Atrial Septal Defect - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Atrial septal defect is an abnormality of the upper chambers of the heart (atria) where the wall between the right and left atria does not close completely. In general the defect is a hole in the wall (septum) between the top two chambers of the heart (atria). Arial septal defects occur in 4 percent to 10 percent of all children born with congenital heart disease. As a group, atrial septal defects are detected in 1 child per 1500 live births. Smaller atrial septal defects may close on their own during infancy or early childhood. The health effects of holes that remain open often don't show up until last age - usually by age 40. Many people don't realize they have an atrial septal defect until then. Sometimes a doctor detects an atrial septal defect during a newborn exam, or during a routine exam later in life. Large and long-standing atrial septal defects can damage the heart and lungs. An who has had an undetected atrial septal defect for decades may have a shortened life span from heart failure or high blood pressure in the lungs. For children with very small ASDs, the ASD closes on its own about 90% of the time. However, most other ASDs must be closed. People with some types of heart defects, including certain rarer forms of ASD, are at greater risk of developing bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the inner surface of the heart.

The term "atrial septal defect" usually refers to holes in the atria resulting from a lack of atrial septal tissue, rather than those related to a condition called patent foramen ovale (PFO). Symptoms usually have manifested by age 30. Infants with larger atrial septal defects may have poor appetite and not grow as they should. Infants may have signs of heart failure or arrhythmias. Congenital heart defects appear to run in families and sometimes occur with other genetic problems, such as Down syndrome. A genetic counselor can predict the approximate odds that any future children will have one. An atrial septal defect allows oxygen-rich (red) blood to pass from the left atrium, through the opening in the septum, and then mix with oxygen-poor (blue) blood in the right atrium. Complete closure occurs in most individuals. In 25-30% of normal hearts, however, a probe can be passed from the right atrium to the left atrium via the foramen ovale and ostium secundum.

The person also could develop heart or blood vessel damage and be at increased risk of having a stroke or getting a heart infection. Congenital heart defects of significance occur in approximately 8 in 1000 live births. Surgical closure of the defect is recommended if the atrial septal defect is large or if symptoms occur. Anticoagulants, often called blood thinners, can help reduce the chances of developing a blood clot and having a stroke. Anti-coagulants include warfarin (Coumadin) and anti-platelet agents such as aspirin. Keep the heartbeat regular. Examples include beta-blockers (Lopressor, Inderal) and digoxin (Lanoxin). Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics should be given prior to dental procedures to reduce the risk of developing infective endocarditis. Embolization (dislodgement of thrombi) normally go to the lung and cause pulmonary emboli. In an individual with ASD, these emboli can potentially enter the arterial system. In most cases, atrial septal defects can't be prevented. Consider talking with a genetic counselor before getting pregnant.

Treatment for Atrial Septal Defect Tips

1. Surgical closure of an ASD involves opening up at least one atrium and closing the defect with a patch under direct visualization.

2. Embolization (dislodgement of thrombi) normally go to the lung and cause pulmonary emboli.

3. Keep the heartbeat regular. Examples include beta-blockers (Lopressor, Inderal) and digoxin (Lanoxin).

4. Increase the strength of the heart's contractions. Examples include digoxin (Lanoxin).

5. Decrease the amount of fluid in circulation. Doing so reduces the volume of blood that must be pumped. These medications, called diuretics, include Furosemide (Lasix).

6.Prophylactic (preventive) antibiotics should be given prior to dental procedures to reduce the risk of developing infective endocarditis.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for online medical clinic and diseases treatment. She also writes articles on depression treatment.

Causes and Symptoms of Blood Transfusion Reaction

What is this Condition? Transfusion reaction accompanies or follows intravenous administration of blood components. Its severity varies from mild (fever and chills) to severe (acute kidney failure or complete vascular collapse and death), depending on the amount of blood transfused, the type of reaction, and the person's general health.

What Causes it? Hemolytic reactions (red blood cell rupture) follow transfusion of mismatched blood. Transfusion with incompatible blood triggers the most serious reaction, marked by intravascular clumping of red blood cells. The recipient's antibodies (immunoglobulin G or M) adhere to the donated red blood cells, leading to widespread clumping and destruction of the recipient's red blood cells and, possibly, the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation and other serious effects.

Transfusion with Rh-incompatible blood triggers a less serious reaction within several days to 2 weeks. Rh reactions are most likely in women sensitized to red blood cell antigens by prior pregnancy or by unknown factors, such as bacterial or viral infection, and in people who have received more than five transfusions.

Allergic reactions are fairly common but only occasionally serious. Febrile nonhemolytic reactions, the most common type of reaction. apparently develop when antibodies in the recipient's plasma attack antIgens.

Bacterial contamination of donor blood, although fairly uncommon, can occur during donor phlebotomy. Also possible is contamination of donor blood with viruses (such as hepatitis), cytomegalovirus, and the organism causing malaria.

What are its Symptoms? Immediate effects of hemolytic transfusion reaction develop within a few minutes or hours after the start of transfusion and may include chills, fever, hives, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, tightness in the chest, chest and back pain, low blood pressure. bronchospasm, angioedema, and signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, shock, pulmonary edema, and congestive heart failure. In a person having surgery under anesthesia, these symptoms are masked, but blood oozes from mucous membranes or the incision.

Delayed hemolytic reactions can occur up to several weeks after transfusion, causing fever, an unexpected decrease in serum hemoglobin, and jaundice.

Allergic hemolytic reactions typically don't cause a fever and are characterized by hives and angioedema, possibly progressing to cough, respiratory distress, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vascular instability, shock, and coma.

The hallmark of febrile nonhemolytic reactions is a mild to severe fever that may begin when the transfusion starts or within 2 hours after its completion.

Bacterial contamination causes high fever, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and, possibly, shock. Symptoms of viral contamination may not appear for several weeks after transfusion.

How is it Diagnosed? Confirming a hemolytic transfusion reaction requires proof of blood incompatibility and evidence of hemolysis. When such a reaction is suspected, the person's blood is retyped and crossmatched with the donor's blood.

When bacterial contamination is suspected, a blood culture should be done to isolate the causative organism.

How is it Treated? At the first sign of a hemolytic reaction, the transfusion is stopped immediately. Depending on the nature of the person's reaction, the health care team may:

- monitor vital signs every 15 to 30 minutes, watching for signs of shock

- maintain an open intravenous line with normal saline solution, insert an indwelling urinary catheter, and monitor intake and output

- cover the person with blankets to ease chills

- deliver supplemental oxygen at low flow rates through a nasal cannula or hand-held resuscitation bag (called an Ambu bag)

- administer drugs such as intravenous medications to raise blood pressure and normal saline solution to combat shock, Adrenalin to treat shortness of breath and wheezing, Benadryl to combat cellular histamine released from mast cells, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and Osmitrol or Lasix to maintain urinary function. Parenteral antihistamines and corticosteroids are given for allergic reactions (arlaphylaxis, a severe reaction, may require Adrenalin). Drugs to reduce fever are administered for febrile nonhemolytic reactions and appropriate intravenous antibiotics are given for bacterial contamination.

