Online Doctors : a complete check up

Sun tan- high style statement...not any more

2009-11-24T03:07:00.000-08:00

Many people want to get that golden glow tanned look. So when the summers arrive people go to tanning booths, stretch out on the sun near the beach or the pool to get a perfect bronzed glow. But before you head towards the pools and the beach bars, here is what you should know before you get your desired look without stressing your skin.

The benefit of sun rays is that vitamin D is produced in the body after exposure to the sun which is very beneficial for the body.

How does the skin get tanned?

Our skin is made up of two layers-the dermis and the epidermis. The sunlight has two components UVA and UVB. The UVA is responsible for penetrating the epidermis and stimulating the cells called melanocytes. These melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin. Infact melanin protects the skin from burning. The UVB is more harmful and can cause sun burns. This UV radiation is responsible to cause a skin cancer called malignant melanoma.

Premature aging, wrinkling and a leathery looking skin is the result of exposure to UV radiation. Overexposure to UVB can lead to another cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Fair skinned people are at a higher risk of skin cancer than dark skinned people. People with moles and pigmentations should completely avoid sun tanning.

How to be sun smart?

It is always best to avoid the sun in normal routine but if it is unavoidable always wear a sun screen with high efficiency. This can be seen as SPF factor which indicates the potency of the sunscreen. Apply the sunscreen in a thick layer frequently. Apply a sunscreen which is waterproof and sweat proof. If you are heading towards the pool for a swim or you are going for a sport then protection is a must because water and sand have reflect the sunlight to a greater extent. Always wear sun glasses and a hat to protect your skin and eyes. For good skin care and good health, make sure you know the style of tanning bed, the type of tanning lamp and your exposure limitations.

Top secrets for a glowing skin

2009-11-24T03:05:00.001-08:00

We all want the best skin care products for a glowing skin. Whether you are a male or a female, a youthful and glowing skin can create wonders. Everyone is a target of common skin problems like wrinkles, sagging and pigmentation of skin. There are wonderful simple tips you can follow to get a soft and healthy skin.

You first need to take care of yourself from inside which is possible only if you follow a strict routine. First you should have a stress free mind. Take a diet rich in vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and minerals to battle the damage that free radicals cause. If you suffer from premature wrinkles, dry skin, dandruff, cracked skin, or other very dry skin conditions, chances are you have a deficiency of Omega 3. Part of the beauty of Omega 3 is that it will moisturize your skin from deep inside. Sources rich in omega 3 are salmon, fish, tuna, nuts, eggs and flaxseed oil.

Water is also a very important component of the body and is essential for skin regeneration. If the skin lacks water, it would become wrinkled, loose colour, firmness and elasticity. The glands give out toxins and these become too much in the body that hinders in getting you a youthful appearance. Hydrating the skin well is much needed. Beyond water and a good diet, you will also want to find a good product that protects, restores, and rejuvenates in a very specific way: through stimulating the growth of new collagen and elastin cells. Why is this so important? Because this is the best way to reverse aging and turn back time to reduce or even eliminate wrinkles and skin discoloration. New collagen and elastin proteins create a smooth texture, and a soft, radiant appearance.

Other than water, a honey massage is ideal for the skin. Honey helps to hydrate the skin and this keeps the skin supple, moist and hydrated. The skin is left with a wonderful glow with a soft massage. This treatment can help all skin types and this can be applied on the neck and on the face. Coconut oil can also be used. You would require two teaspoonful of honey but dont take more as honey would warm up the body. Honey has a wonderful aroma and you can use it with a bit of coconut oil or olive oil. Honey face mask would also do fine.

Sex with ex? No strings attached please!

2009-11-24T03:03:00.000-08:00

Its been two years since she left but when you met her last, there was something about her and something about the moment that you could not but give into enticement!

Sparkle in her eyes, racing thoughts, mixed emotions, unanswered questions, deeply hurt, vulnerably, she gives into temptation.

And you have sex with your ex!

