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In many countries heart disease is viewed as a"second epidemic," replacing infectious diseases as the leading cause.of death. It is especially devastating in countries that do not have adequate health care.
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Heart disease is any disorder that affects the heart''s ability to function normally. Various forms of heart disease include:.The most common cause of heart disease is a narrowing of or blockage in the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart...
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Detailed information on heart disease in pregnancy The heart is the hardest working muscle in the human body. Located almost in the center of the chest, the adult human heart is about the size of two fists held side-by-side.
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Heart disease is the narrowing or blockage of the arteries and vessels that provide oxygen and nutrient-rich.
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Every year, thousands of Americans die from heart attacks and millions of others suffer from related cardiovascular diseases. Knowing what causes heart disease and how you can prevent it can help you live a healthier, longer life. To assess your knowledge, answer these statements true or false.
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Twelve numbers worth knowing for your heart's health.Knowing the numbers for a few key risk factors is good for your heart and overall health.
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Detailed information on heart disorders in high-risk newborns There are many heart disorders that place a newborn at higher risk and require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.
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Most people with diabetes eventually develop some form of heart disease, but this is not inevitable. Focusing on improving health through diet, exercise, weight loss, and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol can help prevent heart disease.
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If you have diabetes, you are two to four times more likely to have heart disease than someone without diabetes. You can control your health risks by making some changes in your life.
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Your heart is a vital organ that keeps your body functioning. Unfortunately, many people don't treat it that way. They may not realize that their daily habits and lifestyle can overwork and damage their heart. So, take care of your heart and yourself. Start by making the following lifestyle changes.
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Heart disease kills more than 700,000 Americans every year. But many of these deaths could be prevented if people took control of their risk factors for this disease.
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For some people with coronary heart disease, high doses of statins, a commonly prescribed, potent medication to lower cholesterol, can reverse or decrease the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries. This can reduce the risk for heart attack.
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Millions of people diagnosed with heart disease enjoy active, satisfying lives. Instead of looking on their diagnoses as sentences to be invalids, they have used them as catalysts to make positive changes in their lives.
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Your risk of heart disease increases if you're more than 30 percent overweight. Obesity raises cholesterol, blood pressure, and can lead to diabetes, another risk factor for heart disease. You can reduce your risk for heart disease by losing as few as 10 pounds if you are overweight.
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According to the long-term Framingham Heart Study, having parents who live to age 85 or beyond may offer a greater degree of protection from heart disease and stroke.
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Research shows that there are important differences between the sexes when it comes to heart disease, which may affect treatment and prevention
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A combination of eating a healthy diet, staying at a healthy weight, exercising regularly, not smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation may sharply cut your risk of heart disease.
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C-reactive protein is emerging as a key risk factor for heart disease. A guide to new research on this protein, how to test for it, and how exercise can lower its presence in the blood.
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Although three out of four smokers say they want to quit, fewer than 5 percent of smokers who quit for at least a day are able to stay away from tobacco for three months to a year.
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The way you respond to a heart attack can make a profound difference in what happens to you in the future.
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This report explains what your blood pressure numbers mean and how hypertension can be prevented and treated by making diet and lifestyle changes. Also includes information on medications.
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A noisy environment could be a contributing factor to heart disease.
There's little question that loud noise hurts your hearing. The growing din of everyday life may also be bad for blood pressure and the heart.
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Surveys show fewer than one in 10 women perceive heart disease as their greatest health threat. But it's the nation's number one killer, and women are its prime target.
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An intimate relationship is built on being able to share feelings. The stress and worry of a heart attack or surgery can upset this closeness.
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A long-running heart study resulted in a simple tool to calculate one's risk of heart disease. While there have been many newer tests and tools, they have not been able to improve upon the original.
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Discussion of available tests for heart disease, with an emphasis on prevention.
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Detailed information on heart disease and diabetes, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment
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Besides the nutritional benefits, eating beans regularly can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of a heart attack.
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If you recently had a heart attack or heart surgery, you may be concerned about your love life. This is normal during an illness. But know that you can still enjoy sex. Here is information than can help you understand your feelings. It can also help you work with your partner to rebuild intimacy and enjoy sex again.
