Atrial fibrillation is the most common problem with the rate and rhythm of heartbeat or also known as the type of cardiac arrhythmia. The worrying part  is that atrial fibrillation is the leading cardiac cause of stroke. Know more about atrial fibrillation on DoctorOnCall’s Health Centre.

Generally, your heart is made up of four chambers, two upper chambers (called theatria) and two lower chambers (called the ventricles). There is a group of cells within the heart’s upper right chamber, called the sinus node. Sinus node is the heart’s natural pacemaker, which produces the signal that normally starts each heartbeat.

• Causes

Atrial fibrillation occurs when the two upper chambers of the heart undergo chaotic electrical signals that make it squeezes very fast and out of sync. The result is an irregular and rapid heart rhythm. Besides, the heart rate in atrial fibrillation may range from 100 to 175 beats a minute. When the heart contracts so quickly, it will make the heart walls fibrillate, or quiver.

The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but it is more common with age and affects certain groups of people more than others.

Atrial fibrillation is common in people who have heart problems, which may include the following:

• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• atherosclerosis
• congenital heart disease
• cardiomyopathy
• pericarditis
• heart valve disease

However, some people who have atrial fibrillation do not have any heart defects or damage.

Atrial fibrillation is also associated with other medical illness, such as:

• hyperactive thyroid gland – Hyperthyroidism or Grave disease.
• type 2 diabetes
• pneumonia or lung infections
• asthma
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – It often occurs in people with smoking habits.
• pulmonary embolism
• lung cancer
• carbon monoxide poisoning

Nevertheless, not everyone with atrial fibrillation has one of the conditions or illness listed above. In rare cases, it may affect people who are physically fit, including athletes.

Concurrently, if there are no other conditions associated with atrial fibrillation, it is known as lone atrial fibrillation. The cause of lone atrial fibrillation is still unclear, and serious complications are rare.

• Risk Factors

Certain factors can trigger an episode or increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, these include:

• Age – Atrial fibrillation more likely occurs in people with an older age.
• Smoking – Smoking will enhance atherosclerosis through effects on oxidative stress, endothelial function, inflammation, lipids, and thrombosis. These effects may indirectly increase atrial fibrillation susceptibility by predisposing to myocardial infarction, atrial ischemia as well as heart failure. Besides, as stated above, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and reduced lung function can also increase vulnerability to atrial fibrillation.
• Heart disease- Individuals with heart disease including heart valve problems, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, or a history of heart attack or heart surgery have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation.
• High blood pressure – Risk of atrial fibrillation increases in people who are having high blood pressure, especially if it is not well-controlled with medications, or lifestyle changes.
• Other chronic conditions – Certain chronic conditions such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, chronic kidney disease or lung disease can trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation.
• Drinking alcohol – Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation for some people. Besides, the risk is even higher in people who practice binge drinking.
• Obesity- Obesity has a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
• Family history – Some families have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

Atrial fibrillation can be caused by many conditions and factors. If you are concerned about your health, it is best for you to make an appointment with your doctor. Other than health screening, your doctor may order an electrocardiogram to determine whether it is an atrial fibrillation or other health conditions.

Endometriosis is not uncommon as it affects one in every ten women around childbearing age. You may not notice the symptoms as the condition may not always cause complications, but when it does, they can be disruptive and painful, affecting your life’s quality. Although some of the symptoms such as bleeding and pain may seem normal to some women, the team of obstetrics and gynecologists at Raveco Medical offering diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis in Jackson Heights recommend individuals seek expert help as soon as possible. Here are signs you could have endometriosis, and you ought to pursue expert help.

Severely Painful Periods

Although you might experience pain during your periods due to several underlying complications, it is one of the most common endometriosis symptoms. You experience intense abdominal or pelvic pain that can feel like a stabbing or sharp sensation. This happens because the endometrial tissue may swell and bleed every month, and since it is on the outside of the uterus, the tissue and blood may not be readily shed, causing further complications. You can experience pain that is more severe than normal menstrual cramping.

