Cardiovascular Data Bank

During recent years, there have been significant advancements in the management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Another equally important advancement is the ability to objectively assess and document clinical competence in the conduct of different interventions employed to combat CVD. There has been system in place that records all the histories of patients undergoing procedures in all diagnostic units as well as admissions to specialty services are clinically data encoded.

The Department of Invasive Cardiology, which branches include coronary angiogram and angioplasty is one of the excellent areas in this institution. The CVD risk factors for patients undergoing coronary angioplasty were hypertension, high cholesterol level, prior angina, smoking and diabetes. Once the signs of CVD are present, the numbers of risk factors that are present increases as its significance are more pronounced. The department of cardiovascular surgery has also encoded various heart surgeries for the database which includes coronary bypass, vascular or blood vessel, heart valves and congenital.

This enormously powerful clinical database available at the CVD of hospitals allows doctors to evaluate performance, make recommendations to maintain and upgrade quality of care, initiate research to further the science of cardiovascular medicine, all advancements and research for the benefit of cardiac patients. On the subject of patient benefits, cardiac screening test can save lives by providing prompt and accurate diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Thanks to these tests, many apparently healthy individual patients are discovered in the nick of time from heart attacks waiting to occur.

Breakthrough Cure For Type Two Diabetes

There is a new and exciting breakthrough with the introduction of a new class of oral medication for type 2 diabetes called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors that help address the significant needs of patients and doctors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The role of hormones in the management of type 2 diabetes that a persons genes, which is inherited predisposition to diabetes and lifestyle can lead to impaired insulin secretion and insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and the lack of glucagons suppression. These are many of the unmet needs among patients in the treatment of diabetes. Current diabetes drugs only address the insulin demand, but do not address the glucose supply.

In type 2 diabetes, the glucose is elevated; the insulin in blunted and the glucagons remains unsuppressed. In a non-diabetic, the glucose level goes up and the insulin level goes up but the glucagons level is normally suppressed, that is the desired effect. Incretins are also involved in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Incretins are hormones that are released in the gastrointestinal tract upon the ingestion of food. They improve the release of insulin as one of their mechanisms. GLP-1 (glucagons-like peptide 1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) are two of the most important incretins.

With the emergence of DPP-4 inhibitors like sitagliptin, blood sugar levels can be controlled by enhancing the patient’s own incretins and by inhibiting the DPP-4 enzymes by working on a mechanism that is glucose dependent, there is very little hypoglycemia which most patients fear. Metformin is the gold standard in diabetes management. Endocrinologist in the United States is now aggressively using the combination of sitagliptin and metformin.

Overcoming Various Prostate Problems

Prostate problems usually affect men as they reach their prime, although there are cases affecting men as young as in their teens. Frequent urination is signs of enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate is a walnut sized gland beside the rectum and surrounds the urethra, which is the canal that empties the urine from the urinary bladder so that when it enlarges, it causes urination problems like frequent urination at night, difficulty starting urination, weak and interrupted urine flow and the feeling that some urine is retained in the bladder. Although this might cause inconvenience, one form of prostate enlargement can be deadly and that is prostate cancer. Fortunately, prostate cancer is curable when treated promptly and recovering patients can live long and productive lives.

Curing prostate problems start with early detection. There are several methods of cancer detection. A digital rectal examination can detect if the prostate is enlarged, a blood test called Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is also part of the screening process. Once prostate cancer is suspected to occur, a prostate biopsy is performed. There are several methods of treating the cancer depending on which stage is the disease. Surgical removal of the prostate called prostatectomy and is a common procedure. Radiation therapy is also an effective non-surgical method where the radiation kills the cancer cells. Radiotherapy may be used for treating both early and late prostate cancer patients. Brachytherapy is another form of radiation therapy for prostate cancer that delivers the radioactive source close to the tumor. High-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a temporary type of brachytherapy that involves placing CT-guided needles into the prostate glands. When the complete dose of radiation is delivered, the needles are then removed to complete the therapy.

Measles And Prebiotics

Summer season is the time when parents are ready to turn their kids loose to play. But summer time is the season of the measles. If your kids still haven't had them, now they have a good chance of getting them now. Measles is a respiratory disease that is caused by a virus that lives at the back of our throat and the linings of the lungs. Within 10 to 12 days upon the initial exposure to the virus, the infected individual gets a prolonged fever that last 2 to 4 days. This fever is accompanied with cough, water nose and pinkeye. The rashes set in 4 days after the fever hits, beginning in the hairline and creeps down towards the rest of the body. If untreated, 20% of cases will lead to more serious complications with the majority affecting children. Adults can acquire measles and is more dangerous compared to infections in children. Complications includes ear infections, pneumonia, seizures, diarrhea and even death.