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It's important to get regular checkups and periodic exams, especially when you have cardiovascular disease.
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Colds and the flu can be serious for people with heart disease.Colds and the flu can be serious for people with heart disease. Not only are you at risk for pneumonia, but it's hard to tell whether your symptoms are a sign of a cold or of worsening heart failure.
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A short glossary of medical terms associated with heart disease.Diuretic. A medication that helps the body get rid of extra fluid and salt by producing more urine. Sometimes called "water pills,” diuretics reduce fluid buildup in the lungs and swelling in the feet and ankles.
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If you are like most people with heart disease, you have several providers who each treat you for a different health issue.
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A look into how changes inside the eye, hypertensive retinopathy, can be linked to heart and cardiovascular disease.
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Existing tests for heart disease risk aren't always precise. The search for better tests is ongoing, but hasn't yet produced any strong contenders.
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Research is suggesting that adults should start paying attention to their cholesterol earlier in life. It may be that how soon this is addressed is as important as the actual cholesterol level.
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Hormone therapy may help prevent heart disease in women after all, if the treatment is started closer to menopause. Two clinical trials are hoping to provide more conclusive results.
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Exercise is much more effective than vitamins or supplements at reducing the risk of heart disease. The benefits of exercise against cancer are not conclusive, but it is likely to have other positive effects on overall health.
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Creating a medical family tree can help identify your risk for heart disease.It's not just your genes; habits and attitudes also run in the family.
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More women than men die of heart disease, and it is the leading cause of death among women. Fortunately, there are a number of things women can do to prevent heart disease and stroke.
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Why is there such a difference in treating and diagnosing heart disease in men and women? Says one specialist: "I think there's a belief held by many men and women, physicians and laymen alike, that heart attacks are solely a man's problem."
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Many women are unaware that heart disease is a bigger health threat to them than breast cancer.
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Even if you already have atherosclerosis or have had a heart attack, there's a lot you can do to prevent future heart problems.
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The main cause of heart disease is atherosclerosis, which is the thickening and hardening of the arteries.
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Omega-3s are a beneficial and essential form of fat, one that your body needs but can't make.
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Did you know that if you have diabetes, you have a two to four times greater risk for heart disease and stroke than people without diabetes?
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Most of us know that diabetes can lead to severe complications, such as blindness, kidney disease and amputations. But did you know that diabetes also greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease?
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High cholesterol is one of the leading risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease. High cholesterol levels can be lowered by diet and exercise or medicine.
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Getting serious about heart health may seem like a huge project because it often means making changes in health habits. It's a major effort for many people, but it doesn't have to be an overwhelming one. Example: All women older than 20 should be screened for blood cholesterol levels. Here are more ways to prevent heart disease.
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A half-million women have heart attacks each year. A common symptom of coronary heart disease is chest pain or tightness, known as angina. It may be the earliest sign of heart disease and usually brings someone to a health care provider for the first time.
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Some risk factors for heart disease are beyond your control, but others, such as smoking or high blood pressure, you can do something about.
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Evidence is mounting that people with periodontal (gum) disease may be more at risk for heart disease and stroke.
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Whether you take prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicine, or both, there are important guidelines to follow to get the most from them.
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If you think that you can't begin a strength-training program because you have heart disease, think again.
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As a patient, understanding the basics of the guidelines can help you take a more active role in your treatment.
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Remote monitoring is the wave of the future in managing heart disease.New technology makes it easier to keep tabs on your heart, and heart disease.
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Inadequate sleep appears to increase substances in the body that are linked to inflammation, a factor in heart disease. Those with heart disease can suffer from sleep problems. Better sleep habits can sometimes help.
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National recommendations for desirable cholesterol levels are now very low. An exploration of why and tips for how to achieve these levels.
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Researchers are exploring how bacteria in the mouth might play a role in heart disease, though there is still no conclusive evidence that the two are linked.
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A discussion about the uncertain benefits of the dietary supplement carnitine as a treatment for heart disease. It is "promising but unproven".
