I recently saw on a documentary about tissue regeneration, but i'm not too sure about the reliability of it. According to them, when you prevent blood clotting, the body is acutally capable of regenerating parts of the body that should not be able to grow back again.
They found out this by accident when a scientist was experimenting to find out the effects of weakening the immune system of white mice. The mice with weakened immune systems were marked by having holes made in their ears so that they would permenantly be different from the other mice.
However, when she returned the next morning, all the mice had whole ears. She couldn't tell the difference between the mice. The mice with weakened immune systems had actually grown back the tissue that has been removed.
So according to the documentry, clotting is a means of blocking up wounds so that infections won't happen within the body, and so that we wont loose too much blood. However, this also means that the body is unable to replace tissue that is beyond the clotted region, making it a permenant handicap.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
When A Heart Valve Fails.
HOW DO HEART VALVES WORK?
The valves of the heart are located within the chambers of the heart and are critical to the proper flow of blood through the heart. All of the valves, when functioning normally, act as one-way valves, allowing blood to flow either from one chamber to another, or allowing blood to flow out of the heart, in only one direction. The valves control the flow of blood through the heart by opening and closing during the contractions of the heart. The opening and closing functions of the valves are controlled by pressure differences generated within the heart, as well as some muscles located within the heart.
Your heart has four chambers and four valves that regulate blood flow:
Mitral valve:
The mitral valve controls the flow of oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle
Tricuspid valve:
The tricuspid valve controls the flow of oxygen-poor blood from the right atrium to the right ventricle
Aortic valve:
The aortic valve controls flow of oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the body
Pulmonary valve:
The pulmonary valve controls flow of oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle to the lungs
Heart Valves @ Work
Blood enters the heart through the right atrium, which then contracts, sending it to the right ventricle. The right ventricle contracts and propels the blood into the blood vessels of the lungs.
Full of oxygen, the blood leaves the lungs and re-enters the heart through the pulmonary veins, which empty into the left atrium. The left atrium contracts and thrusts the blood into the left ventricle, which contracts, sending the blood to the body and brain via the aorta and its branches.
During each heartbeat, valves open and close in a complex sequence that ensures efficient forward movement of blood.
The tricuspid and mitral valves open to allow blood to flow into the ventricles from the atria. During this time, the pulmonic and aortic valves are closed preventing leakage back into the ventricles of the blood ejected during the previous beat.
As the newly-filled ventricles contract, the pulmonic and aortic valves open, enabling blood to leave the heart. During this time, the mitral and tricuspid valves are closed preventing blood from flowing back into the atria.
These valves are essential to the efficient movement of blood throughout the heart and into the body.
Each valve has a set of flaps known as leaflets or cusps. When the valves are in good working order, the flaps open and close completely. If the valves are not working properly, the heart has to work harder than normal to pump blood.
See how the Heart Valves work at -
http://video.about.com/heartdisease/How-the-Valves-Work.htm
WHY WILL HEART VALVES FAIL? HOW WILL THEY NOT WORK?
What Are the Types of Valve Disease?
Valvular stenosis - This occurs when a valve opening is smaller than normal due to stiff or fused leaflets. The narrowed opening may make the heart work very hard to pump blood through it. This can lead to heart failure and other symptoms (see below). All four valves can be stenotic (hardened, restricting blood flow); the conditions are called tricuspid stenosis, pulmonic stenosis, mitral stenosis or aortic stenosis.
Valvular insufficiency - Also called regurgitation, incompetence or "leaky valve", this occurs when a valve does not close tightly. If the valves do not seal, some blood will leak backwards across the valve. As the leak worsens, the heart has to work harder to make up for the leaky valve, and less blood may flow to the rest of the body. Depending on which valve is affected, the conditioned is called tricuspid regurgitation, pulmonary regurgitation, mitral regurgitation or aortic regurgitation.
What Causes Valvular Heart Disease?
Valve disease can develop before birth (congenital) or can be acquired sometime during one's lifetime. Sometimes the cause of valve disease is unknown.
Congenital valve disease. Most often affects the aortic or pulmonic valve. Valves may be the wrong size, have malformed leaflets, or have leaflets that are not attached to the annulus correctly.
Bicuspid aortic valve disease is a congenital valve disease that affects the aortic valve. Instead of the normal three leaflets or cusps, the bicuspid aortic valve has only two. Without the third leaflet, the valve may be stiff (unable to open or close properly) or leaky (not able close tightly).
Acquired valve disease. This includes problems that develop with valves that were once normal. These may involve changes in the structure or your valve due to a variety of diseases or infections, including rheumatic fever or endocarditis.
Rheumatic fever is caused by an untreated bacterial infection (usually strep. throat). Luckily, the introduction of antibiotics to treat this infection has dramatically reduced the numbers of this infection. The initial infection usually occurs in children, but the heart problems associated with the infection may not be seen until 20-40 years later. At that time, the heart valves become inflamed, the leaflets stick together and become scarred, rigid, thickened and shortened. This leads to mitral regurgitation.
Endocarditis occurs when germs, especially bacteria, enter the bloodstream and attack the heart valves, causing growths and holes in the valves and scarring. This can lead to leaky valves. The germs that cause endocarditis enter the blood during dental procedures, surgery, IV drug use, or with severe infections. People with valve disease (except mitral valve prolapse without thickening or regurgitation/leaking) are at increased risk for developing this life-threatening infection.
There are many changes that can occur to the valves of the heart. The chordae tendinea or papillary muscles can stretch or tear; the annulus of the valve can dilate (become wide); or the valve leaflets can become fibrotic (stiff) and calcified.
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a very common condition, affecting 1 to 2 percent of the population. MVP causes the leaflets of the mitral valve to flop back into the left atrium during the heart's contraction. MVP also causes the tissues of the valve to become abnormal and stretchy, causing the valve to leak. The condition rarely causes symptoms and usually doesn't require treatment.
Other causes of valve disease include: coronary artery disease, heart attack, cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), syphilis (a sexually transmitted disease), hypertension, aortic aneurysms, and connective tissue diseases. Less common causes of valve disease include tumors, some types of drugs and radiation.
What Are the Symptoms of Valve Disease?
- Shortness of breath and/or difficulty catching your breath.
- Weakness or dizziness.
- Discomfort in your chest.
- Palpitations. (This may feel like a rapid heart rhythm, irregular heartbeat, skipped beats or a flip-flop feeling in your chest.)
- Swelling of your ankles, feet or abdomen. (This is called edema. Swelling may occur in your belly, which may cause you to feel bloated.)
- Rapid weight gain. (A weight gain of two or three pounds in one day is possible.)
Symptoms do not always relate to the seriousness of your valve disease. You may have no symptoms at all and have severe valve disease, requiring prompt treatment. Or, as with mitral valve prolapse, you may have severe symptoms, yet tests may show your valve leak is not significant.
How Are Valve Diseases Diagnosed?
Your heart doctor can tell if you have valve disease by talking to you about your symptoms, performing a physical exam, and giving you other tests.
During a physical exam, your doctor will listen to your heart to hear the sounds the heart makes as the valves open and close. A murmur is a swishing sound made by blood flowing through a stenotic or leaky valve. Your doctor can also tell if your heart is enlarged or if your heart rhythm is irregular.
The doctor will listen to your lungs to hear if you are retaining fluid in your lungs, which shows your heart is not able to pump as well as it should.
By examining your body, the doctor can find clues about your circulation and the functioning of your other organs.
After the physical exam, the doctor may order diagnostic tests. These may include:
Echocardiography
Transesophageal echocardiography
Cardiac catheterization (also called an angiogram)
Radionuclide scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
By looking at the results, repeated over time, your doctor can also see the progress of your valve disease. This will help him or her make decisions about your treatment.
How Is Heart Valve Disease Treated?
Treatment for heart valve disease depends on the type and severity of valve disease. There are three goals of treatment for heart valve disease: protecting your valve from further damage; lessening symptoms; and repairing or replacing valves.
Protecting your valve from further damage.
If you have valve disease, you are at risk for developing endocarditis, a serious condition. People who have mitral valve prolapse without thickening or regurgitation/leaking are not at risk of developing endocarditis.
You are still at risk for endocarditis, even if your valve is repaired or replaced through surgery. To protect yourself:
Tell your doctors and dentist you have valve disease.
Call your doctor if you have symptoms of an infection
Take good care of your teeth and gums to prevent infections. See your dentist regularly.
