Candid Conversations with Dr. Lowe

HfPef (Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction) is the appearance of heart failure symptoms in patients with hearts with normal ejection fractions. The etiology appears to be multifactorial, but in reality, it continues to baffle clinicians worldwide. HfPef is separate and different from Hfref or heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and the natural history and prognosis are different. Hfpef is not only difficult to diagnose, but it is also difficult to treat. Studies are now uncovering the treatments that are effective in this condition, but we are still a long way from fully uncovering the true nature of Hfpef.

Alcohol has been used for recreation and medicinal purposes for millennia. But, although alcohol in moderation is viewed as beneficial to cardiovascular health, excess alcohol is extremely harmful. Alcohol consumed in large amounts for long periods of time can cause fatty liver, inflammation of the liver, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Over 2 billion people drink alcohol regularly, but many can suffer the consequences of excess alcohol use, which at times, can have fatal consequences. We examine alcohol and its effect on the liver in this video. Specifically, we determine how much alcohol, and for how long it is safe to consume alcohol.

Prediabetes is on the rise, and as the nations of the world grow in affluence, its incidence is bound to soar. Yet, many studies have shown that not only is prediabetes preventable, but it is also reversible. Simple lifestyle interventions have been shown to be highly effective at reversing the disease. More and more scientists are gaining knowledge on how this debilitating and sometimes fatal illness arises. One thing we do know for sure is that it can be controlled. Screening high-risk populations for prediabetes and early intervention to prevent progression to full-blown diabetes can delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes for at least 15 years. Studies are ongoing on how best to prevent and treat prediabetes, but so far, lifestyle changes have proven most effective at treating prediabetes.

Since the Hungarian Scientist, Albert Szent-Györgyi, discovered vitamin C in the 1930s, that one vitamin has had an enormous impact on the health of humankind. From the treatment of scurvy in sailors to the prevention of aging in the skin, the vitamin has revolutionized the treatment of multiple diseases. Even today, we are discovering more and more uses for this versatile vitamin. The flood of vitamin serums that appeared on the market after the early 1990s, when Sheldon Pinnell at Duke University solved the multiple challenges of effectively incorporating vitamin C in a topical solution, has continued unabated. There is no doubt that vitamin C, both topical and oral, provides substantial benefit to users, but with topical serums, vitamin C is not any vitamin C. Specific steps have to be taken to ensure the product is just not only vitamin C by name. What are those? This video will unravel the mystery of topical vitamin C.

Polio emerged as an epidemic disease in the late 19th century, quite unexpectedly. It quickly became the bane of the world, striking terror as seasonal epidemics. Relief came in the form of vaccines in the mid-20th century. But, despite massive vaccination campaigns, pockets of polio surface intermittently in parts of the world that have already eliminated the virus. Scientists know exactly where these cases of polio originate, but nothing we have done so far has succeeded in completely eradicating the polio virus from the earth. In this video, you will learn what the underlying cause of this recurring problem is and how we could eliminate the virus once and for all. To subscribe to this channel, please click the link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Aym3CP43EU9S5kOCsEBEQ/?sub_confirmation=1 By Hewa - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17839345

PFAS or per or polyfluoroalkyl substances were discovered in the 1930s. Since that time, they have been used in a broad variety of manufactured products and for various industrial purposes. These chemicals have been linked to a variety of diseases, and for that reason several of them, including PFOA and PFOS, were withdrawn in most part from use in manufacturing. There were replaced by GenX and PFBS. There are still, however, thousands of newer PFAS that are used in consumer products globally. WE need to be aware of the dangers of PFAS and the sources of exposure in our surroundings, in order that we can avoid these chemicals to the best of our ability. Are there any conditions that may signal exposure to high levels of PFAS? This video discusses that topic and provides viewers with a list of 5 likely scenarios in which they can suspect adverse effects stemming from PFAS. The list is not exhaustive, but gives viewers a good indication of when to take stronger action in preventing exposure to these ubiquitous chemicals.

