Cholesterol is a type of lipid. Excess of lipids and faty substances into blood can cause Hyperlipidemia. It is a risk for development of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Hyperlipidemia greatest modifiable risk is diet with a fat intake of more than 40% of total calories. Other causes of Hyperlipidemia can include hereditary and certain medications. Diabetes and under active thyroid may lead to high cholesterol. Medications called statins (Lipitor,, Zocor and Crestor) are common treatments.
27 million Americans have thyroid disease. women are 7 times greater risk than men of developing thyroid disease. Thyroid disease is more common in patients with a family history of thyroid disease. Other causes include exposure to radiation treatment, surgical treatment in which part of the thyroid is removed, some medications such as Lithium and Amiodarone. If the thyroid is under active patients complain of weight gain, fatigue, constipation, dry skin, prolonged menstrual bleeding and depression. Overactive thyroid disease causes excessive sweating, weight loss, tremor, rapid heart rate and heat intolerance. Diagnosis is made by blood tests, ultrasound, and thyroid scans. A thyroid biopsy may need to be performed if cancer is suspected. Treatments such as medication, surgery, radioactive ablation may be needed depending on the thyroid condition.
Hypertension is the term used to describe high blood pressure which is a condition in which the force of blood against your artery wall may cause heart disease. 90 percent of cases there is no identifiable cause this is called primary or essential hypertension. Secondary hypertension can be caused by an underlying condition such as kidney disease, adrenal gland tumors, congenital defects o blood vessels and certain medications. High blood pressure is more common in black patients, overweight patients and increases with age, inactivity and smoking. There are many medications used to treat hypertension as well as lifestyle changes.
Diabetes affects more than 70 million Americans. The risk factors for diabetes include obesity, age over 45 years old , failure to exercise and some ethnic groups. Over time diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood. In this disease the body makes little of no insulin,Daily injection of insulin is needed. Genetics, virus or autoimmune disease may play a role. Type 2 diabetes makes up most of diabetes . It occurs in adulthood. The pancreas does not have enough insulin to keep blood glucose normal as well as the body not responding well to insulin. Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops any time during pregnancy in women who does not have diabetes. Blood tests are used to make a diagnosis. Treatments include diet, exercise and various medications.