Take antibiotics before you undergo any procedure that may cause bleeding, such as any dental work (even a basic teeth cleaning), invasive tests (any test that may involve blood or bleeding), and most major or minor surgery.
Medications.
You may be prescribed medications to treat your symptoms and to lessen the chance of further valve damage. Some medications may be stopped after you have had valve surgery to correct your problem. Other medications may need to be taken all your life. Medications may include:
Diuretics ("water pills") - Remove extra fluid from the tissues and bloodstream; lessen the symptoms of heart failure
Antiarrhythmic medications - Control the heart's rhythm
Vasodilators - Lessen the heart's work. Also encourages blood to flow in a forward direction, rather than backwards through a leaky valve.
ACE inhibitors - A type of vasodilator used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure
Beta blockers - Treat high blood pressure and lessen the heart's work by helping the heart beat slower and less forcefully. Used to decrease palpitations in some patients.
Anticoagulants ("blood thinners") - Prolong the clotting time of your blood, if you are at risk for developing blood clots on your heart valve.
Surgery and Other Procedures.
The diagnostic tests your heart doctor orders help to identify the location, type, and extent of your valve disease. The results of these tests, the structure of your heart, your age, and your lifestyle will help your cardiologist (heart doctor), surgeon, and you decide what type of procedure will be best for you.
Surgical options include heart valve repair or replacement. Valves can be repaired or replaced with traditional heart valve surgery or a minimally invasive heart valve surgical procedure. Heart valves may also be repaired by other procedures such as percutaneous balloon valvotomy.
TYPES OF VALVE IMPLANTS
The two main prosthetic valve designs include mechanical and bioprosthetic heart valves.
Mechanical Heart Valves
Evolution of Mechanical Heart Valves
The first mechanical prosthetic heart valve was implanted in 1952. Over the years, 30 different mechanical designs have originated worldwide. These valves have progressed from simple caged ball valves, to modern bileaflet valves. Heart valves are designed to fit the peculiar requirements of blood flow through the specific chambers of the heart, with emphasis on producing more central flow and reducing blood clots.
The caged ball design is one of the early mechanical heart valves, that uses a small ball that is held in place by a welded metal cage. The ball in cage design was modeled after ball valves used in industry to limit the flow of fluids to a single direction. Natural heart valves allow blood to flow straight through the center of the valve. This property is known as central flow, which keeps the amount of work done by the heart to a minimum. With non-central flow, the heart must work harder to compensate for the momentum lost to the change of direction of the fluid. Caged-ball valves completely block central flow, therefore the blood requires more energy to flow around the central ball. In addition, the ball is notorious for causing damage to blood cells due to collisions. Damaged blood cells release blood clotting ingredients, hence the patients are required to take lifelong prescriptions of anticoagulants.
For a decade and a half, the caged ball valve remained the best design. In the mid-1960s, a new class of prosthetic valves were designed that used a tilting disc to better mimic the natural patterns of blood flow. The tilting-disc valves have a polymer disc held in place by two welded struts. The disc floats between the two struts in such a way, as to close when the blood begins to travel backward and then reopens when blood begins to travel forward again. The tilting-disc valves are vastly superior to the ball-cage design. The titling-disc valves open at an angle of 60° and close shut completely at a rate of 70 times/minute. This tilting pattern provides improved central flow while still preventing backflow. The tilting-disc valves reduce mechanical damage to blood cells. This improved flow pattern reduced blood clotting and infection. However, the only problem with this design is its tendency for the outlet struts to fracture as a result of fatigue from the repeated ramming of the struts by the disc.
In 1979, a new mechanical heart valve was introduced. These valves were known as bileaflet valves, and consisted of two semicircular leaflets that pivot on hinges. The carbon leaflets exhibit high strength and excellent biocompatibility. The leaflets swing open completely, parallel to the direction of the blood flow. They do not close completely, which allows some backflow. Since backflow is one of the properties of defective valves, the bileaflet valves are still not ideal valves. The bileaflet valve constitutes the majority of modern valve designs. These valves are distinguished mainly for providing the closest approximation to central flow achieved in a natural heart valve.
Materials
Current research has been able to produce materials that do not cause clotting in the blood stream. However, they have yet to design an entire valve that will not induce coagulation.
Most commonly used materials include:
- stainless steel alloys
- molybdenum alloys
- pyrolitic carbon for the valve housings and leaflets
- silicone, teflon®
- polyester (Dacron®) for sewing rings
A new generation of mechanical valves made of materials with improved blood contact properties, better wear characteristics and resistance to infection are under development.
Advantages
The main advantages of mechanical valves are their high durability. Mechanical heart valves are placed in young patients because they typically last for the lifetime of the patient.
Disadvantages
The main problem with all mechanical valves is the increased risk of blood clotting. When blood clots of any kind occur in the heart, there is a high probability of a heart attack or stroke. As a result, to prevent blood clots, mechanical valve recipients must take anti-coagulant drugs (sodium warfarin) chronically, which effectively makes them borderline hemophiliacs. The anti-coagulant used causes birth defects in the first trimester of fetal development, rendering mechanical valves unsuitable for women of child-bearing age. Mechanical valves are suitable for people who do not want additional valve replacement surgery in the future.
The Future of Mechanical Heart Valves
The new age tools that are being used to improve mechanical valve design include accelerated wear testing, advanced blood contact property testing, computer assisted design and manufacturing, coatings to reduce the chance of infection and improve healing and advanced polymer chemistry to develop the next generation of medical materials.
Bioprothestic/Prothestic tissue valves
Prosthetic tissue valves can be broken into two groups: human tissue valves, and animal tissue valves. Both types are often referred to as bioprosthetic valves, which hold many advantages over mechanical valves. The design of bioprosthetic valves are closer to the design of the natural valve. Bioprosthetic valves do not require long-term anticoagulats, have better hemodynamics, do not cause damage to blood cells, and do not suffer from many of the structural problems experienced by the mechanical heart valves.
Human Tissue Valves
Human tissue valves fall into two categories: Homografts, which are valves that are transplanted from another human being, and Autografts, which are valves that are transplanted from one position to another within the same person.
A homograft is a valve that is transplanted from a deceased person to a recipient. A recipient has minimal problems with valve rejection and they do not require immunosuppressive therapy. A homograft that has been donated must be cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen until it is needed. In cases where the valve implants fit the dimensions of the patient correctly, homografts tend to have good hemodynamics and good durability. However, it is not clear whether homografts have better hemodynamics or durability than animal tissue valves.
Autografts are valves taken from the same patient that they are implanted into. The most common autograft procedure is the Ross procedure, which is used in patients with diseased aortic valves. The dysfunctional aortic valve is removed and the patient's pulmonic valve is then transplanted to the aortic position. A homograft pulmonic valve is usually used to replace the patient’s pulmonic valve. The Ross procedure allows the patient the advantage of receiving a living valve in the aortic position. The long term survival and freedom from complications for patients with aortic valve disease are better with the Ross Procedure than any other type of valve replacement. After 20 years, only 15% of patients require additional valve procedures. In cases where a human pulmonary artery homograft is used to replace the patients’ pulmonary valve, freedom from failure has been 94% after 5 years time, and 83% at 20 years. The tissues of the patients’ pulmonary valve have not shown a tendency to calcify, degenerate, perforate, or develop leakage.
The Ross procedure requires a high level of technical skill on the part of the surgeon. The pulmonic valve and the pulmonary homograft must be sculpted to fit the aortic root. Many patients have small amounts of aortic regurgitation, which in some cases is severe enough to merit a second operation for valve replacement. Other possible complications could include stenosis, right-sided endocarditis, as well as the usual complications of valve replacement.
Animal Tissue Valves
Animal tissue valves are often referred to as heterograft or xenograft valves. These valves are most often heart tissues recovered from animals at the time of commercial meat processing. The leaflet valve tissue of the animals is inspected, and the highest quality leaflet tissues are then preserved. They are then stiffened by a tanning solution, most often glutaraldehyde. The most commonly used animal tissues are: porcine, which is valve tissue from a pig, and bovine pericardial tissue, which is from a cow.
In Porcine valves, the valve tissue is sewn to a metal wire stent, often made from a cobalt-nickel alloy. The wire is bent to form three U-shaped prongs. A Dacron cloth sewing skirt is attached to the base of the wire stent, and then the stents themselves are also covered with cloth. Porcine valves have good durability and usually last for ten to fifteen years.
