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A-Z Lab test

A laboratory (lab) test is a procedure in which a health care provider takes a sample of your blood, urine, other bodily fluid, or body tissue to get information about your health. Some lab tests are used to help diagnose, screen, or monitor a specific disease or condition.

general check-up

Get a Personalized General Check-up: Your Key to Peace of Mind and Health

Get a Personalized General Check-up: Your Key to Peace of Mind and Health Read More »

Preventive medicine is rapidly advancing towards a more personalized approach. This shift, driven by international medical organizations, prioritizes disease prevention and tailors clinical recommendations to individual risk factors. However, many medical centers still offer a standard list of blood tests to all patients, overlooking these unique risk factors and updated guidelines. This generalized approach can delay the diagnosis of various diseases. It’s essential to know which specific blood tests should be part of your General Check-up to avoid missing potential illnesses. Moreover, understanding the appropriate tests can help you avoid unnecessary procedures, false diagnoses, and treatments, ultimately contributing to a sense of peace and well-being. Selecting a General Check-up that aligns with your personal health needs ensures you receive the most accurate and beneficial care. This article was last reviewed by Svetlana Baloban, Healsens, on January 24, 2022. This article was last modified on 3 March 2023. Screening vs. Diagnostic Tests When visiting a doctor, the tests you undergo can be classified into two categories: diagnostic and screening tests. Diagnostic tests are prescribed based on specific complaints to identify the underlying cause of symptoms. Screening tests, on the other hand, are recommended even in the absence of symptoms, aiming to detect diseases early based on age, sex, family history, or other risk factors. Personalized Screening with Healsens IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Screening vs. Diagnostic Tests 2 Personalized Screening with Healsens 3 Factors in General Check-up Decisions 4 Healsens General Check-up Plan RELATED ARTICLES Healsens adopts guidelines from reputable medical organizations like the US Preventive Services Task Force and the American Society of Clinical Oncology to personalize your General Check-up. By asking about your habits, weight, height, waist circumference, and more, Healsens considers individual risk factors to create a tailored preventive checkup plan. This ensures that your General Check-up is not only thorough but also relevant to your specific health needs. Factors in General Check-up Decisions Several factors determine the necessity and appropriateness of screening tests in a general check-up: Medical guidelines are continuously updated to reflect the latest research. Healsens leverages these guidelines to provide a list of necessary tests based on your individual risk factors, including: Interesting Fact Do you know that there are several methods for testing mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes? The most accessible and inexpensive one is PCR testing for mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. And as you might guess, it is the least accurate. Only 5% of all cases of mutations will be diagnosed by this testing method. Therefore, if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, the NGS method is used as a screening method. Healsens General Check-up Plan The Healsens General Check-up plan offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to preventive health maintenance. By incorporating the latest medical guidelines and research, Healsens ensures you receive the most appropriate screening tests for your unique health needs. This proactive approach not only enhances early detection and prevention of potentially life-threatening illnesses but also brings a sense of peace and well-being. Healsens’ personalized General Check-up plan considers your individual risk factors, leveraging up-to-date guidelines to offer a tailored, comprehensive health screening. This approach helps you stay ahead of potential health issues while avoiding unnecessary interventions, ensuring your peace of mind and optimal health.

mammogram screening guidelines

MAMMOGRAM SCREENING GUIDELINES

MAMMOGRAM SCREENING GUIDELINES Read More »

