Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

What is atrial fibrillation?

Does your heart beat so fast that it feels like it’s banging against your chest wall; especially if you’re carrying stuff or bending down?

You may have atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (also called AFib or AF) is a quivering or irregular heartbeat. Changes in your heart rhythm lead to stroke, blood clots, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

According to the AME Medical Journal, there has been an increase in the global prevalence of atrial fibrillation in all regions of the world. In the European Union, it is estimated that AFib will increase from eight million adults over 55 years in 2010, to 17 million by 2060.

The rhythm of the heartbeat

Usually, your heart contracts and relaxes to a regular beat. With atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly to move blood into the ventricles (the cavity or chamber that can be filled with fluid).

When this happens, the lower chambers don’t fill completely and therefore can’t pump enough blood to the lungs and body. This can result in fatigue or dizziness, heart palpitations or chest pain. Blood may also pool in the heart, which can increase your risk of having a stroke or other complications.

Symptoms


Now and then, people with AFib have no symptoms and their condition is only detectable from a physical exam. Others may experience symptoms such as:

  • Rapid and irregular heartbeat.
  • General fatigue.
  • Dizziness.
  • Weakness.
  • Shortness of breath and anxiety.
  • Fluttering or “thumping” in the chest.
  • Faintness or confusion.
  • Fatigue when exercising.
  • Sweating.
  • Chest pain or pressure.

Diagnosis


To diagnose atrial fibrillation, your doctor may check for symptoms, ask for your medical history, and do a physical exam. In addition, you may have tests like:

Blood tests: This will help check thyroid problems or other substances in your blood that could lead to atrial fibrillation.

Stress test: This involves running tests on your heart while you’re exercising.

Chest X-ray: X-ray images will help your doctor see the condition of your lungs and heart.

Treatment

The general goal to treat AFib is to:

  • Reset the rhythm or control the rate.
  • Prevent blood clots.
  • Decrease the risk of strokes.

With the help of your doctor, you’ll be able choose the most appropriate option. This will depend on whether you have other problems with your heart and if you’re able to take medication that can control your heart rhythm. In some cases, you may need more invasive treatment, like medical procedures using catheters or surgery.

With some people, an underlying condition like a thyroid disorder may trigger atrial fibrillation. Treating the condition causing atrial fibrillation may help relieve your heart rhythm problems.

Prevention


It’s important to live a heart-healthy lifestyle to reduce your risk of heart disease and prevent atrial fibrillation. 

This includes:

  • Eating a heart-healthy diet.
  • Avoiding smoking.
  • Exercising more often.
  • Limiting or avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
  • Reducing stress (intense stress and anger can cause heart rhythm problems).
  • Using over-the-counter medications with caution, as some cold and cough medications have stimulants that may trigger a rapid heartbeat.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight.

References:

Why do you have cold feet?

If your feet are chilly, the simplest reason is a lack of warmth. But if bundling up in thick socks doesn’t help to defrost your feet, there may be another cause. 

Poor circulation

One of the most common causes of cold feet is poor circulation (slow blood flow). Poor circulation makes it difficult for enough warm blood to reach your feet regularly. This keeps your feet cooler than the rest of your body.

Circulation problems can stem from a heart condition. If your heart isn’t functioning properly, it struggles to pump blood throughout your body quickly enough. Poor circulation can also be triggered by an inactive lifestyle. For example, a job where you sit at a desk all day.

Anaemia

Anaemia develops if you don’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. Other symptoms include fatigue, pale skin and an irregular heartbeat.

Anaemia and specifically, iron-deficiency anaemia, is fairly common. It’s usually treated with adjustments to your diet and taking iron supplements.

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is a disease where the body’s ability to produce or respond to a hormone called insulin becomes abnormal. This can cause large amounts of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Symptoms of diabetes include numbness and tingling in the feet, and cold feet. High levels of blood sugar can cause nerve damage (neuropathy). Nerve damage can bring on the sensation of cold feet that don’t feel cold to the touch. This is usually because the nerves that detect temperature aren’t working properly. The symptoms are usually worse at night.