It is now accepted without question that cocoa is beneficial to human longevity. Flavanols found in cocoa have been shown to increase the formation of endothelial nitric oxide, which promotes vasodilation and therefore blood pressure reduction. Cocoa has long been used by ancient civilizations as a medicinal and recreational drink, but modern-day society is yet to uncover the true potential of this amazing drink. In ancient Mayan society, it was the drink of the kings, and the commoners could only taste this heavenly elixir when they were chosen for a heavenly role. The heavenly role of their sacrifice (No Pun Intended). They were only allowed to partake of its pleasures on the day of their sacrifice. It was the first time they tasted cacao and the last time they tasted cacao. Other societies unknowingly extended their lifespans and state of health by drinking copious amounts of the bitter-sweet potion. No one seriously questions the benefits of cocoa and its offshoot chocolate anymore. Packed with antioxidants, they destroy free radicals in our bodies, providing additional benefit to the already established blood pressure lowering and circulation enhancing properties of cocoa. Theobroma Cacoa, or common cocoa, is truly food of the GODs. Learn more about cocoa and its flavanols in this video.

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints people in the developed world suffer. Hemorrhoids have been with us for thousands of years and still the etiology remains unclear. While they are not life-threatening, for the most part, they can cause significant morbidity. Hemorrhoids can cause embarrassment and force people to change their sexual practices. Many theories have been proposed to explain the etiology of hemorrhoids, the latest one being the slippage of the mucosa affixing the hemorrhoid plexus to the bowel wall. Whether that is the true etiology of hemorrhoids, only time will tell. The video reviews the causes and provides insight into how to prevent the development of hemorrhoids.

The Marburg Virus is one of the most dangerous viral pathogens that cause disease in humans. The recent outbreak in Ghana reminds us that these exotic infections are very much alive and well and are looming a stone’s throw away from us, ready and waiting for the prime opportunity to pounce onto the world scene. The Marburg virus is from the same family of hemorrhagic viruses as the Ebola virus, with the important exception that we still do not have treatments or vaccines specifically approved for its treatment. Monkeypox came as a surprise to the world, as did COVID-19, but these infections pale in comparison to the deadly Marburg virus, with a mortality rate of close to 90% under some circumstances. The WHO responded with vigor when the outbreak of Marburg virus was reported in Ghana, and with good reason. Were this virus to get out-of-hand, we can expect a pandemic equaling the Black Plague, in terms of the terror it would cause, and without vaccines or effective treatment we would have no recourse. Marburg Virus is serious. Fortunately, so far, the outbreaks have been mild, with maximum a few hundred victims at the most, and the few “extra-endemic” infections we have seen were associated with little or no secondary infections. We can only hope that there are no major changes in the future and that those who are responsible for the safety of the populace are taking the steps they need to control the spread of this deadly virus. We should not dismiss the Marburg virus. It is too important to be swept under the rug.

In this video, we follow an Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome patient on her Odyssey to diagnosis. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or EDS is a collection of collective tissue diseases that are relatively common but that are frequently overlooked in the search for a diagnosis of chronic pain syndromes. One reason is the diverse array of symptoms that the different variants of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can cause in the human body. Rarely do we find a single syndrome in medicine that can affect the joints, the heart, the GI track, the vasculature, the brain, the spine, the bones, the eye, the blood pressure…. and the list goes on and on. This variability in presentation often causes a delay in diagnosis, and patients are frequently frustrated at providers who dismiss the severity and veracity of symptoms reported by sufferers of Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes. The most common form is the hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and this is precisely the form for which there is no genetic marker to aid in the diagnosis. Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes are not simply curiosities, they are serious conditions that can lead to a lifetime of disability, joint dislocations, bowel perforations, POTS, intracranial bleeds, aortic ruptures, pelvic organ prolapses (POP), rectal prolapse, surgical complications from poor wound healing and many other serious conditions that can be avoided if Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is diagnosed early and patients are given information on how to protect themselves and taught exercise routines that can help decrease the likelihood of permanent joint damage or life-threatening complications. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is the exceptional diagnosis that deserves a higher place on our differential-diagnosis list.

The patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common condition that affects people in all age groups. It is most common in athletes and is the most common cause of knee pain in the knee in patients who visit outpatient clinics. Although the condition is extremely common, we still do not know whether we are dealing with a single disease or, as some researchers claim, a “wastepaper basket” diagnosis with a collection of diseases with similar symptoms. The nebulous nature of the syndrome makes it challenging to diagnose and difficult to treat. Clinicians have come up with a plethora of clinical tests they use to diagnose patellofemoral pain syndrome. Many of these have been shown to be of little use. Radiographic findings do not always correlate with the patient’s symptoms, and not infrequently, the changes seen on X-rays of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome are also found in people who are completely pain free. Here are some facts that can help illuminate the patellofemoral pain syndrome as a treatable disease.

Melatonin for sleep is now widespread around the globe. In some countries, melatonin is only available with a prescription and is considered a drug. In other countries, melatonin is considered a dietary supplement and is sold over the counter. People who are medication averse flock to melatonin as an alternative to traditional medications. Today, melatonin is recognized as a viable sleep aid in many countries and has received approval for a variety of sleep-related disorders. Although the drug was relatively safe in adults and children, it can have drug-drug interactions with other medications. Melatonin on rare occasions may also cause severe side effects. For these reasons, we recommend you discuss any medication you start with your family doctor, even if the medication is sold over the counter. Melatonin is a useful drug /supplement for use in a variety of sleep disorders, including primary insomnia.

Many people search for vitamins and minerals as potential treatments for hair loss. While deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals may reverse hair loss in cases of deficiencies, over supplementation of certain minerals and vitamins may actually cause hair loss. This is not well known, and many people taking vitamins and minerals for their hair loss may actually be making the problem worse. Even some supplements sold on the market contain vitamins and minerals, which, taken in excess, can aggravate hair loss. People who suffer from hair loss in its various forms need to stay informed so that they can have an informed conversation with their doctors regarding what treatment is best suited to their particular type of hair loss. This video gives a clear and concise summary of minerals and vitamins that work in hair loss and provides warnings on vitamins and minerals, commonly used for hair loss, that taken in excess can make the hair loss worse. We can use vitamins and minerals in treating hair loss if there is a deficiency, but testing is the only way to be certain that one exists.

Shingles or Herpes Zoster is a common disease that will affect one in three people in their lifetime. This debilitating disease is not as benign as people commonly believe. New evidence has shown an association between Shingles (Herpes Zoster) and heart attach and strokes. But, most people are not even aware of the high risk that they face of acquiring this common condition, much less know that shingles can sometimes be fatal. Because of the high incidence, we should all be aware of the complications, both mild and not so mild, that this condition can cause. It is even more important for us to be aware of what we can do to avoid, if not prevent, this disease. Unfortunately, because of the natural history of shingles of herpes zoster, 90% of the current population is at risk for developing shingles (Herpes Zoster). There are now effective vaccinations and antiviral medications to reduce the pain and suffering caused by shingles, but to take advantage of these therapeutic and preventative measures we must familiarize ourselves with the different options that exist. This video will inform on shingles (herpes zoster), its symptoms, treatment and complications. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Aym3CP43EU9S5kOCsEBEQ/?sub_confirmation=1

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is an essential precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which is an essential coenzyme for various physiological processes in our bodies, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cell growth. Research has shown that by supplying this NAD precursor to our bodies (NMN), we can raise the levels of NAD in the body and regulate the function of senescent tissues. By restoring the level of NAD to its original levels, scientists hope to reverse completely age-related changes in our bodies. Supplements containing NMN and NR, as precursors of NAD, are already in circulation, but how safe are they and are there any safer alternatives? This video advances the argument that there are. To subscribe to this channel, please click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Aym3CP43EU9S5kOCsEBEQ/?sub_confirmation=1

