High blood pressure is a common condition that, if left untreated, can increase your risk of life-threatening health complications such as heart attack and stroke. Although it is not always clear what causes the condition, certain sleep disorders have been linked to increased blood pressure. A sleep study can help to evaluate and treat a variety of sleep disorders and sleep-related problems, which can not only help to improve your sleep but also your overall health. Sleep plays an important ... [Read More]
Internal Medicine
Feeling Lightheaded: You May Need Cardiac Testing
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy occasionally is not uncommon and usually isn’t serious. If, however, these spells are becoming more frequent, severe, sudden, or prolonged, it may warrant further investigation and testing by a doctor. The issue may be due to an underlying medical problem, such as poor circulation or a heart condition. Feeling lightheaded or experiencing other sensations associated with dizziness – such as feeling faint, unsteady, off-balance, floating, or a spinning sensation – ... [Read More]
Why Your Doctor Ordered an Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a specialized type of ultrasound that displays real-time images of the heart via sound waves. The “-cardi-” root word indicates that this technology is specifically designed to evaluate the heart. Patients appreciate the fact that ultrasound, including that used in an echocardiogram, utilizes no radiation of any kind. Through this test, your doctor can diagnose heart conditions with accuracy. If you’ve recently visited your doctor to consult about your symptoms, they may ... [Read More]
How Loss of REM Sleep Impacts Health and Learning
“How did you sleep?” Common, yet thought-provokinguttered each morning in most countriesacross the globe. But there really is much more to it than simple courtesy. Getting adequate sleep is vital to your health and welfare. To understand how sleep affects you, it is important to know that as you sleep, you pass through a cycle of different phases, each with its own unique qualities. REM (rapid eye movement) sleep has been the subject of inquiry and interest for decades. What is the ... [Read More]
Most Common Cardiac Conditions
Your heart pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout your body, and in order for it to function properly, every part of it needs to work efficiently. Unfortunately, there are a variety of cardiac conditions that can cause a hinderance in how your heart functions. As a result, you may experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and put your life at risk. Here are some common cardiac conditions that you should be aware of: Arrhythmia Often referred to as an abnormal heart rhythm, arrhythmia is ... [Read More]