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15/09/2023

[HEMORRHOIDS]
Hemorrhoids also called piles, are swollen veins in your a**s and lower re**um, similar to varicose veins. Hemorrhoids can develop inside the re**um (internal hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the a**s (external hemorrhoids).

Nearly three out of four adults will have hemorrhoids from time to time. Hemorrhoids have a number of causes, but often the cause is unknown.

Fortunately, effective options are available to treat hemorrhoids. Many people get relief with home treatments and lifestyle changes.

Signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids usually depend on the type of hemorrhoid.

EXTERNAL HEMORRHOIDS
These are under the skin around your a**s. Signs and symptoms might include:

Itching or irritation in your a**l region
Pain or discomfort
Swelling around your a**s
Bleeding

INTERNAL HEMORRHOIDS
Internal hemorrhoids lie inside the re**um. You usually can't see or feel them, and they rarely cause discomfort. But straining or irritation when passing stool can cause:

Painless bleeding during bowel movements. You might notice small amounts of bright red blood on your toilet tissue or in the toilet.
A hemorrhoid to push through the a**l opening (pr*****ed or protruding hemorrhoid), resulting in pain and irritation.

THROMBOSED HEMORRHOIDS
If blood pools in an external hemorrhoid and forms a clot (thrombus), it can result in:

Severe pain
Swelling
Inflammation

A hard lump near your a**s.

Don't assume re**al bleeding is due to hemorrhoids, especially if you have changes in bowel habits or if your stools change in color or consistency. Re**al bleeding can occur with other diseases, including colore**al cancer and a**l cancer.

Seek emergency care if you have large amounts of re**al bleeding, lightheadedness, dizziness or faintness.

CAUSES
The veins around your a**s tend to stretch under pressure and may bulge or swell. Hemorrhoids can develop from increased pressure in the lower re**um due to:

1.Straining during bowel movements
2.Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet
3.Having chronic diarrhea or constipation
4.Being obese
5.Being pregnant
6.Having a**l in*******se
7.Eating a low-fiber diet
8.Regular heavy lifting

RISK FACTORS.
As you age, your risk of hemorrhoids increases. That's because the tissues that support the veins in your re**um and a**s can weaken and stretch. This can also happen when you're pregnant, because the baby's weight puts pressure on the a**l region.

COMPLICATIONS
Complications of hemorrhoids are rare but include:

Anemia.
Rarely, chronic blood loss from hemorrhoids may cause anemia, in which you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your cells.

Strangulated hemorrhoid.
If the blood supply to an internal hemorrhoid is cut off, the hemorrhoid may be "strangulated," which can cause extreme pain.

Blood clot.
Occasionally, a clot can form in a hemorrhoid (thrombosed hemorrhoid). Although not dangerous, it can be extremely painful and sometimes needs to be lanced and drained.

PREVENTION
The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep your stools soft, so they pass easily. To prevent hemorrhoids and reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids, follow these tips:

Eat high-fiber foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Doing so softens the stool and increases its bulk, which will help you avoid the straining that can cause hemorrhoids. Add fiber to your diet slowly to avoid problems with gas.

Drink plenty of fluids. Drink six to eight glasses of water and other liquids (not alcohol) each day to help keep stools soft.

Consider fiber supplements. Most people don't get enough of the recommended amount of fiber — 20 to 30 grams a day — in their diet.

If you use fiber supplements, be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids every day. Otherwise, the supplements can cause or worsen constipation.

Don't strain. Straining and holding your breath when trying to pass a stool creates greater pressure in the veins in the lower re**um.
Go as soon as you feel the urge. If you wait to pass a bowel movement and the urge goes away, your stool could dry out and be harder to pass.

Exercise. Stay active to help prevent constipation and to reduce pressure on veins, which can occur with long periods of standing or sitting. Exercise can also help you lose excess weight that might be contributing to your hemorrhoids.

Avoid long periods of sitting. Sitting too long, particularly on the toilet, can increase the pressure on the veins in the a**s.

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08/09/2023

[BACK PAIN]
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work, and it is a leading cause of disability worldwide.

Fortunately, you can take measures to prevent or relieve most back pain episodes. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and proper body mechanics often will heal your back within a few weeks and keep it functional. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain.

SYMPTOMS
Back pain can range from a muscle aching to a shooting, burning or stabbing sensation. In addition, the pain may radiate down your leg or worsen with bending, twisting, lifting, standing or walking.

