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Showing posts from September, 2023

What's the link between Work Stress and Heart Diseases?

Work-related stress is a significant concern in modern society, with far-reaching implications for both individual health and workplace productivity. One of the most concerning consequences of chronic work stress is its association with heart disease , a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Understanding the intricate link between work stress and heart disease is essential for both employees and employers to mitigate its detrimental effects. The connection between work stress and heart disease becomes even more pronounced when considering the role of inflammation. Chronic stress can provoke inflammation throughout the body, which has been linked to the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits accumulate in the arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. This condition restricts blood flow and can lead to heart attacks and strokes , making it a significant risk factor for heart disease. Here are some of the key factors contributing to the connecti

What do near-death experiences feel like during cardiac arrest?

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are profoundly mysterious and often life-altering events reported by some individuals who have faced life-threatening situations, including cardiac arrest . These experiences have fascinated scientists, theologians, and the general public for decades due to their enigmatic nature and their potential implications for our understanding of consciousness and the afterlife. One of the most striking aspects of NDEs during cardiac arrest is the feeling of detachment from the physical body. Many individuals who have gone through cardiac arrest and reported NDEs describe a sensation of floating above their own bodies or observing medical procedures from an elevated perspective. This out-of-body experience challenges our conventional understanding of consciousness, as it suggests that awareness can exist independently of the physical body. Another common element of NDEs is the perception of moving through a tunnel or towards a bright , radiant light. This light i

EchoNet AI Algorithm Shows Promise for More Accurate and Efficient LV Function Estimation

Left Ventricular Function (LVEF) is a measure of how well the heart pumps blood. It is an important indicator of heart health and is used to diagnose and manage heart disease . LVEF is typically estimated by a sonographer, who uses an ultrasound machine to create images of the heart. However, sonographers can sometimes make errors in their estimates, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. A new AI algorithm called EchoNet has shown promise for more accurate and efficient LVEF estimation. EchoNet was trained on a large dataset of echocardiograms and can identify subtle changes in heart function that would be difficult to spot by eye. In a study published in the journal Nature, EchoNet was found to be more accurate than sonographers in estimating LVEF, and it was also able to do so more efficiently. The study involved 1,000 patients who were undergoing echocardiography . The echocardiograms were analyzed by both sonographers and EchoNet. EchoNet was able to estimate LVE

Low Birthweight and Heart Disease: What You Need to Know

Low birthweight is defined as a birthweight of less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2,500 grams). It is a major risk factor for heart disease , stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases in adulthood. The exact mechanism by which low birthweight increases the risk of heart disease is not fully understood, but it is thought to be due to a number of factors, including: Abnormalities in the development of the heart and blood vessels Increased inflammation Altered metabolism Insulin resistance People who were born with low birthweight are more likely to develop Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), which is the narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. CAD can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems. The risk of heart disease is highest in people who were born with very low birthweight (less than 3 pounds, 5 ounces or 1,500 grams). However, even people who were born with slightly low birthweight (between 5 pounds, 8 ounces and 6 pounds, 13 ounces or 2,