Atrial fibrillation, often called Afib, is a medical condition that occurs when the electrical signals of the upper chambers of the heart become uneven and chaotic. This action causes disruption in signals to the lower chambers, and uneven heartbeat results. Symptoms of Afib include rapid or fluttering heartbeat, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, weakness, feeling light-headed or reduced ability to exercise. A Thankfully, a number of treatments are available for atrial fibrillation, most commonly prescribed are prescription medications that regulate the heartbeat (i.e., potassium channel blockers, Amiodarone, Dofetilide, and Sotalol. The main causes of aFib include the following: 1. Existing congenital heart defects or heart valve issues Individuals who are born with a heart defect or heart valve problem may be vulnerable to developing atrial fibrillation. Your physician may decide to put you on medications to reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation complications. 2. Certain lung diseases Reduced lung function is associated with atrial fibrillation development. If you have a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or other issues that restrict oxygen capacity to the heart, your doctor may recommend medications to prevent Afib. 3. Uncontrolled high blood pressure High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because it often has no symptoms.

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a disease that causes swelling with a fluid accumulation of tissues beneath the skin referred to as subcutaneous tissues. As the name indicates, HAE is genetically passed down through families. Patients suffering from this disease have been found to have a low concentration of essential protein (C1-INH) in their blood, or the C1-INH in their blood does not function well.  Below are the eight most common signs and symptoms of hereditary angioedema 1. Swelling of the skin Swelling of the skin is a condition also referred to as subcutaneous swelling. The severity of the swelling, its frequency of occurrence, and its location are variable. These swellings usually affect hands, feet, face, and genitals. Skin swelling with HAE may cause temporary body disfiguration and make it hard to hold objects and walk 2. Extreme fatigue Extreme fatigue is a general lack of adequate energy to undertake daily activities. This symptom has a gradual onset with HAE patients, and is caused by poor blood supply to tissues and organs. The swollen tissues and swelling of the abdomen can also affect metabolism 3. Aches and tingling Aches and tingling is a significant symptom with hereditary angioedema patients. Swelling of the subcutaneous tissue pushes against other sensitive body tissues, and this pressure is the leading cause of body aches and tingling.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy, red, swollen and scaly patches on the skin’s surface It commonly occurs on areas such as the elbows, face, knees, scalp, and trunk. Unfortunately, there is no cure for psoriasis, however, there are several effective ways to reduce both symptoms and frequency of psoriasis flare ups.  Aside from doctor-recommended treatments and topical creams, healthcare professionals often suggest avoiding certain products that trigger psoriasis, many of which can found in the following over-the-counter soaps 1. Antibacterial soaps The FDA has banned the use of 19 antibacterial additives found in over-the-counter soaps. They found that these soaps don’t do anything to kill bacteria and viruses. They only encourage you to wash the germs from your hands. While antibacterial soaps contain the same properties as regular soaps, they also contain harsh ingredients, like hexachlorophene and triclosan, which can trigger skin conditions like psoriasis 2. Soaps containing botanical oils Some patients with psoriasis have been led to believe that essential oils will soothe their dry and itchy skin. They are natural after all, right? While botanicals can make the skin look better, they can also cause problems in patients with already sensitive skin. For instance, many psoriasis patients report skin reactions and worsening symptoms when exposed to certain types of botanical oils.

Atrial fibrillation (or AFib) is a rapid, irregular heartbeat that can cause serious problems for the heart and blood vessels. It is a common concern for many doctors and patients, possibly because it can have such devastating effects if left untreated or under-treated. When the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, patients may experience palpitations (a sensation of irregular or pounding heartbeats), fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. The following are seven common causes of Afib: 1. Congenital heart defects or heart valve issues Congenital heart defects can cause serious problems with your heart’s electrical system. When this happens, you may have a life-threatening heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation, which can quickly lead to death. Some congenital heart defects are more dangerous than others, but they all create unique and challenging problems that may require surgical repairs or replacement of the heart valves. In some cases, the condition begins in childhood or early infancy and is never corrected by medical technology. 2. Certain lung diseases Lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic bronchitis cause lung scarring that can lead to atrial fibrillation. Cigarette smoke and other air pollution are often associated with lung disease. The scarring that causes atrial fibrillation is irreversible and often requires supplemental oxygen.

Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the lower front of the neck, which produces hormones regulating heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and body weight. The most recent American Cancer Society estimates for thyroid cancer in the U.S., indicate approximately 43,800 new cases (11,860 in males and 31,940 in women) and approximately 2,230 fatalities from thyroid cancer (1,070 men and 1,160 women) annually. Five telltale symptoms of thyroid cancer: 1. Difficulty swallowing Dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, is a typical sign of thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer develops when thyroid cells start to multiply out of control. In its early stages, thyroid cancer may not cause symptoms in nearby structures. As the tumor grows, it can press on the esophagus. This pressure can make it difficult to swallow. This is usually a gradual process, but in some cases, the tumor can grow large enough to block the esophagus completely. This pain is often described as a feeling of pressure or fullness in the neck. It may also feel like there is something stuck in the throat. The pain may worsen with swallowing or talking, and in some cases, the pain may radiate to the ears.