Biventricular Pacemaker Introduction A biventricular pacemaker is a special pacemaker used for cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure patients. In the normal heart, the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles) pump at the same time and in sync with the heart’s upper chambers (atria). When a person has heart failure, often the right and left ventricles do not pump together. When the...
Can a Person Survive a Hemorrhagic Stroke?
What is a hemorrhagic stroke? A hemorrhagic stroke is a serious medical emergency and should be treated immediately. While survival rates are low, there are ways to improve your chances. A hemorrhagic stroke is when bleeding unexpectedly and abruptly interferes with the brain’s ability to function. This bleeding can occur within the brain or between the brain and the skull. ...
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Cancer Blood Test
What is CEA? CEA stands for carcinoembryonic antigen. CEA is a substance found on the surface of some cells. It is a type of glycoprotein produced by cells of the gastrointestinal tract during embryonic development. It is produced in very small amounts after birth. The level of CEA in the bloodstream is thus relatively low unless certain diseases – including certain...
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT) Symptoms & Treatment
*Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) facts Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story *Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) facts medically edited on Oct. 28, 2015, by Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is composed of types of inherited neurological disorders that affect motor and sensory peripheral nerves (neuropathy), resulting in weakness in the musculature; the disease may get progressively worse over time. It...
Can You Lose Weight With Kettlebells?
Benefits of kettlebell workouts Whether you wish to lose weight, gain muscle mass or maintain your physical fitness, kettlebells help you a great deal. Kettlebells are versatile at helping you lose weight. Whether you wish to lose weight, gain muscle mass or maintain your physical fitness, kettlebells help you a great deal. These hanging weights occupy a little space and...
Ganglion Removal, Causes & Symptoms
What is a ganglion? Readers Comments 6 Share Your Story A ganglion is a sac-like swelling or cyst formed from the tissue that lines a joint or tendon. The tissue, called synovium, normally functions to produce lubricating fluid for these areas. A ganglion is a cyst formed by the synovium that is filled with a thick jelly-like fluid. While ganglia...
Can Guys Get Breast Lumps?
Like women and girls, guys too can get breast lumps, but it is rare. Men have breast tissue (from birth), but it is not developed like women. Because of the hormonal differences in men and women, the male breast tissue does not develop and produce milk. Like women and girls, guys too can get breast lumps, but it is rare....
Can Adhesions Be Removed Laparoscopically? Procedure
What are adhesions? The process of removing adhesions through a laparoscope is called laparoscopic adhesiolysis. Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between the organs. Adhesions can result from disease (such as endometriosis), infection (such as pelvic inflammatory disease), and injury (following abdominal surgery) or may have no known cause (idiopathic adhesions). More than 95% of patients who undergo...
Can Mastitis Go Away on Its Own?
What is mastitis? Mastitis is breast inflammation that occurs in some women who are breastfeeding. Mastitis is defined as the inflammation of the breast that may be associated with an infection. Mastitis is commonly seen in breastfeeding women. Mastitis generally develops in the first 6 to 12 weeks of starting breastfeeding (lactation). The inflammation can cause fever and make the...
Cellulite Treatment, Removal Tips, Symptoms & Definition
What is cellulite? Cellulite is the dimpled appearance of the skin that some people have on their hips, thighs, and buttocks. Cellulite is much more common in women than in men because of differences in the way fat cells, muscle, and connective tissue are distributed in men's and women's skin. Fat deposits that push and distort the connective tissues beneath...