In one of our previous articles, we wrote that mammography (MMG) is a screening diagnostic method for breast cancer. Today, we would like to expand on this topic and have invited a specialized specialist to share information about MMG and the current mammogram screening guidelines being used. This article was written by Y. Timovskaya, Ph.D., doctor oncologist of the highest category, Member of ESMO with the help of A Galishyna, head of the diagnostic department of the Specialized Breast Center, a doctor of radiation diagnostics, member of ESR, EUSOBI. This article was last modified on 10 August 2021. It has been proven that regular examinations increase the rate of early detection of breast cancer. 👉 But are all examination methods (examination, mammography, ultrasound) equally effective for the early detection of breast cancer?👉 And how often should they be applied: annually, every six months, or are there other options? Today we will deal with these issues. Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer For early detection of breast cancer, especially preclinical forms, the effectiveness of mammography (MMG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the mammary glands with contrast enhancement has been proven. Ultrasound examination of the mammary glands is a useful addition to them. When choosing a diagnostic method, there is no universal approach that would suit everyone. The results of breast cancer treatment directly depend on the stage at which the treatment of this disease is started. The smaller the stage, the shorter, cheaper, and more effective the treatment. Therefore, the whole world is fighting to identify the early, if possible, preclinical stages of breast cancer (we wrote about what clinical breast cancer is in a separate article). IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer 2 Ultrasound breast screening and Mammogram: definition 3 How to Choose Diagnostic Methods 4 Mammogram vs Ultrasound 5 Mammogram screening guidelines 6 What you need to tell the doctor to determine the research method At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the patient’s age, complaints, anamnesis, clinical examination data, and the results of previous medical tests. Ultrasound Breast Screening and Mammogram: definition ✔ Mammography (MMG) is an X-ray method for breast examination, which is the gold standard for diagnosing breast cancer. It perfectly detects microcalcifications, one of the early signs of breast cancer. The most important thing when using MMG is the fact that even standard views allow you to visually assess the full volume of an organ. ✔ Ultrasound – ultrasound examination of breast tissue, an additional diagnostic method. Suitable for patients with increased density of breast tissue (women under 35-40 years old). Therefore, it may be more appropriate for patients under 35-40 years of age to have an ultrasound scan rather than mammography (MMG). It is also the best method for fragmentary assessment of breast tissue. It is also used for the differential diagnosis of some formations. These, for example, include formations with a clear outline, identified on mammography. Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages. There are no absolute contraindications to their implementation. How to Choose Diagnostic Methods As we wrote above, each clinical case requires an individual approach in the selection and examination sequence. So, for example, if a patient has complaints, her examination is diagnostic in nature. In this case, the doctor’s task is to choose the most appropriate diagnostic method. The aim will be to find out the reason for the complaints, the nature of the process, and the extent to which it has spread. It’s worth saying that a multimodal approach is often used. In such cases, a combination of several methods is used (MMG + ultrasound, MMG + MRI, using interventional techniques). It is also important to note that doctors sometimes need to apply special techniques within the same research method. For example, in the case of MMG, these are spot view, magnification view(s), Cleopatra’s view, etc. But in any case, the doctor is responsible to choose the appropriate diagnostic methods and techniques. Therefore, it is very important to contact specialists who can use the entire arsenal of diagnostic methods. Is it possible to avoid examinations if there are no complaints from the breast? The American Society of Breast Surgeons says that all women over the age of 25 must have a formal breast cancer risk assessment. You can do it yourself, or go through the risk assessment according to the NCCN guidelines in Healsens (below there will be links to download the app). After such an assessment is made, categories of patients without complaints should undergo screening. If a woman is not at risk, then such examinations can be started from the age of 40+. But we’ll talk more about mammogram screening guidelines below. If the risk of breast cancer is above average, then annual screening mammograms should be started at an earlier age, and in addition to mammography, additional examinations may be required. Mammogram vs Ultrasound It is worth pointing out what the limitations are for each diagnostic method. Thus, it will become more obvious what is decisive when choosing a diagnostic method. So, for ultrasound, the following limits are distinguished: Since ultrasound assesses the gland tissue fragmentarily, section by section, for patients with large breast sizes, this method is also not very suitable. This is due to the fact that there is a high risk of missing small formations. Mammography is not recommended without direct indications (suspected cancer) during pregnancy and lactation. In addition, in young patients, the diagnostic value of MMG decreases. This is due to the fact that young women have a higher density of breast tissue. And finally, we add that MMG is also ineffective in the presence of inflammatory diseases of the mammary glands. Mammogram screening guidelines At the moment, medical guidelines aim for an individualized approach, taking into account personal risks. Generally, the higher the risk of breast cancer, the earlier and more often screenings are recommended. So, for example, the American Cancer Society divides women into risk groups. For Women at Increased Risk of Breast

Соотношение кортизол/ДГЭА-С

Cortisol/Dhea-S Ratio Of Longevity

Cortisol/Dhea-S Ratio Of Longevity Read More »

A complex interaction between cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEA-S) is crucial in the stress system balance. In particular, significantly higher or lower cortisol/DHEA(S) ratios have been associated with depression and aggression. In general, DHEA-S levels affect various body systems, as well as prevent aging (Chahal and Drake 2007). That is why the Cortisol DHEA ratio is a very informational indicator, which, along with other indicators calculated in Healsens, provides important information about human health. Thus, using the ratio of cortisol / DHEA-S, you can assess body responses to exercise or evaluate mental health. Another benefit is that you can check your cortisol and DHEA-S levels at home. This article was last reviewed by Svetlana Baloban, Healsens, on January 24, 2020. This article was last modified on 4 March 2021. How Cortisol and DHEA Sulfate Affect the Body Let’s start by looking at how cortisol and DHEA-S affect overall health. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol are produced in the adrenal glands and are both derived from pregnenolone. So, DHEA and DHEA-S production reaches its peak at the age of 20–30 and then declines progressively with age. When it comes to cortisol levels, while some studies show that cortisol increases with age, others do not support this observation. However, everyone agrees that the reduction in DHEA-S entails disruption of various physiological systems. Stress Level As mentioned above, DHEA and DHEA-S play a protective role during acute stress as an antagonist to the action of the stress hormone cortisol. In turn, cortisol also helps to effectively manage stress. Let’s see how this happens. About 15 minutes after a stressful situation, cortisol levels rise and remain elevated for several hours. This marks the onset of stage 1. During this stage, there are elevations in cortisol with no corresponding changes in DHEA. Subsequently, glucose is mobilized, non-essential organ systems are suppressed, and inflammation is reduced. All of these physiological responses collectively enable the body to effectively cope with stress. However, in cases of chronic stress, this adaptive reaction can take a catastrophic turn: cortisol loses its ability to function normally. This transition ushers in stage 2. In this latter stage, the persistence of stress leads to a sustained peak in cortisol levels, matched by a corresponding elevation of DHEA. IN THIS ARTICLE 1 How Cortisol and DHEA Sulfate Affect the Body 2 Assessing Exercises 3 Adrenal/DHEA Restoration RELATED ARTICLES It becomes increasingly challenging to maintain appropriate blood sugar levels, to allow for adequate rest, to achieve high-quality sleep, and to achieve a harmonious balance among other hormones. This signals the arrival of stage 3, wherein stress persists and becomes chronic. During this stage, cortisol levels decrease, while DHEA remains elevated. In the absence of timely intervention, prolonged adrenal hyperstimulation can result in adrenal exhaustion. This condition is eventually manifested by a decline in both cortisol and DHEA, a phase often denoted as adrenal exhaustion or stage 4. Ultimately, this process may culminate in adrenal failure. Thus, the optimal ratio between salivary cortisol and DHEA is approximately 5:1 to 6:1, serving as an indicator of a normal state of adaptation to stress. When the body’s ability to maintain its normal stress adaptation is compromised, a process known as stress maladjustment can ensue. This phenomenon is now recognized as a chronic stress response, often identified by terms like pregnenolone steal, cortisol escape, or an elevated cortisol to DHEA ratio. The longer one remains in a state of chronic stress, the more pervasive its negative impact becomes on various aspects of physical well-being. As a result, individuals grappling with depression or heightened anxiety levels (measured at 0.24 ± 0.03 in the healthy group compared to 0.41 ± 0.12 in the group of individuals with severe anxiety), along with those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, exhibit disruptions in the cortisol to DHEA ratio. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that certain studies have demonstrated the potential of DHEA treatment to mitigate the adverse health effects associated with stress. Musculoskeletal disorders We have already mentioned that cortisol dysfunction entails disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Thus, the higher the cortisol / DHEA-S ratio, the more serious the risk of this problem. Moreover, multiple regression analysis showed that the independent risk factor for sarcopenia was a serum cortisol/DHEA-S ratio ≥ 0.2. Sarcopenia is a type of muscle loss that occurs with aging and/or immobility. Immunity and Cortisol DHEA Ratio In addition, an increase in the cortisol / DHEA-S ratio with age (Phillips et al. 2007) is associated with immune dysfunction and the risk of infection in the elderly due to the fact that DHEA-S enhances immunity. However, cortisol has an inverse immunosuppressive effect (Buford and Willoughby 2005). It is also worth adding that DHEA-S is known for its antioxidant properties. Metabolic Syndrome Various studies have shown that both cortisol and DHEAS are related to metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. While high cortisol concentrations are associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, high DHEA-S levels appear to be protective. By far, the strongest associations were observed for the cortisol / DHEA-S ratio. According to observations, the higher the coefficient, the greater the risk of metabolic syndrome. This ratio is also strongly associated with four of the five components of metabolic syndrome. Alzheimer’s Disease The cortisol / DHEA-S ratio may also be crucial in Alzheimer’s disease. For example, some studies have found a link between the cortisol / DHEA-C ratio and a decrease in hippocampal volume. It is worth saying that a decrease in the volume of the hippocampus is one of the early diagnostic signs of Alzheimer’s disease. This finding has been confirmed by other studies, observing the relationship between cortisol / DHEA-S and hippocampal atrophy (HA). For example, such a direct relationship was observed in patients with Cushing’s syndrome. Moreover, HC volume partially recovered following treatment-induced cortisol decrease. However, not all studies support this association within normal cortisol levels in healthy people. To sum up, the ratio of cortisol / DHEA sulfate can reflect: Assessing Exercises DHEA (Aldred et al. 2009; Cumming et al. 1986) and DHEA-S (Tremblay et al.