Bovine pericardial valves are similar to porcine valves in design. The major difference is the location of the small metal cylinder which joins the ends of the wire stents together. In the case of pericardial valves, the metal cylinder is located in the middle of one of the stent post loops. Pericardial valves have excellent hemodynamics and have durability equal to that of standard porcine valves after 10 years.
Both the porcine and bovine pericardial valves are stented valves. The metal stent in these valves takes up room which could be available for blood flow. Stentless valves are made by removing the entire aortic root and adjacent aorta as a block, usually from a pig. The coronary arteries are tied off, and the entire section is trimmed and then implanted into the patient. The St. Jude Toronto Stentless Porcine Valve (SPV) is one such valve. It appears to have excellent hemodynamics, and a significant decrease in the thickness of the heart has been observed after the valve is implanted. However, the valve is extremely difficult to implant, and it is still too new to have any valid data accounting for durability.
The most common cause of bioprosthesis failure is stiffening of the tissue due to the build up calcium. Calcification can cause a restriction of blood flow through the valve (stenosis) or cause tears in the valve leaflets. Since younger patients have a greater calcium metabolism, bioprostheses tend to last best in senior citizens. Once a bioprosthesis is implanted, the valve itself does not require any type of anti-coagulant drugs. Its degeneration is simply a gradual process, as it grows with the body.
The future for replacement heart valves lies in tissue engineering. The most ideal replacement would be formed from the patient's tissue, and tailored to the right shape and dimensions. Researchers have transplanted specifically tailored valves into sheep. The valves are made by growing tissue from the artery of a lamb on a matrix of the correct dimensions in an artificial culture medium.
DO ALL VALVE IMPLANTS WORK THE SAME WAY? WHAT ARE THEIR ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS?
ARTIFICIAL HEART VALVES are very difficult to make properly because of the tremendous performance requirements associated with such a crucial replacement. The materials must be extremely durable, the valve must resist extensive wear, it must be completely impervious when sealed, it should be easy to implant surgically, and there should be little or no tendency of blood to clot on the valve.
Things to expect before the operation:
1. There will be a heart-lung machine, pumping in oxygenated blood around the body
2. You will receive an intravenous (IV) line in your arm or hand. This will enable your doctor to administer medications and fluids
What to expect during and after the operation:
1. You will be placed in the ICU after the operation so that you can be closely monitored
2. A tube will still be in position upon waking up
3. A monitor will show your heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure and other special waves, essential for nurses to monitor closely.
4. You will take about 6 to 8 weeks to get back to your daily routine upon discharge
Complications of operation:
Anesthesia - Reactions to medications, Problems breathing
Surgery - Bleeding, Infection
Cardiac surgery - Death, Stroke, Heart attack, Arrhythmia, Kidney failure, Temporary postoperative confusion due to the heart-lung machine
FYI
- High success rate
- Relieve symptoms of prolonged death
- Most patients who almost faced death before the operation can now live about 9years after the operation
- The clicking of the mechanical heart valve may be heard in the chest. It is normal.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Our special thanks to the following websites and sources:
http://www.yourheartvalve.com/heartbasics/heartanatomy.htm?WT.ac=HomeBannerHeartAnatomy
http://www.gilmanheartvalve.us/about_vhd.html
http://www.cts.usc.edu/hpg-valvesoftheheart.html
http://www.gilmanheartvalve.us/images/heart_normal_lg.jpg
http://www.medicinenet.com/heart_valve_disease/article.htm
http://www.cyberartsweb.org/cpace/prosthesis/stein/cardio.html
http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/v13/n10/images/nm1644-F2.jpg
http://www.sjm.com/procedures/procedure.aspx?name=Heart+Valve+Replacement§ion=Overview
http://healthguide.howstuffworks.com/heart-valve-surgery-dictionary.htm http://cape.uwaterloo.ca/che100projects/heart/files/testing.htm
Health Education- Human ABO Blood Groups
Have you ever witnessed blue or orange human blood gushing out of your wounds? Well, NO of course! The human blood is red in colour due to the haemoglobin present.
Although all human blood may look similar, it can be classified into four main red blood cell groups, namely A, B, AB and O which stand for two antigens (chemical substances that can be targeted by one's immune system) labelled A and B.
Group A has only A antigens, group B has only B antigens, group AB has both (A and B) while group O has neither.
The blood groups are then further classified as Rh-positive, if the blood antigen labelled ‘D’ is present, and Rh-negative, if the ‘D’ antigen is absent.
Of course, the blood groups are not equally divided among the human population around the world. Imagine having sufficient amount of blood of each type in the blood bank! People do not have to worry for inadequate amount of blood when there’s too much loss of blood in their body.
Rhesus negative blood type is rare in Singapore's population. Less than one per cent of the Singapore donor population has negative blood types such as O- , A- , B- , and AB- . These blood types are more commonly found in the Caucasian and Indian communities.
Out of 100 people
Most Prevalent Blood type
The most prevalent blood type would thus be O+. Almost 40% of the population has O+ blood. Type O blood is the universal blood type and is the only blood type that can be transfused to patients with other blood types.
More prevalent blood groups
Anyone can donate their blood to anyone one else. Now, that is a common MISCONCEPTION. First of all, blood donors and recipient must have compatible blood types. Let’s have a look at the possible combinations in the table below.
Why does everyone has different combinations? Well, blood types are decided by the genes in a person and that is why mothers and children have a different blood type. Blood types also contain genes from both parents. Due to the presence or absence of certain protein molecules called antigens and antibodies, individuals have different types and combinations of these molecules.
Using the wrong type of blood in a blood transfusion may be fatal! For a blood transfusion to be successful, ABO blood groups must be compatible between the donor blood and the patient blood. If they are not, the red blood cells from the donated blood will clump or agglutinate! It results in the clogging of blood vessels and stopping the circulation of the blood to various parts of the body. The agglutinated red blood cells also crack and its contents will leak out in the body. The red blood cells contain haemoglobin which becomes toxic when outside the cell. This can have fatal consequences for the patient.
So through this article, do everyone has a better understanding of the different ABO groups?
Acknowledgements to:
http://www.nzblood.co.nz/?t=31
http://nobelprize.org /medicine/landsteiner/readmore.html
http://nobelprize.org/educational_games/medicine/landsteiner/readmore.html
http://health.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20090723-156508.html
http://ph.88db.com/ph/Knowledge/Knowledge_Detail.page/Health_and_Medical/?kid=886
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0877658.html
Brought to you by:
Png Shi Min (13)
Reiko Ang Wei Ting (14)
Seet Min Yi (15)
Tan Jia Yun (16)
Although all human blood may look similar, it can be classified into four main red blood cell groups, namely A, B, AB and O which stand for two antigens (chemical substances that can be targeted by one's immune system) labelled A and B.
Group A has only A antigens, group B has only B antigens, group AB has both (A and B) while group O has neither.
The blood groups are then further classified as Rh-positive, if the blood antigen labelled ‘D’ is present, and Rh-negative, if the ‘D’ antigen is absent.
Of course, the blood groups are not equally divided among the human population around the world. Imagine having sufficient amount of blood of each type in the blood bank! People do not have to worry for inadequate amount of blood when there’s too much loss of blood in their body.
Rhesus negative blood type is rare in Singapore's population. Less than one per cent of the Singapore donor population has negative blood types such as O- , A- , B- , and AB- . These blood types are more commonly found in the Caucasian and Indian communities.
Out of 100 people
Most Prevalent Blood type
The most prevalent blood type would thus be O+. Almost 40% of the population has O+ blood. Type O blood is the universal blood type and is the only blood type that can be transfused to patients with other blood types.
More prevalent blood groups
Anyone can donate their blood to anyone one else. Now, that is a common MISCONCEPTION. First of all, blood donors and recipient must have compatible blood types. Let’s have a look at the possible combinations in the table below.
Why does everyone has different combinations? Well, blood types are decided by the genes in a person and that is why mothers and children have a different blood type. Blood types also contain genes from both parents. Due to the presence or absence of certain protein molecules called antigens and antibodies, individuals have different types and combinations of these molecules.
Using the wrong type of blood in a blood transfusion may be fatal! For a blood transfusion to be successful, ABO blood groups must be compatible between the donor blood and the patient blood. If they are not, the red blood cells from the donated blood will clump or agglutinate! It results in the clogging of blood vessels and stopping the circulation of the blood to various parts of the body. The agglutinated red blood cells also crack and its contents will leak out in the body. The red blood cells contain haemoglobin which becomes toxic when outside the cell. This can have fatal consequences for the patient.
