Category: Diseases and injuries

exploring the State of the Heart – a book review

Our brain controls the actions of the body’s other organs, but the heart supplies the power that keeps everything working smoothly, including the brain.

Since my blog’s tag line is “exploring the HEART of health”, I couldn’t pass up the chance to read a book about exploring the heart.

State of the Heart by cardiologist Dr. Haider Warraich explores the history, science, and future of cardiac disease.

Most people recognize the seriousness of heart disease and want to know how to maintain heart health, it’s hard to believe that in ancient times people did not consider the heart a vital organ. The liver was revered as the driving force of circulation responsible for maintaining life. Even now, the heart is sometimes thought of as just a pump and not the complex organ that it is.

Dr. Warraich weaves the heart’s story with threads of medical history, explanations of basic cardiac anatomy and physiology, and stories about real patients he has treated for a variety of heart conditions.

  • The congestive heart failure patient who didn’t know he had heart failure
  • The woman who had a heart attack but whose coronary arteries were clear
  • The man who needed a heart transplant to stay alive but couldn’t afford the anti-rejection drugs
  • The man who couldn’t die until his mechanical heart (LVAD) was turned off
the heart and COVID-19

Dr. Warraich explains why coronavirus is especially threatening for people with heart disease.

“Of COVID-19 patients who develop serious heart complications, most don’t see this problem until late in the disease’s progression. However, some are turning up with extensive heart inflammation at the outset.”

Dr. Haider, The Washington Post

Dr. Haider reports that 59% of COVID-19 patients who died had heart damage vs. only 1% of survivors, reminding us that heart disease is still the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S.

“heart disease is not ready to give up that distinction any time soon. With the right precautions and with heightened vigilance, we can try to ensure that COVID-19 doesn’t help increase that toll.”

diagram of the human heart
Heart diseases affect any and sometimes multiple parts of the heart- the atria, ventricles, the valves, the aorta, the pulmonary artery and veins, the walls and the coronary arteries (not shown in this diagram. )
advances and stumbles in the medical treatment of heart disease.

Our brain controls the actions of the body’s other organs, but the heart supplies the power that keeps everything working smoothly, including the brain. Using the intricate “highway” system of arteries and veins, the heart pumps blood carrying oxygen, water, and nutrients to every cell in the body. Learn more in this post.

Although we use the term HEART DISEASE , there are many diseases that involve the heart.  HEART conditions affect people from birth to death. Find out more in this post.

Our modern lifestyles are particularly harsh on the heart-our diets, our lack of exercise, and the stress we expose ourselves to-

Dr. Warraich in State of the Heart

7 Keys to a Healthy Heart

February is American Heart Month, highlighting heart health amidst Valentine’s Day. In this post I outline seven major types of heart diseases and risk factors such as smoking and hypertension. Recognizing heart problem symptoms is crucial. Maintaining heart health involves addressing risk factors with healthy lifestyle choices. Share this vital information.

Expedition HEALTH exhibit at the Denver Science Museum

Health is a lifelong expedition

Thanks for joining me to explore the heart, heart disease, and this new book by Dr. Warraich. Find it at your local public library or consider purchasing at one of these affiliate links which help me fund this blog.

Dr. Aletha

Bookshop.org is an online bookstore that financially supports local, independent bookstores.

We believe bookstores are essential to a healthy culture and they are dedicated to the common good.

Bookshop.org donates a portion of every sale to independent bookstores.

Women’s health update-relieving migraine and other pain

In this post I review some new drugs that treat conditions exclusive to or common in women.

I illustrated this post with links to posts I’ve written about women. Please note these usually include affiliate links, so if you do happen to use them for a purchase you will help me fund this blog.

This information is current as of the date of original publication or update but may have changed by the time you read this. Do not use this information for diagnosis or treatment purposes. Before making health decisions, discuss with a qualified healthcare professional.

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Relieving the pain of endometriosis

Women with endometriosis can suffer infertility, heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, and pelvic pain unrelated to their periods. In endometriosis, uterine tissue grows outside the uterus; laparoscopy, an invasive procedure used to diagnose it. Treatment depends on the goal, whether pregnancy, pain relief, or both. Short of surgery, hormonal therapy has been the mainstay of treatment.