Hypothyroidism

When your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone, you can end up with hypothyroidism. This condition messes with your metabolism, which controls your heartbeat and body temperature. When there’s an interference with your body temperature and heartbeat, your body may have poor circulation which then causes cold feet.

Treatment

Cold feet treatment depends on the root of the problem. Generally, your doctor may suggest regular exercise to improve circulation. Exercise can help treat other conditions related to cold feet, like heart condition and blood sugar control. He may write out a prescription for medication or supplements. Your doctor will also usually check for nerve damage and blood tests. He’ll be looking for anaemia, hypothyroidism and diabetes. Don’t try any treatments without talking to your doctor.

See your doctor immediately if you experience cold feet along with:

  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain.
  • Weight changes.
  • Fever.
  • Sores on your fingers or toes that takes a long time to heal.
  • Any changes in your skin.
  • A cold sensation yet your skin doesn’t feel cold to the touch.
  • Feeling cold even when you’re in a warm space.

References: 

Supercharge your diet by pairing these foods

Wine and chocolate, burgers and fries…we’re all familiar with pairing food for taste (whether healthy or not). Now here’s something you probably haven’t tried: pairing food for their nutritional value.

Combining certain foods may be more helpful than eating them separately as some nutrients work better side by side.

Food synergy

Food synergy means combining two nutrient-rich foods in one dish to maximise the dietary impact. Certain components in foods and drinks (like minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals, fibre, and fats) interact with each other to boost health benefits. Sometimes, those benefits may include weight loss!

Research from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says food synergy consists of food components that must survive digestion when they arrive in the human system. In this way, you can clearly feel the benefits of the different components.

Greet tea and lemon juice

Green tea with lemon improves the health benefits of the tea. Catechins are powerful antioxidants found in green tea. Add a splash of citrus juice from a lemon, lime or grapefruit to your green tea. This reduces the breakdown of its catechins in our digestive system, which makes them even more readily absorbed by the body.

Oats and orange juice

Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth. They’re packed with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidant plant compounds. Oats are well-documented heart helpers. Eating oats and other wholegrain foods with a side of Vitamin C from orange juice can help stabilise cholesterol levels to keep your arteries clear.

Onions and grapes

This combo may sound strange, but they pack a power-punch of health benefits, fighting allergies, cancer, and even combatting weight gain.

According to research, quercetin is a powerful plant-derived antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables. It’s more concentrated in onions. It’s been shown to offer cardiovascular protection by improving circulation. It also supports erectile function.

Meanwhile, in black and red grapes, you’ll find high doses of catechins, which can help prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurological disorders, and may even help you lose weight.

An onion and grape combination can prevent blood clots and boost overall heart health. Add slices of red grapes and diced onions to your salad. You can also make chutney out of the combo to complement grilled chicken.

Garlic and fish

Fish is loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids. These elements are incredibly important for your body and brain as they regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Garlic is the perfect friend to fish as it acts as anti-inflammatory agent. Cooking your fish with garlic will make an impact on your blood chemistry, improving blood-vessel function and helping to reduce inflammation.

Broccoli and tomatoes

According to a University of Illinois study, tomatoes and broccoli are known for their cancer-fighting qualities. These veggies have been found to be better at shrinking prostate tumors when both are part of the daily diet than when they’re eaten alone.

Research has discovered that when tomatoes and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are combined, the cancer-fighting properties of each are enhanced as the carotenoids in tomatoes increase the bioactive components found in the vegetables.

Don’t overcook your veggies as this decreases their nutrient power. It’s best to steam or sauté lightly.

References

Why do you have swollen feet?

You’re trying to slip into your favourite shoes, but they don’t fit! Why? Have your feet grown overnight? Almost! Say hello to swollen feet.

Your feet have a massive job: they enable you to walk, stand, jump, run, dance and support your entire bodyweight. It’s no surprise, then, that everyone has swollen feet at some point of their lives, for various reasons.