So through this article, do everyone has a better understanding of the different ABO groups?
Acknowledgements to:
http://www.nzblood.co.nz/?t=31
http://nobelprize.org /medicine/landsteiner/readmore.html
http://nobelprize.org/educational_games/medicine/landsteiner/readmore.html
http://health.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20090723-156508.html
http://ph.88db.com/ph/Knowledge/Knowledge_Detail.page/Health_and_Medical/?kid=886
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0877658.html
Brought to you by:
Png Shi Min (13)
Reiko Ang Wei Ting (14)
Seet Min Yi (15)
Tan Jia Yun (16)
The Use of a Coronary Stent
Hello everyone! This article shall be about a very important item in medical science that has helped to save thousands of lives all over the world, the one and only....CORONARY STENT!
First things first: what is a coronary stent?
Its actually this
Yeap thats right that tiny little metal (sometimes made of fabric though) tube smaller than ur index finger can actually save your life! The actual definiation for it is ''A coronary stent is a stent placed in a coronary artery to treat coronary heart disease''.It is normally made of stainless steel as it is light and does not rust.
What and how is a coronary stent used?
I am sure all of you are now thinking: ''How can a metal tube actually save someone's life??? Are you kidding me?'' Well, sorry to dissapoint you guys, but i am not joking with you. I am absoblutely sure that the explanation below will leave your jaws DROPPED in utter disbelief.But its true. =)
First off, let me explain how it actually treats coronary heart disease.The stent is used to treat coronary arteries hat are blocked by plaque, which can be fatal as it can result in blood flow being stopped.
Step 1: The stent is first mounted on a ballon catheter. (A balloon catherer expands in the by being inflated in the part of the artery,expanding it.)
Step 2: It is then inserted into a blood vessel on the arm or groin. (Ouch!)
Step 3: The stent then advances to the blocked section of the artery.
Step 4: The ballon is then inflated, causing the stent to expand.
Step 5:Expansion of the stent pushes the plaque aside, opening the narrowed section of the artery. This restores normal blood flow to the heart.
So as all of you all can see, a stent actually is a very good way of treating blocked arteries as they widens blood vessels narrowed by plauque, thus increasing bloodflow to the heart!
First things first: what is a coronary stent?
Its actually this
Yeap thats right that tiny little metal (sometimes made of fabric though) tube smaller than ur index finger can actually save your life! The actual definiation for it is ''A coronary stent is a stent placed in a coronary artery to treat coronary heart disease''.It is normally made of stainless steel as it is light and does not rust.
What and how is a coronary stent used?
I am sure all of you are now thinking: ''How can a metal tube actually save someone's life??? Are you kidding me?'' Well, sorry to dissapoint you guys, but i am not joking with you. I am absoblutely sure that the explanation below will leave your jaws DROPPED in utter disbelief.But its true. =)
First off, let me explain how it actually treats coronary heart disease.The stent is used to treat coronary arteries hat are blocked by plaque, which can be fatal as it can result in blood flow being stopped.
Step 1: The stent is first mounted on a ballon catheter. (A balloon catherer expands in the by being inflated in the part of the artery,expanding it.)
Step 2: It is then inserted into a blood vessel on the arm or groin. (Ouch!)
Step 3: The stent then advances to the blocked section of the artery.
Step 4: The ballon is then inflated, causing the stent to expand.
Step 5:Expansion of the stent pushes the plaque aside, opening the narrowed section of the artery. This restores normal blood flow to the heart.
So as all of you all can see, a stent actually is a very good way of treating blocked arteries as they widens blood vessels narrowed by plauque, thus increasing bloodflow to the heart!
However, nothing in this world is perfect and it breaks my heart to tell all of you all that the stent actually has is disadvatages.The truth is, re-closure of the blood vessels might actullay occur despite the stent being inserted.
But do not despair and give up in the stent! There is always light at the end of a tunnel. With recent improvements in technology and science, a new type of stent known as the drug-eluting stents, which actually slowly realeases drugs in the artery to prevent it from closing!
Credits & Acknowledgements:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balloon_catheter
Thanks for reading! Good bye.
Proudly brought to you by:
Tan Zheng Jie (37)
Tiew Jia Quan(38)
Wong Jun Meng (39)
Wong Teng Kiat (40)
Health and Society
By: ShareLer, YiZhen, WeiLin & WangLing
In every three seconds, someone needs blood urgently. Those of us blessed in good health can share it through donating blood – to enable a premature baby to live, a burn victim to recover, a cancer patient to be treated, an accident victim to survive, or a transplant candidate to have a life-giving surgery.
The Need For More Blood Donors
In Singapore, only 4 in 100 people are eligible to donate blood. With an aging population and more sophisticated medical procedures, the demand of blood is increasing. Blood has to be replenished frequently as it has a short shelf life of only a few days.
Every hour of the day, 15 units of blood are used in Singapore. A whopping 90,000 units are needed in a year, just to meet the transfusion needs of patients in Singapore.
What can be donated?
1. Whole blood
The amount of blood drawn, varying from 250ml to 550ml, depends on the mass of the donors. It is stored in a bag that together with sodium citrate, phosphatean and dextrose. This combination prevents the blood from clotting and preserves it during storage.
~ Fun Facts!~ Our body contains 5.5 litres of blood!
2. Blood components
During apheresis, machines called blood cell separators are used to draw blood from the donor and the plasma, platelets and red blood cells are extracted. The remaining blood will be returned to the donor.
(i) Plateletpheresis- Extraction of platelets
- Duration of donation: 60-90 mins
- Platelets can be used to treat leukaemia patients
Fig. 1 Platelets
(ii)Plasmapheresis- Extraction of Plasma
- Duration of donation: 45mins
Fig.2 Plasma
The Blood Donation Process
Keen to know how blood donation works? All in just 5 easy steps…
1. Registration
Identity proof has to be presented, and personal particulars are recorded down. Donors are also requested to fill in a health questionnaire.
2. Medical Screening
Donors are inquired for their social and medical history, to ensure that they are fit for the donation. Their mass, pulse, blood pressure and body temperature will be taken down.
3. Blood Test
The blood haemoglobin level will be checked.
4. Blood Donation
The arm of the donor will be disinfected, following the application of a painkiller. After which, the blood can be drawn out. For hygiene purposes, new, sterile disposable needles and blood packs are used for each donor.
5. Refreshments
The donor will be allowed a short rest, and some light snacks, before resuming with normal lifestyle activities.
~Fun Facts!~ Donating blood will neither jeopardise the body nor weaken the immune system. The volume of the blood donated will be quickly replenish within 3 days.
A Helping Hand
Blood contains many life-saving components that can help to treat different illnesses and injuries. For many people, blood donors are their life-line.
You can donate blood if you:
- Are between 16-60 years old
- Weigh at least 45 kg
- Are generally in good health
- Have not had any symptoms of infection for at least 1 week (e.g. sore throat, cough. runny nose, diarrhea)
- Have not had a fever in the last 3 weeks
Autologous Blood Transfusion
You can choose to donate blood for your own use beforehand, if you are to undergo a surgery in the future.
In order to make a donation for yourself, you should:
- Weigh at least 25kg;
- Be less than 65 years old (if your are under 18, parental consent is required);
- Not have any serious medical conditions such as heart/lung diseases or epilepsy;
- Have a haemoglobin level of at least 11g/dl before the donation; and
- Have surface arm veins big enough to accommodate venous access.
Where To Go?
Bloodbank@HSA is Located at:
Blood Services Group
Health Sciences Authority (opposite Outram Park MRT Station)
11 Outram Road
Singapore 169078
Bus Services available:
33, 63, 75, 605, 851, 970
Hotlines:
Bloodbank Registration Counter Tel: 6213 0626
Post Donation Call Back Line (24 hr Service) Tel: 1800 - 226 3320
Red Cross Blood Donor Recruitment Programme Tel: 6220 0183
More About Blood
Visit this website to enhance your knowledge about blood! Fun games, quizzes and jokes waiting for you! What's more, you get to go on a virtual blood donation session and learn EVEN MORE about it!!
Click on Billy Blood Drop!!
Or, If you wish to visit the virtual blood donation session, click here:
http://www.blood.co.uk/virtualsession/index.htm
It's educational, really!
Have FUN! :D And ENJOY !
