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Intravascular lithotripsy

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Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is a relatively new and innovative procedure that has shown promise in treating calcified blockages in the arteries, which can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes. By using sound waves to break up calcium deposits in the artery, IVL helps to clear the blockage and restore proper blood flow. During an IVL procedure, a small balloon catheter is inserted into the affected artery and positioned at the site of the blockage. The catheter emits sound waves that are focused specifically on the calcified lesion, breaking it up into smaller pieces that can be more easily cleared using traditional methods such as balloon angioplasty or stent placement. One of the key advantages of IVL is its ability to treat complex calcified lesions that may be difficult or impossible to treat using other methods. Calcified blockages are more common in older patients and those with certain medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease,...
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What are the common reasons for developing arrhythmia?

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Arrhythmia is a condition where the heartbeat becomes irregular or erratic, due to abnormal electrical activity in the heart. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including: Heart damage: A heart attack, heart disease, or other structural damage to the heart can interfere with the electrical signals that regulate the heartbeat. High blood pressure: When blood pressure is consistently high, it can cause the heart to work harder and disrupt the electrical signals in the heart. Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can cause an imbalance of hormones that can disrupt the heart's normal rhythm. Congenital heart defects: Some people are born with heart abnormalities that can cause arrhythmias. Electrolyte imbalances: Electrolytes are minerals in the body that help regulate heart function. When these levels are too high or too low, they can disrupt the electrical signals in the heart. Medications: Certain medications, such as beta-blockers and calcium channel bloc...
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The Role of Inflammation in Heart-Brain Health: Understanding the Connection

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  Inflammation is a natural response of the body's immune system to infection or injury, but when it becomes chronic, it can contribute to the development of a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Recent research has shed new light on the connection between inflammation and heart-brain health, highlighting the important role that chronic inflammation can play in these conditions. Chronic inflammation can damage the endothelial cells that line the blood vessels, leading to the development of atherosclerosis and an increased risk of heart disease. It can also cause oxidative stress and damage to the brain cells, leading to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. In addition, chronic inflammation has been linked to the development of depression, which can further impact both heart and brain health. Fortunately, there are steps individuals can take to manage chronic inflammation and protect their heart-brain health. A healt...
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Brain aging: "Can we slow it down with lifestyle choices?"

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  As people age, they may experience changes in their brain health that can affect cognitive abilities and overall well-being. Some of the changes that occur in the brain as a result of aging include a decline in neural plasticity , changes in brain structure, and a decrease in the production of neurotransmitters. However, there are steps that can be taken to maintain brain health and prevent or slow cognitive decline as we age. One of the most important factors in maintaining brain health is physical exercise. Exercise has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, promote neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons), and improve cognitive function. Even moderate physical activity such as walking can have a positive impact on brain health. Another key factor in maintaining brain health is mental stimulation . Activities that challenge the brain, such as learning a new skill or language, doing puzzles, or engaging in other mentally stimulating activities, can help to maintain cogn...
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