The most common cause for swollen feet, is a build-up of fluid, usually around the ankles. Other causes include injuries, being on your feet too much, being inactive or anytime when your feet doesn’t move around a lot.

Treating them, usually depends on why your feet are swollen in the first place.

1. You weigh too much

When you’re overweight, the excess fat weighs your body down. The pressure of the fat reaches your feet too because your legs and feet carry your weight. This may cause your feet to swell.

How to fix it
If you suspect your weight is causing your feet to swell, talk to your doctor. Ask him about changes you can make to your diet and exercise habits to help shed the weight.

2. Your hormones are fluctuating

Most women experience bloating the week before their period. This is normal after hormone changes during ovulation. PMS (premenstrual syndrome) can also cause swollen feet if it happens during your period cycle. The swelling is noticeable in your legs and feet because of gravity.

How to fix it
Ease the bloat by drinking more water and cutting down on salt. Exercise will help with circulation which may decrease the swelling.

3. You eat too much salt

Salt adds flavour to your meals, but it also makes your body hang on to water. When your body has too much water, it may cause your body to swell, including your feet.

How to fix it
Stick to one teaspoon of salt per day and check food labels for the amount of salt. Season your food with spices and herbs instead.

4. You’re injured

A sprained ankle is the most common foot injury. It happens when the ligaments get damaged, and usually causes swelling and pain.

How to fix it
Reduce the swelling by resting your injured foot. Place an icepack wrapped in a towel on the sprain for 20 minutes at a time. Wrap your foot with a bandage and keep it elevated on a pillow or stool. Talk to your doctor if your foot doesn’t improve with home treatment.

5. You have an infection

If you have diabetes, arthritis or blood circulatory problems, you’re at a higher risk of getting an infection. An infection can get worse quickly, because it reduces blood flow, including to your feet. You can also get an infection if you have broken skin; as bacteria can enter through the wound. Ingrown toenails or shoes that are too small can cause an infection too.

How to fix it
Keep your feet clean and dry at all times. Wash and bandage minor scrapes or cuts immediately. Wipe down gym equipment, table tops and objects in your home with an antibacterial liquid before using them. Talk to your doctor if you have a scrape or cut that’s taking long to heal.

Foot care tips 

  • Clip your toenails properly. Cut the nail straight across and avoid snipping too close to the skin.
  • Dry your feet properly between each toe after washing.
  • Protect your feet in public areas. For example, wear shower shoes in the gym’s bathroom.
  • Avoid sharing shoes.
  • Check your feet after showering. Look out for discoloured toenails, sores or peeling skin.

References

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced naturally by your liver and is used for many different things in your body. Cholesterol is one of the most important contributing risk factors leading to the development of heart disease and stroke. Others include age, gender and genes.

What is cholesterol, exactly?

Have you heard your doctor talking about LDL and HDL cholesterol? LDL (Low density lipoprotein) is known as the ‘bad’ cholesterol because it contributes to heart disease by ‘sticking’ to and narrowing the arteries supplying blood to your heart. HDL (High density lipoprotein) cholesterol is known as the ‘good’ cholesterol because it keeps LDL levels in check.

How do I know if I have elevated levels of cholesterol?

Most people who have elevated cholesterol levels surprisingly have no signs or symptoms. Dr Russell Thomson from Hello Doctor advises that you check your cholesterol levels if you have a family history of elevated cholesterol or have been following a poor diet and lead a sedentary lifestyle. If you wait too long, your first symptom might be heart attack or stroke.

How do I get tested?

Your doctor will ask about your family history, carry out a physical exam and take a blood test. You can also get your cholesterol screened at some pharmacy chains, like the Dischem MHealth programme.

Tips for lowering your cholesterol

For most people, abnormal cholesterol levels can be traced to an unhealthy lifestyle – from spending too much time sitting down, and eating an unbalanced diet. Quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet and getting some regular exercise are ways to combat problems with cholesterol.

Dr. Russell Thomson from Hello Doctor suggests choosing healthier unsaturated fats found in foods like avocados, certain nuts like walnuts and oily fish. He also recommends reducing the amount of saturated and trans-fats you eat including chips, processed foods and fried foods.

