Blood doping, an illegal practice in endurance sports, involves collecting an athlete’s blood, processing it to create a concentration of red blood cells, and transfusing it back into the athlete before competition. This increases the athlete’s endurance by delivering more oxygen to their muscles. While standard blood doping has fallen out of favor, athletes now […]
Hypertension tests include blood pressure measurement, physical exam, medical history, and additional tests to trace the cause of high blood pressure and assess any damage to internal organs. Tests may include urinalysis, blood tests, chest x-ray, and ECG. Additional tests may be ordered for patients with negative results. The tests guide the doctor in treatment […]
High blood sugar during pregnancy can lead to gestational diabetes, which can cause health problems for both mother and baby. The placenta creates hormones that limit insulin use, causing blood sugar to rise. Eating well and exercising can reduce the risk, and low blood sugar can be solved by eating small, frequent meals. A woman’s […]
Doctors conduct a medical interview before a progesterone blood test to identify factors that could affect results. Patients may need to fast and stop taking certain medications. The test involves a small blood sample taken from the arm and sent to a lab for examination. Results usually arrive within 24 hours. Most doctors conduct a […]
Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day due to factors such as exercise, diet, and environmental factors. However, if blood pressure remains abnormally high or low for extended periods, it may indicate an underlying health condition. Chronic hypertension can be caused by hereditary and environmental factors such as smoking, drinking, high salt intake, being overweight, […]
Improving blood circulation can involve a healthy diet, exercise, medication, and avoiding habits like smoking. Herbs like ginkgo biloba and ginger, as well as physical therapy techniques like massage and hydrotherapy, can also help. Maintaining exercise from a young age can prevent circulation problems in old age. Steps to improve blood circulation can vary slightly […]
The ESR blood test measures the rate at which red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube, indicating the presence of inflammation in the body. A high ESR value suggests inflammation, infection, autoimmune disease, or hematologic malignancies, while a low ESR value may indicate diseases that cause structural abnormalities of red blood […]
Conflict diamonds are sold to fund terrorism and violent acts, with Africa being the most affected region. The diamond industry’s closed nature makes it easy to smuggle blood diamonds, which are exchanged for weapons or currency. The trade has caused millions of deaths, but efforts have been made to combat it, including certificates indicating monitored […]
Blood tests are used to analyze blood for certain characteristics or diseases. Blood is drawn and stored until it is subjected to required tests. Results inform patients about their health and can rule out causes of symptoms. Tests can be completed in a few days or the same day. Health insurance may cover the cost […]
Postprandial blood sugar measures glucose levels after eating. High levels can indicate diabetes or other health problems. Patients eat before the test, which can be done at home or in a clinic, and results can take up to two hours. Elevated results require further testing. Postprandial blood sugar is a measure of the amount of […]
Blood in saliva can be caused by bacteria, trauma, cancer, and medications. Bacteria can lead to infection and bleeding, while trauma can cause cuts and internal bleeding. Cancer and cancer treatments can also lead to bloody saliva, as can certain medications, including narcotics. Unlike most other parts of the body, blood in saliva can occur […]
Plasma donor centers are usually found in urban areas and college towns, and donors must undergo a thorough screening process before donating. Plasma is used for medical purposes and can be donated twice a week for an average payment of $25 USD. Homeless people no longer donate due to the risk of diseases. While plasma […]
Artificial blood carries oxygen throughout the body but cannot replace real blood. Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers and perfluorocarbons are the two main types, with different methods of carrying oxygen. Artificial blood is useful in emergencies and has a longer shelf life than real blood. Artificial blood, also known as oxygen therapy, works by carrying oxygen throughout […]
Blood thinners, or anticoagulants, prevent blood from clotting and can be used to treat certain heart conditions. They work in different ways, such as inhibiting vitamin K or thrombin, and can be administered orally or by injection. Antiplatelet drugs, like aspirin, prevent platelet clumping and are also used to prevent blood clots. Regular blood tests […]
Blood lipids are fats in the bloodstream, including cholesterol and triglycerides. They are transported in protein complexes and can be measured through a blood lipid profile. The lipid hypothesis links high blood cholesterol levels to heart disease, but some disagree. Lipids have important functions in the body, including forming cell membranes and storing energy. A […]
Blood lancets should be sterile, have a handle and spring mechanism, and adjustable depth. They are used for diabetes testing and newborn heel prick. Thin lancets are less painful, and adjustable lancets are best for precise skin penetration. Experiment with different sizes and read instructions carefully. When choosing a blood lancet, several factors must be […]
Fasting blood sugar levels are used to evaluate patients with symptoms of diabetes. A healthy individual’s level is between 70-99 mg/dL, but values can vary. Results above 125 mg/dL on two or more occasions indicate diabetes, while levels between 100-125 mg/dL are prediabetic. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can also occur in diabetic patients. A […]
Blood disorders, caused by genetics or nutritional deficiencies, include anemia, high blood pressure, blood cholesterol, sepsis, leukemia, and hemophilia. Anemia is caused by a shortage of red blood cells, hypertension is often symptomless and can lead to heart disease, blood cholesterol is treatable but can lead to heart attack, sepsis is a life-threatening bacterial infection, […]
Caffeine can block hormones that keep arteries open, trigger adrenaline release, and temporarily raise blood pressure. While a direct link to chronic high blood pressure is unproven, those with related heart conditions may benefit from avoiding caffeine. Caffeine may also narrow arteries and stimulate the adrenal gland, leading to increased blood pressure. Caffeine and high […]
Monitoring blood sugar levels is important for detecting glucose conversion issues and health risks. Normal levels are between 100-120 mg/dL for non-diabetics and slightly higher for diabetics. Diabetics should aim for lower readings to delay health problems. Diet and exercise can help manage glucose levels. All people experience rises and falls in the amount of […]
