The Dangers of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a medical condition that rarely has noticeable symptoms but can have an outsized impact on your body’s systems. High blood pressure damages your heart and arteries, since the condition is a problem within the circulatory system. But your blood supplies every part of your body with oxygen, so when flow is affected it takes a toll on the body. For example, did you know high blood pressure could lead to memory loss? Read on to discover some of the more hidden dangers of high blood pressure.

Kidney damage

Your kidneys filter and remove the waste from your bloodstream. When a person has high blood pressure, however, the arteries in the kidneys become damaged, keeping oxygen from reaching the finger-like projections that filter the blood. Damaged kidneys also produce less of the hormone renin, which helps the body regulate blood pressure. The damage from high blood pressure then continues to affect the body.

Fluid in the lungs

If your heart is not able to pump oxygenated blood effectively, it will push fluid back into the lungs, in a condition known as pulmonary edema. This fluid prevents the full absorption of oxygen from inhaled air. This can cause a buildup of fluid in other parts of the body, as the heart becomes weaker and less able to transport blood. In the worst cases, the fluid buildup in lower extremities can cause liver congestion and swelling, which damages the liver. Pulmonary edema can be fatal.

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction has two main types of causes — psychological and medical. Proper blood flow is absolutely vital to the function of sexual organs. But with damaged arteries, the body is unable to provide adequate blood flow to achieve and sustain an erection. In fact, most medical causes for erectile dysfunction have roots in the circulatory system.

Memory loss

If you feel like you’re constantly in a fog or forgetting things, the cause could be your blood pressure. Pressure and damage to the arteries and blood vessels in and around the brain often begin to deprive the brain of oxygen, which can lead to fatigue, memory loss and an inability to focus. In the worst cases, it can even lead to a stroke, which can destroy a person’s ability to speak, dress and feed themselves. In the worst cases, a stroke can lead to a coma or death.

Vision loss

High blood pressure can subject the eyes to heavy force from the movement or buildup of blood, causing damage to blood vessels and optic nerve. Over time, this can cause swelling of the optic nerve or degradation of the parts of the eyes, like the rods and cones that help detect movement and color. This is a scary effect of high blood pressure, and its only treatment is to lower blood pressure. And because the eyes are so sensitive, any damage to them is likely to be permanent.

So here are five really good reasons to get your blood pressure checked frequently! The lack of direct symptoms of high blood pressure can make it hard to detect, until it starts damaging other organ systems. So if you’ve noticed any of these changes in your body, it’s a good idea to get your blood pressure tested!

Spring Is Right Around the Corner, and So Are Allergies

Prepare Yourself for Spring Allergies

Birds chip, flowers bloom, trees bud and little bunnies appear. It’s spring! As the days grow longer and warmer, people spend more time outdoors, and windows slide open to let in a breath of fresh air. It’s a time for picnics, long walks in the woods and cleaning up the yard from winter’s mess.

Unfortunately for some people, spring can be an uncomfortable time of year. People with seasonal allergies find themselves rubbing at itchy eyes and battling a continuously running nose. They may experience wheezing, if allergies trigger an asthma attack. They may also suffer from headaches or see dark circles under their eyes. These people feel like they have a cold that won’t ever go away!

While various foods, mold or pets can trigger allergy symptoms, the cause of springtime allergies is typically pollen. With so much new plant growth this time of year, pollen wafts through the air and settles on every surface. When someone with a pollen sensitivity or allergy inhales the pollen, the body perceives it as a threat and releases antibodies to protect itself. Antibodies are the same mechanism the body uses to fight off a cold, which is why allergy sufferers experience symptoms that are similar to colds.

Fortunately, general allergy testing for adults and kids is much simpler now than in years past. Years ago, testing involved hundreds of needle pricks to determine the allergy cause. Today, testing only requires a simple blood sample to determine which pollens, foods or other triggers are causing the allergy symptoms. To further help springtime allergy sufferers, regional environmental allergy tests can help identify which area plants may be triggering an allergic reaction, making allergy control simpler.

