Do you have a plan to get a relapse.
Many people with schizophrenia smoke, often heavily. If you smoke, you may need a higher dose of anti-psychotic medication nicotine interferes, because with these drugs.
In a similar way, with alcohol and drugs can mask the symptoms of schizophrenia worse. If you have a problem with alcohol or drug abuse, can benefit from treatment programs, which care for schizophrenia and drug abuse.
Prevention
There is no safe way to prevent schizophrenia. But early treatment can help the symptoms under control before serious complications develop and may contribute to the long-term prospects. Bonding with your treatment plan can help to relapses or worsening of symptoms of schizophrenia. In addition, the researchers hope that learning more about the risk factors for schizophrenia may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment sooner.
For people with an increased risk for schizophrenia, proactive measures such as avoiding the consumption of illicit drugs, less stress, insufficient sleep and anti-psychotic medication as soon as may be necessary to minimize the symptoms or prevent them from worsening.
Lifestyle and home activities
Schizophrenia is not a disease that you can handle on your own. But you can get some things for themselves, the strengthening of your treatment plan:
■ Take your medications directed. Even if you feel comfortable, resist any temptation to skip your medications. If you stop treating the symptoms of schizophrenia are coming back.
■ Pay attention to warning signs. You and your supervisor may be things that trigger symptoms of schizophrenia may be a relapse or prevent you from carrying out your daily activities. Make a plan so that you know what to do if the symptoms return. Contact your doctor or therapist if you have any changes in symptoms or how you feel. Involvement of family members or friends in just for warning signs. Dealing with schizophrenia symptoms early to prevent the situation may not worsen.
■ Avoid drugs and alcohol. Alcohol and illicit drugs can worsen symptoms of schizophrenia and the efficacy of drugs.
■ Check first, before other drugs. Please contact your doctor, you for the treatment of schizophrenia, before using the medication prescribed by another doctor or before taking OTC medicines, vitamins, minerals or supplements. These can be with your schizophrenia medication.
Coping and support
Dealing with a disease as serious as schizophrenia can be a challenge. Medications can have undesirable side effects, and you feel angry or upset about a condition that requires lifelong treatment. In times when you feel better, you may be trying to stop the treatment, which can trigger a relapse. Here are some ways to cope with schizophrenia:
■ Learn more about schizophrenia. Education about your condition and you can motivate you in your treatment plan.
■ Join a group. Support groups for people with schizophrenia can help you look at other similar challenges.
■ Stay focused on your goals. Recovery from schizophrenia is an ongoing process. Stay motivated by your recovery goals in mind. Remember that you are responsible for managing your illness and the work on your goals.
■ Find healthy. Discover a healthy way to energy, such as hobbies, sports and leisure activities.
■ Learn relaxation and stress management. Try techniques such as stress, such as meditation, yoga or Tai Chi.
■ structure your time. Plan your day and activities. Try to stay organized. You may find it helpful to view a list of daily tasks.
Definition
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of your fist. They are located behind the abdominal organs, one on each side of the spine. As with other major organs in the body, the kidneys can sometimes develop cancer.
In adults, the commonest form of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma, which begins in the cells of the small tubes in your kidneys. Children are more a type of kidney cancer called Wilms’ tumor.
The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 51,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year. The incidence of kidney cancer appears to be rising, if it is not clear why. Many cancers of the kidney procedures established for other diseases or conditions. Imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), used frequently to help more kidney cancers.
Symptoms
Kidney cancer rarely causes signs or symptoms in its early phase. In the later stages, kidney cancer signs and symptoms may include:
■ Blood in the urine, which appear pink, red or cola-colored
■ back pain just below the ribs, do not go away
■ weight loss
■ Fatigue
■ Intermittent fever
Causes
Your kidneys are part of the urinary tract, which removes waste and excess fluid and electrolytes from the blood, controls the production of red blood cells, and regulates your blood pressure. In each kidney, more than one million small filtering units, Nephron. As blood circulates through the kidneys, Nephron filter waste and unneeded minerals and water. The liquid waste – urine – flows through two narrow tubes (ureters) into the bladder, where it is stored until it is eliminated from the body through another tube, the urethra.
Exactly what causes kidney cells to cancer is not clear. But researchers have found that certain factors seem the risk of kidney cancer.
Types of Kidney Cancer
The most common types of kidney cancer are:
■ renal cell carcinoma. This type of kidney cancer usually begins in the cells of the small tubes of each Nephron. In most cases, renal-cell tumors grow as a single mass, but you can have more than one tumor in one kidney or tumors develop in both kidneys.
■ Transitional tumor. This type of kidney cancer develops in the tissue, the pipes, the kidney to the bladder. Transitional cell carcinomas can also be used in the ureters or the bladder.
■ Wilms tumor. Wilms tumor is a form of kidney cancer, in young children.
Risk Factors
Renal cell carcinoma risk factors
The majority of the kidney, renal-cell tumors are carcinomas. Risk factors for renal cell carcinoma include:
■ age. Your risk for renal cell carcinoma increases as you age. Renal cell carcinoma occurs most often in people 60 and older.
■ Sex. Men are more likely to develop renal cell carcinoma than are women.
■ Smoking. Smokers have an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma than non-smokers do. The risk increases the longer you smoke and drops after you quit.
■ obesity. People who are obese have a higher risk of renal cell carcinoma than people, as the average weight.
■ High blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure increases your risk of renal cell carcinoma, but it is not clear why. Some animals in research has linked high blood pressure medication to an increased risk of kidney cancer, but human studies have conflicting results.
■ chemicals in your workplace. Workers are exposed to certain chemicals at work may have a higher risk of renal cell carcinoma. People with chemicals such as asbestos, cadmium and Trichlorethylene may have an increased risk of kidney cancer.
■ treatment of renal failure. People who are long-term dialysis treatment for chronic renal insufficiency have an increased risk of developing kidney cancer. People who receive a kidney transplant and immunosuppressive drugs also more likely to develop kidney cancer.
■ Von Hippel-Lindau disease. People with this inherited disorder are likely to develop different types of tumors, including, in some cases, renal cell carcinoma.
■ Hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma. Having inherited this condition makes it likely to develop one or more renal-cell carcinoma.
