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All You Need To Know About Heart Disease

People nowadays are getting prone to several Heart-related illnesses owing to the unhealthy lifestyle, stress and environmental change around us. However, many of these conditions can be improved with lifestyle modifications, the right medication and treatment. In some of these cases, surgery may become necessary. This article gives an overview of the various types of heart-related illnesses, their signs, symptoms and causes.  

Types of heart disease:

The following are the most common types of heart-related illnesses –

Coronary artery disease or heart attacks happens when coronary arteries struggle to supply the heart with enough blood, oxygen and nutrients. Cholesterol deposits, or plaques, are almost always to blame. These buildups narrow your arteries, decreasing blood flow to your heart. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath or even a heart attack.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Symptoms of heart-related illnesses:

Heart disease symptoms mostly depend on the type of heart disease. However, here are a few common symptoms that you must be aware of. 

These were a few of the most common symptoms. If you witness such symptoms, especially on exertion (while doing mental or physical work), then you must immediately consult a doctor.

Also Read: Take Care of Your Heart: Foods To Avoid If You Have Heart Palpitations

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

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Why Do More People Get Heart Attacks In Winter?

Introduction 

Heart attacks are worrisome in their own right, but did you know that data shows heart attacks (and strokes) are more common in the winter? Several studies over the years have confirmed that this statistic is certainly not a fluke, which has led to further investigation.

Why more heart attacks in winter? What could be causing this phenomenon and is there any way you can lower your risk? The great thing is that since its discovery, many doctors and cardiology experts have put forth the potential causes for this rise. Let’s understand the issue and later look at what you can do to stay away from this health issue.

What is causing more heart attacks in winter?

Before we get into the probable causes, first we need to understand what it means when we say that there are more heart attacks in the winter months. Let’s take an imaginary hospital as an example. If we make a list of all patients who come to this hospital during 1 year, for some reason we will see that during the colder months more people had heart attacks. According to some studies (conducted in the real world), there may be a 31-33% higher incidence of heart attacks in winter and every 1-degree Celsius drop in temperature came with a 0.49% increase in deaths from all causes. 

Most heart attacks occur in the morning, a phenomenon that researchers have linked to circadian rhythm. In the morning hours, increasing the circadian-driven secretion of certain hormones, which may be a trigger for subsequent increases in oxygen demand and blood pressure, a pattern with the season is also known in the literature.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

With that out of the way, let’s delve into the reasons this may be happening. 

The cold causes blood vessels to contract. This can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Angina, or chest pain due to coronary heart disease, can also worsen in winter when coronary arteries constrict in the cold so keeping yourself warm is very important.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Does this mean I am at risk?

While the above reasons and mechanisms are universal to humans, it’s not that any one of them can cause a heart attack. Rather, each factor plays a part in successively increasing the risk but even all these things together may not be enough. It comes down to being at risk for a heart attack before the cold weather. People who are already at risk may find their bodies pushed to the limits during winter, which may potentially lead to a higher risk of a cardiac incident. 

Who is at a higher risk for a heart attack in winter?

Most cardiologists suggest that older people, those who smoke or drink regularly and those who do not get any regular activity are most at risk. By limiting your exposure to colder temperatures and keeping up a regular amount of daily physical activity, these people may be able to lower their risk of a heart attack in winter.

Sudden chest pain, chest discomfort or fullness should not be confused with acidity or gas especially when the pain spreads to your left arm and if they are accompanied by sweating or breathing difficulty. Seeking urgent attention in such situations without any delay can be helpful to save a life.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D

The upcoming winter – Looking forward  

With winter coming around soon, we want to stress that the purpose of this post is not to cause fear and alarm. There are plenty of things you can do to stay fit-

  1. Stay warm to protect yourself from cold weather
  2. Get plenty of physical activity (as per your doctor’s recommendations) 
  3. Follow up with your doctor for a routine health checkup and review of ongoing medications.
  4. Healthy eating habits
  5. Stay away from smoke and alcohol as much as possible

