Category: Health

Contributed by: Priyaish Srivastava

Introduction

The average heart is about the size of an adult’s fist and is made up of the atria, ventricles, valves, and several arteries and veins. A healthy heart helps in maintaining the overall well-being of the body by performing important functions like:

• Pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body
• Transporting hormones and other vital substances through the bloodstream to different parts of the body
• Maintaining a healthy blood pressure
• Sending deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation

Here are some interesting facts about the heart:

• The first case of heart disease was recognized in a 3,500 years old Egyptian mummy
• The risk of getting a heart attack is relatively higher on Monday
• A human heart weighs less than one kilogram but manages the functioning of approximately 60,000 miles of blood vessels spread across the body
• Laughing is very good for your heart as it minimizes the amount of stress and aids in boosting the immune system

The heart is a very complex organ and crucial for your survival. Thus, it is necessary to keep it healthy by exercising regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, and quitting habits that are injurious to the heart’s health.

On this World Heart Day,  we emphasize the most common heart diseases in the world, causes of heart diseases, symptoms that the heart manifests when it’s unhealthy, the best foods that help in maintaining a healthy heart, and the best exercises to enhance heart health.

5 most common heart diseases

Heart diseases, also termed cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global deaths that occur due to disorders of the heart and blood vessels. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2019, which is around 32% of all global deaths. Nearly 85% of deaths in this data were due to heart attack and stroke.

The heart plays a very challenging role in the process of keeping us alive. Since the organ is related to every part of the body, it is no surprise that there are several ailments related to it. In this list, we will discuss the five most common heart disease types:

Congenital heart diseases (CHDs)

CHDs are the most common birth defects that occur as a hole in the heart or maybe something more severe. The main cause of CHD is still unknown, however, 15 to 20% of cases occur due to genetic conditions. 

Doctors can diagnose these problems in the baby during pregnancy, but the body may not manifest any symptoms until the baby reaches adulthood. And in some cases, the symptoms may not even occur at all. People living with CHDs face health problems, such as:

• Issues with body growth and eating habits
• Difficulty being physically active
• Heart rhythm problems
• Increased chances of heart failure

Some of the primary causes of CHD include:

• Poor diet of the mother and/or excessive medication
• Maternal diabetes
• A habit of smoking in either of the parents

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

CAD is the most common heart disease in which the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart is obstructed as the arteries become too narrow. The condition develops when the waste products from the cells and/or cholesterol build up on the artery walls, gives rise to plaque, which can lead to a heart attack.

To prevent yourself from CAD, you should:

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet
• Exercise regularly
• Quit smoking and alcohol
• Maintain a healthy weight and keep blood pressure & cholesterol levels under control

Heart arrhythmia

Heart arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart starts to beat too slow or too fast due to irregular electrical impulses that coordinate heartbeats. It can occur due to excessive intake of caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, diet pills, and certain medications.

This condition is harmless in some cases and may cause minor inconveniences, but if you are suffering from any other heart illness that can exacerbate the condition, you may require immediate medical attention. These illnesses include CAD, high blood pressure, or valve disorders.

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a life-threatening condition that mostly affects adults between the 20s and 60s. The disease starts in the left ventricle, which is the main pumping chamber of the heart, and dilates the heart muscles. Consequently, the inside of the chamber expands and the problem progresses to the right ventricle and atria. 

If the treatment is delayed, the heart muscle walls weaken and won’t be able to pump the blood effectively. This can lead to shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen, neck veins, and extreme tiredness.

Pulmonary stenosis

Pulmonary stenosis is a birth defect in which the pulmonary valve becomes narrowed and rigid, which obstructs the regular blood flow. In this condition, the stress on the right ventricle of the child’s heart increases as it works harder to maintain the blood flow in the pulmonary artery. To compensate for the extra stress, the right ventricle gradually thickens.

This can give rise to a condition called hypertrophy – an increase in the size of an organ due to swelling. This condition isn’t too dangerous, but it necessitates the intervention of a specialist due to the tender age of the patient.

