Category: Blogs

16 Dec 2023
Better Health with cardiology

Better Heart Health with a Cardiologist

Our heart is beating tirelessly about 100,000 times a day, and it is the lifeline of our body. A healthy heart improves blood circulation, transporting vital nutrients and oxygen. Besides being a muscular organ, the heart symbolizes and sustains life. Hence, preserving its health is not just a choice but a necessity.

Cardiology: 

Cardiology is the branch of medicine dealing with understanding, treating, and preventing heart diseases. It covers a spectrum of conditions, such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, and valvular disorders, to name a few.  

Cardiologists undergo rigorous training to specialize in managing heart-related conditions and are always at the forefront of advancements in cardiology treatments.

The Vital Role of Cardiologists:

Cardiologists emerge as specialists with a deep understanding of the complexities associated with the heart. Their expertise extends beyond routine health checks, focusing on heart and circulatory complications. Cardiologists are the real heroes in a world of increasing heart issues, helping to keep our hearts in shape.

Cardiologists act as educators, providing comprehensive heart health information. From explaining the significance of a heart-healthy diet to clarifying the benefits of regular exercise, they empower patients to make informed lifestyle choices.

Precision in Diagnosis:

Cardiologists use various diagnostic tools to assess our heart health. From traditional hearing aids to advanced imaging technologies such as echocardiography and cardiac MRI, they meticulously assess the heart’s structure and function.

To understand what might be going wrong with your heart, cardiologists use different tests like stress tests, blood work, and electrocardiograms (ECGs). These tests help them figure out if there are any potential issues early on.

Cardiologists conduct thorough assessments, including family history, lifestyle factors, and overall health, to create a complete profile of an individual’s heart health. This initial evaluation provides personalized preventive measures.

Tailored Treatment Approaches:

Recognizing the uniqueness of each individual, cardiologists craft personalized plans for patients. These plans address specific needs, from lifestyle modification to medication and surgical interventions.

Cardiologists not only treat existing conditions but also emphasize lifestyle changes, helping patients improve their cardiovascular health over the long term. 

Cardiologists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, promoting a well-rounded approach to heart health. This may involve working alongside dietitians, physical therapists, and mental health professionals to address various aspects of a patient’s well-being and curating a personalized treatment plan. 

Regular Check-ups:

Prevention is the cornerstone of heart health, and regular check-ups with a cardiologist help prevent heart issues such as stroke or heart attacks. Routine visits to cardiologists help in the early detection of risk factors, allowing for timely intervention. 

Partnering with a cardiologist in your healthcare journey is not just for the unwell but for those seeking to maintain an optimal heart health baseline. 

Selecting the Right Cardiologist:

Choosing a cardiologist requires careful consideration of credentials, experience, and a compassionate approach. A good cardiologist possesses a wealth of knowledge and communicates effectively, ensuring you understand your heart health and treatment plan. 

Seeking recommendations, reading reviews, and scheduling an initial consultation are important steps in finding the right cardiologist.

Embracing a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle:

Cardiologists assess and classify an individual’s risk of heart disease based on various factors, including age, sex, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. This allows preventive measures to be designed accordingly.  

Beyond diagnosis and treatment, cardiologists also emphasize the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol are integral to maintaining a robust cardiovascular system. 

Post-Operative Care

Cardiologists are involved in post-operative care and rehabilitation for individuals who undergo cardiac procedures or surgeries. They guide patients through recovery, monitor progress, and prescribe rehabilitation exercises to restore optimal heart health.

Pediatric Cardiology

In pediatric cardiology, specialists work with children born with congenital heart defects or those who develop heart conditions. Cardiologists in this field provide early interventions and long-term care to ensure optimal heart health in pediatric patients.

Summary: 

Cardiologists are crucial for handling heart diseases and supporting heart health. They use advanced technologies to diagnose and treat heart conditions more accurately. Working together with other healthcare experts ensures a well-rounded and complete approach to patient care. You can expect personalized treatment and improved results when you pick a cardiologist that suits your needs.

07 Dec 2023
Latest-Advancements-In-Hip-Arthroscopy-Surgery

Latest Advancements in Hip Arthroscopy Surgery

Hip arthroscopy is not just a solution for joint issues but is a revolutionary change. With tiny cuts and special tools, it is less invasive, and the recovery is much quicker and less painful. This method stands out due to its precision and enables personalized patient care. 

Advancements in imaging technologies are revolutionizing how surgeons understand the hip joint, allowing for personalized treatment plans. The continuous innovation in hip arthroscopy makes the entire process smarter and more effective with each breakthrough.

In this blog, we discuss the latest advancements in hip arthroscopic surgery. 

Minimally Invasive Techniques

Modern surgery often involves using minimally invasive techniques.

With smaller incisions and advanced instruments, patients experience reduced pain, shorter recovery times, less scarring, and improved overall outcomes. These days, traditional open surgery is making way for minimally invasive surgeries. 

Arthroscopic procedures involve smaller incisions through which a tiny camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments are inserted. This reduces trauma to surrounding tissues and allows for a quicker return to normal activities.

Advancements in arthroscopic instruments have enhanced these techniques. High-definition cameras provide crystal-clear visuals, and miniature tools designed for delicate procedures contribute to the overall success of the surgery. Patients undergoing minimally invasive hip arthroscopy report less discomfort, shorter hospital stays, and faster rehabilitation than those undergoing traditional open surgeries.