Get the latest information about the diseases and conditions, their treatments and know about the effects of diseases like skin disorders, lung and breathing disorders on various body parts. For more detail you can visit http://www.atozdiseases.com

Pulmonary Edema

What is this Condition?

In pulmonary edema, fluid builds up in the spaces outside the lung's blood vessels (called extravascular spaces). In one form of this disorder, cardiogenic pulmonary edema, this accumulation is caused by rising pressure in the respiratory veins and tiny blood vessels called capillaries. A common complication of heart disorders, pulmonary edema can become a chronic condition, or it can develop quickly and rapidly become fatal.

What Causes it?

Pulmonary edema usually is caused by failure of the left ventricle, the heart's main chamber, due to various types of heart disease. In these diseases, the damaged left ventricle requires increased filling pressures to pump enough blood to all the parts of the body. The increased pressures are transmitted to the heart's other chambers and to veins and capillaries in the lungs. Eventually, fluid in the blood vessels enters the spaces between the tissues of the lungs. This makes it harder for the lungs to expand and impedes the exchange of air and gases between the lungs and blood moving through lung capillaries.

Besides heart disease, other conditions that can predispose a person to pulmonary edema include:

- excessive amounts of intravenous fluids

- certain kidney diseases, extensive burns, liver disease, and nutritional deficiencies

- impaired lymphatic drainage of the lungs, as occurs in Hodgkin's disease

- impaired emptying of the heart's left upper chamber, as occurs in narrowing of the heart's mitral valve

- conditions that cause blockage of the respiratory veins.

What are its Symptoms?

Early symptoms of pulmonary edema reflect poor lung expansion and extravascular fluid buildup. They include:

- shortness of breath on exertion

- sudden attacks of respiratory distress after several hours of sleep

- difficulty breathing except when in an upright position

- coughing.

On examination, the doctor may discover a rapid pulse, rapid breathing, an abnormal breath sound called crackles, an enlarged neck vein, and abnormal heart sounds.

With severe pulmonary edema, early symptoms may worsen as air sacs in the lungs and small respiratory airways fill with fluid. Breathing becomes labored and rapid, and coughing produces frothy, bloody sputum. The pulse quickens and the heart rhythm may become disturbed. The skin is cold, clammy, sweaty, and bluish. As the heart pumps less and less blood, the blood pressure drops and the pulse becomes thready.

How is it Diagnosed?

The doctor makes a working diagnosis based on the persons symptoms and physical exam results and orders measurements of arterial blood gases, which usually show decreased oxygen with a variable carbon dioxide level. These measurements may also reveal a metabolic disturbance, such as respiratory alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, or metabolic acidosis. Chest X-rays typically reveal diffuse haziness in the lungs and, often, an enlarged heart and abnormal fluid buildup in the lungs.

The person may undergo a diagnostic procedure called pulmonary artery catheterization to help confirm failure of the left ventricle and rule out adult respiratory distress syndrome, which causes similar symptoms.

How is it Treated?

Treatment of pulmonary edema aims to reduce the amount of extra�vascular lung fluid, to improve gas exchange and heart function and, if possible, to correct underlying disease.

Usually, the person receives high concentrations of oxygen. If an acceptable arterial blood oxygen level still can't be maintained, the person receives mechanical ventilation to improve oxygen delivery to the tissues and to treat acid-base disturbances.

The individual also may receive diuretics (for example, Lasix) to promote fluid elimination through urination, which in turn helps to reduce extravascular fluid.

To treat heart dysfunction, the person may receive a digitalis glycoside or other drugs that improve heart contraction. Some people also receive drugs that dilate the arteries such as Nipride. Morphine may be given to reduce anxiety, ease breathing, and improve blood flow from the pulmonary circulation to the arms and legs.

Robert Baird author for the http://www.atozdiseases.com/blog, provides you with the information about the conditions and ailments like blood disorders, amebiasis, their treatment, details about drugs

Does The Large Range Of Blood Pressure Reducing Medications Confuse You?

Blood pressure reducing medications are often used when exercise and diet has not reduced your blood pressure to a safe level or to control your pressure while you are making the required lifestyle changes to produce the desired results.

The number of blood pressure lowering medicines available is staggering and, as many of the presently available medications are frequently used in combination for treatment, choosing the right medication or combination of medicines presents your physician with something of a headache. Here however is an overview of the different groups of blood pressure lowering medicines presently in everyday use.

Diuretics

The first line of attack are diuretics which are simply designed to rid the body of excess fluid and, most importantly in terms of high blood pressure, to reduce salt levels.

Frequently used diuretics include Midamor, Esidrix, Hygroton, Hydrodiuril, Lasix, Diuril, Lozol, Bumex and Aldactone.

A number of diuretic reduce potassium levels in the body and may lead to weakness, tiredness and leg cramps. This can normally be effectively countered by eating foods which contain potassium or by taking potassium supplements in either tablet or liquid form. Diuretics can also result in increased blood sugar levels and a change of diet or drug, oral diabetic medication or insulin might be needed in the case of diabetics.

ACE Inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors act to enlarge the blood vessels and therefore reduce the resistance to blood flow and pressure within these vessels. Consequently the heart does not need to work as hard to pump blood throughout the body.

Frequently used ACE inhibitors include Lotensin, Monopril, Capoten, Univasc, Mavik, Accupril, Prinivil, Altace, Aceon, Vasotec and Zestril.

ACE inhibitors can cause a skin rash, a chronic hacking cough and in very rare cases kidney damage.

AT-2 Receptor Antagonists

Angiotensin-2 (AT-2) receptor antagonists work in a similar manner to ACE inhibitors although they have the benefit for many people of not producing the hacking cough so often seen with taking ACE inhibitors.

Frequently used AT-2 receptor antagonists include Atacand, Micardis, Cozaar, Avapro and Teveten.

There are normally very few side effects experienced with AT-2 receptor antagonists although in some people they may produce occasional dizziness.

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers act to reduce blood pressure by decreasing both the heart rate and output.

Frequently used beta blockers include Sectral, Kerlone, Inderal, Cartrol, Betapace, Tenormin, Corgard, Zebeta, Toprol XL, Blocadren, Lopressor and Ziac.

A number of beta blockers may cause insomnia, depression, the symptoms of asthma, tiredness, cold hands and feet and in very rare cases can result in impotence.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure by interrupting the flow of calcium into both the heart and blood vessels. Calcium channel blockers include what is generally agreed to be the most popular blood pressure medication in the world - Norvasc.

Other common calcium blockers include Lotrel, Tiazac, Cardizem, Vascor, Adalat, Nimotop, Isoptin, Sular, Calan, Procardia, Plendil and Verelan.

