Hemochromatosis is a condition characterized by the excessive storage of iron in the body. The condition is also known as iron overload. Primary hemochromatosis is a type of hemochromatosis when there is excessive absorption of iron due to a genetic defect. Secondary hemochromatosis occurs due to some other underlying disease. This excess iron is stored […]
Diseases
Wilson Disease – Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment
Wilson disease is a rare inherited disorder in which excessive amounts of copper accumulate in the body, particularly in the liver, brain, and eyes. It is also called hepatolenticular degeneration syndrome or copper storage disease. Most people present with symptoms between 5 to 35 years of age, but it can affect younger and older people, […]
Lipid Profile Test
Lipid profile test or lipid panel or cholesterol test is a panel of blood tests that are used to detect abnormal levels of various types of lipids present in the body. It is performed to check for any risk of coronary heart disease especially in the presence of risk factors such as sedentary lifestyle, consumption […]
Prothrombin Time and International Normalized Ratio or PT/INR
Prothrombin time or PT test is a blood test that is used to measure the time it takes for blood to clot. The results of this test can be expressed in seconds or as a ratio International Normalised Ratio or INR. It is used to diagnose blood disorders which may result in a defect in […]
Conduction System of Heart
The conduction system of the heart or cardiac conduction system is a collection of nodes and specialized conduction cells that are responsible for the initiation of the normal heart cycle and coordinate the contractions of cardiac chambers. Conduction system of heart consists of the following Sinoatrial node Atrioventricular node Atrioventricular bundle (bundle of His) Purkinje […]
Lymph Node Structure and Function
The lymph node is small, oval bean-shaped structure of lymphatic system formed of lymphoid tissue enclosed in a connective tissue capsule. These occur in association with the lymphatic vessels and serve as filters for the blood. They are typically found concentrated near junctions of the major lymphatic vessels, most prominently in the neck, groin, and […]
Subclavian Steal Syndrome Presentation and Treatment
Subclavian steal syndrome is said to be present when the blood flow in vertebral artery reverses due to significant stenosis or occlusion of the ipsilateral subclavian artery just before the origin of the vertebral artery. As a number of these cases are asymptomatic, the term Subclavian steal syndrome is used when there is a presence […]
Splenomegaly- Causes, Investigations and Treatment
Splenomegaly is an enlargement of the spleen due to any cause. The spleen is an important organ located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, just below the diaphragm and next to the stomach. It lies underneath the ninth, tenth, and eleventh ribs. In a normal person, the spleen is not palpable. Not only […]
Dietary Iron Requirement and Sources
Iron is a mineral vital for performing various functions in the human body. Its most important function is that it is one of the components of hemoglobin, the protein present in red blood cells that helps the blood to carry oxygen throughout the body. Therefore, it becomes essential to know about dietary iron, our main […]
Iron Deficiency Anemia: Causes, Lab Diagnosis and Treatment
Iron deficiency anemia is a type of anemia which occurs when the body does not have enough iron to produce the hemoglobin it needs. Functions and Metabolism of Iron Iron is present in all cells in the human body. It performs several vital functions including: Carrying oxygen to the tissues from the lungs in the […]