If you are someone who is at risk, you may want to do blood pressure and blood sugar check-ups regularly and maintain them in a healthy range. Additionally, you can always speak with your doctor if you are worried about how to handle the upcoming season. Don’t forget that staying happy and stress-free is always recommended for good health.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

Sources: 

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851242/
  2. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/12/11/cold-heart-facts-why-you-need-to-watch-out-in-winter
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Do Your Heart A Favour And Stop Believing In These Myths

Did you know that with the right actions, you can improve your heart health drastically and prevent Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)? By now, you have all heard that it is crucial to exercise regularly and follow a cautious diet to keep your heart beating happily. But is that all that needs to be done?

Something as dangerous to your heart as cholesterol is heart health myths! Knowledge is power (and a key to good heart health) and misinformation may just usher in Heart Diseases. Quite a few misconceptions about heart health have been perpetuated by ignorant people and irresponsible media houses. To show your heart the love it deserves, stops believing in these heart health myths right away!

Myth 1: Young people needn’t be worried about their heart health

Truth: Unhealthy diet is triggering plaque formation (due to high LDL levels), which in turn is causing hypertension in children and adolescents. Obesity too is on the rise because most of us (children as well as young people) live a sedentary lifestyle. These risk factors manifest as heart diseases in people as young as 20. 

Myth 2: My Diabetes is under control, so my heart is safe

Truth: There is some truth to this myth. Unchecked diabetes is a huge risk factor for heart diseases. However, just because you are taking medication for diabetes, does not mean you can rest assured that your heart is taken care of. Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease, even if your blood sugar level is well managed. You need to consult your doctor to see if you need special medication to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels within the normal range. Lose weight if you are obese and quit smoking immediately.

Young people also needs to take care of their heart. Not long ago, heart attacks were primarily a problem faced by older adults. It was rare for anyone younger than 40 to have a heart attack. Now 1 in 5 heart attack patients are younger than 40 years of age. Here’s another troubling fact to highlight the problem: Having a heart attack in your 20s or early 30s is more common. Between the years 2000-2016, the heart attack rate increased by 2% every year in this young age group.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Myth 3: Cholesterol levels cannot be high among young people.

Truth: Today’s youth gorges on foods that flood our bodies with cholesterol. The amount of cholesterol we need is produced by our bodies and the cholesterol that comes in through foods is in excess of the requirement. The more cholesterol-drenched foods we eat, the more the level rises. Deep-fried foods, cookies, cakes, pizzas, hamburgers and red meat are your heart’s enemies. The excess cholesterol and triglycerides eventually lead to hypertension and then heart attacks or cardiac arrest.

Myth 4: I have a family history of cardiac issues, there’s nothing I can do.

Truth: You can greatly minimize the chances of being diagnosed with Cardiovascular Diseases even if they run in your family by working on the modifiable risk factors like – body weight, lifestyle and dietary changes. Exercising regularly and basing your diet on vegetables, whole grains, fruits, soya products and skimmed milk products. At least half an hour of brisk walking, jogging, jumping rope, swimming or cycling five days a week can improve your heart health. Do not indulge in the habits of smoking and excessive alcohol intake.

Myth 5: I am a senior citizen, it is normal for me to have hypertension

Truth: Both diastolic and systolic pressure increase with age. That is why ‘normal blood pressure is not a static figure and it changes with age. Ask your doctor what should be considered a healthy BP at your age. If your doctor thinks your systolic and diastolic pressure is higher than what is normal for your age group, you will have to start taking blood pressure medicines.

Heart Diseases are on the rise. 4.77 million people lost their lives to cardiac issues in 2020. Immediate action needs to be taken. And the first step towards that is awareness and debunking heart health myths. We need to understand that our present lifestyle can ruin our heart health. We need to instil healthy habits to keep cardiac issues at bay. 

Also Read: Wheat Berries: Research-Based Guide to Health Benefits and Recipes

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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This World Heart Day – Learn How Digital Health Can Help Manage Cardiovascular Diseases!

