Latest news with #medicalconditions
CNET
2 days ago
- Health
- CNET
Your Blood Type Can Mean You're More Prone to Heart Disease. Here's What to Know
Knowing your blood type is important information that can come in handy during a medical emergency. It can also tell you more about which medical conditions you're more at risk for, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In fact, your blood type may be more connected to your heart health than you realize. This is what you should know about your blood type and how it could potentially connect to heart disease. Also, learn more about what lifestyle changes you can make for better heart health. How Healthy is Your Heart, Really? 5 Ways to Tell at Home How Healthy is Your Heart, Really? 5 Ways to Tell at Home Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 3:59 Loaded : 9.96% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 3:59 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. How Healthy is Your Heart, Really? 5 Ways to Tell at Home What does your blood type mean for your body? The letters A, B and O represent various forms of the ABO gene, which program our blood cells differently to form the different blood groups. If you have type AB blood, for example, your body is programmed to produce A and B antigens on red blood cells. A person with type O blood doesn't produce any antigens. Blood is said to be "positive" or "negative" based on whether there are proteins on the red blood cells. If your blood has proteins, you're Rhesus, or Rh, positive. The ABO system is the best known way of classifying blood types. Ekachai Lohacamonchai/EyeEm/Getty Images People with type O-negative blood are considered "universal donors" because their blood doesn't have any antigens or proteins, meaning anyone's body will be able to accept it in an emergency. But why are there different blood types? Researchers don't fully know, but factors such as where someone's ancestors are from and past infections that spurred protective mutations in the blood may have contributed to the diversity, according to Dr. Douglas Guggenheim, a hematologist with Penn Medicine. People with type O blood may get sicker with cholera, for example, while people with type A or B blood may be more likely to experience blood clotting issues. While our blood can't keep up with the different biological or viral threats going around in real-time, it may reflect what's happened in the past. "In short, it's almost like the body has evolved around its environment in order to protect it as best as possible," Guggenheim said. People with type O blood may have a lower risk of cardiovascular events. Arctic-Images/Getty Images The blood types most at risk for heart disease People with type A, type B or type AB blood are more likely than people with type O to have a heart attack or experience heart failure, according to the American Heart Association. While the increased risk is small (types A or B had a combined 8% higher risk of heart attack and 10% increased risk of heart failure, according to one large study) the difference in blood clotting rates is much higher, per the AHA. People in the same study with type A and B blood were 51% more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis and 47% more likely to develop a pulmonary embolism, which are severe blood clotting disorders that can also increase the risk of heart failure. According to Guggenheim, a reason for this increased risk might be inflammation in the bodies of people with type A, type B or type AB blood. The proteins present in type A and type B blood may cause more "blockage" or "thickening" in the veins and arteries, leading to an increased risk of clotting and heart disease. Guggenheim also thinks this may describe the anecdotal decrease in risk of severe COVID-19 disease in people with type O blood. (Note: Since this article was first published, more research has added to the notion that people with type A blood may have a higher risk of infection. This is because the COVID-19 virus binds to cells slightly differently based on blood type.) There are four main blood groups (types of blood): A, B, AB and consequences of blood type People with type O blood enjoy a slightly lower risk of heart disease and blood clotting, but they may be more susceptible to hemorrhaging or bleeding disorders. This may be especially true after childbirth, according to a study on postpartum blood loss, which found an increased risk in women with type O blood. People with type O blood may also fare worse after a traumatic injury due to increased blood loss, according to a study published in Critical Care. Other research has found people with type AB blood might be at an increased risk for cognitive impairment when compared to people with type O. Cognitive impairment includes things like trouble remembering, focusing or making decisions. Read more: Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health: Foods to Eat and How to Get Started Should you change your lifestyle based on your blood type? While research available now shows that blood type can tip the scale in terms of someone's risk of developing heart disease, big factors such as diet, exercise or even the level of pollution you're exposed to in your community are the major players in determining heart health. Guggenheim says that for patients trying to keep their heart healthy, there's no special recommendation that he'd make other than a good heart-healthy diet that lowers inflammation, regardless of someone's blood type. Lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains are all part of a heart-healthy diet. Lina Darjan/500px/Getty Images But, he notes, future research could offer more definitive ways doctors treat patients based on their blood type. All factors considered equally, a patient with healthy cholesterol levels and type A blood may benefit from taking aspirin each day whereas it might not be necessary for a person in the same boat with type O blood. "A well-balanced, heart-healthy diet in general is going to be what any physician is going to recommend, and I would say that ABO doesn't change that," Guggenheim said. "I don't think there's a protective benefit from just having type O blood that contributes to being scot-free," he added.
CTV News
19-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Sault family flooded with support for little girl
An update to a story earlier this week, there has been an outpouring of to help a 6-year-old girl from Sault Ste. Marie with extensive medical conditions.