Anita Rao, who is a relationship expert in New Delhi says, "Making love to your ex gives you some remorseful pleasure. It is something that one gives into willingly but one dreads getting back into the relationship. Women get hopeful of the potentional relationship but their hearts know the truth."

"Men are mostly sure that the act does not mean getting back to the relationship,"she adds.

Indulging into the act is an instant reaction to a once-upon a time, emotionally charged relationship, something like going down the sexual memory lane, but what next?

Turn him on and make him stay!

2009-11-24T03:00:00.000-08:00

Watching those scantily-clad babes on the playboy cover or fantasizing the well-endowed ladies in the porn they watch, men love exotic and not to mention the erotic stuff.

Aroused just by the thoughts of love-making, a rub on their inner thighs can be enough to turn them on.

Women tend to fall into the trap of believing that they are like the god-sent manna which men simply fail to resist. But falling into sexual temptation is one thing and falling into love is another.

Sexual trigger can undoubtedly turn on a man but heres what turns him on for life and makes him stay.

Men can be complicated. They want a hottie girlfriend to flaunt as their priced possession; they want a trophy-wife who looks like the angel but has devilish shades in bed. So they are definitely a hard nut to crack.

Forgetful! but it may not suggest alzheimer's

2009-11-24T02:57:00.000-08:00

Each of us forgets things. There are times when we may walk up to the kitchen for a glass of water but, may land up with a knife in hand.

Such activities where you forget many tasks and things are a part of your normal everyday life.

But it does not mean that you or your family and friends have Alzheimer's.

Mild loss in memory may occur in people above sixty years of age. It actually is a part of the aging process and should be treated as normal.

"Aging affects memory and may change the manner in which our brain stores information. Therefore, it becomes hard for a person to recall the stored information," informs Dr. Satnam Chabbra, a neurosurgeon.

Alzheimer's could be a part of you if it is present in your genes. It affects your brain and may cause severe memory loss. Advance in age increases the risk of getting Alzheimer's.

The symptoms of the disease are severe and include the following:

Mold Allergy : Problems And Complications

2009-11-16T01:53:00.000-08:00

wonder doctor provides information about mold allergies, causes and symptoms and problems and complications caused due to mold allergy.

Mold, also known as fungus, is a family of organisms that are found throughout nature. Thousands of different types of molds exist but only a few dozen different kinds will cause mold allergies in people.

For people who suffer from respiratory mold allergy, their immune system overreacts when they breathe in mold spores. The reaction triggers a cascade of reactions that lead to allergy symptoms.

Mold allergies can occur in people of almost any age but infants, toddlers, children, the elderly those with compromised immune systems, and people with existing respiratory conditions such as allergies or asthma tend to have a higher risk of experiencing an allergic reaction to mold. Mold allergy symptoms can slightly vary per person.

Eye Allergy : An Allergy To Eye

2009-11-16T01:49:00.000-08:00

Eye Allergies

There is a wise saying that a person’s eyes are the windows to the soul because they reflect the individual’s state of mind. However, this may not be true if the person is suffering from itchy, red swollen eyes. Many eye allergies go ignored, however, some may severely damage our eyes and can threaten our eyesight. Eyes react to a substance that the body interprets as potentially harmful, and as a response to this 'attack', the body produces antibodies, causing the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Eye allergies are often hereditary and can surface at any age. Some people with sensitive eyes may be allergic to dust which otherwise is absolutely harmless for others.

If eye allergies go unnoticed or are not treated properly they can cause more severe problems that will need serious medical attention.

Latex Allergy : Allergy To Rubber Products

2009-11-16T01:44:00.000-08:00

Latex Allergies

Latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins found in natural rubber latex, a product manufactured from a milky fluid derived from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) found in Africa and Southeast Asia. Rubber and products made of rubber contain a high amount of protein. People with latex allergies get an allergic reaction caused by this protein in rubber products.

Latex allergy symptoms can be mild or severe and will cause many problems for people with this allergy as many products contain rubber nowadays.

