Hypertension

"Cholesterol" is one of those words we all know but don't actually know … you know? You've probably heard about good and bad cholesterol, as well as high and low cholesterol, but you may not be entirely sure what these terms actually mean when it comes down to your health. Advertising Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Cardiologist Leslie Cho, MD, is here to help, outlining what you need to know about cholesterol in simple, easy-to-understand terms. She explains that low-density lipoprotein (LDL), sometimes called "bad cholesterol," causes fatty deposits to build up in your arteries. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good cholesterol," actually helps remove the bad cholesterol from your body. Let's get to the heart of the m

"Cholesterol" is one of those words we all know but don't actually know … you know? You've probably heard about good and bad cholesterol, as well as high and low cholesterol, but you may not be entirely sure what these terms actually mean when it comes down to your health. Advertising Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Cardiologist Leslie Cho, MD, is here to help, outlining what you need to know about cholesterol in simple, easy-to-understand terms. She explains that low-density lipoprotein (LDL), sometimes called "bad cholesterol," causes fatty deposits to build up in your arteries. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good cholesterol," actually helps remove the bad cholesterol from your body. Let's get to the heart of the m

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. Verywell / Ellen Lindner 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 considered &q

World Mental Health Day: Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai says that she has noticed a surge in panic attacks, phobias, and OCD cases in recent times where the people who earlier suffered from these disorders are coming back along with a steady increase in new cases. World Mental Health Day 2021(Unsplash) Updated on Oct 10, 2021 05:15 PM IST By Parmita Uniyal World Mental Health Day: Pandemic-induced anxiety disorders such as panic attacks, phobias and OCD are on rise among people amid the fear of a third wave, re-opening of schools and work from home situation where all family members are operating from a single place. Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai says that she has particularly noticed a surge in panic attacks, phobias, and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorders) in recent times where the people who earlier suffered from these disorders are coming back along with a steady increase in new

Share on Pinterest The correct cuff size can help people who monitor their blood pressure from home. Siro Rodenas Cortes/Getty Images Researchers report that an incorrect cuff size on blood pressure monitoring devices can provide inaccurate readings. This can result in unnecessary medication prescriptions as well as lack of treatment. The issue can affect people who get their blood pressure checked at a doctor's office as well as someone who takes their own readings at home. If you think one-size-fits-all doesn't work very well in clothing, scientists want you to know that it doesn't work when it comes to your blood pressure readings. They say a wrong cuff size could get you a false reading. That means your doctor might prescribe too much or too little medication for you. It could also mean your high blood pressure goes untreated. That's the preliminary conclusion of a new study released March 1 during the American Heart Association's Epidemiology, Prevention, Life

Childhood is not always — or even usually — carefree. Depression among kids is common and can be serious, but it is treatable. Share on Pinterest Can children experience depression? Yes. Here's what to know and how to help. It's natural for children to have tears and fears. But if persistent sadness overtakes your child's interests and relationships, depression could be a cause. Depression won't disappear with a new toy, better grade, or winning a game. But it can be managed with therapy, healthy routines, and medication. Knowing the symptoms and causes of childhood depression can help you respond effectively. Depression among youth is on the rise. In 2021, a systematic review and meta-analysis across 29 samples involving nearly 81,000 people found that 1 in 4 children ages 4 to 17 showed signs of elevated depression symptoms. Researchers suggest that although childhood depression is nothing new, the pandemic has nearly doubled its rates because of social distancing, h

"Though they're commonly used to treat different forms of heart disease, beta-blockers can significantly reduce HDL levels." Among the beta-blockers that cause this are Corgard (nadolol), Inderal (propranolol), Tenormin (atenolol), Zebeta (bisoprolol). These drugs are widely used in the treatment of angina, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, heart attack and high blood pressure. But despite concerns about their effect on cholesterol, scientists stress that the benefits of beta-blockers far outweigh the risks. VeryWell Health adds: "If your beta-blocker affects your cholesterol significantly, your doctor may lower your dose or switch you to a different medication."