Causes of heart complications

• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Diabetes
• Being physically inactive
• Being overweight (obesity)
• Family history of heart diseases
• Unhealthy eating habits

Symptoms of heart complications

• Chest pain
• Feeling sick (nausea and vomiting)
• Heartburn
• Indigestion 
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Snoring
• Prolonged coughing
• Fluttering in the chest
• Feeling sweaty
• Leg pain
• Arm pain
• Jaw or back pain
• Choking sensation
• Swollen ankles
• Extreme tiredness
• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia)

They are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and help manage blood pressure and promote arterial function. Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, beans, carrots, and beetroots are very beneficial for heart health.

Whole-grain foods are enriched with fiber which can help lower and manage the cholesterol levels in the body, which reduces the risk of heart ailments. Whole wheat, brown rice, oats, rye, barley, buckwheat, and quinoa are some of the most common and easily available whole grains foods. 

Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are excellent sources of antioxidants like anthocyanins, which protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation, which reduces the risk of heart ailments.

Walnuts are enriched with fiber and micronutrients such as magnesium, copper, and manganese which help in managing blood pressure, decrease oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and lower cholesterol levels. These nutritious benefits of walnuts help promote heart health.

Garlic consist of a compound called allicin which has therapeutic medicinal properties that help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of garlic also decreases the chances of blood clot formation and promotes heart health.

It may sound a bit hard to believe, but brisk walking can help in improving the condition of the heart, all you need is a pair of good shoes. It increases the rate of blood flowing to the heart and is also easier on the joints (especially beneficial for those suffering from joint ailments) as compared to any other exercise.

Weight training helps in building muscles of the body, which increases blood flow and improves heart health. 

Swimming is a proven full-body exercise that improves body tone, increases blood circulation, and promotes heart health.

Yoga is one of the best ways to improve heart health and promote overall well-being. Yoga helps strengthen your bones and tone your muscles, which increases blood circulation and manages blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels.

Core workouts like plank and pilates help increase the strength of your core muscles and provide balance to the body. A strong core promotes your overall health and increases blood circulation which improves heart health.

Final thoughts

The heart is one of the most complex organs of the body which helps you stay alive and kicking. It functions 24/7 and ensures continuous blood circulation to every part of the body. If the functioning of the heart is obstructed, its impact can be quite severe on your overall well-being.

To ensure that your heart health is not compromised, it’s highly recommended to get diagnosed at regular intervals to ascertain your correct health condition. Take measures to avoid the aforesaid causes of heart ailments, and if you experience any symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Book The Preventive Heart Checkup Today!

Pfizer completes ResApp purchase for over $115 million

Biopharmaceutical giant Pfizer has finalised its acquisition of ASX-listed digital health startup ResApp for A$179 million ($116 million), according to the University of Queensland.

Brisbane-based ResApp has developed a mobile app that analyses cough sounds and diagnoses respiratory diseases, including asthma, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, croup and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The company also recently demonstrated the capability of its app to diagnose COVID-19. 

Approved for use in Australia and Europe, ResAppDx can be integrated with telehealth platforms, emergency departments, and primary care settings.

---

New NHMRC-backed centre to apply AI in breast cancer risk classification

A risk-based approach using AI will be applied to a new breast cancer screening centre launched at the University of Melbourne.

Supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australia’s main statutory authority for medical research, the My Breast Cancer RISK Centre (MyBRISK) will use AI to analyse millions of mammograms to identify “more powerful mammogram-based risk factors.”

These automated measures, combined with family history, lifestyle and gene tests, will enable testing to better classify women of all ages in terms of their breast cancer risk, the university said in a media release.

As present breast cancer risk assessment tools are said to be “cumbersome and lack precision,” this new NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence aims to “create pathways for more effective personalised screening.”

MyBRISK is a collaboration between the University of Melbourne, Melbourne’s St Vincent’s Hospital, Monash University, University of Western Australia, Queensland University of Technology and Cancer Council Victoria.

---

Digital tool reduces medication errors in children’s hospitals: research

New research in Sydney has demonstrated how the use of an electronic medication management system (eMeds) can help lower medication errors in children’s hospitals.

Conducted by Macquarie University, Sydney Children’s Hospital and eHealth NSW, the study involved the review of more than 43,000 medication orders for about 8,000 paediatric patients.

eMeds, which is now used in 200 hospitals across New South Wales to prescribe, dispense, and provide medications to patients, was developed by eHealth NSW. The technology also helps monitor interactions and doses and provides safety alerts to avoid errors.