Painful Sexual Intercourse

If you are not enjoying your sexual activity due to pain, endometriosis may be the reason besides other physical and psychological factors. Endometriosis makes you experience discomfort during entry, but severe pain during deep penetration. When the endometrial tissue grows on the lower uterus or behind the vagina, it can be pulled or stretched during intercourse. Although asking your partner to be gentle or to stop can improve your condition, speak to your provider for more effective treatment options.

Excessive Menstrual Bleeding

This is another complication that can be perceived to be expected in some women. However, it can cause excessive blood loss increasing the risks for other health complications. Endometriosis can contribute to heavy bleeding as the tissue sheds and bleeds, similar to your uterine lining. Therefore, do not assume heavy bleeding during periods to be expected; seek expert care from your gynecologist.

Pregnancy Complications

With endometriosis, pregnancy may not be easy. Although the exact relationship between endometriosis and infertility is not clear, you might find it challenging to get or stay pregnant. The endometriosis tissue may block fertilization, preventing you from becoming pregnant. Therefore, if you desire to conceive but can’t, do not hesitate to reach out to your provider.

Painful Urination or Bowel Movements

When the endometriosis tissue develops near your bowel or bladder, your bathroom visits can become very uncomfortable. However, the bowel is more affected than the bladder, but both may indicate endometriosis. If you notice blood in your stool, feel an urgent need to urinate, or experience nausea or constipation, please contact your doctor for help.

Ovarian Cysts

When endometriosis tissue develops on your ovaries, it can cause cysts known as chocolate cysts or endometriosis. Although they are non-cancerous, the cysts can be vast and painful. Therefore, if you are diagnosed with endometriosis, you might have endometriosis around your abdominal or pelvic area. Talk to your provider for effective management of the condition as particular hormone therapy can shrink the tissues or be surgically removed.

Note that the signs of endometriosis might be different from one woman to another. The most helpful thing to do is reach out to your provider at Raveco Medical for expert help. Your provider will diagnose your symptoms and get to the root of the condition. Therefore, do not take it upon yourself to assume any of the above signs and many others.

Melanoma is an uncommon type of skin cancer that accounts for around 1% of all skin cancers. However, it is becoming more common! If you think you have melanoma, depend on the skin cancer experts at Ali Hendi, MD’s office in Chevy Chase, MD. Ali Hendi, MD, and Joy Green, PA-C, are board-certified dermatologists who specialize in skin cancer diagnosis and surgery. They are committed to serving the Washington, DC/DMV, and the neighboring areas. For a Chevy Chase melanoma evaluation, contact the practice by mobile or request an appointment online today.

What Exactly Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes. Melanocytes are cells responsible for the tan or brown color of your skin. Melanoma develops as these cells expand out of balance.

Melanoma risk rises with age, as many individuals with this form of skin cancer are detected at 65 years on average. Although males are more likely to develop melanoma, females have a greater risk of melanoma before 50 years. Nevertheless, melanoma can strike at any age.

Melanoma is an especially risky type of skin cancer since it is more probable than other skin cancers to extend to other body areas. Early detection and treatment can help prevent the progression of this condition.

Where Do Melanomas Develop?

Melanomas can appear anywhere on the body. Men are more probable to have melanomas on their back or chest, whereas women are more likely to have them on their thighs.

Because melanomas can appear anywhere on your body, you can also find them in your eyes, genitals, and mouth. However, melanoma in one of these regions is uncommon.

How Do Melanomas Appear?

Melanomas may appear as a new spot on the skin or as a spot, which has altered in size, shape, or color. These forms of skin cancer may also leave you with odd patches or spots that do not look like any other skin growth.

If you note any of these spots on your face, make an appointment with Ali Hendi, MD, to have it examined by a skin cancer expert. Since it is hard to distinguish a noncancerous development from melanoma, show your doctor any mole you are concerned about.

What is the Treatment for Melanoma Skin Cancer?

Ali Hendi, MD’s skin cancer experts, customize your care based on the level of your skin cancer, as well as other factors. Melanomas in the early stages are often addressed with surgery to correct cancer. For more progressed melanomas, you can necessitate surgery as well as other treatments.