Treatment For Vitamin D Deficiency

Treatment For Vitamin D Deficiency Read More »

Understanding the importance of vitamin D for health at any age is crucial. Since low levels of vitamin D are common, it is important to know how to treat it. We will discuss various ways to improve health through sunlight exposure, proper nutrition, and the use of vitamin D supplements as part of the treatment for vitamin D deficiency. Additionally, we will explore how individual characteristics can influence the success of achieving healthy vitamin D levels, as well as determine safe dosages for its maintenance. This article was last reviewed by Svetlana Baloban, Healsens, on October 24, 2020. This article was last modified on 29 October 2020. Let us start with how we define vitamin D deficiency. In summary, a deficiency occurs when the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is less than 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/L). If your serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is between 20 and 30 ng/ml (50 to 75 nmol/liter), then we are talking about vitamin D insufficiency. Values of less than 10 ng/ml refer to severe vitamin D deficiency. We will analyze the approach to treat this deficiency separately. Treatment for vitamin D deficiency Sunbathing Sunbathing, mentioned in the article about the influence of vitamin D on health, is an excellent way to compensate for vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight (ultraviolet) promotes the formation of about a dozen beneficial compounds, including not only vitamin D but also nitric oxide (NO5), which is beneficial for reducing blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. The skin contains significant reserves of nitric oxide, which, when exposed to ultraviolet light, can be converted into NO and enter the systemic circulation. Studies on humans show that this process can cause dilation of arterial vessels and reduction in blood pressure. IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Treatment for vitamin D deficiency 2 Vitamin D Deficiency Treatment Using Supplements 3 Maintenance Dose of Vitamin D 4 Monitoring Vitamin D Levels RELATED ARTICLES It is also noted that the impact of ultraviolet radiation can suppress clinical symptoms of multiple sclerosis independently of vitamin D synthesis . Sunlight is also beneficial for maintaining healthy erectile function. However, it is worth remembering that UV radiation remains a proven carcinogen. What to do in this situation? It is recommended to consider the option of “healthy sun exposure”, when you are in the sun during the safest times – before 10 in the morning and after 4 in the evening. It is important to remember that sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 can reduce vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Additionally, people with naturally dark skin have built-in sun protection and require at least three to five times longer exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin D. Choose the safest times for sunbathing without sunscreen. Food Another way to increase the level of vitamin D in the body is through the consumption of food products. Very few foods naturally contain or are enriched with vitamin D. However, in combination with sunbathing, food products can also be beneficial. Pay attention to foods such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna), egg yolks, cheese, liver, and vitamin D-fortified dairy products and cereals – they can become a good source of this vitamin. In addition to sunbathing, in case of vitamin D deficiency (especially at critical levels when the level of 25(OH)D is less than 20 ng/ml), it is advisable to take vitamin D in the form of supplements. It is worth noting that the increase in the level of 25(OH)D when taking vitamin D supplements is highly individual. In the next chapter, we will delve into the issue of vitamin D dosages through supplements recommended at present. Vitamin D Deficiency Treatment Using Supplements Vitamin D deficiency is defined when the level of 25(OH)D is below 20 ng/mL. It is important to realize that unprotected sun exposure is the primary source of vitamin D for both children and adults. Vitamin D synthesized in the skin can remain in the blood at least twice as long as vitamin D obtained from external sources. However, if opportunities for sunbathing are unavailable, considering vitamin D supplementation becomes advisable. The amount of vitamin D needed to treat deficiency largely depends on the degree of deficiency and key risk factors. Let’s delve into clinical recommendations for treating vitamin D deficiency using supplements. Research findings indicate a rate of increase in the level of 25(OH)D in serum of approximately 0.4 ng/mL/μg/day. This means that intake of 100 IU/day of vitamin D increases the level of 25(OH)D in serum by less than 1 ng/mL. For instance, if your level of 25(OH)D in serum is 15 ng/mL, an additional daily intake of about 1500 IU of vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 is required to achieve and maintain a level of 30 ng/mL. However, to achieve a similar increase in the level of 25(OH)D in serum among individuals with obesity, two to three times more vitamin D is required. Vitamin D can be taken on an empty stomach or with meals, and dietary fats are not required. Taken three times a year, weekly, or daily, vitamin D can be effective in maintaining the level of 25(OH)D in serum for both children and adults. » Discover everything about what your cholesterol results mean. How much vitamin D should I take if I’m deficient? So, the amount of vitamin D needed to treat a deficiency depends largely on the degree of the deficiency and the underlying risk factors. Initial supplementation with Vitamin D3 for 8 weeks, either 6,000 IU daily or 50,000 IU weekly, can be considered. When the vitamin level exceeds 30 ng/ml, the daily maintenance dose will be 1500 to 2000 IU. If after 8 weeks your level of 25(OH)D in the blood has not increased, it is recommended to undergo testing for celiac disease or hidden cystic fibrosis. Higher-risk adults may require higher starting doses of vitamin D3. These people include African Americans, Hispanics, people with obesity, chronic illness, and taking certain medications. Typically, your doctor may prescribe 10,000 IU of vitamin per day. For such people,

