Posts Tagged ‘syndrome’

Drinking too much this holiday season can do more than cause a bit of inebriation. Consuming relatively large amounts of alcohol can cause what physicians term “holiday heart syndrome“, a condition where alcohol stimulates the heart to go into arrhythmias (an abnormal heart rhythm) – even in healthy individuals without cardiac problems. Symptoms of holiday heart syndrome typically include palpitations, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and chest pressure/pain or discomfort. This condition can occur during any periods of increased alcohol consumption – binge drinking on weekends, during vacations, and, of course, during holidays. It’s usually self-limited and benign. But if you feel any of the symptoms above for an extended amount of time (minutes to hours), you should get checked out by your physician or seek medical attention at the emergency room. The only way to prevent holiday heart is to use your judgment in exercising moderation.

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder, accounting for 25 to 50 percent of all referrals to gastroenterologists. The exact cause is unknown, but researchers at the Institute of Human Genetics in Heidelberg, Germany have discovered a genetic mutation in serotonin receptors of the intestinal tract that may cause the diarrhea which many people with IBS experience. Serotonin is a hormone that is found not only in the central nervous system, but in large abundance in the GI tract. A mutation in a receptor for serotonin can explain GI disturbances, such as diarrhea. This discovery will likely pave the way for future treatments of IBS.

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Stanford University researchers have developed a blood test to determine whether a woman’s unborn child has Down syndrome, a genetic condition that occurs when a baby has three, rather than two, copies of chromosome 21. Currently, there are screening blood tests used to determine the likelihood that a child has Down syndrome – but they are usually performed between the 16th and 18th weeks of pregnancy. Amniocentesis can diagnose Down syndrome, but it can potentially cause an abortion. The Stanford test is diagnostic and can be done much earlier at 10 weeks, allowing parents to make more informed decisions about their pregnancy. The new test has yet to go into large trial testing. However, Carol Boys, chief executive of the Down’s Syndrome Association, says “There is no question that these non-invasive tests will be introduced in the next few years.  Full story. Share your opinion.