Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatment

The symptoms of CAD may not be obvious at first. In the early stages, they may only be noticeable when the heart beats hard, for example, when you exercise.As the arteries narrow more over time, symptoms can become more pronounced and occur more frequently.As plaque buildup gets more severe over time, an artery may become completely blocked, causing a heart attack.If you suspect you are having a heart attack, seek emergency assistance immediately. If you have any other symptoms of CAD, talk to y...

What is Virtual First Healthcare?

What is Virtual First Healthcare?

Virtual first healthcare is a term people use to describe patients and clinicians consulting via technology such as smartphone apps, computers, or tablets. These digital interactions occur in real-time without the need for in-person interactions between the provider and patient.


Virtual visits are one component of telehealth, a broader term describing the remote provision of many types of care services via communication technology. These include administrati

Blood testing 101 – your most common questions answered

If you’re new to the world of blood testing it’s completely natural to have some questions about the process. Here you’ll find the answers to the most frequently asked questions, like what to expect and how to prepare to ensure accurate results.

Blood is a rich source of data that can help you understand important areas of your overall health. Blood tests are an excellent screening tool that can give you a wealth of information about how well your body is functioning. They can be used to measur

Telehealth Before and After COVID

Telehealth and Telemedicine Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

From 2019 through 2020, spending on telehealth services increased massively, from $306 million to almost $3.7 billion. One leading cause for that spending increase was the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in early 2020.

The pandemic increased the awareness of and the use of telehealth services worldwide. However, the usefulness of telemedicine and telehealth have extended far beyond the passing global health crisis.

Read on to d

Why is croup worse at night? Research, treatment, and more

In this article, we will explore why some researchers believe croup symptoms are worse at night, as well as the treatments for croup and how to prevent croup infections. We also discuss when to contact a healthcare professional and answer some common questions about croup.Researchers do not yet fully understand why croup tends to be worse at night. Though several theories exist, more research is necessary.Croup symptoms are typically much worse at night. However, despite extensive research into...

Cholecystitis causes: Gallstones, other causes, and more

The most common cause of cholecystitis is gallstones. Less common causes include severe illness or infection, tumors, and injury or trauma.Cholecystitis is the medical term for gallbladder inflammation, a small pear-shaped organ that sits beneath the liver on the right side of the abdomen.The gallbladder’s main function is storing bile — a thick, dark-green liquid that the liver produces — and releasing it to aid digestion of certain foods, especially greasy, spicy, or fatty foods.The main sympt...

First aid for heart attack: What to do

Administering timely first aid to someone having a heart attack may help increase their chances of survival.The most effective first aid for a heart attack depends on whether the person is conscious and breathing and whether they have prescription medication for a heart condition.This article explains the steps to provide first aid for a heart attack. It also outlines how and when to perform CPR and the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

Administering timely first aid to someone having a hea...

Rheumatic fever symptoms: What they are and how to manage them

Symptoms of rheumatic fever include arthritic pain around the joints, fever, fatigue, uncontrollable jerky movements, skin rashes, chest pains, difficulty breathing, and a faster than usual heart rate.Rheumatic fever is a type of inflammatory reaction. A person can develop rheumatic fever due to complications from a Streptococcus infection.Health professionals call these infections Group A streptococcal infections, or simply “strep” infections for short. Common group A streptococcal infections i...

Understanding hepatitis C and liver enzymes

A person can have hepatitis C with no symptoms. Liver enzyme tests can help detect and diagnose a hepatitis C infection by showing liver damage and inflammation. Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease resulting from an infection with the hepatitis C virus. The infection invades liver cells, leading to inflammation, swelling, liver dysfunction, and eventual damage to the organ. It can cause cirrhosis, which refers to scarring of the liver, as well as liver failure and liver cancer. People cont

Treatments for GERD: Lifestyle changes, medications, and more

Treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include lifestyle alterations, medications, and surgical interventions. GERD is a chronic condition in which stomach acid comes back up into a person’s esophagus, or food pipe. It can cause uncomfortable symptoms, like heartburn and regurgitation. In this article, we will explore the different treatments for GERD, including the potential side effects, benefits, and risks of each treatment, as well as when to contact a doctor about GERD...

Risk factors for hypertension: Obesity, smoking, and more

A range of factors may increase a person’s risk of developing hypertension. Some examples include smoking, lack of exercise, certain underlying health conditions, and older age. A person can take steps to manage and prevent some risk factors for hypertension, or high blood pressure.This article explores some risk factors and causes of hypertension. It also discusses how to help prevent high blood pressure.A note about sex and genderSex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the ter...

Brain aneurysm treatment without surgery: Nonsurgical treatment

Not all brain aneurysms require surgery. Some require no treatment at all, while it may be possible to treat other aneurysms with medications, lifestyle changes, or rehabilitative therapy. A brain aneurysm, also known as a cerebral aneurysm, is when a weakened blood vessel wall in the brain bulges due to pressure from blood passing through it. If an aneurysm is at risk of rupturing, doctors may recommend surgery. However, surgery is not suitable for everyone — it tends to yield more positive out

Gas pain vs. heart attack: Differences and more

Both gas and a heart attack can cause chest pain that feels like pressure or tightness. However, additional symptoms, such as pain in other areas of the body, shortness of breath, and dizziness, usually indicate a heart attack. Gas pain in the chest can occur due to digestive issues or a high amount of swallowed air, a condition doctors call aerophagia. Often, dietary changes can help relieve the pain gas causes. However, chest pain from gas may sometimes indicate a more serious condition requir...

