Understanding blood pressure readings
This post was originally published on this siteUnderstanding blood pressure readings can be confusing if a person does not know what the numbers mean. This article explains the numbers in more detail.
This post was originally published on this siteUnderstanding blood pressure readings can be confusing if a person does not know what the numbers mean. This article explains the numbers in more detail.
This post was originally published on this siteScientists have discovered that blood circulating around the body contains bone-like particles. They found the particles in blood samples from healthy humans and rats. New research finds bone-like particles in the blood vessels. They suggest that the bone-like particles could be evidence of ossification in bone marrow vessels. The team also proposes that the particles may contribute to conditions such as atherosclerosis, a process that causes plaques, or deposits of fats and other substances, to build up inside arteries. A recent paper in the journal Microcirculation gives a detailed account of the study. Although most of the bone-like particles were very small, a significant proportion were large enough “to block small blood vessels throughout the vascular tree,” write the authors. The study follows previous research that uncovered a process in bone marrow whereby blood vessels “progressively and … Continue reading →
This post was originally published on this siteAn amylase blood test measures the amount of amylase in a person’s blood. Abnormal levels of amylase may indicate pancreatitis or another problem with the pancreas. Amylase is a digestive enzyme that helps the body break down carbohydrates. Both the salivary glands and the pancreas produce amylase. Several different medical conditions can affect amylase levels in the blood. Doctors can also use a urine test to check a person’s amylase levels. In this article, we explore the conditions that doctors might diagnose using amylase blood tests and explain how to prepare for the test and what to expect. We also cover what the normal amylase range is and what high and low levels can mean. When is it used? An amylase test requires a blood sample. A variety of medical conditions can affect amylase levels in the … Continue reading →