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An echocardiogram (or "echo") is a type of ultrasound test used to capture moving images of your heart. During the procedure, a small handheld device called a transducer is placed on your chest to emit high-frequency sound waves that produce pictures of your heart’s chambers and valves. This helps your healthcare provider assess the heart’s pumping efficiency and overall function. Echo tests often incorporate Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler techniques to evaluate blood flow across your heart’s valves. These additional features allow for a more detailed assessment of the heart's circulation. Unlike other diagnostic tests such as X-rays or CT scans, echocardiography does not involve radiation, making it a safer option for ongoing monitoring of your heart’s health. Echocardiogram vs. EKG Although both an echocardiogram and an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) are used to monitor heart health, they serve different purposes: • An echo focuses on the structure and function of your heart, providing dynamic images of its movement and condition. • An EKG records the electrical activity of your heart and generates a graph that displays your heart rate and rhythm.

Low hemoglobin refers to a condition where your hemoglobin levels are lower than normal. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body, which is essential for energy and cell function. Low hemoglobin may indicate various conditions, including different types of anemia or even cancer. When hemoglobin levels drop, your body struggles to get enough oxygen, leading to fatigue and weakness. Several factors can cause low hemoglobin levels: • The body may not produce enough red blood cells due to conditions affecting the bone marrow. • Red blood cells may be dying faster than they can be replaced. • Blood loss from injury, illness, or conditions like heavy menstrual periods or internal bleeding (e.g., ulcers) can deplete iron and lower hemoglobin. • Poor iron absorption can hinder red blood cell production. • Lack of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and B9 can lead to low hemoglobin.

It's normal to lose some hair every day as part of your hair’s natural growth cycle. Typically, the lost hair grows back, and you maintain a full head of hair. However, factors like illness, hormonal changes, stress, aging, and genetics can disrupt this cycle, causing more hair loss without regrowth. Types of hair loss: Some hair loss is temporary, while other types are permanent. Common types include: • Androgenic alopecia: Hereditary baldness, affecting both men and women. • Alopecia areata: An autoimmune condition causing hair loss on the scalp and body. • Telogen effluvium: Rapid shedding of hair, often after physical or emotional stress or hormonal changes. • Anagen effluvium: Rapid hair loss due to medical treatments like chemotherapy. Common causes of hair loss: Hair loss can be triggered by several factors: • Genetics (hereditary hair loss). • Scalp fungal infections. • Tight hairstyles (like braids, extensions, or tight ponytails). • Damaging haircare practices (perms, bleach). • Hormonal changes. • Medical treatments (chemotherapy, certain medications). • Nutritional deficiencies (lack of iron or protein). • Stressful events. • Thyroid disease. Diagnosing hair loss: Seeing a doctor on time is crucial for preventing worse health outcomes. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage conditions before they escalate into more severe problems. Don't wait for things to worsen—consult a healthcare professional as soon as you notice something unusual. To diagnose hair loss, your healthcare provider may: • Ask about your family history of hair loss. • Review your medical history. • Order blood tests for thyroid function and iron levels. • Examine your scalp for infections. • Perform a scalp biopsy if needed to check for skin disease.

Vitamin D deficiency occurs when there are insufficient levels of vitamin D in the body, potentially leading to health issues like fragile bones and muscle weakness. In many cases, there are no noticeable symptoms, and many individuals remain unaware of their deficiency.Vitamin D is crucial for the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus, both of which are essential for bone health. Sun exposure typically provides sufficient vitamin D since the skin converts ultraviolet rays from the sun into vitamin D. Additionally, people can obtain vitamin D from foods like fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk and cereal, or through dietary supplements. When vitamin D levels drop too low, and calcium and phosphorus aren’t absorbed properly, it can result in bone pain, fractures, muscle pain, and weakness. In older adults, severe deficiency (levels below 10 ng/mL) can increase the likelihood of falls. Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency Vitamin D deficiency can occur due to several factors: • Insufficient sunlight exposure • Darker skin tones • Poor diet or malnutrition • Kidney or liver failure, hindering the body's ability to process vitamin D • Certain medications • Certain cancers, like lymphoma • A family history of vitamin D deficiency or childhood rickets