Health Line
03-06-2025
- General
- Health Line
What Causes Two Periods in One Month?
If you have a shorter menstrual cycle, you may get your period twice in the same month. But bleeding between periods can also occur with certain medical conditions. A typical adult menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days, and the typical menstrual cycle for preteens and teens can last 38 days or longer. However, every woman is different, and each person's cycle can vary from month to month. During some months, your cycle may last for more or fewer days than the previous month, or it may start earlier or later than it has before. If your cycles are on the shorter end of the spectrum, you could have your period at the beginning and end of the same month with no reason for concern. But if you experience bleeding outside of your usual menstrual cycle and suspect you're having a second period, the first thing you should do is figure out if it's spotting or menstrual bleeding: If you're having menstrual bleeding, also known as your period, you should expect to soak through a pad or tampon every few hours. The blood may be dark red, red, brown, or pink. If you're having spotting, you won't bleed enough to fill a pad or tampon. Blood from spotting is usually dark red or brown. After you've determined if you're having spotting or menstrual bleeding, you can start to explore what may be causing your increased bleeding. This article reviews potential causes and treatment options. What causes two periods in one month? Increased bleeding may be caused by a shorter menstrual cycle, or by a health condition that causes vaginal bleeding. Causes of a shorter cycle If your cycle suddenly becomes shorter, it could be due to any of the following: anovulation (lack of ovulation) hyperthyroidism hypothyroidism onset of menopause (also known as perimenopause) uterine fibroids or cysts uterine polyps cervical polyps stress extreme weight loss or gain birth control illness Conditions that cause extra bleeding If you usually have a regular cycle, a change in your cycle, such as suddenly having two periods in a month, could indicate a medical condition. Some health conditions cause bleeding that can be mistaken for a period, including: Pregnancy can cause spotting. Spotting during pregnancy can occur, but you should tell your doctor about any bleeding during pregnancy. Sexually transmitted infections can cause discharge and bleeding. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods. Perimenopause can cause heavier and more frequent bleeding, it can also cause lighter or less frequent bleeding. While our hormones may become more unbalanced during this time, they should regulate once you've reached menopause. Miscarriage can cause heavy bleeding. If you suspect you're pregnant and begin to have bleeding similar to a period, call your doctor. Cervicitis. Cervical infections that are not sexually transmitted can also cause bleeding. What are the risk factors for unusual menstrual bleeding? If you have just started getting your period due to puberty, it's possible that you will be irregular for a year or two, which means you may possibly experience two periods in one month. If you are an adult and have a family history of fibroids, cysts, or early-onset menopause, you're at an increased risk of having two periods in a month. However, an increased risk does not mean you will definitely experience it. When should you see a doctor about irregular menstrual cycles? While two periods in one month is not always a cause for concern, it's a good idea to consult a doctor anytime your body's rhythms seem out of whack. For example, you should see a doctor if you: experience pain in your lower abdomen that doesn't go away after a couple of days have very heavy periods spot or bleed in between periods (which is often mistaken for two periods in one month) experience pain during sexual intercourse have more menstrual cramping than usual notice dark clots during your period What are the complications of more frequent menstrual cycles? There are a few complications that may arise from irregular periods. Anemia One health issue of more frequent bleeding is anemia, which occurs due to a lack of iron in your blood. Your doctor can check your iron levels to determine the cause of your abnormal bleeding. The symptoms of anemia can include: fatigue headache weakness dizziness shortness of breath rapid or irregular heartbeat A singular experience of two periods in one month will not necessarily cause anemia. The condition is usually triggered by prolonged heavy bleeding, such as several months of heavy periods. Difficulty tracking ovulation Having two periods in one month may make it difficult to track your ovulation, especially if this experience is unusual for you. If you are not planning on becoming pregnant, practicing safe sex is essential. Difficulty becoming pregnant If you are trying to become pregnant, abnormal bleeding can add complexity to the process. Consult with a doctor if you are actively trying to become pregnant and are experiencing heavy or irregular periods. How are frequent menstrual cycles treated? Your treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your frequent bleeding. If you naturally have shorter cycles or if you've recently started menstruating, you won't need treatment. If anemia is a concern, your doctor may recommend iron supplements. One possible treatment for periods that occur too frequently is hormonal birth control. This type of birth control can help regulate your periods and help resolve anemia issues caused by heavy bleeding. Here are treatments for other possible causes of frequent bleeding. Hypothyroidism If you have hypothyroidism, it means you have an underactive thyroid gland. Your body can't make enough of the thyroid hormone. Your doctor will prescribe a thyroid hormone replacement therapy that you can take by mouth. Hyperthyroidism If you have hyperthyroidism, it means you have an overactive thyroid gland. Your body makes too much thyroid hormone. Several treatments are available for this condition. Your doctor will suggest what they think is best for you. Menopause During perimenopause or the menopausal transition, your doctor may prescribe hormone therapy and estrogen replacement