The side effects differ considerably from one calcium blocker to the next but some frequently seen side effects include headache, palpitations, dizziness, constipation and swollen ankles.

As can be seen there is a very large number of medications available for reducing blood pressure and when you consider that these are frequently used together by combining for example ACE inhibitors and calcium blockers, ACE inhibitors and diuretics or AT-2 receptor antagonists and diuretics then the range of possible treatments is almost too high to count.

Of course on the one hand this is good news because it means that it is possible to tailor treatment to the precise needs of each patient. However, on the other hand it also makes selecting the best treatment somewhat difficult.

TheBloodPressureCenter.com provides information on blood pressure medications including information about Norvasc hypertension dosage.

Dry Skin Treatments The Natural Way

Dry skin, occurs most commonly on the lower legs, arms, the sides of the abdomen and thighs and is a very common condition. It's easily treatable naturally today when you know how to take care of it both inside and out.

The dermis is the layer of skin just beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The skin contains hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands and blood vessels. The blood vessels in the dermis provide nourishment and waste removal to its own cells and to the epidermis.

If you have a forced-air furnace it may make skin even drier than it already is. Serious skin complications, including a dry skin condition, can occur in people with type 2 diabetes. Dry skin can also be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A, systemic illness, overexposure to sunlight and a lot of medications.

When the oil glands don't supply enough lubrication to the skin, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. Dry skin can also be due to a genetic condition but it's not common. Some drugs, including diuretics like Lasix, antispasmodics, and antihistamines, can contribute to dry skin conditions; check with your doctor and get a drug insert from your pharmacist.

Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements, in the liquid form, every day. Good nutrition from living foods - foods that are alive and full of energy - will help nourish your skin from the inside out. Eat at least two organic apples every day especially while working to clear up your skin; apples are good for your skin health. Eat organic so you can eat the pesticide-free skin (most of the apple pectin is in the skin), which helps with constipation too.

Only use very mild cleansers or mild soaps if you must use a soap or cleanser. Natural treatments should always be the first type of treatment to consider when you want to heal your skin and take the best care of it. For any skin condition, it is always better to take a natural approach first

I buy virgin coconut oil by the gallon; it's cheaper for a whole gallon of coconut oil than a small jar of department store, name-brand moisturizer. After a soothing bath or shower at night just before bedtime, apply a very thin layer of coconut oil over your entire body. It will even last on your skin through your shower in the morning. And use coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do; it leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish your skin all night long; but better yet, apply even more coconut oil.

If you have acne, eczema or any type of skin condition coconut oil will treat and quickly heal these too. When you buy coconut oil, make sure you get the kind that hasn't been bleached, refined, processed and deodorized.

Many skin conditions can be converted into clear, healthy skin by using natural home remedies. Skin that is not clean encourages the development of pathogenic organisms; the dead cells continually slough off of the epidermis and mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found on the skin, to form a layer on the surface.

Usually most of us take care of dry skin without seeing our doctor, but sometimes we can't avoid it. Following some of the above natural treatments, your dry skin should be well on its way to recovery and clearing up. If you're still worried about your dry or damaged skin, or the problems persist too long, see your skin doctor.

For more information on natural treatments for acne and acne light therapy, go to http://www.Best-Skin-Solutions.com Helen Hecker R.N.'s website specializing in acne, pimples and skin disorders with tips, advice and resources for adults, teens, and babies, including information on acne scar treatments

Myocarditis - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. Myocarditis is collection of diseases of infectious, toxic, and autoimmune. Myocarditis may develop as a complication of an infectious disease, usually caused by a virus. It can occur in people of all ages and is diagnosed more often in men than in women. Myocarditis is likely caused by a wide variety of infectious organisms, autoimmune disorders, and exogenous agents, with genetic and environmental predisposition. Myocarditis is defined as inflammatory changes in the heart muscle and is characterized by myocyte necrosis. Many organisms can infect and injure the heart. Type B, a virus among those that usually infect the gastrointestinal tract, is believed to be the most common offending agent. Many other viruses, such as those of polio, rubella and influenza, have been associated with myocarditis. Myocarditis can occur as a rare complication of bacterial infections, including diphtheria, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and tetanus. Other infectious organisms, such as rickettsiae and parasites, may also cause inflammation in the heart muscle.

Myocarditis is often associated with pericarditis, and many patients present with signs and symptoms that suggest concurrent myocarditis and pericarditis. Myocarditis can be caused by a variety of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Some people have an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or trouble breathing. Usually, a mild case of myocarditis will go away without any lasting damage. Myocarditis can then cause heart failure (with symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue, fluid accumulation in the lungs, etc.) as well as heart rhythm irregularities from inflammation and/or scarring of the electrical system of the heart. Most cases of myocarditis are subclinical; therefore, the patient rarely seeks medical attention during acute illness. These subclinical cases may have transient ECG abnormalities. Certain chemicals. These may include substances such as arsenic and hydrocarbons. Medications that may cause an allergic or toxic reaction. These include antibiotics such as penicillin and sulfonamide drugs, as well as some illegal substances, such as cocaine.

Myocarditis may start as a flu-like illness that lingers longer than the usual several days. In series of routine autopsies, 1-9% of all patients had evidence of myocardial inflammation. In young adults, up to 20% of all cases of sudden death are due to myocarditis. In South America, Chagas' disease (caused by TrypanoSoma cruzi) is the main cause of myocarditis. As most viral infections cannot be treated with directed therapy, symptomatic treatment is the only form of therapy for those forms of myocarditis, e.g. NSAIDs for the inflammatory component and diuretics and/or inotropes for ventricular failure. ACE inhibitor therapy may aid in the healing process. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as enalapril (Vasotec), captopril (Capoten), lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil) and ramipril (Altace). Beta blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) and carvedilol (Coreg). Diuretics and Digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxin), which increases the strength of your heart muscle contractions and tends to slow the heartbeat.

Treatment for Myocarditis Tips

1. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as enalapril (Vasotec), captopril (Capoten), lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil) and ramipril (Altace).

2. Beta blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) and carvedilol (Coreg).

3. Digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxin), which increases the strength of your heart muscle contractions and tends to slow the heartbeat.

4. NSAIDs for the inflammatory component and diuretics and/or inotropes for ventricular failure.

5. ACE inhibitor therapy may aid in the healing process.

6. Diuretics such as Furosemide (Lasix) .

7. Use of a temporary artificial heart (assist device).

Juliet Cohen writes articles for online medical clinic and diseases treatment. She also writes articles on stress treatment.

Cor Pulmonale - Diseases

What is this condition?

