The number of people often visiting doctors complaining of chest pain has increased nowadays. However, there is the possibility of the chest pain turning out to be a diagnosis of angina. For the unversed, the term angina can be confusing as it is a medical term that is not widely understood. In simple terms, angina refers to chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. However, it's important to distinguish between stable and unstable angina, as the management of these conditions differs significantly. Understanding Angina In medical practice, both the patients and doctors have a role to play. Patients report the symptoms, doctors observe them. When patients describe their symptoms, they may not always pinpoint the pain in their chest; it could be in their neck, jaw, or arm. Angina is the term used by doctors to describe this pain, which results from a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle. When the heart muscle does not receive enough blood, it becomes de...

In recent years, heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases have become increasingly common. There is a possibility that you know someone who has suffered from a heart attack or has undergone invasive procedures like angioplasty with stents or bypass surgery. The question is, why have heart diseases become so prevalent, and is there an alternative to these high-risk surgeries? Enter Enhanced External Counter Pulsation or EECP treatment , a groundbreaking non-surgical alternative for heart disease patients. Cardiovascular Disease: A Silent Killer Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of deaths globally. They affect not just developed nations, but also the developing countries. Historically, infectious diseases were the primary cause of mortality. However, due to lifestyle changes, increased prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and la ck of exercise, cardiovascular disease has affected the global mortality rate. This is evident, especially when heart disease affects young...

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and its primary function is to facilitate the uptake of glucose into cells, where it can be converted into energy. Without sufficient insulin, glucose remains in the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia, which can have dire health consequences.   This process is particularly crucial for individuals with diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by impaired insulin production or function. Understanding the importance of insulin is vital not only for energy metabolism but also for the prevention and management of diabetes, a disease affecting millions globally.   The Essential Role of Insulin   Insulin is indispensable for maintaining normal blood glucose levels. After consuming food, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. Insulin enables this glucose to enter cells, where it is converted into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell. Without insul...

Introduction: Hypertension, commonly known as elevated blood pressure, is a significant cardiac risk factor that demands attention and understanding. To comprehend hypertension, one must first be aware of what constitutes normal blood pressure. Typically, in young adults up to 70 years old, a normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mmHg, where the top number (systolic pressure) is 120 and the bottom number (diastolic pressure) is 80. Stages of Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure beyond 130/80 mmHg may categorize an individual as hypertensive or in the early stages of hypertension. As age advances, what is considered normal changes, and blood pressure up to 150/90 mmHg might be acceptable for individuals aged 70 to 75. Importance of Monitoring Hypertension: Understanding why hypertension is a crucial health concern is paramount. The pressure within your arteries, known as systolic pressure, plays a vital role in determining the health of your vascular system. Healthy blood vess...

Navigating Cardiovascular Treatment Decisions: The Importance of Second Opinions When it comes to cardiology and critical decisions about procedures like bypass surgery or angioplasty, obtaining a second opinion becomes paramount. The initial evaluation involves a series of tests, including blood work to assess diabetes and cholesterol levels, an electrocardiogram (ECG) to examine the heart's electrical signals, and echocardiography to evaluate myocardial function and valve health. Further examinations may include a treadmill test to gauge exercise tolerance, calcium scoring via a CT scan to measure arterial calcium, and a myocardial perfusion scan to determine blood flow in the heart muscles, especially in the presence of blockages. The most invasive and risk-laden procedure is the coronary angiogram, conducted to identify the location and severity of coronary artery blockages. Armed with this extensive testing data, cardiologists make critical decisions about whether a pati...