Hypertension

If you have been advised to make dietary changes, there are a number of things to consider and several general rules to follow. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada says: "As a rule of thumb, steer clear of highly processed foods, even if they are lower in fat content. Low-fat or diet foods are often loaded with calories, sodium and added sugar." It says that it is also a good idea to add more vegetarian options like beans, lentils, tofu and nuts to your weekly meal plans, and "get in the habit of filling half your plate with vegetables and fruit". There are two main types of fat, which are saturated and unsaturated. Eating too many foods high in saturated fat can raise the level of cholesterol in your blood. The health body says most people in the UK eat too much saturated fat.

People with sleep apnea stop breathing while they sleep. The condition can impact a person's health, and experts now recognize a link between cholesterol and sleep apnea. Sleep apnea disrupts a person's sleep, which can have negative health effects over time. Researchers have linked obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and high cholesterol, but it is not clear why the link exists. It is likely a variety of factors explain the connection. Some of these may be physiological changes, such as disturbed sleep affecting the liver enzymes that break down fats. Others may be lifestyle factors. For example, people who are chronically tired may be more likely to choose processed foods high in cholesterol and fat and less likely to exercise. This article looks at cholesterol and sleep apnea, risk factors, and treatment options. Yes, there is a link between high cholesterol and sleep apnea. A large study of 8,592 participants investigated this connection. The participants did not have diagnosed...

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits  to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby, especially in your second or third trimester. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away. You may need to stop using this medicine. You should not use this medicine together with sacubitril. Do not use this medicine and sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto®) within 36 hours of each other. This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you...

A lipid panel is a blood test that measures the levels of fats in your blood called triglycerides and cholesterol. Generally, a lipid panel measures: This test goes by many alternative names, such as: lipid profile lipoprotein profile lipid test coronary risk panel High triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol, and low HDL cholesterol are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Measuring levels of these molecules can help a doctor predict your future risk of cardiovascular disease, monitor how well your current treatment is working, or screen you for diseases that can affect your liver. The optimal values in a lipid panel depend on your age and gender. Keep reading to learn more about the optimal range and what might influence your results. Doctors have developed guidelines outlining optimal cholesterol and triglyceride levels by examining the levels of these molecules and rates of cardiovascular disease in large groups of people. In the United States, the standard unit of ...

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A lipid panel is a blood test that measures the levels of fats in your blood called triglycerides and cholesterol. Generally, a lipid panel measures: This test goes by many alternative names, such as: lipid profile lipoprotein profile lipid test coronary risk panel High triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol, and low HDL cholesterol are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Measuring levels of these molecules can help a doctor predict your future risk of cardiovascular disease, monitor how well your current treatment is working, or screen you for diseases that can affect your liver. The optimal values in a lipid panel depend on your age and gender. Keep reading to learn more about the optimal range and what might influence your results. Doctors have developed guidelines outlining optimal cholesterol and triglyceride levels by examining the levels of these molecules and rates of cardiovascular disease in large groups of people. In the United States, the standard unit of ...

Isolated systolic hypertension is a type of high blood pressure. A healthcare professional may diagnose it if systolic blood pressure is more than 130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure is less than 90 mm Hg. Isolated systolic hypertension is most common in older adults, but it can also affect younger adults. It is often asymptomatic but can cause serious complications without treatment. This article discusses what isolated systolic hypertension is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. It also examines whether the relevant authorities consider it a disability. When blood circulates throughout the body, it puts pressure on the artery walls. This is known as blood pressure. As part of a health checkup, a technician may check a person's blood pressure. A blood pressure reading provides two numbers known as systolic, which is the upper or first number, and diastolic, which is the lower or second number. A person has high blood pressure when the numbers rise above the normal ra...

Avocados contain a large amount of fat. Despite this, adding them to a person's diet can help raise "good" cholesterol levels. However, they may not help lower "bad" cholesterol without additional diet changes. Adding avocados to a person's diet can have positive health benefits, including raising levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as good cholesterol. Some claim it can also lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as bad cholesterol. However, some disagree with this finding. This article explores some of the research on avocados and cholesterol, and answers some frequently asked questions. It also describes how a person can incorporate avocado into their diet, with some preparation tips. Avocados contain a type of fat known as monounsaturated fat. Unsaturated fats support health, while saturated fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase a person's risk of cardiovascular disease. Other foods higher ...

Avocados contain a large amount of fat. Despite this, adding them to a person's diet can help raise "good" cholesterol levels. However, they may not help lower "bad" cholesterol without additional diet changes. Adding avocados to a person's diet can have positive health benefits, including raising levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as good cholesterol. Some claim it can also lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as bad cholesterol. However, some disagree with this finding. This article explores some of the research on avocados and cholesterol, and answers some frequently asked questions. It also describes how a person can incorporate avocado into their diet, with some preparation tips. Avocados contain a type of fat known as monounsaturated fat. Unsaturated fats support health, while saturated fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase a person's risk of cardiovascular disease. Other foods higher ...

While the drugs are widely used, a new study sheds light on how little is known about their long-term benefits. The more popular antidepressants become, the more questions they raise. The drugs are one of the most widely prescribed types of medications in the United States, with more than one out of eight Americans over 18 having recently taken them, according to a survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet we know very little about how well antidepressants work over the long term, and especially how they affect overall quality of life, experts say. Most clinical drug trials have followed people taking antidepressants for only eight to 12 weeks, so it's unclear what happens when patients take them for longer than that, said Gemma Lewis, a research psychologist at University College London who studies the causes, treatment and prevention of depression and anxiety. "We definitely need longer follow-ups of people who are using or are not using antidepressants...

Show Caption Hide Caption Britney Spears is pregnant; Andy Cohen, Paris Hilton, more react Britney Spears, who's currently engaged to Sam Asghari, announced on Instagram that she's expecting her third child. Entertain This!, USA TODAY Britney Spears is pregnant – and getting candid about her prior experience with pregnancy.  The pop singer, 40, announced Monday that she is expecting her third child. In the lengthy Instagram post, she explained her confusion regarding recent changes in her body weight, while also opening up about her mental health struggles during a previous pregnancy. "It's hard because when I was pregnant I had perinatal depression … I have to say it is absolutely horrible," Spears wrote. "Women didn't talk about it back then … some people considered it dangerous if...

"My stomach hurts!" You've probably heard this from your child before and immediately thought the worst. However, stomach pain can come in many forms, in different areas of the abdomen, and for varying reasons. From stomach bugs to stress to hernias, there are many reasons why your child may complain of pain. Here's how you can decipher your child's pain at any age, what conditions might be causing it, and when to visit a doctor. It can be hard to share what abdominal pain feels like, particularly if your child doesn't have the words to describe it. Always remember that pain is subjective and may change over time depending on the cause. Pain in the abdomen may be described as: general localized constant worsening intermittent sharp dull achy cramping like "butterflies in your stomach" queasy Your child may use different words to describe the pain. You may have to translate the best you can. For example, maybe your child has localized sharp pain that ...