Ask GP Now

Category: Heart & Blood Pressure

  • Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) – Frequently Asked Questions

    —

    by

    admin
    in

    This is general health information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or healthcare professional. 1. What is familial hypercholesterolaemia?Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is an inherited condition that causes persistently high levels of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) from an early age. The high LDL-C accelerates the development of atherosclerosis and significantly increases the…

  • Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] – FAQs

    —

    by

    admin
    in

    This is general health information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or healthcare professional. 1. What is lipoprotein(a)?Lipoprotein(a), commonly called Lp(a), is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol and other lipids in the bloodstream. It is structurally similar to LDL cholesterol but contains an additional protein called apolipoprotein(a). High…

  • PCSK9 Inhibitors: Evolocumab vs Inclisiran – FAQs

    —

    by

    admin
    in ,

    This is general health information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or healthcare professional. 1. What are evolocumab and inclisiran?Evolocumab and inclisiran are medicines that target PCSK9, a protein involved in regulating LDL cholesterol. Both can substantially reduce LDL-C, but they work in different ways. Evolocumab is a monoclonal antibody…

  • ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers) – FAQs

    —

    by

    admin
    in ,

    Disclaimer: This is general health information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or healthcare professional. 1. What are ARBs? ARBs, or Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers, are a class of medications used primarily to treat high blood pressure and heart-related conditions. They work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a…

  • Ezetimibe – FAQs

    —

    by

    admin
    in , ,

    Disclaimer: This is general health information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or healthcare professional. 1. What is ezetimibe? Ezetimibe is a cholesterol-lowering medication used to reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. It is often prescribed alone or in combination with a statin to improve cholesterol…

  • Statins – FAQs

    —

    by

    admin
    in ,

    Disclaimer: This information is for general education only and does not replace advice from your GP or healthcare professional. 1. What are statins? Statins are a class of medications that lower cholesterol levels, particularly LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, in the blood. They work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver responsible for cholesterol production, helping reduce…

  • Triglycerides – FAQs

    —

    by

    admin
    in ,

    Disclaimer: This information is for general education only and does not replace advice from your GP or healthcare professional. 1. What are triglycerides? Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. They come from dietary fats and are also made by the liver from excess calories, especially sugar and refined carbohydrates. They…

  • POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) – FAQs

    —

    by

    admin
    in

    Disclaimer: This is general health information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or healthcare professional. 1. What is POTS? Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, causing a rapid increase in heart rate when standing up. It can lead to symptoms such as…

  • Varicose Veins – FAQs

    —

    by

    admin
    in

    This information is general only and does not replace advice from your GP. 1. What are varicose veins? Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that commonly appear on the legs. They develop when the valves inside the veins weaken, causing blood to pool and veins to become visible, swollen, or bulging. They can be mainly…

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – FAQs

    —

    by

    admin
    in

    This information is general only and does not replace advice from your GP. 1. What is DVT? Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg or thigh. It can cause pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. DVT is serious because part of the clot can…