Special Thanks
http://www.streetdirectory.com/classifieds/singapore/events_and_activities/health_and_medical_events/blood_donation_drive_health_sciences_authority/
http://www.hsa.gov.sg/publish/hsaportal/en/health_services/blood_donation/why_donate.html
http://www.hofstra.edu/StudentAffairs/blood/blood_why.html
http://www.cks.nhs.uk/print_preview?pageid=363330000&pagepath=/patient_information_leaflet/blood_donation/view_as_a_leaflet&rootcontainerelement=nhsd_topicroot&viewtype=full
http://www.knowledgebase-script.com/demo/article-335.html
http://www.hsa.gov.sg/publish/hsaportal/en/health_services/blood_donation/what_to_donate/apheresis.html
http://www.hsa.gov.sg/publish/hsaportal/en/health_services/blood_donation/what_to_donate/whats_needed_now.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_donation
http://www.wadsworth.org/chemheme/heme/microscope/pix/platelets_nw.jpg
http://www.wadsworth.org/chemheme/heme/microscope/pix/plasmacell_nw.jpg
~
Varicose Veins
HEY PEEPS!! HERE'S THE NEWLETTTER TO GIVE YOU MORE INFOMATION ABOUT VARICOSE VEINS BY AMELIA, XIN HUI, ALICIA AND KAREEN! PLEASE TAKE A LOOK!
Diet and the heart
1) Type of diet that harms heart
Sugar
Excessive sugar causes excessive insulin in the body which can cause varicose veins and problems with impaired circulation in the feet and elsewhere. Also this can lead to diabetic retinopathy which can cause blindness.
Hydrogenated vegetable oil
Margarine not only irritates the small intestine and keeps the opening to the bile duct constantly inflamed, it takes 37 days for the body to process it during which time it clogs the system wherever it is found, including the circulation.
Solid fats --from land animals
Limit these saturated fats -but some are needed. Zero fiber, vitamins* or essential oils. They compete with the good oils for nutrients and do slow down some essential cell functions, yet are part of others.
To absorb these mainly land-animal fats, we increase our production of cholesterol to make bile. Its re-intake from the bowel (if we lack vitamin C and fiber) is what raises blood cholesterol, especially the LDL type that becomes 'bad' when oxidized (and if we lack vitamins).
Salts
A research conducted in Boston, has shown that people take less salt in their diet reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 25% and lower their chances of dying by 20%. Therefore, we should take note of the amount of salt that we consume in our daily diet and reduce it, as this not only helps to prevent cardiovascular disease, but also blood pressure and hypertension as well.
2) Recommended food to maintain healthy heart
If you want to have a healthy heart, you have to learn how to eat a healthy heart diet. All of the food you eat affects the health of your heart. Learn which foods that are heart smart and try to include them as a regular part of your diet.
Consult your doctor for an eating plan that best suits your dietary needs. If you are of average health, you can probably follow the Food Pyramid eating plan.
No matter which eating plan you follow, the following guidelines are recommended:
• Total fat intake should be less than 30 percent of total calories daily.
• Saturated fatty acid intake should be less than 10 percent of total calories daily.
• Polyunsaturated fatty acid intake should be no more that 10 percent of total calories daily.
• Monounsaturated fatty acids make up the rest of total fat intake, about 10 to 15 percent of total calories daily.
• Cholesterol intake should be no more than 300 milligrams per day.
• Sodium intake should be no more than 3000 milligrams per day.
Beware of chemicals in your food like caffeine, MSG, and other food additives
To prevent heart disease, there are some foods that can be eaten and some foods that must be avoided. Generally, low fat foods and vegetables help the heart and prevent heart disease.
Below are 10 foods that have been proven to prevent heart disease:
1. Sweet potatoes
2. Salmon
3. Pumpkin (canned or cooked)
4. 97% or greater fat free chicken or turkey breast
5. Low-fat tomato sauces and pasta
6. Onions or garlic (chopped or crushed)
7. Whole wheat bread
8. Grapefruit (preferably pink)
9. Skimmed milk
10. Orange juice
Lean meats or fish (plenty of protein each meal) balanced with plenty of fresh veggies, "good" fats (2-3 servings per day of olive oil, canola oil, 1/4 of an avocado), plus no more than 2 servings per day of whole grains = steady weight loss and a heart healthy diet.
A diet for heart disease is one which offers a healthy balanced diet: i.e. eating appropriate amounts of food from different food groups.
It is very important also to maintain a sufficient quantity of fats. A diet rich in monounsaturated and omega-3 fats, while low in saturated fats is recommended by the American Heart Association to reduce your risk of heart disease.
MOST importantly, it is very important to control your blood sugar. Many people don't realize it but this is very important for heart disease!
Basically, heart health or not, I find that it all comes down to the age old diet that no one ever seems to want to embrace in the end: EAT LESS. MOVE MORE. Our bodies need a balance of protein and carbohydrates along with not sitting on our asses all day
Although the above foods do help in preventing heart disease, we strongly recommend all our readers to eat nuts more.
Advantages of nuts
Nuts contain more unsaturated fatty acids compared to their low amount of saturated fatty acids. With saturated fatty acids contributing to high cholesterol levels, nuts substitute these saturated fatty acids with unsaturated fatty acids thus nuts have the effect of lowering cholesterol levels.
Besides their cholesterol lowering effect, nuts also contain vitamin E (an antioxidant), folic acid and plant fiber which reduce cholesterol levels. They also contain arginine which helps to relax the blood vessels and prevent clotting.
Disadvantages of nuts
Although nuts have a wealth of benefits, they also have their drawbacks. Nuts contain a high amount of calories and should not be added to a diet but substituted for another source of calories. Otherwise, the countless benefits of nuts will be negated by your increasing weight.
How to add nuts to your diet sensibly
• Try to replace certain foods like potato chips, candy, ice cream or any food with high levels of saturated fat with a tablespoon of nuts like walnuts.
• Enhance salads or cereals with a small addition of nuts
• Choosing cereals with nuts also can work but try to choose cereals with low levels of saturated fat.
Nuts can help your heart but can red wine do that too?
Red wine has had a history of being able to help hearts but how does it manage that feat? Let’s find out here!!!
Basically, there are 2 things in red wine that help the heart but they must be eaten in moderation. Those 2 things are the antioxidants and alcohol
• THE ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants in red wine help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of ‘good’ cholesterol and protect against artery damage. These antioxidants come in 3 forms, flavonoids and antiflavonoids and resveratrol.
Flavonoids:
Although these antioxidants can be found in a variety of foods, types of alcohol like beer and white wine contain small amounts, but red wine has higher levels of this antioxidants.
Antiflavonoids:
This antioxidant of rising interest appears to be able to help prevent arteries from being clogged with fatty deposits.
Resveratrol:
This is a key ingredient in red wine that prevents damage to blood vessels, reduces ‘bad’ cholesterol and prevents blood clots. Research conducted on mice indicates that this antioxidant can help protect them from 2 high risk factors of heart disease, obesity and diabetes. However, a lot more red wine would have to be consumed to be able to have a big effect on humans, but research about this new chemical is ongoing and hopefully, resveratrol can be linked to reduced risk of heart disease.
Besides red wine, resveratrol is found in grape skins from which the red wine is made. Simply eating grapes of grape juice is one way in which resveratrol can be obtained without consuming alcohol.
• THE ALCOHOL
1. Raises high-density lipoprotein, the ‘good’ cholesterol
2. Reduces the formation of blood clots
3. Helps prevent damage of arteries caused by high levels of low-density lipoprotein, the ‘bad’ cholesterol
Final word on red wine
Drink in moderation or do not drink at all.
Although red wine’s benefits to the heart look promising, too much of it could lead to addiction and other problems caused by its alcohol content. Men should not drink more than 12 drinks a day while women should not drink more than 1 drink a day.
Some other facts
Salmon and other sources of good fat help prevent clogging of arteries.
The skin of the red grape helps prevent good cholesterol from changing into the "bad" cholesterol.
Credits
http://www.foodandlife.com/foodh.html
http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/riskfactors/a/nuts.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/red-wine/HB00089
http://www.ask.com/bar?q=foods+bad+for+heart&page=1&qsrc=2417&ab=0&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.health-heart.org%2Fbadstuff.htm
http://www.ask.com/bar?q=diet+and+the+heart&page=1&qsrc=0&ab=0&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fi.edu%2Flearn%2Fheart%2Fhealthy%2Fdiet.html
http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/healthy_eating/salt-heart-disease.htm
Sugar
Excessive sugar causes excessive insulin in the body which can cause varicose veins and problems with impaired circulation in the feet and elsewhere. Also this can lead to diabetic retinopathy which can cause blindness.
