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Arterial ischemia
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Occlusion of artery
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Recent history of transient ischemic attack
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Rupture of artery
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A stroke is the sudden death of brain cells in a localized area due to inadequate blood flow.
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A stroke is the sudden death of brain cells in a localized area due to inadequate blood flow.
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A stroke, also called a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), is the sudden death of cells in a specific area of the brain due to inadequate blood flow.
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Starting at what is commonly called middle age, operations of the human body begin to be more vulnerable to daily wear and tear; there is a general decline in physical, and possibly mental, functioning. In the Western countries, the length of life is often into the 70s.
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In general, only about three percent of the elderly living independently in the community will experience depression. That figure increases to around 20 to 30 percent of persons in nursing homes or with chronic illnesses like emphysema, heart disease or diabetes.
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Aging is the process of growing older, a process that includes physical changes and, sometimes, mental changes. "The aged" refers to elderly people, those who have reached an advanced age.
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Through the daily grapevine of popular culture, we get the message over and over that young is better than old. But new research contradicts these age-old stereotypes. Indeed, studies suggest that the older you get, the happier you become.
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Starting at what is commonly called middle age, operations of the human body become more vulnerable to daily wear and tear. There is a general decline in physical, and possibly mental, functioning.
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13 Real-Life Age-StoppersYou can't turn back the clock, but you can slow down the aging processes often associated with getting older.Says Robert N. Butler, M.D., president and CEO of The International Longevity Center in New York City: "Many of t...
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This term is used by demographers when referring to an increase over time in the proportion of older persons in the population. It does not necessarily imply an increase in life expectancy, that " people are living longer that they used to, " or that they are dying on average at older ages, although these phenomena are usually observed in association with aging of the population.
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Art, music, and other challenging activities may play a role in keeping the mind alert, even for those affected by dementia.
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Discusses what we can do, if anything, to put ourselves in the category of those who live to advanced ages.
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Consider this fact: More than half the people who ever lived to be 65 are alive today. That alone suggests that myths about aging based on past generations may not hold true for this one. Let's look at 10 of those myths, and see what experts have to say about them.
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Not only do baby boomers expect to live into their 80s or 90s, but they are expecting to be independent, one expert says.
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This report helps you avoid common health woes, such as heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and sight and hearing disorders.
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No need to search for a secret formula to erase the effects of getting older. You already have the power to keep yourself feeling young for years.
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Beyond giving you energy to conquer a multitasking day, your diet can help slow the tick-tock of the biological clock that governs the aging process.
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This report can help you preserve your independence and remain in your home in your later years. Includes information on financial and legal planning, finding and working with a caregiver, and useful home modifications.
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This report takes a view of the whole woman and helps her choose the most practical strategies for making her midlife transition.
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A practical guide to the causes of memory loss and the steps you can take to improve your ability to learn and remember for a lifetime.
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This report details how physical changes that occur as you age can affect your sexuality.It includes information on the therapies and medications that can help you overcome sexual problems.
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This report describes causes and treatments for the most common age-related skin problems. It also reviews the newest and most effective cosmetic treatments, including anti-aging creams, laser procedures, Botox injections, and surgeries.
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Aimed at older adults, this report provides practical advice on how to avoid common and often deadly accidents at home.
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Learn how to put together a caregiving plan, draw on useful services, and address legal, medical, and financial planning issues. Also, find advice on involving family members, handling daily tasks, and maintaining your well being.
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Like the rest of your body, your eyes naturally change throughout your life. These changes occur gradually and become apparent in later years, as the structures in and around your eyes become less efficient. For most people, the first sign is presbyopia, deterioration of close-up vision. Luckily, this problem can be treated with reading glasses or bifocals.
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New research indicates that-while not exactly a fountain of youth-exercise can reverse some of the physiological signs of aging and reduce overall disease and mortality.
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It's never easy to ponder death, whether you're facing the demise of a loved one or the end of your own life. But taking some time to think and plan ahead for those final hours or days can be a future blessing for your family and others close to you. Most people want a say in all life's important decisions. The same should be true regarding decisions surrounding death, such as what kind of medical treatment you receive. But what if you're unable to make your decisions or wishes known? Say, for example, you are unconscious and can't speak or hear. Unless you have spoken with your loved ones and taken certain legal actions, there may be confusion and stress over what those decisions will be and who can make them for you.
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Physical removal of age spots can be costly and painful. Topical treatments take time to work, but are generally safe, cost less than removal procedures, and are easier on the skin.
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While regular physical activity is a cornerstone of wellness at any age, it’s during your 30s, 40s and 50s that exercise becomes especially important.