The protein in rubber can cause an allergic reaction in some people. This reaction can range from sneezing to anaphylactic shock, which is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

The thin, stretchy latex rubber in gloves, condoms and balloons is high in this protein. It causes more allergic reactions than products made of hard latex rubber (like tires). Also, because some latex gloves are coated with cornstarch powder, the latex protein particles stick to the cornstarch and fly into the air when the gloves are taken off. In places where gloves are being put on and removed frequently, the air may contain many latex particles. Items made with soft stretchy rubber such as used in latex rubber gloves cause the most problems. Soft rubber causes more allergic reactions than hard rubber used for example in car tyres.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis : Skin Allergies

2009-11-16T01:38:00.000-08:00

Skin Allergy

Skin allergies, or allergic contact dermatitis, are allergies of skin that occur when a substance that a person is allergic to touches the skin.

Contact dermatitis is caused from skin contact with a substance that causes a rash-like reaction. People react to a variety of chemicals, including cosmetics, hair dye, metals, topical medications and dental materials. Inflammation can occur after being on contact with an item or substance that present no harm at all to people who do not suffer from this allergy.

An example of a contact dermatitis is a rash from poison ivy, which is an extremely itchy and appears as blisters that ooze and crust after contact with plants of the Toxicodendron family.

A contact dermatitis rash may look like atopic dermatitis, however, the rash is typically located only in the area of contact with the offending chemical. Common locations include the face, especially the eyelids, neck, hands and feet.

Food Allergies : Hypersensitivity To Edibles

2009-11-16T01:34:00.000-08:00

Food allergies are the most complicated and difficult allergies to live with as they have to do with something that we (have to) do every day. A food allergy is an abnormal immune system response that is triggered by sensitivity to a substance in a certain food.

Almost any food can cause an allergy. Food allergy symptoms usually develop within minutes to one hour of exposure to the allergen. If the body interprets a certain food as harmful, it produces antibodies to protect you from its dangers, causing allergic symptoms as the body tries to protect itself from the harmful allergen.

There are many types of adverse reactions to food which are called food hypersensivities and these can cause similar symptoms. However, it is crucial to know that most adverse reactions to food are not caused by a true food allergy.

Types of non-allergic food hypersensitivities include food intolerances like lactose intolerance or even sensitivities to chemicals including histamine in cheese, wine, and tuna. Additives like sulfites, monosodium glutamate in food also cause food hypersensitivity. Food poisoning may be caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria and harmful toxins. Food allergies and non-allergic food hypersensitivities are two different things and can be differentiated through diagnostic testing.

Animal Allergies : Causes And Symptoms

2009-11-16T01:29:00.000-08:00

Animal allergy

They are a part of your life but it is nonetheless true that your household pets are the most common source of allergic reactions.

It is commonly found that most people are allergic to pets. For those who have inherited hypersensitivity (called atopy), any sort of exposure to proteins in an animal's saliva, or the animals dander (flakes of skin), or urine can cause an allergic reaction to them.

Allergy symptoms develop when these proteins are carried through the air and come in contact with the lining of the respiratory tract.

Even dander on a pet owners clothing can cause severe allergic response in a person with a severe animal allergy.

Detect Allergies : Symptoms Of Allergies

2009-11-16T01:24:00.000-08:00

Symptoms

There are many signs to look out for when you suspect that you might be suffering from an allergy. More often than not allergy patients will also experience a feeling of a raised body temperature. Allergy symptoms are wide ranging but the most common symptoms are:

Allergy : Different Causes Of Allergies

2009-11-16T01:20:00.000-08:00

Causes of Allergies

Genetic manipulation of food

Food does not have to be necessarily manipulated to cause allergic reactions, but it is a fact that certain foods that trigger reactions are also grown and manipulated genetically. Genetic manipulation is a process to grow food in which for example certain proteins are added to the vegetable to make it more nutritious. Especially foods like soy beans and peanuts tend to cause allergies.

Environmental Factors

Allergy attacks can be provoked by environmental factors, causes of allergies are for example:

Dust
Peanuts
Pollen

These factors can be easily identified and allergy treatment can be taken if one is sensitive to pollen.

