Causes and Symptoms of a Weak Heart

Statistics from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention report an estimated 5 million Americans suffer from heart failure, with over 500,000 new cases appearing each year. Coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and diabetes are the leading causes for weakness in heart function. As of yet, there is no known cure; however there are steps that can be taken to improve this condition.

Identification
"Heart failure" is the medical term used to indicate the presence of a weak heart. This term refers to the heart's inability to circulate blood through the body. Blood flow is slower than normal, which places more pressure on the heart than usual. Slower blood circulation means body's cells don't receive the oxygen and nutrients needed for normal function. This added pressure on the heart causes its chambers to thicken, or the heart will expand so it can hold more blood. If this condition persists, the muscles that make up the walls of the heart will weaken.

Causes
A number of conditions can cause, or contribute, to a weak heart. Disorders that overwork the heart muscles, like high blood pressure, thyroid disease, kidney disease or diabetes can cause it to gradually deteriorate over time.
Coronary artery disease (CAD)--a condition brought on by a narrowing of the arteries--is another condition that causes the heart to work harder than normal. Narrow arteries prevent needed oxygen and nutrients from reaching the heart. In addition, the heart has to exert extra force to move blood through these narrowed passage ways.

Symptoms
The symptoms associated with a weak heart are fairly easy to spot. Cells that don't receive sufficient blood flow begin to break down from a lack of oxygen and nutrients. When this happens, fluids contained inside the blood vessels begin to seep into surrounding tissues. This can cause swelling in the ankles and legs, and water retention throughout the body. Excess fluids can also accumulate in the lungs and digestive track, causing shortness of breath and a loss of appetite. The heart's inability to circulate blood to the muscles leaves the body feeling tired and weak, making everyday tasks harder to do.

Testing for a Weak Heart
There are a number of tests used to determine how well a heart is functioning. Your doctor may order a cardiovascular stress test to see if the heart receives enough blood during stress or activity. Echocardiogram tests are administered to check blood flow and to measure valve function. A multi-gated blood-pool image, or MUGA scan, is used to gauge heart strength in terms of how well it pumps blood through its chambers. A cardiopulmonary stress test checks to see how your lungs and heart perform during exercise.

Prevention
As of yet, there's no known cure for heart failure, but there are steps that can be taken to prevent a weak heart from getting weaker. Diet and exercise are the most effective ways of warding off further problems. A low cholesterol diet can reduce the build-up of cholesterol in the blood and prevent blockage in the arteries. A regular exercise routine works to strengthen the heart muscle and reduces overall stress and tension in the body. Any extra weight will also put additional strain on the heart, so eating right and exercising to maintain a normal body weight is essential.

How to Recognize Stomach Cancer Symptoms

It's important to recognize stomach cancer symptoms to get the treatment needed. Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer is not as common in the United States, as it is in other parts of the world. Stomach cancer symptoms tend to go ignored often, because others figure they're suffering from other stomach problems. There are a few different causes of stomach cancer. The most common type of stomach cancer is known as adenocarcinoma.

Stomach cancer can be genetic. If you have family members who have a history of stomach cancer, then you might be at risk. Since signs of stomach cancer usually aren't noticeable until it's advanced, you should get regular checkups from your doctor. Especially if you're past the age of 40. Those past the the age of 40 are more prone to stomach cancer. Those who are at risk of stomach cancer are heavy smokers, heavy drinkers, too much sodium in one's diet, lack of antioxidants in diet, and pernicious anemia. Stomach cancer treatment consists of surgery, usually resulting in losing your stomach.

Tips

1. Identify possible stomach cancer symptoms. Symptoms of stomach cancer results in loose stool, constant bloating, heartburn, stomach pain, abdominal pain, dark stool, blood in stool, diarrhea and indigestion. Stomach cancer symptoms can be common symptoms of other stomach problems. However, if symptoms continue you should get an appointment with your doctor. It might not be stomach cancer. You might still need treatment if its some other kind of stomach problem.

2. Eat foods high in fiber. Fiber takes harmful toxins out of your body. Dietary fiber is good for your digestive system. Eating good amounts of fiber can help prevent stomach cancer. Foods high in fiber are wheat, corn, raspberries, mustard greens, cauliflower, broccoli, bran, legumes, barley, rye and oats. Eating white bread can increase your chance of cancer. Switch to wheat or rye bread instead.

3. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contains high amount of antioxidants. Those who don't get enough antioxidants into their diet increase risk of cancer. Specific fruits high in vitamin C should be added to your diet. Strawberries, oranges, lemon, kiwifruit, cantaloupe, grapefruit, watermelon, pineapple, and blueberries. Eat a lot of green leaf vegetables like spinach, broccoli, kale, and swiss chard.