Transitional tumor risk factors
Risk factors for a transition period tumor include:
■ Smoking. Smoking increases the risk of transitional cell carcinomas time.
■ chemicals in your workplace. Working with certain chemicals may increase your risk of a cancer-transitional period.
■ A medication. Phenacetin, from the market in the United States in the early 1980s, was with kidney cancer. Phenacetin in prescription and OTC painkillers.
If medical advice
See your doctor immediately if you have blood in the urine. In most cases this does not mean you have kidney cancer. Blood in urine may be a sign of many other conditions.
Tests and diagnosis
A kidney cancer diagnosis typically begins with a complete medical history and physical examination. Your doctor may also recommend blood and urine tests. If your doctor suspects a problem, or if you have a high risk of kidney cancer, you may also comprise one or more of the following tests to save your kidney for growth or tumors:
■ ultrasound. An ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to take pictures of your internal organs, such as your kidneys and bladder, on a computer screen.
■ Computed Tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-scan. CT-scans your computer to create more detailed images than conventional X-rays. MRI scans use magnetic fields and radio waves to cross-sectional images of the body.
■ tissue sample (biopsy). In selected cases, your doctor may recommend a procedure to a small sample of cells (biopsy) from a suspected area of the kidney. In a biopsy, a surgeon uses ultrasound or CT images to a long, thin needle into your kidney to the cells. The cells are then examined under a microscope to determine whether it is cancer.
Biopsy procedure risks such as infections, bleeding and a very small chance that cancer could be based on the area where the needle is inserted. Because the surgery is usually the first treatment for kidney cancer, your doctor can biopsy be omitted, if he or she thinks your cancer is very likely to be cancer. In this way, you avoid the additional risks of a biopsy. Renal biopsy is usually for cases that are most likely to be noncancerous, or for people who do not undergo an operation.
Additional tests for the transitional period cell cancer
Tests and procedures for the diagnosis of renal cell cancer transition time may include:
■ X-ray imaging of the urinary tract (excretory organs urogram). X-rays of the urine can be signs of cancer. Your health care team to inject a dye into a vein in the arm. The dye is used by your kidneys and urinary tract and the dye makes it possible to your urinary tract on an X-ray.
■ Look in your bladder (Cystoscopy). Your doctor can take a long, narrow tube as a cystoscope to see inside the bladder. The cystoscope, with a light source and a special lens, is through the urethra into the bladder. A cystoscope can also be used to a small tissue sample (biopsy) from any suspicious areas.
Renal cancer staging
Once your doctor kidney cancer is diagnosed, the next step is to determine the extent or stage of cancer. Staging tests for kidney cancer, additional CT scans, a chest X-ray or other imaging scans your doctor feels are appropriate.
Then your doctor has a number, as a stage on your cancer. Stages of kidney cancer include:
■ I. tumor is small and on the kidneys
■ II tumor is larger than a stage I tumor, and is limited to the kidney
■ III. Tumor extends through the kidneys to the surrounding tissue or the adrenal glands, and can also be found on a nearby lymph nodes
■ IV cancer spreads outside the kidney or to distant parts of the body
Treatments and drugs
Together, you and your team will treat all your kidney cancer treatment options. The best solution for you depends on a number of factors, including general health, the type of kidney cancer to see if the cancer is and your own preferences for treatment.
Surgery
Surgery is the first treatment for the majority of tumors of the kidney. Surgical procedures for treatment of kidney cancer are:
■ Remove the affected kidney (nephrectomy). Radical nephrectomy with the removal of the kidney and the adrenal gland, which sits on the kidney, a border of healthy tissue and adjacent lymph nodes. Nephrectomy can be done by an incision, which means that the surgeon makes a large cut in the skin to access your kidneys. Nephrectomy or laparoscopy may be, small incisions, a video camera and small surgical instruments. The surgeon watches a video monitor to the nephrectomy.
■ Removing the tumor from the kidney (Nephron-sparing surgery). During this operation, the surgeon removed the tumor, instead of the entire kidney. Nephron-sparing surgery may be an option if you have only one kidney or if you have an early-stage kidney cancer.
What kind of surgery your doctor recommends will be based on your cancer and its stage, as well as your health and personal preferences. Operation carries a risk of bleeding and infection.
Treatments during the operation is not possible,
For some people, surgery is too risky. These people have other options for the treatment of cancer of the kidneys, including:
■ Blocking blood flow to the tumor (embolization). In this procedure, a special material is in the blood vessels to the kidney. With this ship pollution indicator, the tumor is no oxygen and other nutrients. Arterial embolization can also be used, or before an operation for relief of pain and bleeding if an operation is not possible. Temporary side effects include nausea, vomiting or pain.
■ treatment of cancer cells to freezing (cryoablation). Recent studies show, cryoablation may be useful for the treatment of kidney tumors, which can not be removed by surgery. During cryoablation, one or more special needles (cryoprobes) is inserted through small incisions in the skin and into the tumor. Gas in the needles creates extreme cold that causes the cells to the point of the needle for freezing. Doctors use CT scans to improve the procedures and to ensure that all visible cancerous tissue and some surrounding healthy tissue is frozen. Another type of gas in the needles creates heat melt the frozen tissue. Then the process repeats. The cycles of freezing and thawing cancer cells to die. You can see some pain after surgery. Rare side effects include bleeding, infection and damage to tissue surrounding the tumor.
Treatments for advanced and recurrent kidney cancer
Kidney cancer that again and kidney cancer that spread to other parts of the body can be cured. In these situations, treatments may include:
■ Surgery to remove as much of the kidney tumor as possible. Even when the surgery can not remove all of your cancer, in some cases it may be useful to remove as much of the cancer as possible.
■ drugs, the immune system to fight cancer (biological therapy). Biological therapy (immunotherapy) uses your body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Drugs in this category include interferon and interleukin-2, which are synthetic versions of chemicals in your body. This biological therapy drugs have serious side effects, including chills, fever, nausea, vomiting and anorexia. Biological therapy drugs are sometimes used alone or in combination after surgery.