According to recent research, Mohs surgery combined with special stains known as IHC results in a 99.5 percent cure rate for melanoma in the early stage. In the Washington, DC metro region, Ali Hendi, MD, is the only facility with modern laboratory services and the expertise to conduct safe, effective Mohs surgery on melanoma.

The staff explains your options at Ali Hendi, MD’s office. They will reply to all of your concerns and assist you in choosing the most suitable treatment for your skin cancer.

Ali Hendi, MD’s highly qualified physicians provide professional skin cancer monitoring, diagnosis, and care. The specialists pride themselves on providing compassionate care to patients. Contact the office of Ali Hendi, MD, today to get your skin tested for cancer or schedule a consultation with a skin cancer expert if you suspect you have melanoma.

Any person, young, old, athletic, or physically active, can get joint pain. However, the reasons differ, which is why Princeton Sports And Family Medicine in Lawrenceville dedicate their services to providing patients with a comprehensive assessment of their joint pain, helping them regain mobility. Some of the major causes of joint pain include:

• Knee Pain

Swelling or cracking of the knee could be related to underlying problems such as arthritis or wear and tear. Sometimes the pain is due to a sustained sports injury. The most important thing is whether the swelling and cracking are painful or painless. Pain and swelling associated with arthritis are usually of a gradual progression. Sports injuries could also cause damage to the ligaments or cartilages of the knee. Other significant symptoms to watch out for when experiencing knee pain are instability, difficulty walking, running, or going up the stairs.

• Hip Pain

There are many different reasons why people experience hip pain. Sometimes it is due to arthritis, which means that the cartilage on the two sides of the joint wears away. Other patients might experience muscular or nerve-related pain at the hip.  Inflamed ligaments or tendons around the hip and sports sprains are other causes of hip pain that patients experience. In addition, there may be an impingement on the top of the thigh bone and the outside of the hip for younger patients, which can cause secondary damage to the labrum, a rubber seal that runs around the edge of the sockets. Finally, another group of patients may sometimes experience pain in the hip joint, originating from the joint above the knee or the spine.

• Foot and Ankle Pain

The majority of patients with foot and ankle pain present with problems related to the heel, whether underneath or at the back. The common causes of pain are plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendon problems. The next common concern is forefoot pain, resulting from tight cuff muscles or trapped nerves in the foot. Sometimes, inflammation, swelling, and ligament disruption in the forefoot can cause pain. A midfoot cause of pain is arch failure due to an injury or gradual progression towards loss of arch height, joint stiffness which can cause severe swelling, and foot misshaping. Another common cause of foot and ankle pain is diabetes and diabetes-related complications.

• Elbow Pain

The four most common elbow conditions that patients complain of include lateral epicondylitis, which is a condition affecting the outside of the elbow where the tendons that help control the wrist get inflamed and irritated. The condition can be caused by activities such as tennis or other racket-type sports. Olecranon bursitis is another elbow concern seen in patients and is where the bursa on the posterior or back of the elbow gets inflamed and sometimes can be infected. Patients complain of the bursa being red, swollen, and painful. Elbow arthritis is wear and tear of the elbow cartilage, causing the bones to rub together. Finally, patients with cubital tunnel syndrome are where the ulnar nerve gets trapped or compressed at the elbow, causing numbness and tingling.

Treatment of Joint Pain

Treatment options for joint pain vary depending on the type. They can include physical therapy to help desensitize and stretch out compressed nerves, conservative measures such as NSAIDs or anti-inflammatories, and steroid injections into the joints can also help provide relief. Sometimes your doctor may recommend joint replacement through surgery.

Contact the offices of Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. if you are experiencing any discomfort in your joints to get individualized care.

After losing milk teeth at the age of 6, permanent teeth get room to develop and grow. The last permanent teeth to develop are wisdom teeth, and they are usually the third and final set of molars. However, sometimes wisdom teeth fail to grow as they are known for causing dental problems. When these teeth misbehave, they become misaligned, and they require to be pulled out to prevent them from destroying other teeth.  If you are suffering from misaligned wisdom teeth, consult with specialists who know about wisdom teeth in Huntington Beach.

