Myocardial infarction (m.I.)
MI is the death of tissues in the heart muscles (myocardium). The area of dead tissue, called an infarct, will gradually be replaced by scar tissue.
Risk factors for MI include family history, hypertension, smoking, high levels of fats (lipids) and cholesterol in the blood, diabetes mellitus, obesity, a sedentary or stressful life-style, and age.
Symptoms of MI include the following:
- chest pain, which is described as persistent, crushing substernal pain that may radiate to the left arm, the law, the neck, or to the shoulder blades.
- Shortness of breath
- Perspiration
- Nausea / vomiting
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- A feeling of impending doom
- Cold, clammy skin
- Anxiety
- Restlessness.
A post-MI treatment regimenconsists of the following:
- Dietary modifications
- Medications
- Activity changes
- Monitoring pulse rate and rhythm
- Guidelines for daily living.
Dietary modifications used in the management of MI include reducing cholesterol, fat, and salt as well as calories, if the patient is over-weight.
VARICOSE VEINS.
Varicose veins are enlarged subcutaneous blood vessels that may have a bulging or twisted appearance.
The causes of varicose veinsinclude the following:
- The valves may be congenitally weak.
- Disease of the venous system, such as an infection (thrombophlebitis), may weaken the valves or damage the venous wall.
- Sustained pressure increases within the veins can damage the valves. Elevated pressure may occur with excessive abdominal weight in obesity or pregnancy and with prolonged standing in certain occupations.
Some patients are asymptomatic, and symptoms may vary. They include the following:
- A feeling of heaviness, itching, or burning in the general area of the vein.
- A diffuse, dull aching sensation after prolonged standing or walking.
- Leg cramps at night.
- Fatigue.
- Swelling.
- Palpable nodules.
Medical and surgical methods are used to manage varicose veins.
- Medical management includes supportive measures and exercise programs.
- Surgical management is reserved for severe varicose veins.
RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
Presence of respiratory risk factors:
- Smoking
- Occupational exposure to respiratory irritants and/or pollutants
- Genetic predisposition
- Emotional / stressful life-style
- Obesity
Treatment of the respiratory disease:
- Diet
- Medications
- Exercises
- Relaxation
- Guidelines for daily living
- Additional treatments
Respiratory disorders:
- asthma,
- bronchiectasis,
- chronic bronchitis,
- emphysema,
- pleuritis,
- pulmonary embolism.
ASTHMA.
Asthma is a chronic disease of variable severity, characterized by episodes of airway narrowing that temporarily produces breathing difficulty.
Factors that can trigger an asthma attack include the following:
- Respiratory infections
- Exposure to allergens
- Emotional factors
- Environmental changes, such as air temperature, humidity, and dust.
Symptoms of asthma include the following:
- Wheezing
- Prolonged expiration
- Dyspnea
- Physical exhaustion
- Inability to sleep or rest
- Anxiety
- Dehydration
- Thick, tenacious mucus production
- Use of accessory muscles of respiration; retractions.
Preventive measures:
¨ Avoiding the following bronchopulmonary irritants:
1. Cigarette smoke
2. Industrial pollutants
3. Animal hair
4. Dust
5. Powder, perfume
6. Weeds, pollen, grasses
7. Extreme heat or cold
¨ Avoiding known allergens
¨ Avoiding distressing situations
¨ Avoiding people with respiratory infections
¨ Practicing good oral hygiene to help prevent infection.
The components of the treatment regimen for asthma include the following:
- Medications
- A balanced, nutritious diet with small , frequent meals
- Oxygen therapy
- Stress management
- Regular medical examinations.
ENDOCRINE DISORDERS
Risk factors: gastrointestinal tract disorders, liver and other organs dysfunction.
Causes of E.D.:stress, traumas, hormonal dysfunction.
Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, irritability, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, itchiness.
Treatment: hormonal therapy.
Disorders: diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease), hypothyroidism, Addison's disease.
Diagnostic tests: oral glucose tolerance test, urine glucose determination, urine ketone determination, self-blood glucose monitoring,thyroid scan, thyroid ultrasonography.
Diabetes Mellitus.
D.M. is a chronic disorder in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the insulin produced is not effective. The action of insulin in the body is to transport glucose (sugar) to the body cells for immediate use as energy or to be stored for future use.
Complications of D.M.
Uncontrolled blood glucose can lead to acute and/or chronic problems:
- Acute hyperglycemia may lead to severe fluid and weight loss, loss of consciousness, and even death.
- Chronic hyperglycemia may affect nerves and blood vessels and may cause a variety of other chronic problems, such as heart disease, poor circulation, eye disease, kidney disease, and nerve dysfunction.
- In children, normal growth and development may be retarded.
- In pregnant women, hyperglycemia can affect the health of both mother and child.