A chronic heart condition, cor pulmonale is an enlargement of the right ventricle that results from various lung diseases, except those that primarily affect the left side of the heart, or congenital heart disease. Invariably, cor pulmonale follows some disorder of the lungs, pulmonary vessels, chest wall, or respiratory control center. For instance, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease produces pulmonary hypertension, which leads to right ventricular enlargement and failure. Because cor pulmonale generally occurs late during the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other irreversible diseases, the prognosis is generally poor.

What causes it?

Approximately 85% of people with cor pulmonale have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. And 25% of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease eventually develop cor pulmonale.

Other respiratory disorders that produce cor pulmonale include:

- obstructive lung diseases, such as bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis

- restrictive lung diseases, such as black lung and scleroderma

- loss of lung tissue after extensive lung surgery

- diseases of the lungs' blood vessels

- respiratory insufficiency without lung disease, as seen in muscular dystrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

- obesity hypoventilation syndrome (pickwickian syndrome) and upper airway obstruction

- living at high altitudes (chronic mountain sickness).

To compensate for the extra work needed to force blood through the lungs, the right ventricle dilates and enlarges. Eventually, this leads to right ventricular failure. Cor pulmonale accounts for about 25% of all types of heart failure.

Cor pulmonale is most common in areas of the world where the incidence of cigarette smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is high; it affects middle-aged to elderly men more often than women, but incidence in women is increasing. In children, cor pulmonale may be a complication of cystic fibrosis, upper airway obstruction, scleroderma, extensive bronchiectasis, or other disorders.

What are its symptoms?

At first, symptoms reflect the underlying disorder and occur mostly in the respiratory system. They include chronic cough, shortness of breath on exertion, wheezing respirations, fatigue, and weakness. As the disease progresses, symptoms include shortness of breath (even at rest) that worsens on exertion, rapid breathing, swelling, weakness, and discomfort in the right upper abdomen. A chest exam reveals findings characteristic of the underlying lung disease.

Drowsiness and alterations in consciousness may occur.

How is it diagnosed?

Pulmonary artery pressure measurements show increased right ventricular and pulmonary artery pressures as a result of increased pulmonary vascular resistance. Other useful diagnostic tests include echo cardiography (ultrasound of the heart) or angiography, a chest X-ray, arterial blood gas analysis, electrocardiography, pulmonary function tests, and hematocrit.

How is it treated?

Treatment of cor pulmonale is designed to reduce oxygen deficiency, increase the persons exercise tolerance, and, when possible, correct the underlying condition.In addition to bed rest, treatment may include administration of:

- digitalis glycosides (such as Lanoxin)

- antibiotics when respiratory infection is present

- potent pulmonary artery vasodilators (such as Hyperstat, Nipride, Aresoline, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, or prostaglandins) in primary pulmonary hypertension

- oxygen by mask or, in acute cases, by a mechanical ventilator

- low-salt diet, restricted fluid intake, and diuretics, such as Lasix, to reduce swelling

- phlebotomy to reduce the red blood cell count

- anticoagulation with small doses of Calciparine to reduce the risk of thromboembolism.

Author has an experience of more than 4 years writing about diseases symptoms. He also holds experience writing about diseases prevention tips and conditions.

Tinnitis Relief

Tinnitis or ringing in the ears can often be aggravated or produced by Ototoxins. An Ototoxin is defined as any substance that can impair hearing. An ototoxin can enter the body a number of different ways. They can be ingested as a medication or food, absorbed through the skin, or inhaled into the body. Caffeine, alcohol, noise, and nicotine are good examples of ototoxic agents, but there are many others. A numbers of different medications have been determined to be ototoxic. Once they enter the blood stream they are absorbed by the auditory nerve and can increase or produce the aggravating symptoms of tinnitis. Below are listed a few categories of medications that exhibit good evidence as being ototoxic.

Antibiotics have been linked to episodes of tinnitis and many are considered to be ototoxic. Neomycin, streptomycin, gentamicin, tobrmycin, ands others have been classified as potential ototoxins. Much of the problems of antibiotic related tinnitis have been resolved or decreased with the new generation of antibiotics. But if your having problems with tinnitis and you're on antibiotics it's a good idea to make your physician aware of the problem.

Loop Diuretics are another possible source of tinnitis related disturbances. These drugs include such medications such as Lasix, bumex, and edecrin. Unfortunately, there is no cure for subjective tinnitis and sometimes diuretics are prescribed for health conditions that are far more serious. It seems prudent to avoid any unnecessary medication but if you are required to take diuretics and you feel the medication is causing tinnitis it's best to talk with your doctor.

Quinine derivatives such as atabrine, plaquinil, and quinine sulfate appear to have a powerful ototoxic affect on some people. Quinine derivatives taken for malaria can produce serious and long lasting symptoms of tinnitis, and some people are affected with an increased ringing in the ears if they drink a glass of quinine water. Quinine appears to have a powerful effect on the outer hair cells of the cochlea in the middle ear and should be avoided by those suffering with any form of subjective tinnitis.

Aspirin (salycilates) and NSAIDS (non steroid anti-inflammatory agents) including Motrin, advil, naprosyn, and a host of other pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications have been associated with severe tinnitis and hearing reduction. Many over the counter medication contain these substances so when in doubt it's wise to read the label. Severe tinnits and hearing problems are most evident in those that take large doses of these medications for long periods of time such as individuals who must rely on them for treatment of conditions like chronic arthritis. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not generally thought to be ototoxic although in combination with hydrocodone (codeine) there have been cases of hearing loss and tinnitis.

There are a wide variety of medications, spices, foods, chemicals, and external stressors that can aggravate tinnitis and create hearing loss. If you suffer with the torment of tinntis an awareness of these medications and substances will help you learn to avoid them. Remember there is no cure for tinnitis but there is hope and the often-excruciating symptoms of tinnits can be managed. Tinnitis Free Living.

John Steele is a retired psychiatric nurse and a published author who has suffered with tinnitis for decades. His website at http://www.tinnitis.info reveals the latest treatment and research about the disorder.

He also writes speculative fiction and poetry in the fantasy and horror genres and you can read some of his work at http://www.writersrealm.info

A Few Words About Heart Failure

An article appearing in The Lancet (1998;352(Suppl. 1):39-41) notes that the incidence of heart failure has dramatically increased in the last three to four decades. The prevalence of heart failure has increased by 70% between 1990 and 2000. The article suggests that the increase in heart failure may be the result of more patients surviving heart attacks and living to an older age. It may also be said that some of the interventions used to prevent heart attacks might help lead to heart failure.

There are nutritional approaches to heart failure and it may be advisable to utilize them considering the increase in this problem. Thiamin (vitamin B1) is depleted in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) who use the diuretic Furosemide (Lasix). Thiamin injections improved the left ventricular ejection fraction in 4 of 5 of these patients. Other CHF patients who were not taking diuretics were not thiamin depleted.

