Edema is caused by four possible mechanisms. As mentioned in the pathophysiology of edema, the cause of edema may be due to fluid accumulation within the tissue space because : High pressure within the blood vessels pushes out fluid into tissue spaces (increased hydrostatic pressure). The blood vessel walls are too >> Read More ...
What Are Fiber Supplements? Fiber supplements contain dietary fiber or synthesized fiber-like substances that increase bulk of the stool. They mostly contain indigestible carbohydrates. Several types and brands exist. They are available over the counter (OTC) in various forms, including powder, >> Read More ...
The signs and symptoms of a heart attack (myocardial infarction) often leads to panic, both on the part of the person having the heart attack and those around them. However, early intervention, even by a person with basic emergency care knowledge, can save the life of the heart attack patient. Recognizing the early >> Read More ...
Edema Definition Edema is the medical term for excessive fluid accumulation within the interstitial space (between cells) or within the cavities of the body. This does not include fluid within the bladder or in the gastrointestinal tract (gut). Edema may be localized, affecting only one organ or area of the body or it can >> Read More ...
A myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack occurs when there is a blockage in one of the arteries supplying the heart (coronary arteries). This may lead to death or permanent damage to the heart muscles (myocardium). A heart attack is a very common medical emergency. Recognition of the symptoms early, prompt emergency >> Read More ...
The kidneys are important filters for waste products in the bloodstream located on either side of the upper abdomen. The basic functional unit of the kidney is the nephron which receives filtered fluid from the blood at the glomerulus and the reabsorbs or secretes wastes, toxins, electrolytes and water along the course of >> Read More ...
The kidney has several important functions including filtering out waste from the blood, regulating the water-electrolyte balance in the body and controlling the blood pressure. The basic functional unit of the kidney is the nephron which is made up of two main parts – the glomerulus and tubule. Firstly the head of >> Read More ...
A swelling or lump produced in any part of the body due to abnormal growth of tissue is known as a tumor. A growth that is found within the breast tissue is known as a breast tumor. It may be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Although the detection of a breast tumor may be alarming for a woman because of the >> Read More ...
About half of the deaths associated with a heart attack occurs within the first hour and these patients never reach the hospital. Not every myocardial infarction (heart attack) is fatal and the advances made in modern medicine has drastically reduced the mortality associated with a myocardial infarction. However, there is >> Read More ...
There are several types of drugs to treat hypertension and the use of each is dependent on the severity, duration and type of hypertension. Other underlying diseases also have to be taken into account when prescribing the most appropriate antihypertensive drug, even if the condition is not directly contributing to the >> Read More ...