Your pulse is produced by the heart pumping oxygenated blood through arteries. To test your radial pulse, press two fingers against the underside of your opposite wrist, just below your thumb. Estimate your beats per minute by counting the number...
Pulse strength is a direct indicator of how efficiently your heart is able to work. Pulse types are usually classified by their strength and pattern. A specific pattern of strong or weak pulses can aid in diagnosis of heart and arterial problems,...
High potassium, or hyperkalemia, is defined as a potassium level greater than 4.8 milliequivalents per liter in your blood, according to MayoClinic.com. Furthermore, a potassium greater than 6.0 is a medical emergency and requires immediate...
Calcium plays an important role in the normal functioning of all cells, tissues and organ systems. Having an excess amount of calcium in the blood is called hypercalcemia. Dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D, sunlight exposure, age and...
Poor blood circulation is caused by peripheral arterial disease. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," the most common underlying cause is atherosclerosis, which means hardening of the arteries. Peripheral arterial disease...
Low blood circulation can occur due to several different underlying conditions, the most common of which are atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries"; and peripheral artery disease, or PAD. You'll likely experience certain typical signs and...
According to MedlinePlus, lisinopril is a prescription medicine used to treat heart conditions, including high blood pressure and heart failure, and to prolong survival after a heart attack. It belongs to a class of drugs called...
Hyperkalemia is a condition in which the body has too much potassium. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, several factors underlie this condition, including kidney disease, medications and diet. This condition has many symptoms...
A blood clot, also referred to as an embolism, may form in a vein or an artery in the arm. Risk factors for blood clots include obesity, a broken bone, birth control pills, traveling in a vehicle for long periods and bed rest. Recognizing symptoms...
If you have arteries that are blocked in the legs then you may have peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. If it becomes severe it can lead to gangrene and amputation. Therefore, it is important to...
A high level of potassium, known as hyperkalemia, is a potentially dangerous condition that can cause an irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest and other problems, according to Medline Plus. Symptoms include changes in heart rhythm, nausea and slow,...
Hyperkalemia is the medical term for high levels of potassium in the blood. While mild hyperkalemia may not cause any symptoms or long-lasting problems, severe hyperkalemia can be life-threatening. Learning about high levels of potassium in the...
Hyperkalemia is a condition characterized by high levels of potassium in the bloodstream. According to Medline Plus, the kidneys are responsible for excreting excess potassium from the body, so when levels are high it's usually due to decreased...
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, potassium is an essential mineral that promotes cardiac and bone health, smooth muscle contraction, digestion and other essential biological functions. Potassium can also pose serious health...
Hyperkalemia is a life-threatening condition characterized by high levels of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an essential mineral that regulates muscle and nerve function in the body. It is critical for maintaining heart function and rhythm....
Potassium and vitamin K are both essential to the body and have one other similarity. Vitamin K and potassium are both referred to as "K" in some health arenas. However, vitamin K and potassium are not interchangeable, especially under the...
If your potassium levels are too high or too low, you can develop health problems. Therefore it is important that you test that potassium level in your blood to ensure that your body is able to function properly. Improper levels will affect your...
Most of the potassium in your body, or approximately 98 percent, is contained within your cells. The remaining potassium circulates in the fluid outside of the cells. Excess potassium levels, or hyperkalemia, occur when the amount of potassium in...
Your body needs certain nutrients, but in many cases there is a maximum level that your body can tolerate. Potassium levels in your blood can become too high, which leads to symptoms and a health problem called hyperkalemia. Your body can have too...
Your body needs potassium for your cells, tissues and organs to function properly. Potassium is also an electrolyte that works in conjunction with other important minerals such as chloride, calcium, sodium and magnesium. Potassium is required for...
The body needs potassium for normal tissue, organ, cell, muscular and even digestive function. It is found in much of the food you eat, primarily meats, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, certain types of fish and legumes. While it is important...
Most of the potassium in your body--or approximately 98 percent, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center--is found inside your cells and in your organ tissues. The small amount of remaining potassium is located in the fluids outside...
Potassium plays important roles in maintaining the electrolyte balance in your blood, aids in digestion and allows muscles like your heart to contract. Less than 2 percent of the potassium in your body is found in the fluids outside of your cells,...
Metoprolol, which is sold under the brand name Lopressor, is in a group of drugs called beta-blockers. Metroprolol is mainly prescribed to treat high blood pressure and angina, according to Drugs.com. Metoprolol may increase potassium levels in...
The nutrient potassium is vital for human health as it aids in metabolism and digestion and helps muscle and nerve tissue function properly. However, too much potassium--a condition called hyperkalemia--is a concern as well. About 98 percent of...
Blood pressure is the force that your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries as it flows through them. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is characterized by a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher. The most commonly prescribed...
Too much sodium, found in table salt, can raise your blood pressure, cause fluid retention and increase your risk of developing heart disease. Switching to potassium chloride, the most common type of salt substitute can help prevent fluid...
High cholesterol is a serious health issue in America. More than 100 million adults in the United States have high cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 35 million of these Americans have enough cholesterol...
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 20 million Americans suffer with asthma, as of 2011. Asthma is also considered the most common chronic condition in children, with 5 million affected. Asthma accounts for around 2 million...
