Congestive Cardiomyopathy : Risk Factors

Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is the most commonly used drug in the world. Pharmacologically, alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant.

This report includes information on recognizing the symptoms of problem drinking, treatment techniques, coping with a loved one's drinking, and overcoming denial.

Alcoholism is defined as alcohol seeking and consumption behavior that is harmful. Long-term and uncontrollable harmful consumption can cause alcohol-related disorders that include: antisocial personality disorder , mood disorders (bipolar and major depression) and anxiety disorders.

It's important to understand how alcohol and drugs can affect your health and well being.

Besides having trouble with school and relationships, teenagers taking drugs may display emotional extremes with irritability, anger and changes in sleep patterns.

Excessive drinking can cause potentially fatal conditions, not only high blood pressure, but also damage to the brain, heart or liver; diabetes and stroke.

Effective treatment for alcohol dependency is available, but treatment rates among alcohol abusers are low because of lack of awareness and embarrassment.

Each year, about 100,000 deaths in the United States are related to alcohol consumption. Learn more about the effects of abusing alcohol by taking this quiz.

Alcoholism is the layman ' s term for alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , published by the American Psychiatric Association and commonly called the DSM-IV, the essential feature of substance abuse (in this instance, alcohol abuse) is maladaptive use of the substance with recurrent and significant adverse consequences related to its repeated use.

Alcoholism is drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities.

Many older adults enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while watching the game on TV. In fact, half of Americans ages 65 and older drink alcohol. Having a drink now and then is fine—as long as you don’t overdo it.

Alcoholism is an addictive disease in which the victim becomes dependent on a drug—alcohol. The disease affects the alcoholic physically, psychologically, and behaviorally. Alcoholism is not a character weakness or moral shortcoming; it is an unrelenting, progressive disease that leads to death or brain damage. But recovery is possible by stopping drinking.

The most important thing that friends and family can do for an alcoholic is to stop enabling the addictive behavior.

Like cancer or heart disease, alcoholism is a primary chronic disease with its own symptoms and causes. The disease is progressive and often fatal if not treated.

Term encompassing alcohol use, alcohol consumption, alcohol problems, problem drinking, and alcohol dependence. The concept of alcoholism, in its most general sense, refers to a disease, or disorder, typically characterized by: (a) a prolonged period of frequent, heavy alcohol use; (b) a variety of social and/or legal problems associated with alcohol use (e.

The leading substance-abuse threat to children may be as close as your refrigerator. About 10 million adolescents drink alcohol. In fact, minors drink 19 percent of the alcohol consumed in the United States.

Alcoholism is a chronic physical, psychological, and behavioral disorder characterized by excessive use of alcoholic beverages; emotional and physical dependence on them; increased tolerance over time of the effects of alcohol; and withdrawal symptoms if the person stops drinking. Alcoholism is a complex behavioral as well as medical disorder.

Alcoholism is a chronic physical, psychological, and behavioral disorder characterized by excessive use of alcoholic beverages; emotional and physical dependence on them; increased tolerance over time of the effects of alcohol; and withdrawal symptoms if the person stops drinking. Alcoholism is a complex behavioral as well as medical disorder.

Physiological and metabolic differences between women and men mean that some women are more likely to develop a drinking problem, particularly as they get older.

Alcohol may have some health benefits, including lowering the risk for heart disease, but it may also lead to abusive drinking and other diseases.

The essential feature of alcohol abuse is the maladaptive use of alcohol with recurrent and significant adverse consequences related to its repeated use. Alcoholism is the popular term for two disorders, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction (Alcoholism)Do you want to have more fun, to fit in, to cope better with your problems? It’s as easy as taking a drink—if you believe what you see on television.

Alcohol is considered a drug because it depresses the central nervous system and can disrupt mental and motor skills, as well as damage internal organs when used excessively.

Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence, is described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) as " A maladaptive pattern of alcohol use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. " That maladaptive pattern is manifested, according to the DSM-IV , by the following behaviors occurring any time within one 12-month period: tolerance for alcohol withdrawal from alcohol alcohol taken in larger amounts and over a longer period of time than was intended persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use much time spent in activities necessary to obtaining alcohol various important activities, for example, in socializing or at work, are given up or reduced because of alcohol use alcohol use continued regardless of the pattern of physical or psychological problems that it causes or worsens Alcohol abuse has the same definition but is manifested by one (or more) of the following behaviors occurring within the same 12-month period: repeated alcohol use leading to failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home repeated alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous repeated alcohol-related legal problems persistent alcohol use despite its causing social and interpersonal problems or exacerbating them This definition and the criteria established by DSMIV apply to both adults and children.

You don't have to wait for someone to hit rock bottom to act. Here are steps to help an alcoholic get treatment.

Alcoholism is the popular term for alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. The hallmarks of both of these disorders involve repeated life problems that can be directly tied to a person's abuse of alcohol.

Understanding AddictionAddictive Substances Include:Illegal drugs such as cocaineLegal drugs such as cigarettes, alcohol, and prescription medicationsActivities of daily life such as working, eating, and having sexLeisure activities such as gambli...

A study found that a medication called topiramate helped heavy drinkers reduce their dependence on alcohol.

A study of several methods of treatment for alcoholism has found that a combination of medical management and an inexpensive medication offers a better chance for continued sobriety.

Informal evidence shows that alcoholics who choose to attend AA meetings do better than those who do not, and the longer they are involved in attending meetings, the better their chances of remaining abstinent.

A review of ongoing research into drugs to treat alcoholism, including a description of existing drugs and treatments on the horizon.

A study suggests that people with a family history of alcoholism are capable of producing higher levels of a dopamine receptor in the brain that may offer them protection against the disease.

Anemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. The tissues of the human body need a regular supply of oxygen to stay healthy.

Anemia is a condition where there is a lower than normal number of red blood cells in the blood, usually measured by a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying part of red blood cells. It gives these blood cells their red color. There are many types and potential causes of anemia. For information about a specific type of anemia, see one of the following articles: Anemia due to B12 deficiency; Anemia due to folate deficiency; Anemia due to iron deficiency; Hemolytic anemia; Hemolytic anemia due to G-6-PD deficiency; Idiopathic aplastic anemia; Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia; Immune hemolytic anemia; Megaloblastic anemia; Pernicious anemia; Secondary aplastic anemia; Sickle cell anemia.

Detailed information on anemia, including symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, and treatment

Anemia is a blood disorder characterized by abnormally low levels of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) or reduced hemoglobin (Hgb), the iron-bearing protein in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Reduced blood cell volume (hematocrit) is also considered anemia.

Anemia is characterized by an abnormally low number of red blood cells in the circulating blood. It frequently affects patients with cancer.

What Do You Know About Anemia?1.

I have been under the care of my doctor for the past five years for chronic anemia. Every so often, I receive iron infusions because my blood count is low. Can my condition make it hard for me to conceive?

Understanding AnemiaChemotherapy can reduce the number of red blood cells in your body. When you have too few of these cells, anemia can result.

Anemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin (the component of red blood cells that delivers oxygen to tissues throughout the body). The tissues of the human body need a regular supply of oxygen to stay healthy.

Anemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin (the component of red blood cells that delivers oxygen to tissues throughout the body). The tissues of the human body need a regular supply of oxygen to stay healthy.

Deficiency of red cells, or hemoglobin, in the blood. Anemia is a medical condition in which the quantity of red blood cells falls below an acceptable level.

Anemia: What My Red Blood Cell Count Tells MeAnemia is a condition where the number of red blood cells in the body falls below normal. This may happen if the body slows down its production of these cells.

Cancer-related Anemia: CausesNormally, the body makes enough red blood cells with hemoglobin to replace the ones that the body has used up. A hormone called erythropoietin, which is made in the kidneys, tells the body when more red blood cells are...

Anemia affects more than 30 percent of the world ' s population, and it is one of the most important worldwide health problems. It has a significant prevalence in both developing and industrialized nations.

Anemia: What to Do When You Have ItAnemia means that the number or quality of the red blood cells is lower than normal. It can be caused by lots of things that prevent the body from being able to make enough red blood cells, such asanti-cancer tre...

Cancer-related Anemia: PreventionIron supplements and erythropoietin are being studied in people receiving radiation and chemotherapy to prevent anemia and improve response. People at risk for nutritional problems can decrease the risk of anemia b...