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Atrial fibrillation and flutter are abnormal heart rhythms in which the atria, or upper chambers of the heart, are out of sync with the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart. In atrial fibrillation, the atria " quiver " chaotically and the ventricles beat irregularly.
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Atrial fibrillation/flutter is a heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia. It usually involves a rapid heart rate, in which the upper heart chambers (atria) are stimulated to contract in a very disorganized and abnormal manner.
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Detailed information on atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia, including symptoms and diagnostic information
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Atrial fibrillation, an irregular, fluttering heart rhythm, can cause dangerous clots. It can often be treated with medication, but if this approach is not effective, surgery may be necessary.
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Atrial fibrillation can occur with no symptoms, but the resulting risk of stroke is quite serious.
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I am 86 years old and have been taking Fosamax to strengthen my bones for nearly 10 years. A few months ago, I suddenly fainted and was later diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Did that happen because I was taking Fosamax?
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Pulse pressure is the difference between the high and low blood pressure measurements. A high pulse pressue (larger than 40) may lead to the development of atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm.
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Surgeons have been trying to correct atrial fibrillation with operations that are less complex and less invasive, but so far there is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness.
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A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about the side effects of medication for atrial fibrillation, and potential alternatives.
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Five years ago, my wife was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Her rhythm returned to normal with intravenous medication. She has been taking warfarin since this started, and her cardiologist wants her to take it indefinitely. Does she need to?
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Some parameters of using rhythm control for atrial fibrillation.Although controlling the heart’s rate is a good first step for treating atrial fibrillation, some people benefit from restoring a normal rhythm.
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Atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of heart failure or stroke in those over 60. Traditionally this condition has been treated with medication, but there are several alternatives that may be better for some patients.
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Catheter ablation is showing promise as a nonsurgical treatment for curing atrial fibrillation, rather than just managing it.
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Cardiologists found a case where too much talking was a trigger for atrial fibrillation.
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A blood clot is a mass of blood cells and blood components that form to stop the bleeding that occurs when a blood vessel is injured. When a blood vessel is broken, platelets in the blood become sticky and clump together at the site of the injury.
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Blood clots are the clumps that result from coagulation of the blood (blood hardens to from liquid to solid. A blood clot that forms in a blood vessel or within the heart and remains there is called a thrombus. A thrombus that travels from the blood vessel or heart to another location in the body is called an embolus, and the disorder, an embolism. For example, an embolus that occurs in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism. Sometimes, a piece of atherosclerotic plaque, small pieces of tumor, fat clumps, air, amniotic fluid, or other materials can act in the same manner as an embolus. For more information, see the following: Arterial embolism; Pulmonary embolism; Deep venous thrombosis; Renal vein thrombosis; Atheroembolic renal disease; Thrombophlebitis; Stroke; Heart attack; Angina.
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Whether you're stuck on an airplane or glued to a computer, staying put for hours can be risky.
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Can the use of nicotine patches cause blood clots?
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
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Doctor tells why clotting after blood collections is probably innocuous.
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A very small percentage of those who receive a drug-coated stent experience a clot. The most likely cause is discontinuing the clot-preventing combination of aspirin and Plavix too soon after surgery.
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Exanta, an anticlotting drug derived from cobra venom, may be a more effective alternative to warfarin, although it has been associated with liver failure.
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Diabetes is a life-long disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood.
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This report provides advice about how to prevent or treat the most common form of diabetes. Learn about the components of a healthy diet and how to lose weight, and have fun trying out new recipes.
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Detailed information on diabetes and pregnancy
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This report includes information on blood sugar monitoring, diet and activity, insulin and other medications, insulin delivery systems, and innovations in treatment.
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Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and statistics
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Detailed information on special considerations for teenagers with diabetes
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Detailed information on type 2 diabetes, including cause, symptom, prevention, risk factors, and treatment
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Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, and treatment
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Detailed information on teens and diabetes
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Detailed information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders that affect children
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List of online resources to find additional information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders
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Detailed information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders that affect children
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Detailed information on diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and maturity-onset diabetes in the young
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Detailed information on type 2 diabetes, including causes, prevention, risk factors, and treatment
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Diabetes affects every part of your life, and it can create problems that aren’t easy to talk about with your health care provider.
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Detailed information on diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, teens and diabetes, and diet and diabetes
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Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, complications, and treatment
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Detailed information on diabetes, including the different types of diabetes and potential complications of diabetes
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Detailed information on the most common types of diabetes complications and ways to prevent future problems
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If you have diabetes, you are two to four times more likely to have heart disease than someone without diabetes. You can control your health risks by making some changes in your life.
