Conditions

By family practitioner Dr Gita Mathai What is a heart attack? A “heart attack” is a general, rather vague, term used to describe damage to the heart muscle. This occurs when the blood supply to that particular part of the heart is compromised. The blood vessel may be abnormally situated from birth. It may be blocked with atherosclerotic plaques. The vessel may have a compromised lumen (channel inside the vessel) and then go into spasm so that the blood supply falls below critical levels and…

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by deterioration of nerve cells (neurons) in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra. The death or damage to the nerves and the central nervous system causes deficiency of one of the important chemical neurotransmitter or messengers called dopamine. The lack of or decrease in the dopamine levels hinders the brain from sending signals to other cells within the brain and muscles. Movements tend to slow down or…

Multiple Sclerosis or MS is a disease that can easily lead to feelings of isolation. Typically, at some point, it leads to significant physical disability and forces people to leave paid employment. It is particularly difficult as MS hits patients when they are young, just starting a family or developing their career.  The spouse or other family member has to take on the responsibilities of caring for the patient, children and supporting the family financially. As the…

Have you been surprised to hear about fit and even young athletes having a cardiac arrest and even a sudden death? Can exercising be bad for you? Dr Shital Raval Patel unpacks the causes, risks, and the screening recommended. We often read and hear about young, fit people and athletes having a sudden heart related incident and even succumbing to it while performing or working out and it is the most shocking news ever! It’s incomprehensible especially because we know them to be the…

Persons with diabetes often get extremely stressed when their doctor wants to move them from pills to insulin shots. Dr Shital Patel allays the fears and explains what to expect and how to go about it. The transition from pills to insulin injections can be a worrying experience for many Diabetes Type 2 patients. You should know that this does not mean that your diabetes has worsened or that your Type 2 diabetes has changed to Type 1. You are being prescribed insulin because after…

is a disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is an inflammatory disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord become damaged. These inflamed areas become scarred, giving the disease its name: multiple areas of hardening (sclerosis) within the brain or spinal cord. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a wide range of signs and symptoms, including…

Women with arthritis can get pregnant. It is better for them to discuss with both their treating rheumatologist or endocrinologist and their OB-GYN and plan their pregnancy. Find out how pregnancy affects your arthritic symptoms and how you can deal with them. Women with arthritis who are pregnant are affected in different ways. In arthritis, joints are inflammed and painful. For some pregnant women, the added weight of pregnancy may increase pain and discomfort. But 70-80% of women…

Planning a pregnancy? Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Chandan Dubey tells you what you need to do before you conceive. A woman’s good health prior to and during pregnancy is vital for optimal outcomes for her and the baby. You should consult a general physician or gynaecologist for preconception care and counselling. In the meantime, here’s what you should be aware of:  Lose weight (if you are overweight): Obesity is a serious problem in pregnancy. It increases the…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Contrave (naltrexone hydrochloride and bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets) as treatment option for chronic weight management in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity. The drug is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obesity) or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2…