While seasonal allergies can encroach on one’s quality of life, they are not typically severe enough to be dangerous. They can, however, impact your ability to sleep, contributing to a loss of productivity and mood disorders, so attending to the symptoms is important. In addition to both over-the-counter and prescribed medicines, there are a variety of lifestyle changes that can help minimize symptoms, such as:

Wearing a mask while mowing the lawn or doing yard work.
Closing the windows and using air conditioning.
Avoiding outdoor activities early in the morning when pollen is at its worst.
Washing your hands when you come in contact with pollen or other allergens.
Changing your comfort system’s air filter regularly.
Taking your shoes off to avoid tracking pollen through the house.

Once you have taken your seasonal allergy test, you’ll be better able to identify the cause of your symptoms. From there, you can put a plan in place to start minimizing your exposure to the allergen and start feeling better so you can enjoy the beauty of the spring season!

What You Need to Know About HIV Among Women

Did you know that March 10th is Women’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day? It’s an important day to recognize the impact HIV and AIDS have on women across the nation because nearly one in four people living with HIV in the U.S. are women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This year, on the 11th observance of this awareness day, get the facts you need about HIV for women. First, women face unique risks. They are more likely to contract the disease during vaginal sex than men, because of an increased surface area for contact with the disease. Furthermore, women who are affected often face greater challenges finding proper care and dealing with social stigma. Lastly, women with HIV carry the risk of passing it to their child during childbirth and need to be extra vigilant about care and treatment.

The facts you need to know about HIV:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is a sexually transmitted disease that attacks the immune system and lowers your body’s ability to fight off infections.
While there is no cure at the moment, treatments exist that can suppress the virus and give those who are living with the disease a long and healthy life.
The four most common ways HIV is transmitted are sexual contact, intravenous drug use, mother-to-child (perinatal) and blood transfusions.
Symptoms of HIV tend to mirror that of the flu. The possible symptoms of HIV are: fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat and fatigue.

Finally, the most important fact that you need to know about HIV is that the only way to know for sure that you or a loved one is infected is to get tested. If you have had unprotected sex, have an existing sexually transmitted disease or share needles, you should be tested for HIV. At Any Lab Test Now, we can help you get the confidential testing you need to stay informed.

This March, encourage all the women in your life to get tested and help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS!

What’s the Difference Between a Gluten Intolerance and Celiac Disease?

March newsletter gluten celiac small

Gluten Intolerance Vs. Celiac Disease

Digestive issues. Unexplained fatigue. Headaches. Pain. Mood issues. If this sounds like an average day in your life, you’re not alone. About 15 percent of people in the U.S. have some form of gluten intolerance, and you could be one of them. While there could be other causes, these symptoms can point to a gluten intolerance, which goes undiagnosed in patients 99 percent of the time.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, and it is a HUGE part of the American diet. Odds are, you’ve been eating gluten all your life, and this could be the cause of these daily, unexplained discomforts.

So, what is gluten intolerance?

Gluten intolerance is a broad category of food intolerance that covers a range of conditions, including celiac disease — the most severe of the gluten intolerances — non-celiac gluten sensitivity and wheat allergies.

	Celiac Disease	Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity	Wheat Allergy
What is it?	A hereditary autoimmune disorder	A sensitivity to gluten	An allergy to the gluten protein when wheat is ingested
What happens when gluten is ingested?	An autoimmune response that causes severe damage to the small intestine and long-term health problems	A stress response is triggered by the body, often resulting in uncomfortable GI symptoms	An immune response is triggered causing a temporary reaction by the body

As you can see in the chart above, a gluten intolerance can be anything from a mild irritation to a life-altering disease. Regardless of where you fall in this range, it is important to recognize your symptoms so you can protect your health.

Depending on the severity of your intolerance, symptoms may include:

Digestive issues including gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation
Unexplained skin rashes
Unexplained fatigue, especially after eating a meal containing gluten
Mood issues like anxiety, mood swings, depression or ADD
Migraine headaches
Hormone imbalances
And many other possible symptoms

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it may be a sign you should get tested for a gluten intolerance. At Any Lab Test Now, there are many options to choose from.

Want to test for celiac disease?

