Parkinson's Disease

What Is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease is a medical condition affecting the nervous system of the body. This condition may affect how the person moves, how they speak and how they write. The condition starts off gradually with slight tremors in one hand which may lead to stiffness and difficulty in carrying out certain movements as easily and as rapidly as before. This characteristic is called bradykinesia and brings about muscle weakness and unusual posturing.

Parkinson's disease affects more males than females. It affects people who are 50 years old or older. However, it can also occur in those younger than 40 years old in about 4-5 % of cases. The characteristics of patients who have Parkinson's disease include tremors, slow movements, fixed and inexpressive face, poor control over facial muscle coordination and poor control of movement. These patients may also have a stooping posture which appears very unusual. Parkinson's disease can affect speech, limb movement and the sense of smell. Experts say that hyposmia or the loss of one's sense of smell with no known cause may be a marker for Parkinson’s disease.

There are certain factors that can increase the risk for Parkinson's disease. One is rapid eye movement or REM sleep behavior disorder. Another is the consumption of reheated cooking oils containing aldehydes which have also been linked to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, as well as some cancers. Parkinson’s disease is primarily caused by low and falling dopamine levels. Low dopamine levels can make it difficult for people to execute movement. The lower the dopamine levels are, the more severe the symptoms of Parkinson's disease are.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive illness; it may worsen over time. It is a long-term incurable disease.

Parkinson's Disease Symptoms Can Be Relieved By Deep Brain Stimulation

A recent study has shown that deep brain stimulation can relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Deep brain stimulation is a type of treatment that has been said to improve motor symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. A new study shows that deep brain stimulation can actually decrease the number and severity of non motor symptoms of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) as well. The results of this study are published in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease.

It is to be recalled that non motor features are common in patients with Parkinson's disease in almost all stages yet they are often under recognized by health professionals. However these symptoms can have a huge impact on a patient's quality of life.

In previous studies, it has been found out that deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is effective in relieve sleep problems and fatigue which may be present in Parkinson's disease. It can also improve sleep efficiency and sleep quality as well as nighttime and early morning dystonia. Thus deep brain stimulation can lead to better sleep, less daytime somnolence, improved mobility, and less need for dopamine replacement therapy in patients with Parkinson's disease. However, therapists need to exercise caution because while deep brain stimulation often relieves psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, transient psychotic symptoms such as delirium may emerge in the immediate post-operative period. More studies are actually needed to determine the true effects of deep brain stimulation on patients with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

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What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is any type of disease that affects the heart. It may also be referred to as cardiovascular disease or medical conditions that involve the blood vessels and the heart. Heart disease is said to be the leading cause of death in many countries. These heart diseases may include angina, arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, myocardial infarction and many others.

Angina is a heart disease which causes chest discomfort, tightness or pain. This condition is caused by a lack of oxygen on an area of the heart muscle caused by narrowing of the arteries of the heart because of plaque accumulation (atherosclerosis). Arrhythmia, on the other hand, causes irregularity of the heartbeat as what is found in tachycardia (fast heart beat), bradycardia (slow heartbeat), premature contraction and fibrillation. They happen when the heart's electrical signals do not work properly and beat either faster than normal or slower than normal. Congenital heart disease is a birth defect that involves the heart; examples include septal defects (a hole between the two chambers of the heart, obstruction defects (the flow of blood through various chambers of the heart is partially or even totally blocked and cyanotic heart disease (caused by not enough oxygen pumped around the body). Coronary heart disease happens when the blood vessels that supply the heart become diseased or damaged because of plaque deposits made up of cholesterol. Plaques lead to narrowing of the arteries, making the heart get lesser than normal oxygen.

Dilated cardiomyopathy, on the other hand, is a condition wherein there is dilation if the heart chambers because of weakened heart muscle. Myocardial infarction is also known as heart attack and is due to an interruption of blood flow that damages or destroys the heart muscle. This is usually caused by a blood clot that develops in one of the blood vessels that supply the heart. Heart failure is a medical condition wherein the heart does not pump enough blood to the other parts of the body due to coronary artery disease or hypertension.

