Browsemedic - Online HealthCare Information

L carnitine

L carnitine

L carnitine is an amino acid naturally synthesized by the body from amino acids - Lysine and methionine. This amino acid is found mostly in red meats and in smaller quantities in diary products. As L carnitine is similar to another amino acid Carnitine which plays a major role in energy metabolism. The body produces carnitine in the liver and kidneys and stores it in the skeletal muscles, heart, brain and sperm. Deficiency in these amino acids can manifest as general apathy, fatigue, muscle weakness, decreased tolerance to metabolic stress, and cardiomyopathy.

Symptoms of fatigue and general prognosis improved significantly in those patients who received oral L-carnitine supplementation. L carnitine's action of facilitating the transport of fatty acids is useful in preventing a buildup of amyloid plaque that damages brain tissues. Supplements of L carnitine has helped in some studies, to improve sperm mobility in men with poorly active sperm, a condition known as asthenozoospermia. Some laboratory studies have indicated the beneficial effects of L-carnitine supplements in counteracting the toxic effects of AZT, a drug for the treatment of HIV - human immuno deficiency virus and acquired immuno deficiency syndrome. Cartinine and L-Cartinine are thought to improve some of the following conditions:

Heart Disease - As Cartinine helps to improve the overall energy levels, the patients have a better sustained physical activities after suitable medications combined with supplements.
High Cholesterol - Patients with elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides reported a significant lowering.
Intermittent Claudication - Patients with Deficiency in blood circulation in the peripheral regions ( peripheral vascular disease PVD ) reported better muscle functions after taking supplements.
Fatty Liver - Alcohol induced fatty buildup in the liver has been reversed and even prevented in some studies.
Down's Syndrome - In patients afflicted with this disease, significant improvement in visual memory and attention span was noted after supplements.
Male Infertility - supplementation may increase sperm count and Sperm mobility.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation is a heart condition that is characterized by abnormal rhythm of the heart originating in the atria. The heart beats irregularly and ofen rapidly. Persons suffering from AF. High blood pressure or hyperthyroidism can bring on atrial fibrillation. Those suffering from asthma or COPD are at higher risk for developing atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation increases the chances of a person suffering a stroke. Cardiomyopathy, pericarditis and pulmonary embolism can lead to development of AF.

Brief episodes of AF last from a few minutes to a few hours whereas in chronic AF, the atria fibrillate all of the time. Chronic atrial fibrillation reduces the pumping capacity of the heart and might lead to its failure. In many cases, patients are not even aware that they suffer from atrial fibrillation. Symptoms of AF are dizziness, fainting and fatigue. The person suffering from atrial fibrillation is likely to experience shortness of breath and angina pain. Heart palpitations and chest discomfort are other symptoms of atrial fibrillation.

Abnormal heartbeats are felt by taking the patient's pulse or with a stethoscope. An electrocardiogram and echocardiography aid in assessing the heart's rhythms. A holter monitor records the heart's rhythm over a period of about 24 hours to detect any intermittent AF. Treatment for AF is geared towards restoring normal heart rhythm, controlling the heart rate and preventing blood clots. Drugs to slow down the rapid heart rate such as digoxin, beta blockers, amiodarone, sotalol, flecainide, procainamide and quinidine are used in the treatment of AF. Atrial pacemakers may be implanted to regulate the heart arhythmias. High blood pressure must be controlled. Hyperthyroidism, if any must be corrected. Anticoagulant medications reduce the chances of blood clots and strokes. Excessive use of alcohol or other stimulants must be avoided.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) represents a breakthrough in medical diagnostics and research. Nearly 60 million investigations with MRI are performed every year worldwide. This imaging technique was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology in 2003. MRI has been used since the beginning of 1980s. MRI is primarily used in medical settings to produce high quality images of the inside of the human body. Magnetic field of radio waves energy is used to capture pictures of organs and structures inside the body. The MRI scan used magnetic and radio waves and therefore there is no exposure as in X rays or any other damaging forms of radiation. Since radiation is not used, the procedure can be repeated without problems.

MRI is used to examine the joints, spine and the soft parts of the human body such as liver, kidneys and spleen. An MRI scan is used in the diagnosis of diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal gas, chronic pain, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, Cardiomyopathy, Devic's syndrome and headaches in children. It is used in to study specific conditions such as:

Trauma to the brain, bleeding and swelling in the head

Brain aneurysm

Stroke

Brain tumor

Tumors or inflammation of the spine

Trauma of the spinal cord

Problems of vertebrae or intervertebral discs of the spine

Tears and aneurysms in the structure of heart and aorta

Information on glands and organs in the abdomen

Structure of joints, soft tissues and bones of the body

To direct surgery or to defer surgery.

During a MRI Scanning procedure, patient is made to lie in a closed area inside a magnetic field. This creates claustrophobic sensation in certain patients during the procedure. Normally a mild sedative is given prior to the MRI scan and this helps to alleviate the claustrophobic sensation. The new open MRI is open on three sides and this helps to alleviate the feeling of claustrophobia. The new open MRI scanner provides quality imaging with highest performance specifications with a powerful and stronger magnet. Scanning is also done much faster. It has the ability to detect diseases more accurately.