Stages of thyroid eye disease: What they are and how to treat them

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune condition that Graves’ disease frequently causes. There are two stages of TED: active, during which symptoms present, and inactive, when symptoms go away for a time. TED is an inflammatory condition that affects people with thyroid disease. Individuals with TED experience dryness, pain, and inflammation of the eyes. Without treatment, TED can lead to complications such as double vision or bulging eyes. Though it can also occur in people with other types

Tuberculosis symptoms: What to know

Tuberculosis (TB) symptoms vary depending on whether the disease is active or latent. Symptoms typically affect the lungs and may include a persistent, productive cough, fatigue, and fever.TB is a bacterial disease that typically affects the lungs. TB symptoms vary depending on what type a person has and where in the body the TB bacteria are growing.In this article, we will explore the symptoms of TB, including different kinds of TB, its causes, and treatment. We will also examine how to prevent...

Aichmophobia: Definition, causes, and more

Aichmophobia is a type of specific phobia that can cause feelings and physical symptoms of intense anxiety around sharp objects. Aichmophobia, or fear of sharp objects, is a phobia. Phobias are anxiety disorders that can significantly impact a person’s life, depending on the type of phobia someone has.This article explains what aichmophobia is, what causes it, symptoms of aichmophobia, and treatments.

Aichmophobia is a type of specific phobia that can cause feelings and physical symptoms of int...

Ischemic cardiomyopathy: Symptoms, causes, and more

Ischemic cardiomyopathy is a secondary condition resulting from coronary artery disease or a heart attack. Ischemic cardiomyopathy involves a weakening of the heart muscle due to coronary heart disease (CAD) or a heart attack. Treatment for ischemic cardiomyopathy focuses on the underlying cause. In this article, we outline what ischemic cardiomyopathy (IC) is, its effects on the body, symptoms, causes and risk factors, diagnosis, and prevention.

IC is a heart condition that occurs when the hea

Bipolar and dementia: Are they connected?

Researchers do not yet understand the exact nature of the relationship between bipolar disorder and dementia. However, the two conditions share several features. Recent research suggests both are associated with progressive cognitive decline. Bipolar disorder (BD) is a mood disorder. BD causes shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and behavior. Dementia is an umbrella term describing various symptoms of cognitive decline. These are shared by a number of conditions associated with aging, such as Alz

Does the HPV vaccine help if someone is already infected?

The best time for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is before a person has exposure to HPV. However, people may benefit from receiving the vaccine after HPV exposure, as it protects against multiple strains of HPV. This article explores whether the HPV vaccine is suitable for someone who already has HPV, who should receive the vaccine, and its potential side effects and benefits. Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex ass

Low anterior resection surgery: What it is for and what to expect

Low anterior resection (LAR) surgery treats colorectal cancer. Sometimes, the surgery is elective. Other times, it is an emergency procedure surgeons may perform for advanced-stage cancer.Surgeons may perform low anterior resection (LAR) surgery to treat colorectal cancer. It involves removing the cancerous part of the rectum.This article explores LAR surgery, including what the procedure involves. It also looks at what to expect before, during, and after surgery as well as surgery preparation,...

What is the difference between a high functioning sociopath and ASPD?

In society, “sociopath” refers to a person with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Some people use the term “high functioning sociopath” to describe a person who can mask symptoms of their ASPD well. Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is one of ten types of personality disorders. Dramatic, erratic, unpredictable, and emotional behavior characterize people’s interactions with others across all cluster B personality disorders, such as ASPD. This article explores what ASPD is and how high...

Can migraine cause nausea?

Nausea and vomiting are common migraine symptoms. Prescription medications, alternative treatments, and home remedies can all help relieve them.Many people experience nausea as a symptom of migraine. Nausea can occur before, during, or after a migraine attack. In some cases, the nausea is so severe it can lead to vomiting. Although nausea is a common symptom, migraine episode symptoms can vary from person to person. In this article, we explore the relationship between migraine and nausea, treatm...

Schizoid vs. schizotypal personality disorder

SPD and STPD both involve social impairment and isolation. STPD is generally more severe and may involve distorted perceptions, and disjointed thought or speech patterns. Schizoid personality disorder (SPD) and schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) are personality disorders that occur on the schizophrenia disorder spectrum. Though they share similarities, they have key differences that affect those living with either condition. This article explains the similarities and differences between SPD

Eczema and smoking: Is there a link? Research and more

Some research has linked eczema with smoking and secondhand smoke. However, the exact relationship between them is unclear, so understanding it will require further research. Atopic dermatitis, which many people refer to as eczema, is a chronic condition. This means that a person may experience repeated flares of symptoms throughout their life. Symptoms of eczema may include itchy, dry, rough, or cracked patches of skin. Most people with the condition will experience the onset of symptoms during
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About Me

Journalist, editor, and copywriter specialising in science and health content. 

I hold a master's degree with distinction in professional writing from Falmouth University. 

Experienced in many areas of medical writing and editing, I am particularly interested in the relationship between mental and physical health, the social determinants of health, and how technology can help autonomise health and wellbeing and remove barriers to access.