Another heart disease is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic disorder in which the ventricles become thicker making it difficult for the blood to leave the heart and making the heart pump harder. This can lead to sudden death. Another heart disease, mitral regurgitation, occurs when the mitral valve of the heart does not tightly close, allowing blood to flow back into the heart. Mitral valve prolapsed is a heart disease wherein the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle does not fully close or prolapses upwards or towards the atrium. Still another heart disease, pulmonary stenosis is a heart disease wherein the heart finds it hard to pump blood from the right ventricle into the pulmonary article because the pulmonary valve is too tight; this pushes the right ventricle to work harder to overcome the obstruction.

Liraglutide May Decrease the Risk of Heart Disease

A recent study has shown that treatment with the diabetes drug liraglutide, in combination with diet and exercise, led to a significant reduction in weight and improved a number of cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This multicenter study gathered data from more than 3,700 overweight and obese nondiabetic adults; its results were presented at the joint meeting of the International Society of Endocrinology and the Endocrine Society: ICE/ENDO 2014 in Chicago. The drug is undergoing testing at a 3 milligram (mg) dose for long-term weight management as part of the SCALEâ„¢ (Satiety and Clinical Adiposity — Liraglutide Evidence in Nondiabetic and Diabetic Subjects) Obesity and Prediabetes trial. Liraglutide currently is marketed as Victoza® in 1.2 mg and 1.8 mg injectable doses for adults with Type 2 diabetes to help control blood glucose (sugar) when used along with diet and exercise.

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What is A Norovirus?

The norovirus is a virus also known as the winter vomiting bug and is a highly contagious virus that can affect people of all ages and can cause vomiting and diarrhea. This viral infection has no cure so that supportive treatment may be done to alleviate its symptoms. This viral infection usually resolves after a few days.

The incubation period of this viral infection usually lasts for about 12 to 48 hours. This is the period when you will start to show the symptoms and when you may be infectious to other people. The first symptom of norovirus infection is a feeling of sickness along with forceful vomiting and watery diarrhoea. Other symptoms include fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs. These symptoms usually start within one to two days after infection; however these symptoms can also start sooner. Patients are usually recovered within a few days. The danger lies in dehydration; other symptoms are usually short-lived and are not as dangerous as other complications. These symptoms are just unpleasant.

Dehydration can result from vomiting and diarrhea; this can further deplete the body of much needed water, minerals and salts. Dehydration can bring about dizziness or lightheadedness, headache, tiredness, dry mouth or dry lips and eyes, dark or concentrated urine and passing out of small amounts of urine. Children and the elderly are at a higher risk for dehydration. Severe dehydration can bring about signs and symptoms such as dry or wrinkled skin, an inability to urinate, irritability, sunken eyes, a weak pulse, a rapid heartbeat, cold hands and feet and seizures.

Norovirus has at least 25 different strains; this is why it cannot create immunity in a person. This viral infection causes gastroenteritis especially during winter times. If you are affected with norvovirus, you should drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains. You should also eat foods that are easy to digest and rest at home. A person with norovirus can prevent himself from infecting others by washing hands frequently, not sharing towels and flannels and disinfect surfaces that an infected person has touched.

One Fifth of Acute Gastroenteritis Worldwide Are Caused By Noroviruses

A recent estimate published in the The Lancet Infectious Diseases elaborates the fact that noroviruses are a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (diarrhea and vomiting) across all age groups, responsible for almost a fifth (18%) of all cases worldwide. Thus the researchers stress the importance of developing vaccines for this infection.

The data used in this study are from 48 countries and involved more than 187,000 gastroenteritis cases worldwide. This estimate is said to be the largest analysis of norovirus infection and disease to date. The researchers are from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA. The researchers emphasized that at present, there is still no vaccine or treatment available for norvovirus infections.

The researchers were able to study 175 published reports to compile data on the prevalence of norovirus in individuals with acute gastroenteritis between 1990 and 2014. They found that norovirus tended to be more common in cases of acute gastroenteritis in the community (24%) and outpatient (20%) settings than in emergency department visits and hospitalizations (17%). This supports the theory that norovirus is a more common cause of mild disease however since it is a frequent infection, it can also cause a substantial amount of severe disease.

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What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease is a medical condition which happens within a long period of time in the kidneys. This leads to failure of the kidney to work effectively. Usually, this medical condition presents with no symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage. In its earlier stages, it can be detected using blood and urine tests. It can give rise to symptoms such as tiredness, swollen ankles, feet or hands (due to water retention), shortness of breath, nausea and blood in the urine.

