Low Sodium In Blood (Hyponatr... : Risk Factors

Cirrhosis is a chronic, degenerative disease in which normal liver cells are damaged and are then replaced by scar tissue. Cirrhosis changes the structure of the liver and the blood vessels that nourish it.

Cirrhosis is the result of chronic liver disease that causes scarring of the liver and liver dysfunction. This often has many complications, including accumulation of fluid in the abdomen ( ascites ), bleeding disorders ( coagulopathy ), increased pressure in the blood vessels of the liver (portal hypertension ), and confusion or a change in the level of consciousness ( hepatic encephalopathy ).

Understanding CirrhosisThe LiverThe liver is a large organ in the upper right part of the abdominal cavity. A healthy liver metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

The term " cirrhosis " was first used by Ren e La e nnec (1781-1826) to describe the abnormal liver color of individuals with alcohol-induced liver disease. The word cirrhosis comes from the Greek word kirrhos , the name for a yellowish-brown color.

Cirrhosis is a chronic degenerative disease of the liver in which normal liver cells are damaged and then replaced by scar tissue. There are different types of cirrhosis that could afflict a person.

Detailed information on cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, and fibrosis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Treating CirrhosisAn evaluation helps your doctor find the cause of your liver problem. You may have a health history, an exam, and some tests.

My 75-year-old father has cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholism. He also has type 2 diabetes. How will the cirrhosis affect his diabetes?

Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a disorder in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood efficiently. The term "heart failure" should not be confused with cardiac arrest, a situation in which the heart actually stops beating.

If you have CHF, it's important to stick with your treatment, even when you're feeling better. You also need to maintain healthy habits.

Are CHF and CAD the same thing? Howard LeWine, M.D., is chief editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications. He is recognized as an outstanding clinician and teacher and is a recipient of the Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year award at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. LeWine continues to practice Internal Medicine; most recently he became a hospitalist after practicing primary care for over 20 years.

Heart failure can happen in two ways. The heart muscle may become weak and enlarged (systolic dysfunction). The weakened muscle doesn’t pump enough blood forward when the ventricles contract. Or, the heart muscle may become stiff (diastolic dysfunction). The stiff muscle can’t relax between contractions, which keeps the ventricles from filling with enough blood.

BNP is a hormone produced by the body when the heart is enlarged. Testing a person's BNP level is an easy and accurate way to help doctors diagnose congestive heart failure.

Diuretics are medicines that help reduce the amount of water in the body. Purpose Diuretics are used to treat the buildup of excess fluid in the body that occurs with some medical conditions such as congestive heart failure , liver disease, and kidney disease.

Diuretics help your blood pressure go down by helping your body to get rid of extra water and salt by producing more urine.

The purpose of a diuretic, or “water pill” is to help your body get rid of excess water and salt. Diuretics can help you feel better and have more energy. They may also help lower blood pressure.

I had to take hydrochlorothiazide and Lasix together. After an electrolyte imbalance, my doctors told me never to take these medications again. I recently had my aortic valve replaced, and am retaining water. Are there any diuretics I can safely take?

Some medications taken by people with heart disease to counteract water buildup in the body can remove too much potassium from the body, while others can leave too much behind.

Diuretics are medicines that help reduce the amount of water in the body. Purpose Diuretics are used to treat the buildup of excess fluid in the body that occurs with some medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease.

I was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. I was hoping that my doctor would prescribe a diuretic, but she said it would not be safe because I'm allergic to sulfa drugs. What do you think?

A machine that extracts excess water and salt from blood may be a safer and more effective treatment option for those with excess fluid in their lungs due to heart failure.

New research on diuretics shows they remain one of the best treatments for high blood pressure.

Among the many types of blood pressure medications available, some have a tendency to increase blood sugar levels, but this does not necessarily lead to a higher risk of diabetes.

When you exercise, you gain more strength and flexibility. Your mood will improve, and you'll be able to think better.

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.

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.

Aimed at older adults, this report provides practical advice on how to avoid common and often deadly accidents at home.

If you're not careful, you could wind up with a case of heat exhaustion just as easily as the couch potato next door, no matter how fit you might be.

Kidney disease is classified as any disease or disorder that affects the function of the kidneys. This may include: acute kidney failure acute nephritic syndrome analgesic nephropathy atheroembolic renal disease chronic kidney failure chronic nephritis congenital nephrotic syndrome end-stage renal disease Goodpasture's syndrome IgM mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis interstitial nephritis kidney cancer kidney damage kidney infection kidney injury kidney stones lupus nephritis membranoproliferative GN I membranoproliferative GN II membranous nephropathy minimal change disease necrotizing glomerulonephritis nephroblastoma nephrocalcinosis nephrogenic diabetes insipidus nephropathy - IgA nephrosis ( nephrotic syndrome ) polycystic kidney disease post-streptococcal GN reflux nephropathy renal artery embolism renal artery stenosis renal disorders renal papillary necrosis renal tubular acidosis type I renal tubular acidosis type II renal underperfusion renal vein thrombosis

This guide discusses ways to recognize, prevent, and treat the most common types of kidney disease, such as kidney stones, glomerulonephritis, and chronic kidney disease.