Your heart is toiling away indefatigably to supply all parts of your body with oxygen-rich blood so that they can function properly. But did you know that your heart is under a lot of stress? Most of us are not showering this organ with enough love.

That is why, during the past 30 years, the number of deaths and disabilities triggered by cardiac issues has been rising steadily. In 2019, 1 out of every 3 deaths was due to some cardiac complication.  

Factors affecting Heart health

Several factors lead to the steady worsening of heart health. People of South Asia are genetically predisposed towards heart disorders. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, unhealthy eating habits, alcoholism, lack of exercise, increase the risk of the onset of heart problems.

Despite the rising threat of heart disorders, people should know that there are ways to prevent and successfully manage heart conditions and they can go on to live full and healthy lives. World Heart Foundation organizes World Heart Day every year on 29th September to create awareness on heart diseases and encourage healthy living across the globe.

This year, the focus is on digital health and how it can enforce the prevention and management of cardiovascular illnesses. 

What is digital health?

One of the greatest boons of technology and science is how it can be utilized to treat, cure and manage illnesses. Digital health is the newest offering of science. It refers to technological tools such as wearable devices, implants, mobile health apps, and health information technology and even AI and machine language that help doctors, patients and regular people track their health, tele-consult and understand what needs to be done to keep themselves safe from life-threatening diseases.

Digital health for improved cardiovascular health

The scientific community and tech giants have joined hands in revolutionizing cardiovascular medicine. Here are a few ways, digital health is taking diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heart disease to new heights-

The need for getting tested regularly

The only way that digital health can successfully prevent escalating heart disorders is if it is paired with cardiac testing. Blood sugar and blood pressure can be measured at home with the help of devices like Glucometers and digital B.P. monitoring devices. 

Cardiac testing includes blood tests that analyse certain cardiac markers such as cholesterol and triglyceride levels, ECG and few other tests to see if your heart rhythm is normal and there are no blockages in the valves. The blood tests can be easily booked from the comfort of your home and just a few other tests require you to visit the hospital. Telehealth has a great role to play when people are hesitant to step out during this pandemic. 

This World Heart Day, 2021, book these tests for your family. 

Lifestyle changes for better cardiac health

This World Heart Day, you must promise yourself to start living a healthier life and convince your loved ones to do the same. The World Heart Day also spreads awareness regarding simple things we can do to keep our hearts functioning well-

Digital health is marching towards making more effective cardiac care available. Various devices to track and monitor your health parameters, home collection of samples for lab tests and teleconsultation have made healthcare more accessible even during the difficult times of this Pandemic. It is also important to understand that along with the digitalisation and ease of access, one should not forget the incomparable benefits of in-person consultation and clinical examination by a doctor.

We should be aware of and use both modes of healthcare as per needs. For eg. an emergency like a stroke or heart attack needs an immediate visit to the nearest hospital and not a tele-consult. At the same time, the onus is on every individual to do the little things required to ward off heart diseases. Promise yourself to commit to one heart-healthy habit on this world heart day.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

EverHerb HeartCare Capsules – Improving Heart Health Has Never Been This Easy!

Why is keeping your heart healthy so important? Because the well-being of the rest of your body depends on your heart doing its job properly. This organ is constantly pumping fresh and oxygenated blood to all parts of your body. In short – your heart is the engine that drives the body!So you have to shower extra love and attention on your heart. Let EverHerb HeartCare Capsules do that on your behalf. The herbal ingredients used are safe and have been sourced from top-quality herbs such as Arjuna, Vrikshamla, Draksha, Punarnava, Kali Mirch and Green Tea, all of which are renowned for their ability to improve heart function. So, pave the way to a strong and happy heart with these completely safe Ayurvedic capsules.

What makes EverHerb HeartCare Capsules your heart’s best friend?

