Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) refers to cardiovascular complications or events (such as heart attack and stroke) caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the build-up of fatty and fibrous deposits (plaque) within the arteries of the body. Plaque growth leads to narrowing of the blood vessels which can reduce blood flow to the brain and heart. Atherosclerosis is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) which is the leading cause of death worldwide
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow and invades the blood. Chronic myeloid leukemia is caused by a genetic mutation called the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome – a rearrangement in the genetic material between chromosomes 9 and 22. The three phases of CML include: chronic phase, accelerated-phase, and the blast phase. Most patients are diagnosed in the early, chronic phase, and if managed properly may remain in this phase without progressing to a more advance phase.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease encompasses a range of conditions that affect your heart and
blood vessels.
These diseases can affect one or many parts of your heart and/or blood vessels.
You may be symptomatic (physically experiencing the disease) or asymptomatic (not
feeling anything at all).
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts from within the cells of the breast. Although more common in women, anyone can develop breast cancer. Treatment is generally similar for women and men. Breast cancer that has spread and formed tumours in other parts of the body is referred to as metastatic breast cancer. Breast cancer screening aims to find cancer early before symptoms even present. Breast cancer that is identified earlier can be treated more successfully. Not all breast cancers are the same. The course of treatment will be determined by the treating oncologist or physician based on the results from tests including biopsies and imaging studies.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a condition that causes small, painful lumps to form under the skin. The lumps usually develop in areas where the skin rubs together, such as the groin, buttocks, armpits, and breasts. These lumps heal slowly, are reoccurring, and can lead to tissue damage and scarring. Hidradenitis suppurativa tends to present more often in women, after puberty and before the age of 40. Although this disease is debilitating to those living with it, a combination of medical and surgical therapy can help manage the condition and prevent further complications.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common type of arthritis affecting children under the age of 16 years, yet most cases of JIA in South Africa remain undiagnosed. This disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells and tissues, resulting in swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints, muscles, and bones. There are several different subtypes of JIA, and a doctor (specialist) will determine the type depending on symptom presentation. Besides joint pain and swelling, other common symptoms include fatique, fever and skin rashes. Managing JIA can be challenging and overwhelming at times but if diagnosed early and treated properly, the condition can improve quickly in children.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a variable disease. The symptoms you experience depend on which parts of your central nervous system (CNS) are affected by MS, and how badly they are affected.