---

Townsville University Hospital implements Dell’s data storage solutions 

Townsville University Hospital (TUH), a tertiary referral hospital in northern Queensland, has deployed data storage solutions from Dell Technologies to enhance information sharing and care quality. 

According to a press release, the hospital has adopted Dell PowerStore, a single storage platform that provides block-based storage and a centralised data lake. It has become the foundation of its ward management and patient flow reporting systems, resulting in “significant growth” in clinical media and has enabled staff to perform near real-time reporting instead of batch processing.

TUH also implemented Dell PowerScale, which provides a single repository for unstructured data. 

“Together, the new storage solutions provide TUH with additional performance, improved redundancy, scalability and flexibility,” Dell said in a statement.

Singapore clears VUNO’s AI software for fundus analysis

South Korean medical AI firm VUNO has recently obtained a medical device certification from Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority for its AI-based fundus analysis software.

The VUNO Med-Fundus AI analyses images of the fundus, which is the back part of the eye, to provide findings necessary for the diagnosis of retinal diseases. It can detect the location of lesions indicative of diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, macular disease and glaucoma, within seconds.

Through this certification, VUNO can tap into the growing medical devices market in Singapore, which is projected to reach $1 billion in value in 2024, growing at an 8.7% CAGR from 2019.

---

Taiwan-based Point Robotics gets 510(k) for its surgical robot system

Point Robotics, maker of surgical robots in Taiwan, has received the US Food and Drug Administration’s 510(k) clearance for its integrated robotic-assisted surgical system for spinal fusion surgeries.

The POINT Kinguide Robotic-Assisted Surgical System combines image-guided navigation and a hand-held drilling feature to streamline procedural tasks with precision, stability, and reproducibility of robot motion. 

What sets it apart from similar systems, according to the company, is the parallel manipulator mechanism that enables it to expand indications for more complicated herniated disc decompression surgery.

Following the US clearance, Point Robotics is preparing for CE marking in Europe and registration in China, expanding its presence in international markets. 

“We aim to promote availability and affordability of robot’s adoption for spinal surgery unaddressed by today’s technology to treat more patients who contracted a spectrum of spinal diseases,” said CEO SC Juang.

---

Mental health startup Lissun receives $1M in pre-seed funding

Indian mental health platform Lissun has raised $1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by IvyCap Ventures. The round was also participated by We Founder Circle, Supermorpheous and other marquee angel investors. 

The startup employs a unique “B2H2C” approach – it reaches consumers through its partnerships with healthcare institutions – in offering its full-stack mental health solution. It has tie-ups with over 70 healthcare organisations in 17 cities in India.

Based on a press statement, Lissun’s technology is applied to high-stress use cases in six healthcare categories, such as infertility, rehabilitation, nephrology, and oncology, among others. “The very fact that mental and emotional issues can be an underlying problem in many medical cases is what we have identified and are working on proactively,” explained co-founder Dr Krishna Veer Singh.

Through its fresh investment, Lissun aims to strengthen its technology’s backbone and further develop it to provide a seamless user experience. Moreover, it plans to expand to 25 cities, as well as cover five more therapeutic categories.

---

India to repurpose COVID-19 apps

The Indian government plans to repurpose its two main mobile applications for tracking COVID-19 cases in the country.

A news report cited Dr Ram Sewak Sharma, CEO of the National Health Authority, as saying that they plan to reuse the contact tracing app Aarogya Setu as a national health app while the Covid Vaccine Intelligent Network (CoWIN) platform will be repurposed for the national immunisation programme and a health management information system for small doctors.

There are a lot of exciting milestones in your baby’s growth and development. There’s when they roll over for the first time. Then crawling, their first step, their first word, and on and on. And one of the biggest events is when your baby’s smile starts to turn into a toothy grin.

But when do babies get their first tooth? Do teeth come in a certain order? How do you soothe a baby’s sore gums?

Below, we answer these questions, explain other teething symptoms and answer common questions about cleaning baby teeth.

At what age do babies start teething?

