An estimated 2.7 to 6.1 million people in our country suffer from a heart complication called atrial fibrillation (Afib), where one’s heart beats at an abnormal pace, usually faster than it should. The condition is managed with the help of minimally invasive procedures, surgery, and other alternatives. According to experts, specific unhealthy habits may interfere with the treatment and trigger or worsen the symptoms. Here are six poor habits for Afib one should know about. Not sleeping enough Sleep is essential for reenergizing the body’s cells. Not getting sufficient rest can trigger various symptoms, including those linked to Afib. One may not sleep well for several reasons, such as stress, an unplanned work schedule, or underlying health conditions like sleep apnea. Even tiny interruptions in sleep quality and duration may put one at a greater risk of developing Afib. Drinking too much coffee While coffee can give people that added burst of energy, excessive consumption is a bad habit. Caffeine can trigger heart complications, so one should stop its consumption if at risk of Afib. Those who love the beverage can speak to a healthcare professional about the ideal daily intake. Overexercising Exercising is one of the most discussed ways of staying healthy and fit.

Esophageal esophagitis (EoE) is a health condition characterized by the accumulation of eosinophil, a type of white blood cell, in the esophagus. It commonly involves symptoms like regurgitation, abdominal pain, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. An allergic reaction to food groups or certain environmental factors causes this health condition. Determining food triggers of this condition involves eliminating certain food groups from one’s meal plan. Some foods that may likely cause EoE are listed below. Eggs In some cases, egg allergies may cause or aggravate EoE symptoms. Specifically, the body produces antibodies to fight against the proteins in eggs, causing an allergic reaction. So, individuals with EoE should avoid eggs in all forms, as well as baked foods and other preparations containing eggs, for a few days to determine whether eggs are causing the condition. Soy Soy may also trigger EoE in some individuals. Hence, people with this condition should avoid all foods containing soy, such as tofu, soybean, soybean oil, soy milk, and soy sauce, adding these back gradually to detect an allergic reaction to this ingredient. One should also carefully check the ingredients of ready-to-eat and packaged foods, as some may contain soy or soy products. Wheat Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat and wheat products and can trigger an accumulation of eosinophils in the esophagus for some individuals.

A person experiences a heart attack when there is a severe reduction or blockage of the normal flow of blood to the heart. The blockage occurs because of the accumulation of cholesterol, fat, plaque, or other substances in the arteries of the heart. Also known as myocardial infarction, a heart attack requires immediate expert attention. So, it is important to determine the cause and monitor symptoms if one is at risk. Pain and discomfort in the chest This is one of the most common early warning signs of heart attack. A person who is having a heart attack experiences pressure, tightness, and pain in the chest. It may feel like a heavy object has been placed over the chest. Some people also experience a burning or pinching sensation in the chest. These sensations last for more than a few minutes. Pain radiating from the arms Another common early sign of heart attack is pain that starts from the left side of the body. This pain radiates from the chest. It gradually moves outwards. In some cases, the pain is restricted only to the left arm. It does not spread to the entire left part of the body. Feeling light-headed The onset of a heart attack can make one feel faint.

Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that involves the inflammation of the blood vessels. Generally, blood vessels in the body carry blood through the different parts of the body by forming a circuit that starts and ends with the heart. But in the case of vasculitis, these blood vessels begin to thicken and swell, causing a reduction in blood flow. There are many types of the vasculitis; some can be short-term or long-lasting. Let’s look at the symptoms of vasculitis for early diagnosis and timely management. Weakness While the health condition often manifests in the form of general symptoms, in some cases, the signs can indicate problems associated with the body part affected. For instance, weakness can stem from the nerves’ inability to get the needed amount of blood and oxygen. Joint pain As mentioned previously, vasculitis can have symptoms depending on the affected body part. It can lead to aches and other arthritis-related symptoms in cases where it affects the joints. Although not common across patients, some people with vasculitis can have swelling in the affected area, known as arthralgias. One can try moderate physical activity like slow walking to manage the condition and improve the quality of life. Rashes While this blood vessel inflammation disease can lead to a variety of rashes, one of the most common is palpable purpura – purplish red-colored spots often found on the legs.

