Amyloidosis is a rare disease in which abnormal proteins, called amyloid proteins, build up in your organs - affecting your kidneys, heart, spleen, liver, gastrointestinal tract or nervous system. Researchers have not yet determined the exact cause of amyloidosis, but those at greater risk include people over 40, those with chronic infectious or inflammatory diseases (such as tuberculosis or rheumatoid arthritis), those with a family history of the disease and those undergoing kidney dialysis.
With the passing of Elizabeth Taylor, I’ve received several questions about congestive heart failure - what it is and who is most likely to be affected.
Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition in which your heart weakens and can no longer pump enough blood throughout your body. Your blood is essentially a very important bodily delivery system - bringing nutrients and oxygen to all your tissues and organs and removing toxins. If your heart is weak, it can’t keep up with the circulatory needs of your body. Typically the heart responds to its weakened condition by stretching so it can hold more blood. It may also become thicker and stiffer so it can pump “better” - for a while.
This past week, Serena Williams underwent surgery for a hematoma caused by a serious medical condition called pulmonary embolism. Many have commented on Serena’s condition, wondering how one of the world’s strongest tennis competitors could suffer from this condition. In fact, pulmonary embolism - blocked arteries in the lungs - can happen to the healthiest of people.
Pulmonary embolism results when a blood clot (or other material) travels from your body to arteries in your lungs. If the clot is not detected, it can damage the portion of lung that is not receiving blood and cause a life-threatening condition. Usually, the clot originates in one’s lower legs. However, other materials - part of a tumor, fat from bone marrow or air bubbles - can cause pulmonary embolism as well.
Most often, the clot travels from the legs to the lungs after a person has been stationary for a long time - sitting on an airplane or in a car, or moving about after extended bed rest. It’s generally recommended that you walk during flight or drink plenty of water when traveling to avoid such a condition.
Other risk factors for pulmonary embolism include age, family history, surgery, heart disease, pregnancy, certain types of cancer, smoking, obesity or taking supplemental estrogen.
The symptoms of pulmonary embolism include a shortness of breath, coughing that produces bloody sputum, chest pain, weak pulse, excessive sweating, wheezing, swollen legs, irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness or fainting.
If pulmonary embolism is detected in advance, you may be placed on anti-clotting medications or clot dissolvers. In some instances surgery will be required in order to safely remove the clots.
If you do find yourself short of breath, wheezing or coughing up bloody sputum, it’s important you see a medical professional.
Berries have long been credited with a variety of health benefits - but just how much of that is myth and fact? NPR shared an interesting report about the health benefits of cranberries and blueberries and the chemistry behind those benefits.
In a nutshell, some of the old lore surrounding berries does have some truth to it. While our ancestors may not have understood the “why” behind the health benefits of cranberries and blueberries, they were correct in their use of them.
- Cranberries can help prevent urinary tract infections. They have been found to keep bacteria from sticking to our cells.
- The berries are filled with beneficial vitamin C - which did prevent scurvy.
- The polyphenols in berries are great anti-oxidants, reducing the damage done to our tissues over time by oxygen.
- Anthocyanins, which make the berry blue or red, are credited with reducing inflammatory reactions. This can help in reducing your risk for cardiovascular disease or cancer.
- Blueberries may help you improve your memory. Scientists haven’t identified what makes that possible, but suspect it is the anthocyanins.
- Blueberries may help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and help regulate blood sugars, thus lowering your risk for diabetes 2.
NPR shares some great blueberry and cranberry recipes as well. Enjoy.
This year, there’s been an increase in cases of persistent coughing and sinusitis. Are the two related? They can be. Coughing is a defense mechanism - it’s how your body removes irritants such as bacteria, viruses, pollutants, mucus or postnasal drip, from your lungs and upper respiratory tract.
Just what happens when you cough? A recent article in the Washington post provides a great interactive diagram of the anatomy of a cough. Basically, irritants in your throat or mucus in your lungs stimulate your nerves and send a message to your brain indicating the need to cough. Your body reacts with an intake of breath, the glottis above your voice box temporarily closes, your chest muscles contract and you forcibly cough - expelling air through the open glottis and out your mouth.
Follow Us