vitamin a immune system

VITAMIN A HELPS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

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Vitamins are essential constituents of our diet that have been known to influence the immune system. But which vitamins have proven effective to help our immune system? Is a healthy diet enough? All these questions are constantly raised and become especially burning during epidemics. In turn, many studies test hypotheses and publish the results, sometimes breaking quite common myths. This time, to further expand on the topic of immunity health, we will review how vitamin A affects the immune system. We will also answer the question of how to check a deficiency / excess of this vitamin. This article was last reviewed by Svetlana Baloban, Healsens, on February 23, 2020. This article was last modified on 22 February 2020. To begin with, we note that vitamins cannot be sufficiently synthesized by our body and must come to us with food. So Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, who won Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, said that “Vitamins and their metabolites are essential for a large number of physiological processes”. And that’s true. Vitamins and their metabolites are essential for a large number of physiological processes. They play an important role in the immune system, extending to both innate and adaptive immune responses Vitamin A Helps Immune System IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Vitamin A Helps Immune System 2 Vitamin A Deficiency 3 How is vitamin A deficiency treated and prevented? 4 Hypervitaminosis A or Vitamin A Toxicity RELATED ARTICLES Many people know that vitamin A is crucial for maintaining vision. And, of course, who has not heard that it is widely used in cosmetics?! Vitamin A turned out to be the first vitamin approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an anti-wrinkle agent.. Thus, it confirmed its ability to change the appearance of the skin surface and has anti-aging effects. However, its functions do not end there. So, it is crucial for promoting growth and development and protecting epithelium and mucus. Did you know that it’s also called an anti-inflammation vitamin? It has to do with its critical role in enhancing immune function. For this function, vitamin A should be referred to as the vitamin that helps our immune system. In turn, vitamin A deficiency impairs innate immunity by impeding the regeneration of mucosal barriers damaged by infection. It’s not just that our innate immunity suffers, but vitamin A is also required for adaptive immunity. In severe cases, the immune system is so weak that it cannot even cope with a common cold. There are several reasons why vitamin A deficiency may develop. First of all, nutritional deficiencies can affect the lack of this vitamin. So, we obtain vitamin A through diet in two forms. Retinol and retinyl ester come from animal sources such as meat, dairy products, and fish. Provitamin A (beta-carotenoid) is derived from colorful fruits and vegetables. Insufficient intake of the vitamin with food may result in its deficiency. Second, vitamin deficiency is associated with certain diseases, such as liver disorder. Moreover, infectious diseases transiently depress serum retinol concentrations. Zinc deficiency can also impair the absorption, transportation and metabolism of vitamin A. Let’s see how often vitamin A deficiency occurs in people? Vitamin A Deficiency and Its Impact on the Immune System Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is the single most important cause of childhood blindness in developing countries. Dietary surveys indicate that many US adults are not meeting dietary requirements for vitamin A. According to their results, 51% of adults fall short of the Estimated Average Requirement. But what about the situation in other countries? ? In 2018, a paper was published about vitamin A intake in China among 12,246 adults aged 18 to 64 years old. Approximately 87% of adults didn’t consume enough vitamin A. Remarkably, retinol intake was significantly higher in younger adults compared to older adults, and in males compared to females. Therefore, understanding the symptoms of vitamin A deficiency can be very helpful. So, classic symptoms include problems such as dry eyes and night blindness. Although eye problems are the most well-known issues related to vitamin A deficiency, this symptom may not be observed. Therefore, we consider other symptoms. Dry skin also is suggestive of its deficiency but can be due to other causes. Moreover, poor wound healing, as well as acne, may indicate a problem of vitamin A. To diagnose vitamin A deficiency, a serum vitamin A/retinol analysis is used. This lab test will be useful if levels are under 28 μg/dL. In this case, it will indicate an acute shortage. However, this analysis is not suitable if deficiency is mild. This is due to the fact that serum retinol concentrations don’t begin to decline in healthy individuals until liver reserves of vitamin A are dangerously low. How is vitamin A deficiency treated and prevented? In order to prevent vitamin A deficiency, it will be enough to include foods rich in vitamin A into your diet. Concentrations of preformed vitamin A are highest in liver and fish oils. Other sources of preformed vitamin A include such foods as: The recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 900 mcg and 700 mcg per day for men and women. So, one medium-sized raw carrot, weighing 61 g, contains 509 mcg RAE of vitamin A. To talk about vitamin A deficiency, it treated with vitamin A palmitate oil. For such cases, a dosage of 60,000 IU is taken orally for 2 days. Then the dosage reduced to 4500 IU orally per day. An alternative dosing is: Hypervitaminosis A or Vitamin A Toxicity Vitamin A is fat-soluble. Therefore the body is able to accumulate it, mainly in the liver. Accordingly, its excessive consumption can lead to its excess, which is toxic (hypervitaminosis A). But do not worry that a regular diet can lead to such results. As already mentioned, a study of dietary preferences came to exactly opposite conclusion. Nevertheless, excessive consumption of foods rich in vitamin A has been observed. For example, the authors of “Carrot man” tell a story of a 48-year-old male. The man complained to his primary care physician of abdominal discomfort and yellow/orange skin discoloration. It turned out that

