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Treating dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a form of heart failure, typically is a multi-pronged endeavor. Lifestyle measures targeted to preventing further damage to the heart, such as following a heart-healthy diet and getting more exercise, are key. When these steps are not enough to improve the health and function of the heart, prescription medications may be in order. Among the drugs most often used to treat dilated cardiomyopathy are beta blockers, diuretics, and angiotensni-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors)....

Type 2 inflammation is a specific type of immune response pattern. It can have positive effects, like helping eliminate a parasitic infection. But it also plays a role in certain medical conditions, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), allergic rhinosinusitis, and some types of asthma. Some new therapies, like Dupixent (dupilumab), work by combating type 2 inflammation. What Causes Type 2 Inflammation? The immune system has different strategies to deal with different kinds of pathogens....

Classified as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis is a disease that primarily affects the digestive tract, but usually also has an impact on other parts of the body. It can cause symptoms of bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and an urgent need to empty the bowels. Symptoms can cycle through periods of remission and active disease. Symptoms may differ from person to person, which can make diagnosis and treatment challenging, but there are a few that hint at having the condition....

Telehealth is a way to receive healthcare services remotely through various communication technologies. The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) defines telehealth as “the use of medical information exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications to improve a patient’s clinical health status.” How and why you use telehealth will depend on your health needs and goals, specific conditions, and physician’s office protocols. You may engage in telehealth using secure video conferencing, live streaming, telephone calls, storing or sending text or photographs, and more....

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a respiratory infection that’s caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It spreads easily through coughing or sneezing. The infection often triggers severe coughing episodes that make it difficult to eat, breathe, or sleep. While it is often thought of as a childhood disease, adults also develop the infection. Fortunately, there are vaccines available to protect against whooping cough. This article discusses who needs a vaccine, age ranges, and possible side effects....

Yoga is a practice that connects the mind and body, and can help people with chronic pain by improving flexibility, reducing inflammation, and helping them cope with their pain mentally. Yoga originated in India over 4,000 years ago. It consists of three core elements: physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Western yoga has been adapted to suit modern life, but it retains the healing benefits intended for this practice. Yoga has been shown to help with fibromyalgia, back pain neck pain, and headaches....

While it’s important to include fats in your diet, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends limiting saturated fats to less than 10% of calories. Saturated fats become solid at room temperature, like lard, butter, and coconut oil. Over time, too much of these fats increase the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol. Some foods high in saturated fat may already be on your radar, like beef or cheese. But others may surprise you, like ice cream and coffee creamer....

What Is Ablysinol? Ablysinol (dehydrated alcohol) injection is a prescription medication. It is a sterile, preservative-free solution of greater than 99% by volume of ethyl alcohol. Ablysinol is used during a septal ablation procedure. It is injected into the heart to target the area that is thickened. Dehydrated alcohol causes cells to die, allowing the thickened area to shrink to a more normal size. This allows for improved blood flow in and from the heart....

Art therapy is an integrative form of therapy that helps individuals heal through creative expression. It involves the use of different art forms and mediums to aid people in communication and exploring their experiences. Art therapy is used in various settings with individuals, couples, families, and groups to support people of all ages with mental health and physical conditions. This article discusses the techniques and benefits of art therapy and provides insight on what to consider when seeking this type of therapy....

It’s entirely natural to worry after finding a lump in your breast. Fortunately, though, finding a lump does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Noncancerous masses can also form in the breast and do not pose the same threat to your health as cancerous ones. Noncancerous lumps are far more common, and only 3% to 6% of breast lumps are due to cancer. To ensure that you’re taking care of your health, visit your healthcare provider and undergo the necessary tests to determine if the lump is cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign)....

Long COVID is proving to be a systemic, often debilitating result of a SARS-CoV-2 infection that lingers long after a person’s system has cleared the virus. There is no data regarding who is most susceptible to becoming a “long hauler,” as members of this group call themselves. The symptoms are as varied as the people who experience them. This is Mike Heidenberg’s story. “Milk.” Mike Heidenberg could see the word on the empty carton, understand it, and register its context, but he could not communicate the word aloud....

Enalapril (brand name Vasotec) is a prescription anti-hypertensive drug to lower high blood pressure. The primary action of enalapril is to lower the blood pressure, making it easier for the heart to circulate sufficiently around the body. Enalapril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These medications help lower blood pressure by working on the kidneys. They target an enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). ACE is a chemical that makes the blood vessels contract (narrow) to retain fluid....

Gabapentin is often prescribed as an off-label treatment for fibromyalgia. Also sold under brand names Neurontin, Horizant, and Gralise, gabapentin works to balance the neurotransmitters glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Fibromyalgia is believed to be caused in part by altered glutamate levels. Research on gabapentin for fibromyalgia is mixed, but some people find it helps to relieve symptoms like widespread pain and insomnia. This article discusses gabapentin for fibromyalgia, including dosage and side effects....

Glycogen storage disease type 0 (GSD 0) is a rare genetic disease that prevents the normal use and storage of glycogen. Glycogen is the stored form of glucose (blood sugar). This disease causes slightly lower than normal levels of stored glycogen in the muscles or liver. It varies from other glycogen storage disorders, which cause the storage of too much glycogen. People with this disease have a deficiency of an enzyme called glycogen synthase (GSY) due to a genetic defect....

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the glandular tissue in one or both of a boy or older male’s breasts. The condition is benign (noncancerous) and very common: Anywhere from 30% to 65% of males, depending on age, have experienced this. Though it is not life-threatening, it can be uncomfortable and may impact someone’s self-esteem. This article will review the causes of gynecomastia, the symptoms someone may experience, and how it is treated....

You hear a lot about the brains and nerves of people with fibromyalgia, and a fair bit about the hormones, immune systems, and digestive issues, as well. What you don’t hear much about is the heart—and that needs to change. Researchers have uncovered information about heart disease and cardiac abnormalities in fibromyalgia that we all need to be aware of, and that our healthcare providers need to know about, as well....

High blood pressure (hypertension) can increase the risk of complications for pregnant people and their babies. High blood pressure during pregnancy can affect the development of the placenta, which provides nutrients and oxygen to the baby. This can lead to an early delivery, low birth weight, placental separation (abruption), and other complications for the baby. With the proper management of high blood pressure, though, pregnant people with this condition can minimize the risk of these complications....

Learning how to walk with a cane can take a little getting used to. If you have an ankle, foot, knee, hip, or leg injury or condition that makes walking difficult, a cane can help you maintain mobility and move about safely. Canes are used to assist with balance, widen your base of support, and/or decrease weight-bearing pressure on your dysfunctional knee, hip, or leg. The first thing to know about walking with a cane is to hold the cane in the hand opposite your bad leg....

Every person has a set of muscle reflexes. When they are stimulated, they respond in a specific way. For example, if a healthcare provider lightly taps your knee during a reflex test, your leg should move. If it moves only slightly, you may have what is known as hyporeflexia. Hyporeflexia presents as a lessened response in skeletal muscle reflexes. It is referred to as a symptom rather than a disorder in and of itself because it is caused by underlying medical conditions....

Mouth itchiness has several possible causes, including infections and food allergies. An itchy mouth should not be ignored because it can be an early warning sign of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. This article will discuss the possible causes of mouth itching, when to see a provider about the symptom, how an itchy mouth is treated, and how to prevent an itchy mouth. Why Is the Roof of Your Mouth Itchy?...