Do I Have Tuberculosis? Recognizing Symptoms and Taking Action
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that has plagued humanity for centuries, yet it remains a significant global health concern. While many people associate TB with coughing and weight loss, there are various symptoms that may indicate the presence of this infectious disease, some of which are less known. Understanding these symptoms and seeking prompt medical […]
Managing hypertension in pregnancy
Ngozi is a 28-year-old banker who just discovered she is pregnant after 3 years of marriage. However, she was diagnosed with hypertension 2 months ago and she is worried that this will affect her pregnancy. She’s also worried that the medications she is taking for hypertension might be dangerous for her unborn child. She has […]
Hypertension in pregnancy: lower your risk
Hypertension in pregnancy, also referred to as gestational hypertension or pregnancy-induced hypertension, is a common condition that affects pregnant women. The most feared complication of hypertension in pregnancy is a condition called pre-eclampsia, which may cause deaths in both mother and baby. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and […]
Pre-eclampsia, a Different Cause of High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy in which high blood pressure occurs along with organ damage that manifests commonly as abnormal presence of protein in the urine. Preeclampsia presents anytime after 20 weeks of gestation in women with previously normal blood pressure before pregnancy. Preeclampsia can progress to eclampsia, where high blood pressure causes convulsions. […]
Hypertension – All you Need to Know
Hypertension or high blood pressure is described as a “silent killer” because it is a risk factor for the major causes of death worldwide including heart failure and stroke. As a result, hypertension remains the number one cause of early death worldwide. But what is it? When is one said to have hypertension, and how […]
High blood pressure medications does not increase risk of COVID-19
A new study shows that common high blood pressure medications do not increase one’s risk of contracting COVID-19 or developing severe disease, contrary to what many medical experts have suggested. The study was launched in response to concerns raised by scientists that common blood pressure-lowering medications could increase the risk of COVID-19. The study found […]
Diabetes: five warning signs not to miss
“Hello Mr. Adamu. What is the matter? You’ve lost weight, is everything okay?” “Yes, everything is ok, my friend, but I’ve noticed I’m losing weight and I feel very thirsty these days,” Adamu said. “I plan to see the doctor as soon as possible.” “That sounds good Mr. Adamu, please do.” What causes diabetes? Your body needs glucose […]
A1C: One of the most important tests you should do
The hemoglobin A1C test, or simply A1C test, is a common laboratory investigation done to determine if you are diabetic or not. It is also an important test people with diabetes undergo to monitor how well they’re managing the condition. In diabetes, the body loses its ability to regulate glucose (sugar), and this occurs in […]
Gestational diabetes: why is my baby so big
Gestational diabetes is also known as pregnancy-induced diabetes. It most commonly appears around the third trimester. Screening for gestational diabetes is a routine part of antenatal care. A mother with gestational diabetes may be unaware of it without screening. Take Amanda, who is ten weeks pregnant with her second child. Her first baby, three years ago, […]
Prediabetes: a chance to prevent full blown diabetes
Prediabetes is a common wake-up call to take control of one’s long term health. Let’s learn from Hassan. As part of his pre-employment medical examination, Hassan had blood drawn yesterday for a number of tests. The company doctor has called him to discuss the test results. Doctor: Your test results are great, except blood glucose […]