Как снизить гликированный гемоглобин

How To Lower Your A1c Levels?

How To Lower Your A1c Levels? Read More »

Diabetes is a major global health concern with a significant rise in prevalence. At the same time, glycated hemoglobin (A1C) helps to know how your body copes with sugar. For us, it’s an opportunity to detect a condition when the body is not functioning normally but it has not yet reached a state of disease. We’re talking about prediabetes. But for people with diabetes, this test is useful as well, mostly because it shows the risks of complications. In this article, we will talk about the situation when the test has already been done, and its results exceed healthy values. So, here you will find all about how to lower your a1c without medication. This article was last reviewed by Svetlana Baloban, Healsens, on June 11, 2020. This article was last modified on 7 February 2020. When talking about Normal Levels of Hemoglobin A1c we shall remember the following ranges. For diabetes-free people the normal range is between 4% and 5.6%. If your hemoglobin levels are 5.7% – 6.4%, the odds you will get diabetes are high. Levels of 6.5% or higher mean you have diabetes. Decreasing Hemoglobin Goals In the US, 79 million adults have prediabetes, a prevalence approximately 3 times that of diabetes. Certainly, whether prediabetes progresses into diabetes depends on a number of variable factors. The willingness of a person to change his or her lifestyle determines treatment success. Nevertheless, a person’s genetics and well-chosen drug therapy are important factors as well. IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Decreasing Hemoglobin Goals 2 How to Lower Your A1C without Medication 3 Pharmacotherapy in Type 2 Diabetes Prevention 4 Fiber in Diet to Lower Your A1C RELATED ARTICLES So, the 4 pillars of effective diabetes management are: How to Lower Your A1C without Medication In 2002, Knowler hypothesized that lifestyle changes would prevent or delay the development of diabetes. The researchers randomly chose patients with prediabetes. Some patients received a placebo, other joined a special lifestyle changes program. It included increasing activity to at least 150 minutes/week and losing weight by at least 7%. The mean age of the participants was 51 years old. And the BMI was 34.0 kg/m2. The average follow-up was 2.8 years. As a result, the lifestyle intervention reduced the incidence by 58% compared with the placebogroup. Further analysis of this study showed that if people did not change their lifestyle, most would develop type 2 diabetes over the next 10 years. Since then, many other studies have confirmed these conclusions. In 2013 researchers compared the effectiveness of lifestyle changes to standard care. Seven of the nine studies reported that lifestyle interventions put off the risk of diabetes by up to 10 years after a lifestyle intervention. However, for some people with prediabetes, a change in lifestyle is not enough. Pharmacotherapy in Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Evidence from pharmacotherapy preventing diabetes in patients with prediabetes was reported in 2002. Biguanides, such as metformin, were proven by the researchers to decrease the incidence of diabetes. At the same time, this decrease isn’t as considerable as the one caused by lifestyle changes. Metformin has beneficial effects on BMI and lipid concentrations. In 2010, Lilly and Godwin concluded after a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis that metformin lowers risk of Type 2 diabetes by 45%. Metformin is currently the only medication recommended by the ADA for prediabetes treatment. According to the ADA, it is typically prescribed for patients who are at high risk of developing diabetes. So, if people fail in lifestyle modification therapy and their glucose is progressing, metformin is a reasonable second choice. However, despite metformin’s widespread use, the medication is not for all patients. So, the ACE/AACE recommends a two-pronged approach to treating prediabetes. At first, intensive lifestyle intervention. Namely lifestyle modification training such as 150 minutes per week of physical activity as well as 7% of weight loss if BMI exceeds 25 kg/m2, followed by the prevention of CV complications for abnormal blood pressure and cholesterol. Fiber in Diet to Lower Your A1C Increased fiber in diet is associated with a reduction of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), improved lipid profile, and loss of body weight in type 2 diabetes patients. An increased fiber content decreases the glycemic index of foods. In addition, foods containing dietary fibers are also a rich source of magnesium. To underline, that magnesium is a co-factor for enzymes involved in glucose metabolism. In turn, dietary magnesium lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Studies also say that dietary fiber is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes which can be explained through markers of inflammation. We are talking about markers like interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor α. Moreover, some researches showed that when total dietary fiber was separated into cereal, fruit, and vegetable fiber groups, it appeared that cereal fiber reduced the incidence of developing type 2 diabetes the most. Ordering Blood Tests in the Netherlands If you are interested in checking your HbA1c level, you can easily purchase a blood test kit from Healsens. 1. Download the Healsens app from Google Play or the App Store, depending on your device. 2. Complete the registration process in the app. 3. Tap on the ”Order Blood Tests”. 4. Find the HbA1c test and tap on the “Add to Cart” button. Proceed with the ordering process. » Unlock Optimal Health: Discover How a Personalized Healsens General Check-up Plan Can Transform Your Well-being. Note If you want to assess your HbA1c level but are not residing in the Netherlands or have opted for a different laboratory, Healsens cannot upload your blood test results for you. Nevertheless, you have the option to undergo the required tests at any laboratory in your country and manually input the obtained results into the application. Healsens will open more opportunities for you to naturally normalize your blood test results. Furthermore, you gain full access to investigate your health risk assessment based on the provided data.