■ treatment that targets specific aspects of your cancer (targeted therapy). Targeted treatments to block certain abnormal signals in kidney cancer cells that allow them to proliferate. These drugs have shown promise in the treatment of kidney cancer that spread to other areas of the body. Two specific drugs, sorafenib (Nexavar) and sunitinib (SUTENT), block signals that play a role in the growth of blood vessels, the nutrients to cancer cells and cancer cells can spread. Temsirolimus (Torisel), another targeted drug, blocks a signal that the cancer cells grow and survive. Targeted therapy drugs can cause side effects such as rash, which is severe, diarrhea and fatigue. Targeted drugs can also be very expensive, sometimes costs more than $ 1,000 a treatment.
■ treatment of distant tumors. Kidney cancer cells that travel to other parts of the body (metastasize) can sometimes be treated. This depends on the number of distant tumors, their locations and your general health. Treatment options are limited to which your cancer has spread. Options could be for brain surgery or radiation for metastatic kidney cancer, based on the bone.
■ Clinical Trials. Clinical trials are studies of new therapies and new techniques for the treatment of kidney cancer and other diseases. Participation in a clinical study can you have a chance to get the latest therapies, but it can not guarantee a cure. Discuss the available clinical trials with your doctor and carefully weigh the benefits and risks. Many kidney cancer clinical trials with existing and new targeted therapies to the best ways to use this new class of drugs.
The treatment for transitional cell cancer support
Treatment of cancer cell transition time is typically an extensive operation to remove the tumor, ureter, kidney and part of the bladder. Surgery, to name only the tumor may be an option in some cases.
Chemotherapy may be useful in the treatment of cancer cell transition period, or that recurs. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment, the chemicals to kill rapidly growing cells like cancer cells. Other rapidly growing cells, as in your digestive tract and hair follicles, which also killed by chemotherapy drugs, which can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting and hair loss.
Prevention
Steps undertaken to improve your health can help reduce the risk of kidney cancer. To reduce your risk, try to:
■ Quit smoking. If you smoke, quit. Many options are available for smoking, including scholarship programs, medications and nicotine replacement products. Inform your doctor that you want to stop and discuss your options together.
■ Eat more fruit and vegetables. Add more fruit and vegetables to your diet. A variety of fruits and vegetables helps ensure that you always all the nutrients the body needs. Replace some snacks and side dishes with fruits and vegetables can help you lose weight.
■ Exercise regularly. Target for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days. If you are not active before, get your doctor permits. Start slowly and gradually increase the time you exercise. Consider exercises such as walking or cycling.
■ a healthy weight. Work to maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese, reduces the amount of calories you eat each day and try to exercise most days of the week. Ask your doctor about other healthy strategies that you lose weight.
■ Control high blood pressure. Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure to your next appointment. If your blood pressure is high, you can discuss ways to lower your numbers. Lifestyle measures such as exercise, nutrition and weight loss changes that can help. Some people need to make their drugs to lower blood pressure. Discuss your options with your doctor.
■ reduce or avoid exposure to environmental toxins. If you work with toxic chemicals, the special precautions such as wearing a mask and heavy gloves. In the United States, your employer is obliged to tell you what you may be exposed to chemicals on the job. Follow your employers’ safety and ask your doctor if there are other ways to protect from chemical exposure.
Coping and support
Each person copes with a cancer diagnosis in his or her own way. After the shock and fear, with an initial diagnosis begins to fall, you will find ways to provide you with the daily challenges of cancer treatment and recovery. Coping strategies that can help include:
■ Find out all you can about kidney cancer. Ask your doctor for more details of the diagnosis, such as what kind of cancer you have and the stage of cancer. This information can help you learn more about the treatment options that are available. Good sources of information are the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. Both organizations maintain Web sites and hotlines you can contact for more information. Contact the National Cancer Institute, 800-4CANCER or 800-422-6237, or the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345 or 800-227-2345.
■ Take care of yourself. Take measures to ensure the supply of the body during cancer treatment. Eating a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables, to exercise when you are up to, and enough sleep, so that you feel rested every day.
■ Gather a support network. Your friends and family are worried about your health, so that we can help you if they offer. Let friends and family take care of the small, everyday tasks, so you can focus on your recovery. Running errands, preparing meals and transportation are all possibilities, friends and family can help. Talk about your feelings with close friends and family can help you stress and tension.
■ Take time for you. Set enough time for themselves every day. The time during the reading, relaxing or listening to music can help you stress. Write your feelings in a journal.
Alternative Medicine
No complementary and alternative therapies are proved to successfully treat kidney cancer. But complementary and alternative medicine can help you with signs and symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment. Discuss your options with your doctor. Some complementary and alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage and meditation have shown some promise in people with cancer with side effects
Definition
Cardiovascular disease is a general term to describe a number of diseases which affect the heart, and in some cases, your blood vessels. The various diseases that are under the umbrella of cardiovascular diseases are diseases of the blood vessels, such as coronary heart disease, heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) and heart defects are born with (congenital heart defect).
The term “cardiovascular disease” is often used synonymously with “cardiovascular disease” – a term usually refers to conditions which are narrowed or blocked blood vessels can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina pectoris) or Stroke. Other heart diseases, such as infections and conditions that affect the heart muscle, valves or the rhythm and beat as forms of heart disease.
Heart disease is the No. 1 worldwide killer of men and women, including in the United States. For example, heart disease is responsible for 40 percent of all deaths in the United States, more than all forms of cancer combined. Many forms of heart disease can be prevented with healthy lifestyle and diet and exercise.
Symptoms
Heart disease symptoms vary, depending on what type of heart disease you have.
The symptoms of heart disease in your blood vessels (cardiovascular disease)
Cardiovascular disease caused by narrowed, blocked or stiff blood vessels, which should be the heart, brain or other parts of the body is not enough blood. Cardiovascular disease symptoms may include:
■ chest pain (angina pectoris)
■ Shortness of breath
■ pain, numbness, weakness, or coldness in the legs or arms when the blood vessels in parts of the body be reduced
They can not be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, until your condition deteriorates to the point that you have a heart attack, chest pain (angina pectoris), stroke, heart failure or sudden cardiac death. It is important for cardiovascular complaints and discussions about concerns with your doctor. Cardiovascular disease can sometimes be found early, with regular visits to your doctor.
