Pulmonary Hypertension

Share on Pinterest Reduced air pollution is a probable cause of a decline in heart attack rates during lockdowns, new research suggests. William McClymont/EyeEm/Getty Images A large body of evidence shows that air pollution increases the risk of acute cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in susceptible people. A new study links reduced pollution in the United States as a result of COVID-19 restrictions in March 2020 to a decline in the number of heart attacks. The researchers analyzed concentrations of particulate matter known as PM2.5 and the incidence of the most severe form of heart attack. They found that the frequency of heart attacks declined in step with reductions in PM2.5. Burning fewer fossil fuels may benefit the human heart as well as the Earth's climate, according to a new study. As delegates return from the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow, the 2021 virtual conference of the American Heart Association (AHA) will be getting underway. At ...

[unable to retrieve full-text content] Increased cardiorespiratory fitness may lower high blood pressure in children    2 Minute Medicine

We use cookies for analytics, advertising and to improve our site. You agree to our use of cookies by continuing to use our site. To know more, see our Cookie Policy and Cookie Settings. Ok

End-stage heart failure is the most advanced stage of congestive heart failure. At this point, treatments don't offer too much symptom relief. There are four stages of heart failure. The first two stages—A and B—are considered pre-heart failure, where lifestyle changes and medications can largely keep the condition at bay. By stage C, you may have symptoms like swollen limbs, fatigue, and shortness of breath with physical activity. By stage D, the heart has experienced significant damage, and it has begun to affect how other organs work, like the kidneys. Treatment for this stage includes surgery, heart transplant, or ventricular assist devices. You may also pursue hospice care—treatment based on comfort alone. LPETTET / Getty Images Signs Congestive heart failure is usually thought to be a condition of the heart, but it can affect other organs as it progresses. It continues to get worse with each flare-up, or exacerbation, and 90% of people...

Labile hypertension is when a person's blood pressure frequently fluctuates between normal and high. While it is normal for a person's blood pressure to vary throughout the day, with labile hypertension the blood pressure fluctuates more dramatically. This article investigates what labile hypertension is, symptoms people might experience, what can cause it, how to treat and help prevent it, and when to see a doctor. The word labile refers to something that can change quickly and spontaneously. Hypertension means a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg or higher. Labile hypertension is where a person's blood pressure is not constantly within normal ranges, but also not constantly high either. Although not everyone with labile hypertension will have symptoms, a person may experience: Anxiety and stress can cause labile hypertension. An example of a situation that could cause this could be having just received some bad news, or waiting for exam results. Many other factors can influe...

Inflammation is the process in which the body's immune system deals with infection, injury, and harmful substances. Lung inflammation may happen in one or both lungs and in different areas of the lungs. It may also be caused by other health conditions, stress, or allergens. Lung inflammation can happen from infectious causes, such as pneumonia caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses, and noninfectious causes, such as pneumonitis, or a type of allergic reaction. This inflammation can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-standing). Acute inflammation happens suddenly and resolves in a few days to weeks. Chronic lung inflammation can happen gradually and take 6 weeks or longer to recover. In some cases, your immune system can attack healthy cells, which leads to chronic inflammation. This may happen if you have an autoimmune condition such as asthma. Treatments for lung inflammation vary based on the cause of the inflammation, whether it's acute or chronic, and the severity of you...

Share on Pinterest New research examines what medication adults with hypertension are taking. David Smart/Stocksy Most people with hypertension in the United States have not managed to lower their blood pressure to recommended levels with treatment. There are many causes of high blood pressure, and some drugs can contribute to this. Researchers have shown that many individuals with hypertension are taking medications that could raise their blood pressure. There are often alternatives to these drugs that healthcare professionals should consider for those individuals. Nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, or hypertension. Yet only 1 in 4 of them have managed to reduce their blood pressure to the recommended levels with treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is important to keep blood pressure within the recommended levels of under 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Hypertension increases the risk of developing a heart a...