Hydrochlorothiazide: Effects, Applications

How hydrochlorothiazide works Hydrochlorothiazide acts directly in the kidneys. There, the entire blood volume is passed through about three hundred times per day. In the process, the so-called primary urine is squeezed out through a filter system (renal corpuscles). This primary urine still contains the same concentration of salts and small molecules (such as sugar … Hydrochlorothiazide: Effects, Applications

Sotalol: Effects, Uses & Risks

Sotalol is a pharmacological agent that belongs to the beta-blocker category. The drug is primarily used for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Sotalol is a special beta-blocker that does not have a phenol ether structure. In its structure, the substance also resembles beta-isoprenaline. What is sotalol? The drug sotalol is among those beta-blockers that are … Sotalol: Effects, Uses & Risks

Cardiac Conduction System: Function, Role & Diseases

The excitation conduction system of the heart consists of glycogen-rich specialized cardiac myocytes. They focus the contraction signals generated by the excitation generation system and transmit them to the muscles of the atria and ventricles in a specific rhythm, creating an orderly sequence of systole (beating phase of the ventricles) and diastole (relaxation phase of … Cardiac Conduction System: Function, Role & Diseases

Euler-Liljestrand Mechanism: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

The Euler-Liljestrand mechanism causes contraction of the vascular muscles in the pulmonary tracts when there is an insufficient supply of oxygen, which improves the ventilation-perfusion quotient of the lungs. The mechanism is a natural reflex that involves the lungs exclusively. The Euler-Liljestrand mechanism is pathologic at high altitudes, for example, where it promotes pulmonary edema. … Euler-Liljestrand Mechanism: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

Arginine: Function & Diseases

Arginine, in its L form, is an important semiessential proteinogenic amino acid. It is the sole supplier of the neurotransmitter nitric oxide. A deficiency of arginine promotes the development of arteriosclerosis and other so-called diseases of civilization. What is arginine? Arginine is the proteinogenic amino acid with the highest content of nitrogen in the molecule. … Arginine: Function & Diseases

Amifostine: Effects, Uses & Risks

Amifostine, also known as Amifostinum or Amifostinum trihydricum, with trade name Ethyol, is a prescription drug with cell-protective effects established since 1995 and used in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and prevention of dry mouth. For example, amifostine is used in advanced tumors of the ovaries or head and neck region by limiting potential tissue damage caused by … Amifostine: Effects, Uses & Risks

Portal Vein: Structure, Function & Diseases

The portal vein transports oxygen-depleted but nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver, where potential toxins are metabolized. Diseases of the portal vein can severely impair the liver‘s detoxification abilities. What is the portal vein? In general, portal veins are veins that carry venous blood from one capillary system to another capillary system. … Portal Vein: Structure, Function & Diseases

Amfepramone: Effects, Uses & Risks

Amfepramone is an indirect alpha-sympathomimetic and is used in Germany as an appetite suppressant. Because of a not inconsiderable potential for abuse, the active ingredient is prescribed only in urgent cases for a short time for the supportive treatment of obesity. What is amfepramone? Because of a not insignificant potential for abuse, the drug is … Amfepramone: Effects, Uses & Risks

Home Remedies for Heart Palpitations

Heart stumbles are so-called extrasystoles that originate in the atrium or ventricle of the heart. Although they are generally harmless in a structurally healthy heart and – except in cases of great suffering – do not require treatment, the heart sensations perceived as skips or stumbles trigger uncertainty or anxiety in many people. If a … Home Remedies for Heart Palpitations