Advancements in Imaging Technology

Accurately visualizing intricate joint details is important for the success of hip arthroscopy. Recent advances in imaging technology have significantly elevated this aspect of the procedure.

The introduction of 3D arthroscopy has been a game-changer, providing surgeons with a three-dimensional view of the hip joint. This technology helps surgeons visualize the body’s structures better, making it easier to figure out problems and do precise treatments. 

Augmented reality goes a step further by adding digital information directly to what the surgeon sees during the operation. Picture a surgeon being guided by virtual markers and cues, making everything more accurate than before.

These technologies enhance the surgeon’s ability to understand the complexities of the hip joint and improve patient outcomes. The more precise the diagnosis, the more tailored the treatment plan, leading to a higher likelihood of successful recovery. 

Personalized Treatment Plans

With the latest technological advancements, it is now possible to do hip arthroscopy with a more customized and patient-centric approach.

For instance, patient-specific implants are designed using advanced imaging and 3D printing technologies. This ensures a perfect fit for each individual’s unique anatomy and improves the overall functionality of the joint post-surgery. It also minimizes the risk of complications associated with ill-fitting implants.

Not only are personalized implants used, but rehabilitation plans are also customized. Physiotherapy programs now consider factors like age, fitness, and lifestyle to ensure the recovery process matches the patient’s unique situation. This personalized approach helps in the overall recovery of the patients. 

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

In hip arthroscopy, using robots and artificial intelligence helps surgeons study, diagnose, and do treatments more accurately. Robotic-assisted surgeries offer great accuracy.

Surgeons can accurately control robotic arms, making precise movements inside the patient’s body. This high level of control is especially beneficial in delicate procedures like hip arthroscopy, where precision is crucial.

AI helps with decisions during surgery and taking care of patients post-surgery. Machine learning algorithms analyze lots of data to find patterns, helping surgeons make smart choices. After surgery, AI monitoring systems track the progress of the patient and notify healthcare providers if there are any unexpected changes in recovery.

Robotics and AI working together improve hip arthroscopy, offering better results and a peek into the future of surgery.

Treating Complex Hip Conditions

Hip arthroscopy doesn’t just handle basic problems but can also deal with complicated issues that were once seen as very challenging. Conditions like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral tears, which were considered hard to treat, are now approached with more hope.

Advanced tools and techniques are playing a pivotal role in addressing these complexities. For FAI, precise instruments and imaging technologies help surgeons reshape the hip joint accurately, easing impingement and bringing back normal function. Labral tears used to be treated conservatively or with open surgeries are now repaired with arthroscopic precision, causing less harm to nearby tissues.

Additionally, regenerative medicine, like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell treatments, broadens treatment options. These therapies support tissue healing and regeneration, providing a comprehensive approach to managing complex hip conditions.

Summary: 

With the advancement in medical technology, orthopedic medicine is going through a massive transformation. From using precise imaging to making personalized care plans, the journey has been about finding new and better ways to help patients. 

By analyzing the latest advancements, we can understand that hip arthroscopy is not just a surgical procedure but a tailored experience to restore mobility, alleviate pain, and enhance overall quality of life. 

23 Nov 2023
Recovering from knee replacement surgery

What to Expect When Recovering from Knee Replacement Surgery

 

Total Knee Replacement is a common orthopedic surgery to replace a worn-out knee with an artificial joint (made of metal and plastic). This surgery, also known as total knee arthroplasty, is performed by orthopedic surgeons, and generally, the success rate is above 90 percent. 

The recovery and rehabilitation can help you return to an active lifestyle. The recovery timeline varies between individuals, and usually, the first 12 weeks are crucial in the faster healing process during the recovery period.

General Knee Replacement Surgical procedure

The Total Knee Replacement surgery is adopted only when other treatment methods, such as physiotherapy and painkiller medications, fail to manage the wear-and-tear pain of the knee. This invasive procedure takes 2 to 3 hours under general anesthesia. 

Below is a brief explanation of the steps involved in Total Knee Replacement Surgery. 

  • The surgeon will make an incision around 6 to 10 inches on your knee area.
  • The kneecap is carefully removed and kept aside. 
  • All the injured and damaged tissues are cut, and the unwanted parts are extracted.
  • The surgeon then attaches the artificial implants (made of metal and plastic). After the procedure, the incisions are stitched, and the patient will be taken to the recovery room.
  • The vitals will be closely monitored in the recovery room after surgery.
  • Once vitals are stable, you will begin preparing for discharge. Medications and physical therapy will be provided to enhance the recovery process.

Step-by-Step Recovery Timeline

The timeline for returning to your regular activities after knee replacement surgery varies from person to person. Here is a general idea of what to expect:

0-2 Weeks- Your hospital stay duration depends on your overall general health. In most cases, patients are discharged within a day or two. You may need a walker or crutches to help with walking. Rehabilitation with physical therapy begins immediately to help you regain mobility. 

This week mostly concentrates on managing the swelling and inflammation after the surgery. Pain and slight discomfort might be reduced by medications and applying an ice pack near the surgery site. You should be fully able to extend your knees from day 1 of surgery. 

