Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA)
There is opportunity to use alteplase (TPA) as a clot-buster drug to dissolve the blood clot that is causing the stroke. There is a narrow window of opportunity to use this drug. The earlier that it is given, the better the result and the less potential for the complication of bleeding into the brain.
Present American Heart Association guidelines recommend that if used, TPA must be given within three hours after the onset of symptoms. Normally, TPA is injected into a vein in he arm. The time frame for use can be extended to six hours if it is dripped directly into the blood vessel that is blocked. This is usually performed by an interventional radiologist, and not all hospitals have access to this technology. Read more…
Have you ever heard, “Don’t mind Steven, he’s just going through the change of life?” That’s right — “he,” not “she.” According to some researchers, the idea may not be so far-fetched.
‘Male Menopause’ Research
The concept of a “male menopause” and the need for hormone replacement therapy as a treatment is still highly controversial, but you wouldn’t know that from one doctor’s attempt to recruit men for his study. Jerald Bain, MD, set out to find 100 subjects to participate in his study — 900 volunteered for the chance to get a male hormone pill for what ailed them. Read more…
A new blood test introduced in New Zealand could help predict the risk of miscarriage in women.
Australian fertility expert and deputy medical director of Repromed Adelaide, Dr Kelton Tremellen, says the first Australian research on Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels links a low level of this hormone with an increased risk of miscarriage.
“This link is especially apparent in young women aged under 35 years. An AMH test will give some women who have experienced recurrent miscarriage vital information on why this is occurring,” he says.
“It will also forewarn others that they may be more at risk of miscarriage, so their expectations can be managed, and they can exercise more caution.” Read more…
You can find out if you have high blood pressure by having your blood pressure checked regularly. Most doctors will diagnose a person with high blood pressure on the basis of two or more readings, taken on several occasions. A consistent blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher is considered high blood pressure, another term for hypertension.
Some people experience high blood pressure only when they visit the doctor’s office. This condition is called “white-coat hypertension.” If your doctor suspects this, you may be asked to monitor your blood pressure at home or asked to wear a device called an ambulatory blood pressure monitor. This device is usually worn for 24 hours and can take blood pressure every 30 minutes. Read more…
Diabetes is a serious disease. It happens when your blood levels of glucose, a form of sugar, are too high. Diabetes can lead to dangerous health problems. The good news is that high glucose levels can be managed to help control the disease and prevent or delay future problems.
Our bodies change the foods we eat into glucose. Glucose travels through the bloodstream to “fuel” or feed our cells. Insulin is a hormone that helps our bodies use glucose for energy. People with diabetes either do not make insulin, do not use insulin properly, or both. This means they have too much glucose (sugar) in their blood. As a result, they often feel tired, hungry, or thirsty; they may lose weight, urinate often, or have trouble with their eyes. In time, the high levels of this form of sugar in the blood (glucose) can hurt their eyes, kidneys, and nerves. It can also cause heart disease, strokes and even the need to remove all or part of a limb (amputation). Read more…