4. Take vitamin E supplements. Vitamin E can help fight off free radical attacks. Vitamin E is a healthy vitamin for digestion, and is anti-cancer. Taking vitamin E regularly can reduce your chance of cancer. Talk to your doctor about vitamin E supplements if you're on prescribed medications.

5. Avoid a lot of alcohol, smoking, and limit saturated fats. Drinking a lot of alcohol, smoking, and eating foods high in saturated fats can lead to stomach cancer, and other forms of cancer. Drink more green tea, since it helps boost the immune system. Replace saturated and trans fats with omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fats, and monounsaturated fats.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder in Men

Bipolar Disorder is a medical condition known as a depressive disorder. It affects the brain's chemistry and functions. Because it does, it has different results depending on the individual. The commonality of bipolar disorder across patients is that it is characterized by episodes of mania and depression. The way these patients act, feel or think is all dependent upon the type of bipolar disorder, brain chemistry, and the patient's gender.

Mania Symptoms
The manic episodes of bipolar disorder exhibit the following symptoms: hyperactivity, acting impulsively, difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, inflated self opinions, excessive talking, and less need for sleep

Depression Symptoms
The depressive episodes of bipolar disorder exhibit the following symptoms: feeling sad, anxious, hopeless, or negative for a significant period of time, difficulty remembering or concentrating on things, difficulty making decisions, lack of enjoyment for usual activities, eating and sleeping pattern changes, and suicidal thoughts.

Associated Symptoms
According to research made available through the U.S. Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health, men with bipolar disorder will more often have problems with--and exhibit signs of--substance abuse, particularly during manic episodes.

Effects
The behavioral patterns and mood swings symptomatic of bipolar disorder are often perceived wrongly by men to be a character flaw or sign of weakness, the result of which leads fewer men to pursue proper diagnosis and treatment.

Misconceptions
Bipolar disorder occurs just as frequently in men as it does in women.

Rapid Cycling
Rapid cycling bipolar disorder (symptomatically characterized by four or more manic-depressive episodes occurring within one year) is more common in men than it is in women.

Signs and Symptoms of Sunstroke

Sunstroke, also known as heatstroke, is a life-threatening condition in which the body's heat-regulating system fails due to exposure to high temperatures. It happens when the body is unable to rid itself of excess heat due to vigorous activity or a very hot environment.

Who Gets Sunstroke?
Though anyone can get sunstroke, there are people who are more susceptible. They include children, the elderly, athletes, diabetics, alcoholics and those not used to extreme heat and sun. Certain medications can also make a person more prone to heatstroke. Ask your doctor about medications you are taking before venturing outdoors in the heat.

Signs to Look For
Symptoms of sunstroke include:
• elevated body temperature
• very dry or dehydrated skin
• rapid pulse
• headache
• dizziness
• exhaustion
• nausea or vomiting

More Serious Symptoms
If sunstroke progresses, more serious symptoms can occur. These include:
• mental confusion
• hyperventilation
• body cramps
• painful spasms in arms and legs
• seizure
• coma

If sunstroke is not treated, eventually it can damage organs. Even death may occur if symptoms are prolonged. It is imperative that you treat a sunstroke victim at the moment there are signs.

What to Do if Sunstroke Strikes
It is important to lower the body temperature in a fast but monitored way. First, get the person to a shady area and call 911. While you are waiting for the paramedics to arrive, remove clothing and apply cool water to the skin. Place ice packs under the person's armpits and at the groin to promote sweating. Be sure to give the person enough liquids to restore hydration but not too much that he vomits. Vomiting will cause further dehydration.

Prevent Sunstroke
To avoid sunstroke, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of liquids and maintaining the body at a normal temperature when doing outdoor activities. Stay clear of alcohol and caffeine because they can cause dehydration. Wear light colored and loose-fitted clothing and take breaks often to get a drink and keep hydrated.

Signs and Symptoms of Minor Depression

Most people who live with depression exhibited signs of minor depression at the beginning. Sometimes, the person suffering from minor depression may hope or think the signs are just temporary and will go away. However, this thinking usually makes the depression worse. Inform friends and family if you notice signs of minor depression.

Sadness
If you are showing signs of minor depression, you may appear sad. This may not occur on a daily basis but perhaps once or twice a week. You may be able to snap out of it easily or at least show an outward appearance of overcoming the depressed mood. The mood may strike at any time, and for no reason.

Poor Attitude
Your desire to participate in everyday activities relating to school, home, and work may diminish. Perhaps going to the store, reading a book, or doing daily chores seem too difficult to accomplish. Recreational activities may even become less important. You may feel the need to make excuses about why something was not completed or finished on time. Depression can bring on an "I don't care" attitude.

Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite may be a sign of minor depression. Feeling less hungry or even nauseous at the thought of eating something may signal the beginning stages of depression. Food preferences may change as well. Perhaps you crave sweets or foods high in fat to somehow comfort you on days you feel sad. Appetite changes may occur slowly over a period of time.

Regrets
You may feel like you should have done things differently earlier in your life. Perhaps you made poor grades in school and now feel like it has caught up with you somehow. Maybe a failed marriage or a bad career move triggered the depression.

Sleep Difficulty
Sleep can become a chore for minor depression sufferers. You may have trouble falling asleep because your mind is constantly going, worrying about something that needs to be done or should have been accomplished. Perhaps you wake up periodically during the night and have trouble getting back to sleep. People with minor depression may have to rely on medication to get to sleep.

How to Recognize Cancer Symptoms for Women

If you are a woman you should take your health very seriously. Many woman fail to detect the early signs of Cancer and it will eventually cost them their lives. Many times when caught early Cancer can be treated for women. Here is a check list to help you recognize Cancer Symptoms in women. Make sure you refer to this checklist from time to time to see if you have Cancer Symptoms. Also if you are at all concerned you may have Cancer see the advice and expertise of a trained professional.

Tips

1. Wheezing or shortness of breath - Possible Lung Cancer

Look for shortness of breath similar to asthma. This will be noticeable if you are looking for it but could be overlooked if you are not paying attention to recognize cancer symptoms.

2. Chronic cough or chest pain - Possible Lung tumors or leukemia

Look for a persistent cough or a repeated cycle to the coughing. Also look for pain that goes from the chest down the arm or to the shoulder.

3. Frequent fevers or infections - Possible Leukemia

Look for a fever because of your body's inability to fight off infections. This is usually diagnosed after a long period of flu like symptoms with fever and achiness.

4. Problems swallowing - Throat Cancer

Look for problems swallowing. This can also be a sign of lung cancer.

5. Cancer Symptoms for Women
Swollen lumps on the neck, underarm or groin - Leukemia or problems with the lymphatic system.

These can be signs of breast cancer when swelling is in the glands of the underarm. These are usually painless lumps.

6. Excessive bruising or bleeding that will not stop - Early signs of leukemia

Look for bruising in unusual places or bruising more than you would in the past. Also bleeding in the gums could be a sign of problems with the blood platelets and red blood cells which could be a sign of Cancer.

7. Constant weak and tired feeling - Multiple Cancer's

If you have weakness or tiredness that is unexplainable and does not change if you allow your body more sleep you should consult a doctor. This is signs something is not right with your body and it could be Cancer.

8. Cancer Symptoms for Women
Weight gain in the abdominal area - tight pants - Ovarian Cancer

This is different than the regular bloating you would see with PMS, this weight gain will come on pretty suddenly and will come and go over a long period of time.

9. Full feeling and not able to eat - Ovarian Cancer

When women feel full and have not eaten for some time. This is usually seen with the weight gain or tight pants syndrome.

10. Pain in the pelvic or abdominal area - Ovarian Cancer or Leukemia

This one is hard to spot since pain in the pelvic can be a symptom of many things. Make sure you take into consideration the other symptoms you have and if your uncertain see a doctor immediately.

11. Cancer Symptoms for Women
These are just a few things you should take into consideration when looking for Cancer symptoms.
Make sure you consult a doctor for medical advice.

Hemophobia Symptoms

Hemophobia is the fear of blood. According to MedicineNet.com, the word hemophobia stems from the Greek terms "haima," which means blood, and "phobos," which means fear. This fear becomes a phobia when the state of the fear becomes persistent and abnormal, resulting in extreme signs of excitement or anxiety when blood is present. While symptoms of hemophobia vary by individual, the most common symptoms include fainting, nausea, increased heart rate, anxiety attacks and excessive sweating. These symptoms are sometimes triggered when an individual sees, smells or touches blood.

One Cause of Hemophobia
Hemophobia is often correlated to a childhood or life-event trauma involving blood. It is possible that the hemophobic individual saw an excessive amount of blood during a specific event in his life--perhaps in the form of an accident or death.

Anxiety Associated with Hemophobia
In the presence of blood or when coming into contact with blood, hemophobic individuals exhibit exaggerated fear in the form of an anxiety attack or panic. The fear these individuals face as a result of hemophobia is at times crippling and can lead to nausea or vomiting, and fainting.

The life of an individual who is hemophobic varies. Some can live a normal life with periodic hemophobic episodes that come and go rather quickly, and symptoms that can be easily managed. For others, hemophobia is a debilitating experience, causing a longer period of symptoms that may be harder to manage.

The anxiety associated with hemophobia can also lead to mental disorders, including depression.