The average age for a baby’s first tooth to come in is around 6 months old, but every child is different. Girls’ teeth usually come in a little earlier than boys’ do. But by 3 years old, most kids have all of their primary or “baby” teeth.

How many baby teeth do kids have?

Children have a total of 20 primary teeth.

What order do baby teeth come in?

Baby teeth don’t always come in the same order for each kiddo. There are typical ranges for when certain teeth come in or “erupt,” but those ranges overlap. For example, many babies get their bottom central incisors sometime between 6 months old and 10 months old, and their top central incisors between 8 months old and 12 months old.

Baby teeth chart

Again, the exact timing and order that babies’ teeth come in can vary. But here’s when they generally tend to come in:

• Bottom central incisors: 6-10 months
• Top central incisors: 8-12 months
• Bottom lateral incisors: 10-16 months
• Top lateral incisors: 9-13 months
• Bottom canines: 17-23 months
• Top canines: 16-22 months
• Bottom first molars: 14-18 months
• Top first molars: 13-19 months
• Bottom second molars: 23-31 months
• Top second molars: 25-33 months

 

How do I know if my baby is teething? Watch for these baby teething symptoms

Not all babies show signs of teething. But common teething symptoms can include:

• Increased fussiness
• Increased drooling, which can cause coughing and lead to a rash on baby’s face, chin or chest
• Chewing or gnawing on objects
• Rubbing their cheek or ear
• A low-grade fever (less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

Usually, signs of teething will start a few days before a new tooth comes in, and go away once it has.

Is teething painful for babies?

Some babies will experience discomfort or pain while teething, which helps explain some of the teething symptoms you’ll notice. Gum soreness and swelling can lead to fussiness, or cause your little one to rub their cheeks or chew on anything they can get their hands on. The good news is that most discomfort will pass quickly.

Which are the most painful teeth for babies as they come in?

Typically, the first teeth to come in are the most uncomfortable for babies, as the feeling of a tooth coming in is new and unfamiliar. The molars can also be painful because they’re larger than other teeth.

When to talk to a doctor about teething concerns

Again, teething symptoms are usually mild and improve in a couple of days. But talk to your child’s doctor if:

• Symptoms are prolonged or get more severe (such as constant irritability or especially aggressive chewing)
• Your child has a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Your child gets diarrhea alongside teething symptoms

How to soothe baby’s gums during teething

If your baby is showing signs of discomfort when they’ve got a tooth coming in, there are a few different things you can do to make them more comfortable.

• Wipe away drool from their chin regularly – This can help prevent skin irritation and rashes.
• Massage your baby’s gums – You can simply use a clean finger or chilled teething ring.
• Give your baby a cold washcloth or chilled teething toy to chew on – If your baby has already been introduced to solid foods that can be chilled, you can also use those. Only use a fridge to chill things (rather than the freezer), and don’t use toys that have liquid in them.
• Talk with your child’s doctor about over-the-counter pain relievers – Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and inflammation. Just make sure you’re using one that is meant for babies, and you follow all the instructions on the label.

Don’t try to relieve your baby’s symptoms with teething gels or teething tablets, as they may contain harmful ingredients. If you have questions about a method or teething product that isn’t listed above, talk to your child’s doctor.

Baby oral care: Answers to frequently asked questions

With the arrival of teeth comes the need to keep them clean. Here’s what to know to get your baby’s dental health off to a good start.

When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?

Start brushing as soon as the first tooth has come in.

How do I brush my baby’s teeth?

Use a small, soft toothbrush or washcloth twice a day. Start with water or a fluoride-free training toothpaste. Once your child is around 3 years old, you can start using small amounts of fluoride toothpaste.

Flossing should start when your child has teeth that have come in next to each other. If regular floss is too tricky, try using a floss pick.

Why do I need to brush my baby’s teeth?

Even though baby teeth will fall out, they’re still important. Healthy baby teeth support the health, spacing and alignment of the permanent teeth that come in after them. And getting your child used to regular brushing early on will help them form good oral hygiene habits.

Plus, tooth decay can start at a very young age. Children with tooth decay are more likely to have ear and sinus infections, and develop conditions like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Healthy teeth help children speak quickly and clearly, too, which can give them more confidence as they grow up.