Allergy : A Hypersensitivity

2009-11-16T01:18:00.000-08:00

The term allergy is used to describe a malfunction of the immune system in the body causing a person to respond to a certain substance in a hypersensitive way (causing the allergic reactions). It is a response, within the body, to a substance, which is not necessarily harmful in itself, but results in an immune response and a reaction that causes symptoms and disease in a predisposed person, which in turn can cause inconvenience, or a great deal of misery.

In simple terms, it is a hyperactive response of the immune system to certain substances which are foreign to our bodies. The sensitizing substances, called allergens, may be inhaled, swallowed, or come into contact with the skin.

An allergy is everything from a runny nose, itchy eyes and palate to skin rash. In fact, allergies can be caused by just about any substance that you inhale or swallow, or that touches your skin.

Allergy : A Hypersensitive Disease

2009-11-16T01:11:00.000-08:00

An allergy is everything from a runny nose, itchy eyes and palate to skin rash. In fact, allergies can be caused by just about any substance that you inhale or swallow, or that touches your skin.

It aggravates the sense of smell, sight, tastes and touch causing irritation, extreme disability and sometimes fatality. It occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances.

Not only do allergies cause a range of annoying symptoms, such as sneezing and itchy eyes, but they can aggravate or trigger other conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, and ear infections. For example, when allergies cause inflammation in your nasal passages, the opening to your sinuses can become blocked, leading to sinus inflammation, sinus infections, and sinus pain. Similarly, if allergies cause inflammation in your ear canal, the ears don't drain properly, which can lead to ear infections.

Myths And Facts : Clear Concept On Cardiology

2009-11-13T22:46:00.000-08:00

Myth: Heart diseases begin in adulthood.

Fact: Heart diseases do not occur suddenly. It is not a problem of the middle and old-aged people. Obesity and diabetes in early stage of life can lead to fat deposits in the major arteries while a person is in his/her teens. A proper sensible diet can help avoid the onset of cardiac diseases in the early stage of life.

Myth: Normal blood pressure, cholesterol levels and weight do not cause any heart disease.

Fact: It is good to have normal blood pressure levels with your weight in control. But, thin people who have low levels of cholesterol die because of heart diseases every day. It is important to quit smoking and drinking and practice regular exercise to maintain good health.

FAQs : Frequently Asked Questions On Cardiology

2009-11-13T22:43:00.000-08:00

Heart disease describes a range of cardiovascular diseases. Diseases associated with the heart are often fatal, but can be treated or prevented with proper care and treatment.

Coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy are the most commonly diagnosed heart diseases. These not only affect the heart but also the blood vessels surrounding the heart.

Heart disease can lead to heart attack, high blood pressure, angina and stroke.

Devices Used In Heart Disease : Wonder Doctor Cure

2009-11-13T22:36:00.000-08:00

Devices used in heart diseases:

Pacemaker

Whenever there is a defect in the electrical conduction system of the heart , there is a need of a pacemaker. It regulates the beating of the heart. When there is a problem with the native pacemaker of the heart and it is not able to regulate the impulses in a regular way to the ventricles, a pacemaker is used. The initial stabilization is done by using an external pacemaker but mostly an internally implanted pacemaker is required to regulate the heartbeat.

AED (automated external defibrillator)

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are a proved method of reducing morbidity and mortality from acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). The most common lethal arrhythmias in adult cardiac arrest can be cured by electricity; early defibrillation is a nationally recognized standard of care. To provide a realistic chance of survival, defibrillation must be available soon after cardiac arrest. An automated external defibrillator (AED) detects and treats cardiac arrest due to the cardiac arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) Uncorrected, these
arrhythmias rapidly lead to irreversible brain damage and death.

