OrganizedWisdom Health - Diagnostic Tests

Blood Pressure Charts

Jkg0679 — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 01:54:02 GMT

Blood pressure charts can be located online for free. Blood pressure can be charted at home using a home blood pressure monitor. A health care provider can provide advice about how to take blood pressure properly. Fast Facts:

Blood pressure is the force of blood circulating on the walls of the blood vessels.
Blood pressure is a key vital sign.
While blood pressure is normally taken at the upper arm, it can be taken at other places of the body.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Blood_Pressure_Charts

Diastolic Blood Pressure Numbers

Jkg0679 — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:12:32 GMT

Diastolic blood pressure numbers are the bottom numbers in a blood pressure reading. Diastolic blood pressure is the amount of pressure in the heart as it relaxes. The contraction of the heart as it pumps out blood is called systole.

Fast Facts:

Blood pressure is the force of blood circulating on the walls of the blood vessels.
Blood pressure is a key vital sign.
Blood pressure is usually taken at the upper arm, but can be taken at other places of the body as well.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Diastolic_Blood_Pressure_Numbers

Testing for High Blood Pressure

KenyottaE — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:05:55 GMT

Testing for high blood pressure involves diagnosing the condition and determining if there is an underlying condition causing it. High blood pressure is diagnosed by measuring your blood pressure on different occasions to determine if there is a pattern of higher than normal blood pressure readings. Your doctor may also order additional tests to ensure that you do not have organ damage as a result of high blood pressure.

Fast Facts:

Initially, your doctor may not recommend extensive testing.
Blood tests, urinalysis, and an electrocardiogram may be performed when you are first diagnosed with high blood pressure.
To assess possible damage, your doctor may order an ultrasound of the kidneys and a CT scan of the abdomen.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Testing_for_High_Blood_Pressure

Limits of Testing Cholesterol at Home

Robbin364 — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:13:51 GMT

The home cholesterol testing kit results are only an estimate of your cholesterol level. While the test is often as accurate as the test your doctor uses, this home test should not take the place of your doctor's evaluation. Most store bought and affordable tests only measure total cholesterol. Your cholesterol profile requires measurements of HDL, LDL, and triglycerides as well. Even if you get normal results from your cholesterol home kit, it's very important to consult with your doctor. Your doctor will go over your cholesterol level along with other risk factors.

Fast Facts:

The reliability of cholesterol home tests vary, and the results can fluctuate, it all depends on the maker of the kits.
Kits are available at your local pharmacy usually priced under $20.
At-home cholesterol tests may satisfy your curiosity, but they don't provide enough information to be truly helpful.

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Migraine Diagnosis

Amymarlatt — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:24:14 GMT

A migraine diagnosis is based on many symptoms. You should keep a headache diary for quick reference when going to your doctor. Your doctor will ask for your headache history. Some questions may be your age when headaches started, type of pain, and intensity of pain. A complete physical and medication history will also be taken, along with diagnostic testing. Your doctor may do an electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brain activity. Once migraines are diagnosed, medication may be prescribed along with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

Fast Facts:

Migraines are inherited.
You should tell your doctor is you have ever been treated for headaches in the past and what medication was prescribed.
A new tool for diagnosing headache problems is called thermography, this takes graphs of skin temperatures which is controlled by blood flow.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Migraine_Diagnosis

Fibromyalgia Testing

KenyottaE — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:51:11 GMT

Fibromyalgia testing can be a challenge since there is no specific test that can diagnose the disease. Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on your medical history and a description of your symptoms. Your doctor may also order a series of laboratory tests to determine if there is an underlying condition that is causing your symptoms.

Fast Facts:

Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain that spreads throughout the body for an extended period of time.
Your doctor will also check your body for tenderness in certain areas that are common tender points for those with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia symptoms are treated with medications and therapy.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Fibromyalgia_Testing

How to Test for COPD

KenyottaE — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:02:08 GMT

To test for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your doctor may perform a series of lung function tests and a chest x-ray. These tests are important in measuring the amount of air in your lungs. Your doctor may perform other tests such as an arterial blood gas test, oximetry, or echocardiogram, as needed. It is important to be tested as early as possible for COPD. Early diagnosis can help your doctor determine what steps need to be taken to slow the progression of the disease.

Fast Facts:

A spirometry is the best test for determining the severity of COPD.
A chest x-ray can aid in determining if there are other conditions that may contribute to your symptoms outside of COPD.
The arterial blood gas test can help your doctor determine if you need to use supplemental oxygen.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/How_to_Test_for_COPD

Home Cholesterol Testing

Crdelucas — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:27:45 GMT

Home cholesterol testing kits are available over-the-counter. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved home cholesterol test kits in 1993. There are several different types that measure total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, or a combination of cholesterol types. Home cholesterol testing kits can range between $14 to $125 dollars. Tests claim to be ninety-five percent accurate; consult a health care professional with your test results.

Fast Facts:

Home testing kits may be limited to measuring only total cholesterol, not testing LDL - the "bad" cholesterol.
Testing is performed by pricking a finger, applying a few drops of blood on a test strip or well, and waiting for results.
Home testing does not replace clinical laboratory testing which is more accurate in diagnosing cardiovascular risks and problems.
A test result of 200 mg/dL or less is optimal for total cholesterol testing.

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Crohn's Disease and Endoscopy

KenyottaE — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:22:42 GMT

An endoscopy is used to confirm a diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) are examples of endoscopic procedures your doctor may perform. Endoscopic procedures are also used to determine the progression of the Crohn's disease.

Fast Facts:

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a simple procedure that can be performed in the doctor's office.
An EGD involves guiding a camera into your mouth to your small intestine to check whether you have Crohn's disease in the beginning part of your small intestine.
A colonoscopy is used to detect Crohn's disease along the length of your colon.

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ADHD Diagnosis Guidelines

Amymarlatt — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:34:37 GMT

Diagnosing attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not done by a single test, instead a diagnostic evaluation is used. The diagnosis must be done by a psychiatrist who is an expert in ADHD. Diagnostics first start with several different sources gathering information on the patient's symptoms. The guidelines state you must have six or more symptoms of inattention for at least six months, or you must have six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity for at least six months. When being evaluated, an assessment of coexisting conditions must be included.

Fast Facts:

There are specific guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Inattention may be a failure to pay attention, difficulty sustaining attention, or not listening.
Hyperactivity is constant fidgeting or talking.

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