For most people, a right bundle branch block (RBBB) is not a concern since it doesn’t result in symptoms and treatment is not required. Here is when it may be a concern. A right bundle branch block (RBBB) refers to a total or partial blockage of the right branch of the heart’s conduction system. Many...
Porphyria, also known as “vampire disease,” is diagnosed through special tests, such as blood tests, fecal tests and urine tests, to look for excessive levels of porphyrin in the body. Also known as “vampire disease” because of its ability to cause extreme photosensitivity, porphyria is a rare, hereditary condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people...
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) symptoms typically become more manageable over time, and, in some cases, symptoms may even disappear completely. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is characterized by an increased heart rate (tachycardia), a decrease in blood pressure (hypotension) and giddiness when standing (orthostatic). While there is no standardized treatment protocol or a permanent...
Generic drug: eptifibatide Brand name: Integrilin What is Integrilin (eptifibatide), and how does it work? Integrilin (eptifibatide) injection is a platelet aggregation inhibitor indicated for treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) managed medically or with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and treatment of patients undergoing PCI (including intracoronary stenting). Integrilin injection is available in generic form....
What are the uses for sacubitril and valsartan? Entresto is used for reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA Class II-IV). Entresto is combined with other heart failure medications and in place of an ACE inhibitor or other ARBs. What brand names are available...
What is cilostazol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cilostazol is a medication for the treatment of intermittent claudication, a condition caused by narrowing of the arteries that supply the legs with blood. Patients with intermittent claudication develop pain when they walk because not enough oxygen-containing blood reaches the active leg muscles. Cilostazol...
How to get rid of water retention How much water should I drink? Water retention or fluid retention can be caused due to several medical conditions and some medications. Edema is the medical term for swelling caused by the retention of excessive fluids in the body tissues. Although it is usually harmless, it may be...
What is ticlopidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ticlopidine is an oral drug that inhibits the ability of platelets to clump and form blood clots. It prevents blood clots by binding to the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, preventing adenosine diphosphate (ADP) from activating platelets. It belongs to a class of drugs called...
What is congestive heart failure? Heart failure can cause edema when extra fluid seeps into the lung cavity or other cavities. Diuretics treat this symptom, but do not cure heart failure. Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to efficiently pump blood to meet the body’s oxygen and nutrient needs....
Generic drug: tafamidis meglumine and tafamidis Brand name: Vyndaqel and Vyndamax What is Vyndaqel and Vyndamax, and how does it work? Vyndaqel and Vyndamax are prescription medicines used to treat adults with cardiomyopathy of wild-type or hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) to reduce death and hospitalization related to heart problems. It is not known if Vyndaqel...