Try our Celiac Disease Panel. As celiac disease can often be difficult to diagnose, this test can help to differentiate between celiac disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases.
Or try our ALCAT Gut Health Profile, which can also help you diagnose celiac disease or discover the possibility of a non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Or if you feel that you may have a wheat allergy, you can find out with these tests:

The sooner you know the cause of your symptoms, the sooner you can start doing something about them. Talk to the experts at Any Lab Test Now to find out which test is right for you and start your journey toward a happier, healthier life.

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

There are many misconceptions about HIV and AIDS out there. Many of them stem from the sensitive nature of these diseases. In truth, many still consider it taboo to talk about them. But one in eight people who have HIV aren’t aware that they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That represents approximately 12.8 percent of the population who have not been diagnosed.

What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is a sexually transmitted disease that attacks the immune system and lowers your body’s ability to fight off infections. Over time, HIV progresses and destroys more and more of the body’s immune system. While there is no cure at the moment, treatment exists that can suppress the virus and give those who are living with the disease a long and healthy life.

While HIV is a sexually transmitted disease, it can be spread many ways. The four most common ways HIV is transmitted are sexual contact, intravenous drug use, mother-to-child (perinatal) and blood transfusions. However, some people are at higher risk than others. African-Americans are diagnosed with HIV more than any other race. But male-to-male sexual contact remains the highest risk factor for contracting HIV.

Symptoms of HIV tend to mirror that of the flu. The possible symptoms of HIV are:

Fever
Chills
Rash
Night sweats
Muscle aches
Sore throat
Fatigue

It’s important to note that many who contract HIV do not show symptoms for a long time. In fact, it’s possible to have the disease for 10 years without any symptoms. Therefore, regular testing is the only way to make sure you don’t have HIV.

What is AIDS?

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS, is the final stage of HIV infection. AIDS is the stage of HIV where the immune systems has become badly damaged, and you are vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Essentially, AIDS is an advanced form of HIV. Not everyone who has HIV advances to this stage, and you cannot contract AIDS without getting HIV first.

The possible symptoms and complications from AIDS are much more severe and include the following:

Rapid weight loss
Recurring fever or night sweats
Extreme tiredness
Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands
Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
Sores of the mouth, anus or genitals
Pneumonia
Memory loss, depression and other neurologic disorders

An HIV diagnosis does not guarantee you will progress to AIDS. Certain medications can lower the level of HIV in your body and keep you strong. That will reduce the likelihood that your condition will progress to AIDS, and it can help lower the risk of you transmitting HIV to others. That’s why it’s so important to know if you have this disease.

The only way to know if you have HIV for sure is to get tested!
If you have had unprotected sex, have an existing sexually transmitted disease or share needles, you should be tested for HIV. At Any Lab Test Now, we can help you get the confidential testing you need to make sure you and your loved ones are safe.

Understanding the Causes of Anemia and How it Affects Those Who Have It

Anemia Photo

Everyone feels run-down at times. Sometimes, this is simply a matter of getting too little sleep, having the sniffles or battling too much stress. When you can’t identify a reason for your fatigue, however, there could be an underlying cause for it. One such cause is anemia.

Anemia is a fairly common condition, affecting approximately 3 million Americans each year. There are several types of anemia, but the common thread among them is that either the body’s red blood cell count is lower than normal or the hemoglobin level within the cells is lower than normal. Hemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen through the blood to the body’s tissues. If there aren’t enough blood cells containing hemoglobin, or hemoglobin levels are too low, oxygen is not being transported throughout the body efficiently.

When our bodies aren’t getting enough oxygen, we become fatigued. Certainly, this means that the body may feel weak and tired, but it can also mean that you experience:

Headaches and dizziness
Chest pains
Irregular heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Pale skin
Cold hands and feet
Cognitive problems

When you first begin to suffer from anemia, the symptoms may not be severe; if left untreated, the lack of oxygen will cause the symptoms to worsen over time.

Each of the different types of anemia has a different cause. Some types are caused by low iron levels or vitamin deficiencies. Others, like sickle cell anemia, are inherited and are the result of misshapen blood cells. Still others stem from chronic diseases or diseases of the bone marrow, a tissue in the body that creates red blood cells.