A new hormonal drug released in 2018, elagolix, brand name Orilissa, is the first of its kind specifically developed and approved to treat “moderate to severe” endometriosis pain, but not infertility. AbbVie, the pharmaceutical company which developed the drug,priced it at $844 per month, or about $10000 per year, retail. ( per Reuters report) Patients may pay less depending on insurance.

A Natural Woman- Carole King shares a lifetime of music, a season of pain

Carole King’s memoir, “A Natural Woman,” delves into her remarkable life as a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter. Despite her musical success, she faced profound personal challenges, including turbulent marriages and traumatic experiences. King’s resilience and candid account offer a powerful reminder of the complexities behind public personas and the importance of seeking help in times of…

Easing dyspareunia

After menopause many women develop atrophy of the vagina, making it thin, dry, and easily irritated, leading to painful sex, or dyspareunia. A new intravaginal medication, prasterone,brand name Intrarosa, can help relieve the discomfort. Studies show it may also help improve sexual desire and arousal, but it is not labeled for this.

Manufactured by AMAG Pharmaceuticals, it is for “moderate to severe” symptoms. Also known as DHEA, a steroid, it transforms into estrogen in the vagina; administered as a once daily vaginal insert at bedtime, applied with an applicator. According to goodrx.com, a 30 day supply costs about $213.

DHEA can be purchased as an over-the-counter, non-regulated product, whose effectiveness and safety are unknown. A one-month supply of 50 mg tablets may cost $5.

Other options for treating vaginal atrophy symptoms are oral or vaginal estrogen and/or vaginal lubricants.

Working Stiff -a book review to remember 9/11

When she applied for a position in New York City at the NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), Dr. Judy Melinek never imagined that decision would plunge her into the nightmare of September 11, 2001. She was at the ME office that day when the Twin Towers were attacked and fell, killing thousands…

Keep reading

Prevention of migraine pain and disability

Migraine, although not exclusive to women,occurs more frequently in them than men. For infrequent headaches,doctors recommend non-prescription pain relievers since they are effective, safe, and have few side effects. For more severe and disabling headaches, prescription meds designed specifically for migraine are tried next, usually those in the triptan class of drugs.

But when headaches are severe, frequent, or persistent, patients should also consider preventive medication to improve quality of life. In addition to several effective oral meds there are two injectable drugs which work differently

The Food and Drug Administration has approved several new drugs in the past two years.

a new use for Botox

Yes the same drug used to treat wrinkles,Botox, can prevent migraine

Botox, onabotulinumtoxin A, treats chronic migraine, meaning patients with frequent headaches and other migraine symptoms for at least 3 months.

Manufactured by Allergan, a vial containing 200 units costs $1452, per goodrx.com. For migraine, the drug is injected in the upper facial muscles by a physician specifically trained in its use.

It’s in the genes

Another novel therapy uses the immune system to fight migraine.

Monoclonal antibodies bind to a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor which transmits migraine pain. The antibodies are produced in a laboratory but work like antibodies naturally produced by the body. They are used to treat cancers and some forms of arthritis. They are called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists.

These drugs are used to prevent migraine . (generic name-brand name)

  • Erenumab-Aimovig
  • Fremanezumab-Ajoovy
  • Galcanezumab-Emgality
  • Eptinezumab-Vyepti

 

Administered as subcutaneous injections (under the skin) monthly, according to Medscape, the average cost is $600 per month.

Two similar drugs, rimegepant (Nurtec ODT)and ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) treat migraine pain and are taken by mouth (orally).

You may want to review my previous post about non-drug ways to manage migraine.

Simple and effective ways to manage chronic pain

The Helpers-a book review

“The Helpers” by Kathy Gilsinan focuses on the untold stories of pandemic heroes. It sheds light on ordinary people who demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness during the chaotic times of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The book also highlights the government’s flawed response, emphasizing the resilience and unity of the people despite political divisions.

Keep reading

exploring the HEART of health through books

Thanks for joining me to review new steps in women’s health and review some fine women authors. I hope you will follow the links to my reviews and read some or all of these books. When you do, I would love to know your reaction. I might use your comments in an update.

Dr. Aletha

Find these and other books and help fund Watercress Words at

Bookshop.org

Bookshop.org is an online bookstore that financially supports local, independent bookstores.

We believe bookstores are essential to a healthy culture and they are dedicated to the common good.

Bookshop.org donates a portion of every sale to independent bookstores.