When to see a doctor?
Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care, usually within a few weeks.
Contact doctor if your back pain:

Persists past a few weeks
Is severe and doesn't improve with rest
Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee
Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs
Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. Seek immediate care if your back pain:

Causes new bowel or bladder problems
Is accompanied by a fever
Follows a fall, blow to your back or other injury
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic
Causes

Low back pain caused by spinal degeneration and injury.
Click here for an infographic to learn more
Back pain often develops without a cause that your doctor can identify with a test or an imaging study. Conditions commonly linked to back pain include:

Muscle or ligament strain. Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. If you're in poor physical condition, constant strain on your back can cause painful muscle spasms.

BULGING OR RUPTURED DISK. Disks act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. The soft material inside a disk can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve. However, you can have a bulging or ruptured disk without back pain. Disk disease is often found incidentally when you have spine X-rays for some other reason.

ARTHRITIS. Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
Osteoporosis. Your spine's vertebrae can develop painful fractures if your bones become porous and brittle.

More Information
Tarlov cysts: A cause of low back pain?
Infographic: Back Pain

RISK FACTORS
Anyone can develop back pain, even children and teens. These factors might put you at greater risk of developing back pain:

AGE. Back pain is more common as you get older, starting around age 30 or 40.
Lack of exercise. Weak, unused muscles in your back and abdomen might lead to back pain.

EXCESS WEIGHT. Excess body weight puts extra stress on your back.
Diseases. Some types of arthritis and cancer can contribute to back pain.

IMPROPER LIFTING. Using your back instead of your legs can lead to back pain.
Psychological conditions. People prone to depression and anxiety appear to have a greater risk of back pain.

SMOKING. Smokers have increased rates of back pain. This may occur because smoking prompts more coughing, which can lead to herniated disks. Smoking can also decrease blood flow to the spine and increase the risk of osteoporosis.

PREVENTION
You might avoid back pain or prevent its recurrence by improving your physical condition and learning and practicing proper body mechanics.

To keep your back healthy and strong:

Exercise. Regular low-impact aerobic activities — those that don't strain or jolt your back — can increase strength and endurance in your back and allow your muscles to function better. Walking and swimming are good choices. Talk with your doctor about which activities you might try.

Build muscle strength and flexibility. Abdominal and back muscle exercises, which strengthen your core, help condition these muscles so that they work together like a natural corset for your back.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight strains back muscles. If you're overweight, trimming down can prevent back pain.

Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk of low back pain. The risk increases with the number of ci******es smoked per day, so quitting should help reduce this risk.
Avoid movements that twist or strain your back. Use your body properly:

Stand smart. Don't slouch. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. If you must stand for long periods, place one foot on a low footstool to take some of the load off your lower back. Alternate feet. Good posture can reduce the stress on back muscles.

Sit smart. Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. Placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back can maintain its normal curve. Keep your knees and hips level. Change your position frequently, at least every half-hour.

Lift smart. Avoid heavy lifting, if possible, but if you must lift something heavy, let your legs do the work. Keep your back straight — no twisting — and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward.

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03/09/2023

[PREMATURE EJ*******ON]
Premature ej*******on occurs when a man ej******es sooner during s*xual in*******se than he or his partner would like. Premature ej*******on is a common s*xual complaint. Estimates vary, but as many as 1 out of 3 men say they experience this problem at some time.

As long as it happens infrequently, it's not cause for concern. However, you might be diagnosed with premature ej*******on if you:

Always or nearly always ej*****te within one minute of pe*******on
Are unable to delay ej*******on during in*******se all or nearly all of the time
Feel distressed and frustrated, and tend to avoid s*xual intimacy as a result
Both psychological and biological factors can play a role in premature ej*******on. Although many men feel embarrassed talking about it, premature ej*******on is a common and treatable condition. Medications, counseling and s*xual techniques that delay ej*******on.

SYMPTOMS
The main symptom of premature ej*******on is the inability to delay ej*******on for more than one minute after pe*******on. However, the problem might occur in all s*xual situations, even during ma********on.

Premature ej*******on can be classified as:

1. Lifelong (primary). Lifelong premature ej*******on occurs all or nearly all of the time beginning with your first s*xual encounters.

2. Acquired (secondary). Acquired premature ej*******on develops after you've had previous s*xual experiences without ejaculatory problems.
Many men feel that they have symptoms of premature ej*******on, but the symptoms don't meet the diagnostic criteria for premature ej*******on. Instead these men might have natural variable premature ej*******on, which includes periods of rapid ej*******on as well as periods of normal ej*******on.