The only definitive way to know if you have anemia is to have a blood test. Tests like the anemia panel can evaluate the components of your blood and related vitamin levels to determine if they are within normal ranges. Also, the sickle cell screen can determine if you are at risk for the inherited form of anemia.

Until such a test is performed and the type of anemia is established, treatment can’t be provided. Because each form of anemia has a different cause, each needs to be addressed differently. Treatments range from simple solutions, like getting more vitamins in your diet, to more complex medical procedures, like blood transfusions.

If you’ve been feeling fatigued or have been experiencing any of the other symptoms associated with anemia, come in to Any Lab Test Now to request your blood test and start learning how to regain your lost energy.

Testosterone: A Man’s AND Woman’s Hormone

The other day, a woman came in because she had been having trouble concentrating lately. She had been distracted at work and had a hard time getting through simple tasks. It scared her because she was only in her mid-40s and thought that she was already starting to show signs of aging. Her doctor suggested that she have her testosterone levels tested. She learned she did have low testosterone, and that this could be contributing to her symptoms.

People are often surprised when a woman talks about issues related to testosterone, because people commonly think of testosterone as a male hormone. In reality, testosterone exists in both men and women.

Testosterone in Men

In men, testosterone is the driving force behind puberty. Levels peak at that point in a man’s life, allowing the body to change into an adult. Adam’s apples develop. They grow facial and body hair. Their penis and testes become larger. Following puberty, testosterone levels gradually begin to fall.

Even as testosterone naturally tapers, the body still relies on this hormone to regulate things like sex drive, red blood cell production, weight distribution and sperm levels. Because of this, low levels of testosterone (low T) in men contribute to a variety of issues. Men can experience a loss of interest in sex, erectile dysfunction, depression, difficulty concentrating, disruption to the sleep cycle, loss of muscle mass, decrease in body hair or loss of bone density.

Testosterone in Women

Testosterone levels are naturally lower in women than in men. In fact, normal levels for an adult female are about 1/10th of a man’s testosterone level. With women, however, changes in hormone levels can be experienced more dramatically.

If a woman has too little testosterone, she may experience symptoms that mimic those of natural aging. These include trouble concentrating, as well as fatigue, exhaustion, difficulty losing weight, sudden weight gain, decreased interest in sex, vaginal dryness, mood swings, depression, anxiety or hair loss. It is also possible to have a testosterone level that is too high, leading to increased acne, a deepening of the voice or an irregular menstrual cycle.

Are My Testosterone Levels OK?

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, keep in mind that there are several medical causes for these symptoms in both men and women. Don’t dive right into a treatment program without finding out if you really have a problem with testosterone!

There are several tests that can be done to help you identify if testosterone, or other hormone imbalances, are contributing to your current symptoms. The most common lab test used by physicians to check a person’s testosterone level is the Testosterone (Free/Total). If you think you may have a hormone imbalance, including testosterone, a Saliva Hormone Test may be more appropriate, and provides a comprehensive overview of a variety of hormone levels. If you are male and want to check your overall health, including your testosterone level, then an excellent choice would be the Comprehensive Male Panel. Information is power, and will provide you and your doctor more information to better pinpoint the root of the symptoms you are experiencing.

So, what if you find you have low testosterone? Definitely visit with your physician first. He or she may suggest testosterone replacement therapy. You’ll need to first get a series of lab tests to ensure you are healthy enough to start the program, known as our Pre-Testosterone Replacement Therapy Panel. Keep in mind, however, that it is important to continue monitoring your health during treatment with our Continued Testosterone Replacement Therapy Panel. This helps you determine if treatment is effective and monitors your body for negative side effects.
After testing, the female customer who came in was relieved to learn about her lower testosterone level, as well as a few other hormone imbalances. She, too, had thought that only men needed to be concerned with testosterone. She had no idea that it could cause such fluctuations in her own moods and physical health. Testosterone affects the physical and emotional health of both men and women, so don’t live with the symptoms above; have your hormones tested and get back to living a more vibrant life.