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A brief look at studies suggesting that C-reactive protein (CRP) may play a role in heart disease which will change how doctors use statins.
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Increased risk of heart disease may be shared among siblings.
Brothers and sisters often share traits like facial features, body shape, certain turns of phrase, or a fondness for peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Add heart trouble to the list. A report from the second-generation Framingham Offspring Study indicates that having a sibling with cardiovascular disease increases your chances of having it, too. The increase is on a par with having a parent with cardiovascular disease.
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With the failure of torcetrapib, a drug that its maker hoped would raise HDL cholesterol, people seeking to lower their heart disease risk should rely on traditional strategies: exercise, diet, weight control.
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Cancer, not heart disease, is now the leading cause of death among Americans under age 85.
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The statin Lipitor (atorvastatin) reduces LDL levels and frequency of heart attack and stroke in people with stable heart disease.
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Women who suffer from chest pain but show clear arteries on an angiogram may have a different type of blocked artery, where plaque builds up evenly on the inner surface or bulges outward.
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Research shows a deep connection between the head and the heart: An exploration of how psychological and social factors contribute to heart disease.
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Women are at as much risk for heart disease as men are. The American Heart Association has compiled a list of guidelines that offer a number of ways women can reduce their risk.
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People know that they can "prevent" heart disease by not smoking, losing weight, exercising, watching cholesterol and blood pressure, and eating right, but they still get heart disease. Is it really possible to prevent heart disease, or just slow it down?
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The experience of a heart attack can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder, which can delay recovery and perhaps cause heart disease to progress further.
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People at risk for heart attack or stroke will likely benefit from taking low-dose daily aspirin, but for some there are greater risks (such as ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding) that outweigh aspirin's help.
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A study indicates that taking a combination of medications can be more effective in preventing heart disease than single medications alone.
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Advisory ratchets down targets for LDL (bad) cholesterol for some people, not others; no one-size-fits-all recommendation yet.
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A review of a theory that thinner, less viscous blood could prevent heart disease.
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For people who already have heart disease, the American Heart Association has created a ten-point plan for preventing its recurrence. Following these guidelines will strengthen your heart, lungs, and blood vessels and should improve your overall health.
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Practicing transcendental meditation, or another relaxation technique, may help those at risk for heart disease by lowering bood pressure and blood sugar and decreasing stress.
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If you take antioxidants to treat or prevent heart disease, it???s time to rethink this gambit.
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A study found that heart disease deaths peaked each year during flu season, because the flu can trigger a heart attack or stroke. Those with heart disease, and those at higher risk of getting it, should get a flu vaccine each year.
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An expert shares his beliefs about how best to treat and avoid cancer, heart disease, and other chronic diseases.
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A Harvard Medical School doctor answers a question about why President Clinton's heart disease was not identified sooner.
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People with schizophrenia are at greater risk of dying from heart disease. This may be caused by insufficient attention to a patient's physical health, but some antipsychotic medications worsen the risk for diabetes and heart disease.
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Discusses the causes of sudden cardiac death and tips for how to prevent it.In most cases, death is the expected conclusion to a difficult illness. Sometimes, though, it comes unpredictably and swiftly. Doctors define sudden death as an abrupt, unexpected natural death that ends life less than an hour after final symptoms first develop in a person who does not have a condition that seems rapidly fatal.
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Long-term studies show a probable link between anger in young men and increased risk of heart disease in middle age and beyond, but excessive anger at any age is bad for the heart.
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A landmark study found that women are susceptible to a different type of heart disease called microvascular dysfunction. It affects both larger and smaller blood vessels, but is not detected by the standard cardiac tests.
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Statins have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiac disease in women as well as in men. They may also reduce the risk of breast cancer and slow the progression of cognitive decline, and in general, their benefits seem to outweigh their risks.
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The decision whether to take a statin depends largely on your risk for cardiovascular disease and a heart attack. A review of statins available, how to calculate your risk, and when a statin might not be the right choice.