Thousands of people experience sunburn every year, so the best treatment for sunburn is always a popular topic of discussion. Sunburn is experienced when people go out into the sun unprotected. People at greatest risk are people whose occupations require exposure to the sun and people who engage in physical activities in the sun. Contrary to most people’s belief, you can experience sunburn even in winter, or even when it is overcast. Besides this, the reflection of the UA rays off of snow or sand makes it possible to become exposed to the sun’s rays even when in the shade. Drinking alcohol, swimming and sweating also increase the risk of sunburn. Because sunburn in very common and the leading cause of skin cancers, including the deadly melanoma, it is of significant benefit to become familiar with the procedures for treating sunburn. Even more important is the prevention of sunburn. Yes, the rays of the sun are life giving and essential for our existence on this planet, but those same life-giving rays can prove deadly. Learn how to manage your sunburn and sunburn risk in this video. In the video, you will learn treatment for sunburn and how to protect yourself from the deadly consequences of overexposing yourself to the sun or using sun tanning equipment. Leave your comments in the section below. I hope you enjoy the video. To subscribe to this channel, click this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Aym3CP43EU9S5kOCsEBEQ/?sub_confirmation=1

This video discusses the monkeypox outbreak that is spreading rapidly in several countries that don’t normally report this disease. It is possible that this is a harbinger of more serious manifestations. This major shift in the monkeypox virus's behavior may signal bigger things to come. Health authorities are baffled by this sudden monkeypox outbreak and are introducing measures aimed at curbing the spread of this new orthopoxvirus threat. But, what is monkeypox? What are the symptoms of monkeypox and where is this all headed? Human monkeypox has increased in incidence over the years in the countries where the virus is endemic, and what we are witnessing today is a spilling-over of a disease that has long been neglected and which has sprung to the attention of the world because of the potential threat it now poses to all the countries of the world. Human-to-human transmission is now occurring with greater frequency and under unclear circumstances. Most cases in the current outbreak are among MSM and who had no history of travel to endemic areas. This, however, should not give the rest of the population a false sense of security. In this video, we discuss what the evolution of this monkeypox outbreak is likely to be and reasons we need to take this monkeypox outbreak seriously.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Treatment is still in evolution. No drugs have been officially approved for the management of this condition. As a result, there are many therapies and drugs that have been tried, some with more success than others, but none of them work equally well in all patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Pots is a syndrome, meaning that it is not a separate disease, but a collection of symptoms that occur together. This is one explanation for the failure of any single treatment to be beneficial to all patients with POTS. Although there are many proposals for the pathogenesis of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, none of these serves as a single underlying cause for all the different manifestations of the disease. Many of the treatments that are currently in use are aimed at treating the symptoms, and patients are reported to experience improvement with these symptomatic approaches. Exciting and novel therapies are on the horizon, so we should see more specific and effective Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Treatments (POTS Treatments) soon. To subscribe to this channel click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Aym3CP43EU9S5kOCsEBEQ/?sub_confirmation=1

Vitamin D side effects include the complications that arise from overconsumption and vitamin D toxicity and other side effects such as the increased risk of kidney stones in the presence of calcium supplementation. Vitamin D has taken center stage in the supplement discussion arena, mainly because of its importance in the functioning of a variety of organ systems. Although still rare, toxicity from overconsumption of vitamin D is expected to rise as people the world over attempt to derive the many benefits from this potent vitamin/hormone. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the potential side effects and toxicities of Vitamin D, and that these side effects can range from asymptomatic to life threatening. That Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin means that even after the offending supplement is stopped, blood calcium levels can remain high as more vitamin is released from the fat stores in the body. Some of the side effects of vitamin D and some of the adverse effects stemming from toxicity carry grave consequences, and because the condition initially progresses asymptomatically, it makes it even more threatening. This video will increase the viewer’s awareness and need for vigilance to avoid Vitamin D side effects while taking supplements. To subscribe to this channel click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Aym3CP43EU9S5kOCsEBEQ/?sub_confirmation=1

Fatty liver treatment is important because of the life-threatening complications of fatty liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer of the liver. NAFLD is a growing epidemic worldwide. Researchers believe it may result from obesity and insulin resistance, leading to liver accumulation of triglycerides and free fatty acids. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD is increasingly recognized as an important public health problem. There are currently no noninvasive diagnostic tests, and no approved pharmacological therapies for NASH. Fortunately, there are lifestyle changes that effectively treat fatty liver. By watching this video, viewers will become familiar with the common methods of treating fatty liver disease, which include lifestyle changes and medications that are used off-label for that purpose. Because fatty liver is preventable and reversible, familiarity with fatty liver treatment applies to anyone seeking to maintain their health.