What Is The Difference Between Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism?

Did you know that January is Thyroid Awareness Month? According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 50 percent of those with a thyroid disease are unaware that they have it. That represents a large population of people at risk.

What are the possible complications with my thyroid?

The two most common thyroid diseases are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Let’s take a closer look at these two diseases so you can get the information you need.

Hypothyroidism, the most common form of thyroid disease, is when the levels of thyroid hormone in your body drop. That means your body is “slowing down” in production. The signs and symptoms associated with this disease are:

Fatigue
Drowsiness
Forgetfulness
Difficulty with learning
Dry, brittle hair, nails and skin
Weight gain and fluid retention
Increased sensitivity to many medications

Hyperthyroidism is when you have increased levels of thyroid hormone in your body. That means your thyroid gland is producing too much hormone. This form of the disease occurs in approximately one percent of Americans and tends to affect women five to 10 times more often than men. Hyperthyroidism leads to a goiter, which is an enlargement of the thyroid. The signs and symptoms associated with this form are:

Increased heart rate
Becoming anxious, irritable, argumentative
Weight loss, despite eating the same amount or even more than usual
Intolerance of warm temperatures and increased likelihood to perspire
Loss of hair
Muscle weakness, especially of the upper arms and thighs
Accelerated loss of calcium from bones, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures

Thyroid disease, if left untreated, can lead to many complications, such as heart disease, infertility and osteoporosis. It has also been linked with autoimmune disorders such as diabetes and anemia. That’s why you need to know if you’re in the 50 percent of those affected but aren’t yet aware that they have a disease.
At Any Lab Test Now, we offer a Thyroid Panel which tests for TSH levels, T4 Total and T3 Uptake. We also offer a variety of Saliva Hormone Tests, as well as a Comprehensive Thyroid Panel.. High or low results of any of these hormone levels will help you and your doctor determine if any further action is needed.

National Folic Acid Awareness Week

Everything your body does relies on a B vitamin to help make it happen. From your metabolism to your brain function, to the growth and maintenance of your circulatory and nervous systems, none of it would happen if B vitamins weren’t there to help out. This group of vitamins was deemed so vital to Americans that in 1998, the U.S. government passed a law to require that flour products be fortified with them to help ensure that the population could get enough of the nutrients in a normal diet. Among infants, young children and women of childbearing age, folate, or folic acid, is among the most important B vitamin, Vitamin B9, because of its role in cell division and the formation of the nervous system. In honor of National Folic Acid Week, here are some facts you may not have known about folate’s role in the body.

Folate regulates cell division and aids in the construction and maintenance of the circulatory, nervous and digestive systems. It is most important during periods of time where cells are dividing rapidly, such as during growth spurts or development of organ systems. The best sources of folates are meat, beans and legumes, shellfish and whole grains. Fortification of refined grain foods have made things like breakfast cereals and refined flour into great sources of folic acid, and this has led to a dramatic decrease in the amount of folate deficiencies diagnosed in the U.S.

There are many reasons that one can be deficient in folic acid, although luckily, simply not consuming enough is no longer a prominent cause. Instead, illnesses like alcoholism, Crohn’s disease and certain genetic disorders are more likely causes. Many medications will also limit the amount of folate your body can absorb from food. If you have a condition that keeps your body from absorbing folate, it’s crucial that you discuss ways to supplement your intake with your doctor, because a folate deficiency can impact every area of your life.

The first symptoms of a deficiency are exhaustion, mental fogginess and depression. These start out relatively mild and are easy to reverse if they are caught quickly. A more chronic deficiency can cause folate deficiency anemia, which causes the red blood cells to grow abnormally large and unable to carry oxygen. This ends up leading to chronic fatigue, and your hair can even start turning gray. Folate deficiencies are especially dangerous for infants and pregnant women, since a lack of folate can cause the nervous system and spine to develop improperly in utero. It is estimated that between 11 and 19 percent of people in the United States do not consume enough folate in their diets. At Any Lab Test Now, there are a wide variety of lab tests available to help you determine your body’s folate levels, including the Vitamin B12/Folate Test, the Hematocrit lab test which evaluates your red blood cell levels, our Anemia Panel, or the MTHFR Test, which can reveal a genetic disorder that hinders your folate absorption.