In its earlier stages, people with chronic kidney disease may have no symptoms because our bodies are made to tolerate even large kidney deficiencies. The condition is first diagnosed through a routine blood or urine test. People with kidney disease need to be monitored regularly with blood tests so that treatment may be given and symptoms are relieved.

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If the earlier stages of the disease are not prevented, the kidneys will continue to lose function and they will progress towards kidney failure. The progress can be tracked by blood tests and monitoring tests. Kidney failure usually gives rise to symptoms such as weight loss, poor appetite, swollen arms and legs, shortness of breath, blood or protein in your urine, an increased need to urinate particularly at night, itchy skin, muscle cramps, high blood pressure (hypertension), nausea and erectile dysfunction in men or an inability to get or maintain an erection.

People who have a high risk for developing chronic kidney disease are those who have high blood pressure (hypertension), those who have diabetes and those who have a family history of chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease happens because the kidneys are involved in certain functions such as the maintenance of blood pressure, the maintenance of the correct levels of chemicals in your body which helps heart and muscles function properly, the production of a type of vitamin D that keeps bones healthy and the production of a substance called erythropoietin, which helps stimulate the production of red blood cells. If there is chronic kidney disease, the kidneys are not able to carry out these functions effectively in the long term. This is usually caused by long-term untreated diabetes and high blood pressure.

Chronic kidney disease usually affects people as they age. It is also more common in people from South Asia and among black people. This is because these people are more prone to develop hypertension and diabetes. One chronic kidney disease affects you, there is no cure although treatment may be given to slow down the progression of the disease and to prevent serious complications from occurring. These complications may include stroke or heart attacks. Chronic kidney disease may further progress to become established renal failure (ERF) or end-stage kidney disease. In this situation, the usual functions of the kidney stop working. Dialysis is the recommended treatment for this condition or kidney transplantation.

Chronic Kidney Disease May Evolve Within Decades: Study

A recent study has shown that the risk factors for chronic kidney disease are present and identifiable even about 30 years before it is diagnosed. This study is published in the upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN). The findings suggest avenues for future research to determine whether certain early interventions can prevent future kidney disease. The researchers who preformed the study have identified 441 new cases of CKD among participants of the Framingham Heart Study, and they matched them with 882 controls who did not develop CKD. Those who ultimately developed CKD were 76% more likely to have had hypertension, 71% more likely to have been obese, and 43% more likely to have had higher triglycerides 30 years before CKD diagnosis. They were also 38% more likely to have had hypertension, 35% more likely to have had higher triglyceride levels, and nearly 3-times more likely to have had diabetes 20 years before CKD diagnosis. The more risk factors an individual had in the past, the more likely they were to develop CKD.

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Resources:

1. https://www.kidney.org/kidneydisease/

2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Kidney-disease-chronic/pages/introduction.aspx

3. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/kidneydiseases.html

4. https://www.HealKidneyDisease.com

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a medical condition which affects the way the body metabolizes sugar. This condition is caused by elevated blood sugar levels in the body which is either to inadequate production of insulin or the body does not respond to insulin properly. Diabetes usually presents with symptoms such as frequent urination, increasing thirst and unexplained hunger.

Diabetes is classified into three types: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. This is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, juvenile diabetes, or early-onset diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin for proper function, or the cells in the body do not react to insulin. This is also known as insulin resistance. This type of diabetes can be prevented with weight loss, a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. However, if untreated this can progress and cause complications. Most people who develop type 2 diabetes are often overweight or obese. People with a lot of visceral fat, also known as central obesity, belly fat, or abdominal obesity, are especially at risk. Gestational diabetes affects pregnant females who have very high levels of glucose in their blood. These women do not have enough insulin to transport all glucose into cells.