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, accompanied by bronchial hyperreactivity, as well as paroxysms of complete or partial reversible obstruction of the bronchi.It can affect individuals of all ages, commonly beginning in childhood, though it may also develop in adults for the first time. As a long-term condition, asthma requires continuous medical management.What are the Symptoms of Asthma? The primary symptoms of asthma include: • Wheezing – a high-pitched whistling sound while breathing • Shortness of breath or breathlessness • A sensation of tightness in the chest, akin to a band tightening around it • Persistent coughing In some cases, asthma symptoms may worsen temporarily, which is referred to as an asthma attack. What are Common Asthma Attack Triggers? Several factors can trigger an asthma attack. These include: • Air Pollution: External factors like factory emissions, vehicle exhaust, and wildfire smoke can exacerbate asthma. • Dust Mites: Invisible pests present in our homes can trigger asthma, especially for those with dust mite allergies. • Exercise: Physical activity can induce asthma attacks in some individuals. • Mold: Damp environments can foster mold, which may trigger asthma symptoms, even without an allergy to mold. • Pests: Household pests such as cockroaches and mice are common asthma triggers. • Pets: Pet dander can irritate the airways and cause asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. • Tobacco Smoke: Exposure to cigarette smoke, especially in enclosed areas, increases the risk of developing asthma. • Strong Chemicals or Odors: Certain chemicals or fragrances can provoke asthma attacks.

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly. Although myopia often starts in childhood, a significant number of adults experience its onset later in life. This adult-onset myopia can stem from various factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, lifestyle changes, and certain medical conditions, development of cataracts.One major factor contributing to the rise in myopia is the amount of time spent on near work activities, such as reading or using screens. Screen time and near-vision tasks have become an unavoidable part of modern life for young adults, whether for leisure, study, or work. Research indicates two key behaviors that could be driving the myopia epidemic: insufficient time spent outdoors and an increase in near-vision activities. Studies suggest that spending more time indoors and being engaged in near-vision work for a long time may be a primary contributor to the development of myopia. However, myopia isn’t the only concern related to prolonged screen time. Digital Eye Strain: Symptoms like headaches, blurry vision, and sore or itchy eyes are common signs of digital eye strain, a condition affecting at least 50% of those who use digital screens regularly. Dry Eye: When focusing on close-up tasks, such as working on a screen, we tend to blink less, which can lead to the surface of the eyes becoming dry. Dry eye symptoms can vary but they typically include dryness, redness, irritation, watering, soreness, and sometimes blurred vision.

Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive, painless diagnostic technique that uses sound waves to create images of the body’s internal structures. It is commonly referred to as sonography. Since ultrasound does not use radiation, it is a safe procedure. It provides real-time images that show both the structure and movement of organs and tissues. When applied to the musculoskeletal system, ultrasound images reveal detailed pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, and other soft tissues throughout the body. Common uses of ultrasound imaging for the musculoskeletal system include: • Diagnosing tendon tears or tendinitis, such as in the rotator cuff (shoulder) and Achilles tendon (ankle), along with other tendons. • Detecting muscle tears, masses, or fluid buildup. • Identifying ligament sprains or tears. • Recognizing inflammation or fluid accumulation (effusions) in the bursae and joints. • Observing early signs of rheumatoid arthritis. • Diagnosing nerve entrapments, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. • Identifying benign or malignant soft tissue tumors. • Locating foreign bodies in soft tissues, like splinters or glass. How the Procedure is Performed: For musculoskeletal ultrasound exams, the patient may be asked to sit on an examination table or swivel chair. In some cases, the patient may lie face-up or face-down on the table. The radiologist or sonographer might ask you to move the examined limb or may assist in moving it to assess the joint, muscle, ligament, or tendon being studied. What to Expect During and After the Procedure: Ultrasound exams are typically painless, quick, and well-tolerated by most patients. A musculoskeletal ultrasound usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes, although it may sometimes take longer. You can generally resume normal activities right after the procedure. In the medical center "Dalimed" ultrasound is performed by experienced specialists on the ultra-modern ultrasound scanner Canon Aplio 450.

Rubella is a highly contagious viral illness that typically causes mild fever, a mild rash, and swollen lymph nodes. While most cases are not severe, if a pregnant woman contracts rubella early in her pregnancy, the virus can pass from her to the developing baby via the bloodstream, potentially leading to birth defects or even fetal death.How is rubella spread? Rubella is transmitted through direct contact with the nasal or throat secretions of an infected person. It can also spread by inhaling droplets released into the air when someone who is infected sneezes, coughs, or speaks. What are the symptoms of rubella? Rubella is usually a mild disease that may show few or no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include a rash, mild fever, joint pain, headache, general discomfort, runny nose, sore throat, and red eyes. The lymph nodes located behind the ears and at the back of the neck may become swollen, leading to tenderness and/or pain. The rash, which can be itchy, begins on the face and spreads downward, typically lasting around three days. In up to half of all rubella cases, a rash is not present.