The Different Types of Atrial Septal Defect

Artial septal defect is one of the most known congenital heart diseases. This defect occurs in the wall of the septum between the top areas of the hearts chamber that have holes. ASD is present from birth; children who have this disease will not have symptoms and complications until they enter adolescence period.

Artial septal defect may be discovered during check up and physical examination. The main method to detect and confirm ASD is Echocardiography or chest X-ray. This could be treated by an open heart surgery or non-surgical patch which uses a catheter.

The most common type of ASD is the Ostium Secundum Artial Septal Defect. This occurs between the right and left atrium in the center of the septum also called a patent foramen ovale and is extremely small. This comprises 6 to 10 percent of all congenital heart diseases. This defect usually arises from enlarged foramen ovale and excessive absorption of septum primum.

Most people with secundum ASD don't have significant symptoms in early adulthood. The usual symptoms of this defect are palpitations, syncope and easiness to get tired. A Secundum ASD complication includes artial fibrillation, stroke, flutter, Eisenmenger's syndrome and hypertension that is unusual before the age of 20s.

The Patent foramen ovale has a little hemodynamic result; it is a trace of the fetal foramen ovale. It is connected to paradoxical embolism, migraine and decompression sickness. There may not be any shunting of blood noted on echocardiography unless the patient coughs.

Ostium Primum Artial Septal Defect is also known as one of the most common types of ASD but is usually called as atrioventricular septal defect that can be found at the lower portion of artial septum. This often has a mitral valve defect which means stretched out hole at the leaflets that forms the mitral valve.

Sinus Venosus Artial Septal Defect is also type of ASD that is located in upper portion of the artial septum. This often has a pulmonary abnormality vein. It is connected to four pulmonary veins, two from the left lung and two from the right lung. With a sinus verosus, ASD might have an abnormality of the right lung pulmonary vein which is also called an anomalous pulmonary vein.

The common and single atrium is a malfunction of development in the embryologic mechanism which contributes to the artial septal compound. The types of Artial Septal Defect can be detected with the use of ultrasonography of the heart in the early age of childhood. Adults who have ASD defect can be detected with the use of chest X-ray and with the symptoms like stroke and heart failure. If you are experiencing any difficulty in breathing and palpitation is rather fast, go to your doctor and check if these symptoms are part of ASD.

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

With as many as 59 million Americans living with a thyroid problem, it is a good idea that you know what thyroid symptoms look like. Most people with the condition do not even know that they have it yet. The thyroid is a gland which is butterfly-shaped located in your neck, and it is the master gland of your metabolism. When your thyroid isn't functioning properly, it will affect all aspects of your health, and in particular will cause depression, weight gain and a decrease in energy levels.

It is very important that you get hypothyroidism disease properly diagnosed since problems with your thyroid that go undiagnosed can drastically raise your risks for heart disease, obesity, anxiety, depression hair loss, infertility, sexual dysfunction and all sorts of other problems.

Thyroid Problems and Symptoms

Remember that you don't need to have all of these symptoms of hypothyroidism to have a problem with your thyroid, but some of the most common symptoms can be found below.

Neck Enlargement and Discomfort - A hoarse voice, swelling in your neck, neckties and turtlenecks becoming uncomfortable to wear and a thyroid that is visibly enlarged can be signs of a goiter, which is a thyroid that is enlarged.

Carpal Tunnel/Tendonitis or Muscle and Joint Pains - Common thyroid problems symptoms include pains and aches in your joints and muscles, plus weakness in your arms. There will also be a tendency to develop tarsal tunnel in your legs, carpal tunnel in your hands/arms plus plantar fasciitis in your feet.

Bowel Problems - Constipation that is severe or lasts a long time is often associated with hypothyroidism, while IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome is associated with hyperthyroidism.

Changes to Skin and Hair - Your skin and hair are quite vulnerable to conditions of the thyroid such as hair loss. Often with this disease, your hair will become coarse, dry and brittle, breaking off or coming out easily. Your skin can also become thick, dry, scaly and coarse.

Fertility Problems and Menstrual Irregularities - More frequent, heavier and more painful periods are seen with hypothyroidism. You can also find infertility problems with an undiagnosed problematic thyroid.

Issues with Cholesterol - Another signal you are suffering from this disease is high cholesterol that is not responsive to any exercise, diet or medication for lowering cholesterol.

Family History - If your family has a history of hypothyroidism, you are at a much greater risk of having a thyroid condition as well. You might not be aware all of the time of any thyroid problems in your family, however, because in older people it is commonly referred to as a goiter or gland trouble. For this reason you need to pay attention to any talk of glandular conditions, weight gain due to a glandular problem or goiter, since these can be ways of referring to conditions of the thyroid.

Changes in Weight - If you are on a rigorous exercise program along with a low-calorie and low-fat diet but you are not lose or gain weight at all, this could be a sign of a problem with your thyroid. You could also be losing weight while still eating the same amount of food, or you could be losing weight while you are eating more than usual. Changes in your weight that are unexplained can be clear indicators of this disease.