Diabetes is diagnosed by physicians using laboratory tests such as the A1C test, FPG (fasting plasma glucose) test and OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test). For the A1C test, at least 6.5% means diabetes, between 5.7% and 5.99% means prediabetes and less than 5.7% means normal. For the FPG (fasting plasma glucose) test, at least 126 mg/dl means diabetes, between 100 mg/dl and 125.99 mg/dl means prediabetes and less than 100 mg/dl means normal. An abnormal reading following the FPG means the patient has impaired fasting glucose (IFG). For the OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test), at least 200 mg/dl means diabetes, between 140 and 199.9 mg/dl means prediabetes and less than 140 mg/dl means normal.  An abnormal reading following the OGTT means the patient has impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

Diabetes needs to be treated as soon as possible. If untreated, diabetes can lead to various complications involving the eye, the feet, the skin, the cardiovascular system, the brain, the oral area, the kidney and other organs. Eye complications include glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and some others. Foot complications include neuropathy, ulcers, and sometimes gangrene which may require that the foot be amputated. Skin complications include skin infections and skin disorders. Heart problems may include ischemic heart disease, when the blood supply to the heart muscle is diminished. There may also be hypertension, hearing loss, gum disease, depression, anxiety, mental disorders, gastroparesis, ketoacidosis, neuropathy, HHNS (Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome), nephropathy, PAD (peripheral arterial disease), stroke, erectile dysfunction, infections and slow healing of wounds.

Mitochondrial Health of Cells Is Regulated By Diabetes Susceptibility Gene

A recent study made by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania found that a susceptibility gene for type 1 diabetes regulates self-destruction of the cell’s mitrochondria. The findings of this study were reported in the journal cell. The researchers have found out that the gene, Clec16a, when in pancreas cells, is required for normal glucose-stimulated insulin release.  Mice with a pancreas-specific deletion of Clec16a have abnormal mitochondria that produce less ATP, which is required for normal beta cell function, and ultimately insulin secretion. Specifically, they determined that the loss of Clec16a leads to an increase in Parkin, a master regulator of mitophagy. What’s more, the team found that the final disposal of unhealthy mitochondria was also defective.

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The Benefits of Tomatoes

Who doesn't love tomatoes? Yet there are reasons to love them more. Tomatoes are considered to be a healthy type of food partly because of its deep red color. Its deep red color is due to lycopene, a carotenoid pigment that can easily be absorbed by the body and can bring about numerous health benefits. Lycopene is said to reverse oxidative stress in the body and to strengthen bones. Without lycopene containing foods, we are prone to have diseases such as osteoporosis.

Tomatoes have long been linked to good heart health. Studies have shown that consumption of tomatoes can help lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Tomato extracts can also help prevent the clumping of platelets in the blood which can further lower the risk for heart disease and atherosclerosis. Aside from lycopene, other phytonutrients in tomatoes which are responsible for its health benefits are esculeoside A, chalconaringenin and 9-oxo-octadecadienoic acid. Tomatoes are rich with these phytonutrients which also serve as antioxidants. They contain vitamin C, beta-carotene, manganese, vitamin E and flavones, flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acids, carotenoids,    glycosides and fatty acid derivatives. Flavonones in tomatoes include naringenin and chalconaringenin while flavonols include rutin, kaempferol and quercetin. Hydroxycinnamic acids include caffeic acid, ferulic acid and coumaric acid while  carotenoids include lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene. Glycosides include esculeoside A while fatty acid derivatives include 9-oxo-octadecadienoic acid. These nutrients are considered antioxidants which protect cells by reducing lipid peroxidation or oxygen damage to fats in cell membranes or in the bloodstream.

Tomatoes can bring about reduced risk for heart disease through two ways: antioxidant support and regulation of fats in the bloodstream. Lycopene in tomatoes have the ability to help lower the risk of lipid peroxidation in the bloodstream. Lipid peroxidation is a process in which fats that are located in the membranes of cells lining the bloodstream, or fats that are being carried around in the blood, get damaged by oxygen. This damage can be repaired if it is kept at manageable levels. However, if too much damage has been done, the body's immune and inflammatory systems may react and this would lead to atherosclerosis and a multitude of other problems.

Consumption of tomatoes can also help regulate fats in the blood and can improve fats profile in our bloodstream. Tomatoes can decrease total cholesterol, decrease LDL cholesterol and decrease triglyceride levels. It’s also been shown to decrease accumulation of cholesterol molecules inside of macrophage cells. The accumulation of cholesterol by macrophages which are a type of white blood cells that respond to stress is a prerequisite for development of atherosclerosis.

Consuming tomatoes can also benefit bone health. It is said that antioxidants such as lycopene can help protect bone tissue from damage and can thus help prevent osteoporosis. Tomatoes also have anti-cancer benefits by battling chronic oxidative stress and chronic unwanted inflammation. It may be helpful in cancers such as those found in the prostate, lung, pancreas and breast. Tomatoes can also protect against Alzheimer's disease and can help fight obesity.