Surgical Procedures Of Heart : Patient Guide

2009-11-13T22:32:00.000-08:00

Surgical procedures for heart diseases

Heart transplant surgery

It is first decided by the patient as to which patient would be suitable enough to go for a heart transplant surgery. The patient is carefully examined and the necessary investigations are done followed by medications prior to the procedure. The donor organ is assessed, examined and prepared before the surgery.

The operation is done under general anaesthesia. A cut is made on the rib cage of the chest. Then the pericardium is removed and the patient’s heart is exposed. The entire heart is removed leaving the back portion of the left atrium in place “Orthotopic procedure” is used for heart transplantation. The donor’s heart is carefully cleaned and trimmed and sewn in with the remaining portion of the patient’s heart. To prevent infection and rejection of the transplant utmost sterilization is maintained and patient is on medication and discharged only when there is no scope for any complication.

Diagnosis of Heart Disease : A Complete Check Up

2009-11-13T22:04:00.001-08:00

Diagnostic procedures for heart diseases

Sphygmomanometer(blood pressure cuff)

This instrument is used for measuring blood pressure in the arteries. It consists of a manometer (measuring meter) and an inflatable cuff connected with a tube. There is a bulb used to inflate the cuff and is connected to the cuff with a tubeThe bulb has an adjustable screw and maintains a one way pressure to inflate the cuff.

Electrocardiogram(ECG or EKG)

This is simple test which measures the electrical activity of the heart. Electrodes are placed on the wrist, ankles and chest. The current goes through the waves from the electrodes to EKG machine. These signals are then transformed into patterns and waves. The current causes the heart muscles to contract and relax. This is then recorded and interpreted by the cardio physician.

EPS study (electrophysiologic study)

This tests the electrical conduction system of the heart. A local anaesthetic and a mild sedative is given and a thin plastic tube is inserted in the vein connecting the leg with the stomach. Here the physician assesses the heart rhythm. If it is irregular then he asseses as to why there is an irregular heart beat.

Diagnosis Of Heart Disease: a complete check up

2009-11-13T22:04:00.000-08:00

Infections Of The Heart : A Cardiac Disorder

2009-11-13T22:01:00.000-08:00

Infections of the heart

Endocarditis
Myocarditis
Pericarditis
Rheumatic fever (rheumatic heart disease)

Vascular Heart Diseases : Disorders Of Heart Vessels

2009-11-13T21:57:00.000-08:00

Vascular heart diseases ( disorders of heart vessels)

Atherosclerosis

Vasculitis

Varicose veins

Aortic diseases

Carotid artery diseases

It is the inflammation of the blood vessels that is arteries and veins. It occurs due to the migration and damage of the leukocytes. Inflammation of the veins is called phlebitis and inflammation of the arteries is called arteritis. It may involve a single tissue or many tissues or organs of the body. It is characterised by the inflammation of the lining of the blood vessels causing narrowing and blockage of the blood vessels. It is mainly due to a disturbance in the immune system of the body. It may or may not be associated with other disorder.

Congenital Heart Diseases : Abnormality In Heart Structure

2009-11-13T21:54:00.000-08:00

A congenital defect is an abnormality in the structure of the heart and the blood vessels of a new born. Such abnormalities obstruct the blood flow in the heart vessels or cause the blood to flow in an abnormal pattern. They could be varying defects like a hole in the chamber of the heart or an abnormal heart valve or a missing heart valve or a heart chamber.

Some defects are discovered in an unborn baby (called a fetus) while a woman is pregnant. Others are not found until birth. Still others may not be discovered until your child gets older or even until he or she becomes an adult.