Anxiety and Depression - Anxiety and depression are also common thyroid problems symptoms. The disease is commonly associated with depression, and a depression that isn't responding to the normal antidepressants can be a sign of a thyroid disorder that is undiagnosed.

Fatigue - If you are experiencing exhaustion when you wake up, even after eight to ten hours of sleep, plus not being able to function all day long without taking a nap can also be indicators of a thyroid problem.

If you believe that you have any of the above thyroid problems symptoms, you should consult your doctor so that you can be properly tested and diagnosed. With the right diagnosis, you can treat this disease successfully and relieve your symptoms.

Most Common Diseases in the World

Disease is an abnormal functionality of an organism's body and mind. Most commonly when we use word disease we refer to diseases associated to body but there are psychic portion of this also. The sickness carry with them various symptoms and criterions. Sometimes the symptoms are itself diseases. There are innumerable illness present in the world but most common are influenza, cancer, hepatitis, heart diseases, typhoid, HIV AIDS, Malaria, chicken pox, measles, pneumonia, genetic, allergies disorders high blood pressure, diabetes and stomach disorders.

Some diseases are transferable and some restrict themselves to a specific person. Most of the them are transferred from one human being to another via blood, air, body fluids and use of infected materials. Such diseases include hepatitis, HIV Aids, skin related problems and some virus such as Swine flue. Such infections can be caused from various sources like from biting of insects like mosquitoes cause malaria and dengue virus. Skin diseases like chicken pox can be transferred from one individual to another via touching and eating together with the infected person. High blood pressure is considered to be a disease of old age. However this disease can also affect the body due to unhealthy eating habits and depression. Another disease which is associated to unhealthy eating habits is diarrhea and related stomach disorders. Allergies of various forms are also common and almost every individual even the animals suffers some kind of allergy. Allergies are curable if diagnosed properly.

Though we can associate diseases with various sources and reasons but the fact is that nobody knows when any specific disease can harm or attack a person. Some diseases like cancer and heart diseases can attack a person without showing any significant symptoms. However the incurable disease like HIV Aids is caused if human beings ignore the necessary precaution before indulging in sex or taking drugs. Some diseases can be cured forever and some are chronic which are hard to diagnose. Such diseases include cancers of various types, heart diseases, diabetes and Aids. Aids can be controlled by taking necessary precautions whereas others can be countered by timely diagnosis. To refrain from any disease it is indispensable to visit a doctor for regular and thorough check up of body. Precautions are necessary for avoiding most common diseases which become life threatening later

Gout Can Cause a Heart Attack Or Stroke

Gout which was called the "disease of kings" is actually a form of arthritis. Many famous and infamous people suffered from gout, including King Henry VIII and Benjamin Franklin.

Recently the American College of Rheumatology has warned that gout must be treated quickly and correctly not just because flare-ups are extremely painful but because gout can increase the risk of heart attacks, stroke and kidney disease.

Gout, as with any form or arthritis, is an inflammatory condition. Because it is systemic inflammatory molecules are circulating around in the bloodstream. This can lead to other complications

Symptoms usually begins with a  sudden, unexpected, burning pain, as well as swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness in the affected joint.  This occurs most commonly in men's toes but can appear in other parts of the body. Women can also suffer from gout.

About 3 million Americans are affected by gout.  The cause is excess uric acid which accumulates in the body. Uric acid is a normal waste product but if the kidneys do not adequately remove the uric acid, it deposits crystals in the joints causing pain and swelling. Even the slightest touch, a sheet covering the feet for example, can be unbearable.

Several other kinds of arthritis mimic gout so it is important to have the condition diagnosed and treated by a competent rheumatologist. There are medications which can treat gout. Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can help keep it under control but the best treatment should be individualized for each patient.

Gout can be extremely debilitating and the pain can often linger even after the swelling has gone down.

Blocked Arteries in the Neck - Symptoms of Severe Arterial Plaque Deposits

The carotid arteries are 2 blood vessels, one either side of the neck, that each transport blood to the brain from the heart. These arteries can become partly or totally blocked resulting in the decrease of blood flow to the brain. This condition in turn is caused by atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is the outcome of a build up of cholesterol and calcium on the inner lining of the arteries. These deposits are referred to as plaques, which might eventually become so thick that they totally prevent the blood flow through the arteries. Those with untreated blocked carotid arteries are statistically likely to have a stroke.

Carotid artery occlusive disease is a permanent but treatable condition. Treatment is designed to stop further blockage and stroke. If there is some blockage devoid of symptoms, treatment will probably be limited to regular checkups, with ultrasound being used to monitor the condition along with medication that will cause the blood to thin to prevent the blood cells from clotting. Even if the arteries are severely narrowed, there is no guarantee of symptoms. If the blockage is severe, surgery might be recommended to reduce the possibility of stroke.

The most usual method of surgery, carotid endarterectomy, seeks to remove the plaque from the artery. For some patients, a balloon angioplasty (the inflating of a balloon to press the plaque to the artery wall), with the placement of a stent, may be recommended. If a carotid artery is 100% blocked, then it is unlikely anything would done to clear it because the risk of stroke is too high during or post operation.

