Hypogonadism is a medical term for a defect of the reproductive system which results in lack of function of the gonads (ovaries or testes). Hypogonadism may occur if the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is interrupted at any level. Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (primary hypogonadism) results if the gonad does not produce the amount of steroid sufficient to suppress secretion of LH and FSH at normal levels. Hypogonadism resulting from defects of the gonads is traditionally referred to as primary hypogonadism. Examples include Klinefelter syndrome and Turner syndrome. Hypogonadism resulting from hypothalamic or pituitary defects are termed secondary hypogonadism or central hypogonadism (referring to the central nervous system). Hypogonadism can affect men of any age, from fetal development, through puberty and adulthood. Hypogonadism is one of the main causes of male infertility. It is estimated that 13 million men in the United States alone are affected by hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is caused by deficient testosterone secretion by the testes. The two basic types of male hypogonadism are Primary and Secondary.
Hypogonadism Primary, also known as primary testicular failure, originates from an abnormality in the testicles. Hypogonadism may be induced by chronic use of anabolic/androgenic steroids (AAS). The Secondary type of hypogonadism is caused by defects in the pituitary gland connected to the brain that controls hormone production. If chemical messages from the pituitary gland to the testicles aren't sent, impaired testicular function occurs. This condition can be a result from defects in development of the pituitary gland, certain inflammatory diseases, and the use of certain drugs used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Mental and emotional changes can also accompany hypogonadism. As testosterone decreases, some men may experience signs and symptoms similar to those of menopause in women. These may include hot flashes, decreased drive, irritability, depression and fatigue.
Hypogonadism is most often treated by replacement of the appropriate hormones. Gonadotropin or GnRH replacement is offered to the patient when fertility is desired. Oral testosterone is no longer used in the U.S. because it is broken down in the liver and rendered inactive. In boys, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can stimulate puberty and the development of secondary characteristics, such as increased muscle mass, beard and pubic hair growth. Also available is a topical 1% testosterone gel. It is applied once daily to clean, dry skin of the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen. Another alternative is testosterone patches. The testosterone may be mixed with the adhesive with a new patch applied daily to a different site; this system leaves a sticky residue but causes little skin irritation. Injections of pituitary hormone may be used to help male patients produce sperm. In others, surgery and radiation therapy may be needed. In adult men, TRT can restore function and muscle strength and prevent bone loss.
Treatment for Hypogonadism Tips
1. Hormone-based medicines are available for men and women.
2. Estrogen comes in the form of a patch or pill.
3. Testosterone can be given by using a patch Injections of pituitary hormone may be used to help male patients produce sperm.
4. Topical 1% testosterone gel. It is applied once daily to clean, dry skin of the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen.
5. Tumors can be treated with surgery and radiotherapy.
6. In boys, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can stimulate puberty and the development of secondary characteristics, such as increased muscle mass, beard and pubic hair growth.
Juliet Cohen writes article sfor http://www.healthatoz.info/ and http://www.health-disease.org/


Cardiogenic Shock - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Cardiogenic shock is characterized by a decreased pumping ability of the heart that causes a shocklike state (ie, global hypoperfusion). Cardiogenic shock has a death rate of about 60% and is the major cause of death in patients hospitalized for a heart attack. It most commonly occurs in association with, and as a direct result of, acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The most common cause of cardiogenic shock is extensive acute myocardial infarction, although a smaller infarction in a patient with previously compromised left ventricular function may also precipitate shock. Cardiogenic shock is defined by sustained hypotension with tissue hypoperfusion despite adequate left ventricular filling pressure. Signs of tissue hypoperfusion include oliguria. Cardiogenic shock is characterized by both systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Patients who develop cardiogenic shock from acute MI consistently have evidence of progressive myocardial necrosis with infarct extension. Decreased coronary perfusion pressure and increased myocardial oxygen demand play a role in the vicious cycle that leads to cardiogenic shock.
Cardiogenic shock occurs in 8.6% of patients with ST-segment elevation MI with 29% of those presenting to the hospital already in shock. It occurs only in 2% of non–ST-segment elevation MI. Outcomes significantly improve only when rapid revascularization can be achieved. The recent SHOCK trial demonstrated that overall mortality when revascularization occurs is 38%. When rapid revascularization is not attempted, mortality rates approach 70%. Cardiogenic shock can also be caused by mechanical complications—such as acute mitral regurgitation, rupture of the interventricular septum, or rupture of the free wall—or by large right ventricular infarctions. Myocardial ischemia causes a decrease in contractile function, which leads to left ventricular dysfunction and decreased arterial pressure; these, in turn, exacerbate the myocardial ischemia. The overall incidence of cardiogenic shock is higher in men compared to women because of the increased prevalence of coronary artery disease in males.