Detailed information on kidney disorders

Detailed information on kidney conditions, including kidney function, nephrology, kidney problem causes, kidney disease symptoms, and 1 labeled, full-color anatomical illustration

"I thought my life was perfect," Sean Elliott says, "and then one day I went to see my doctor and he told me I had a rare form of kidney disease. Suddenly, I realized that I'd have to fight a battle to save my athletic career -- maybe even my life."

Too often, diabetes leads to kidney disease. But it doesn’t have to. When kidney problems are caught early, you can take steps to prevent more serious kidney disease.

Kidney disease is a stealth illness. It may often be silent for many years -- until it has reached an advanced stage.

Kidney ProblemsThe kidneys may fail due to problems with their blood vessels or filtering units. Such problems may be caused by an illness that affects the whole body.

Detailed information on urology, the branch of medicine concerned with the urinary tract in both genders, and with the genital tract or reproductive system in the male

What Are the Kidneys?Your kidneys are located near the back of your torso, about even with the lowest ribs.

Three common signs of kidney disease are also strong risk factors for cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

Is there a correlation between kidney disease and loss of memory or ability to concentrate?

Diarrhea is loose, watery, and frequent stool. Diarrhea is considered chronic (long-term) when you have had loose or frequent stools for more than 4 weeks.

Detailed information on diarrhea, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Vomiting is the forceful discharge of stomach contents through the mouth. Vomiting, also called emesis, is a symptomatic response to any number of harmful triggers.

Nausea and vomiting are recognized as two separate and distinct conditions. Nausea is the subjective, unpleasant feeling or urge to vomit, which may or may not result in vomiting.

Learning how to express anger assertively and constructively can improve your personal interaction and your health.

Women experience symptoms of stress 30 percent more often than men, research has shown.

Whether you’ve already gained a few extra pounds or have yet to reach perimenopause, here are strategies to help you maintain a healthy weight in midlife and beyond.

Pregnant women with asthma are just as likely to have healthy, normal babies as women without asthma -- as long as their disease is kept under control.

As a woman, your body is much more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and more easily damaged than a man’s body. Because women have less water in their body than men, alcohol doesn't dilute as much and more of it gets absorbed into the blood. That’s why women suffer greater physical damage and often become more intoxicated than men when they drink identical amounts of alcohol.

Can vaginoplasty assist with bladder incontinence and sexual satisfaction for a 33-year-old woman with three children?

I'm 51 and in menopause. What degree of protection from ovarian cancer would a prophylactic oophorectomy provide? My mother contracted ovarian cancer at 62, already in stage IIIc, and died one year later. Is there still a risk of developing ovarian cancer?

If a Pap smear result came back with "high risk HPV," what does that mean?

How long do I have to wait after a diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease to have sexual intercourse?

I am currently dating someone with HIV. He and I have never been sexually active, but are considering marriage. My question is in regards to sperm washing to possibly have children. How effective is this procedure? Is it done often, and does it work?

How is mammography done after a breast augmentation? Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Can a tubal banding be reversed? Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

A correction to the November 2005 Women's Health Watch.Correction Our article about the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (“New trial to test hormone therapy in younger women,” HWHW, November 2005) should have included Salt Lake City in the list of locations of participating centers (the others are Boston; New Haven; New York; Rochester, Minn.; San Francisco; and Seattle). To learn more about the trial, call 866-878-1221 toll free) or visit www.keepstudy.org on the Web.

This year I've had four urinary tract infections. Each cleared up with antibiotic treatment. Now, my doctor is prescribing a prophylactic antibiotic, Bactrim 400/80, that I'm supposed to take every day. Are there long-term risks in this?

Women with a higher body mass index, even those with a normal BMI who are not in the overweight portion of the scale, face an increased risk of gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD).

A new technology called oscillating plate therapy may increase bone muscle mass in humans via barely perceptible vibrations.

I'm a healthy 65-year-old woman and just had my first bone density test. How often do I need to have it repeated?

Women with advanced ovarian cancer may benefit from a treatment that sends anticancer drugs directly into the abdomen.

Researchers found that women who did not express their feelings during marital arguments were at higher risk of dying prematurely.

A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about women's loss of interest in sex after menopause.

A survey of women who had recently been diagnosed with depression found that at least half of them had opted for an alternative form of treatment, such as massage or yoga, in addition to conventional forms of treatment such as medication and therapy.

Personality changes in adults are most likely to happen during the earlier adult years, up to around age 40.

Research into the long-term effects of hormone therapy found that women who were more physically active were less likely to suffer cognitive decline than those who exercised less often.

A brief look at state-by-state rankings in health-related categories, with a link to the government report.

A study found that women who had off-pump bypass surgery had much lower rates of heart attack, stroke, or death during the operation or shortly after, more so than for men.

Two studies evaluate supportive underwear meant to ease pain and speed recovery after bypass surgery.

Older women are less likely to exercise. A supplement containing bitter orange caused chest pain. A healthy heart may help protect mental health as well.