To prevent measles, children are routinely immunized during their 9th month. Studies has also shown that good nutrition plays a role in strengthening the immune system. Babies that are fed with milk supplements with Prebio 1 have higher antibody titers to measles compared to those using regular milk supplements without Prebio 1. Prebiotics are natural carbohydrates that in turn enhance the growth of bifidus which is good bacteria. Instead of harming the body, bifidus actually straighten the humoral response as well as increasing the production of antibodies. Prebiotic substances are best found in mother's milk so this is why it is still the best for baby. Milk supplements enriched with prebiotics is as beneficial.

Dandruff Skin Condition

Dandruff problems affect millions of people worldwide, although most people treat dandruff as just a mere annoyance, it could lead to more serious conditions like extreme hair and scalp dryness, irritation, hair fall plus a number of other conditions. Dandruff is the abnormally fast shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp of people that is caused by a fungus in humans called Malassezia. This fungus hastens the shedding of the skin cells, which results in visible flaking and itching. Dandruff and Seborrhoeic Dermatitis can lead to low self-esteem and negative social image aside from the dangers to health it poses. The reason why dandruff is constantly an embarrassing problem to most people because it is seen as a hygiene issue can leave a bad impression and even outright indifference regarding your personal cleanliness.

There are treatments for dandruff, most come in the form of commercial shampoos who contain various active ingredients that can significantly reduce the number of flakes. One popular active ingredient in anti dandruff shampoos is Zinc Vitanol, which works as an antimicrobial agent that kills the Malassezia fungus on our scalp. But despite how much we shampoo our hair. We cannot totally get rid of dandruff in our lives or these anti dandruff shampoo companies will go out of business if they are 100% as effective as they claim. The most these shampoos can do if prevent visible flakes from appearing; cleaning our scalp and leaving them comfortably cool. Proper hygiene can effectively control dandruff, but consult your doctor if you continue to experience excessive dandruff and hair fall as this condition will require further medication and treatment.

Detoxification And Fiber

Toxins are all around us. In a typical day in the life of an office worker, waking up at six thirty in the morning to prepare to go outside to drive or commute to work, we inhale the lead in the air that comes out from the emissions of cars on the road. Without eating anything yet, we are having these pollutants for breakfast. By lunch time, we go to our favorite fast food to grab a bite, a big mac, large french fries and tall glass of soda's are on most people's menu. Then after work, it back to another commute back home but not before stopping by another fast food chain to buy dinner. Then after eating it is off to sleep again and the cycle starts all over again.

Continued exposure to toxic chemicals and pollutants whether inhaled or ingested results in cancer, hormonal dysfunction, neuro toxicity and all sorts of diseases and conditions. It is therefore important to detoxify our bodies once in a while. Detoxifications comes in several forms. Fasting and diets can reduce the toxic levels in our body, herbs, probiotics, antioxidants from taking vitamin E or from fruits, enzymes and bowel cleansing either naturally or via laxative can significantly reduce the toxins present in our body.

In all the forms mentioned in detoxification, fiber plays an important role. Eating foods rich in fiber makes for regular bowel movement. Which expels waste in our body that may build up over time and can cause further harm. For people unable to eat foods rich in fiber, there are commercial supplements that are available. Dietary fibers are actually carbohydrates. But unlike other foods, they cannot be digested, they don't have calories and wont add to your weight even if you take several servings. But before taking any detoxification therapy, each one of us must seek the advice of a health care professional first to see if you are fit to undergo such thereapy.

Cosmetic Surgery Treatment

Normally when we hear the term plastic surgery, vanity is the first thing that comes to our mind when we hear people going to undergo that kind of procedure. But there are some conditions that warrant the use of plastic surgery to lessen the psychological impact of a potentially disfiguring disease, and this is the original intent of this procedure until it is discovered that the procedure can restore the contour to improve appearance. If you thought this field is relatively new to us, nothing can be farther from the truth as this is one of the world's oldest healing arts. Written evidence has suggest that this medical treatment for facial injuries for more than 4000 years ago.

Physical attractiveness is a quality that is fast turning out to be a premium as Western influences redefine standards of beauty. Gone are the days when plastic surgery is spoken in hushed tones and people no longer try to hide a cosmetic surgical procedure. Standing out from the crowd is a remarkable asset. There are some clinics that are termed as convenience store surgery where a clients walks into a doctors clinic to emerge later instantly more beautiful.