Efforts are then concentrated on keeping the opposite carotid as open as possible. A person can live a good life with only one open carotid artery. The body is smart enough to reroute blood via a complex network to the side of the brain that would normally get blood via the blocked carotid. A dietitian (check with her MD) could help you devise an eating plan that is healthy & affordable.work).

If the brain is deprived of oxygen, it stops working -- with potentially catastrophic effects. If the resulting impairment is permanent, we call the event a stroke. If it is temporary, it's called a transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Every human has 4 carotid arteries through which blood moves from heart to brain. TIAs and strokes normally begin with an increase of cholesterol plaque in the carotid arteries -- the large blood vessels on either side of the neck which supply blood to the head and brain.

Cat Scratch Disease - From Claws To Humans

Symptoms of Cat Scratch Disease

Cat scratch disease is a malady spread by cats, but that affects only humans; it's also called cat scratch fever. Disease symptoms are most frequently diagnosed in the colder winter and fall months of the year for reasons scientists don't understand; it's possible that cats are more likely to be indoors at this time, increasing the chance of human exposure overall to feline diseases.

Cat scratch disease is produced by bacteria called Bartonella henselea that usually lives in the mouths of cats. They spread it to their claws through routine grooming. Interestingly, it is not transmitted through cat bites, only through cat scratches.

Most Americans have been exposed to this malady, and 5% of the US population has antibodies in their blood but no history of clinical malady. Because antibodies are only made in response to the invasion of a disease, it is clear that they were exposed to Bartonella directly. It is possible that they did not subsequently become ill, or that the disease was mistaken for the flu.

This disease presents flu-like symptoms. The most common symptoms include fever, chills, and lethargy, but they last for only a few days, much shorter than most flu's.

There is a more severe kind of that causes high fever, anorexia, weakness, and badly swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the armpits and groin area. Sometimes the lymph swelling gets so severe that the swelling spontaneously ruptures; at other times, doctors choose to surgically drain them to prevent the rupture and relieve the pain.

Typically, the most serious form of the disease is seen in younger children and the elderly, and people with frail immune systems, such as those who have HIV, are receiving chemotherapy, or who have been the recipient of an organ donation. When the serious form of the disease presents itself, the consequences for the victim can be disability or even death.

If the disease in humans is treated immediately with antibiotics, the outcome is generally good, but it's very hard to diagnose because cat scratch disease symptoms it's so similar to flu and because it is not a oft-seen disease. The symptoms are often overlooked in its earliest stages, and only caught when the lymph nodes are involved. Almost every documented case follows a cat scratch wound; a few occur after a bite, and a few even crop up with no noticeable cause.

Another oddity of cat scratch disease is that occasionally are adult cats involved in the transmission. Generally, a kitten passes the disease. This does not mean you should not worry about it with an older cat, but only that you should worry more about kittens. It is infectious for only about two or three weeks in a kitten, after which it goes dormant. It can return, however.

Kittens can be diagnosed as carriers by a simple blood test, and positive kittens can be treated successfully with antibiotics. Because this disease can come back, however, this is not a silver bullet for thwarting it. De-clawing kittens at an early age is the best way to prevent infection. You should be aware of the consequences to the cat before de-clawing it, however. Not only can it be dangerous for the cat to go outside, it can also be psychologically traumatic and cause unexpected complications like arthritis.

There are a few alternatives to de-clawing your cat, such as claw covers or trimming back their claws, but you will have to be wary if you are in a home with an immunocompromised person.

Fewer than ten percent of family members scratched by a cat carrying the disease will develop the sickness, and very serious illness from the disease is rare. If you've been exposed once, you are almost surely immune to it afterward.

Cat scratch disease must not be confused with other feline malady's, such as the cat-borne disease, toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is poisonous to a pregnant woman's fetus, but presents in different ways and is more likely to be inhaled when a woman changes the litter box. Symptoms can be risky to a pregnant woman as well, but in an entirely different way.

Bacterial Infection Can Spread From Gums to Body

The perils of leaving a gum disease untreated cannot be underestimated. From heart disease to premature births and from diabetes to osteoporosis, the consequent health complications of not treating gum disease are expansive. But how does a small infection in your gum cause a heart-stopping blood clot?

According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), in the case of gum disease, bacteria break down the tissues around the tooth. This empty space becomes a crevice where periodontal bacteria can grow and flourish. The gums then become inflamed and bleed in an effort to fight off the infection. Yet as the infection produces more swelling and the space between the gum and teeth widens, the periodontal bacteria has an opportunity to enter into the bloodstream as the gums bleed. These bacteria can then cause inflammation in the blood stream and arteries and blood clots, some of the telltale markers of heart disease.

For those who have diabetes and a gum infection, the bacteria make its way into the bloodstream via brushing, flossing or bleeding gums. The bacteria are believed to interact with the blood making it harder to maintain balanced blood sugar levels. This same bacteria present in pregnant women who have a gum infection can induce pregnancy and stimulate premature labor.

Since the bacteria present in gum infections is not just localized to an inflamed gum, it is important for all individuals, particularly high risk groups like pregnant women, those with diabetes and those who are at risk for heart disease to treat gum disease promptly and to maintain regular dental appointments in order to prevent further health complications.