Ischemia is the medical term for an inadequate blood supply to a specific area of the body. This results in a reduced oxygen supply as blood has difficulty in reaching the target tissues or organs. Ischemia can be partial or complete. Partial ischemia may cause hypoxia, which is too little oxygen reaching the area. Complete ischemia results in anoxia, where no oxygen reaches the target area, and if this is not corrected quickly, it will eventually lead to an infarct.

Example : Coronary artery disease results in narrowing of the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. Less oxygen is able to reach the heart muscle resulting in ischemia which is sometimes experienced as chest pain, known as angina.

continue reading Medical Terminology : Ischemia and Infarct

Researchers have found out that the noise from air traffic is not only a source of irritation but also is not good for health. The outcome of a new study shows that the noise from traffic or aircraft can elevate blood pressure of a person at night, even though it does not awaken them.

The World Health Organization defines high blood pressure as 140/90 mmHg or more. High blood pressure can result in heart attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney failure. Globally, around a billion adults are affected by high blood pressure.

A group of European researchers examined one hundred and forty volunteers at their homes close to London Heathrow Airport and 3 other main European airports. The blood pressure of volunteers was calculated every 15 minutes. It was then analyzed in connection to the sound recorded in the volunteer’s bedrooms.

continue reading Aircraft Noise Is Unhealthy