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EFFECT OF ZINC ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

EFFECT OF ZINC ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM Read More »

Immune response is the main mechanism of host defense against infections and pathogenic microbes, it helps to eliminate toxic or allergenic substances that enter our body through mucosal surfaces. So, the importance of immune response can hardly be overestimated. However, a wide range of factors can disrupt it. And by reason of it, it is so important to understand what exactly causes the failure. In this article, we will talk about the role of zinc in the immune system and this will open a series of articles on the topic of maintaining immunity. This article was last reviewed by Svetlana Baloban, MD on 18 March 2020. This article was last modified on 7 February 2020. How to boost the immune system When talking about ways to strengthen our immune system, we cannot help recalling some general recommendations. Usually, general recommendations look exactly the same as those for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, namely: But the most effective means of preventing infection are still vaccines. IN THIS ARTICLE 1 How to boost the immune system 2 Zinc Functions in the Immune System 3 Zinc Deficiency Symptoms 4 Diagnosis 5 Foods High in Zinc RELATED ARTICLES Even though this list of general recommendations is non-exhaustive, these recommendations are universal and will work for everyone. And since you probably heard about them, we will talk about other factors that can negatively affect immunity. So, there is evidence that various micronutrient and vitamin deficiencies result in a weak immune system. These, for example, include vitamin A and vitamin D deficiencies, lack of zink, selenium, and others. As we have already said, we will begin our review with the effect of zinc on immunity. We will loop over the role of zinc in the immune system, talk about diagnostics and analyze treatment methods. About Zinc Zin is a mineral that’s important to the body in many ways. It is the second most abundant trace metal in the human body after iron. In contrast to the latter, zinc cannot be stored and has to be taken up via food daily to guarantee sufficient supply. So, it plays a role in cell division and growth, wound healing, and the breakdown of carbohydrates. Zinc also provides normal brain functioning, improves memory, and mental performance. In addition, it contributes to maintaining healthy bones, skin, hair, nails. Moreover, zinc is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory effect. This ability plays a role in the prevention of free-radical-induced injuries during inflammatory processes. Zinc and Immune System But the functions of zinc in the body do not end there. Zinc deficiency, as well as zinc excess lead to a weak immune system, which can result in increased susceptibility to infections and the development of inflammatory diseases. This is primarily due to the fact that zinc is crucial to normal development and functioning of cells which indirectly affect innate immunity, neutrophils and NK cells. Zinc deficiency also affects cells which absorb particles that are foreign or harmful to the body (macrophages). And in addition, zinc deficiency adversely affects the growth and function of major immune cells (T and B cells). As far back as 1963, Dr. Prasad for the first time proved the existence of zinc deficiency. Since then, knowledge about zinc evolved rapidly. It has been proven that marginal-to-moderate zinc deficiency leads to a weak immune system, delays wound healing, and increases oxidative stress. When zinc deficiency was first discovered, it was thought to be a rare disease. However, subsequent studies have found that zinc deficiency is very common, with an estimated two billion people worldwide being affected. As for zinc excess, it needs to be said, that it is quite rare. As a rule, its symptoms are mostly due to copper deficiency. Zinc Deficiency Symptoms As it was already mentioned above, the lack of zinc is a fairly frequent phenomenon. In addition, it especially affects industrial countries and the elderly. Therefore, let’s look at its indirect and direct signs that can be determined. The first symptom of zinc deficiency is a weak immune system. So, if you often catch a cold or are susceptible to chronic allergies, it may be a sign of zinc deficiency. Diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome may also indicate a lack of zinc. And besides, deterioration of the skin, nails, and hair can mean a deficiency of this trace element. Lack of zinc can cause significant hair loss. Worsening night vision, decreased mood, sleep disturbances, and decreased appetite are also noted. Vegetarians are more likely to have trouble getting enough zinc than others. This is due to the fact that they exclude meat from the diet, while meat is a good source of zinc. For such people, it would be useful to consider foods high in zinc. For example, you can vary your diet with pumpkin seeds, which can be added to any dishes, or almonds (see the full list of high products in zinc below). Also, alcoholic beverages decrease the amount of zinc that the body absorbs and increase the amount lost in the urine. In addition, studies reveal that nutritional deficiency of zinc is caused by high consumption of cereals, legumes, and oilseeds. They are all rich in phytate, which makes zinc unavailable for absorption. Diagnosis To date, no specific and reliable biomarker of zinc status is known. Nonetheless, serum/plasma zinc concentrations can be seen as potentially useful. Unfortunately, this test is far from ideal, as some elderly people were subject to an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines (zinc depletion factor) at normal plasma levels of zinc. That is why doctors can offer additional tests to show the content of zinc in the hair or its content in the urine. He may also suggest researching your diet to see how much zinc comes with food. But be as it may, a laboratory blood test for zinc is readily available, inexpensive, and good for primary diagnosing. Lab Test for Zinc Deficiency Reference Range (mcg/mL) for the age of 11 years old: 0.66 – 1.10 mcg/mL Foods High in Zinc A wide variety of foods