Incorporate EverHerb HeartCare Capsules in your life because its unique formulation offers multiple benefits for your heart-

1. Arjuna for increased blood flow to the heart

Why has Arjuna or Terminalia Arjuna been respected for its heart-healing properties since time immemorial? Because it acts as a powerful adaptogen and enhances coronary flow to allow more blood to pass through your heart. It prevents oxidative damage to your heart by eliminating free radicals and also helps to maintain optimum blood pressure and heart rate.Moreover, Arjuna can help you manage these conditions effectively – In-Blog-01

2.  Draksha to prevent the build-up of fats and cholesterol  

Draksha or grapes are well-loved by most people because they taste so good. But what can they do for your heart? Draksha is rich in polyphenol compounds, Vitamins K and C and antioxidants- all of which promote heart health. They prevent the weakening of heart muscles and maintain the perfect vascular tone of blood vessels to allow them to function at their peak.Draksha improves your blood circulation and most importantly, it prevents atherosclerosis (accumulation of cholesterol along the blood vessels).  

3.  Punarnava to prevent heart failure

Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to heart failure and other heart disorders. Why? Because oxidative metabolism in your mitochondria provides your heart with the energy it needs to perform its tasks. Fortunately, Punarnava can prevent as well as manage mitochondrial dysfunction so that your heart health is not affected.Punarnava also helps your body drain away unnecessary fluids. If these fluids are not removed, they increase the load on your heart.

4.  Vrikshamla to prevent obesity-induced heart disorder

Vrikshamla (Malabar tamarind) does more than add flavour to your cooking. It increases your metabolic rate to help you lose weight. Being overweight or obese exerts immense pressure on your heart and is directly linked to many heart disorders. Vrikshamla also triggers the secretion of serotonin- the happiness hormone that keeps the stress away. Did you know that stress and anxiety could ruin the health of your heart?In-Blog-02

5.  Kali Mirch for managing high blood pressure  

Kali Mirch is another popular spice widely used in Indian cuisine and is extremely beneficial for your heart. Kali Mirch contains certain specific minerals that your heart needs, such as- Consume EverHerb HeartCare Capsules to lower your blood pressure and bad cholesterol level. They also prevent oxidative damage to the heart.Also Read: Benefits of Watermelon Sexually: Exploring Research-Based Effects

6. Green Tea to prevent thrombosis and heart attack

Today, we all know that green tea is perfect for detoxifying the body. But can it boost your cardiovascular health? Yes, green tea contains catechins that improve the overall health of your heart. Catechins prevent oxidative stress, platelet aggregation and formation of blood clots (thrombosis). Blood clots can reach your heart and trigger a heart attack.Green tea flushes away extra cholesterol and does not allow it to deposit inside your blood vessels. Thus, green tea reduces the possibility of high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.This is how EverHerb HeartCare Capsules provide all-round protection to your heart. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and consume it for a fit and healthy heart!  Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
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Masala Tea – Your Go-To Beverage For Good Health!

What is India’s beloved beverage? No wild guesses here – it’s chai! And chai (tea) comes in many different colours (green, black, white, etc.) and flavours. But amongst the various types, masala chai holds special importance. Masala chai pampers your taste buds like no other. And it’s easily available too – you can find delicious masala chai in almost every other street corner in India. 

But is masala chai more than a comfort drink? Read on to find out!

What ingredients are used to make masala chai?

You may be a fan of masala chai, but do you know what it contains? A standard cup of this brew will be made from these ingredients-

So, the highlight of masala chai is the variety of spices. And as we all know, spices like ginger and cloves are very good for our health.

Health benefits of masala chai

 1. Relief against cold and flu

Is a runny nose or a blocked nose bothering you? Just get yourself some masala tea. You can rely on the goodness of spices in masala chai to immediately improve the symptoms of a cold or the flu. The spices also have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties that kill invading pathogens like viruses. That is why masala tea is also effective against minor fungal or parasitic infections. 

If you drink this tea regularly, you will reduce your likelihood of coming down with cough, cold and allergies.