Supplementation with L-arginine was found to increase exercise endurance in patients with CHF, according to research found in the International Journal of Sports Medicine (2006; 27(7):567-72). Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to be of value in CHF patients according to research in the journal Biofactors (2006; 25(1-4): 137-45) and the European Heart Journal (August 1, 2000). Other research shows that supplementation with magnesium, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can also be of benefit. Also, a meta-analysis appearing in the Journal of Cardiac Failure (2006; 12(6): 464-72) showed that CoQ10 supplementation helped both ejection fraction and cardiac output. CoQ-Zyme 30TM is an emulsified form of CoQ10 produced by Biotics Research. According to the manufacturer, the emulsified form of Coenzyme Q10 will raise blood levels an average of three times that of any of the dry forms available.

Exercise was once thought to be harmful to CHF patients. An article appearing in The American Heart Journal (July 2000;140(1):21-28) states that a number of recent studies show that exercise programs specifically designed for the individual are tolerated by patients and are even helpful. Carefully designed exercise programs are beneficial to heart failure patients, according to medical literature. Exercise of low to moderate intensity is preferred. Peripheral blood flow increases after exercise training.

Other substances that have shown to be beneficial to CHF patients include magnesium, thiamin, L-carnitine and Hawthorne. Another thing to consider in CHF patients is insulin resistance. Research appearing in the August, 1997 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, suggested a link between insulin resistance and CHF. There may also be a link between subclincal hypothyroidism and heart failure, according to research appearing in the July 1, 2005 issue of Family Practice News.

As always, when using nutritional therapy, do not try to use nutrients the same way that some doctors use drugs. It is important to educate patients about diet and exercise (even if you sound like a broken record). You are not treating heart failure; you are treating a patient that happens to have heart failure. You are improving the body's infrastructure and helping their general health. If the heart failure happens to improve while you are doing that-it is a nice side-effect, isn't it?

Dr. Paul Varnas, DC, DACBN is a practicing Chiropractor and Natural Health provider in the Chicago, Illioois area. Dr. Varnas is also a published author, entreprenuer and public speaker promoting the benefits of natural healthcare and whole body welness throughout the country. His Whole Health America organization provides a variety of information and value added services to natural care practitioners everywhere.

For more information on Dr. Paul Varnas, please call 630-993-0007, or visit http://www.wholehealthamerica.com

Why LASIK Eye Surgery And Why Me?

I can still remember that fateful day. I lay in bed, ready to get into my favorite book and it appeared that someone put a dimmer bulb in the bed lamp. Nope! Turns out that the head lamps were going dim a lot longer than I was aware of. It is fact of life that affects many of us and for me; it was around my 40th birthday. It wasn't enough that I was going over the hill, its out I was having a hard time even seeing the hill.

So why Lasik and why is it so popular? LASIK has advantages over other procedures, including a relative lack of pain afterward and the fact that good vision is usually achieved by the very next day.

LASIK is the most commonly performed refractive surgery procedure. You may hear people calling it "Lasix," but the name is actually short for "laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis."

An instrument called a microkeratome is used in LASIK eye surgery to create a thin, circular flap in the cornea. Another, newer way of making the flap is with a laser. Read more about the recently developed IntraLase laser that is used for this purpose.

The way the procedure works is that the surgeon folds the flap back out of the way, and then removes some corneal tissue underneath using an excimer laser. The excimer laser uses a cool ultraviolet light beam to precisely remove ("ablate") very tiny bits of tissue from the cornea to reshape it. When the cornea is reshaped in the right way, it works better to focus light into the eye and onto the retina, providing clearer vision than before. The flap is then laid back in place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed.

Both nearsighted and farsighted people can benefit from the LASIK procedure. With nearsighted people, the goal is to flatten the too-steep cornea; with farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired. While this is not widely recognized by consumers, excimer lasers also can correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.

California Lasik eye surgery, which can cost thousands of dollars and will not be covered by most insurance companies, grew in popularity during the 1990s but slowed amid the 2001 recession. The numbers are slowly rising again, but some patients are squeamish about having blades inserted into their eyes, experts say.

The bottom line is LASIK surgery is becoming more common place. The number of surgeries performed each year is in the thousands and has become an extremely safe procedure. The best bet is to contact your personal physician, have him connect you with an eye speCialist that will examine you and give the best possible advice to see if LASIK is right for you.

Kenneth L Myers
http://bestlasicsurgery.com/ar/lasik-surgery-california.php

Copyright 2007

Diuretics For High Blood Pressure Treatment - What You Should Know

While there are several diuretics for high blood pressure treatment, you'll want to know the benefits as well as the side effects. As a high blood pressure medication, diuretics are used to treat hypertension, and continue to be the first option that most doctors use. Diuretics work in dramatically reducing the water and sodium in your body. There is a wide array of diuretics available for prescription use. And in most cases they are not expensive. Depending on your situation you'll take them either once or twice a day.

What are the benefits?

Diuretics have several benefits including:

1. They greatly take away the possibility of strokes. As an anti-hypertensive agent, diuretics are the number one medicines in reducing this risk.

2. Heart attack risks are also reduced with these medicines.

3. Diuretics will also keep you from having blood clots.

4. Another benefit is that they have shown to help in preventing bone fractures with the elderly.

What diuretics for high blood pressure treatment are available?

Thiazides - This type of diuretic is by far the most commonly prescribed for hypertension and high blood pressure. Some of the names include Divril, Hygroton, Lozol, Esidrix and Hydro Divril.

Loop Diuretics - This hypertension medicine works faster in your body than thiazides and reduce sodium in the kidneys. The key with this diuretic is to stay hydrated and watch your potassium levels. Bumex, Lasix, and Edecrin are all loop diuretics.

Potassium sparing agents - Midamor, Aldactone and Dyrenium are all potassium sparing agents to help in fighting hypertension.

Possible side effects and problems

Some of the most common side effects of all forms of diuretics include irritability, tiredness, loss of sex drive, feeling of depression, and the possibility of increasing your cholesterol level.

One of the biggest problems to be aware of with diuretics is losing too much potassium which can lead to arrhythmias. Your doctor will keep an eye on this and if a problem does occur, they will lower your dosage or put you on a potassium supplement.

As a diuretic for high blood pressure treatment these medications work very well and provide good benefits to the user.

All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.

By the way, you can learn more about Diuretics For High Blood Pressure Treatment as well as much more information about blood pressure at http://www.HighBloodPressureA-z.com

Common High Blood Pressure Medications - Know These 8 Types

There are eight common medications used to treat high blood pressure. While many people dealing with hypertension will possibly be prescribed a combination of a variety of these medications, the amount of medication needed depends greatly on the type and the level of severity of the illness.

While antihypertensive medicines are used to lower blood pressure to normal levels, medications should always be used in combination with a healthy lifestyle change. The main objectives of high blood pressure medications are to not only lower blood pressure but to minimize the side effects caused by some of the medicines.