Find out more about cholesterol

If you want to talk to a doctor about your risks or how to manage your cholesterol, you can do it at any time. Simply sign up on our website. download the free Hello Doctor app from the Google Play or iTunes store. You can contact our doctors 24/7, 365 days of the year!

Questions to ask your doctor (or ours)

  1. What are the dangers of high cholesterol
  2. How can exercise help to lower my cholesterol?
  3. How often do I need to get my cholesterol level checked?
  4. What lifestyle changes can I make to help reduce my cholesterol?

The top killers and cures in men

For much of your 20s you partied like there was no tomorrow. But now, as you get older, you realise the need to take care of your health just a little bit better. Men’s health issues are on the increase. Sadly, though, there still seems to be a stigma around confronting these issues. Men tend to be less open about their health issues. When they struggle, it often becomes a case of: “out of sight, out of mind.”

In the spirit of Movember, we look at three common illnesses men face, and how you can do your best to prevent it.

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

We get it, guys: you don’t really want to talk about it. You might feel like you’re not a “real man”, or that there is “something wrong with you”. But this is simply not true.

ED can be caused by a number of different things, but your lifestyle plays an integral part in your overall performance. Factors that influence erectile dysfunction include

  • Smoking
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Not enough exercise
  • Rest
  • Drug use
  • Sexual activity

ED symptoms include:

  • An inability to have an erection
  • Unable to keep an erection until orgasm
  • Not being able to reach an orgasm or ejaculation

Face the challenge!

We know it’s hard to talk to a doctor about private issues (no pun intended). But, in the spirit of Movember – and for the sake of getting your intimate life back – why not pay your urologist a visit. He’ll perform routine checks on everything to check out the condition of your penis. Even if you don’t suffer from erectile dysfunction, it’s good to just get that reassuring pat on the back that your health is in a good place. If you’re still not convinced, why not chat to one of our doctors first? You can have a private, text-message conversation to answer your most pressing (and private) questions.

Prostate cancer

Located between the bladder and the rectum, the prostate gland plays a role in reproduction. So it’s rather important. Sometimes, without warning, the prostate can develop problems and if not detected early, even cancer. The problem though, is that men often disregard the importance of having their prostate checked. In most cases, a tumour takes years to be detected or become visible and problematic. By that time, it’s often too late to reverse the cancer.

Face the challenge!

Yes, we know the physical exam is a bit uncomfortable, but what’s a little discomfort compared to cancer?! By having your prostate checked on a regular basis you can prevent and minimise the risk of developing cancer. Regular check-ups; even when there are no health concerns can be the key to continuing the lifestyle you have become accustomed to. The older you are, the more susceptible you are to prostate cancer. But early prevention is crucial.

Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular health problems are not just limited to the heart; they affect the brain as well. The two most known cardiovascular problems are heart attacks and strokes, but the real concern is that men are vulnerable to both. When either a heart attack or stroke hit, it restricts the blood flow to the brain; which in turn deprives the brain from oxygen.

Factors that increase your risk for cardiovascular diseases include:

  • unhealthy diets
  • physical inactivity
  • stress
  • smoking
  • excessive alcohol usage

Unfortunately, some men are also genetically at higher risk of developing cardiovascular health issues, but a few lifestyle changes can drastically improve this.  By simply altering your diet, increasing your daily water intake, brisk walking or jogging, you’re already taking steps in the right direction!

Face the challenge!

Pop in to your doctor for a visit and have a cardiovascular check done. Follow this up by exercising with friends regularly or by yourself, i.e. running, cycling, swimming, etc. In addition, quit smoking and eat healthier. This will help you to lose weight, which in turn will lessen the strain on the heart. No man is immune to cardiovascular diseases, but with the right attitude, you can hold off the risk.

References:

http://www.health24.com/Medical/Erectile-dysfunction/Overview/Diagnosis-of-ED-20140513
http://www.health24.com/Medical/Prostate/Overview/Symptoms-of-prostate-cancer-20120721
http://www.health24.com/Diet-and-nutrition/News/Cardiovascular-risk-factors-20140829

Is cholesterol really that bad?