Lycopene Can Benefit People with Cardiovascular Disease

A recent study shows that consuming lycopene daily may improve the function of blood vessels in patients with cardiovascular disease. This study, done by researchers from the University of Cambridge Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust is published in the journal PLOS One. This study is a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, interventional trial investigating the effects of lycopene a gold standard method of measuring the function of blood vessels called forearm blood flow, which is predictive of future cardiovascular risk. Thirty-six cardiovascular disease patients and thirty-six healthy volunteers were given either Ateronon (an off-the-shelf supplement containing 7mg of lycopene) or a placebo treatment. As a double blind trial, neither the study participants nor the researchers dispensing the pills were aware which treatment was being provided. The researchers found that 7mg of oral lycopene supplementation improved and normalised endothelial function in the patients, but not in healthy volunteers. Lycopene improved the widening of the blood vessels by over a half (53%) compared to baseline. However they observed that, the supplement had no effect on blood pressure, arterial stiffness or levels of lipids.

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What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a cancer affecting the pancreas, a six-inch organ which is located behind the stomach at the back of the abdomen. This fish-shaped organ is located horizontally across the abdomen. The pancreas contain both exocrine and endocrine glands that secrete pancreatic juices, hormones, and insulin. Pancreatic juice or enzymes are made by the exocrine glands and are released into the intestines through ducts; these juices and enzymes help digest fat, proteins, and carbohydrates. The endocrine cells on the other hand are arranged in clusters and are known as islets of Langerhans, which release insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These two hormones regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.

Cancer is the condition in which the cells grow out of control, creating a mass of cells called tumor. Tumors then interfere with the main function of the pancreas. If the growth of the tumor is confined to the pancreas, the condition is said to be benign. If the tumor has spread to other parts of the body, it is said to be malignant. The tumor may spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic systems. If it invades and destroys healthy, this is termed as metastasis. Metastasis is a cancer stage which is more difficult to treat.

Pancreatic cancer is classified as to whether it affects the exocrine or the endocrine portion of the pancreas. These two types of pancreatic cancer are different in terms of different risk factors, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, and prognoses. Those cancers that affect the exocrine function are the most common types of pancreatic cancers. These tumors may be cystadenomas which are benign cysts. Malignant tumors are called adenocarcinomas, which account for 95% of exocrine pancreatic cancers. These adenocarcinomas typically start in the gland cells of the duct of the pancreas but they may also start from pancreatic enzyme cells (acinar cell carcinoma). Other exocrine cancers include adenosquamous carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and giant cell carcinomas.

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Cancers that affect the endocrine function of the pancreas are known as neuroendocrine or islet cell tumors. They are named after the type of cell that they affect. Examples are insulinomas (insulin), glucagonomas (glucagon), gastrinomas (gastrin), somatostatinomas (somatostatin), and VIPomas (vasoactive intestinal peptide or VIP).

Risk factors that can lead to pancreatic cancer include genes, exposure to carcinogens, race, cirrhosis or scarring of the liver, helicobacter pylori infection (infection of the stomach with the ulcer-causing bacteria H. pylori), diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and gingivitis or periodontal disease. Other factors include smoking, obesity, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and alcohol consumption.

Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, pale-colored stools, weight loss, body malaise, loss of appetite, elevated blood sugar, jaundice and itching.

Risk for Pancreatic Cancer May Be Lowered By Aspirin

A recent study published in the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, has found out that the longer a person took low-dose aspirin, the lower his or her risk for developing pancreatic cancer. The researchers have found out that low dose aspirin can cut the risk of pancreatic cancer by half. There was a 48 percent risk reduction for developing pancreatic cancer in men and women who took low-dose aspirin regularly. Protection against pancreatic cancer ranged from 39 percent reduction in risk for those who took low-dose aspirin for six years or less, to 60 percent reduction in risk for those who took low-dose aspirin for more than 10 years.

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What is Atrial Fribrillation?

Atrial fibrilliation is a medical condition wherein there is irregular and an abnormally higher heart rate. The normal heart rate is between 60 to 100 beats per minute at rest. The rhythm of the heartbeat is usually regular. In atrial fibrillation, the heartbeat is faster, is more than 140 beats per minute, and is irregular. This can further lead to other problems such as dizziness, shortness of breath, palpitations and fatigue.

