WHAT IS HEART DISEASE? The term "heart disease" encompasses various conditions that impact the function and structure of the heart. It includes blood vessel diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems like arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects. Heart disease is commonly known as cardiovascular disease, which involves the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels that can prevent the body from receiving sufficient oxygen. Such blockages can lead to life-threatening issues, including: Heart attack Angina Stroke Arrhythmia Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. HEART STRUCTURE The heart consists of two distinct pumping systems or chambers: the right chamber and the left chamber. The right chamber receives blood from the veins and pumps it to the lungs, where the blood is oxygenated and carbon dioxide is released. The left chamber receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and pumps it through the arteries to the rest of the body. 15...

Early detection is crucial for reversing damage, but it's not always straightforward. Often, early signs of liver toxicity are not apparent, or symptoms are overlooked. This article discusses the condition and ten warning signs that may suggest its presence. WHAT IS LIVER TOXICITY? Liver toxicity, one of several liver disease types, is also known as toxic hepatitis or drug-induced liver injury (DILI), the latter term being used throughout this article. THE CAUSE OF DILI DILI is typically caused by a drug overdose, not limited to illegal substances but also including over-the-counter medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, cancer treatments, neuropsychiatric drugs, dietary supplements, and more. Acetaminophen is the most significant contributor to DILI, with antibiotics being the most common drug class responsible. An overdose doesn't always occur intentionally; it often results from prolonged medication use beyond recommended durations, de...

Obesity, defined by an excessive amount of body fat, has reached epidemic levels in the United States. It is alarmingly prevalent among Americans, disproportionately affecting the nation's population. Moreover, obesity is a grave health concern. The potential health risks associated with being overweight are a significant cause for concern. These include well-documented conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and hypertension (high blood pressure). Additionally, overweight individuals often experience increased fatigue and are more susceptible to depression. Maintaining a healthy weight is a struggle for many due to various factors, including genetic predisposition, the abundance of processed foods, inadequate exercise habits, and a disconnect from healthy eating traditions. Nevertheless, there are straightforward methods available to help lose excess weight. Drink more water and less soda. Soda and energy drinks are laden with sugar, which hinders weight los...

IIndoor plants are becoming increasingly popular as people reside in smaller apartments. While decorating their homes, individuals may select plants that require caution, particularly when there are potential health risks involved. Caution: The following list of plants might be unexpected! Sansevieria The Sansevieria, commonly referred to as the "snake plant," is favored for indoor decoration. It contains a compound known as saponin, which can be poisonous if consumed. Given that saponins can induce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, it's advisable to prevent pets from accessing the plant. Dieffenbachia Despite its attractive foliage, Dieffenbachia is a common plant that can cause poisoning. Accidental contact can lead to mouth blisters, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, as well as swelling and pain. ZZ Plant Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly known as the "ZZ plant," can cause pain, skin irritation, and swelling if ingested. In...

The thyroid gland may not receive as much attention as the brain, lungs, heart, or liver, but it is crucial to our health. This gland, no more than 2 inches in length, sits at the front of the throat below the Adam's apple. It has two lobes on either side of the windpipe, connected by the isthmus tissue. The thyroid secretes two main hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), and imbalances in these can lead to health issues.  The thyroid has a significant impact on various bodily functions, including breathing, body weight, muscle strength, the nervous systems, body temperature, cholesterol levels, heart rate, and menstrual cycles. Due to the subtle nature of thyroid disorder symptoms, hormonal level testing at health clinics is often necessary. However, there are specific signs that may suggest a thyroid disorder. Here are 10 signs that you might have a thyroid disorder: Weight Gain A sudden and unexplained weight gain can be a significant indicator of a thyroid conditio...