Heart disease symptoms caused by abnormal heart beats (cardiac arrhythmias)
A cardiac arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat. Her heart beat too fast, too slow or irregular, if you have an arrhythmia. Cardiac arrhythmias Symptoms may include:
■ A flutter in the chest
■ A racing heartbeat (tachycardia)
■ A slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
■ chest pain
■ Shortness of breath
■ Lightheadedness
■ Dizziness
■ fainting (syncope) or near fainting
Heart disease symptoms by heart defect
Severe congenital heart defect – a defect is born with – usually become evident during the first few hours, days, weeks and months of life. Heart symptoms might include:
■ Pale gray or blue skin color (cyanosis)
■ Swelling in the legs, abdomen or around the eyes
■ Shortness of breath during feedings, leading to poor weight gain
Less severe congenital heart defects are often not diagnosed until later in childhood or in adulthood. Signs and symptoms of congenital heart defects, which are usually not immediately life-threatening include:
■ Easy to short of breath during exercise or activity
■ during the exercise tiring easily or activities
■ Built-up liquid in the heart or lungs
■ Swelling in the hands, ankles or feet
Heart disease symptoms caused by thick heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
Cardiomyopathy is the thickening and stiffening of the heart muscle. In the early stages of cardiomyopathy, you may have no symptoms. As the condition worsens, symptoms of cardiomyopathy are:
■ breathlessness with exertion or even at rest
■ Swelling of the legs, ankles and feet
■ bloating (distention) of the abdomen with fluid
■ Fatigue
■ Irregular heartbeat feel that fast, pounding or fluttering
■ dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting
Heart disease symptoms caused by heart infection
There are three types of infections Heart: pericarditis, the effects on the tissues around the heart (pericardium), myocarditis, affecting muscular middle layer of the walls of the heart (myocardium), and endocarditis, the impact on the inner membrane, the chambers and valves of the heart (endocardium). Differing slightly with each type of infection, heart infection, symptoms can include:
■ fever
■ Shortness of breath
■ weakness or tiredness
■ Swelling in the legs or abdomen
■ Changes in your heart rhythm
■ chemical or persistent cough
■ rashes or unusual places
Heart disease symptoms caused by heart valve disease
The heart has four valves – the aortic, mitral, pulmonary and tricuspid valves – the opening and closing of the direct blood flow through the heart. Valves may be damaged by a variety of conditions, the narrowing (stenosis), leaking (regurgitation or insufficiency) or improper closing (prolapse). Depending on which valve is not working properly, heart valve disease symptoms include:
■ Fatigue
■ Shortness of breath
■ irregular heartbeat or heart noise
■ Swollen feet or ankles
■ chest pain
■ fainting (syncope)
If a doctor to see
Are you looking for emergency medical care if you experience these symptoms heart disease:
■ chest pain
■ Shortness of breath
■ impotence
Heart disease is easier to treat if detected early, so talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about your heart health. If you do not have heart disease, but worried about the development of heart disease, talk to your doctor about the steps you can take to your heart disease risk. This is especially true if you have a family history of heart disease.
If you think you have heart disease on the basis of new signs or symptoms that you already have, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Causes
To understand heart disease, it is helpful to know how your heart works. Your heart is a pump. It is a muscular organ about the size of the first and there is little left of center in the chest. Your heart is in the right and left. The division protects oxygen-rich blood from mixing with oxygen-poor blood. Oxygen poor blood, “Blue Blood”, back into the heart after circulating through your body.
The right side of the heart, composed of the right atrium and ventricle, collects and pumps blood into the lungs through the pulmonary arteries. The lungs freshen the blood with a new supply of oxygen, making it red. Oxygen rich blood into the left side of the heart, from the left atrium and ventricle, and pumped through the aorta into the body to tissues throughout the body with oxygen and nutrients.
Four valves in your heart Keep your blood the right way. The tricuspid, mitral, pulmonary and aortic valves work like gates on a fence. You can open only one way, and only when pushed on. Each valve opens and closes once per heartbeat – or about once per second while you’re at rest.
A heart and relaxed. Contraction is called systole and diastole relaxation. During systole, the chambers contract, so that the blood vessels in your lungs and body – like ketchup from a forced squeeze-bottle. The right ventricle contracts a little in front of the left ventricle has. Their ventricles then relax during diastole and are filled with blood from the upper chambers, the left and right atria. The cycle begins again.
The heart also has electrical wires, which keeps it beating. Electrical impulses begin in the high right atrium and through specific pathways to the chambers, provides the signal to pump. The management system keeps your heart beat in a coordinated and regular rhythm, which in turn keeps blood circulating. The continuous exchange of oxygen-rich blood with oxygen-poor blood is what keeps you alive.
The causes of heart disease vary depending on the type of heart disease.
Causes of cardiovascular disease
Although cardiovascular disease can be many different types of heart or blood vessel problems, the term is often used, it means damage to the heart or blood vessels by atherosclerosis (ATH-ur-o-skluh-RO SIS), a compilation of fatty plaques in your arteries. This is a disease, the impact on your arteries. Arteries are blood vessels, the oxygen and nutrients from the heart for the rest of your body. Healthy arteries are flexible and strong.
Over time, however, too much pressure in your arteries, the walls thick and stiff – sometimes restricting blood flow to your organs and tissues. This process is called atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is the most common form of this disease. Atherosclerosis is the commonest cause of cardiovascular disease, and it is characterized by an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, obesity and smoking. All these are important risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Causes of cardiac arrhythmias
Common causes of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or conditions that cause heart rhythm disturbances may include:
■ heart defects are born with (congenital heart defect)
■ Coronary Heart Disease
■ High blood pressure
■ Diabetes
■ Smoking
■ Excessive use of alcohol or caffeine
■ Drug Abuse
■ Stress
■ Some OTC medications, prescription drugs, dietary supplements and herbal remedies
■ Open Heart Disease
In a healthy person with a normal, healthy heart, it is unlikely that a fatal arrhythmia to develop without some outside trigger, such as an electric shock or the use of illegal drugs. This is primarily because a healthy person, the heart is free of any abnormal conditions to be an arrhythmia, such as an area of scarred tissue.
However, in a heart that the sick or deformed, the heart of the electrical impulses can not properly start or journey through the heart, cardiac arrhythmias more likely to develop.
Causes of heart defects
Heart defects in general to develop, while a baby is still in the womb. About a month after fertilization, the heart begins to develop. It is at this point that heart failure can start to form. The researchers are not sure what exactly causes defects to begin, but they think some medical conditions, medications and genetics can play a role.
