Hypertension

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here's our process. Cholesterol levels vary by age, weight, and gender. Over time, a person's body tends to produce more cholesterol, meaning that all adults should check their cholesterol levels regularly, ideally about every 4 to 6 years. Cholesterol is measured in three categories: total cholesterol LDL, or 'bad cholesterol" HDL, or 'good cholesterol" The struggle for most people is balancing these levels. While total and LDL cholesterol levels should be kept low, having more HDL cholesterol can offer some protection against a person developing heart-related illnesses including heart attacks and strokes. Cholesterol levels tend to increase with age. Doctors recommend taking steps earlier in life to prevent dangerously high levels of cholesterol developing as a person ages. Years of unmanaged cholesterol can be much trickier to tr...

A case study highlights the important role of nailfold videocapillaroscopy assessments in patients with Raynaud disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In a case study published in Microvascular Research, researchers documented a 45-year-old female with Raynaud phenomenon diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) preceding a confirmation of systemic sclerosis—marking the first such case of PAH detected before the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis with the aid of a nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) assessment, to their knowledge. The patient also had a diagnosis of familial non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, with normalization of ejection fraction following medical management, in addition to a pulmonary embolism (PE), authors explained. She exhibited dyspnea, orthopnea, and night-time cough while examination revealed an elevated jugular venous pressure and telangiectasias. The patient underwent an NVC assessment and was found to have enlarged capillaries...

High blood pressure and high cholesterol on their own are serious risk factors for heart disease and stroke. When both high blood pressure and high cholesterol occur together, they can damage blood vessels, greatly increasing the risk of future complications. To prevent heart disease and stroke, it's vital to get your cholesterol and blood pressure under control. Fcafotodigital / Getty Images What Causes High Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that your body needs to create cell walls and certain hormones. Cholesterol is made by the liver and obtained in the diet through animal products, like meat, seafood, and dairy. Cholesterol doesn't dissolve in the blood, and it has to be carried around the body in particles called lipoproteins . Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known commonly as "bad cholesterol," because it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), on the other hand, is consider...

Exeter, Ont. - A new study out of Western University in London, Ont. is suggesting that physical activity could be key in treating postpartum depression (PPD) for some women. According to the study, a brisk walk, even as little as 15 minutes a day, may be the answer for many women struggling with PPD, though some severe cases may still require traditional medical care. "PPD can have major effects on a woman's mental health, but also on the child's development," said Veronica Pentland, an undergraduate student, in a statement. "If you are depressed, it's harder to care for yourself and, by extension, your child." Different from baby blues, PPD can cause severe mood swings, exhaustion, and even a sense of hopelessness. About 23 per cent of new mothers in Canada experience some of these symptoms, while recent studies in Europe and Asia indicate this number has increased to nearly 30 per cent during the COVID-19 pandemic. ...

Hyperlipidemia is characterized by high levels of lipids in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Cholesterol is a fatty, waxy substance made by the liver, and your body needs it to perform several essential functions. On the other hand, triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. Your body changes these extra calories into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells. When your body needs energy, it releases the triglycerides. Too much cholesterol and triglycerides can contribute to serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. When fat builds up in the arteries, which transport blood from the heart to other parts of the body, the arteries become narrow, reducing or blocking blood flow. You may not notice you have hyperlipidemia right away because high cholesterol and triglycerides doesn't usually cause any symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to have a healthcare professional check your cholesterol levels. ...

Some people claim to have a sixth sense that lets them know when something is about to happen. Although most people aren't clairvoyant, there is some truth to having a gut feeling about future events. People have claimed to turn down job offers, decline evening plans and forgo vacations just because they had a feeling that things were about to take a turn for the worse. And when these feelings prove to be right, it's evident that maybe there is a reason that people have these instincts. The gut wrenching feeling that you have to act now just can't be ignored. Having a life-threatening experience is memorable enough, but narrowly avoiding one by seconds is just as unforgettable.   He's Still in Jail Unsplash My oldest daughter (30-something) stopped by my work one day and introduced her new boyfriend. He seemed a little off to me, but I decided it was just "guy dating my daughter" and let it go. La...

Share on Pinterest New research finds that statins may have a moderately protective effect against the risk of death from COVID-19. gece33/Getty Images Researchers have investigated the link between statin use and COVID-19 mortality in around 1 million people. They found that statin use was associated with a slightly lower risk of COVID-19 mortality, regardless of age, sex, and COVID-19 risk factors. The team notes that further research is needed to confirm whether statins protect against COVID-19; however, those prescribed statins should continue taking their medication. Statins are a group of drugs used to reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, also known as "bad" cholesterol. Having high LDL cholesterol levels can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries and cardiovascular disease. Around 40 million people in the United States use statins to manage their cholesterol levels. Cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol levels have ...