Cancer-related Anemia: TreatmentThe treatment of anemia depends upon the cause. If the anemia is due to a lack of red blood cells, then red blood cells can be given through transfusions or treatment.Red blood cell transfusions are used a lot of th...

Detailed information on the different types of anemia, including aplastic anemia, anemia of folate deficiency, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hemolytic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, and sickle cell disease

Detailed information on anemia, including symptoms, diagnosis, causes, types, and treatment

Cocaine: Understanding Its EffectsCocaine is a powerful drug that overstimulates the central nervous system and produces an artificial euphoria. Use can create a harmful dependency that affects behavior and multiplies health risks.

Cocaine use ranges from occasional to compulsive. There is no safe way to use the drug.

I have two foster children ages 7 and 8. Their mother is a cocaine addict. What type of developmental problems could happen because of this? We already see anger and frustration issues.

Coronary artery disease is a narrowing or blockage of the arteries and vessels that provide oxygen and nutrients to the heart. It is caused by atherosclerosis , an accumulation of fatty materials on the inner linings of arteries.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. CHD is also called coronary artery disease.

Detailed information on coronary artery disease, including anatomy of the coronary arteries and disease symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information

Coronary artery disease is a stenosis (narrowing) or blockage of the arteries and vessels that provide oxygenated blood to the heart . It is caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), an accumulation of fatty plaque on the inner linings of arteries.

You often hear only bad news about heart disease. After all, it is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing one in five people. But here is the good news: Prevention efforts and treatment advances have made a difference. Between 1950 and 1999, the death rate from heart disease fell by almost 60% and is still falling.

The heart, a powerful muscle that beats over 50,000 times in one day, is fed the blood and energy it needs through small tubes called coronary arteries (see Figure 1). Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of death and disability in the United States and other industrialized countries, and it can be manifested if these arteries become narrowed by cholesterol to about half their normal diameter (see Figure 2).

Coronary artery bypass surgery creates a path for blood to flow around a blockage and helps prevent a heart attack.

Atherectomy is a procedure that relieves symptoms of coronary artery disease by improving blood flow to your heart.

Omega-3s are a beneficial and essential form of fat, one that your body needs but can't make.

C-reactive protein is emerging as a key risk factor for heart disease. A guide to new research on this protein, how to test for it, and how exercise can lower its presence in the blood.

Angioplasty has become common for treating blocked arteries, but not all patients need the procedure. Many people with artery disease can be treated by taking medications and adopting healthier habits.

A number of studies show a definite correlation between erectile dysfunction and risk of heart disease. In many cases, the symptoms have not been diagnosed. Men with ED should have their cardiac health evaluated.

Are CHF and CAD the same thing? Howard LeWine, M.D., is chief editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications. He is recognized as an outstanding clinician and teacher and is a recipient of the Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year award at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. LeWine continues to practice Internal Medicine; most recently he became a hospitalist after practicing primary care for over 20 years.

Creating a medical family tree can help identify your risk for heart disease.It’s not just your genes; habits and attitudes also run in the family.

Valvular heart disease refers to several disorders and diseases of the heart valves, which are the tissue flaps that regulate the flow of blood through the four chambers of the heart. The human heart consists of four chambers- two upper chambers (the atria) and two lower chambers (the ventricles)- that are responsible for pumping blood.

Detailed information on heart valve diseases, including causes, anatomy of the heart valves, disease symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information

Valve disease occurs when a valve doesn’t open or close the way it should. If a valve doesn’t open all the way, the heart has to push blood through a smaller opening. If the valve doesn’t close tightly, some blood will leak backward.

Mitral stenosis means the mitral valve stiffens and doesn’t open right. Blood must move through a smaller opening. In severe cases, fluid can build up in the lungs, leading to coughing and breathing problems.

Mitral insufficiency means your mitral valve has problems closing, letting blood leak back through the valve. Mild cases of mitral insufficiency, when a small amount of blood leaks, rarely lead to problems. But severe cases can cause damage to the ventricle and heart muscle.

Aortic insufficiency means your aortic valve has problems closing. Blood leaks back through the valve. Extra blood may cause the ventricle to stretch. A stretched ventricle doesn’t squeeze as well. In time, the heart won’t move blood the way it should.