Causes of Cardiomyopathy
The exact cause of cardiomyopathy, a thickening or enlargement of the heart muscle, is unknown. There are three types of cardiomyopathy:
■ dilated cardiomyopathy. This is the most common form of cardiomyopathy. In this disease, the heart of the main pumping chamber – the left ventricle – is expanded (dilated), its ability to pump less forcefully, and the blood does not flow so easily through the heart.
■ Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This type includes abnormal growth or thickening of the heart muscle, and in particular the muscles of the heart of the main pumping chamber. As thickening occurs, the heart tend to stiffen and the size of the pump chamber may shrink, so that the heart of the ability of blood to your body.
■ restrictive cardiomyopathy. The heart muscle in patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy will be stiff and less elastic, which means that the heart does not properly expand and fill with blood between heartbeats. It is the least common type of cardiomyopathy and can occur for no known cause.
Causes of heart infection
Cardiovascular infections, such as pericarditis, endocarditis and myocarditis, occur when an irritant, such as bacteria, viruses or chemical reaches your heart. The most common causes of cardiovascular infections include:
■ bacteria. Endocarditis can be done by a number of bacteria in your blood. The bacteria can enter your bloodstream through everyday activities such as eating or brushing teeth, especially if you have poor oral health. Myocarditis may also lead to a tick-borne bacterium responsible for Lyme borreliosis.
■ viruses. Heart infections can be caused by viruses, including some which influenza (coxsackievirus B and adenovirus), a rash called fifth disease (human parvovirus B19), gastro-intestinal infections (echo virus), mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus) and Measles (Rubella). Viruses associated with sexually transmitted infections can also travel to the heart muscle cells and an infection.
■ parasites. Among the parasites that can cause heart infections are Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma, and some caused by insects and can lead to a so-called Chagas’ disease.
■ drugs, can cause an allergic or toxic reaction. These include antibiotics such as penicillin and sulfonamide drugs, as well as some illegal substances such as cocaine. The needles for the administration of medication or illegal drugs may also be viruses or bacteria that can cause heart infections.
■ Other diseases. These include lupus, connective tissue disorders, inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), and rare inflammatory conditions such as Wegener’s granulomatosis.
Causes of heart valve disease
There are many causes of diseases of the heart valves. Four valves in your heart keep blood flowing in the right direction. They are born with heart valve disease, or the valves may be damaged by such conditions as rheumatic fever, infections (infectious endocarditis), connective tissue and bone disorders, and certain cancer drugs or radiation.
Risk Factors
Heart disease risk factors include:
■ your age. Simply getting older increases the risk of damage and narrowed arteries and weakened or thickened heart muscle leading to heart disease.
■ Your gender. Men are generally at greater risk of heart disease. However, the risk for women increases after menopause.
■ Family history. A family history of heart disease increases the risk of coronary heart disease, particularly if a parent develops at an early age (before age 55 for a male relative, like your brother or father and 65 years for a female relative, such as your mother or sister).
■ Smoking. Draws your blood vessels nicotine and carbon monoxide can damage its lining, so that they are susceptible to atherosclerosis. Heart attacks are more common in smokers than non-smokers.
■ Poor nutrition. A nutrition, high in fat, salt and cholesterol can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases.
■ High blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to hardening and thickening of the arteries, narrowing of the vessels through which blood can flow.
■ High blood cholesterol levels. High concentrations of cholesterol in the blood increase the risk of the formation of plaques and atherosclerosis. Plaques may be characterized by a high degree of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), known as “bad” cholesterol, or low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), known as “good” cholesterol.
■ diabetes. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease. Both conditions similar risk factors such as obesity and high blood pressure.
■ obesity. Overweight typically worsens other risk factors.
■ physical inactivity. Physical inactivity is also associated with many forms of heart disease and some of his other risk factors as well.
■ high load. Unrelieved stress in your life can cause damage to your arteries, and a worsening of other risk factors for heart disease.
■ Poor hygiene. Not regularly washing your hands and other habits that can help prevent viral or bacterial infections, can be found in the risk of heart infections, especially if you already have a heart condition based. The researchers also believe poor dental health can lead to heart disease. Germs on the teeth and gums may be from your mouth to the heart, potentially worsening of coronary heart disease.
Complications
One of the most frequent complications of heart disease heart failure.
■ heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart does not pump enough blood to meet the needs of your body. Over time, the heart can no longer keep pace with the normal demands on it. The chambers can be stiff and not fill properly between beats. The heart muscle may weaken, and the ventricles stretch (expand) to the point that the heart can not pump blood efficiently throughout your body. Heart failure can result from many forms of heart disease, including heart defects, heart disease, heart valves, heart infections or cardiomyopathy.
Other complications of heart disease are:
■ heart attack. Coronary heart disease can cause a heart attack. Heart attacks occur, usually when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood through a coronary – a blood vessel feeds blood to a part of the heart muscle. Interrupted blood flow to your heart’s content to damage or destroy a part of the heart muscle.
■ Stroke. Cardiovascular disease can lead to an ischemic stroke, which occurs when the arteries to your brain is reduced or blocked and too little blood reaches your brain. A stroke is a medical emergency – the brain starts to die within a few minutes of a stroke.
■ aneurysm. Cardiovascular disease can also lead to aneurysm, a serious complication that can occur anywhere in your body. An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the artery. When an aneurysm bursts, you have life-threatening internal bleeding. Although this is usually a sudden, catastrophic event, a slow leak is possible. If a blood clot in an aneurysm removed, it may block an artery at another point.
■ peripheral arterial disease. The same atherosclerosis leading to coronary heart disease can also lead to peripheral arterial disease. If you develop peripheral arterial disease (PAD), your extremities – usually your legs – not enough blood flow to keep up with the demand. This leads to the symptoms, especially pain in the legs when walking (claudication).
■ Sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is the sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, respiration and consciousness. Sudden cardiac arrest usually arises from an electrical disturbance in your heart that disrupts its pumps and causes blood to stop flowing to the rest of the body. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs almost always in conjunction with other underlying heart problems, especially coronary heart disease. Sudden cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. If not treated immediately, it is fatal in the sudden cardiac death.