Causes

Heredity – genes passed from the parent to the child
German measles-it is viral infection which when encountered in a pregnant woman can result in congenital heart defects
Pregnant women who drink excessive alcohol are more likely to develop congenital heart defects
Diabetes in pregnant women
Children with Down’s syndrome are more likely to develop congenital hert abnormality

Disorders In Heart Valve: A Risk To Heart

2009-11-13T21:50:00.000-08:00

The function of the heart valves is to maintain the unidirectional flow of blood in the heart by opening and closing depending on the difference in pressure on each side. A heart valve disorder may involve narrowing (stenosis) of a valve's opening, interfering with blood flow through the valve. Or a heart valve disorder may involve backward leakage (regurgitation) of blood through a valve. Stenosis and regurgitation may affect the same valve

A heart valve disorder can develop in any of the four heart valves (mitral, aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary valves). The mitral valve controls blood flow from the left auricle of the heart (atrium) to the left ventricle. The aortic valve controls blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta, the artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the body. The tricuspid valve controls blood flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle. The pulmonary (pulmonic) valve controls blood flow from the right ventricle into the arteries that carry blood to the lungs (pulmonary arteries) Among older people, disorders of the aortic valve and the mitral valve are the most common.

Arteriosclerosis : Formation Of Plaques In The Blood Vessels

2009-11-13T21:47:00.000-08:00

It is characterised by the formation of plaques in the blood vessels of the heart. Arteriosclerosis is the hardening of the arterioles. These plaques are formed by the accumulation of white blood macrophages. The functional high density lipoprotein (HDL) are unable to remove the low density lipoproteins(LDL).

The LDLs that is the low density lipoproteins carry the function of carrying the cholesterol in the blood stream to form brain tissue or vitamin D. The LDL has a tendency to get oxidised which happens in the arteries as they carry oxygenated blood. This leads to damage of artery wall which responds by accumulation of macrophages. The muscle wall of the artery becomes enlarged and a hard core is formed around the artery causing narrowing of the artery , decreasing the blood flow and thereby causing high blood pressure.

In severe cases this atherosclerosis will lead to rupture of this plaque causing the formation of the thrombus which will lead to reduction in the blood flow to the tissues and organs and can lead to death within a few minutes.

Pericarditis : Inflamation Of Fibrous Tissue

2009-11-13T21:43:00.000-08:00

It is the inflammation of the fibrous tissue surrounding the heart. There could be a serious, purulent, hemorrhagic or fibrinous discharge. It is the result of

Signs

fever - dry cough
anxiety
pain in chest worsened by lying down
friction rub
fatigue

Cardiac Pacemaker Disorder : Electrical System Of Heart

2009-11-13T21:39:00.000-08:00

The normal physiology of the heart consists of a heart beat. This heart beat is the result of the electrical impulses which are generated from the SA node which is locate in the right atrium. It is a natural pacemaker of the heart which generates the electrical impulse and transfers it to the AV node through special pathways. This is then responsible for the contraction of the ventricles. When there is a delay in this conduction system of the heart at any point it will result in arrythmias or abnormalities in the heartbeat. According to where they originate from they can classified as those arising from

atrium
SA node
AV node

When it arsis from above the ventricles they are referred to as supraventricular arrythmias. When they arise from the ventricles they are called ventricular arrythmias.

Myocardium Disorder : A Disease Of Heart Muscle

2009-11-13T21:36:00.000-08:00

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscles which may be caused because of a number of reasons. It could be due to external factors or internal factors. External factors are those due to causes outside the myocardium.

congenital heart disease
valvular
ischemic
inflammatory
nutritional
alcoholic
diabetic

ischemic cardiomyopathy is mainly caused due to weakening of the heart muscle due to inadequate delivery of oxygen. This could be due to anaemia, sleep apnoea or coronary heart disease. It could also be due to previous history of myocardial infarction. In myocardial infarction the particular area becomes necrotic or dies and then leaves a scar tissue (fibrosis).That portion does not contribute to the functioning of the heart.

Intrinsic factors that cause this disease is due to the weakening of the heart muscle caused due to certain diseases like drugs, infections, diabetes and alcoholic toxicity.

