| Items [53] |
 |
|
Prev 1-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-53 Next
|
Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADD or ADHD) is defined as age-inappropriate impulsiveness, lack of concentration, and sometimes excessive physical activity. ADHD has been associated with learning difficulties and lack of social skills. Obviously what constitutes “normal” in these areas covers a wide spectrum, and thus it is unclear which child suffers true ADHD and which child is just more rambunctious or rebellious than another. No objective criteria exist to accurately confirm the presence of ADHD. ADHD often goes undiagnosed if not caught at an early age, and it affects many adults who may not be aware of their condition.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD is generally recognized by a pattern of inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity estimated to affect 3 to 5% of school-aged children. Learning disabilities or emotional problems often accompany ADHD. Children with ADHD experience an inability to sit still and pay attention in class, and they often engage in disruptive behavior.
| | |
|
|
|
High Cholesterol
Although it is by no means the only major risk factor, elevated serum cholesterol is clearly associated with a high risk of heart disease. Most doctors suggest cholesterol levels should stay under 200 mg/dl. Cholesterol levels lower than 200 mg/dl are not without risk, however, as many people with levels below 200 have heart attacks. As levels fall below 200, the risk of heart disease continues to decline. Many doctors consider cholesterol levels of no more than 180 to be optimal.
Medical laboratories now subdivide total cholesterol measurement into several components, including LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, which is directly linked to heart disease, and HDL (“good”) cholesterol, which is protective. The relative amount of HDL to LDL is more important than total cholesterol. For example, it is possible for someone with very high HDL to be at relatively low risk for heart disease even with total cholesterol above 200. Evaluation of changes in cholesterol requires consultation with a healthcare professional and should include measurement of total serum cholesterol, as well as HDL and LDL cholesterol.
| | |
|
|
|
High Cholesterol
Although it is by no means the only major risk factor, elevated serum cholesterol is clearly associated with a high risk of heart disease. Most doctors suggest cholesterol levels should stay under 200 mg/dl. Cholesterol levels lower than 200 mg/dl are not without risk, however, as many people with levels below 200 have heart attacks. As levels fall below 200, the risk of heart disease continues to decline. Many doctors consider cholesterol levels of no more than 180 to be optimal.
Medical laboratories now subdivide total cholesterol measurement into several components, including LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, which is directly linked to heart disease, and HDL (“good”) cholesterol, which is protective. The relative amount of HDL to LDL is more important than total cholesterol. For example, it is possible for someone with very high HDL to be at relatively low risk for heart disease even with total cholesterol above 200. Evaluation of changes in cholesterol requires consultation with a healthcare professional and should include measurement of total serum cholesterol, as well as HDL and LDL cholesterol.
| | |
|
|
|
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is the common but poorly understood nausea that frequently accompanies early pregnancy. It is generally not serious, although it can be quite unpleasant. Hyperemesis gravidarum is uncontrollable nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that results in severe dehydration and pH imbalances in the blood. It is distinct from morning sickness with nausea and vomiting. This condition requires treatment by a healthcare professional and, sometimes, hospitalization. Hyperemesis gravidarum can sometimes result from hyperthyroidism, liver disease, kidney infection, pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, or other causes—conditions that will not respond to any of the natural substances discussed in this article.
| | |
|
|
|
High Homocysteine
Homocysteine, a normal breakdown product of the essential amino acid, methionine, is believed to exert several toxic effects. A growing body of evidence suggests that an elevated homocysteine level is a risk factor for heart disease, independent of other known risk factors, such as elevated serum cholesterol and hypertension. The evidence is not all one-sided, however. In some research the link has appeared only in women, and a few scientists still have doubts about the importance of elevations in homocysteine for anyone. The clear association between elevated homocysteine levels and heart disease reported in most studies does not conclusively prove that homocysteine causes heart disease. It might only be a marker for something else that is the real culprit. Nonetheless, many cardiologists take seriously the association between elevations in homocysteine and increased risk of heart disease.
Anger and hostility correlate with the risk of heart disease. A preliminary study found a link between high homocysteine levels and hostility and repressed anger. While anger, hostility, high homocysteine, and heart disease all appear to be tied together, which of these is cause and which is effect remains somewhat unclear.
| | |
|
|
Prev 1-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-53 Next
|
|