When to see a doctor?
Talk with your doctor if you ej*****te sooner than you wish during most s*xual encounters. It's common for men to feel embarrassed about discussing s*xual health concerns, but don't let that keep you from talking to your doctor. Premature ej*******on is a common and treatable problem.

For some men, a conversation with a doctor might help lessen concerns about premature ej*******on. For example, it might be reassuring to hear that occasional premature ej*******on is normal and that the average time from the beginning of in*******se to ej*******on is about five minutes.

CAUSES
The exact cause of premature ej*******on isn't known. While it was once thought to be only psychological, doctors now know premature ej*******on involves a complex interaction of psychological and biological factors.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CAUSES
Psychological factors that might play a role include:
1. Early s*xual experiences
2. S*xual abuse
3. Poor body image
4. Depression
5. Worrying about premature ej*******on
6. Guilty feelings that increase your tendency to rush through s*xual encounters

1. Other factors that can play a role include:
Erectile dysfunction. Men who are anxious about obtaining or maintaining an er****on during s*xual in*******se might form a pattern of rushing to ej*****te, which can be difficult to change.

2. Anxiety. Many men with premature ej*******on also have problems with anxiety — either specifically about s*xual performance or related to other issues.

3. Relationship problems. If you have had satisfying s*xual relationships with other partners in which premature ej*******on happened infrequently or not at all, it's possible that interpersonal issues between you and your current partner are contributing to the problem.

BIOLOGICAL CAUSES
A number of biological factors might contribute to premature ej*******on, including:

Abnormal hormone levels.
Abnormal levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters
Inflammation and infection of the prostate or urethra
Inherited traits

RISK FACTORS.
Various factors can increase your risk of premature ej*******on, including:

Erectile dysfunction.
You might be at increased risk of premature ej*******on if you occasionally or consistently have trouble getting or maintaining an er****on. Fear of losing your er****on might cause you to consciously or unconsciously hurry through s*xual encounters.

Stress.
Emotional or mental strain in any area of your life can play a role in premature ej*******on, limiting your ability to relax and focus during s*xual encounters.
Complications
Premature ej*******on can cause problems in your personal life, including:

Stress and relationship problems.
A common complication of premature ej*******on is relationship stress.

Fertility problems.
Premature ej*******on can occasionally make fertilization difficult for couples who are trying to have a baby if ej*******on doesn't occur intravaginally.

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01/09/2023

[ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION] (IMPOTENCE)

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get and keep an er****on firm enough for s*x.

Having er****on trouble from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern. If erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue, however, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or keeping an er****on can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease.

If you're concerned about erectile dysfunction, talk to our doctor — even if you're embarrassed. Sometimes, treating an underlying condition is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. In other cases, medications or other direct treatments

SYMPTOMS
Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include persistent:

Trouble getting an er****on
Trouble keeping an er****on
Reduced s*xual desire
When to see a doctor
A family doctor is a good place to start when you have erectile problems. See your doctor if:

You have concerns about your er****ons or you're experiencing other s*xual problems such as premature or delayed ej*******on
You have diabetes, heart disease or another known health condition that might be linked to erectile dysfunction
You have other symptoms along with erectile dysfunction.

CAUSES
Male s*xual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these. Likewise, stress and mental health concerns can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.

Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction. For instance, a minor physical condition that slows your s*xual response might cause anxiety about maintaining an er****on. The resulting anxiety can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction
In many cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by something physical. Common causes include:

1. Heart disease
2. Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
3. High cholesterol
4. High blood pressure
5. Diabetes
6. Obesity
7. Metabolic syndrome — a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol
8. Parkinson's disease
9. Multiple sclerosis
10. Certain prescription medications
11. To***co use
12. Peyronie's disease — development of scar tissue inside the p***s
13. Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
14. Sleep disorders
15. Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
16. Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
17. Low testosterone.

Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction
The brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an er****on, starting with feelings of s*xual excitement. A number of things can interfere with s*xual feelings and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. These include:

Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
Stress
Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns

RISK FACTORS
As you get older, er****ons might take longer to develop and might not be as firm. You might need more direct touch to your p***s to get and keep an er****on.