толщина комплекса интима–медиа сонных артерий

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Test

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Test Read More »

Although countries are focusing on fighting cardiovascular disease (CVD), the burden of coronary artery disease continues to rise globally. Atherosclerosis, the precursor of CV events, keeps progressing insidiously without symptoms. Let’s take a look at the reasons why this is happening, as well as at the solutions for the problem. Among other things, we will introduce some proposals from the expert group of Heart Attack Prevention and Education (SHAPE). We will also dwell on a simple non-invasive test, TCIM (Carotid Intima-Media Thickness), which appeared on the list of recommendations. This article was last reviewed by Svetlana Baloban, Healsens, on January 24, 2020. This article was last modified on 7 February 2020. We will start by looking back in history. So, the thickness of the intima-media of the carotid artery as a marker of atherosclerosis appeared not so long ago. It wasn’t until 1986 that Italian investigators decided to compare the arterial wall thickness aorta to common carotid arteries. They described the results and came to the conclusion that this approach may be useful. Since then, calculation of carotid IMT (CIMT) has been widely used as non-invasive measure of atherosclerosis. The Essence of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Test Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a screening test for atherosclerosis. In adults, CIMT is predictive of myocardial infarction and stroke. In children and adolescents, CIMT is used to assess vascular changes in the presence of CVD risk factors. IN THIS ARTICLE 1 The Essence of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Test 2 The relation between carotid intima-media thickness and diseases 3 Who is recommended to take this test? 4 How to calculate cardiovascular risk 5 The Screening for Heart Attack Prevention and Education (SHAPE) Task Force RELATED ARTICLES To understand what is measured with this test, let’s look at the structure of the coronary artery wall. It consists of three layers. The inner layer is called intima, the middle layer is called media, and the outer one is known as the adventitia. The layers of intima and media lie the deepest. So an increase in their thickness can be a sign of plaque formation. It is the thickness of the intima-media complex of the carotid neck arteries which feed the brain that is usually measured. Clinical Note CIMT screening is easily, safely, reliably, and inexpensively done with ultrasound. The relation between carotid intima-media thickness and diseases Interestingly, some studies have shown that cIMT is strongly and linearly related to age. Up to 25 years, the thickness is not higher than 0.6 mm. But by the age of 45 years, the CMM is on average higher than 0.8 mm. Some other studies have also indicated that CAIMT <0.8 mm is associated with normal healthy individuals, and value of CAIMT at or above 1 mm is associated with atherosclerosis and a significantly increased cardiovascular disease risk in any age group. Meanwhile, in the ESH/ESC hypertension guidelines (2013), carotid IMT > 0.9 mm has been reconfirmed as a marker of asymptomatic organ damage. The American Society of Echography (ASE) task force recommends that IMT ≥ 75th percentile is considered a high cardiovascular risk. Values from the 25th to the 75th percentile are an average cardiovascular risk. And values ≤ 25th percentile are considered low risk. Moreover, the CMM thickness is also associated with insulin resistance in healthy individuals, gallstone disease, the risk of progression of mild cognitive impairment and even Alzheimer’s disease. In other words, the larger CIMT the greater the risk of cardiovascular disease. The process is also associated with aging. However, you should not think that since aging is inevitable, then there is no point in measuring CIMT, since the good news is that recent studies suggest this process can be influenced and even reversed by increasing physical activities and treating it with medications. Who is recommended to take a carotid intima-media thickness test? Despite the many benefits and a wealth of information, screening for IMT has not yet been added to the CVD prevention guidelines. In early 2007, Circulation magazine published a report with the conclusion that IMT of the carotid arteries is a serious factor in the development of stroke and heart attack. Nevertheless, a few months later, the American Preventive Task Force recommended asymptomatic people not to undergo an IMT test regularly. Therefore, the traditional approach involves identifying people at risk of CVD. In this case, if you fall into a risk group (it also matters how great this risk is), then you are recommended to take this test. And vice versa, respectively. Moreover, the problem is that there is no uniform risk assessment system. Therefore, different organizations offer their own options. We’ve already reviewed different Cardiovascular Risk Assessment approaches but let’s take a look at some of them once more. How to calculate cardiovascular risk? As we mentioned above, there is currently no unified risk assessment system. At the same time, there are various risk calculators such as Framingham scores, Reynolds risk scores, ASCVD, SCORE, etc. So, the European guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention suggest taking this test to people with moderate cardiovascular risk. Most asymptomatic middle-aged adults fall into this category. You can calculate this risk using the Healsens application, or on your own. At the same time, the NCEP recommends estimating the risk using the Framingham risk score. You can calculate it as well. On the other hand, the American Society of Echocardiography recommended adding the following extra criteria: We wrote more about various risk calculators separately. But what is their importance? Why are we looking at these tools in such detail? The answer is simple. Based on the calculated risk, the doctor will decide whether to initiate preventive treatment. Indeed, as we wrote above, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease can be prevented. However, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death and severe disability worldwide. What’s the matter? What’s the problem with the traditional approach? It turned out that traditional methods of preventing A-CVD have proven largely insufficient. Indeed, studies indicate that traditional risk calculations explain only 60-65% of CVD risk. In addition, it was shown that