Affects on the Heart
If you or someone you know experiences heart palpitations, chest pain or an increased heart rate when in contact with blood or in the presence of blood, hemophobia may be the cause. Signs of hemophobic symptoms exist when the heart rate noticeably changes when blood is present, then returns to normal when the blood is taken away. A rapid or noticeable decrease in heart rate while blood is present is also a telling sign of hemophobia.

Treatment of Symptoms
Behavioral therapy is one method used to treat individuals and help them understand the phobia. A specialist will assist the patient through a series of behavioral therapy activities, which may include hypnosis, psychological evaluation or periodic discussions. Specialists also may recommend the use of a pacemaker to control the heart rate of hemophobia sufferers.

Safety and Lifestyle
Individuals who exhibit symptoms of hemophobia sometimes fear blood-related diseases such as HIV, AIDS or Ebola. For those who fear blood, it is wise to take extra safety precautions before coming into contact with blood. Wearing protective gloves or gear could help those suffering from hemophobia to feel more secure and safe in the presence of blood.

Hemophobic individuals may choose to change their lifestyle to manage their hemophobia. For instance, some choose to avoid attending events where blood may be present, such as boxing matches or athletic events, avoid clinics or hospitals, or avoid eating red meat.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of HIV for Women?

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a member of the retrovirus family that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (otherwise known as AIDS). AIDS causes the body's immune systems to fail, which can lead to life-threatening infections. HIV infection can occur through exposure to contaminated blood or other bodily fluids. According to the World Health Organization, the worldwide population of individuals living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2008 was 33.4 million, and 2.7 million people were infected during that year alone. The majority of people who get HIV will develop signs of illness within five to 10 years, however, the time between infection and diagnosis can be as long as 15 years. If you are having signs or symptoms of HIV, you should see a doctor immediately.

Flu-like Symptoms
Some people experience flu-like symptoms four to eight weeks after initial infection from the virus. These symptoms can include fatigue, headache, fever and swollen glands. Headaches and fatigue are more common in women and can be stronger than in men.

Abdominal Pain
Women are more likely than men to have abdominal and pelvic pain as a symptom of HIV. In women, these pains can mimic "normal" pains (menstrual pains, for example). This makes it difficult to recognize such pains as symptoms of a larger problem.

Swollen Glands
Swollen glands/lymph nodes are not only an early symptom of HIV; they can also occur later. If swollen glands keep coming back or stay swollen for an extended period, see a doctor and get them checked out.

Weight Loss
Sudden weight loss that is hard or impossible to gain back is another symptom of HIV.

Psychological Symptoms
Psychological symptoms of HIV can include depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances or insomnia and changes in body image.

Gynecological Symptoms
Gynecological symptoms of HIV in women can include an abnormal pap smear, genital ulcers, pelvic inflammatory disease (especially if it is difficult to treat), frequent bouts of vaginal yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis and severe herpes infections.

Other Physical Symptoms
Other physical symptoms of HIV can include frequent low-grade fevers, night sweats, persistent skin rashes, flaky skin, short-term memory loss, severe and persistent diarrhea, vomiting, severe headaches, unusual mouth blemishes, difficulty swallowing and seizures.

The Early Symptoms of Diabetes

The early symptoms of diabetes can be easily overlooked because many of them are mild or can be attributed to other health issues. If you are experiencing or have experienced one or more of the following symptoms, you should ask your doctor about testing for diabetes. Untreated diabetes can lead to serious health issues, including coma, blindness and death.

Increased Thirst/Hunger
An increase in thirst or hunger is an early symptom of diabetes, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hunger and thirst are symptoms related to a decrease of insulin in the body. When the body's muscles and organs cannot process blood sugar into energy without insulin, the body believe it needs more food. The lack of insulin leads to increased sugar in the blood, which leads to excessive thirst.

Fatigue
The body's muscles and organs' ability to use blood sugar for energy is hindered because of a lack of insulin. Without the energy normally provided by blood sugar, a person with diabetes will tire more quickly and feel run down.

Unintended Weight Loss
The inability of the body to properly process blood sugar into energy leads to another early symptom of diabetes--unintended weight loss. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, without energy from blood sugar, the body begins to process fat and muscle tissue into energy. This can lead to weight loss unrelated to changes in activity or diet.

Increased Urination
The increase of blood sugar because of the lack of insulin is also the culprit for increased urination. In an effort to rid the body of excessive sugar, the work harder, increasing the need to urinate.

Blurry Vision
The excessive blood sugar levels can cause the eye's lens to swell and change shape, which can lead to blurry vision. Correcting blood sugar levels will eliminate this symptom. There are several reasons a person with diabetes may have blurry vision. However, most of these issues are related to long-term complications of diabetes and are not considered an early symptom.