Google’s Year in Review published the top searches of 2023. Searchers had plenty of health care questions. Our experts answer your most searched health care questions and topics from 2023.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack? What are they for women?
When it comes to a heart attack, time is crucial. Early symptoms of a heart attack often present well before the attack happens - when these symptoms occur, call 911 immediately.
- Nausea
- Pain that travels down one or both arms
- Excessive drowsiness
- Anxiety
- Tightness, pressure or aching in chest
- Back or jaw pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Cold sweat
Women, on the other hand, tend to present different types of pain:
- Pain during sleep
- Sudden onset of extreme fatigue
- Drenching sweat
- Elbow and neck pain
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Tightness in chest
- Breathlessness
Anxiety: What is it? What are the symptoms? What’s the treatment?
You have likely experienced anxiety. It’s a natural feeling of worry or fear. But what happens when that worry, or fear, does not go away or seems to get worse? Small things that don’t elicit such anxious feelings for others do bring those feelings for people with anxiety disorders.
Here are some symptoms that are often associated with anxiety disorders:
- Constant forecasting of worst-case scenarios
- Physical restlessness
- Headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches
- Increased heart rate
- Trouble sleeping
Treatment of anxiety disorders can vary. Here are some relaxation techniques that can help:
- Aromatherapy
- Deep breathing exercises
- Mindfulness meditation
- Phone apps (i.e., Calm, Headspace, Insight Timer)
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Visual imagery (picture a calm scene)
- Yoga
“It really takes knowing ourselves and having that awareness,” says Rebecca Peterson, Director of House of Mercy. “That awareness to recognize whether things are going well for you or if there's additional stress and symptoms that need some greater attention.”
If you or someone you know need help, visit the closest emergency department or call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988.
What is autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing developmental disability in children. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause deficits in three main areas: language communication skills, social interactions and restricted-repetitive behaviors. It
Although ASD is a lifelong disorder, it doesn’t take away from the value of life of those with an ASD diagnosis. Kids and adults with ASD can be successful, especially with the right support system, early diagnosis and treatment.
Some therapies you’ll begin with are:
- speech therapy for language development
- occupational therapy or sensory integration for sensory and stimulus management
- physical therapy for fine motor skills deficit
“Supporting individuals with autism to be the best they can be. Helping them succeed in a world that is not always ideal by creating a more inclusive, and safer environment for all abilities and ages,” says Christina Maulsby, certified family peer support specialist at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.
Dementia: What is it and what are the symptoms?
Dementia is memory loss that is irreversible and affects your daily life. A variety of conditions can cause dementia and symptoms vary.
Suggestion/idea: Dementia or memory loss is irreversible and affects your daily life, a variety of conditions can cause dementia and symptoms vary.
“Symptoms are variable depending on the severity of the dementia,” says Sangeeta Shah, MD, at MercyOne Waterloo Neurology.
Early symptoms of dementia can include:
- forgetting names
- misplacing things
- difficulty finding the right words to say
- difficulty completing complex tasks
- increased anxiety
- change in personality
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of dementia, make an appointment with a MercyOne neurologists near you.
What are the symptoms of perimenopause/menopause?
Perimenopause is the time during which a woman’s body transitions to menopause–which is defined as the final menstrual period. Menopause happens to all women, but it’s a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough. Everyone is different, so symptoms will vary, but may include:
- irregular periods
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- vaginal health concerns
- changes in mental health
- decline in libido
“I’ve seen women suffering for 10+ years until it’s just debilitating to the rest of their lives.And while we might not always have a treatment, we can help manage the pain and symptoms, so you don’t have to suffer through life anymore,” says Ryan Beardsley, MD, with MercyOne Waterloo OB/GYN.
