COPD is an umbrella term for conditions that affect the lungs and impact on the ability to breathe. In COPD, airflow into and out of the lungs is restricted. Breathing feels difficult and because less oxygen is taken in, it can impact upon energy levels. If you are diagnosed with chronic bronchitis or emphysema, you have COPD. It is usually progressive and is not reversible. However, positive changes to lifestyle habits can help you to manage the condition, reduce risk of more serious illness and improve your quality of life.

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Female Breast Cancer

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Cancer is the abnormal or uncontrollable cell growth of cells. The most common type of breast cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma which means the cancer (or abnormal cell growth) begins in the tissues of the milk ducts of the breast. Invasive lobular carcinoma is the second most common type and this is where the cancer begins in the lobules that empty breast milk into the milk ducts. If the cancer has metastasised, it means the cancer has spread to other tissues within the body. Treatments for breast cancer include chemo or radiotherapy or surgery, to remove the lump or the entire breast.

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Type II Diabetes Mellitus

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Type 2 Diabetes involves the pancreas and insulin. When blood sugar levels are high, a hormone called insulin is released by the pancreas which helps muscle and liver cells to take sugars in. This reduces blood sugar levels. In Type 2 Diabetes, the cells are unable to take in blood sugars. As a result, the pancreas produces more insulin yet the cells are still unable to take the sugars in. The repeated cycle of this causes the pancreas to be overworked and it eventually starts to produce less insulin.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Rheumatiod Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body mistakes healthy tissues for pathogens and attacks them. It is an inflammatory disease and causes inflammation and damage to the joints of the body. It often affects the joints of the knees, wrists and hands but can also affect other tissues such as the spine, heart, lungs and eyes. Cardiovascular Disease risk is higher in patients with RA.

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Coronary Artery Disease

Case Study

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Thomas is a 61 year old male diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) and stable angina. He was been diagnosed with hypertension with a blood pressure reading of 160/90. All conditions are managed via the following medications: statins (for cholesterol); nitrates (for vasodilation); ACE inhibitors (for blood pressure); glyceryl trinitrate spray (or GTN, to treat angina attacks); and beta blockers (to slow the heart rate down to reduce angina attacks).

Thomas is obese with a body mass index of 35 and is pre-diabetic. He is currently sedentary and has a sedentary job role as the director of an information technology firm – mostly desk work. Thomas enjoys regular evening drinks at the pub and often entertains clients at events where alcohol is consumed in excess. He is married with 2 children.

References

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