Heart health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, yet it often takes a backseat in our busy lives. The heart, often referred to as the body's engine, tirelessly pumps blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to every cell. However, when something goes wrong, the consequences can be severe. Understanding the signs of potential heart issues can mean the difference between life and death. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.

Dr. Jeremy London, a heart surgeon based in Savannah, Georgia, emphasizes in his TikTok post, the importance of being alert to three concerning symptoms that may indicate underlying heart problems. If you experience any of these signs, it’s time to get to the heart of the problem.

1. Shortness of Breath When Walking

Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a common symptom that can indicate serious health conditions, particularly involving the heart or lungs. When you struggle to get enough oxygen and find yourself breathing harder, faster, or deeper than usual, it's crucial to take note. According to the Mayo Clinic, shortness of breath can occur suddenly or may persist over time.

This symptom can be triggered by various factors, including heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, or heart failure. The NJ Cardiovascular Institute advises seeking medical help if shortness of breath is accompanied by other symptoms, such as swelling in the ankles and feet, difficulty breathing while lying flat, chills, cough, high fever, or wheezing. Ignoring these signs could lead to dire consequences, as they may signal that your heart is struggling to perform its essential functions.

2. Breathing Troubles When Laying Down

Orthopnea is a medical term describing shortness of breath that occurs while lying down. Individuals with a weak heart may find it challenging to breathe comfortably in this position because the heart struggles to pump the excess blood that naturally redistributes from the legs to the lungs when lying flat.

If you experience orthopnea, propping yourself up with pillows might provide temporary relief. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider if you have this symptom, especially when accompanied by chest pain, tightness, heart palpitations, wheezing, or coughing. Orthopnea is often an early indicator of heart failure, and timely intervention is crucial for better outcomes.

3. Swollen Legs

Swelling in the legs, known as edema, can be another red flag indicating that your heart is not functioning properly. This condition arises from fluid buildup in the tissues, typically due to blood backing up in the veins of the legs. Swollen legs may be one of the first noticeable signs of heart failure.

Experts recommend seeking medical attention if leg swelling appears suddenly and without any clear explanation. Additional warning signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, dizziness, or a cough that produces blood. These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires immediate medical evaluation.

How to Take Care of your Heart?

Being aware of these warning signs can empower you to take control of your heart health. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in physical activity, and managing stress are all crucial components of heart health. It’s essential to listen to your body and not dismiss symptoms that seem insignificant at first.

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, but many of its risk factors are manageable through lifestyle choices and early intervention. If you notice any concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. Taking proactive measures can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment, potentially saving your life.

Showering every day has been a matter of discussion. But you will always find someone who has gone a day or two without a shower. While it is generally not considered unhygienic, dermatologists have now raised concerns about this habit.

There are always red flags which are sent by your skin if you miss bathing. Some of you may experience scaly patches or discoloured parts. It may even start to look dirty because of hyperpigmented spots. It's not dirt, though. If you reach that point, you might want to see a dermatologist right away, who can determine if you have dermatitis neglecta.

Understanding This Condition

Dermatitis neglecta, as the name suggests, is caused by neglecting the skin. While it might look like dirt, it is just neglecting the skin. Besides discolouration, it is also reflective of significant inflammation and irritation caused by a lack of personal hygiene.

Why Does It Happen?

The answer lies in how your skin sheds. Every few weeks, all dead cells are removed. Cells slough off. Showering helps this process along, even if you don't use an exfoliant. Therefore, when you aren't showering, those cells are likely to remain on the upper layer of your skin or epidermis. If left for days, it will naturally combine with all the bacteria, sweat, oils, and grime your skin encounters. And a layer of tough buildup will begin to appear.

How Long Can It Take For A Person To Get Dermatitis Neglecta?

Dermatitis neglecta does not happen overnight or even in a couple of weeks. A 2015 study in the Journal of Dermatology explored three cases. In one of the cases, the affected individual had not cleaned a part of her body for no less than three to four months. (As a side note, the woman had gone through surgery and was worried about causing an infection in the area, which is why she stopped washing it.) Fortunately, the skin treatment for dermatitis neglecta is fairly simple. Most people can resolve skin issues that are related to dermatitis neglecta with regular cleaning and, in stubborn or severe cases, alcohol-based wipe-downs or administration of topical agents.

There are many conditions that can affect a woman’s reproductive health. Certain medications or conditions that need hysterectomy can cause early menopause in women. There are many likely reasons why this happens. According to Office on Women’s Health (OASH) family history, smoking, chemotherapy or pelvic radiation or autoimmune conditions like thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis, could be some of the reasons why some women go through early menopause.