Cardiac Disease:Disorder In Heart Functions

2009-11-13T01:09:00.000-08:00

Diseases of the heart

Disorders of the myocardium(muscle of the heart)

Disorders in the cardiac pacemaker (electrical system of the heart)

Disorders of the pericardium (outer lining of the heart)

Disorders in the coronary system (circulatory system of the heart)

Disorders of the heart valves

Congenital heart diseases

Vascular heart diseases (disorder of heart vessels)

Sudden heart failure

Infection in the heart

Diagnostic procedures of heart diseases

Medicines for cardiac disorders

Surgical procedures for heart diseases

Devices used in cardiac diseases

Physiology: The Functions Of Heart

2009-11-13T01:07:00.000-08:00

The heart acts as a pump to deliver oxygen,nutrients and blood to different parts of the body.Both sides of the heart function together. First the oxygen-depleted blood enters the heart through two large veins, the inferior and superior vena cava and then flows into the right atrium. From the right atrium, it passes through the tricuspid valve and then into the right ventricle. The blood is then pumped through the pulmonary valve and into the lungs.

The pulmonary vein empties oxygenated blood, from the lungs, into the left atrium. Then the blood flows from your into your left ventricle through the open bicuspid or mitral valve and finally, it is pumped through the aortic valve into the aorta - the blood vessel which supplies to oxygenated blood to different parts of the body.

When the ventricles are full, the mitral and tricuspid valves close. This prevents blood from flowing backward into the atria while the ventricles contract (squeeze) or "pump." This pattern is repeated continuously throughout your life, causing blood to flow to the heart, lungs and other body parts.

The atria and ventricles work together by alternately contracting (squeezing) and relaxing to pump blood through your heart. The heartbeat is triggered by electrical impulses that travel down a special pathway through your heart. The electrical system of your heart is the power source that makes the heartbeat.

Anatomy: The Structure Of Heart

2009-11-13T01:04:00.000-08:00

The heart looks like an upside down pear.It is situated in the ribcage in the centre of the chest between the lungs(right and left).The size is approxiamately similar to the size of an adult fist.It will get altered in certain heart diseases.

The heart is divided into four chambers. The right atrium, the left atrium, the right ventricle and the left ventricle. The heart is divided by a tissue called the heart septum and separates it into the right side and the left side. The atrial septum divides the upper chamber of the heart and the ventricular septum divides the lower septum of the heart
.

Right side of the heart

The right side of the heart consists of the right atrium and the right ventricle. The right atrium has the superior and the inferior vena cava. The superior vena cave get used or the deoxygenated blood from the upper part of the body i.e head ,neck arms and chest to the right atrium. The inferior vena cava gets blood from the lower parts of the body to the right atrium. The blood enters the right ventricles from where it is pumped through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs for oxygenation.

Left side of the heart

The left side of the heart is consists of the left atrium and the left ventricle. The deoxygenated blood from the lungs is oxygenated by capillaries in the lungs and sent through the pulmonary veins to the left atrium. It then passes to the left ventricle and then this oxygenated blood is sent through the aorta to various parts of the body.

Cardiology: Living With The Beats Of Life

2009-11-13T00:48:00.000-08:00

Wonder doctor is an online medical directory of Top Doctors of India mainly aiming to provide world class Medical facilities on click of a button. One of the most key features is providing online consultancy with India's best doctors having proven track record in their specialties.With support of Wonder doctor NRI patients can consult online best doctors in India for any medical consultation and can also make available their medical records(XRays,Ultra Sound,CT SCAN) for Indian Doctor's view through various IT tools and applications Wonder doctor enables patients in India or overseas to experience virtual in person consultancy with any doctor specialist in his field in any part of India. Wonder doctor provides online consultancy in form of Video Conferencing, Live Chat, Email and also 24*7 emergency services like Ambulance, Doctor-on Spot, etc. Wonder doctor serves medium in organizing virtual online face to face consultancy between patient and doctor irrespective of their locations. In addition to online medical consultancy Wonder doctor also provides information about various latest health and medicinal discoveries and India's best hospitals providing best healthcare services.

Healthy eating can keep your heart beats normal!

Myths and Facts: Knowing The Truth About Arthritis

2009-11-13T00:46:00.000-08:00

Myth: Arthritis is a disease affecting old people.

Fact: The most common misconception about arthritis is that it's a disease only of old people. In actuality, arthritis can affect anyone at any age, not just the elderly including children, young adults and middle-aged people.