Diuretics


Water pills are used to remove excess salt from the body. The increase in salt in a person's body causes the blood vessels to retain more fluid than needed. The release of excess fluid in blood vessels, takes a strain off the vessels and arteries.

Examples: Thalitone, Lasix, Esidrix, Lozol, Dyazide, and Maxzide.

Beta-Blockers


Beta-Blockers are used to reduce the amount of blood pressure flowing through the body, by slowing the heart rate down, it allows for an optimal flow of blood throughout the vessels.

Examples: Sectral, Tenormin, Coreg, Lopressor, Toprol, Corgard, Inderal and Blocadren.

ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors)


The hormone Angiotensin II can cause the blood vessels to narrow; ACE inhibitors stop that hormone from production.

Examples: Lotensin, Vasotec, Prinivil, Zestril, Accupril, Altace, and Mavik.

ARBs (Angiotensin II receptor blockers)


This medication defends blood vessels from narrowing affects from angiotensin II.

Examples: Atacand, Avapro, Cozaar, Benicar, Micardis, and Diovan.

CCBs (Calcium channel blockers)


Calcium entering from the body's cells can cause blood vessels to constrict, CCB's stop that from happening.

Examples: Norvasc, Cardizem, Cartia, Dilacor, Tiazac, Plendil, Cardene, Adalat, Procardia, Calan, Covera, Isoptin, and Verelan.

Alpha-Blockers


Alpha-Blockers are used to reduce nerve pressure to allow blood to pass in vessels more freely.

Examples: Cardura, Minipress, and Hytrin.

Centrally acting drugs


Centrally acting drugs work with a person's brain chemistry to control nerve impulses that narrow the blood vessels.

Examples: Catapres and Methyldopa.

Direct vasodilators


Direct vasodilators perform by widening the blood vessels to allow more blood to circulate.

Examples: Apresoline and Loniten.

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading and avid researcher of various high blood pressure treatment. He runs an informational website that provides free tips to lower your hypertension and unbiased reviews on medications such as Cardura. To grab your FREE report on how to prevent and treat high blood pressure, make sure you visit Alvin's site at http://www.minusbloodpressure.com

Some Medications can Literally Burn you - Sun Beware!

If you are one of many people who must take a prescribed medication for a medical condition, then you will want to be aware of this important information. Its true, some medications can cause you to get sun burned, its called Photosensitivity.

Most Americans are on some type of medication and when you go to the Doctor or Pharmacist and get your meds, they rarely will tell you of this serious side effect of your medication. Some of the more common medications that cause Photosensitivity are:

Antidepressants such as: Elavil, Norpramin, Petroiliam, Doxepin, Imipramine, Nortriptylin, Protriptyline and Trimipramine, just to mention a few.

If you use a Antihistamine such as Periactin, Benadryl or Claritin then these too will cause Photosensitivity.

A common anti-inflamatory drug to watch for is called Naprosen.

If you use one of the following antimicrobials then these too can be dangerous to you if your in the sun ; Declomycin, Doxycycline, Griseofulvin, Methacycline, NegGram, Terramycin, Sulfacyntine. In addition to these , there is Neotrizine, Sulfamethizoic, Sulfamethoxaole, Sulfamethoxazolc-trimethoprim (Bactrim and septra), Sulfasalazinc , Sulfisolazole and tetracyclines.

If you are directed to use an AntiPsychotic Drug such as ; Thorazinc, Permitil, Prolixin, Haldol, Trilafon, Quide, Thioridazine Hydrochloride, Mellaril Hydrochloride, Trifluperazine, Triflupromazine or Trimeprazine.

For those folks that have to take a Diuretic, the following drugs may be dangerous to you if your out in the sun;

Naturetin, Exna, Diuril, Anhydron, Lasix, Diucardin, HydroDiuril, Aquatensen, Enduron, Diulo, Zaroxolyn, Renese, Hydromox, Metahydrin, and Diuril.

You may also want to be careful with some of the Herbal meds such as St John's wort.

And for those women who utilize Birth Control medications, be aware that most of the Hormonal and Birth Control drugs can also cause a problem if your out in the sun.

And on a final note, for those Diabetics, the following Hypoglycemics may be of some concern to you if your out in the sun; Dymelor, Diabinese, Insulase, tolinase and Orinase.

While this is not a comprehensive list of medications, it should give you some idea of those meds that can cause a problem if your out in the sun. Always check with your Medical Provider and or your Pharmacist. They can help you prevent further medical problems when your taking medications.

Denny Knutson, LPN,EMT, Maa
Emergency Room Nurse

Essential Nutrients for Congestive Heart Failure

Essential Nutrients for Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is a failure of the heart to pump blood effectively. This is due to the heart muscle not working as it should to push blood through the arterial system. There are many reasons why this develops, but it commonly occurs in people who have had high blood pressure, a history of heart attacks or coronary artery disease, damage from a viral infection, or accumulation of substances that hinder heart muscle function. Conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol often occur with congestive heart failure. Treatment usually includes drugs often used for high blood pressure treatment such as diuretics which include Lasix, ACE inhibitors (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors) such as Altace, Zestril, or Vasotec, beta blockers such as Coreg or Toprol XL, Lanoxin, and various nitroglycerin products. Statin drugs (Lipitor, Zocor, Vytorin, Crestor, Pravachol, Lescol and others) are often used because of associated high cholesterol levels or a previous heart attack. Unfortunately, as with every known drug that is effective, there are desired effects that make the drugs effective, and there are undesired effects that cause side effects. Side effects may be related to intrinsic activity of the drug, or may be secondary to nutrient deficiencies that the drug causes.

It is well documented in the medical literature that diuretics such as Lasix deplete magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, vitamin C and B vitamins from the body. Lack of these nutrients at the cellular level can weaken muscle function and deplete cellular energy production, and may make the heart more prone to fatal arrhythmias, which is a common cause of death with congestive heart failure. It is somewhat ironic that drugs that help congestive heart failure systemically may also undermine the muscle function of the heart at the cellular level, and increase the risk of a common cause of death with the disease. ACE inhibitors may deplete the cells of CoQ10, a critical enzyme in the mitochondria which is essential in producing cellular energy. Beta blockers and statin drugs may deplete CoQ10 as well. The combination of all these drugs and the associated nutrient depletions, has led some medical researchers to worry that the rise in incidence of congestive heart failure may be in part be a result of long term use of these medications long before the heart failure has been recognized. As mentioned, these drugs are commonly used for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even in diabetes. The question has not been satisfactorily resolved, and yet failure to treat congestive heart failure with the standard of care surely results in greatly increased mortality.