How to know that your wisdom teeth are developing

Wisdom teeth develop when you are in your late or early 20s. During this age, you can visit your dentist for check-ups. Your dentist will take an X-ray to evaluate the presence and the alignment of your wisdom teeth. The x-ray generates a picture that clearly shows all your teeth and their position.  If your wisdom teeth are misaligned, your doctor will take you to the surgeon for extraction. You and your surgeon will schedule the appropriate day for extraction. The extraction can be done in your doctor’s office or the main hospital. The below paragraph explains what happens after wisdom teeth are extracted.

What to expect after wisdom teeth are removed

After oral examination and further check-ups, your surgeon performs local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable. The misaligned wisdom teeth are removed within 45 minutes or less, depending on the number and complexity of the teeth. After extraction, there are many things you should expect during recovery. They include:

•   Swelling around the chin. Many people suffer from swelling after tooth extractions. Swelling occurs when the gum and the surrounding tissues are disturbed during extraction. Studies show that swelling can disappear after some time, but you can use an ice pack to manage it.
•   Bleeding. Bleeding happens to every person undergoing tooth extraction. However, individuals with bleeding problems can suffer excessive bleeding. To control bleeding, place clean cotton on the area of treatment. Bite down for a maximum of 45 minutes, and the bleeding will stop. Specialists recommend that you avoid sucking the area of extraction since it can bring back bleeding.
•   Pain. Pain occurs a few hours after wisdom teeth extraction. Your doctor will provide you with medicine to relieve pain. Drugs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen may be prescribed.
•   Foods. After extraction, it can be difficult to chew food. Your doctor may recommend a liquid diet for a few days until the wound heals. On the other hand, you should avoid smoking and alcohol to prevent infections.
•   Brush your teeth. Brush your teeth and make sure not to touch the area of extraction.

According to statistics, about 5 million people undergo wisdom teeth extraction every year. Additionally, most people suffer from severe complications due to a lack of selection of a qualified dentist. If you need a wisdom teeth check-up and extraction, visit Orange Coast Dental Specialty center since it has the best dental surgeons.

Myths and misconceptions about lung cancer will never end. You have probably come across more than a few yourself. As such, you have to be quite vigilant about what you hear about lung cancer before making a medical decision. If you are experiencing lung cancer in Flemington, you may want to distinguish the facts from false information. Most misconceptions prevent patients from taking the proper steps to get screened and treated. To make the right health decisions, you must find out what is true and what is not. Here, we debunk some of the common myths to watch out for.

Only smokers get lung cancer

Surprisingly, most people who develop lung cancer are ex-smokers. You will be shocked to realize that ten percent of people overall and 20% of women who have been diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked. Please note that smoking increases your risk of developing lung cancer, but that does not necessarily mean it must lead to it.

People below 60 years do not get lung cancer

While it is true that the risk of developing lung cancer increases with age, that does not mean adults below sixty years are safe from the disease. It is a pretty widespread myth and makes young people less likely to get screened or call a doctor whenever they feel like they have some symptoms. Please note that age becomes a factor, especially for smokers, because the longer you are exposed, the higher the risk of developing lung cancer. However, regardless of your age, you should take respiratory symptoms seriously since you never know what the issue could be.

Screening protects you from lung cancer.

Some people do not know much about screening, and others think that it has this extraordinary power. Most smokers who have undergone the screening tend to believe that it helps them cut down their chances of getting lung cancer. Surprisingly, several smokers think being screened is just as effective as quitting smoking to reduce the chances of fatality. Screening has its benefits but never helps in protecting you from developing lung cancer.

Lung cancer surgery makes it spread.

You should know that lung cancer spreads through the bloodstream and lymphatic system. Cells from the original tumor break off and travel through the vessels to other places. Spreading happens within your body because of the traveling fluids. As such, surgery does not mean that your cancer will spread. On the other hand, surgery helps remove a malignant tumor from the lungs for some patients.

Women do not have to worry about getting lung cancer

While men are at a higher risk of getting lung cancer, that does not mean women should be complacent. Over the next couple of years, research shows that women are at an increased risk of getting lung cancer. Men are still in greater danger, but women are not further behind.

Please note that smoking is not the only risk for lung cancer. Other factors come into play, such as gene mutations and air pollution exposure, and secondhand smoke can cause lung cancer. If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, ensure you equip yourself with the facts to make better decisions for your health. 