Arthritis is not age or gender specific. There are over 100 different types of arthritis and related rheumatic conditions and some are more commonly found in particular groups.

Rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lupus are more commonly found in women than men.

Gout and ankylosing spondylitis appear more often in men than women.

In terms of gender, psoriatic arthritis affects men and women nearly equally. Older people are more inclined to have osteoarthritis, the degenerative form of arthritis.

Myth: Myth arthritis can be cured

Fact: There has been no scientific evidence that a cure for arthritis exists.till date there is no cure for the disease.the treatment options includerecognizing and controlling your symptoms ,medications and other treatment options ,natural and alternative therapies pain relief techniques.

Gout Arthritis : A Metabolic Disorder

2009-11-13T00:43:00.000-08:00

Gout is a metabolic disorder in which uric acid gets deposited in the articular cartilage of joints,tendons and surrounding tissues causing inflammation and pain.It is also the result of acidity in the bloodstream.

Primary Gout

This is caused primarily to intake of a protein rich diet. A heredity factor predisposes the precipitation of gout. People who are obese, at a high risk of diabetes, heart diseases and those who have a high intake of alcohol are more likely to get gout. Malt liquor consumption or people who have insufficent quantity and quality of food also are more likely to develop gout. It could be a consequence of renal failure. Patients on diuretics are more prone to acute attacks of gout.

Secondary Gout

Certain diseases result in gout like

obesity
hypertension
renal failures
leukemias
polycyathemias

How does hyperuricemia lead to gout?

In gout there is an inherited abnormality of the body to process uric acid .The foods that we eat contain purines which breakdown to form uric acid.Ideally uric acid is metabolised and excreted in the urine.Atleast two third of the uric acid is excreted in the urine via the the kidneys.

Rheumatoid Disease: An Autoimmune Systemic Disorder

2009-11-13T00:40:00.000-08:00

It is an autoimmune systemic disorder characterised by inflammation of tissues around joints and other organs of the body.In this disorder the cells of the body that work for protecting against infections and foreign bodies start affecting own body tissues.This disease causes functional disability.

Environmental factors and infections are suspected to cause the immune system of the body to work against its own tissues.immune cells like lymphocytes are responsible for causing inflammation in various organs of the body like lungs or eyes.The abnormal immune response is responsible for inflammation of the synovium followed by edema and vasodilation and infiltration of activated T cells.This causes thickening of synovium,breakdown of cartilage and destruction of bone which is evident as erosion of bone radiologically. The following factors have been linked to this disease .

stress
improper diet
smoking
suspected infections with rubella,parvovirus19,mycoplasmas
hormonal imbalance therefore more prevalent in women mostly risk of acquiring it after child birth

Osteoarthritis: A Degenerative Bone Disease

2009-11-13T00:37:00.000-08:00

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative bone disease characterised by low grade inflammation of the joint due to wear of cartilage and destruction or decrease in the synovial fluid that is present between the joints.

Causes

Genetic factor
Age
Trauma

Sign and symptoms

Acute pain because of stiffness of joint
Crepitus or a crackling sound of the bone on moving or touching the joint
Muscle spasm
Fluid collection in the joints specially in humid or cold weather
Weight bearing joints are most commonly affected like hips,knees,feet and spine

Arthritis: Inflamation Of The Joint

2009-11-13T00:32:00.000-08:00

It is the inflammation of the joint. It is usually accompanied by swelling, pain and stiffness caused due to infection, trauma or degenerative disorder.

A joint is that part of the body where two bones connect with each other. The bone surfaces are covered by a synovial membrane which secretes athe synovial fluid.There is fluid called the synovial fluid which is present the the joint cavity and which allows lubrication to the bones so that they can move smoothly against each other.

In arthritis the synovial memrane becomes thickened due to inflammation .It is attacked by the white blood cells which destroy the tissue of the joint.

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Arthritis: A Challenge For Healthy Life

2009-11-13T00:27:00.000-08:00