Atrial fibrillation can bring about symptoms such as a fast and irregular heartbeat (palpitations), usually over 100 beats a minute, tiredness, breathlessness, dizziness and chest pain or angina. There may also be low blood pressure and heart failure. The doctor may suspect that you may have atrial fibrillation if you have a sudden change in your heartbeat, your heart rate is lower than 60 or your heart rate is above 100.

These symptoms of atrial fibrillation are due to the effects of atrial fibrillation on the body. Atrial fibrillation is caused by the fast random contraction of the walls of the upper chambers of the heart. The beating of the heart is so fast that there is no period to relax for the heart. This further reduces the heart's performance and efficiency. Atrial fibrillation is caused by abnormal firing of electrical impulses from the atria. These impulses overpower the natural pacemaker of the heart so that the rhythm of the heart can no longer be controlled.

The exact cause of atrial fibrilliation is unknown however it occurs in people with certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart valve disease, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy and pericarditis. It may also be associated with other diseases such as hyperthyroidism, pneumonia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, diabetes, pulmonary embolism and carbon monoxide poisoning.

There are some conditions which can trigger atrial fibrillation in sensitive patients. These triggers include drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, being overweight, drinking lots of caffeine (such as tea, coffee or energy drinks), taking illegal drugs (amphetamines or cocaine) and smoking. If untreated, atrial fibrillation can give rise to strokes.

Stroke Can Be a Consequence of Atrial Fibrillation

A recent study has shown that stroke can be a consequence of atrial fibrillation. This was discovered when Northwestern Medicine® physician researchers from cardiology and neurology teamed up to conduct a four-year trial which enrolled 441 people across 55 centers. Half of these patients received a small implantable cardiac monitor that continuously records the rhythm of the heart and lets the physician know over the internet when an abnormal rhythm has occurred. The results showed that 30 % of people with cryptogenic stroke have atrial fibrillation detected within 3 years. These 30% were given blood thinners to protect them from another stroke.

These research findings were published in a June 26, 2014 article in the New England of Medicine. The patients monitored were part of a study called CRYSTAL AF (Study of Continuous Cardiac Monitoring to Assess Atrial Fibrillation after Cryptogenic Stroke). The researchers found out that the tiny implantable device that they used for finding atrial fibrillation was better than the usual tests that helped diagnose this disorder.

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What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition which is caused by a deficiency of the thyroid hormone. It is marked by clinical characteristics such as its typical facies, hoarse slow speech, and dry skin and by low levels of thyroid hormones. This condition can occur at any age yet it is more common among the elderly. It is more common among women who are aged 65 and above.

Hypothyroidism may either be primary or secondary. Primary hypothyroidism is caused by disease in the thyroid while secondary hypothyroidism is caused by diseases in the hypothalamus or pituitary. Primary hypothyroidism may be due to diseases that originate from thyroid gland. In these conditions, the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is increased. Primary hypothyroidism is commonly autoimmune such as in the case of Hashimoto thyroiditis; it may also be associated with a firm goiter or a shrunken fibrotic thyroid with little or no function. The second most common cause it post-therapeutic hypothyroidism, especially after radioactive iodine therapy or surgery for hyperthyroidism or goiter. Primary hypothyroidism may also be due to overtreatment with propylthiouracil, methimazole, and iodide; the hormone levels go normal when treatment is stopped. Iodine deficiency may also cause congenital hypothyroidism which is a major cause of intellectual disability. Primary hypothyroidism may also be due to rare inherited enzymatic defects which can alter the synthesis of thyroid hormone and cause goitrous hypothyroidism. Another cause is lithium intake lithium inhibits hormone release by the thyroid; amiodarone or other iodine-containing drugs and interferon-alfa may also cause primary hypothyroidism.

Secondary hypothyroidism, on the other hand, occurs when the hypothalamus produces insufficient thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) or the pituitary produces insufficient TSH.

Hypothyroidism can bring about insidious signs and symptoms such as include cold intolerance, constipation, forgetfulness, and personality changes. There may also be modest weight gain which may be due to fluid retention and decreased metabolism. There may also be numbness and tingling of the hands and the feet which may be due to to carpal-tarsal tunnel syndrome caused by deposition of proteinaceous ground substance in the ligaments around the wrist and ankle. Women with hypothyroidism may experience menstrual problems.