2-6 Weeks: You might still depend largely on your walking aid, but there will be more mobility compared to the initial weeks. Continue doing physical therapy, including exercises that help strengthen your knee. 

Sitting for too long during this period can make the knees stiff, so alternate between sitting and walking throughout the day. Post-surgical pain is hardly felt after, and you may not require pain medications. 

2-3 Months: You should see significant improvement in mobility and pain relief. You can start to do light daily activities like driving and light household chores.

3-6 Months: Your knee should continue to get better. Most people can return to work at this point, and you can engage in more physical activities.

6 Months and Beyond: It can take up to a year to fully recover. You should be able to resume most, if not all, of your regular activities without pain.

Tips for speedy recovery after knee replacement surgery

There are plenty of things you can do to help yourself achieve a full recovery. Here are a few tips to help you get back on your feet.

Prioritise rehabilitation and recovery:

Strictly follow the guidance recommended by your physician and physical therapist. Regular gentle exercises and movements are crucial for improving mobility and reducing post-surgery stiffness and swelling. 

Make time for rest: 

Give your body sufficient time to rest and heal. Getting sufficient sleep is essential for both recovery and overall health. Use pillows to elevate your leg; it helps in reducing the swelling during sleep.

Managing Swelling and inflammation: 

Use ice packs to reduce swelling and continue with gentle movements to reduce stiff knees. Consult your physician if there is a persistent inflammation unresponsive to medications.  

Improve your overall health:

Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet contributes to improved healing outcomes. Proper nutrition supports tissue healing. Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. 

Take your prescribed medication: 

Take prescribed pain medications as directed to keep discomfort in check. If you experience any discomfort due to the side effects of the medications, discuss it with your doctor.  

Use walking aids or assistive devices: 

In the initial stages of recovery, walking aids such as crutches or walkers help provide stability and support. You can gradually reduce your dependence on these devices as you regain strength. 

Wear supportive shoes: 

Investing in supportive shoes aids in a quicker recovery after knee replacement surgery. The shoes are designed to provide support and stability as it reduces the risk of slip and falls. Choosing the right footwear minimizes the strain on your knee joint, facilitating a smoother recovery. 

Follow the advice of your medical professional: 

Your surgeon knows what is best for you, and your treatment plans are curated accordingly.  Adhere to their post-operative care guidelines, such as restrictions on weight gain and effective wound care practices to facilitate healing.

For Appointments
Visit :www.germantenhospitals.com

 

15 Nov 2023
5-Tips-For-Understanding-Your-Heart-Failure-Medications

5 Tips For Understanding Your Heart Failure Medications

The heart is a complex organ that continuously pumps and circulates oxygenated blood throughout the body. The heart’s contractions, such as exercise or rest, adapt to varying demands. It also regulates blood pressure and flow by responding to hormonal and neural signals. This complexity enables the organ to keep us healthy. 

Nonetheless, any form of heart damage or heart disease can be a traumatic experience that threatens our ‘well-being.’There is no cure for heart failure, and the only aim of the various treatment methods available is to alleviate symptoms and impede its progression.

These days, we have numerous medicines to treat and keep a check on heart failure, but they have their pros and cons of side effects. Here, we provide five tips to understand and use safely your prescribed heart failure medications

  1. Know your heart type failure.  

    The type of heart failure determines the medications you receive. Heart failure reduces the heart’s pumping ability and needs to be addressed to restore it to a healthy condition. Hence, knowing the type of heart failure affects the medications you need.

    Left-sided heart failure: This is the most common type of heart failure. The left ventricle pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of your body. In left-sided heart failure, the left ventricle cannot pump efficiently, leading to a shortage of oxygen-rich blood. This leads to a collection of blood in the lungs instead. 

    Right-sided heart failure: This heart failure results as a side effect of the inefficient pumping of the left ventricle. The right ventricle’s job is to pump enough blood that needs to be replenished with oxygen to the lungs. However, there is already accumulated blood in the lungs due to left-sided heart failure. The extra blood causes elevated blood pressure in the blood vessels between the heart and lung, ultimately damaging the heart’s right-side parts.  

    Congestive heart failure: This occurs when fluid accumulates in different parts of the body due to fluid retention in the lungs and reduced blood flow through the circulatory system. It results in edema along with shortness of breath.

  2. Know the role of each medication.
    Each medication prescribed to treat your heart failure has a specific purpose in treating your heart failure. Knowing the purpose of each drug can enhance your understanding of how and when to take it, its dosage, expected outcomes, etc. Keeping a list of your medicines can help you and the physician track your medications and health conditions and avoid any problems related to drug interactions.

  3. Follow the prescribed medication regimen.
    This is one of the crucial steps in managing your heart failure treatment. Follow precisely your physician’s instructions in taking the prescribed medications to receive the full benefit of the treatment. Medications help manage the disease, control the symptoms, and improve the patient’s overall health. 

    Not following a consistent medication routine can lead to ineffective treatment or even cause other health issues. Setting reminders on your phone or using pill organizers can help you maintain the correct medication routine.

  4. Look out for medication side effects.

    It is common to have minor side effects with most heart failure medications. Understanding the potential side effects can help your consulting doctor regulate the medication dosages and monitor the functions of the kidneys and other vital organs. 

    Some common side effects of heart failure medications include dizziness, fatigue, and low blood pressure. However, not everyone will experience these side effects. In many cases, these side effects may persist for a while and slowly subside as your body adapts to the medication. 

