Heart disease is an umbrella term for conditions that affect the heart and its parts, like heart valves, chambers, chamber walls, muscles, and major arteries. Here, the problem typically lies in the structure or function of the heart. Today advances in screening technology and treatment can help bring down the risk of further complications when dealing with heart diseases. Here is a look at common types of heart diseases and their treatment options: 1. Coronary heart disease This is the most common type of heart disease. It develops due to plaque buildup in the arteries supplying blood to the heart. The plaque narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow, so the heart gets less oxygen and nutrients, leading to arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or heart failure. Medication, lifestyle changes, and better eating habits can help manage coronary heart disease. Further, surgery could be recommended to open up the arteries. 2. Aortic stenosis Here, the pulmonary valve, which manages and regulates the flow of oxygen-rich blood into the lungs, can thicken or fuse and malfunction. This condition can be congenital or can develop later due to scarring or calcium deposits. Surgery is often the key management option here. It involves replacing the damaged valve with an artificial one.

Doctors say people need seven to eight hours of sleep every night. A sleep disorder is any condition that stops a person from having a good restful sleep and disrupts their sleeping pattern. Several factors can cause these disorders, such as an underlying health condition or poor lifestyle choices. Patients may experience irritability, lack of concentration, weakness, and other symptoms that can prevent them from being productive. Here are four common sleep disorders. 1. Insomnia If a person cannot fall or stay asleep, they are said to have insomnia. Those with this health problem may wake up early and not be able to go back to sleep. They may also feel very sleepy during the day. Insomnia can result from exhaustion, underlying illness, or certain medications. Doctors treat the disorder using mild sedatives, antidepressant medications, and behavioral therapy. 2. Narcolepsy A person is diagnosed with this disorder when their brain cannot control their sleeping and waking cycles. Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological condition that is characterized by uncontrollable daytime sleeping and muscle weakness. Any strong emotion, laughter, surprise, or unusual circumstance may trigger sudden sleeping episodes. Patients could even fall asleep while walking or doing physical activity. Doctors treat narcolepsy using medication, behavioral changes, and scheduled sleep routines.

Cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal growth and division of cells in the body. It is a complex illness that can have fatal consequences when the body’s sustenance is compromised. Leukemia, a type of cancer, is known for its ability to infiltrate blood cells from the bone marrow. It can be classified based on the lineage of bone marrow cells it affects or the growth rate. Let’s know more about the types: 1. Acute lymphocytic/lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) This is the most common type of leukemia, which is more prevalent in young kids than adults. It is characterized by the hyperproduction of abnormal lymphocytes from the blood stem cells in the bone marrow, affecting other granulocytic immune cells. A healthy lymphocyte further proliferates into: B cells – produce antibodies T cells – i ndulge in cell-mediated immunity and secrete B cell activators Natural killer cells – fight against cancer and virus However, the immature lymphocytes are not capable of effectively fighting off infections. It also causes anemia due to decreased RBC production and a clotting disorder due to insufficient platelet production. It may also spread to the Central Nervous System (brain and spine), spleen, liver, and lymph nodes. Exposure to radiation or chemotherapy in the past increases the chance of recurrence of ALL.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, degenerative condition and one of the most common autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. It affects joints and sometimes organs, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain. As the condition does not have a permanent cure at the moment, early diagnosis is crucial for timely management of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. So here are some of the early signs of the condition that should prompt one to seek a diagnosis: 1. Joint pain The tissues lining the joints produce synovial fluid to keep them flexible and clean. However, with rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy tissues in the joints, causing inflammation, thickening of the synovium membrane, and excess production of the synovial fluid. This can cause pain and stiffness in the joints. While one can experience mild pain after an exhausting day, intense physical activity, or a viral infection, this usually goes away with adequate rest. However, the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis can be throbbing or aching and flare up often, so it could develop and then disappear for a few days. The pain here may also worsen in the morning or after a period of inactivity. If left untreated, the condition can eventually damage the bones and cartilage, leading to movement issues.

Sleep apnea is a severe sleep disorder affecting a person’s ability to breathe properly. It can cause interruptions in breathing that last for 20 to 30 seconds and occur several times throughout the night. This condition poses a significant risk to one’s health as it can lead to hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and headaches. Getting screened, diagnosed, and treated as early as possible is essential to avoid complications and life-threatening situations. Tips for sleep apnea relief with better eating habits Since sleep apnea is a respiratory disorder, along with medication, doctors recommend multiple approaches, like losing weight, engaging in physical activity, eating healthy food for the lungs, exercising to improve muscle strength, and cutting down on smoking and drinking. Changing eating habits can contribute to many risk factors associated with sleep apnea. Here are some easy tips to prevent complications arising from sleep apnea: 1. Eat smaller meals Eating a heavy meal for dinner can put pressure on the digestive system. Digestion takes many hours, and it is slower during sleep. Heavy eating before bedtime can cause heartburn, increase acid reflux, and put additional pressure on the lungs. 2. Avoid sugary food Sugar promotes inflammation and can almost cause stress in the respiratory system.