What else can I do to keep my baby’s teeth healthy?

If your child is still nursing or drinking a bottle at bedtime or overnight, talk with their doctor about when it makes sense to wean them from these feedings. This is because the sugars in your own milk or formula can sit on your baby’s teeth for prolonged periods of time overnight.

Most babies are able to sleep through the night without needing to eat sometime between 4 and 6 months old. And once they’re around 12 months old, nighttime bottles before bed can usually be stopped as well.

You can also take steps to reduce or discourage pacifier use or thumb sucking. Pacifiers specifically can be helpful early in your child’s development. They can provide comfort and have even been shown to reduce the risk of SIDs. But as your child gets older, pacifiers – and aggressive thumb sucking – can cause issues with tooth alignment.

When does my baby need to visit the dentist?

Along with brushing and flossing, regular dental visits are key to your baby’s dental health. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that kids see a dentist by their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in.

During these visits, the dentist will examine your child’s soft tissues, gums and jaws. The earlier your child sees a dentist, the more likely they are to have good oral health in the future.

 

Curious about wrinkle fillers, which hold the promise of smoother skin and a younger look without surgery?

Don’t confuse fillers with Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. These are injectables that help smooth so-called dynamic lines — such as forehead furrows and crow’s feet caused by frowning and smiling — by blocking muscle contractions under the skin. Instead, FDA-approved cosmetic (or dermal) fillers on the market help restore the contours of the face by padding folds and wrinkles and replacing lost volume. They work on any skin tone.

Fillers don’t replace a facelift because they won’t lift skin that has a lot of sagging, says plastic surgeon Hatem Abou-Sayed, MD, FACS, who practices in West Palm Beach, FL. “But if there’s not a lot of skin laxity, fillers can replace lost volume, and that will contribute to a younger, more well-rested appearance.” Here’s a look at some of the most popular types.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are made of a sugar that occurs naturally in the body. Popular brands include Belotero Balance, Elevess, Juvederm, Perland, Prevelle Silk, and Restylane . These gel formulations come in thin and slightly thicker consistencies. They can fill both shallow areas, such as fine lines above the lips, and deeper folds, like those around the nose and the so-called marionette lines, creases that run downward from the corners of the mouth.

Hyaluronic fillers can also plump up thinning lips, restore volume to cheeks, fill under-eye hollows, and add definition to a slackening jawline. The effects remain visible anywhere from four months to a year, depending on the area treated. Results vary from person to person. If you don’t like the result, hyaluronic acid fillers can be reversed with an injection of the enzyme hyaluronidase.

Calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres, a compound similar to minerals found in the body, make up the main ingredient in Radiesse. Thicker than hyaluronic acid, it’s most effective where more volume is needed — for instance, to build up a weak chin, strengthen a jawline, pad sunken cheeks, or fill deep wrinkles. Results last a year or longer.

Poly L-lactic acid, known by the brand name Sculptra, is a biodegradable synthetic material also used in stitches. It doesn’t provide the kind of instant plumping that other fillers do. Instead, it gradually stimulates the body to regenerate its own collagen. You’ll need a series of 3 to 6 injection sessions, about a month apart, for results lasting up to two years.

Collagen fillers often comes from cows (bovine) or human cells. The body slowly absorbs the collage over time so regular injections may be needed to maintain results. Hyaluronic fillers are now more commonly used than collagen.

The Facts onFillers

Considering wrinkle fillers? Here’s what you need to know.

Choosing a Doctor. Your best bet: a board-certified plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or otolaryngologist who injects fillers daily.

Cost. Generally, the longer a filler lasts, the more expensive it is. Prices vary widely by location and by how much training the person doing the injecting has undergone. Hyaluronic acid fillers cost, on average, $684 per syringe, Radiesse about $717 per syringe, and Sculptra $853. Many people need more than one syringe.

Ouch Factor. Fillers are often mixed with lidocaine to minimize discomfort. A numbing cream applied before the injections will also help reduce pain.

Side Effects.You may have redness, swelling, or bruising that can last up to a few weeks. Don’t schedule your filler appointment less than two weeks before a big event. Allergic and other reactions, though rare, can occur.