  5. Manage stress: 

    Doing regular exercise improves cardiovascular health. Routine exercise helps reduce stress by releasing endorphins and also helps maintain a healthy weight. But don’t forget to discuss with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable exercise routine for your specific condition.

    Having a low-sodium diet can help control fluid retention; hence, reducing salt intake is important. Introduce fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to your diet while avoiding saturated fats and sugar. 

    Smoking is considered one of the biggest risk factors for heart failure. The components in cigarettes and tobacco can narrow your blood vessels and cause strain on your heart. Quitting smoking can help in normal blood pumping and distribution of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

    To Conclude:
    Heart failure is a complex yet manageable disease by taking medications on time and following a healthy lifestyle. Remember, abruptly stopping your medications can cause serious consequences. Hence, do not discontinue your medication without discussing it with your physician. 

03 Nov 2023
who is at risk for heart disease

Who is at risk for heart disease?

Coronary heart disease or simply CAD, popularly known as heart disease causes roughly around 805,000 heart attacks each year in the USA.  Do you know that every year almost 696,000 people die because of heart disease in the United States of America? 

Unhealthy lifestyle habits, lack of physical exercise and early exposure to smoking and tobacco are some of the leading causes of the growing incidences of heart attacks and heart failure cases across the globe. 

While there are certain risk factors such as age and hereditary disorders which cannot be treated completely, there are many others which are directly under your control. 

It is important to identify and eliminate the controllable risk factors of heart disease to stay safe against serious and long-term cardiac issues that include heart failure and heart attack. 

In this blog, we are going to give you an overview of 6 such risk factors which increase your chances of developing a heart disease.

1. High Blood Pressure

The most common and one of the most dangerous risk factors which can result in both heart disease as well as heart stroke is high blood pressure. 

High blood pressure is commonly termed a ‘Silent Killer’ because it usually does not show any clear-cut symptoms that can be detected and prevented at an early stage. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is by getting it measured. 

However, most people don’t measure their blood pressure until they have a doctor’s visit or suspect the presence of some other disease that affects blood pressure. 

As a result, in most cases, the condition keeps on getting worse as it does not get detected at the right time finally resulting in heart disease. 

The worst part is that it not only affects your heart but also interferes with the proper functioning of other vital organs such as the kidney and brain.

2. Consumption Of Foods Containing High Quantity Of ‘bad’ Cholesterol

There are two main types of cholesterols—

  • Low-Density Lipoprotein Or LDL Cholesterol: LDL cholesterol is generally called “bad cholesterol” because it accelerates the production of plaque which can build up over time and cause blockages in your arteries. These blockages lead to heart disease.
  • High-Density Lipoprotein Or HDL Cholesterol: High levels of HDL Cholesterol are considered to be effective in preventing the onset of heart disease. That is why it is generally called “good cholesterol.”

3. Diabetes

People who have diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease.

Diabetes can occur because of two reasons—

  • Your pancreas is not producing enough insulin 
  • The body is not able to break down and properly utilize the insulin which it produces

As a result, your body has a high amount of blood sugar levels because the abnormal insulin production is not breaking down the sugar leading to its accumulation in your blood vessels. 

Ultimately sugar accumulation causes blockages in the blood vessels that deliver blood to your brain increasing the risk of stroke. 

Apart from this, high blood sugar also damages the blood vessels of your heart. 

4. Smoking, Tobacco Intake And Extreme Exposure To Secondhand Smoke

Research has shown that one 1 out of every 4 deaths that occur because of heart disease is due to excessive smoking.

Here is a list of ways in which smoking affects your heart health—

  • Smoking increases bad cholesterol
  • It makes the blood sticky increasing the chances of clot formation that ultimately blocks the blood vessels causing heart disease
  • It damages the cells that are present on the lining of the blood vessels
  • It makes the blood thicker and the blood vessels narrower
  • It speeds up the formation of plaque (blockages formed from fat, cholesterol, etc.)

5. Obesity 

Being overweight makes you more susceptible towards developing health issues like—

  • High Blood Pressure
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • High LDL Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol)
  • Low HDL Cholesterol (Good Cholesterol) 

It is crucial to maintain a healthy body weight and do regular exercise to prevent the risk of heart disease that occurs due to obesity.

6. Absence Of Regular Physical Activity

Being physically inactive is another major cause of heart disease. In fact, it can even cause other related risk factors like high cholesterol, obesity, high blood pressure, and in some cases even type 2 diabetes.

Regular physical activity is therefore crucial for people of all ages and genders as it keeps your cardiovascular system healthy ultimately minimizing the chances of the occurrence of heart diseases.

Conclusion

Heart disease is one of the most prevalent causes of death worldwide. However, certain situations have the potential to increase the possibility of its occurrence. 

Likewise, diabetics, people suffering from unbalanced blood pressure, obese individuals, people who don’t get enough physical activity and people with high cholesterol intake are at a much higher risk of developing heart disease. 

If you are facing any heart conditions, please get in touch with our doctors for appointments.
Call 9000909073 or
visit www.germantenhospitals.com

28 Oct 2023
​​All You Need to Know About Nephrology & Nephrologist ?

​​All You Need to Know About Nephrology & Nephrologist

Nephrology and nephrologists play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney-related conditions. This article provides an overview of their role, expertise, and the conditions they manage, helping patients understand the importance of nephrology in their kidney health.