therapy. These treatments can help regulate your periods until they slowly disappear as menopause progresses. Fibroids and cysts Your doctor may recommend a few different treatment options if you have uterine fibroids or cysts. These can include: Intrauterine device (IUD). An IUD is a form of birth control that can help relieve heavy periods. However, it won't shrink fibroids. MRI-guided ultrasound surgery. This procedure is performed while you're inside an MRI scanner. It's considered noninvasive, and doctors can use it to remove the fibroid or cyst. This procedure is only done in specialized clinics. Uterine artery embolization. This is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the blood supply to the uterus, which causes the fibroids to decay and shrink. Myomectomy. There are different types of myomectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove fibroids. In a hysteroscopic myomectomy, the fibroid is removed through the cervix. No incisions are needed. In a laparoscopic myomectomy, small incisions are made in your abdomen to remove fibroids. An abdominal myomectomy is an open abdominal surgical procedure. Hysteroscopy. During this procedure, a thin tube with a light on the end is inserted through the vagina. This allows a doctor to look inside the uterus and diagnose the cause of abnormal bleeding. A doctor may also be able to treat some causes of bleeding during a hysteroscopy. Dilation and curettage (D and C). This procedure involves the dilation of the cervix, which allows a doctor to scrape the uterine lining to remove any abnormal tissue. Endometrial ablation. This surgery involves the removal of the endometrial lining of the uterus. It is not usually recommended if you wish to have children later in life, as it can cause complications. Hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. These are medications that can help treat fibroids. They block estrogen and progesterone and put you into a temporary postmenopausal state. This stops the fibroids from growing and can make them shrink. Your doctor may use this treatment to help prepare you for surgery. Stress Lifestyle changes can greatly affect stress levels, which in turn can affect menstrual cycles. To help relieve stress, try exercising frequently, practicing meditation, or engaging in talk therapy. If you're feeling stressed because you're overcommitted, ask for help. Finding the time to relax is important to your health, so don't feel bad about saying no to additional projects or responsibilities. Extreme weight loss or gain Talk with your doctor about possible reasons for a dramatic change in weight. They'll work with you to help you manage your weight. Reaction to birth control Hormonal birth control introduces hormones into your body. This can affect your menstrual cycle and cause spotting in between periods. You may need to try a few different types of birth control to find one that works for you. It also takes a few months for your body to adjust to a new method of birth control. Have a discussion with your doctor about what you should expect when starting a new birth control method. Preparing for your doctor's appointment Changes to your menstrual cycle can indicate a health problem, so it's important to discuss abnormal bleeding with your doctor. They will likely ask a lot of questions about your symptoms. By being prepared for your appointment, you can help your doctor find the correct treatment as quickly as possible. Here are some questions your doctor may ask: How long are your cycles? Is this typical for you? If your shorter cycle isn't normal for you, when did the changes to your bleeding start? How long does the bleeding last? What color is the blood? How heavy is the bleeding? How quickly does it fill a pad? Are there clots? If so, how big are they? Do you have any other symptoms? To calculate the length of your cycle, start counting on the first day you bleed. This will be day one. Your cycle will end on the first day that you start bleeding again. Many smartphone apps are available to help you track your cycle. If you have a history of irregular bleeding, tracking your cycles on an app can help you identify a problem more quickly. It can also make it easier to share your cycle information with your doctor. The takeaway In certain situations, such as puberty and perimenopause, having two periods in one month may not be cause for alarm. However, if you're familiar with your cycle and have noted recent changes, or if you just feel like you're bleeding more than you should be, talk with a doctor. They can help get to the bottom of your issue, and if warranted, can help you balance your hormone levels and regulate your bleeding.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Holiday warning for ANYONE going abroad that could cost you £466 extra
HOLIDAYMAKERS with pre-existing medical conditions could see their travel insurance premiums skyrocket, according to a new investigation. Consumer watchdog Which? found that declaring a medical condition can significantly increase premiums, with some travellers seeing costs go up by hundreds - or even thousands - of pounds. 1 Which?'s survey of over 9,000 members found that nearly three-quarters declared a medical condition when purchasing travel insurance. Of those, 82% said it raised the price, and a quarter believed the increase was substantial. Many described finding affordable premiums as "difficult" or even "almost impossible". Data from comparison sites backs this up. Compare the Market found that single-trip policies cost twice as much for those declaring a condition (£33 on average) compared to those without (£16). Similarly, GoCompare revealed that annual policies cost around £50 more when pre-existing medical conditions are disclosed. To illustrate the issue, Which? gathered quotes for three individuals with type 2 diabetes, epilepsy, and bipolar and personality disorder. In each case, the watchdog selected the cheapest European annual policy available with £5million medical cover, £2,000 cancellation cover, and £1,500 cover for baggage with gadget protection. In the case of the traveller with bipolar and personality disorder, all five specialist insurers were willing to provide cover, but only two of the regular insurers did - leaving