Many people had a problem before without knowing how to stay looking younger. However, nowadays, various cosmetic treatments have come to their aid. Botox injection treatment is one of the cosmetic treatment procedures. Botox treatment involves the injection of Botox under the skin to paralyze muscles. However, this procedure needs a certified specialist. Dr. Sofia Din is a specialist for board certified family medicine in Yonkers./ that deals with cosmetic treatments. Are you in New York and don’t know where to start with Botox treatment? Contact her today and get started.

Botox Treatment Eliminates Wrinkles

Today Botox treatment is one of the most preferred anti-aging treatments in the world. The therapy involves blocking the nerve signals to the muscles causing the relaxation and softening of wrinkles. Botox treatment assists in reducing wrinkles around the cheeks, forehead, and lines mainly present in the eye area. However, the treatment over time wears off and requires more than one treatment to ensure its success. Botox can assist with skin treatment. Nonetheless, it is also essential for you to take care of your skin as it cannot treat all wrinkles.

The Treatment Eases Migraines

If you suffer migraine attacks regularly, Botox treatment can help. The treatment eases the migraine by blocking pain signals sent by the sensory nerve to reduce migraines. The muscles responsible for headaches are relaxed after a series of treatments. The treatment is very beneficial for a person with a migraine condition.

The Treatment Assists in Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating is also known as hyperhidrosis. The condition involves excessive perspiration and sometimes can be embarrassing, especially to the person suffering from the condition. It can take a toll on a person’s self-esteem as excessive sweating in society is perceived negatively. Botox treatment aids in this condition by blocking nerves that are responsible for activating sweat glands. After the treatment, the body temperature does not rise but instead maintains an average temperature.

Botox is Safe

Botox has the approval of the FDA and is completely safe. However, the procedure requires an experienced doctor. If not administered by a professional doctor, the treatment can have significant side effects. When the treatment is administered correctly, it is a safe and convenient process. The process has not had any fatal documented cases or a person with a severe side effect from the treatment. It is a safe procedure for cosmetic treatment.

The Treatment is Fast and Convenient

Compared with cosmetic surgery, where you have to start preparing the treatment early in advance, Botox treatment requires minimal time to get prepared. The treatment is quick and easy. An average Botox injection takes relatively around fifteen minutes to administer. You do not require being bedridden like other procedures. You can get your Botox injection and continue working the rest of the day. It is a fast and convenient method of treatment.

Talk to a Botox Specialist Today

Botox treatment offers a reliable option for many people to anti-aging and treatment of wrinkles. The treatment provides a convenient method for facial rejuvenation. Botox injections, however, need an expert since not everyone can administer the treatment.

If you’re in New York and need Botox treatment, visit Juvanni Med Spa and discuss your treatment options. They also deal with a range of services like acne treatment, cool sculpting, Ultherapy, IV vitamin infusion, and medical marijuana treatments. Contact them today and book an appointment.

Injectable fillers have gained popularity in recent days all over the world. Many individuals are on the lookout to reverse the aging process and maintain a youthful appearance. Do not be left behind. Fort Worth fillers specialists at Polavarapu Plastic Surgery, PLLC, can help you understand how you can soften those facial wrinkles and creases, enhance shallow contours, enjoy plump lips, and restore youthfulness to your face through dermal fillers. The injectable fillers can offer you incredible benefits similar to facelift surgery, only that you won’t have to undergo surgery. However, note the following as you seek out the treatment.

The Fillers are Temporal

Although dermal fillers can help you rejuvenate your appearance and give a youthful look, it is not permanent. You will have to undergo several treatments to maintain your results. Generally, dermal fillers will last for about 5 to 18 months, depending on the particular type used. This is because your body can safely break them down over time and absorb them, reversing the results. However, combining dermal filler treatment with other treatment options such as Botox can maximize the results’ lasting duration.

Collagen Growth is Stimulated

Nothing will ever be more effective than if your body can regain its natural abilities. Things such as age and environmental factors stop your body from producing the natural collagens that are significant to your skin appearance as you age. Fortunately, dermal fillers treatment can stimulate collagen growth at the site of injection. This means that you might require more minor treatments and use fewer skincare products to achieve your desired results.