What is Nephrology?

Nephrology is a medical specialty that focuses on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney diseases and disorders. It encompasses the evaluation and management of various conditions affecting the kidneys, including: 

  • Chronic Kidney Disease
  • Kidney Stones
  • Kidney Infections
  • Electrolyte Imbalances
  • Kidney Failure, Etc

Nephrologists, specialized physicians in nephrology, possess in-depth knowledge and expertise in kidney function, anatomy, and the complex interactions of the kidneys with other body systems. They utilize a combination of diagnostic tools to assess kidney health and formulate personalized treatment plans. 

Some examples of these tools include: 

  • Medical History Review
  • Physical Examination
  • Laboratory Tests
  • Imaging Studies

Nephrologists work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients, aiming to preserve kidney function, manage kidney-related conditions, and improve overall well-being.

The Vital Roles of Nephrologists in Kidney Care: Understanding their Responsibilities 

Nephrologists work closely with other healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, surgeons, and urologists, to provide comprehensive care to patients with kidney disorders. 

Some of their major responsibilities include: 

Diagnosis and Treatment

Nephrologists are responsible for diagnosing and treating a wide range of kidney-related conditions like kidney stones, urinary tract infections, etc. They utilize their expertise in interpreting the following medical tests to make accurate diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans:

  • blood and urine analyses
  • imaging studies
  • kidney biopsies

Treatment approaches may include:

  • Medication Management
  • Lifestyle Modifications
  • Dietary Adjustments
  • Dialysis (Hemodialysis Or Peritoneal Dialysis)
  • Kidney Transplantation

Management of Chronic Kidney Disease

Managing chronic kidney disease by implementing strategies to slow its progression and addressing complications. This may involve:  

  • Medication management
  • Dietary recommendations
  • Blood pressure control
  • Fluid balance management
  • And, coordination with other healthcare professionals

Dialysis and Transplantation

Nephrologists oversee dialysis treatments (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) for patients who require renal replacement therapy. They collaborate with surgical teams to evaluate and manage patients undergoing kidney transplantation.

Hypertension Management

Nephrologists manage hypertension (high blood pressure) related to kidney problems. They assess and treat high blood pressure to prevent further kidney damage and related heart complications.

Patient Education and Counselling 

Nephrologists educate and counsel patients and families on kidney health, disease prevention, medication adherence, diet modifications, and lifestyle changes. They empower patients to take an active role in their care and make informed decisions about their kidney health.

Research and Advancements

Nephrologists conduct research to advance knowledge about kidney diseases, develop innovative treatments, and enhance patient outcomes. Their research contributes to advancements in diagnosing and managing kidney-related conditions, leading to improved care and better outcomes for patients.

Common Kidney Conditions Managed by Nephrologists

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
  • Acute kidney injury (AKI)
  • Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units)
  • Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
  • Kidney stones
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Electrolyte and acid-base imbalances

When to see a nephrologist?

  • If you have persistent or recurrent urinary tract infections.
  • If you have high blood pressure that is difficult to control.
  • If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) or have been diagnosed with kidney damage.
  • If you have protein or blood in your urine.
  • If you have kidney stones or a history of kidney stone formation.
  • If you experience unexplained changes in urine colour, frequency, or volume.
  • If you have swelling or oedema in your legs, ankles, or face.
  • If you have a family history of kidney disease or polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
  • If you have concerns about your kidney health or have been referred by your primary care physician.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, nephrology and nephrologists are essential in diagnosing, treating, and managing kidney-related conditions. They have specialized knowledge to optimize kidney health. If you have kidney health concerns, consulting a nephrologist can provide you with the necessary evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment options specific to your condition.

FAQs

Q1. What organ does a nephrologist treat?

Ans. A nephrologist primarily treats the kidneys, which are the organs responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream, maintaining electrolyte balance, and regulating blood pressure.

Q2. What are the most common nephrology diseases?

Ans. Hypertension or high blood pressure, metabolic disorders related to the kidney, electrolyte and fluid imbalances, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and glomerulonephritis are some of the most common nephrology diseases.

Q3. What is the difference between a nephrologist and a urologist?

Ans. Nephrologists focus on the medical management and treatment of kidney diseases, while urologists specialize in the surgical and medical treatment of urinary system disorders. Nephrologists primarily handle internal kidney-related conditions, while urologists address urinary system disorders, including surgical interventions.

21 Oct 2023
Habits for prevention of kidney stones

Habits For Prevention Of Kidney Stones

A kidney stone is a solid object made of urine crystals. Natural substances in urine enable the prevention of kidney stones and stop them from developing and posing issues for the majority of people. Also, you must learn about the foods to avoid kidney stones.

What contributes most to preventing kidney stone formation?

Drinking a lot of water daily is one of the finest things you can do for the prevention of kidney stones. Less urine may be produced due to water loss from sweat, which may be brought on by tiresome activities or just the summer heat. Avoid kidney stones by keeping yourself hydrated.

Drink water to hydrate. Keep yourself hydrated, especially when exercising or doing other activities that make you sweat a lot. This is the best way to prevent kidney stones.

The most typical type of stone is calcium oxalate.