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 2. Reduces inflammation

Do you have nagging pain due to joint inflammation? You can say goodbye to pain caused by inflammation with some masala tea. Some of its ingredients like clove, cinnamon, and ginger have very powerful anti-inflammatory properties that act as natural painkillers. Read more about anti-inflammatory foods that help fight inflammation

 3. Improves digestion

Tea is acidic in nature and can trigger stomach problems. But when you add ginger to it, it balances out the acid content of tea. Moreover, ginger and the other spices improve digestion by increasing the amount of saliva your mouth produces and by enhancing the passage of food through your digestive tract.

Also Read: Barley Tea: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!  

 4. Your heart will love masala chai

How can tea boost your heart health? One of the chief masala tea health benefits is that the black tea that is generally used in masala chai is a powerhouse of antioxidants that can fight free radicals responsible for heart inflammation. Clove and elaichi do not allow plaque to accumulate along your blood vessels and enhance blood flow in the heart. 

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 5. Keeps diabetes in check

The cinnamon and clove in masala chai increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin. This is what keeps your blood sugar levels under control.

Also Read: Mullein Tea Benefits: A Deep Dive into Its Research-Based Health Attributes

 6. Helps in weight loss

Want to achieve your weight loss goals? Take the help of masala chai. It speeds up your metabolism and makes you burn more calories, and shed the extra kilos.

 7. It is good for the brain

Masala chai can do wonders for your mental health. It can slow down psychological degeneration and prevent the onset of mental illnesses like dementia or Alzheimer’s. Read more about foods that are good for the brain

Masala chai is beneficial for your overall health. So, next time you feel like sipping on some warm invigorating beverage, opt for some spicy tea to enhance your body and mind.

Also Read: 4 Health Benefits of Green Tea

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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World Heart Day – 5 Unique Heart Facts

Your heart is arguably the most important muscle in your body. It toils away tirelessly without any complaints to keep you going, and that is why it deserves some tender loving care. This World Heart Day, let’s go through a few facts about the heart.

1. The heart doesn’t tire –

While you may find yourself angry and exasperated when you have to do more work than usual, your heart is doing a lot of grunt work without any protest. This small organ, which is the size of your closed fist, beats at least 100,000 times a day! That amounts to 60-100 beats per minute. Imagine the amount of stress your heart has to endure to pump blood to all corners of your body 24/7!

2. Your heart rate changes all your life –

You might think your heart beats the same number of times all your life, but actually, your heart rate is not constant. As you age, your heart rate dwindles.  

Here’s a chart detailing the average heart rate of various age groups –

When you perform strenuous physical activity, or when your body releases an excess of adrenaline, your heart rate escalates. Similarly, your resting heart rate will be lower than when you are active. This is because when you sleep, your metabolism slows down. That slows down your parasympathetic nervous system that is responsible for regulating your heart rate.

Your resting heart rate can predict your longevity, the health of your heart and even indicate if there is a possibility of you contracting heart ailments.

3. No distinction –

While the world has still not embraced equality between the genders, heart ailments do not discriminate between man and woman. One of the most important human heart facts is that both men and women are equally prone to a heart attack or cardiac arrest.

4. Different symptoms, same problem –

What many people do not know is that the symptoms of heart attack are different for men and women.    

Common heart attack symptoms in women are-

Men on the other hand experience-

Unbearable pain in the chest

5. But not everyone is equally prone to heart attacks –

Your physical activity level determines your risk factor. There are plenty of studies that have proved that an active lifestyle and regular exercise halve the possibility of heart-related ailments. Similarly, sitting for long stretches of time can also significantly affects your possibility of getting heart attacks.  

Your heart is precious beyond measure. There are several things you can do to safeguard it. Eat healthily and steer clear of smoking and alcohol. Squeeze in 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 times a week. Preventive heart check-ups are also imperative.  

If you opt for regular blood pressure monitoring and cholesterol tests, your doctor will know how healthy your heart is and if any sign of a distressed heart shows up, you could begin treatment right away.  

So, this world heart day, take a pledge to keep your heart happy and healthy.  

Also Read: Take Care of Your Heart: Foods To Avoid If You Have Heart Palpitations

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.