So what should someone do if they have congestive heart failure and are prescribed some or all of these drugs for their condition? First, one should not stop the prescription medications, but it would seem prudent to replace the nutrient deficiencies that may be produced by use of these drugs, and thereby replenish them at the cellular level. To do this requires larger than average doses of these nutrients, and forms of the nutrients that are more available to the cell. Not all forms of each nutrient are the same, and some forms are much more easily taken up by the cell than others. NutraMD has thoroughly researched these issues and markets a single product that replaces the nutrient deficiencies caused by the drug treatments for congestive heart failure. High Blood Pressure Essential Nutrients(C) or Cardiovascular Essential Nutrients(C) both replenish the nutrient deficiencies mentioned above. To learn more about these products, or to purchase them, go to www.essential-nutrients.net.

To learn more about the side effects you may experience due to low levels nutrients please visit:

http://www.essential-nutrients.net/vitamins_minerals.htm

To learn more about other cholesterol medications and the nutrient depleting side effects please visit: http://www.essential-nutrients.net/high-cholesterol.htm

To learn more about any of the over the counter or prescription medications and how they can deplete your body of vitamins and minerals please visit: http://www.essential-nutrients.net/

About the Author:

Dr. Donald Ford, MD is a Diplomate of the American Board Internal Medicine.

He has practiced general internal medicine for the past 22 years and is a Clinical Assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He is also a partner in an online store, www.essential-nutrients.net which features high-quality, safe nutritional supplements that address the nutritional deficiencies that occur as a result or consequence of certain medications, be it an over the counter or a prescription product.

Website: www.essential-nutrients.net

Email: info@essential-nutrients.net

http://www.essential-nutrients.net/

To learn more about supplements available to help prevent the vitamin, mineral and essential nutrient depletion caused by many of the prescription or over the counter drugs you take: http://www.essential-nutrients.net/store/PPF/Category_ID/11/products.asp

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Natural Treatment

The unpleasant truth is that there is no cure for Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. The Treatments administered help relieve the symptoms and retard progress of the disease. The objective of Treatments is keeping the complications involved with the condition at bay.

The administration of oxygen helps relieve difficulty in breathing in some cases. Furthermore, this relaxes the muscles in the arteries of the lungs. This lowers the pressures built up in the pulmonary arteries.

The use of diuretics helps get rid of excess fluid accumulated. Lasix is an example. However, it must be remembered that these drugs must be used with caution, so that the patient does not get too dehydrated. If the patient gets too dehydrated then the poorly functioning right ventricle will be unable to pump even a little blood to the lungs, leading to the patient having serious problems with oxygenation.

The use of calcium channel blockers like nifedipine may relax the muscles in the blood vessel walls. This can prove helpful in the functioning of the right side of the heart. However, they may decrease the blood pressure induced in the entire cardiovascular system, which is not quite easily tolerated.

Other treatments include:

Using prostacycline, an investigational drug, is effective in dilating blood vessels of the lungs and decreasing resistance to blood flow.

Inhaling nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels in the lungs but has no effect on the blood vessels of the rest of the body. Sildrafil is another investigational drug used alongside nitric oxide inhalation treatment.

Usage of Bosentan, a new investigational drug, especially in cases related to congenital heart disease.

Alongside treatments there must be regular checkups by a doctor, with careful attention towards monitoring changes in overall health and scrutinizing and monitoring reports thereof.

The patient ought to refrain from sports and heavy work and activity, and should get adequate rest. It must be ensured that the therapy undergone by the patient is on a regular, routine basis.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension provides detailed information about primary pulmonary hypertension, cause of primary pulmonary hypertension, primary pulmonary hypertension attorney, primary pulmonary hypertension complication and more. Primary Pulmonary Hypertension is the sister site of Living With COPD.

My Heart Transplant Experience After Congestive Heart Failure

For almost 6 years, I worked as a retail store manager. In April of 1997, I was put on medical disability due to my declining heart condition.

My problems all started when I was an 18 year old freshman in college. One day, I started noticing that I was becoming extremely fatigued when I was walking to my classes. Also, the 3 flights of stairs to my dorm room were causing me to nearly pass out by the time that I climbed to the top. My roommate took me to the campus infirmary twice. However, because I had also developed a non-productive cough, both times I was given cough syrup and sent on my way.

After fainting in one of my classes, I was sent to my hometown for tests. However, no cause for my symptoms was found.

Finally, after once again complaining on the phone to my mother about how awful that I felt, my mother contacted my brother, David, who was also a student at the same college where I was attending. He took me to a doctor in a nearby town. That doctor performed an EKG on me. He then proceeded to tell me that I needed to be in the hospital "now". However, the doctor did not tell me the specifics of my problem. He just said that my EKG was abnormal.

My brother drove me to the hospital 4 hours away in our hometown. Immediately, doctors, nurses, and other hospital personnel were surrounding me. I found out that I was experiencing Congestive Heart Failure. If only 24 more hours had elapsed, I would have been dead. A truly sobering thought.

After losing 10 pounds of fluid overnight, from all of the Lasix, a strong diuretic, that was pumped into my body, my muscles drew up into unfathomable cramping pain. This was the result of all of the potassium that had been eliminated from my body because of the Lasix that I had been given. Eventually, 3 days had passed and I was sent home.

I was told that I would be fine. I was told that there probably would not be any permanent damage to my heart muscle.

Two years later, I experienced a very rapid heart rate called tachycardia. I was put on Lanoxin (digoxin). This drug, I was told, was to increase my heart muscle function and to keep my heart beating at a normal rate.

For the next 3 1/2 years, I lived a normal life. After 4 months of marriage to Jimmy, I found out that I was pregnant. Because I had been on Lanoxin for 3 1/2 years, my OB/GYN sent me to see a cardiologist as a precautionary measure. My cardiologist performed several tests on me. Next, he asked to speak to Jimmy and me in his office. We were truly unprepared for the news that he had to tell us. The doctor told me that if I remained pregnant, most likely I would die and my unborn baby would die. I had Cardiomyopathy, a degenerative disease of the heart muscle. Jimmy and I were completely devastated. My doctor even looked as though he were about to cry. I did not want to go on. At that moment, I just wanted to die.

I was sent to a cardiologist at UAB (University of Alabama in Birmingham) for a second opinion. Unfortunately, the second opinion confirmed the first. There was almost no chance that I or my unborn baby would survive the pregnancy. The sorrow of the decision to end my pregnancy because of my deteriorating health is inexplicable. The next few days and weeks were a living nightmare.

While I was pregnant, my ejection fraction, the force at which the heart pumps blood throughout the body, was 23%. A normal person's is typically greater than 60%.

Four months later, I wound up back in the hospital. Once again, I was suffering from congestive heart failure. Obviously, my heart was permanently damaged. After 3 days, I was sent home. Now, I was on a daily regimen of Lasix to prevent me from having fluid to continue to back up in my lungs.

For the next 5 years, I continued to work full time. My hours on the job were usually long. My job was very stressful. I made many more trips to my doctor at UAB. I underwent many more tests. I was put on several more drugs. I landed in the hospital several more times.