Foods with high oxalate content include peanuts, rhubarb, spinach, beets, Swiss chard, chocolate, and sweet potatoes, to name a few. At mealtime, consume oxalate-rich meals and calcium-containing foods like milk, yogurt, and some cheeses. Before accessing the kidneys, the oxalate and calcium from the diets are bound to one another in the stomach and intestines. Kidney stones will be less prone to occur as a result of this. Prevention of kidney stones is ensured as a result of this.  Your risk of developing kidney stones increases with a low-calcium diet.

Reduce your consumption of high-purine foods like red meat for the prevention of kidney stones. These are some of the foods you need to avoid with kidney stones.

Consume a diet high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Reduce your sugar-sweetened items, especially those containing high fructose corn syrup. Limit your alcohol intake because it can raise your blood uric acid levels, and stay away from crash diets for the same reason. Follow this diet to prevent kidney stones. Although there can be many diets to prevent kidney stones proposed by your dietician, following this can be ideal.

 

Dietary Advice for Kidney Stones

  • Drink 2-3 quarts of fluid per day.
    This includes any fluid, except alcohol, that has been proven to have a positive effect, such as water, coffee, and lemonade.
  • Reduce your intake of foods high in oxalate.
    Wheat bran, chocolate, nuts, beets, spinach, a variety of berries, tea, and rhubarb from your diet should be eliminated. This is the ideal diet to prevent kidney stones. 

 

  • Consume adequate dietary calcium.
    Daily consumption of dairy dishes will reduce the likelihood of calcium stone development. Ingest meals with. This is the best way to prevent kidney stones. 
    Dietary calcium for kidney stones
  • Prevent supplemental calcium intake.
    Your doctor should customise your calcium supplements.
  • Consume a reasonable amount of protein.
    The right amount of protein ingested by you can help in the prevention of kidney stones.
  • Reduce your intake of salt.
    Consuming less salt is crucial for blood pressure management. Use less salt in foods to avoid kidney stones.
  • Keep vitamin C pills at low dosages.
    Intake greater than 1000 mg daily may produce more oxalate in your body.

There are numerous strategies to control it, whether it be arthritis. Many times, the pain brought on by inflammation, arthritis, or a minor injury will go away on its own. Avoid kidney stones by following the right diet to prevent kidney stones.

Home remedies increase your level of comfort and assist you in managing symptoms.

However, if the pain is moderate to severe or the symptoms linger or worsen, you may need medical attention. 

Include these foods in your diet to prevent kidney stones. 

RICE can help with sprains and strains.

Remembering the acronym “RICE” can be beneficial if you’ve twisted your leg, fallen, injured, or sprained your knee. It can ensure the prevention of kidney stones. What else in the process can help in the prevention of kidney stones?

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Compression
  • Elevation

Step away from the ground and place an ice bag or cold compress on the knee. Follow the prescribed diet to avoid kidney stones and keep yourself healthy. To reduce swelling, wrap a compression bandage across your knee, but not too tightly so that it restricts circulation. Maintain an elevated foot while you’re sleeping. Avoid kidney stones by doing all of these things.

 

14 Oct 2023
Heart Screening when why are they necessary

Heart Screenings: When & Why Are They Necessary?

Screening exams aim at detecting the presence of a disease at an early stage and treating it as soon as possible to prevent it from progressing. 

According to various studies and research by the National Institutes of Health, cardiac diseases, generally called heart diseases such as CAD or Coronary Artery Disease that lead to a heart attack are one of the primary causes of death in the United States of America. 

The main risk factors of heart disease include—

  • High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol 
  • Age 
  • Family History Of Heart Disease
  • Tobacco Intake 
  • Smoking
  • Gender
  • Obesity
  • Lack Of Physical Activity
  • Diabetes

Heart screenings are therefore crucial for the timely identification of the risk factors and other causes that may lead to heart disease. 

Who Should Go For Heart Screening?

The American Heart Association says that heart screening tests particularly for coronary artery disease (CAD) must begin at the age of 20 years. 

The best way to find out and prevent the onset of heart disease is to take regular check-up appointments for a thorough examination of your overall health. These can include tests for—

  • BMI: Body Mass Index 
  • Weight 
  • Blood Pressure 
  • Blood Cholesterol Levels 
  • Blood Glucose Levels

Cholesterol tests and blood pressure tests are recommended for all individuals above the age of 20.

Tests for blood pressure are crucial because the risk of developing high blood pressure increases after the age of 65. 

Blood pressure is also one of the leading causes and risk factors of cardiovascular disorders. High blood pressure doesn’t show any symptoms and therefore regularly measuring the blood pressure is a crucial part of heart screening. 

People who are at risk of heart disease must undergo a test for cholesterol screening every 4 to 6 years. Similarly, for people who have a blood pressure level lower than 120/80 mm of Hg frequently, screening is recommended after every 2 years.

Since older individuals are more susceptible to risk factors that are directly related to heart disease, blood glucose screening is essential for people who have crossed the 45-year mark. 

However, obese individuals should start with blood glucose screening as early as 40 years of age. 

More complex and detailed heart screening tests are essential for—

  • Obese individuals
  • People older than 40 years
  • People who are not physically active
  • Chronic smokers
  • Diabetics
  • People who have a history of family suffering from heart disease
  • People with physical disabilities
  • People who were diagnosed with any kind of heart disorders such as those related to high blood pressure, high cholesterol etc. in the past. 