Hydrogenated vegetable oil
Margarine not only irritates the small intestine and keeps the opening to the bile duct constantly inflamed, it takes 37 days for the body to process it during which time it clogs the system wherever it is found, including the circulation.
Solid fats --from land animals
Limit these saturated fats -but some are needed. Zero fiber, vitamins* or essential oils. They compete with the good oils for nutrients and do slow down some essential cell functions, yet are part of others.
To absorb these mainly land-animal fats, we increase our production of cholesterol to make bile. Its re-intake from the bowel (if we lack vitamin C and fiber) is what raises blood cholesterol, especially the LDL type that becomes 'bad' when oxidized (and if we lack vitamins).
Salts
A research conducted in Boston, has shown that people take less salt in their diet reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 25% and lower their chances of dying by 20%. Therefore, we should take note of the amount of salt that we consume in our daily diet and reduce it, as this not only helps to prevent cardiovascular disease, but also blood pressure and hypertension as well.
2) Recommended food to maintain healthy heart
If you want to have a healthy heart, you have to learn how to eat a healthy heart diet. All of the food you eat affects the health of your heart. Learn which foods that are heart smart and try to include them as a regular part of your diet.
Consult your doctor for an eating plan that best suits your dietary needs. If you are of average health, you can probably follow the Food Pyramid eating plan.
No matter which eating plan you follow, the following guidelines are recommended:
• Total fat intake should be less than 30 percent of total calories daily.
• Saturated fatty acid intake should be less than 10 percent of total calories daily.
• Polyunsaturated fatty acid intake should be no more that 10 percent of total calories daily.
• Monounsaturated fatty acids make up the rest of total fat intake, about 10 to 15 percent of total calories daily.
• Cholesterol intake should be no more than 300 milligrams per day.
• Sodium intake should be no more than 3000 milligrams per day.
Beware of chemicals in your food like caffeine, MSG, and other food additives
To prevent heart disease, there are some foods that can be eaten and some foods that must be avoided. Generally, low fat foods and vegetables help the heart and prevent heart disease.
Below are 10 foods that have been proven to prevent heart disease:
1. Sweet potatoes
2. Salmon
3. Pumpkin (canned or cooked)
4. 97% or greater fat free chicken or turkey breast
5. Low-fat tomato sauces and pasta
6. Onions or garlic (chopped or crushed)
7. Whole wheat bread
8. Grapefruit (preferably pink)
9. Skimmed milk
10. Orange juice
Lean meats or fish (plenty of protein each meal) balanced with plenty of fresh veggies, "good" fats (2-3 servings per day of olive oil, canola oil, 1/4 of an avocado), plus no more than 2 servings per day of whole grains = steady weight loss and a heart healthy diet.
A diet for heart disease is one which offers a healthy balanced diet: i.e. eating appropriate amounts of food from different food groups.
It is very important also to maintain a sufficient quantity of fats. A diet rich in monounsaturated and omega-3 fats, while low in saturated fats is recommended by the American Heart Association to reduce your risk of heart disease.
MOST importantly, it is very important to control your blood sugar. Many people don't realize it but this is very important for heart disease!
Basically, heart health or not, I find that it all comes down to the age old diet that no one ever seems to want to embrace in the end: EAT LESS. MOVE MORE. Our bodies need a balance of protein and carbohydrates along with not sitting on our asses all day
Although the above foods do help in preventing heart disease, we strongly recommend all our readers to eat nuts more.
Advantages of nuts
Nuts contain more unsaturated fatty acids compared to their low amount of saturated fatty acids. With saturated fatty acids contributing to high cholesterol levels, nuts substitute these saturated fatty acids with unsaturated fatty acids thus nuts have the effect of lowering cholesterol levels.
Besides their cholesterol lowering effect, nuts also contain vitamin E (an antioxidant), folic acid and plant fiber which reduce cholesterol levels. They also contain arginine which helps to relax the blood vessels and prevent clotting.
Disadvantages of nuts
Although nuts have a wealth of benefits, they also have their drawbacks. Nuts contain a high amount of calories and should not be added to a diet but substituted for another source of calories. Otherwise, the countless benefits of nuts will be negated by your increasing weight.
How to add nuts to your diet sensibly
• Try to replace certain foods like potato chips, candy, ice cream or any food with high levels of saturated fat with a tablespoon of nuts like walnuts.
• Enhance salads or cereals with a small addition of nuts
• Choosing cereals with nuts also can work but try to choose cereals with low levels of saturated fat.
Nuts can help your heart but can red wine do that too?
Red wine has had a history of being able to help hearts but how does it manage that feat? Let’s find out here!!!
Basically, there are 2 things in red wine that help the heart but they must be eaten in moderation. Those 2 things are the antioxidants and alcohol
• THE ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants in red wine help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of ‘good’ cholesterol and protect against artery damage. These antioxidants come in 3 forms, flavonoids and antiflavonoids and resveratrol.
Flavonoids:
Although these antioxidants can be found in a variety of foods, types of alcohol like beer and white wine contain small amounts, but red wine has higher levels of this antioxidants.
Antiflavonoids:
This antioxidant of rising interest appears to be able to help prevent arteries from being clogged with fatty deposits.
Resveratrol:
This is a key ingredient in red wine that prevents damage to blood vessels, reduces ‘bad’ cholesterol and prevents blood clots. Research conducted on mice indicates that this antioxidant can help protect them from 2 high risk factors of heart disease, obesity and diabetes. However, a lot more red wine would have to be consumed to be able to have a big effect on humans, but research about this new chemical is ongoing and hopefully, resveratrol can be linked to reduced risk of heart disease.
Besides red wine, resveratrol is found in grape skins from which the red wine is made. Simply eating grapes of grape juice is one way in which resveratrol can be obtained without consuming alcohol.
• THE ALCOHOL
1. Raises high-density lipoprotein, the ‘good’ cholesterol
2. Reduces the formation of blood clots
3. Helps prevent damage of arteries caused by high levels of low-density lipoprotein, the ‘bad’ cholesterol
Final word on red wine
Drink in moderation or do not drink at all.
Although red wine’s benefits to the heart look promising, too much of it could lead to addiction and other problems caused by its alcohol content. Men should not drink more than 12 drinks a day while women should not drink more than 1 drink a day.
Some other facts
Salmon and other sources of good fat help prevent clogging of arteries.
The skin of the red grape helps prevent good cholesterol from changing into the "bad" cholesterol.
Credits
http://www.foodandlife.com/foodh.html
http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/riskfactors/a/nuts.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/red-wine/HB00089
http://www.ask.com/bar?q=foods+bad+for+heart&page=1&qsrc=2417&ab=0&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.health-heart.org%2Fbadstuff.htm
http://www.ask.com/bar?q=diet+and+the+heart&page=1&qsrc=0&ab=0&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fi.edu%2Flearn%2Fheart%2Fhealthy%2Fdiet.html
http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/diet/healthy_eating/salt-heart-disease.htm
Smoking and the Heart
SMOKING AND THE HEART
not sure what its all about? Don't worry! we're here to give you the latest scoop!
Live healthy
Sources:
http://www.quit-smoking-stop.com/harmful-smoking-effects.html
http://quitsmokingsupport.com/whatsinit.htm
http://www.healthcentral.com/copd/copd-000070_5-145_3.html
#4: ALL IS NOT LOST
don't panic~! There's still hope!
not sure what its all about? Don't worry! we're here to give you the latest scoop!
Live healthy
#1~Some reasons on why you SHOULD NOT smoke.
- Cigarette smoking will cause a temporary increase of the blood pressure because the nicotine in tobacco elevates the blood pressure.
- Smoking results in an extremely major risk factor for heart disease.
- With smoking and high blood pressure, the risk for heart attack will be tripled. High blood pressure may also cause a heart failure.
By smoking the Cigarette, this increases the speed of the pulse rate as there is inadequate blood supply due to the effects of carbon monoxide discharged from tobacco smoke. The insufficient supply of blood is known as angina, causing tightness and pain of the chest.
With the need of supply of oxygen, the heart has to work even harder. This will eventually lead to extra stress on the heart which may cause angina or a sudden heart attack.