Preparing for your appointment
Some types of cardiovascular diseases are discovered, without an appointment – for example, if a child is born with serious heart defects, it will be soon after birth identified. In other cases, the heart disease can be diagnosed in an emergency, such as a heart attack.
If you think you have heart disease, or are worried about your cardiovascular risk, as a strong family, make an appointment with your doctor. If heart disease is found early, your treatment may be easier and more effective. Finally, you can rely on a heart specialist (cardiologist).
Because appointments can be brief, and there is often a lot of ground to cover, it is a good idea to be ready for your order. Here are some details to help you for your order, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
■ Obey all restrictions on futures. At the time you order, make sure to ask if it everything you need to do in advance how your diet. For a cholesterol test, for example, you need to fast for a certain time in advance.
■ Write down any symptoms you have, including any that seem unrelated to coronary artery disease.
■ Write down key personal information, including a family of heart disease, stroke, hypertension or diabetes, and stresses, no major changes or new life.
■ Make a list of all medications and vitamins or supplements that you need.
■ Take a family member or friend, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to enjoy all the information you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember that you missed something or have forgotten it.
■ Be ready to make your diet and physical inactivity. If you are not already on a diet or exercise routine, be prepared to talk to your doctor about all the challenges you can relax in the first steps.
■ Write down questions, contact your doctor.
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. Your most important questions from the least important in case time runs out. For heart disease, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
■ What is likely that my symptoms or condition?
■ What are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
■ What types of tests will I need?
■ What is the best measure?
■ What food should I eat or avoid?
■ What is an appropriate level of physical activity?
■ How often should I check for heart disease? For example, how often do I need a cholesterol test?
■ What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you are what?
■ I have other health conditions. How can I best work together?
■ Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
■ Should I have a specialist? What will it cost and will my insurance seeing a specialist? (You may need to contact your insurance directly for information on the reporting.)
■ Is there an alternative to the generic drugs you prescribe to me?
■ Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home? Which websites do you recommend visiting?
■ In addition to the questions you prepared to ask your doctor, do not hesitate to ask questions during your order at any time that you do not understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will ask, should a series of questions. As a response ready, they may be time to think about all the things you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:
■ When did you first symptoms begin?
■ Let your symptoms are constant or occasional?
■ How strong are the symptoms?
■ What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
■ What, if anything, will worsen your symptoms?
What you can do in the meantime
It is never too early to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as smoking, healthy food to eat and be more physically active. These lines are the primary protection against heart disease and its complications, including heart attack and stroke.
Tests and diagnosis
The tests you have to diagnose heart disease depends on what conditions your doctor thinks you might. No matter what kind of heart disease you have, your doctor will probably be a physical examination and ask for your personal and family medical history, before all other tests. Diagnostic tests for heart disease can be:
■ blood tests. You may have your blood drawn and tested for substances in the blood that could indicate heart disease. Your doctor may be the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides, blood cells, blood or other tests that show that the damage to your heart.
■ Chest X-ray. An image is created by the X-rays on the chest and positioning a large piece of photographic film or a digital recording plate against your back. The X-ray machine produces a small burst of radiation caused by your body and creates an image on film or digital plate. A chest X-ray shows a picture of your heart, lungs and blood vessels. It can show if your heart is enlarged, a sign of some forms of heart disease.
■ Electrocardiogram (ECG). In this non-invasive test, a technician will probe on the chest, the electrical impulses that make your heart beat faster. An ECG records these electrical signals and can help your doctor irregularities in heart rhythm and structure. You can use an ECG while you are at rest or during exercise (stress electrocardiogram).
■ Holter monitoring. The Holter monitor is a portable device that you wear to a continuous ECG, usually for 24 to 72 hours. Holter monitoring is used to occasionally cardiac arrhythmias irregularities that are not found during a regular ECG investigation.
■ echocardiogram. This noninvasive test, which is also an ultrasound examination of the breast, shows detailed pictures of your heart, the structure and function. Ultrasonic waves, and their echoes are displayed with a device as a converter, which are outside your body. A computer uses the information from the converter to moving images on a monitor.
In some cases, where the images from a regular echocardiogram are unclear, your doctor may recommend transesophageal ultrasound. During this test, you swallow a flexible tube with a small sensor, about the size of the index finger, which is your throat. The sensor transmits the images of your heart to a computer monitor.
■ cardiac catheterization. In this test, a short tube (sheath) is placed in a vein or artery in the leg (bar) or arm. A hollow, flexible and longer tube (guide catheter) is then placed in the vagina. Aided by X-ray images on a monitor, your doctor threads the guide catheter through the artery to your heart. The pressure in your heart chambers can be measured, and dye can be injected. The dye can be seen on an X-ray, which helps your doctor can be found in the blood flow through the heart, blood vessels and valves to check whether abnormalities.
■ cardiac biopsy. Sometimes, a heart biopsy is part of the cardiac catheterization, especially if your doctor suspects you have heart inflammation and was not able to confirm with other tests. In a heart biopsy, a small sample of heart tissue is removed through the catheter and will be sent to a laboratory for examination.
■ Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT)-scan. This test is often used to check whether heart failure or heart arrhythmias. In a cardiac CT scan, you lie on a table in a donut-shaped machine. An X-ray tube in the machine rotates around your body, and collects images of the heart and chest. Some walk in clinics in May Advertise heart scans, which are for calcium build-up in your arteries, which allows you to risk a heart attack. However, these scans are not recommended for most people, how the information they provide is often not useful.
■ Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In a cardiac MRI, you lie on a table in a long tube machine, like a magnetic field. The magnetic field is directed atomic particles in some of the cells. When radio waves are broadcast on these particles, they signaled that, depending on the type of tissue are. Images of your heart, this signals that your doctor will help you to determine the cause of your heart condition.
Treatments and drugs
Heart disease treatments vary. You may have changes in the way of life, medication, surgery or other medical procedures as part of treatment.
Therapies for cardiovascular diseases
The goal in the treatment of diseases of the arteries (cardiovascular disease) is often to open narrowed arteries, which leads to the symptoms. Depending on how severe the blockages in your arteries are, treatment may include:
■ changes in the way of life. Whether your heart disease is mild or severe, it is likely that your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes as part of your treatment. Lifestyle changes include eating a low fat, low sodium diet, at least 30 minutes moderate exercise on most days of the week, smoking and limiting how much alcohol to drink.