4 Types Of Heart Screening Tests And Their Significance

The most recommended heart screening exams include—

1. EKG or Electrocardiogram 

An electrocardiogram is used to analyze your heart rhythm along with its electrical signaling system. 

It is recommended for people who have structural abnormalities such as an enlarged heart or those with risk factors of heart disease that show symptoms like—

  • Shortness Of Breath
  • Chest Pain
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Irregular Heartbeats
  • Heart Palpitations

It is also beneficial for people with—

  • Diabetes
  • Family history of cardiac disorders

2. Exercise Stress Test

An exercise stress test is used to determine if your heart starts showing abnormal functions or abrupt changes while exercising.

People who are at risk of heart disease including diabetics and those who have symptoms of heart disease can take the test.

3. Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is used to detect the size as well as the shape of your heart and analyze it for the presence of a structural abnormality associated with important cardiovascular organs such as–

  • Heart Chambers 
  • Heart Walls
  • Blood Vessels
  • Heart Valves

A doctor will recommend you take an echocardiogram test if he suspects that your chest pain and other heart disease-related symptoms are occurring because of your heart’s structural abnormalities.

4. Calcium Scoring 

In a calcium scoring test, a computed tomography or CT scan is used to find out if calcium buildup is present in the plaque that has accumulated on the walls of your arteries. 

The test is highly beneficial for people who are at moderate risk of heart disease as it can accurately help in the early identification of—

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack

Other than these, blood tests to measure the level of cholesterol and triglycerides are also essential because they have a direct impact on your heart health. These tests include measuring your—

  • Total Blood Cholesterol Level 
  • Low-density Lipoprotein Or LDL cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol)
  • High-density Lipoprotein Or HDL Cholesterol (Good Cholesterol) 
  • Triglycerides

Conclusion

While heart screenings are significant to help you stay away, and timely get rid of cardiac diseases, taking the right precautions to keep your cardiovascular health maintained is equally important. 

Regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco and cigarettes, limiting alcohol intake and having regular checkups for a comprehensive evaluation of your overall health are some steps you can take to have a healthy cardiovascular system.

For An Appointments :

Call:9000909073

Visit: www.germantenhospitals.com

03 Oct 2023
Causes of Cardiac arrest in Young Adults

Causes of cardiac arrest in young adults – Explained!

An 8-year-old kid died because of a cardiac arrest while kicking a football.

A 21-year-old singer passes away after complaining about chest pain during his concert.

A 16-year-old girl suddenly faints while playing basketball. Upon reaching the hospital doctor declares her dead due to a cardiac arrest.

Although rare, the cases of young people dying because of a sudden and unexpected cardiac arrest or a heart attack have seen a major hike within the past few years.

As per a study conducted by the CDC (Centres For Disease Control And Prevention) more than 2000 young adults, that is, people aged below 25 years die every year because of cardiac arrest in the United States of America.

Most of these deaths are sudden and unexpected with almost zero alarming factors which can indicate or predict the possibility of their occurrence in advance.

They usually attack healthy young individuals at the time of activities such as physical exercise or while playing a sport. In some cases, cardiac arrest can even occur while sleeping.

Understanding the causes and risk factors of cardiac arrest in young adults is therefore important for the timely identification and elimination of any controllable factors that can be avoided.

Here is a list explaining the 4 primary causes of cardiac arrest in young adults—

1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a hereditary condition in which the muscle cells present in your ventricles (the lower chambers of your heart) grow thicker than normal. It causes the thickening of the heart muscle which ultimately interferes with normal heart functioning by creating problems in efficient pumping of the blood.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of cardiac arrest among young adults because of its unrecognizable nature that often remains undiagnosed because it doesn’t show any symptoms.

However, only in a few rare cases, thickened heart muscle might show symptoms like—

Chest pain that occurs particularly while exercising
Faster heartbeats (heart palpitations)
Abnormal or irregular heart rhythm
Shortness of breath
Heart murmur (sound of the heartbeat)

These symptoms worsen when the body is in a state of exhaustion due to sports or has undergone extensive physical exercise.

It is advisable to visit a doctor as soon as the chest pain occurs or if you find difficulty in breathing.

2. Heart Rhythm Disorders

Primary arrhythmias or heart rhythm disorders cause cardiac arrest in people who have a structurally normal heart.

There are many types of arrhythmias but the ones that increase the risk of cardiac arrest in young adults include—

Long QT syndrome
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
Brugada Syndrome

Among these long QT syndrome is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in young adults because it gives rise to rapid and abnormally chaotic heartbeats.

Long QT syndrome can occur because of—

Inheritance of altered DNA
Mineral imbalances
As a side effect of some other medical issues
Intake of certain drugs

While the symptoms usually remain hidden, commonly detectable symptoms include—

Sudden fainting
Seizures

3. Commotio Cordis (Blunt Chest Injury)

Also known as blunt chest injury, commotio cordis is a condition that results in sudden death due to a cardiac arrest which occurs when some external force directly hits your chest.

It usually happens while playing sports like ice hockey, basketball, baseball etc. due to the chest getting hit by sports equipment or after coming in hard contact with another player.