CORONARY ARTERY CALCIUM SCORE TEST

CORONARY ARTERY CALCIUM SCORE TEST Read More »

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, coronary artery disease (CAD) accounting for half of all such deaths. And at least 25% of patients experiencing nonfatal acute myocardial infarction or sudden death had no previous symptoms. Do you know that a 1999 study confirmed that coronary artery disease is ubiquitous between the ages of 17 and 34 years? The disease process at this stage is too early to cause coronary events but heralds their onset in the decades to follow. All of these facts make it clear how crucially important is to identify asymptomatic individuals for implementing preventive strategies. This is exactly the main focus of the Healsens platform. In this article, we will talk about another medical test that allows you to determine the presence of cholesterol deposits in the arteries. We’re talking about Coronary Artery Calcium Score Test or CAC test. This article was last reviewed by Svetlana Baloban, Healsens, on January 24, 2020. This article was last modified on 7 February 2020. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment Models To assess the risk of heart disease it’s very useful and highly recommended to apply “Total risk scores” as the initial method of stratification. Although it is only able to predict only 65-80% of future cardiovascular events. The Framingham risk score is one of the most widely used methods and is also calculated by Healsens. The Framingham Risk Score was first developed based on data obtained from the Framingham Heart Study, to estimate the 10-year risk of developing coronary heart disease There are other estimates of risk stratification assessment algorithms such as the PROCAM score or the European SCORE-system for an individual’s global 10-year risk of acute coronary events. So, pursuing the goal of preventive care and screening, which means finding problems long before they bring about health issues, and continuing the topic cardiovascular diseases, we take into account the assessment and correction of fats (such as cholesterol) in the blood, as well as such critical risk factors as homocysteine levels ​​and CRP, which are often overlooked. Taking into account all these tests let describe when and why Coronary Artery Calcium Score Test will be relevant and more preferred to the personal preventive program. IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment Models 2 Interpretation of the Сoronary Artery Calcium test result 3 Use of the Coronary Artery Calcium test in people with diabetes 4 Do I Need a Coronary Calcium Score? 5 How to reverse the growth of the calcium index 6 Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) RELATED ARTICLES Despite the fact that the majority of heart attacks are caused by soft, or unstable, plaques, the presence of hard, calcified plaques in your coronary arteries is a very important factor. So, there is a direct correlation between the content of hard and soft plaque in the arteries. This dependence is determined by the fact that the body isolates unstable plaques using calcined deposits, therefore, the rate of formation of hard plaque is also related to the number of soft plaques. You can find out how much hard plaque and indirectly much more dangerous soft plaque you have by using ultrafast or electron beam computed tomography (CRT). This study is also known as the Сoronary Artery Calcium Index or CAC test. CAC test takes cross-sectional images of the vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle, to check for the buildup of calcified plaque, which is composed of fats, cholesterol, calcium and other substances in the blood. This calcium is different from the calcium in bones and has nothing to to with too much calcium in a diet. The measurement can help a doctor identify who is at risk of getting a heart disease before that person shows any signs or symptoms. So, this screening test should be assigned in an early detection program. Below we can determine the criteria for adding this test to a personal preventive medicine list. The CAC score was studied in association with other traditional risk score systems, especially the Framingham risk score, showing the following advantages: independent added value in the prediction of all-cause mortality and mortality due to coronary disease in asymptomatic individuals; and shifting in the category of coronary artery disease risk-60% of atherosclerotic coronary events occur in patients categorized as being at low or intermediate risk according to the Framingham risk score. As an example, among patients at intermediate risk according to the Framingham risk score and with a CAC score > 300, which would place them in a high-risk category, the 10-year event frequency therefore is approximately 28%. And that means, the CAC score adds value to the Framingham risk score and to other methods, providing a substantial increase in the accuracy of the risk stratification. The CAC score is also an independent predictor of the risk of major cardiovascular events, with demonstrated superiority over the Framingham risk score, C-reactive protein level, and carotid intima-media thickness. Interpretation of the Coronary Artery Calcium test result The values obtained from the CAC score can be interpreted and classified in two ways: The result of the test is usually given as a number called an Agatston score. The score reflects the total area of calcium deposits and the density of the calcium. Normal Coronary Artery Calcium Score Based on the Agatston method, the percentile can be calculated on the MESA website (http://www.mesa-nhlbi.org/Calcium/input.aspx) by inserting the patient CAC score, age, gender, and ethnicity. Patients diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease (acute myocardial infarction, angina, stroke, or atrial fibrillation), those using nitroglycerin, and those with a pacemaker, as well as those having undergone angioplasty, myocardial revascularization, or any other cardiac/arterial surgery, along with those under treatment for diabetes, should not be included in this analysis, given that they were not included in the MESA population. National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines recommend intensification of low-density lipoprotein (ldl) cholesterol reduction in patients with multiple risk factors and a CAC score above the 75th percentile. Other studies have correlated CAC scores with the use of statins and aspirin in primary prevention. Use of the

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