■ drugs. If the lifestyle changes alone are not enough, your doctor can medications to control your heart disease. These drugs might reduce your blood pressure, such as diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitors or beta blockers, blood medications, such as daily aspirin therapy, or cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins or fibrates.
■ Medical or surgical procedures. If medications are not sufficient, it is possible with your doctor recommend special procedures or surgery to the blockages in your heart. A common procedure is coronary angioplasty, which is done by using a catheter into an artery in your arm or bar and threading a small balloon on your blocked artery and inflating it to reopen the artery. A small coil than-metal stents is often in the artery during angioplasty. The stent keeps the artery open.
Sometimes is an invasive procedure, coronary bypass surgery is required. In this procedure, which is part of the blocked artery is removed and a vein from another part of the body – usually the leg – replaces the diseased section of artery.
Treatments for cardiac arrhythmias
Abhängig von der Schwere der Bedingung, Ihr Arzt kann nur empfehlen, Manöver oder Medikamente zu korrigieren Sie Ihre unregelmäßiger Herzschlag. Es ist auch möglich, benötigen Sie ein medizinisches Gerät oder eine Operation, wenn Ihr Zustand ist ernst.
■ Vagal Manöver. Sie können zu stoppen einige Herzen Arrhythmien durch die Verwendung bestimmter Manöver, mit denen Sie den Atem an und Anstrengung, dunking Gesicht in Eiswasser, oder Husten. Ihr Arzt kann empfehlen, andere Manöver zu langsam einen schnellen Herzschlag. Diese Manöver auf das Nervensystem, dass die Kontrollen Ihren Herzschlag (vagal Nerven), die oft durch Ihre Herzfrequenz zu verlangsamen. Versuchen Sie nicht, alle Manöver ohne Gespräch mit Ihrem Arzt.
■ Medikamente. Menschen, die einen schnellen Herzschlag können sich auch an Anti-arrhythmic Medikamente. Obwohl sie das Problem nicht heilen, sie können die Episoden der Ihr Herz schlug schneller oder langsamer das Herz, wenn eine Episode auftritt. Einige Medikamente können verlangsamen dein Herz so sehr, dass Sie benötigen einen Herzschrittmacher. Es ist wichtig, dass alle Anti-arrhythmic Medikamente genau nach Anweisung Ihres Arztes, um Komplikationen zu vermeiden.
■ Medizinische Verfahren. Zwei gemeinsame Verfahren zur Behandlung von Herzrhythmusstörungen sind Kardioversion Herzen und Herz-Ablation. In Kardioversion, einen elektrischen Schock wird verwendet, um Ihr Herz zu ihrem regelmäßigen Rhythmus. In der Regel geschieht dies mit Paddel, auf der Brust, das kann einen elektrischen Schock in einer überwachten Umgebung. Sie erhalten Medikamente zu beruhigen Sie während des Verfahrens, so gibt es keine Schmerzen beteiligt. In Herz-Ablation, eine oder mehrere Katheter sind Gewinde durch die Blutgefäße zu Ihrem inneren Kern. Sie positioniert sich auf die Bereiche Ihres Herzens, die von Ihrem Arzt, wie Sie Ihre Herzrhythmusstörungen verursachen. Elektroden auf den Katheter Tipps zerstören (ablate) ein kleiner Ort von Herzgewebe und ein Elektro-Block auf dem Weg, der zu Ihrem Arrhythmie.
■ Herzschrittmacher oder implantierbare Cardioverter-Defibrillatoren (ICDS). In einigen Fällen, Ihr Arzt kann empfehlen, mit einem Herzschrittmacher oder ICD implantiert, um Ihren Herzschlag regulieren. Herzschrittmacher elektrische Impulse aussenden, um Ihr Herz schneller, wenn es zu langsam, und ICDS korrigieren kann eine schnelle oder chaotischen Herzschlag mit einer ähnlichen Art der elektrischen Impuls, der sich mit in Kardioversion. Die Operation zur Implantation jedes Gerät ist relativ gering, und erfordert in der Regel nur ein paar Tage der Erholung.
■ Chirurgie. Für schwere Herz-Arrhythmien, oder für diejenigen mit einem zugrunde liegenden Ursachen wie ein Herzfehler, Chirurgie kann eine Option. Da die Operationen zur Korrektur Herzen Herzrhythmusstörungen sind am offenen Herzen Verfahren, die manchmal mehrere Monate für die Erholung, Operation ist oft eine Last-Resort Behandlungsmöglichkeit.
Behandlungen für Herzfehler
Einige Herzfehler sind gering und bedürfen keiner Behandlung, während andere regelmäßig Checkups, Medikamente oder auch Operationen. Je nachdem, was Sie Herzfehler haben und wie schwer es ist, Ihre Behandlung kann umfassen:
■ Medikamente. Some mild congenital heart defects, especially those found later in childhood or adulthood, can be treated with medications that help the heart work more efficiently.
■Special procedures using catheters. Some people now have their congenital heart defects repaired using catheterization techniques, which allow the repair to be done without surgically opening the chest and heart. In procedures that can be done using catheterization, the doctor inserts a thin tube (catheter) into a leg vein and guides it to the heart with the help of X-ray images. Once the catheter is positioned at the site of the defect, tiny tools are threaded through the catheter to the heart to repair the defect.
■Open-heart surgery. In some cases, your doctor may perform open-heart surgery to try to repair your heart defect. These surgeries are major medical procedures and sometimes require a long recovery time. It’s possible you’ll need multiple surgeries over several years to correct the defect.
■Heart transplant. If a serious heart defect can’t be repaired, a heart transplant may be an option.
Treatments for cardiomyopathy
Treatment for cardiomyopathy varies, depending on what type of cardiomyopathy you have and how serious it is. Treatments can include:
■Medications. Your doctor may prescribe medications that can improve your heart’s pumping ability, such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. Beta blockers, which make your heart beat more slowly and less forcefully, help reduce the strain on it.
■Medical devices. If you have dilated cardiomyopathy, treatment may include a special pacemaker that coordinates the contractions between the left and right ventricles of your heart, improving the heart’s pumping ability. If you’re at risk of serious arrhythmias, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be an option. ICDs are small devices implanted in your chest to continuously monitor your heart rhythm and deliver electrical shocks when needed to control abnormal, rapid heartbeats. The devices can also work as pacemakers.