The face may appear with a dull expression while the voice may be hoarse and the speech may be slow. There may also be puffiness of the face and swelling of the area around the eyes due to infiltration with the mucopolysaccharides hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate. The eyelids may appear drooping because of decreased adrenergic drive while the hair may become coarse and dry and sparse. The skin is often scaly, coarse, dry and thick. There may be slowing of tendon reflexes, hypothermia, dementia and even psychosis.

 Impairment in Driving May Be a Consequence of Hypothyroidism

A recent study shows that those who have significant hypothyroidism can experience impaired driving similar to those who are driving when intoxicated by alcohol. This study, done by researchers from Kentucky and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Lexington, KY, found that hypothyroid patients being tested on a driving simulator had a similar performance to that of drivers with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit in the U.S. The researchers studied thirty-two patients with thyroid cancer, who were undergoing preparation for radioactive iodine scanning by stopping thyroid hormone. These patients were evaluated with neurological and psychological tests, as well as testing on a driving simulator. They were studied when they were taking thyroid hormone, again when they were off of thyroid hormone, and then finally when they were back on thyroid hormone therapy. Hypothyroid patients had depression and also showed declines in neurological function that resulted in increased automobile braking times.

More medical breakthroughs are discussed in our other articles on this site.

What is Zinc

Zinc is an important mineral especially needed by the body. It is often found in certain foods and supplements. It can also be combined along with medicines such as lozenges and over-the-counter remedies. This mineral plays an important role in various processes in the body such as cellular metabolism. It speeds up the function of over a hundred enzymes in the body and is involved in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Zinc is also needed for the normal growth and development of the baby during pregnancy. It is also needed by children and teenagers for their growth and development. It is also needed for the senses of taste and smell. The body does not have a storage system for zinc so that we need to take in this mineral everyday.

Zinc can be obtained from a wide variety of foods such as oysters, red meat and poultry. Other food sources include beans, nuts, certain types of seafood such as crab and lobster, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products. However one must be careful of consuming foods that contain phytates such as certain fruits and vegetables. These phytates bind zinc and inhibit its absorption. Examples of foods that may contain phytates include whole-grain breads, cereals, legumes, and other foods. Thus it is better to obtain zinc from animal foods rather than plant foods.

Certain food supplements may contain several forms of zinc such as zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, and zinc acetate. The percentage of elemental zinc varies by form. The labels of these zinc supplements often contain the amount of elemental zinc available per serving.

Zinc is helpful in certain health conditions. For one, zinc is needed in proper immune functioning. Even mild to moderate degrees of zinc deficiency can impair macrophage and neutrophil functions, natural killer cell activity, and complement activity. The body needs zinc to develop and activate T lymphocytes which fight off microorganisms that bring about diseases in the body.  Zinc supplementation can also bring about faster wound healing. Zinc helps maintain the integrity of skin and mucosal membranes; it may help people with chronic leg ulcers. Adequate zinc supplementation is also needed in acute diarrhea, which has killed many children all over the world due to dehydration. Zinc deficiency causes alterations in immune response that probably contribute to increased susceptibility to infections, such as those that cause diarrhea, especially in children. Zinc can also help reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms by directly inhibiting rhinovirus binding and replication in the nasal mucosa and suppressing inflammation. This is why zinc has been added lately to lozenges and cold syrups or tablets.

Zinc may also help benefit age-related macular degeneration by delaying its progression through antioxidant function. This is why older individuals should make sure that they take adequate doses of zinc everyday.

Lack of Maternal Zinc Can Affect Fetal Development

A recent study in mice has revealed that low levels or lack of maternal zinc can affect fetal development during pregnancy. This study was done by researchers from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and may have implications for human reproduction. The study found out that female mice deprived of dietary zinc for a relatively short time before conception experienced fertility and pregnancy problems and had smaller, less-developed fetuses than mice that ingested zinc during the same times. The researchers also noted that lack of zinc prior to ovulation had marked effects on the mice’s reproductive functions. Zinc deficiency caused a high incidence of pregnancy loss, and embryos from the zinc-deficient diet group were an average of 38 percent smaller than those from the control group. Preconception zinc deficiency also caused approximately half of embryos to exhibit delayed or aberrant development. The results of this study may serve as a reminder to obstetricians to strengthen zinc supplementation during pregnancy.

More medical breakthroughs are discussed in our other articles on this site.