Various risk factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including:

Medical conditions, particularly diabetes or heart conditions

COMPLICATIONS
Complications resulting from erectile dysfunction can include:

An unsatisfactory s*x life
Stress or anxiety
Embarrassment or low self-esteem
Relationship problems
The inability to get your partner pregnant.

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27/08/2023

[A STUDY OF OF ULCERS]

An ulcer is a painful sore that is slow to heal and sometimes recurs. Ulcers aren’t uncommon. How they appear and corresponding symptoms depend on what caused them and where they occur on your body.

Ulcers can appear anywhere in or on your body, from the lining in your stomach to the outer layer of your skin.

Some cases of ulcers disappear on their own, but others require medical treatment to prevent serious complications.

The different types of ulcers
The most common types of ulcers are ulcers

Peptic ulcers
Are sores or wounds that develop on the inside lining of your stomach, the upper portion of your small intestine, or your esophagus.
They form when digestive juices damage the walls of your stomach or intestine.

Peptic ulcers are most often caused from inflammation after being infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria and long-term use of painkillers.

There are three types of peptic ulcers:

Gastric ulcers, or ulcers that develop in the stomach lining

Esophageal ulcers, or ulcers that develop in the esophagus

Duodenal ulcers, or ulcers that develop in the duodenum (small intestine)

The most common symptom of this condition is a burning pain.
Other symptoms may include:

1.Bloating or the feeling of being full
2.Belching
3.Heartburn
4.Nausea
5.Vomiting
6.Unexplained weight loss
7.Chest pain

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your ulcer.

25/08/2023

[TYPE 2 DIABETES]

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that happens because of a problem in the way the body regulates and uses sugar as a fuel. That sugar also is called glucose. This long-term condition results in too much sugar circulating in the blood. Eventually, high blood sugar levels can lead to disorders of the circulatory, nervous and immune systems.

In type 2 diabetes, there are primarily two problems. The pancreas does not produce enough insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into the cells. And cells respond poorly to insulin and take in less sugar.

Type 2 diabetes used to be known as adult-onset diabetes, but both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can begin during childhood and adulthood. Type 2 is more common in older adults. But the increase in the number of children with obesity has led to more cases of type 2 diabetes in younger people.

Symptoms
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes often develop slowly. In fact, you can be living with type 2 diabetes for years and not know it. When symptoms are present, they may include:

Increased thirst.
Frequent urination.
Increased hunger.
Unintended weight loss.
Fatigue.
Blurred vision.
Slow-healing sores.
Frequent infections.
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
Areas of darkened skin, usually in the armpits and neck.

When to see a doctor
See your health care provider if you notice any symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

CAUSES
Type 2 diabetes is mainly the result of two problems:

Cells in muscle, fat and the liver become resistant to insulin As a result, the cells don't take in enough sugar.
The pancreas can't make enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Exactly why this happens is not known. Being overweight and inactive are key contributing factors.

How insulin works
Insulin is a hormone that comes from the pancreas — a gland located behind and below the stomach. Insulin controls how the body uses sugar in the following ways:

Sugar in the bloodstream triggers the pancreas to release insulin.
Insulin circulates in the bloodstream, enabling sugar to enter the cells.
The amount of sugar in the bloodstream drops.
In response to this drop, the pancreas releases less insulin.
The role of glucose
Glucose — a sugar — is a main source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and other tissues. The use and regulation of glucose includes the following:

Glucose comes from two major sources: food and the liver.
Glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it enters cells with the help of insulin.
The liver stores and makes glucose.
When glucose levels are low, the liver breaks down stored glycogen into glucose to keep the body's glucose level within a healthy range.
In type 2 diabetes, this process doesn't work well. Instead of moving into the cells, sugar builds up in the blood. As blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas releases more insulin. Eventually the cells in the pancreas that make insulin become damaged and can't make enough insulin to meet the body's needs.

RISK FACTORS
Factors that may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes include:

Weight. Being overweight or obese is a main risk.
Fat distribution. Storing fat mainly in the abdomen — rather than the hips and thighs — indicates a greater risk. The risk of type 2 diabetes is higher in men with a waist circumference above 40 inches (101.6 centimeters) and in women with a waist measurement above 35 inches (88.9 centimeters).

Inactivity. The less active a person is, the greater the risk. Physical activity helps control weight, uses up glucose as energy and makes cells more sensitive to insulin.
Family history. An individual's risk of type 2 diabetes increases if a parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes.

Race and ethnicity. Although it's unclear why, people of certain races and ethnicities — including Black, Hispanic, Native American and Asian people, and Pacific Islanders — are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than white people are.