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Most of us know that diabetes can lead to severe complications, such as blindness, kidney disease and amputations. But did you know that diabetes also greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease?
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Diabetes is a chronic disease that involves the regulation of blood sugar and occurs in two different forms, type 1 and type 2.
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Everyone feels down at times, but diabetics are especially prone to depression. An unhappy period that’s intense or lasts for more than a couple of weeks can be a sign of depression. Depression is a serious illness.
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Is vitamin E good for diabetics?
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
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The most important factors in the prevention of diabetes are weight control, regular exercise, a healthy low-fat diet (fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and poultry), and not smoking.
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Living with diabetes may increase the likelihood of depression. The connection may be go both ways: information from a diabetes trial suggests the possibility of a link between antidepressant use and diabetes.
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If you have diabetes, wearing a medical identification (ID) bracelet or necklace at all times is a good idea.
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Carbohydrates are your body’s main source of glucose, a special kind of sugar. Your dietitian will probably recommend that 55 to 60 percent of your calories come from carbohydrates. There are two types of carbohydrates: complex and simple.
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Detailed information on diabetes, including facts, statistics, types, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and management
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Detailed information on diagnosis protocols for diabetes
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I am a diabetic, and am allergic to eggs, which prevents my getting a flu shot. Can I receive a pneumonia shot? Also, are flu shots the only available medical preventative for the flu?
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Is hair loss a common symptom of diabetes, and is it reversible? I have noticed that my hair has gotten very thin and I have recently been diagnosed with diabetes?
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The incidence of diabetes has increased dramatically in recent years. Men should be tested for diabetes starting at age 45, because early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications.
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Even small movements can greatly improve your health. Simple activity can also boost your mental outlook. And you may spend less money on your health care. Think of it this way: Small steps may take you a long distance.
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Type 1 diabetes can be controlled by taking insulin, eating a proper diet, and being active. These help your child’s body keep healthy blood sugar levels.
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Detailed information on alcohol use in persons with diabetes
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When you're sick, even with just a cold, your blood sugar level may rise. Ask your healthcare team to help you develop a sick-day plan for controlling blood sugar. Here are some guidelines.
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Glossary of terms relating to diabetes for patients and consumers
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Choose carefully and cook wisely. As you shop, think about how the foods you choose will fit into your meal plan. When you cook, try to cut down on sugar and fat. If you have high blood pressure, cut down on salt as well.
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Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin or when cells stop responding to the insulin that is produced, so that glucose in the blood cannot be absorbed into the cells of the body. Symptoms include frequent urination, lethargy, excessive thirst, and hunger.
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Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition that occurs during pregnancy . Like other forms of diabetes, GDM involves a defect in the way the body processes and uses sugars (glucose) in the diet.
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A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about whether it is safe for a diabetic to take niacin to lower cholesterol.
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Researchers concluded that people with diabetes enter the high-risk group for heart disease an average of 15 years earlier than those without the disease.
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The FDA has ordered a warning label be put on the diabetes drugs Avandia and Actos due to evidence from studies that the medications may increase the risk of heart attack or death from cardiovascular disease.
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What is "late onset" diabetes type 1?
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
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Could a baby be diabetic from birth?
Leann M. Lesperance, M.D., Ph.D., is a lecturer on the Harvard Medical School faculty and a clinical assistant professor at SUNY-Upstate Medical University. She practices pediatrics in Binghamton, New York. She also holds a doctorate in medical engineering and is a research assistant professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Binghamton University.
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Harvard Medical School physician Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D. describes both the therapeutic and side effects of glucosamine on the body and how it relates to diabetes.
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The diabetes drug Avandia may increase the risk of heart attack in those taking it. Other medications are as effective at lowering blood sugar without Avandia's risks.
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Having diabetes may mean adjustments at work and in your social life. But these changes need not keep you from succeeding at work and enjoying your leisure time.
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Your meal plan tells you when to eat your meals and snacks, what kinds of foods to eat, and how much of each food to eat. You don’t have to give up all the foods you like. But you do need to follow some guidelines.
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A serious disorder caused by an absence of or insufficient amount of insulin in the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas in varying amounts, depending on the concentration of glucose (sugar).
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Diabetes mellitus describes a group of diseases in which there is an elevated level of the sugar glucose, the body's main source of energy for cellular functions, in the blood. The level of glucose, as well as other "fuel" molecules, is increased due to a disorder in the production or function of the hormone insulin.
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Gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs during pregnancy . Like other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes involves a defect in the way the body processes and uses sugars (glucose) in the diet.
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Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder resulting from defects in insulin action, insulin production, or both. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, helps the body use and store glucose produced during the digestion |