But despite all the modern improvements in this procedure, this is not for everybody. Checkups done prior to the procedure must include a general good state of health, people who are suffering from illness like hypertension and heart disease must secure a medical clearance before going under the knife. All surgery brings some level of uncertainty including the possibility of infections and allergic reactions to anesthesia. People who are already decided to go with the procedure can minimize risks by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon and closely follow their advice before and after surgery.

Red Meat And Colorectal Cancer

The consumption of red meat has been linked to colorectal cancer in a study published by the American Cancer society. In their released guidelines, they recommend the limitation of eating red meat in favor of other sources of protein like fish and beans. Another study conducted by the European prospective investigation into cancer (EPIC) has also cited the increased cancer incidence of men and women who has consumed the most red meat in contract with those who has consumed the least.

The study was published in the Journal of the Cancer Institute found that those who ate the most red mead or processed meat more 35 percent likely to develop colorectal cancer. This study does not mean that we have to take red meat off the menu entirely, since it is still an excellent source of proteins and minerals. The study suggest that switching or skipping red meat several times a week in favor of fish will make us healthier and cancer free. Eating more fish has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of acquiring colorectal cancer by as much as 31 percent.

Bacteria also reside in the meat. And certain bacteria also pose a greater risk than colorectal cancer, so it is best to properly cook the meat before eating. Here are some safety tips to avoid the presence of dangerous bacteria in the meat:

• Scrutinize properly the packaging of the meat in the store by making sure it is not torn.
• Refrigerate or freeze as soon as possible the meat upon purchase.
• If the meat is to be stored for a longer period of time prior to consumption, wrap it in heavy duty plastic.
• Never reuse the packaging material the meat came with.
• Do not partially cook the meat to be consumed later. This allows potentially dangerous bacteria to thrive and multiply to the point of subsequent cooking cant eliminate them.
  

Fighting Preventing Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis affects millions of people, primarily women worldwide. This disease is characterized mostly by backache, bone fracture from minor injuries from the spine, hip and wrist, curving of the spine and loss of height. The condition causes the bones in your body to lose calcium and minerals slowly over the years. The bones in your body are not afflicted with any disease, it just your bones have lost their density. Women are affected the most because they go through menopause and lose even more bone than normal as their body produces less and less estrogen making your bones brittle and easily broken aside from making you look shrunken or humped.

There are many ways to fight osteoporosis. Aside from taking multivitamins or calcium tablets, moving around helps a lot. Inactivity increases bone loss so engage in weight lifting exercises like walking, bicycling or even aerobics even for just 3 to 4 hours a week. But before doing any strenuous activity, consult your doctor or a fitness instructor for advice. Increase your calcium intake daily. Your body will absorb more calcium from foods rather than calcium supplements. Calcium rich foods like cheese, milk and dark leafy vegetables.

Avoid eating too much protein rich foods as these hampers the body’s ability to use calcium. Sunlight exposure also helps the body absorb calcium faster. Quit smoking since this will lower ones estrogen levels and drinking alcohol too much may affect the bones proper growth function. Drinking too much coffee can also strip away the bones calcium layer protection. Fluoride has also been found to protect not only our teeth but also our bones.

Migraine And Memory Loss | Clearer Nose Passages

Migraines

People get migraines all the time. Whether you are a student trying to cram to pass an exam, a secretary feeling the pressure from your boss or a business man having a tough time keeping his business a float. For what ever reason migraine head aches happen to all of us. But did you know that a research has been conducted the people with migraine suffer less memory loss over time than people who do not suffer from migraines?

Researchers concluded that while migraineurs scored lower on memory test at the start of their study, they have shown a 17 percent less cognitive decline than non migraineurs 12 years later. Migraine medications such as ibuprofen might have a protective effects on memory. It is more likely that there might be an underlying biological mechanism such as changes in blood vessels or differences in brain activity contributing to this phenomenal condition.

Clearer Nose

Blocked nose does not only happen to people who suffer from colds or flus, but to people who suffer allergy or some other conditions that make breathing hard. Most of the time, over the counter decongestants and antibiotics will work. But for some, these treatment and medications do not work. Now there is a novel procedure called balloon sinuplasty. This procedure involves the insertion of a balloon catheter through the nostril. This procedure has been proven successful for sinus sufferers.

Once the balloon has been inserted inside the sinus, the balloon is inflated to gently widen and restructure the blocked passageway, allowing the return of normal sinus function. It is less invasive than the traditional endoscopic sinus surgery. The most common difference with this procedure compared to the more conventional sinus surgery is how fast the patients recover from this procedure because there is much less bleeding and pain.