Blind chest injury (commotio cordis) doesn’t bring a change in the structure of the heart. Likewise, it does not damage your heart muscles. Instead, it targets the electrical signaling of your heart ultimately resulting in ventricular fibrillation.

Ventricular fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia that causes irregular heartbeat. When it occurs, the heart rhythm becomes so irregular and so uncoordinated that most often it creates a medical emergency.

Anybody, from kids to teenagers to young adults who have a completely normal and healthy heart can suffer from commotio cordis at any age.

Therefore, it is one of the most widespread and common causes of death due to cardiac arrest in young adults.

4. Myocarditis

In Myocarditis, the myocardium, which is the main muscle of your heart, gets inflamed.

Its inflammation not only disables the heart from pumping blood efficiently but also results in several other negative effects that ultimately result in cardiac arrest.

These include—

Severe chest pain
Shortness of breath
A rapid heartbeat
Irregular heart rhythm that ultimately results in arrhythmia

Myocarditis is caused by the spread of an infection from a specific type of virus. In some cases, it can also happen due to adverse reactions towards a drug.

Conclusion

Young adults should visit their doctor regularly to check for cardiac health to avoid the risk. If you find that you are at a risk of cardiac arrest then avoiding strenuous physical activity including competitive sports can be a good step towards improving your heart health.

22 Sep 2023
Five advantages of minimmaly invasive spine surgery

Five Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery or MISS is a surgical approach that aims at treating a wide variety of spinal conditions without impacting the surrounding muscles, tissues, and cells negatively. Compared with open surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery offers many benefits ranging from faster return to day-to-day activities and reduced hospital stay.

Here are the five primary benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS):

1. Faster Recovery Time

The best and the most important advantage of minimally invasive spine surgery is that it doesn’t take months to recover from.

Unlike traditional open surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery does not involve making large incisions or openings in your body tissues for treatment. Moreover, the tissues surrounding the site of surgery also don’t undergo much disruption or damage because of the utilisation of smaller incisions or cuts in MISS.

Since larger incisions increase blood loss and give more trauma to the surrounding tissues, they not only cause a higher extent of pain but also take more time to heal and recover. Therefore, unlike open surgeries, minimally invasive spine surgery is done by making only small cuts.

As a result, due to lower wound formation, the intensity and the duration of pain decrease. Hence, because of decreased tissue damage and minimal trauma to the other body parts such as muscles, the overall time required to complete the surgery along with the duration of recovery decreases significantly.

Most patients who are treated using minimally invasive spine surgery get a discharge on the day of the operation itself. Faster discharge time means minimised hospital stay and a quicker start to your recovery period.

2. Less Painful Process

In minimally invasive spine surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions or cuts into your tissues and muscles to access and view the affected area for treatment.

The primary goal is to have a closer look and monitor the site of operation using specialized instruments consisting of microscopic video cameras. These cameras pass easily through the organs and tissues that are located in the deeper regions of your body such as—

Nerves of your spine
Vertebrae
Spinal discs

MISS is performed using highly advanced tools and techniques that enable access to your affected tissues without causing much disturbance to the surrounding areas. These techniques are designed to invade your tissues minimally ultimately decreasing the damage that your nerves and muscles undergo.

Henceforth, since the muscles and nerves don’t have to go through a high degree of disruption, the pain in them is minimized. Less pain means reduced need for post-operative care and pain reliever medications.

As a result, the process is less painful and has a faster recovery time in comparison with traditional open spine surgeries.

3. Reduced Risk of Complications

Common complications associated with the traditional open spine surgeries include:

Adverse effects of anaesthesia that might result in heart stroke, brain damage, heart attack etc.

Excessive bleeding due to large cuts

Surgeries that are performed on the pelvis, calves and thighs may sometimes result in the formation of blood clots

Dural tears

Development of infections that cause pain and swelling at or near the site of operation

Minimally invasive surgery doesn’t expose a large surface of your muscles, nerves and tissues to the external environment consisting of contaminants and other chemical components used for treatment. So, the chances of the development of an infection at the incision site and the possibility of other adverse effects on the surrounding tissues are reduced.

Most importantly, since highly advanced imaging technology is utilized, precision is more due to better visualization. The enhanced precision contributes towards the elimination of the risk of complications associated with spine surgery.

4. Less Muscle Damage

In open surgery, in order to have access to the deeper tissues such as nerves, discs and vertebrae for operation, the surgeon needs to first remove the muscles that are located on their upper surface. Therefore, during the procedure, a lot of muscle damage happens before the actual surgery can take place.

The procedures used in minimally invasive spine surgery, in contrast, dilate (stretch and enlarge) these muscles instead of cutting and disrupting them. Hence, the maximum of your natural muscle structure is preserved giving you better muscle functionality and decreasing muscle weakness faced post-operation.

Overall, the level of muscle damage is much less in comparison with traditional open spine surgeries.

5. Better Cosmetic Outcomes

Small cuts generate less pain and heal faster. Apart from these, the visibility of scars caused by minimally invasive surgery is less and they tend to produce better cosmetic outcomes.

Particularly if the surgery has to be performed on the externally visible parts of your body, the presence of big and ugly scars that result from large incisions post-surgery can impact your self-esteem and decrease confidence.

Minimally invasive spine surgery helps you avoid the embarrassment of noticeable scarring and heal with confidence due to enhanced cosmetic results that cause much lesser scarring.