It is Not Just Your Face

Although dermal fillers are commonly known to help improve your facial appearance, it is good to know they can be used for other purposes in other areas of your body. Some typical fillers can be used to hide veins and smooth wrinkles in your hands. Others can be used to fill out droopy earlobes, particularly if you desire to wear heavier and bigger earrings.

Dermal Fillers Can be Natural

Note that some dermal fillers available today are natural. Hyaluronic acid and collagen occur naturally within your body, are naturally derived, and have been approved to be used as dermal fillers. Besides, your provider can also use your natural fillers such as fat by extracting them from other parts of the body, mainly your flank and love handles, and injecting them into the treatment area.

Results Can be Immediate

A dermal filler injection treatment is performed at your provider’s office as an outpatient procedure. Before the injection, a topical cream can be used to numb the treatment area. After the injection, you should observe results immediately. However, you might require repetitive treatments to maintain the results, depending on your aesthetic goals. Your provider might recommend yearly treatments as natural fillers can last a year or more in most cases. However, if it is your first time getting the treatment, your provider can recommend the treatment twice a year.

There is more to learn about dermal fillers. It would be good to hear it from the experts at Polavarapu Plastic Surgery, PLLC, who will help you make informed decisions and take you through achieving your aesthetic goals through injectable fillers. Contact the providers today and take a step towards getting a youthful appearance.

Your emotional wellbeing significantly impacts how you experience pain. Dr. John Huffman in Arlington is a leading physician who uses conventional treatment methods to help patients manage chronic pain. Pain management can either be complex or straightforward, depending on your pain’s cause. Your doctor might only recommend medication or combine medications and physical therapies to help alleviate your symptoms, allowing you to live a comfortable life.  

What are the various types of pain you are likely to suffer from?

• Chronic pain- persists for a long period of time and hurts most days
• Acute pain- starts suddenly and lasts for a shorter period
• Bone pain- discomfort, tenderness, or aching in one or several bones you feel whether you are resting or exercising or not
• Nerve pain- a shooting, stabbing or sharp pain resulting from nerve inflammation or damage
• Breakthrough pain- sudden pain you are likely to experience if you are taking medications to relieve you of chronic pain
• Soft tissue pain- discomfort resulting from inflammation or damage of your ligaments, muscles, or tissues
• Referral pain- pain coming from a specific location, usually as a result of inflammation or injury of a different organ or structure

How does pain affect your body?

Your body has pain receptors attached to two danger-detecting nerve types. While one nerve type transmits messages quickly, resulting in sudden sharp pains, the other type slowly transmits signals, resulting in throbbing, dull pain. When you activate your skin’s pain receptors by touching a dangerous thing, your nerves alert your spinal cord, which alerts your brain (thalamus). At times your spinal cord may respond by sending an instant signal back to your muscles, forcing them to contract, moving your affected part away from the danger source.

Once your thalamus analyzes the information, it considers your past experiences, culture, beliefs, and social norms before sending the signal to parts of your pain associated with pain, emotion, and physical response. Since your thalamus contributes to arousal and mood, it is likely to interpret pain depending on your state of mind.  

How can you manage pain without depending on medication?

There are several non-medicine treatments you can adopt to help in pain management. However, your therapies might suggest a combination of therapies and treatments for optimal results. Non-medicine options include:

• Physical therapies
• Massage
• Relaxation techniques
• Cognitive behavior therapy
• Acupuncture
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy

How do you manage unresponsive pain?

It is natural for you to feel sad, worried, or fearful when you are in pain and medication fails to relieve your symptoms. In such an instance, your doctor may advise you to:

• Accept that you might stay with the pain longer
• Focus on daily improvements
• Find ways to avoid or minimize depression
• Eat healthy, exercise, and get enough rest
• Do not let pain prevent you from doing the things you adore
• Avoid increasing the dosage of your prescription medicine without consulting your doctor
• Find activities likely to worsen your pain

Pain can deny you the fun to take part in your favorite activities. Get advice on coping strategies from your physician to help manage your pain.