Examples of mammograms showing breast arterial calcification. (Photo courtesy Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging) Routine mammograms used to screen for breast cancer also could help identify postmenopausal women at higher risk for heart attacks or strokes, a new study suggests. Researchers found that breast arterial calcification, which commonly appears as white spots on breast images and indicates a buildup of calcium in the arteries, is associated with an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease. The findings published Tuesday in the American Heart Association journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging. Breast arterial calcification can occur as women age and is related to Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and inflammation. It is a marker for stiffening arteries but is not the same type of calcification found in the inner layer of the arteries that is caused by smoking or high cholesterol levels. The appearance of calcification during breast imaging may be o

Genetics and mental health conditions might contribute to panic attacks in your sleep, but it varies from person to person. There's a strong relationship between our sleep and anxiety. When you don't get enough sleep, it can make coping with anxiety symptoms more challenging and affect your mood. On the other hand, experiencing anxiety might cause insomnia. Even if you can fall asleep with ease, you may still awaken with anxiety in the middle of the night. Plus, when your mind is racing with worry, it may be tough to fall back asleep. But there are ways to get a better night's rest while calming your anxiety symptoms. The causes of panic attacks are unknown, but researchers agree on many potential factors such as: One study found that people diagnosed with a panic disorder also show signs of depression and insomnia. Also, other evidence shows that depression and panic disorders occur together often, which indicates a possible relationship. Michelle Craske, PhD, director of

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Share on Pinterest An e xaggerated blood pressure response when standing may increase the risk of cardiovascular events. James Tarry/Stocksy Typically, blood pressure slightly falls when someone stands up . However, for some people, blood pressure increases after standing up. A new study finds that the latter may indicate a higher risk for adverse cardiovascular events. A recent study in Hypertension examined the difference in blood pressure readings in young to middle age people when they were lying down versus standing. The researchers investigated how this might have links to long-term adverse health outcomes. They found that participants who had a higher blood pressure when standing compared with lying down had a greater risk for cardiovascular and renal events later in life. Blood pressure is the force with which blood pumps through the body. Doctors measure it using two numbers: systolic and diastolic readings. The systolic reading is the pressure when the heart contracts, while

Cholesterol and some of the health issues associated with it (like cardiovascular disease and heart attacks) might seem like something you don't need to worry about as a runner. After all, racking up the miles helps fry fat, keep your weight in check, and keep that ticker in tip-top shape—right? While all that's true, and being a runner can also help you maintain normal cholesterol levels, it doesn't mean that you're totally in the clear. Other factors may put you at risk for your numbers creeping up to an unhealthy level, often gradually over many years, while you're none the wiser. Here's what everyone should know about cholesterol, how your running routine might affect your levels, and expert tips on how to keep these numbers in the sweet spot. What is cholesterol anyway? You're likely fairly aware of the grams of fat and calories in the food you eat on a regular basis, but do you pay attention to how much cholesterol you're eating? Chol

High cholesterol is a common health condition in the United States. In fact, nearly 94 million adults over the age of 20 have what could be considered borderline high cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet because this condition often presents without symptoms, many are not aware they have high cholesterol until they visit their doctor. The AMA's What Doctors Wish Patients Knew™ series provides physicians with a platform to share what they want patients to understand about today's health care headlines. In this installment, Kate Kirley, MD, a family doctor who is the director of chronic disease prevention at the AMA, shared what she and her physician colleagues wish patients knew about high cholesterol and how to lower levels. There's good and bad cholesterol There's good and bad cholesterol "Overall, cholesterol is important for our bodies. We use cholesterol to do a

Depression is a mental health condition that causes sadness and low mood. We associate symptoms such as feeling down and losing interest in activities with depression, but depression can come with a host of physical symptoms as well. Read on to learn more about the ways depression can affect people physically. Gravity Images / Getty Images What Is Depression? Depression is a mental health condition that affects how well a person is able to function in daily life. Biochemistry, genetics, personality, and environmental factors are believed to play a role in its development. People with major depressive disorder experience symptoms that greatly affect their previous level of functioning and last at least two weeks. Many of these symptoms are mental, such as feeling sad or having trouble concentrating, but depression can also manifest physically. Physical Symptoms of Depression Depression is associated with a wide array of physical sy