How can something that is essential for brain function be bad for you? This­ is exactly the reputation that cholesterol has earned through the years. And yet, “Cholesterol is necessary to build and maintain cell membranes,” explains Dr David Perlmutter, in the book Brain Maker. “In fact, it’s vital for brain neuron function.”

How publicity made the good guy look bad

A few years ago, based on conflicting medical opinions, people ditched bacon and eggs for muesli, dumped butter for margarine and ran screaming at the mention of cholesterol. It was pinpointed as the main cause of atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in your arteries which cause an obstruction of blood flow).

Since then, HDL has been dubbed as “good” cholesterol, because it helps remove cholesterol from the arteries. LDL, on the other hand, has been dubbed as “bad” cholesterol, because high levels have previously been linked to build-up in the arteries.

What experts are now learning, is that the cholesterol we get from food may not influence the cholesterol levels in the body after all.

Breaking news! Cholesterol may have been innocent

A study by the American Journal of Nutrition shed some interesting insight into cholesterol, saturated fat and overall cardiovascular health. The study worked from the premise of early studies, showing that high intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol led to arthrosclerosis related issues.

After extensive trials they found: “Intake of saturated fat was not associated with an increased risk of CHD, stroke, or CVD. A meta-analysis of prospective epidemiologic studies showed that there is no significant evidence for concluding that dietary saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of CHD or CVD.”

Another more recent study in Future Medicine puts forward that dietary sources of cholesterol don’t play a role in increased risk of heart disease. Similar results come from the British Medical Journal: “Higher consumption of foods that contained high levels of LDL cholesterol did not increase the risk of coronary heart disease and, in fact, reduced the risk of developing a hemorrhagic stroke.”

Still, that’s not to say we should all be diving headfirst into a vat of butter. While cholesterol may have been excessively vilified, you still need to be pragmatic about how much is too much – and why.

How much is too much?

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), healthy people should stick to about 300 milligrams a day. For those with heart disease, diabetes and other coronary risk factors, 200 milligrams looks like the magic number.

Optimistically though, with all this new research, experts tentatively believe these guidelines might be too strict and are looking into raising the limits to 500 milligram a day for health people. Don’t get carried away though – have a chat with your doctor to hone in on what will work for you. Or, you can even talk to one of ours. Just download the Hello Doctor app and request a call.

References

How dangerous are statins?

Statins have a great track record for helping those with heart diseases and high cholesterol levels. They help decrease the death rate in people with a history of heart disease and high cholesterol by as much as 20% and doctors are looking to use statins even more widely for other conditions.

How do statins work?

Statins are a group of enzymes also known as “HMG CoA reductase inhibitors” which block the production of cholesterol by standing directly in the metabolic path responsible for forming cholesterol.

The purpose of statins is to raise the levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL = high density lipoprotein) and lower the levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL = low density lipoprotein). “Bad” cholesterol or LDL is responsible for the layer of plaque that forms on artery walls and causes heart attacks and strokes. (Although there is more to the story than this.)

More bad news

While statins seem to make a difference to the rates of heart attacks and strokes linked to high cholesterol, up to 15% of people experience side-effects from this medication, such digestive problems like diarrhoea and constipation, weakness and muscle cramps.

Other people have complained about forgetfulness and an overall negative effect on their mood. Statins were also shown to cause liver failure in very rare instances.

Some doctors say that they hear increasingly more complaints of muscle aches and fatigue that could be related to their patients’ statins. Statins can also interact with other medications, especially some antibiotics and antidepressants.

And while there are claims that statins could lower cancer deaths and lower the risk of inflammation in the body, these studies aren’t wholly valid as the sample sizes are simply too small.

The controversies

Statins are generally considered safe and seem to be tolerated well by many. Yet new research by the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London suggests that individuals did not suspect an increase in muscle cramps if they didn’t know they were taking statins. The researchers however, found that those who know they’re taking statins were 41% more likely to report muscle problems.

