The heart does more than pump blood throughout the body. It also has its own electrical system that controls when and how the heart contracts. Normally, an electrical impulse begins in the sinus, or sinoatrial, node in the right atrium. The signal travels through the heart in an organized sequence, allowing its chambers to contract efficiently and pump blood throughout the body. In healthy adults, a resting heart rate is generally between 60 and 100 beats per minute. What Is an Arrhythmia?...

Unexplained weight gain or weight loss is not always related to diet or lifestyle. One possible factor is a thyroid disorder. However, weight changes alone cannot confirm thyroid disease because similar symptoms may occur with many other health conditions. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. It produces the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which help regulate how the body uses energy. Thyroid hormones therefore influence many body...

Digestive problems that persist over a long period should not simply be dismissed as minor discomfort. One condition that can cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract is Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease is a long-term inflammatory condition that can affect different parts of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. However, it most commonly affects the intestines. Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease to Watch For Several key symptoms may occur in people with Crohn’s disease. One...

Repeated sneezing, a runny nose, or nasal congestion is often immediately associated with the flu. However, similar symptoms may also occur because of allergies. Although the two conditions can appear alike, their causes and management are different. Flu is caused by a viral infection. In addition to nasal symptoms, it is commonly accompanied by fever, a sore throat, and body aches. Allergies are different. They occur when the immune system reacts to a particular trigger. These triggers ma...

Pregnancy is a period that requires close attention to both maternal health and fetal development. One condition that needs to be watched for is preeclampsia, especially when blood pressure increases during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by elevated blood pressure and may be accompanied by protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Early recognition is important because this condition can pose risks to both the mother and the baby. Recognize the Symptoms of Pre...

Small fluid-filled blisters on the lips or certain parts of the body are often immediately associated with herpes. However, herpes can occur in different forms, each with distinct characteristics and causes. Herpes is an infectious disease caused by a virus. One of its common characteristics is the appearance of grouped fluid-filled blisters that may be accompanied by burning sensations, pain, or itching. The material highlights two major types: Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster. Herpes Sim...