- Arteries can be damaged by nicotine, carbon monoxide and other harmful substances in cigarettes as well. What substances are found in the cigarette smoke?
Source: http://www.idph.state.ia.us/tobacco/common/pdf/heart_disease.pdf http://smoking.ygoy.com/effects-of-smoking-on-the-heart/ http://www.tricountycessation.org/tobaccofacts/Cigarette-Ingredients.html http://www.allancavanagh.com/smoking.jpg http://stopsmoking357.com/uploaded_images/stop-smoking-357-784769.jpg
What!? Still NOT CONVINCED?!
ok..here are some scientific facts. :)
Smoking can affect the heart due to ingredients like carbon monoxide and nicotine.
Carbon monoxide will attach to the haemoglobin in the blood.
Haemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen to the heart and throughout the body.
Since carbon monoxide had attached to the haemoglobin, it will reduce the amount of oxygen being transported and hence bring harm to the heart.
The nicotine in the cigarette stimulates adrenaline production. This causes the heart to beat faster and thus raising the blood pressure. This increases the workload of the heart and brings extra stress. High blood pressure can also further lead to hypertension.
Smoking also affects the heart with its impact on affecting the production of cholesterol. The cigarette smoke increases the production of the LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and decreases the production of HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Cholesterol causes the arteries get thickened and hardened. This is called atherosclerosis. Smoking increases the buildup of the cholesterol due to the presence of poisons and toxins in the blood and accelerates the process of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can lead to coronary heart disease, stroke and artery disease.
#2: What a "delicious" meal!
As they always say, you are what you eat..
or rather, in this case, you are what you inhale..
Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, including 43 known cancer-causing (carcinogenic) compounds and 400 other toxins. These include nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide, as well as formaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, arsenic, and DDT.
- Ammonia: Household cleaner
- Angelica root extract: Known to cause cancer in animals
- Arsenic: Used in rat poisons (1 good reason why rats shouldn't smoke)
- Benzene: Used in making dyes, synthetic rubber
- Butane: Gas; used in lighter fluid (How did YOU think cigarettes light up?)
- Carbon monoxide: Poisonous gas
- Cadmium: Used in batteries
- Cyanide: Deadly poison
- DDT: A banned insecticide
- Ethyl Furoate: Causes liver damage in animals
- Lead: Poisonous in high doses
- Formaldehiyde: Used to preserve dead specimens
- Methoprene: Insecticide
- Megastigmatrienone: Chemical naturally found in grapefruit juice
- Maltitol: Sweetener for diabetics
- Napthalene: Ingredient in mothballs
- Methyl isocyanate: Its accidental release killed 2000 people in Bhopal, India in 1984Polonium: Cancer-causing radioactive element
- Fungicides and pesticides -- Cause many types of cancers and birth defects.
- Cadmium -- Linked to lung and prostate cancer.
- Benzene -- Linked to leukemia.
- Formaldehyde -- Linked to lung cancer.
- Nickel -- Causes increased susceptibility to lung infections
psst.. in case you haven't noticed, MOST of the ingredients eg, Napthalene, fungicides, methropene, DDT, arsenic etc, are used in the EXTERMINATION of pests. I sure hope you aren't one!
A BAD CASE OF FOOD POISONING:
The mixture of nicotine and carbon monoxide in each cigarette you smoke temporarily increases your heart rate and blood pressure, straining your heart and blood vessels.
· This can cause heart attacks and stroke. It slows your blood flow, cutting off oxygen to your feet and hands. Some smokers end up having their limbs amputated. Smoking causes fat deposits to narrow and block blood vessels which leads to heart attack.
· Smoking causes around one in five deaths from heart disease.
· In younger people, three out of four deaths from heart disease are due to smoking.
Sources:
http://www.quit-smoking-stop.com/harmful-smoking-effects.html
http://quitsmokingsupport.com/whatsinit.htm
http://www.healthcentral.com/copd/copd-000070_5-145_3.html
#4: ALL IS NOT LOST
don't panic~! There's still hope!
Tempted by those "cool" cigarettes? F.Y.I CIGARETTES ARE SO~ NOT COOL.
Anyway, back to the topic, this is what you CAN do and what HAS BEEN DONE!
1. Celebrity endorsements – many celebrities have come together to discourage the public from smoking and to raise awareness.
2. Raise awareness- Schools and family to educate the young on the harmful effects of smoking. NGOs and the Government have also released posters to discourage the public from smoking.
3. Sports- Instead of smoking, battle that temptation by engaging in sports with youths who do not nor want to engage in smoking.
4. Smoking areas – There are designated smoking zones
set by the Government. Avoid these zones so you will not be a passive smoker or be tempted by the “allure” of cigarettes.
( HaiiiYA! -karate chop- Anti-smoking!)
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/youth/sports/posters/images/chan_lg.jpg
The World Health Organization has also initiated a WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY, 31st May.
What if.. What if I'm already addicted?
Don't worry! We're here to help!
- Admit the fact that you’re addicted to smoking. DECIDE, whether YOU want to be in control of your life, or let SMOKING CONTROL YOU.
- THINK of your family. If they breathe in the smoke you exhale, they inadvertently become passive smokers. Studies show that passive smokers have a higher chance of getting cancer than smokers.
- DO not stop completely; instead, reduce the amount of cigarettes daily till you’re completely rid of cigarettes.
- Family- Help and encourage your family member to give up smoking.
To discourage smokers, cigarettes have been repackaged, with grotesque images on the effects of smoking.
Still want to smoke?
http://www.who.int/tobacco/en/index.htm#l
-Toh YingYing (21)
-Joanne Wong (22)
-Michelle Wong (23)
-Wong ShiauYin (24)
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
The Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) is a heart surgery procedure in which one or more blocked coronary arteries are bypassed by a blood vessel graft to restore normal blood flow to the heart.
These grafts usually come from the patient’s own arteries and veins located in the chest, leg or arm.
The graft goes around the blocked artery (or arteries) to create new pathways for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart.
CABG relieves symptoms of coronary artery disease, enabling the patient to resume a normal lifestyle and to lower the risk of a heart attack or other heart problems.
The CABG generally lasts for three to five hours, depending on the number of arteries being bypassed.
After general anesthesia is administered, the surgeon removes the veins or prepares the arteries for grafting, from the patients’ chest (internal mammary artery), arm (radial artery) or leg (saphenous vein).
Depending on the location of the blockage, the amount of the blockage and the size of the patient’s coronary arteries, the surgeon will decide which graft to be used.
These grafts usually come from the patient’s own arteries and veins located in the chest, leg or arm.
The graft goes around the blocked artery (or arteries) to create new pathways for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart.
CABG relieves symptoms of coronary artery disease, enabling the patient to resume a normal lifestyle and to lower the risk of a heart attack or other heart problems.
The CABG generally lasts for three to five hours, depending on the number of arteries being bypassed.
After general anesthesia is administered, the surgeon removes the veins or prepares the arteries for grafting, from the patients’ chest (internal mammary artery), arm (radial artery) or leg (saphenous vein).
Depending on the location of the blockage, the amount of the blockage and the size of the patient’s coronary arteries, the surgeon will decide which graft to be used.
Figure 1: The heart, its sites of blockage and blood vessels used for grafting.
Internal mammary arteries are the most common bypass grafts used, as they have shown the best long-term results.
In most cases, these arteries can be kept intact at their origin because they have their own oxygen-rich blood supply, and can be sewn to the coronary artery below the site of the blockage. If the surgeon removes the mammary artery from its origin, it is called a “free” mammary artery.
Over the last decade, more than 90% of all patients received at least one internal artery graft.
The radial artery is another common type of arterial graft. If the radial artery is used, the patient may be required to take a calcium channel blocker medication for several months after CABG. This medication helps keep the artery open.
A few reports state that patients who have had their radial artery used feel numbness in the wrist after surgery. However, long-term sensory loss or numbness is uncommon.
Saphenous veins can be used as bypass grafts. One to two incisions are made at the knee and a small incision is made at the groin. This results in less scarring and a faster recovery.
The arteries least used for grafting are the gastro-epiploic artery to the stomach and the inferior epigastric artery to the abdominal wall.
To bypass the blockage, the surgeon makes a small opening just below the blockage in the diseased coronary artery.
If a saphenous (leg) or radial (arm) vein is used, one end is connected to the coronary artery and the other to the aorta.
If a mammary artery is used, one end is connected to the coronary artery while the other remains attached to the aorta.
