Archive for September, 2009
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Tuesday, September 29th, 2009
DESCRIPTION
An elevated blood pressure is a major risk factor for a heart attack or stroke. The diagnostic summary is as follows:
• Borderline high blood pressure: 120-160 / 90-94
• Mild high blood pressure: 140-160 / 95-104
• Moderate high blood pressure: 140-180 / 105-114
• Severe high blood pressure: 160+ / 115+
Microalbumin
Wednesday, September 16th, 2009
The true marker for early detection of cardiovascular/ renal disease
Recent years have seen a radical shift in the focus of renal medicine. Rather than aiming to avoid complications from hemodialysis and kidney transplantation, nephrologists have turned to secondary prevention…
Detection while there is time to act
Recent years have seen a radical shift in the focus of renal medicine. Rather than aiming to avoid complications from hemodialysis and kidney transplantation, nephrologists have turned to secondary prevention – keeping kidney disease from progressing to its end stage. (more…)
Breast Cancer Re-evaluation Methods (Ireland)
Thursday, September 3rd, 2009A 1999 study found no decrease in breast-cancer mortality in Sweden, where screening has been recommended since 1985. The study reviewed the methodological quality of the mammography trials and an influential Swedish meta-analysis.[843]
The data show that for every 1000 women screened biennially throughout 12 years, one breast-cancer death is avoided whereas the total number of deaths is increased by six. (Lancet 2000; 355: 129-34) (more…)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
DESCRIPTION
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a recurrent condition in menstruating women, characterized by a wide range of troublesome physical and emotional symptoms that arise during the week or two before menstruation, but usually cease when the menstrual flow begins. Common physical symptoms include tender, swollen breasts; headache; backache; abdominal bloating; fluid retention causing puffiness in ankles, fingers and face; decreased energy level; acne outbreaks; and higher incidence of minor infections such as colds. Common emotional symptoms include irritability, nervousness, depression, mood swings, and altered (decreased or increased) sex drive.