Cardiogenic shock can be caused by disorders of the heart muscle, the valves, or the heart's electrical conduction system. Cardiogenic shock is life threatening and requires emergency medical treatment. Dopamine, dobutamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, amrinone, or other medications may be required to increase blood pressure and heart functioning. Echocardiography may show arrhythmia, signs of PED, ventricular septal rupture (VSR), an obstructed outflow tract or cardiomyopathy. Pain medicine may be given if necessary. Bed rest is recommended to reduce demands on the heart. Coronary artery bypass grafting. In this surgery, arteries or veins from other parts of the body are used to bypass (that is, go around) narrowed coronary arteries. The use of the IABP reduces systolic left ventricular afterload and augments diastolic coronary perfusion pressure, thereby increasing cardiac output and improving coronary artery blood flow. Heart monitoring, including hemodynamic monitoring, to guide treatment.
Treatment for Cardiogenic Shock Tips
1. Inotropic medications should be considered in systems with appropriately trained paramedical personnel.
2. In case of cardiac arrhythmia several anti-arrhythmic agents may be administered, i.e. adenosine, verapamil, amiodarone, ß-blocker.
3. Balloon angioplasty (PTCA) may be an alternative to surgery in some cases.
4. Oxygen reduces the workload of the heart by reducing tissue demands for blood flow.
5. Heart monitoring, including hemodynamic monitoring, to guide treatment
6. Coronary artery bypass grafting. In this surgery, arteries or veins from other parts of the body are used to bypass (that is, go around) narrowed coronary arteries.
Juliet Cohen writes article sfor http://www.healthatoz.info/ and http://www.health-disease.org/


Cardiac Arrhythmias - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Cardiac arrhythmia is a group of conditions in which the electrical activity of the heart is irregular or is faster or slower than normal. Cardiac arrhythmias comprise any abnormality or pertubation in the normal activation sequence of the myocardium. Arrhythmias stem from several causes. The heart’s natural timekeeper—a small mass of special cells called the sinus node—can malfunction and develop an abnormal electrical impulse rate. CPR can prolong the survival of the brain in the lack of a normal pulse, but defibrillation is the intervention which is most likely to restore a more healthy heart rhythm. A slow rhythm, known as bradycardia (less than 60 beats/min), is usually not life threatening, but may cause symptoms. When it causes symptoms implantation of a permanent pacemaker may be needed. Either dysrhythmia requires medical attention to evaluate the risks associated with the arrhythmia. The signs and symptoms of cardiac arrhythmias can range from completely asymptomatic to loss of consciousness or sudden cardiac death.
Complaints such as lightheadedness, dizziness, quivering, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, heart fluttering or pounding, and forceful or painful extra beats are commonly reported with a variety of arrhythmias. Beats are generated by electrical impulses in the atria (top chambers of the heart) and are then conducted to the ventricles, where they produce the powerful muscle contraction that pumps blood. People may have allergies or idiosyncratic reactions to many other foods and beverages that cause transitory arrhythmias. Long-term nicotine exposure and any cocaine exposure can cause much more serious arrhythmias. Oxidative stress is a common feature of ischemic-reperfusion injuries, which occur when the heart is temporarily deprived of oxygenated blood (a state known as ischemia), followed by the reintroduction of oxygenated blood (reperfusion). The development of arrhythmias include congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure (hypertension).
Advances in medicine and technology have created new treatment options for cardiac arrhythmia (commonly known as heart rhythm disturbances). Cardioversion is the application of electrical current across the chest wall to the heart and it is used for treatment of supraventricular or pulsed ventricular tachycardia. Defibrillation differs in that it is used for ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and more electricity is delivered with defibrillation than with cardioversion. Arrhythmias may involve medications (anti-arrhythmic therapy), catheter ablations, and implantation of pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) or CRT-D (CRT with defibrillator therapy) is an innovative therapeutic option for patients with refractory HF. Defibrillation differs in that it is used for ventricular fibrillation and more electricity is delivered with defibrillation than with cardioversion. Antiarrhythmic medications help to change the electrical signals within the heart to suppress or prevent the arrhythmia.
Treatment for Cardiac Arrhythmias Tips
1. Using a small, battery-powered generator to deliver timed, electrical impulses to the heart muscle through tiny wire leads.
2. The treatment for some patients is a technique called cardiac ablation.
3. Magnetic Guidance in the Heart While transcatheter ablation is very effective, it can be difficult.
4. Stereotaxis Niobe Magnetic Navigation System uses two superconductive magnets, a magnetic-tipped guide wire and advanced computer imaging techniques.
5. Atrial fibrillation can also be treated through a procedure, e.g. pulmonary vein isolation.
6. Fibrillation differs in that it is used for ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Juliet Cohen writes article sfor http://www.healthatoz.info/ and http://www.health-disease.org/