However, a new study shows that endometriosis could also be a reason for early menopause in women. The study published in the Human Reproduction journal found that women with endometriosis are seven times more likely to undergo surgical menopause, which involves the removal of both ovaries, compared to women without the condition. Furthermore, they are twice as likely to have this surgical procedure before the age of 40.

Women with endometriosis face a greater risk of experiencing natural menopause earlier than others. They are 1.4 times more likely to enter natural menopause before the age of 40, a stage defined as premature menopause. These women also have an elevated risk of early menopause, occurring between the ages of 40 and 44.

What Is Endometriosis?

It is a persistent condition affecting approximately one in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK. According to the NHS, it involves tissue similar to the womb lining appearing in other parts of the body. Previous research has shown a significant delay of nearly nine years in receiving an endometriosis diagnosis, potentially leading to missed treatment opportunities and irreversible organ damage due to the continued growth of this misplaced tissue.

According to the World Health Organization, 190 million women throughout the globe have endometriosis, which is roughly 10% of people. Not only does it cause pain during periods, issues in bowel movements, urination etc., but also causes bloating nausea, fatigue and mental health issues like depression, anxiety and infertility.

What Does Early Menopause Mean For Women?

It's crucial for women with endometriosis to be aware not only of the wide range of debilitating menopause symptoms they might experience earlier in life but also of the broader health risks associated with premature menopause, whether it occurs naturally or is surgically induced. These risks include cardiovascular disease and premature death.

Researchers from the study stressed the importance of understanding the causes of early or medically induced menopause to implement proactive measures for managing the associated long-term health risks.

OASH explains that women who experience menopause early may face similar symptoms and health issues as those going through regular menopause. However, some women with early or premature menopause might also have a greater chance of developing serious health problems like heart disease and weak bones (osteoporosis) because they'll live for a longer time without the protective benefits of higher estrogen levels.

They might also have more intense menopause symptoms, and there are treatments available to help manage these if they interfere with daily life. Additionally, some women may feel sad or depressed about losing their fertility early or the changes in their bodies. If these feelings, like low energy or loss of interest in enjoyable activities, last for more than a few weeks, speaking to a doctor is recommended.

Have you ever noticed both magnesium and manganese written on the food labels and wondered if they were the same thing? If yes, then you're not alone. Their similar names confuse many but these two essential minerals serve very different roles in the body, and mixing them up could lead to nutritional imbalances or even toxicity.

So What Differentiates Magnesium From Manganese?

The first key difference lies in how much of each your body needs. Magnesium is considered a macromineral, which implies that it is required in relatively large quantities—around 420 milligrams per day for adults. In contrast, manganese is a micromineral or trace mineral, with the recommended daily intake being just 2.3 milligrams. This stark contrast makes accurate dosing crucial, particularly when supplements are involved.

Overconsumption of this mineral can lead to toxicity or other health conditions. Magnesium plays a foundational role in over 300 enzyme systems in the body. These enzymes are involved in vital processes such as protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and blood pressure control. It is also essential for the formation of DNA, RNA, and glutathione, as well as for energy production and maintaining heart rhythm through the proper movement of potassium and calcium across cell membranes. Essentially, magnesium is deeply involved in nearly every system in the body.

How To Get These Nutrients?

To ensure you're getting enough magnesium, aim for a diet rich in fibre. Foods such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are excellent sources. Even certain types of water—like mineral or tap water—can contribute to your magnesium intake.

Manganese, though needed in much smaller amounts, is no less important. This trace mineral supports several key functions, acting as a cofactor for enzymes like manganese superoxide dismutase, arginase, and pyruvate carboxylase. It plays a role in metabolising amino acids, cholesterol, carbohydrates, and glucose. Additionally, manganese is involved in bone formation, immune responses, and reproductive health. Notably, it also helps with blood clotting when working in tandem with vitamin K.

Word Of Caution: Some Food Inhibit Manganese Absorption

You can find manganese in many of the same foods that contain magnesium—leafy greens, legumes, nuts, and whole grains—as well as in teas. However, its absorption can be inhibited by certain compounds like phytic acid and oxalic acid, which are found in foods such as beans, spinach, and soy products. Even tannins in tea can slightly reduce how well your body absorbs manganese.

While both minerals are vital, they are not interchangeable. Taking the wrong supplement or misjudging your dietary needs may mean missing out on the specific health benefits each mineral provides—or worse, consuming a toxic dose.

As with most nutrients, it is best to meet your mineral needs through a varied and balanced diet. Supplements can help in cases of deficiency, but should be used with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

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