Finally, my heart couldn't take it anymore. I was put on medical disability from my job in April of 1997. A month later I was evaluated for a heart transplant. On one test, I did better than expected. I was not put on "the list" at that time. My life at that point was in limbo. I was happy that I wasn't going to have to consider risky surgery. However, I still felt physically lousy most of the time. Also, I was not able to work. It was a very frustrating feeling.

A few months later I was put on Coreg. This drug helped my heart rate drop from approximately 115bpm, beats per minute, to 75bpm. After I got used to it, I did feel somewhat better.

In August of 1998, I was once again evaluated for a heart transplant. After 4 days of tests, my doctor listed me for a heart transplant.

On October 30, 1998, I was called as a back-up for a heart at UAB. I was excited, nervous, and scared. Several preliminary tests were performed on me. After several hours, however, I was told that I could go home. I wasn't a match.

I won't tell you that I wasn't disappointed. I, also, won't tell you that I wasn't a little bit relieved. After all, I wouldn't be human if I didn't have some conflicting emotions.

I am writing this diary on, May 20, 1999. I don't think that I can explain to you what it's like to be me. Some days I feel OK. I look perfectly normal. However, most days I feel exhausted from the time that I wake up in the morning until the time that I go to sleep at night. Also, I have to deal with insomnia, nausea, dizziness, and other symptoms from time to time. Even, typically, "easy tasks" are difficult for me now.

Thank you to Jimmy, Mom, my family, and my friends for your much needed caring, love, and support. Thank you God for sustaining my life up until this point and for giving me hope when I feel like I just can't go on.

Kidney Stone ( II )

This article, is humourous to read now, but it was not so, when I was in pain. After the surgeon declared that I had a kidney stone and I was to undergo a surgery, I had not alternate opinions to offer. I went to his nursing home next day early morning. The doctor was not present at that time and I was escorted into a room by his attendants. I was lying in the bed, naked below my hip, and the attendants were talking about the expertise the surgeon had, who was capable to operate a patient even in the open area, under a tree shade. I did not want to be one amongst them. After a brief interval, one senior attender came along with a junior doctor. My legs were spread and he forcibly pushed an instrument through my urethra and the shock and pain I had is not describable. Thereafter, the doctor came and after an injection, I was on anethesia and when I regained consciousness, I was in the ward. I was informed that the 'surgery' was complete. I was informed that it was an endoscopic surgery, and the ureter ends were clipped to allow the stone to pass off into the bladder!

I returned back to my nursing home and waited for one more day. No stone had passed out and I was duly discharged the second day, with the advise to check my urine for the stone. The fourth day, when I was passing urine, in my house, I suddenly felt a sudden block in my urethra and with some pressure, the stone came out like a bullet out of a rifle.

I took the stone to the doctor and gave it to him. He said that he would examine the stone to find out the constituents and reasons. Till this day, I have not received any opinions from him, since he is busy with other patients.

My problems did not end there. The very next year, I again had the same problem and by this time, I was an experienced man ; nevertheless I had gone to the same doctor, in the middle of the night , since there was no alternate to subside my pain. Without a second glance, the doctor admitted me in the nursing home and administered the pain killer and the drips and Lasix again. Lasix is a medicine which increases the outflow of urine. Next day morning, I was taken to the x-ray room in the clinic itself ( Obviously, the doctor had become prosperous ! ) and after allowing me to drink a glass of white colour liquid, a few x-rays were taken. As usual, confusion persisted whether there was a stone! Meantime, my wife had inquired from the reception on the medical expenditure from the time of joining and was taken aback. Meantime, I felt some uneasiness in my back and my room mate, who ws another patient ,remarked that I had some swelling in the back!

I was really alarmed now. What to do now? At this point of time, one of my friends who visited me in the nursing home suggested that I should have gone to a urologist, instead of a doctor who was an MD. He referred me to an expert urologist, who happened to be the surgeon in Government General Hospital. I had my misgivings about the standards of Government hospital but my friend consoled me saying that the doctor had enough

'experience' in treating similar cases. Now was the time to get discharged from this nursing home!

After a discussion with the doctor, he discharged me after I signed a statement that I was getting discharged against medical advice. I straightaway proceeded to the Government General Hospital, for a consultation and admission to cure my medical problem of kidney stone !

What happened in the Government Hospital ? The balance word count in this article is not enough to narrate my never-ending agony of experience in the hands of doctors. This article seems to continue like a TV serial, without end! But, I assure you, that it is worth reading!

Visit http://www.healthy-business.blogspot.com for tips on weight management, diabetes control.Author is an independent distributor for Herbalife products which ensures good health and takes care of weight management requirements. Here is a splendid work at home opportunity with excellent remuneration and a pride of restoring good health to customers. Contact author on his e-mail vemburamani@gmail.com for guidance.

Blood Pressure Medication - Some Work, Most Dont!

Hypertension is known to affect millions of people around the world. Fortunately though advances in medical science have meant that there are numerous prescription drugs too that are available to treat hypertension or high blood pressure. Edecrin, Lasix, Tektuma and Hyperexol are some of the drugs used for treating high blood pressure. These drugs are again categorized as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, Alpha-blockers, calcium channel blockers and angiotensis II receptor antagonists, based on various criteria. Among all the drugs that are available for treating hypertension, Hyperexol is perhaps the most popular. The reason for its popularity lies in the fact that there are virtually zero negative side effects associated with the drug.

Hyperexol has changed the lives of millions of people around the world. Although other conventional medicines help in controlling high blood pressure, they do so only by delaying the disastrous affects of high blood pressure. Most of the prescription drugs such as Edecrin, Tektuma and Lasix, contain chemical ingredients that may cause potentially dangerous negative side effects. This is where Hyperexol scores over other prescription drugs. This drug does not cause any negative side effect. Since it is totally made up of natural ingredients, there is virtually no question of any negative side effect. The formulation of the drug consists of essential nutrients that help in lowering high blood pressure.

The reason for the rising popularity of Hyperexol can be directly attributed to its all-natural formula. The drug does not contain any fillers, steroids or chemical compounds, unlike the case of several other prescription drugs used for treating high blood pressure. It is the reason which makes this drug totally safe and this fact can be seen from the fact that you do not need a prescription to buy this product in many countries. Although this is the case, you should always talk to your physician before you take Hyperexol.

Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Calcium, Garlic, Vitamin C, Potassium and Selenium are among the ingredients that are used in Hyperexol. All the ingredients are scientifically and synergistically combined in such a way so as to support the natural blood pressure levels in the body. The ingredients also help in other ways by providing protection against risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Hyperexol works by reducing blood 'stickiness', which in turn helps in proper flow of blood through the veins and arteries. The drug helps in soothing nerves and helps people remain calm even in stressful situations. All these benefits have made it the most preferred solution to hypertension.

For more information on Hyperexol go to Hyperexol or Hyperexol Review