|
|
In most cases, kidneys can recover from almost complete loss of function, such as in acute kidney (renal) failure.
Elderly adults are at greatest risk of stroke and myocardial infarction and have the most to gain from prophylaxis. Patients ages 60 to 80 years with blood pressures above 160/90 mm Hg should benefit from antihypertensive treatment.
The most dangerous mercury compound, dimethyl mercury, is so toxic that even a few microliters spilled on the skin can cause death. Mercury has been shown to accumulate in higher amounts in the following types of fish than other types: swordfish, shark, mackerel, tilefish, crab, and tuna.
Cancer has been around as long as humankind, but only in the second half of the twentieth century did the number of cancer cases explode.
Medication errors are more common among seriously ill patients than with those with minor conditions.