Blood lipid levels. An increased risk is associated with low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — the "good" cholesterol — and high levels of triglycerides.

Age. The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after age 35.
Prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition in which the blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Left untreated, prediabetes often progresses to type 2 diabetes.

Pregnancy-related risks. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is higher in people who had gestational diabetes when they were pregnant and in those who gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds (4 kilograms).

Polycystic o***y syndrome. Having polycystic o***y syndrome — a condition characterized by irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth and obesity — increases the risk of diabetes.

COMPLICATIONS.

Type 2 diabetes affects many major organs, including the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Also, factors that increase the risk of diabetes are risk factors for other serious diseases. Managing diabetes and controlling blood sugar can lower the risk for these complications and other medical conditions, including:

Heart and blood vessel disease. Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and narrowing of blood vessels, a condition called atherosclerosis.

Nerve damage in limbs. This condition is called neuropathy. High blood sugar over time can damage or destroy nerves. That may result in tingling, numbness, burning, pain or eventual loss of feeling that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward.

Other nerve damage. Damage to nerves of the heart can contribute to irregular heart rhythms. Nerve damage in the digestive system can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Nerve damage also may cause erectile dysfunction.

Kidney disease. Diabetes may lead to chronic kidney disease or end-stage kidney disease that can't be reversed. That may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Eye damage. Diabetes increases the risk of serious eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma, and may damage the blood vessels of the retina, potentially leading to blindness.

Skin conditions. Diabetes may raise the risk of some skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections.

Slow healing. Left untreated, cuts and blisters can become serious infections, which may heal poorly. Severe damage might require toe, foot or leg amputation.

Hearing impairment. Hearing problems are more common in people with diabetes.
Sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is common in people living with type 2 diabetes. Obesity may be the main contributing factor to both conditions.

Dementia. Type 2 diabetes seems to increase the risk of Alzheimer's diisease and other disorders that cause dementia. Poor control of blood sugar is linked to a more rapid decline in memory and other thinking skills

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24/08/2023

[CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE]
Coronary artery disease develops when the major blood vessels that supply your heart become damaged or diseased. Cholesterol-containing deposits (plaques) in your coronary arteries and inflammation are usually to blame for coronary artery disease.

The coronary arteries supply blood, oxygen and nutrients to your heart. A buildup of plaque can narrow these arteries, decreasing blood flow to your heart. Eventually, the reduced blood flow may cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or other coronary artery disease signs and symptoms. A complete blockage can cause a heart attack.

Because coronary artery disease often develops over decades, you might not notice a problem until you have a significant blockage or a heart attack. But you can take steps to prevent and treat coronary artery disease. A healthy lifestyle can make a big impact.

SYMPTOMS
If your coronary arteries narrow, they can't supply enough oxygen-rich blood to your heart — especially when it's beating hard, such as during exercise. At first, the decreased blood flow may not cause any symptoms. As plaque continues to build up in your coronary arteries, however, you may develop the following coronary artery disease signs and symptoms:

Chest pain (angina). You may feel pressure or tightness in your chest, as if someone were standing on your chest. This pain, called angina, usually occurs on the middle or left side of the chest. Angina is generally triggered by physical or emotional stress. The pain usually goes away within minutes after stopping the stressful activity. In some people, especially women, the pain may be brief or sharp and felt in the neck, arm or back.

Shortness of breath. If your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs, you may develop shortness of breath or extreme fatigue with activity.

Heart attack. A completely blocked coronary artery will cause a heart attack. The classic signs and symptoms of a heart attack include crushing pressure in your chest and pain in your shoulder or arm, sometimes with shortness of breath and sweating.

Women are somewhat more likely than men are to have less typical signs and symptoms of a heart attack, such as neck or jaw pain. And they may have other symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue and nausea.

Sometimes a heart attack occurs without any apparent signs or symptoms.

When to see a doctor
If you think you're having a heart attack, immediately call someone or your local emergency number. If you don't have access to emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only as a last option.

If you have risk factors for coronary artery disease — such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, to***co use, diabetes, obesity a strong family history of heart disease — talk to your doctor. Your doctor may want to test you for coronary artery disease, especially if you have signs or symptoms of narrowed arteries.