The graft is sewn into the opening, redirecting the blood flow around this blockage.
The procedures are repeated until all affected coronary arteries are treated. It is common for three or four coronary arteries to be bypassed during surgery.
(Viewer discretion is advised for the following content)
Figure 2: The heart after CABG
During CABG, the heart’s beating is stopped so the surgeon can perform the bypass procedure on a “still” heart. The heart-lung bypass machine (called “on-pump” surgery) is used to take over for the heart and lungs, allowing the circulation of blood throughout the rest of the body.
Other than on-pump surgeries, off-pump or beating heart bypass surgeries are also present. This allows surgeons to perform the surgery while the heart is still beating. The heart-lung machine is not used, and the surgeon uses advanced operating equipment to stabilize portions of the heart while bypassing the blocked artery in a highly controlled environment. Meanwhile, the rest of the heart keeps pumping and circulating blood to the body.
Full recovery from CABG takes around two months. Most patients are able to resume daily activities in about three to eight weeks after surgery.
CABG does not prevent coronary artery disease from recurring, therefore lifestyle changes and prescribed medications are strongly recommended to reduce this risk.
Some of these lifestyle changes are, for example, quitting smoking, exercising regularly and eating a heart-healthy diet.
From reports of the American Heart Association, out of 467,000 cases of CABG performed in the United States in 2003, 268,000 were on patients suffering from coronary artery disease. This illustrates the effectiveness of the CABG.
All above information is adapted from Cleveland Clinic Heart Center
Figure 1 is obtained from Intensive Care Coordination and Monitoring Unit (ICCMU)
Figure 2 is obtained from State of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University
An off-pump CABG, or OPCAB, allows a surgeon to perform a bypass surgery without stopping the heart.
http://video.about.com/heartdisease/OPCAB.htm
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Air Travel
In medicine, deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot, also known as 'thrombus' in a deep vein. It is a form of thrombophlebitis.
They are clumps of thick blood.
They occur mostly at the lower legs or the thighs.
People who…
• Travel to other countries for surgery
• Have family history of DVT
• Have cancer and under treatment
• Have recent surgery or leg surgery
• Have abnormal clotting problems
• Are obese or tall
• Acute or chronic medical problems
• Have inflammatory bowel illnesses
• Have varicose veins
• Are pregnant
• Have existing or history of cardiac problems or stroke
• Have dehydration
• Have severe infection
• Are over 60 years old
It was once believed that passengers sitting in the Economy Class on the planes are more prone to get DVT due to the cramped sitting arrangements, with little legroom. Hence, deep vein thrombosis is also known as ‘Economy Class Syndrome’.
However, recent analysis of the frequency of the condition shows that the factor does not lie on what class the passengers are sitting at, even the aircrew have a risk. (Except cabin attendants who get to move about most of the time). Therefore, the cramped sitting arrangements may not be the prime causes. Instead, the lack of movement is much more important.
In conclusion, DVT takes its toll on people when they sit on the airplane for long periods of time without moving about.
The blood clots may travel through our bloodstream into our lungs and block up the flow of blood which then causes death. One in every 100 people who develops DVT dies.
- Similar to common flu (BUT DO NOT TAKE IT LIGHTLY!)
- Feeling faint (First and most common symptom)
- Sudden swelling in lower leg (more often the left leg)
- Cramp, pain or tenderness in affected leg
- Bruise or swelling below the knee
- Difficulty in standing properly with full weight on the affected leg
- Breathless (Rapid and painful breathing)
- Cramp at sides, chest pain and shoulder pain
- Cough and Fever
- Slight change of colour in skin (such as redness)
What is it? It occurs when a piece of blood clots travels to the lungs, blocking one of the pulmonary artery. Thus causing chest pain, breathlessness, coughing of phlegm tinted with blood. It can be fatal.
What is it? It occurs due to the damage of valves in the deep veins caused by DVT. Instead of flowing upwards, the blood pools in the lower leg, causing long term pain, swelling and also ulcers on the leg.
What is it? Blood clots causes pressure in the vein to become very high, hence obstructing the blood flow through the arteries, hence less oxygen is being carried to the affected leg.
• Putting on knee-high compression stockings at least two hours before the flight and wearing them during the entire flight
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Exercising the leg muscles
• Walking around during the flight
• Avoid tight-fitting, restrictive clothing
• Wear loose comfortable clothes
• Sitting with both legs on the floor (uncrossed)
• Avoid sleeping if possible as it will stop you from keeping your legs active
• Do not drink large amounts of dehydrating beverages
Nattokinase, an enzyme which is isolated from a Japanese food called natto (made from boiled and fermented soybeans) may help with DVT. Studies have shown that the natural remedy can prevent and dissolve blood clots and also prevent the hardening of arteries, heart attack, stoke, angine and senility. However, it should be avoided by patients who are already consuming blood thinning medications and those who suffer from bleeding disorders.
One tablespoon of cod liver oil consumed daily with 400IU of vitamin E can help prevent blood clots as well. Herbs such as horse chestnut (good for circulatory problems associated with varicose veins as well); butcher’s broom (key herb for the veins) and gingko (helps in circulation) are also alternatives in the treatment for DVT.
Ginger root helps the blood to flow more freely through arms and legs by relaxing muscles surrounding the blood vessels. Turmeric on the other hand can prevent the formation of new clots. Garlic, also an effective blood thinner which helps to reduce clotting of our blood can also be consumed. Citrus juice and lemon polyphenol found in lemon juice improves blood circulation, hence preventing DVT.
A filter can be put into the vena cava of the heart (main vein going back to your heart from your lower body) if advised by a doctor. The filter is able to catch (‘filter’) the clot which moves through your bloodstream, so as to prevent it from reaching your lungs. Although it helps to reduce pulmonary embolism, this treatment is used mostly on patients who have several blood clots travelling to their lungs.
Hospital inpatient treatment is also considered for patients with more than two of the following risk factors, as they have more risk of complications during treatment:
1. Bilateral DVT
2. Renal Insufficiency (also known as renal failure, whereby your kidneys no longer have enough kidney function to maintain a healthy body state)
3. Cancer ( a class of diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled growth, invasion, and sometimes metastasis)
4. Body weight less than 70kg
5. Recent Immobility
6. Chronic Heart Failure
The standard treatment for deep vein thrombosis is the consumption of anticoagulant medicines which change chemicals in our blood to stop clotting of blood easily, this includes heparin and warfarin. However, anticoagulant medicines do not dissolve blood clots which are already in our body; it can only prevent formation of new ones and the old ones from getting larger.
There are also medicines available in the market used to dissolve blood clots, such as thrombolytic medicines, but these drugs causes bleeding, hence usage of such medicines are not encouraged to treat deep vein thrombosis.
After contracting deep vein thrombosis, patients will have to wear compression stockings for two or more years to ease their pain and to reduce swelling. They are also used to prevent post thrombotic syndrome.
About DVT -
1. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Dvt/DVT_WhatIs.html (Video)
2. http://www.travelhealth.co.uk/advice/dvt.htm
Symptoms and Complications of DVT -
1. http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/mosby_factsheets/Deep_Vein_Thrombosis.html
2. http://www.yourhealthbase.com/DVT.html
3. http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/deep_vein_thrombosis
Measures of DVT -
1. http://www.informedhealthonline.org/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt-what-is-the-risk-of-developing-dvt-during-a.366.306.en.html
2. http://www.clotcare.com/clotcare/dvt.aspx
3. http://www.yourhealthbase.com/DVT.htm
4. http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/deep_vein_thrombosis
Treatments for DVT -
1. http://www.sirweb.org/patients/deep-vein-thrombosis/
2. http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/mosby_factsheets/Deep_Vein_Thrombosis.html#6
3. http://acupuncturebandon.blogspot.com/2008/05/deep-venous-thrombosis.html
4. http://www.igan.ca/id76.html
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cancer
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVT
Images -
1. http://www.sjch.us/sjch/images/stories/services/DVT_clot_illustration.jpg
2. http://catalog.nucleusinc.com/imagesenlarged/418W.jpg
3. http://rjmatthewsmd.com/Definitions/img/legveinTE-fig.1b.jpg
4. http://www.bhrhospitals.nhs.uk/anticoag/images/dvt.jpg
5. http://www.flickr.com/photos/24548102@N00/2527350763/
http://www.slideshare.net/dbridley/deep-vein-thrombosis (Slide Show)
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Dvt/DVT_WhatIs.html (Video)
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