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Detailed information on congenital heart disease, including patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, atrioventricular canal, tricuspid atresia, pulmonary atresia, transposition of the great arteries, tetralogy of Fallot, double outlet right ventricle, truncus arteriosus, coarctation of the aorta, aortic stenosis, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome
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Detailed information on diagnosing and evaluating heart disease in children Diagnosing and evaluating heart disease in children can be complex and requires clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some means by which heart disease in children is evaluated and diagnosed, for which we have provided a brief overview.
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Detailed information on congenital heart disease and factors that may have caused the defect
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Detailed information for children living with a congenital heart disease Living with congenital (present at birth) heart disease requires special care for your child. Listed in the directory below you will find additional information regarding special considerations that will need to be made for your child who is living with congenital heart disease, for which we have provide a brief overview.
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By teaching your kids to follow a healthy lifestyle, you can help reduce their risk for heart disease later in life.
Although children and teens usually don't show the symptoms of heart disease, the silent buildup of plaque (fatty deposits) can start in childhood and can have a serious impact on their adult life.
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Detailed information on infant health There are many common problems of infancy that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.
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A fever is a way for the body to fight infection. But it may also be a sign of a serious illness, especially in children younger than 3 months and children who haven't been immunized. Know when to seek medical care for your child.
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At first, all of your baby's cries may sound alike. Soon, though, you'll be able to tell a hunger cry from a fuss over a wet diaper.
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A fever is a special cause for concern in infants younger than 3 months of age. Parents and caregivers should be most concerned with changes in eating or sleeping habits, coughing, pain or other marked changes.
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This tiny newborn will change the way you and your partner see yourselves and each other. If this is your first baby, you'll have to adjust to being a parent. If you have other children, expect this one to be different.
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As a new parent, you may find "tub time" a bit scary. Here are some suggestions on how to make it less stressful.
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When you exercise, you gain more strength and flexibility. Your mood will improve, and you'll be able to think better.
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In elderly patients, symptoms of depression can be mistaken for symptoms of another medical problem, so it is important for clinicians to consider all physical problems and medications of elderly patients before making a diagnosis.
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Learn how to put together a caregiving plan, draw on useful services, and address legal, medical, and financial planning issues. Also, find advice on involving family members, handling daily tasks, and maintaining your well being.
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Aimed at older adults, this report provides practical advice on how to avoid common and often deadly accidents at home.
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Lung disease is any disease or disorder that occurs in the lungs or that causes the lungs to not work properly. There are three main types of lung disease:.Airway diseases-- These diseases affect the tubes(airways) that carry oxygen and other gase...
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Detailed information on lung disorders and diseases, signs of respiratory distress, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD), Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Pulmonary Emphysema, Acute Bronchitis, Cystic Fibrosis, Occupational Lung Diseases, Pneumonia, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, Pulmonary Embolism, Pulmonary Sarcoidosis, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Tuberculosis
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When you have COPD, you're more likely to develop a lung infection (pneumonia) with a cold or the flu. To stay healthier, avoid contact with germs. Get prompt treatment at the first sign of illness.
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I have a spot on my lung that was picked up on a CAT scan of my abdomen. I am a non-smoker. What could this be besides cancer?
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease encompases both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. This report covers treatment, medications, surgeries, and many practical techniques and exercises to improve your quality of life.
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What causes lung nodules?
Robert Shmerling, M.D., is associate physician and clinical chief of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an associate professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is an active teacher in the Internal Medicine Residency Program, serving as the Robinson Firm Chief. He is also a teacher in the Rheumatology Fellowship Program and has been a practicing rheumatologist for over 25 years.
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Here's a place to keep a calorie count on the snacks you can turn to when fighting the urge to smoke.
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A small but significant percentage of lung cancer deaths occur in nonsmokers. Research suggests that they may get a different form of the disease than do smokers, one that may respond better to certain medications.
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Periodic phone support calls to those trying to quit smoking, in addition to other cessation services, can increase the chance that quitters will not start smoking again.
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Key Points Secondhand smoke (also called environmental tobacco smoke) is the combination of smoke given off by the burning end of a tobacco product and the smoke exhaled by the smoker (see Question 1).
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Breathing even a little smoke can be harmful, because there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke. The only way to protect yourself and the people you love is to provide a 100 percent smoke-free setting.
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