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, demands a holistic approach to its management, and food plays an essential role in this process. There is an intricate relationship between COPD and specific foods that can worsen its symptoms. While the effects vary among individuals, understanding their potential implications empowers patients to make informed decisions about their nutrition. Additionally, knowing which foods to avoid can better the condition. Here are nine foods one must avoid with COPD. Salt Sodium, commonly found in salt, is a major concern for COPD patients. A high sodium intake can lead to fluid retention in the body, causing swelling or edema, particularly in the extremities, lungs, and abdomen. As excess fluid accumulates, it elevates blood pressure, placing additional strain on the heart and lungs. This excess fluid can worsen shortness of breath for individuals with COPD who already cope with compromised lung function. Processed meat While processed meats like bacon, sausages, and deli cuts offer convenience, they can be problematic for COPD patients. These meat products often contain unhealthy saturated and trans fats, which can increase inflammation. Moreover, they are usually high in sodium, contributing to the potential for fluid retention and exacerbated symptoms. Sugar Foods and beverages rich in added sugars can disrupt the overall health of individuals, including those with COPD.

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder usually inherited from a parent. Children with the condition cannot stop bleeding because their blood does not have enough of the clotting factor. Two of the common factors that affect blood clotting are factor VIII and factor IX, the lack of which can result in hemophilia. While typically a genetic disorder, hemophilia can manifest in different forms, and the severity of symptoms may differ accordingly. Here is everything to know: Causes As hemophilia is an inherited disease, it is typically passed on from parents to children through a gene in the X chromosome. Based on the fact that the females carry two X chromosomes, while males carry X and Y chromosomes, here is how the inheritance works: – When a female carrier has the hemophilia gene in one of the X chromosomes, there is a 50/0 chance that this chromosome is transferred to the baby when the female conceives. If the gene is passed down to a son, the son will have the disease; however, when the gene is passed down to a daughter, she will be a carrier of the disease. – Alternatively, when the father has hemophilia, but the mother does not, then a son will not inherit hemophilia disease, but all the daughters will be carriers.

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder where the blood fails to clot properly. Consequently, an individual with an injury like a cut or undergoing surgery might be subject to spontaneous bleeding that is difficult to stop due to the lack of necessary clotting factors. The frequent loss of too much blood can also lead to many complications, especially in severe cases of hemophilia. Here are the health complications that might be caused by hemophilia and their signs. Hemophilic arthropathy People who experience spontaneous joint bleeds due to an injury or trauma might be at risk of hemophilia. These bleeds usually occur in the elbows, ankles, knees, or hips but might also be noticed in other areas. The symptom is one of the primary causes of chronic pain and disability in people with severe hemophilia. Continuous bleeding into a joint can break down the lining of the joints and cause damage. The affected joint becomes warm, painful to move, and swollen. Eventually, the symptom leads to hemophilic arthropathy. Therefore, one must seek immediate attention if one notices the occurrence of this symptom. Compartment syndrome This disease is a painful condition that causes pressure on the muscles to reach a dangerous level.

Tardive dyskinesia is an uncommon movement disorder caused due to the side effects of treatments for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. It is marked by a series of involuntary body and facial movements. While not everyone who takes this sort of treatment will suffer from tardive dyskinesia, the symptoms can be permanent. It can prevent people from performing simple tasks and can interfere with their quality of life. The most common signs of tardive dyskinesia are: Orofacial dyskinesia Also called oro-bucco-lingual dyskinesia, this can cause: Uncontrolled movements of the lips, jaw, or tongue Sticking out the tongue involuntarily Rapid blinking Smacking of lips Puckering of lips Puffing of cheeks Grimacing Making fish-like mouth movements Dyskinesia of the limbs This affects the arms, legs, fingers, and toes and can cause: Wiggling of fingers Tapping of feet Flapping of arms Thrusting out of pelvis Full body swaying Fast, jerking motions of arms or legs Slow, twisting motions of arms or legs Those who suffer from tardive dyskinesia (TD) can also develop muscle spasms sometimes, where their muscles tighten and do not release. These spasms could vary in duration. One may also make involuntary grunting noises when their muscles spasm.