Aortic stenosis means your aortic valve has a problem opening. The left ventricle has to work harder to push the blood through the valve. In some cases, this extra work will make the muscle of the ventricle thicken. This type of stenosis can quickly get worse.

During heart valve surgery, one or more heart valves can be repaired or replaced. The decision whether to repair or replace a valve often can’t be made until after surgery has begun. If a valve can’t be repaired, it may be replaced with a prosthetic valve.

Mitral valve prolapse is the most common heart valve problem. With this problem, the valve bulges slightly back into the atrium when it closes. This may allow a tiny amount of blood to leak.

A problem with a heart valve will usually cause the heart to make a noise. Your doctor can hear this noise, called a murmur. But you can have a heart murmur and not have valve disease or any other heart problem. Other tests can help confirm the diagnosis of valve disease.

If you are having symptoms, certain medications can ease them. Other medications help prevent problems that may occur due to valve disease. Your doctor can discuss what medications might be right for you. Here are some types of medications that may be prescribed and what they do.

In populations, blood pressures fit a normal distribution, but the attendant risks of heart disease and stroke increase curvilinearly with increasing levels of blood pressure, without any obvious breakpoint ( Fig. 63-1 ). Thus, the separation of normal from high blood pressure is arbitrary, and the definition of hypertension has been a moving target.

Blood pressure is the force with which blood pushes against the artery walls as it travels through the body. Like air in a balloon, blood fills arteries to a certain capacity- and just as too much air pressure can cause damage to a balloon, too much blood pressure can harm healthy arteries.

Hypertension is the term doctors use for high blood pressure. Blood pressure readings are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and usually given as 2 numbers. For example, 140 over 90 (written as 140/90. The top number is your systolic pressure, the pressure created when your heart beats. It is considered high if it is consistently over 140; The bottom number is your diastolic pressure, the pressure inside blood vessels when the heart is at rest. It is considered high if it is consistently over 90. Either or both of these numbers may be too high. Pre-hypertension is when your systolic blood pressure is between 120 and 139 or your diastolic blood pressure is between 80 and 89 on multiple readings. If you have pre-hypertension, you are more likely to develop high blood pressure at some point. See also: Blood pressure

Detailed information on high blood pressure, also called hypertension, including symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information

The following Clinical Topic Tour provides an overview of hypertension (HTN) and was adapted from materials published by the NHLBI.

Also known as high blood pressure, a condition in which too much force is exerted by the blood as it travels through the body ' s arteries. There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary.

High blood pressure is a sneaky ailment. The condition has no symptoms that you can see or feel. Having your blood pressure checked is the only way to know if it is high.

Each day that your blood pressure is too high, your chances of having a stroke are increased.

Detailed information on high blood pressure, also called hypertension, including symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information

Detailed information on high blood pressure, also called hypertension, including symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information

This report explains what your blood pressure numbers mean and how hypertension can be prevented and treated by making diet and lifestyle changes. Also includes information on medications.

Knowing the definitions of terms your doctor may use when talking with you about your blood pressure is important.

Hypertension is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, leading causes of morbidity and mortality in North America. Concern has been raised that there is inadequate outpatient detection, evaluation, and treatment of hypertension, and that this is resulting in increased hospital admissions with complications of untreated hypertension: heart failure, and end-stage renal disease .

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as it flows through them.

Prehypertension is a new term that alerts people to the risk of developing chronic high blood pressure if they don’t take timely steps to improve their lifestyle habits.

High blood pressure is more common among African Americans than other ethnic groups. Nearly 40 percent of non-Hispanic blacks have hypertension.

High blood pressure has joined type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol on a list of ailments that once struck only adults but now afflict children.

When I get up in the morning, my systolic blood pressure is 30 to 50 points higher than it is later in the day (about 110). I am taking three different blood pressure medications. Is this unusual?

The National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP) was established in 1972 by the National Institute of Health to translate research results on the health hazards of high blood pressure into clinical and public health practice. Before 1900, high blood pressure, or hypertension, was not generally recognized as a health problem.

Is it absolutely necessary for a diabetic who does not have high blood pressure to take a blood pressure pill anyway?