Together your heart and blood vessels comprise the cardiovascular system. Substances you ingest daily such as caffeine, nicotine, over-the-counter preparations for flu and cold symptoms, weight loss and increased stamina affect your cardiovascular...
As the Merck Manuals explain, the body is able to control blood pressure by expanding and constricting blood vessels. This allows the body to raise blood pressure when it is low and also allows the body to regulate the amount of blood that gets to...
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is defined as having systolic blood pressure over 140 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and diastolic pressure over 90 mmHg. According to the American Heart Association, this condition afflicts...
Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease that results in symptoms such as fibrosis, decreased liver function, abdominal fluid buildup called ascites, portal hypertension and other serious complications. Detrimental changes in blood flow and blood...
Cranberries are not only a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C, they also possess antioxidant compounds known as oligomeric procyanidins, which are responsible for most of their health effects. Research indicates that consuming cranberry...
Rosacea is a skin disease that affects the face. It usually starts as redness that resembles a blush across the nose, forehead, or cheeks. As time passes, red pimples and bumps appear. Some patients also notice red blood vessel lines across their...
The pain of a sinus headache is caused by pressure in the nasal cavity. That pressure is created when the nasal cavities become inflamed and mucus builds up in the passages. The source of the inflammation is almost always a bacterial infection...
When people have red, irritated eyes, they often take over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops for instant relief. While the drops can make your eyes look and feel better, frequent use over a long period of time may aggravate the problems. Eventually, the...
When the body has difficulty maintaining its temperature and becomes too hot, heat exhaustion is the result. As the body temperature rises, heat exhaustion can rapidly progress to life-threatening heat stroke if left unchecked. Someone afflicted...
Nutrex is the manufacturer of a number of weight loss and physical enhancement supplements and nutraceuticals. According to the Nutrex website, there are 10 different products available. Ingredients lists and advertising materials on the website...
Bitter orange is an herbal supplement derived from the fruit of the Citrus aurantium tree. In recent years, bitter orange has replaced ephedra as a natural weight loss aid in many over-the-counter supplements. Like ephedra, bitter orange can...
Heatstroke occurs when the human body reaches a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. It can be caused by strenuous activity, high environmental temperature, or other conditions that raise the temperature of the body. Immediate medical...
When you exercise, your body responds immediately on a cellular, physiological and neuromuscular level. Although the body responds quickly, it may take four to eight weeks of consistent exercise before the improvements will be visible or...
People often associate Crohn's disease with intestinal problems, but Crohn's, which causes chronic inflammation leading to diarrhea and abdominal pain, can also cause inflammation in various parts of the eye. Eye problems affect around 10 percent...
Potassium, designated by the letter K on the periodic table because its Latin name is kalium, does not thicken your blood. Vitamin K, a vitamin, not a mineral, and a completely different substance from potassium, increases your blood's ability to...
Liver cirrhosis refers to the end stage of chronic liver disease where continuous damage to normal liver tissue has resulted in the formation of scar tissue. Often individuals with mild to moderate liver cirrhosis exhibit no symptoms. If the...
The mechanisms that make some over-the-counter and prescription medications effective can also raise blood pressure (BP). If hypertension is a pre-existing condition, it is wise to avoid these drugs, except under the advice and monitoring of your...
Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone, is secreted by the posterior pituitary. The hypothalamus in the brain regulates the secretion of vasopressin. Neurons in the hypothalamus are sensitive to changes in sodium concentration in the...
You may only associate tears with crying or pain, but tears are vital to the healthy functioning of your eyes each and every day. If something affects your natural tear production, you may develop a condition known as dry eye, which not only is...
Bikram yoga takes place in a hot room, typically above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. As a warm-blooded mammal, your body works to maintain a relatively stable internal temperature, approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. During a bikram class, your body...
Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure exerted on blood vessel walls as a result of blood circulation. High blood pressure places excess strain on the blood vessels and the heart, and can lead to heart disease or blood vessel rupture....
Multiple recent studies have sparked intense interest in the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids derived from marine sources. Taking recommended amounts of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from fish, fish oil or...
Skin redness occurs for various reasons, including disease, allergic reactions, burns, inflammation, and conditions such as rosacea. Many times there is no cure for skin redness, and you should consult a dermatologist if your condition persists....
Supplements derived from foods may sound harmless--after all, you probably eat some of those foods--yet they can contain chemicals with the potential for adverse side effects. Taking products containing bitter orange extract, derived from the peel...
Over-the-counter eye drops known as "artificial tears" are commonly used to treat milder cases of dry eye syndrome. A dry cornea and conjunctiva is due to abnormal tearing. Symptoms may include itching, burning or eye redness. There are many types...
Spider veins, named so due to their spider-like configuration, are small, dilated blood vessels that primarily appear on the face and legs. They sometimes cause pain and a burning sensation. While further scientific study is needed to confirm the...
Fruit is generally considered a diet-friendly food group, and if you're on a weight loss regimen, you've probably found fruit to be a staple of your diet. In addition, the use of certain bitter fruits in weight loss formulas has become popular....
Migraines are severe headaches that may last for a significant period of time, sometimes as long as several days. Symptoms of a migraine include head pain that throbs, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, nausea and vomiting. Migraines are a...
Clear Eyes is a brand of eye drops used to provide temporary relief of dry eyes, allergies, eye itching and other similar discomfort. Clear Eyes is available over-the-counter, but its use should be discussed with a doctor when other health...