Plastic Blood Can Cure Diseases

Medical breakthroughs are happening all the time. Diseases that has no cure before can now be treated with modern medicines. New species of plants and animals are being discovered in the rain forest or deep down the sea bed floor that may hold the components for the next miracle cure. A recent breakthrough has been discovered that may one day save lives in emergency situations, believe it or not, plasma made from plastic.

Blood made from plastic can one day be used in medical emergencies where real blood is not readily available and may eliminate the need for blood donation. A PhD professor from the University of Sheffield, Larry Twyman has developed a molecule made from polymer, also known as plastic and porphyrin than can hold iron atoms at it's core. This substance is similar in size and shape to hemoglobin and mimics the red protein responsible for transporting oxygen into the blood stream. This type of breakthrough borders on science fiction but this is real and currently under more laboratory observations.

The thought of using plastic into the blood stream may look unsafe and somewhat toxic, but porphyrins are natural and the polymer component is ignored by the body's immune system which is not blood type dependent. Although this is still confined to the lab, pending more laboratory tests. But if this is successful in humans, this could be extremely useful where there is an emergency or in the battle field where a quick blood transfusion may save lives and eliminate the need to wait for a blood donor with the same blood type as the patient.

Preempting Heart Problems

Hearth problems affects millions of people world wide no matter what age or race you belong to. Treatment of hearth diseases is very tedious and is also expensive making it out of reach for the poor. There are however simple ways in which heart diseases can be detected early, and therefore preventing you from acquiring the disease in the first place sparing us from all the problems associated with heart problems. Here are some tips to help detect and prevent heart diseases.

1.) Check your daily calorie needs - Most of us need only a portion of the calories we are consuming every day. Therefore we must develop the habit of counting calories. On average men generally needs about 2500 calories a day while women about 2000 but few people know exactly how much calorie we need each day and it is higher or lower depending on how active you are.

2.) How big is your waist line - The waist size is the best indicator wether your weight is affecting your heart. fat cells are not just storage houses for extra calories that your body was unable to burn off. Fat that is packed into your abdomen release inflammatory chemicals and out of kilter level of appetite controlling proteins. This results in the risk of having a heart attack as inflammation speds up the atherosclerosis.

3.) Counting cholesterol levels - It is very important to have your blood checked not only for the total levels of cholesterol but also the levels of bad LDL cholesterol and good HDL cholesterol. Have your doctors analyze the report if the laboratory result is not clear on those two items.

4.) Blood pressure - Check your BP (blood pressure) regularly. Have your doctor BP at very visit and ask the doc how often it should be measured. regular blood pressure checks will help spot a potential problem early on .

5.) Triglycerides - Triglycerides are made from the fats and carbohydrates you eat which is converted into a form that can be stored by the body in the form of fat cells. Triglycerides are also released from the fat tissue whenever we need the extra energy. But high levels have been linked to coronary heart disease especially in women.

6.) Getting your pulse rate - Your pulse rate is the number of times your heart beats in a minute. regular checking of your pulse rate can determine if there are any abnormalities in your heart rate. Regularly daily exercise can strengthen your heart rate and therefore making you less suceptible to any heart problems.

Eating Beef To Reduce Weight

Eating beef has have its shares of ups and downs in recent times. The Atkins diet and other low carb diets have made beef very popular with people wanting to loose weight. However, news about mad cow disease and the recent findings that there is maybe a link between high consumption of red meat to colorectal cancer made people think twice about having the meat at their lunch and dinner table.

But consuming beef in moderation is not only healthy to the body, but the protein in them helps you maintain your muscle mass and reduce the fat out of our bodies during weight loss. Of course, sitting down eating beef all day will not help you loose weight and the opposite may happen with you ending up being overweight with a high cholesterol count with all kinds of conditions and diseases. Exercise is much more effective when couple with a high protein diet such as beef. protein makes you feel fuller than fat so increasing the consumption of lean beef and other protein in your diet may help you consume fewer total calories thus helping you with the weight loss.

All beef are not created equally. When shopping around for meat, choose the cuts that have the least amount of visible fat. When preparing to cook the meat, trim off any excess visible fat. A serving of beef is an excellent source of nutrients like protein, zinc, vitamin B12, selenium, phosphorus, niacin, vitamin B6, iron and riboflavin. Older people are also advised to eat small portions of lean beef because of they are the one that are most at risk of inadequate levels of zinc which helps the body's immune system, wound healing and appetite control.