Although studies have found a slight increased risk for diabetes and a small increase in myopathy, the benefits are still more significant than the possible risks.  Another study published in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology, analyased the results of 29 trials involving more than 80 000 people. The study concluded that statins have minimal side-effects and people taking statins had fewer adverse symptoms than those taking a placebo.

This means that people would rather put themselves at risk for heart attacks because they’re discouraged by the controversial nature and the very small risks of the medication. This shouldn’t be the case, because the fatality of a heart attack or stroke is often higher than the very small increased risks of other illnesses and the possible side-effects of statins.

All in all, don’t just stop taking statins because of what you’ve heard. If you do feel any discomfort, first talk to your doctor – or even chat to one of ours.

Important

If you stop statins without consulting a doctor, your cholesterol levels could rise to dangerously high levels. There are some measures your doctor can take if you do experience side-effects:

  • Switch to a lower dose of statins.
  • Stop the medication for a while to see if the symptoms go away. Muscle pains and digestion problems can often have other causes.
  • Alter your exercise regime to rule out muscle cramps.

References:

Could alcohol help you live longer?

“Light to moderate drinking can lower your overall risk of premature death”
“Alcohol could decrease your odds of dying from heart disease”
“Even moderate drinking is linked to pathological changes in the brain”.

Confused much? Headlines like these have been doing rounds in the last couple of weeks. It can be so frustrating, leaving you with a general feeling of  “just make up your minds!”.

So, what does the science say?

Drinking patterns matter

What is clear from the research is that light to moderate drinking has a very different impact on the body, and health, than heavy drinking. Despite what the headlines would have you believe, both studies found a very fine line between alcohol’s protective and harmful effects.

Weighing up the benefits versus the risks

Amount matters
In the old days, alcohol was used for almost anything: in place of safe drinking water, as a preservative or even medicine! These days, however, we know that there is a clear “dose-response” relationship between health and alcohol. More alcohol = more health risks!

Studies show several health benefits associated with drinking moderate amounts of alcohol. Alcohol has been shown to improve the types of fats floating around in your blood, which lowers your risk of getting clots and blockages in your arteries.

Age matters
To complicate things a bit more, you age also counts, as well as the stage of life you’re in. For example:

  • For a 30-year-old man, the increased risk of alcohol-related accidents outweigh the heart-related benefits of moderate alcohol consumption.
  • For a 60-year-old man, a drink a day may help protect against heart disease.

Other factors:

Beyond age, there are other factors that may change the risks for you specifically, such as:

  • A pregnant woman: even moderate alcohol can create problems for her unborn child.
  • A recovering alcoholic can never have alcohol again: not even a little.
  • A person with liver disease: alcohol is processed by your liver, which means even if you drink a little, the effect of alcohol can be the same as drinking a lot.
  • People taking one or more medications that interact with alcohol.

Should you start drinking alcohol to live longer?

It’s safe to say that alcohol is both a tonic and a poison. The difference lies mostly in the dosage. If you want to know the exact dose that is safe for you, take a look at this article.

The real take home message here is that you can’t always believe what a headline tells you. You need to dig a bit deeper and do your own investigation. Choose reliable sources and always read the full article! If that sounds too technical, there is an easier option…. Call one of our doctors who have already done the research and are on hand to guide you through the confusion!

References

http://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j2645
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318942.php
http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/alcoholism4.htm

Read more below…


Your best night out: hangover-free!

It’s the weekend, and you want to go out with your friends. You don’t want a hangover, but you also don’t want to be the one who orders soft drinks all night. You want a good time, without the down-time tomorrow.

Heart-attack: do women have it worse?

You feel a searing pain in your chest, you fall down and then you’re in an ambulance speeding towards the emergency room! Isn’t that how all heart-attacks happen? Well, that’s how they look in the movies, but real-life heart attack symptoms can be silent and sneaky. And, just to complicate matters a bit more: women may get very different symptoms to men! It all seems a bit unfair. Continue reading “Heart-attack: do women have it worse?”