Development of atherosclerosis.
Coronary artery disease is thought to begin with damage or injury to the inner layer of a coronary artery, sometimes as early as childhood. The damage may be caused by various factors, including:

Smoking
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes or insulin resistance
Not being active (sedentary lifestyle)
Once the inner wall of an artery is damaged, fatty deposits (plaque) made of cholesterol and other cellular waste products tend to collect at the site of injury. This process is called atherosclerosis. If the plaque surface breaks or ruptures, blood cells called platelets clump together at the site to try to repair the artery. This clump can block the artery, leading to a heart attack.

RISK FACTORS
Risk factors for coronary artery disease include:

Age. Getting older increases your risk of damaged and narrowed arteries.
S*x. Men are generally at greater risk of coronary artery disease. However, the risk for women increases after menopause.

Family history. A family history of heart disease is associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease, especially if a close relative developed heart disease at an early age. Your risk is highest if your father or a brother was diagnosed with heart disease before age 55 or if your mother or a sister developed it before age 65.

Smoking. People who smoke have a significantly increased risk of heart disease. Breathing in secondhand smoke also increases a person's risk of coronary artery disease.

High blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can result in hardening and thickening of your arteries, narrowing the channel through which blood can flow.

High blood cholesterol levels. High levels of cholesterol in your blood can increase the risk of formation of plaque and atherosclerosis. High cholesterol can be caused by a high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as the "bad" cholesterol. A low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as the "good" cholesterol, can also contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.

Diabetes. Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease share similar risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure.

Overweight or obesity. Excess weight typically worsens other risk factors.
Physical inactivity. Lack of exercise also is associated with coronary artery disease and some of its risk factors, as well.

High stress. Unrelieved stress in your life may damage your arteries as well as worsen other risk factors for coronary artery disease.

Unhealthy diet. Eating too much food that has high amounts of saturated fat, trans fat, salt and sugar can increase your risk of coronary artery disease.
Risk factors often occur together and one may trigger another. For instance, obesity can lead to type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. When grouped together, certain risk factors make you even more likely to develop coronary artery disease. For example, metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure; high triglycerides; low HDL, or "good," cholesterol; high insulin levels and excess body fat around the waist — increases the risk of coronary artery disease.

Sometimes coronary artery disease develops without any classic risk factors. Researchers are studying other possible risk factors, including:

Sleep apnea. This disorder causes you to repeatedly stop and start breathing while you're sleeping. Sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system, possibly leading to coronary artery disease.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). This protein appears in higher-than-normal amounts when there's inflammation somewhere in your body. High hs-CRP levels may be a risk factor for heart disease. It's thought that as coronary arteries narrow, you'll have more hs-CRP in your blood.
High triglycerides. This is a type of fat (lipid) in your blood. High levels may raise the risk of coronary artery disease, especially for women.

Homocysteine. Homocysteine is an amino acid your body uses to make protein and to build and maintain tissue. But high levels of homocysteine may increase your risk of coronary artery disease.

Preeclampsia. This condition that can develop in women during pregnancy causes high blood pressure and a higher amount of protein in urine. It can lead to a higher risk of heart disease later in life.

Alcohol use. Heavy alcohol use can lead to heart muscle damage. It can also worsen other risk factors of coronary artery disease.

Autoimmune diseases. People who have conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus (and other inflammatory conditions) have an increased risk of atherosclerosis.
Complications
Coronary artery disease can lead to:

Chest pain (angina). When your coronary arteries narrow, your heart may not receive enough blood when demand is greatest — particularly during physical activity. This can cause chest pain (angina) or shortness of breath.
Heart attack. If a cholesterol plaque ruptures and a blood clot forms, complete blockage of your heart artery may trigger a heart attack. The lack of blood flow to your heart may damage your heart muscle. The amount of damage depends in part on how quickly you receive treatment.

Heart failure. If some areas of your heart are chronically deprived of oxygen and nutrients because of reduced blood flow, or if your heart has been damaged by a heart attack, your heart may become too weak to pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. This condition is known as heart failure.
Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Inadequate blood supply to the heart or damage to heart tissue can interfere with your heart's electrical impulses, causing abnormal heart rhythms.

Prevention
The same lifestyle habits used to help treat coronary artery disease can also help prevent it. A healthy lifestyle can help keep your arteries strong and clear of plaque. To improve your heart health, follow these tips:

Quit smoking.
Control conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Stay physically active.
Eat a low-fat, low-salt diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

For extended help and consultations refer to provided contacts.
+256772994123
+256705413355.

Preventative Health

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