just seven viable policies. In the most extreme example, a traveller with bipolar and personality disorder saw their premium jump by a staggering 1,159%, rising from £38.48 to £484.52 after declaring their condition. Which? also found a £531 difference between the cheapest and most expensive quotes for this individual, proving how vital it is to shop around. SPENDING ABROAD: Tips to Avoid High Fees While a specialist insurer was the cheapest option for the individual with bipolar and personality disorder, Which? found regular insurers were the more competitive options for the case studies with diabetes and epilepsy. Declaring epilepsy led to an average increase in travel insurance premiums of 23%, with prices rising from £67 to £77. However, quotes varied widely, ranging from as low as £52 to more than double that at £110. For the individual with diabetes, the price increase was smaller, averaging just 6%, with premiums rising from £129 to £136. Despite the smaller average rise, there were big differences in the quotes offered. Non-specialist insurers provided premiums ranging from £76 at the lowest to £169 at the highest. But, specialist insurers had a much higher starting price of £118, with quotes going up to £168. What is travel insurance? TRAVEL insurance is there to help you when something goes wrong with your holiday. It can help cover your bills if your flights are cancelled, your luggage is lost, or you need medical help when travelling abroad. The two main types of travel insurance are single and multi-trip cover. There are also often separate packages available depending on where you're travelling to - for example if you're remaining in Europe compared to further afield. In some circumstances you may need a specialist product for example if you'll be backpacking around multiple destinations, skiing, hiking, diving or going on a cruise. If you're travelling on business, you'll also need to ensure your policy covers your trip. A word of warning Sam Richardson, deputy editor of Which? Money, said: "Travel insurance is an essential when going on holiday, but finding the best policy at the right price isn't always straightforward - especially if you have a pre-existing condition. "Our research found significant disparities in price depending on the insurer, so it's vital that consumers shop around and compare as many policies as possible before making a decision. "While comparison sites are a great starting point, these won't always include specialist providers - so it's essential to obtain these quotes separately before making a purchase. "Though it may be tempting to omit a condition in order to get the price down, it's never worth the risk. "Failing to declare something in advance could see your policy invalidated and in the worst cases, leave you with a bill in the thousands of pounds." What should you look for in a good travel insurance policy? TRAVEL insurance policies can vary a great deal, but here are some "must have Medical expenses - A good policy will give cover of £1million or more for travel in Europe and £2million or more for the USA Repatriation service - The costs of getting you back to the UK for medical reasons should be covered automatically by your policy Cancellation and curtailment - A good policy will cover you for £2,000 or more if you have to cancel or shorten your holiday Missed departure - Covers additional accommodation costs and travel expenses up to £500 or more if you miss your flight due to circumstances out of your control Delay - You'll usually be covered for £250 or more if your travel plans are delayed due to circumstances out of your control Baggage cover - Covers you if your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen. Look for policies that have cover of £1,500 or more. How to get the best deal on travel insurance Sorting your insurance as soon as you book your trip ensures you have comprehensive protection and peace of mind well in advance. There's no obligation to purchase travel insurance from your travel agent or holiday company, though they often offer it as part of your booking. Banks, supermarkets, and insurance providers also offer travel cover, and using a comparison website can help you find the best deal tailored to your needs. To get started, you'll need to provide details such as the names and ages of all travellers, your destination, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Once you input this information, you can filter results based on the level of cover, the excess you're willing to pay, and the price. While it's tempting to choose the cheapest option, make sure to check the policy details carefully - lower-cost deals might not offer the protection you need. You'll also need to decide whether to opt for single-trip cover or annual multi-trip cover, depending on how often you travel. If your requirements are more complex, consider working with a regulated insurance broker, which you can find via the British Insurance Brokers' Association. Finally, don't forget to check your current account, as some banks offer complimentary travel insurance to their customers. However, always review the details of what's included to ensure the cover meets your needs.
The Independent
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Traveller denied insurance over mental health conditions
Research by Which? reveals that declaring certain medical conditions can inflate travel insurance premiums by over 1,000 per cent. A study comparing quotes from 12 insurers found that premiums for a traveller with bipolar and a personality disorder increased by an average of 715 per cent, and in one case by 1,159 per cent – from £38.48 to £484.52. Only two out of seven standard insurers were willing to provide the traveller with cover. All five of the companies specialising in cover for people with pre-existing medical conditions did offer to provide cover. Which? advises travelers to compare quotes from various providers, including specialists for pre-existing conditions, as prices vary significantly. While declaring medical conditions impacts the cost of insurance, failing to do so could invalidate the policy and lead to substantial medical bills. The medical condition that can send travel insurance premiums soaring by more than 1,000%
