Hypertension (HBP, high blood pressure)is a common medical condition affecting 48% of adult Americans. Valsartan and Cozaar are classified asangiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). While generally viewed as similar, these drugs share notable differences. Mayur Kakade / Getty Images Arteries carry blood from the heart to various parts of the body. Specifically, high blood pressure is defined as pressure greater than 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). This article will focus on two ARBs, valsartan and losartan....

Chemicals in tobacco smoke can destroy lung tissue, increase mucus, and cause inflammation. Swapping Cigarettes for Vapes Some smokers mayswitch from cigarettes to vapesto reduce their risk of lung diseases. However, experts warn that long-term health risks from vaping are still unclear. Photo Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health; Getty Images However, e-cigarettes remain popular in the younger population. If you’re trying to quit smoking, talk to a health care provider about safer, evidence-based strategies....

Anatomy of the Vas Deferens The vas deferens transport mature sperm to the urethra before ejaculation. They are best described as a pair of hard, thick-walled, muscular tubes. These two tubes are identical and are each up to approximately 18 inches (45 centimeters) long. magicmine / iStock / Getty Images The vas deferens begin at theepididymis(where sperm is stored after it is made in the testes). From the epididymis, the vas deferens extend through the pelvis to the bladder....

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. miralex/Getty Images What Is Vascular Bypass Graft Surgery? Bypass surgeries are typically scheduled in advance, although they may be performed emergently. miralex/Getty Images The graft may be taken from a vein or artery, or be synthetic (man-made). Various Surgical Techniques Bypass surgery is traditionally performed as an open surgery. That said, over the years, less invasive techniques have emerged for some types of bypass surgery....

Healthcare providers use various medications to treatvasculitis, a sometimes severe condition that may cause organ damage or death. This article describes some primary treatment considerations when picking short- and long-term medications for vasculitis. Clinicians generally want to use the lowest doses of the safest drug possible while controlling symptoms. Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health Some important considerations in vasculitis treatment are treatment phase, severity, and pop in. Treatment Phase Healthcare providers often think about treating vasculitis in two phases....

Vasculitis Rash Symptoms This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND The skin is a waterproof protective barrier between a person’s inner body and the environment. Onset of Symptoms There are different types of vasculitis rashes. Alex Liew / Getty Images While they may occur at any age, they are more common in adults than children. The specific onset of rash symptoms depends on various factors, such as the underlying trigger....

Facts to Help You Decide A vasectomy is a surgical form ofbirth controlthat cuts off the supply ofspermto yoursemen. It is done by severing and sealing two long tubes that transport sperm from thetesticles, called thevas deferens. Most vasectomies are performed as an in-office procedure underlocal anesthesia. Illustration by Paige McLaughlin for Verywell Health This article explains what is involved in a vasectomy, including the different procedures and how they are performed....

Avasectomyis the only form of permanent contraception in men. Besides being very effective, there is a low risk of complications associated with a vasectomy. What Is a Vasectomy? Thomas Barwick/Taxi/Getty Images The vas deferens is a tube that stores and carries sperm cells made in each testicle. It connects the epididymis to the urethra, where the sperm mixes with semen and leaves the body. Less commonly, a vasectomy may be performed in a hospital or surgical center undergeneral anesthesia....

Vasovagal syncope suddenly develops when your body reacts so strongly to a triggerlike seeing blood or being scaredthat youfaint. Your heart rate and blood pressure plummet, but the heart doesnt stop. An episode of fainting from vasovagal syncope usually only lasts seconds to minutes. Verywell / Brooke Pelczynski Symptoms of Vasovagal Syncope Fainting from a vasovagal response can be sudden and unexpected. However, you may have warning signs a few seconds or minutes before a fainting episode....

It has a power cordthe driveline cordthat connects the VAD to an external controller. The controller is connected to a portable battery pack or an electrical cable plugged into an outlet. While a ventricular assist gear can improve heart failure symptoms, important lifestyle adjustments must also be made. Photo composite by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health; Getty Images VADs vs. In some cases, the VAD works well enough to eliminate the need for a heart transplant....

Ventricular fibrillation, called VFib or VF, is an extremely dangerousarrhythmia. This article explores VFib, including how it develops and its symptoms and treatment. Jackyenjoyphotography / Getty Images What Happens During Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib)? Jackyenjoyphotography / Getty Images To best understand VFib, you must first understand what happens when the heart is innormal sinus rhythm. While VFib is dangerous, causing sudden cardiac arrest, AFib is not generally considered life-threatening. AFib is also more common than VFib, affecting up to 6 million adults in the United States....

This reduces the amount of oxygenated blood the rest of the body receives. When the impulses are properly synchronized, you have a normal heartbeat. This reduces the amount of blood pumped out of theleft ventricle, causing the body’sblood pressure to drop. BSIP / UIG / Getty Images Structural Heart Damage There are many reasons why VT might occur. These causes are characterized by the disruption of electrical impulses due tocongenital disordersand other causes....

A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a machine used to relieve excessive pressure on the brain. Treating Hydrocephalus Hydrocephalus can cause long-term consequences and may be life-threatening. Hydrocephalus may produce an increase in intracranial pressure, which means high pressure within the skull. Chris Ryan / Getty Images A VP shunt needs to be put into place by means of a surgical procedure. What Is a VP Shunt? A VP shunt is a hollow tube with two openings, one on each end....