Do you want to know what a prion is? Are you curious about the Chronic Wasting Disease Prion and how it causes disease? This video will answer most of the questions you have on the chronic wasting (CWD) prions. Here we address three questions: 1) What is a prion? 2) How do prions cause disease? 3) How do they jump from one species to another? The Chronic wasting disease prion is the infectious agent that causes a degenerative neurological disease that is increasing in prevalence. CWD or Zombie deer disease is the chronic wasting disease that has affected moose, elk, deer and caribou in many US states, two Canadian Provinces, Scandinavia and South Korea. Many people wonder if the chronic wasting disease prion is a virus, but this novel infectious particle is a protein that can cause infections and disease. The prion protein is still an enigma as we still do not know where they come from and how they cause disease. There are many theories as to how they exert their effects; however, a plethora of data still waits to be uncovered that may shed light on the pathophysiology of these amazing particles. Prion diseases are members of the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies that are a group of neurodegenerative conditions that can affect humans and animals. More recently, it has become clear that plants that come into contact with bodily fluids of infected animals can take up prions and transmit the infectious prion particles to people and animals. We examine the proposed mechanisms that lead to the formation of new strains that can adapt to variegate species, effectively jumping the species barrier. Because prions possess this remarkable ability, once again we reiterate the need for extreme caution in the consumption and handling of wild cervids. To subscribe to this channel click this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Aym3CP43EU9S5kOCsEBEQ/?sub_confirmation=1

The right “food for heart” health is the simplest lifestyle intervention available to modify CVD risk. This video reviews the cholesterol question and the role diet plays in the elevation of blood cholesterol. That elevated total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol are major risk factors of CVD is now an undisputed fact around the world. Numerous studies have confirmed the importance of diet in the prevention of heart disease, and more and more people are becoming aware of the need to make good food-for-heart choices. Choosing the right food for heart is, however, not as straightforward as it may seem, and it is confounded by the many food advertisements that bombard us daily and the countless fast-food restaurants that crowd the cities. As a result, many people are in search of a healthy food list, to make it easy for them to choose the healthiest foods for the heart. By watching this video, viewers will be informed on the latest recommendations regarding the choice of foods for heart health, choices that can significantly decrease the risk of developing high blood cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. These very principles contain recommendations that apply to the diets of people suffering from type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, and can help can help to a great degree in bringing about weight loss in those people seeking to lose weight as part of a healthy life-style. Part of the efficacy of these dietary patterns is due to the replacement of some calories from saturated fat and carbohydrates by heart healthy monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). This can have a significant effect on blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. Becoming aware of the right food for heart health can prompt lifestyle changes that profoundly impact our cardiovascular health.

This video discusses hyperthyroidism and the many forms it can take. It explains the role of TSH receptor antibodies and the confounding presence of other antibodies and how they can give rise to other unusual manifestations of the disease. The case of hyperthyroidism presenting with rash is discussed and the measures that resulted in the resolution of the rash are presented. The video gives the viewer some sense of the protean presentation of hyperthyroidism, so that this potentially life-threatening condition is taken into consideration even in atypical presentations. Although rashes can be caused both by the autoantibodies found in Graves’ disease and other autoimmune conditions of the thyroid, the case illustrates the difficulty or separating the different causes of rashes in hyperthyroidism, as the medications used to treat hyperthyroidism can often cause rashes.

This video discusses the history of the A1c test and its importance in the management of diabetes. It points our some of the factors that can raise or lower the A1c artificially, including the iron deficiency states including iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease. It provides viewers with an explanation or all the most important facts necessary for a diabetic person to understand and appreciate the results and the limitations of the A1c test. The effect of sickle cell disease on A1c is explained and a case study with rising A1c and expert intervention is presented in an easy to understand fashion.