■Heart transplant. If you have severe cardiomyopathy and medications can’t control your symptoms, a heart transplant may be necessary.
Treatments for heart infections
The first treatment for heart infections such as pericarditis, endocarditis or myocarditis is often medications, which may include:
■Antibiotics. If your condition is caused by a bacteria, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics are given by an intravenous (IV) line for two to six weeks, depending on how severe the infection is.
■Medications to regulate your heartbeat. If the infection has affected your heartbeat, your doctor may prescribe medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or beta blockers to help normalize your heartbeat.
If your heart infection is severe and damages your heart, you may need surgery to repair the damaged portion of your heart.
Treatments for valvular heart disease
Although treatments for valvular heart disease can vary depending on what valve is affected and how severe your condition is, treatment options generally include:
■Medications. It’s possible your valvular heart disease, if mild, can be managed with only medications. Commonly prescribed medications for valvular heart disease include medications to open your blood vessels (vasodilators), medications to lower your cholesterol (statins), medications that reduce water retention (diuretics), and blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants).
■Balloon valvuloplasty. This procedure is sometimes used as a treatment for valve stenosis. During this procedure, your doctor threads a small tube through a vein in your leg and up to your heart. An uninflated balloon is placed through the opening of the narrowed pulmonary valve. Your doctor then inflates the balloon, opening up the narrowed pulmonary valve and increasing the area available for blood flow.
■Valve repair or replacement. If your condition is severe, you may need surgery to correct your condition. Your doctor may be able to repair the valve. If the valve can’t be repaired, it may be replaced with a replacement valve that’s made of synthetic materials.
Lifestyle and home activities
Heart disease can be improved — or even prevented — by making certain lifestyle changes. The following changes can help anyone who wants to improve their heart health:
■Stop smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, especially atherosclerosis. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and forces your heart to work harder, and carbon monoxide reduces oxygen in your blood and damages the lining of your blood vessels. If you smoke, quitting is the best way to reduce your risk of heart disease and its complications.
■Control your blood pressure. Ask your doctor for a blood pressure measurement at least every two years. He or she may recommend more frequent measurements if your blood pressure is higher than normal or you have a history of heart disease. Optimal blood pressure is below 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, as measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
■Check your cholesterol. Ask your doctor for a baseline cholesterol test when you’re in your 20s and then at least every five years. If your test results aren’t within desirable ranges, your doctor may recommend more frequent measurements. Most people should aim for an LDL level below 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 3.4 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). If you have other risk factors for heart disease, your target LDL may be below 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L). If you’re at very high risk of heart disease — if you’ve already had a heart attack or have diabetes, for example — your target LDL level is below 70 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L).
■Keep diabetes under control. If you have diabetes, tight blood sugar control can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
■Get moving. If you have heart disease, exercise helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight and control diabetes, elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure — all risk factors for heart disease. If you have a heart arrhythmia or heart defect, there may be some restrictions on the activities you can do, so be sure to talk to your doctor first. With your doctor’s OK, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Even if you can’t make time for one 30- to 60-minute exercise session, you can still benefit from breaking up your activity into several 10-minute sessions.
■Eat healthy foods. A heart-healthy diet based on fruits, vegetables and whole grains — and low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium — can help you control your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. Eating one or two servings of fish a week also is beneficial.
■Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease. Weight loss is especially important for people who have large waist measurements – more than 40 inches (101.6 centimeters, or cm) for men and more than 35 inches (88.9 cm) for women — because people with this body shape are more likely to develop diabetes and heart disease.
■Manage stress. Reduce stress as much as possible. Practice healthy techniques for managing stress, such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing.
■Practice good hygiene habits. Staying away from other people when they are sick and regularly washing your hands can not only prevent heart infections but also can help prevent viral or bacterial infections that can put stress on your heart if you already have heart disease. Also, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can prevent germs in your mouth from making their way to plaques in your heart, which could worsen cardiovascular disease.
■Get a flu shot. If you have cardiovascular disease, you’re at a greater risk of having a heart attack should you catch the flu. Getting a flu shot decreases this risk.
In addition to healthy lifestyle changes, remember the importance of regular medical checkups. Early detection and treatment can set the stage for a lifetime of better heart health.
Alternative Medicine
There are several alternative medicines that may be effective in lowering cholesterol and preventing some types of heart disease, including:
■Blond psyllium
■Coenzyme Q-10
■Flaxseed
■Oats and oat bran
■Omega-3 fatty acids
■Plant stanols and sterols, such as beta-sitosterol and sitostanol
As with any alternative medicine, talk to your doctor before adding any new supplements to your treatment regimen. Even natural medicines and herbal supplements can interact with medications you’re taking.
Coping and support
You may feel frustrated, upset or overwhelmed upon learning you or your loved one has heart disease. Fortunately, there are ways to help cope with heart disease or improve your condition. These include:
■Cardiac rehabilitation. For people who have cardiovascular disease that’s caused a heart attack or has required surgery to correct, cardiac rehabilitation is often recommended as a way to improve treatment and speed recovery. Cardiac rehabilitation is a program often divided into phases that involve various levels of monitored exercise, nutritional counseling, emotional support, and support and education about lifestyle changes to reduce your risks of heart problems.
■Support groups. Finding out that you or a loved one has heart disease can be unnerving. Turning to friends and family for support is essential, but if you find you need more help, talk to your doctor about joining a support group. You may find that talking about your concerns with others who are experiencing the same difficulties can help.
■Continued medical checkups. If you have a recurring or chronic heart condition, it’s a good idea to regularly check in with your doctor to make sure you’re properly managing your heart condition. Regular checkups can help your doctor decide if you need to change your treatment, and may help catch new problems early, if they occur. If you’re the parent of a child with heart disease, it’s a good idea to encourage your child to regularly visit his or her doctor to monitor a heart condition in adulthood.
Prevention
Certain types of heart disease, such as heart defects, can’t be prevented. However, you can help prevent many other types of heart disease by making the same lifestyle changes that can improve your heart disease, such as by:
■Not smoking
■Controlling conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
■Staying physically active
■Eating healthy foods
■Maintaining a healthy weight
■Reducing and managing stress
■Practicing good hygiene
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