Folate is an integral part of the development and maintenance of bodily systems, and it’s absolutely crucial for growth and circulation. Fortification of refined foods have brought the U.S. into an era of unsurpassed health, but there are still a relatively large amount of people who struggle to get all of the nutrients they need. This National Folic Acid Week is the perfect time to look at your consumption and your folic acid levels, to see if you’re in optimal health. Stop in at an Any Lab Test Now location today to get your levels tested and find out your status!

Eating Your Way Through The Holidays? You Might Want to Check Your Sugar Levels First

‘Tis the season — the season of eating, that is! We all get excited about our favorite foods when the holidays come around. There’s just something special about sharing a meal with family and friends, often with beloved family recipes that have been passed down through the generations. And there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a special meal with loved ones. The problem comes when these meals are high in unhealthy fats, added sugars and other not-so-good-for-you ingredients. Not to mention the fact that the spirit of the season has come to include a tradition of rampant over-indulgence in our favorite holiday treats. (Seconds, anyone? Leftovers tomorrow?) This time of year is especially difficult if you have diabetes or prediabetes. You may want to reach for that pumpkin pie, but it is imperative to your health that you keep your sugar levels under control. So how can you enjoy the season and all the delicious foods it has to offer while keeping your health in check? Knowing your sugar levels ahead of time will help you decide what is safe to eat and what you should avoid.

Why should you check your sugar levels?

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, you know how important it is to keep your sugar levels down. Insulin is a hormone that helps get glucose (sugar) to your cells to use as energy. With diabetes, your body does not make or use insulin well. Without insulin, the glucose remains in your blood, raising your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. Having high blood sugar can cause a number of serious problems to your health including, damage to your eyes, kidneys and nerves as well as heart disease, stroke and even the need for amputation.

One of the best ways to keep your blood sugar levels in check is to stick to a diabetes-friendly diet that limits foods high in sugar, fat, salt and carbohydrates. Everyone’s body is different, and it’s best to consult with a dietician to find a meal plan that’s right for you. But before you can know what you can and can’t eat, you need to know your blood sugar levels. This will give you an idea of how well you are managing your diabetes or if you are in danger of becoming diabetic.

The best way to know your sugar levels? Get tested!

If you are unsure of your blood sugar levels and you are concerned about your health, it is best to get tested before that big holiday dinner. When you are aware of your health, you can be proactive about preventing any serious problems. Would you rather have that second helping of sweet potato casserole or keep your left foot? It may sound extreme, but this is the situation you could be facing if you don’t keep your sugar levels under control as a diabetic or prediabetic. But if you want to take control of your health, you’re in luck! Any Lab Test Now has several testing options to help you monitor your blood sugar levels quickly and easily, no appointment necessary!

The Hemoglobin A1c Test is a valuable measure of the overall blood glucose levels over a period of time (two?three months). This test can be used to help detect prediabetes and diagnose diabetes. If you’re diabetic, this test can help determine if your disease is under control.

The Glucose (Serum) Test, also known as the Fasting Blood Glucose Test, is the most common test used to diagnose hyperglycemia (higher than normal levels of blood sugar), hypoglycemia (lower than normal levels of blood sugar) and diabetes. Diabetics self conduct this test multiple times a day to monitor their blood glucose, which is conducted as a finger stick and measured with a home glucometer. This test will determine if your blood glucose level is within a healthy range. It will also screen for, diagnose and monitor prediabetes, diabetes, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

The Diabetes Maintenance Panel is an effective panel for both diabetics and for those who want to see if they have diabetes. This panel includes four tests: The Complete Blood Count (CBC), the Fasting Glucose, the Hemoglobin A1c and the Diabetic Urinalysis. The information gained from the four tests in this panel will give you and your physician the necessary information to help monitor and/or adjust your diabetic medications.
Talk to our experts at Any Lab Test Now to find out which test is right for you! The sooner you know your blood sugar levels, the sooner you can take control of your health this holiday season.