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Heart disease is an umbrella term for a number of different diseases affecting the heart. As of 2007, it is the leading cause of death in the United States, England, Canada and Wales, killing one person every 34 seconds in the United States alone.
The blood vessels consist of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins. All blood is carried in these vessels. The arteries, which are strong, flexible, and resilient, carry blood away from the heart and bear the highest blood pressures. Because arteries are elastic, they narrow (recoil) passively when the heart is relaxing between beats and thus help maintain blood pressure. The arteries branch into smaller and smaller vessels, eventually becoming very small vessels called arterioles. Arteries and arterioles have muscular walls that can adjust their diameter to increase or decrease blood flow to a particular part of the body.
2008-12-25

The Effects of Race and Genetics on Blood Pressure  

The chances of you ever high blood pressure can be increased by many factors. If for some reason there are things in your life that makes it difficult for the heart is too easy and free, high blood pressure occur. Even if you have a healthy lifestyle, after all the guidelines, your blood pressure is still rising.

Within the medical world has long been of the opinion that race influenced blood pressure. Genetic factors appear to play a role, so that some breeds more prone to high blood pressure than other breeds. Whether that is on the basis of inherited tendencies, or perhaps on cultural habits remains to be seen.

But what we know is that food plays a big role in high blood pressure. If your race has a culture of eating meals with high cholesterol and fat, then your race is in any case prone to high blood pressure. Traditional forms of cooking is perhaps not always the healthiest. Races, which tend to celebrate every occasion, especially if they are rich in fatty foods, will automatically have bp higher than group.

If you belong to a racial group, you can think of changing the way that you cook every day on a basis. Due to the healthy changes to your daily diet, then there should be no great harm if you were to get a bit of traditional celebrations. They should be okay, as long as these indulgences in moderation and only a few.

Home cooking gives you more control over what you eat - you know just what is in your kitchen. Gradually new ideas to your menu with foods that are low-cholesterol and fat. It is not just your own high bp, though, that your family is well. Why are not the friends to use low-fat substitutes in their celebrations, their opportunities for better health.

Anyway, it seems that the blood pressure are more frequent in certain breeds. Black and Hispanic people should be regular checks on their blood pressure as a series of adverse health conditions as a result of high blood pressure. Eating sensibly and wisely exercise every day, after having the most appropriate level for the exercise of your doctor. Regardless of your race, you can create a lot to prevent high blood pressure.

 

Megan Richards here: I'm the Wellness Editor for http://www.BeWellAgain.com Did you find this article useful? You'll find a lot more information about the dangers of blood pressure and its causes and treatment here... http://MyBloodPressure.BeWellAgain.com

Disclaimer: This article and Be Well Again web site and sub-directories are for people interested in taking responsibility for their own health. Information is provided only for educational and informational purposes and is not meant to substitute the advice of your own medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication.

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2008-12-23

MRSA Staff Infection and Heart Bypass Surgery  

Well, how should I start. I'll just now. I'm always ready, my four-year-old daughter in preschool age. My 17 month old daughter sitting on the couch playing with her teddy bear. My father was called Teddy. He died less than a year ago and I'm not even the slightest bit more than they are. My whole life, since I can remember, I was afraid my parents die, and when my father died, it was even worse than I ever thought. I knew it would be bad, but it was and still is, one million times worse than I thought it would.

He was only 63 years old when he died. Since we know that he at risk for heart disease, due to the fact that his mother was there, my father at the age of 63, decided to establish a routine check with his doctor. My father was from his primary care physician who, like his mother, he would have open-heart bypass surgery before he suffered a heart attack. His mother had several open heart surgerys, and also lived in their late 80s. His doctor advised him not to wait for a heart attack, the procedure done, how many people do, because a heart attack would cause damage to his heart, and the operation more risky. Also my father is a relatively young age was a plus that are older, the more of a risk for the operation. When I was told my father would be the open-heart surgery, I was devastated. I have researched online and everything I could possibly find on the procedure. I thought I would worry myself sick with what I discover, but surprisingly, I actually felt better about everything I have read. I found that, although it is a serious operation, is a common, and the mortality rate was 1 percent. So, to my surprise, I noticed that patients should have a dramatic difference in the wellbeing of all in less than a month after the operation.

My father early retirement at the age of 55 years, and he drove my mother nuts loving with all the projects he has around the house. He laid tile throughout the house, he painted the crown and forms in every room and he built a terrace in the garden. This was only a few of the projects he had since he retired, so I can not imagine what he achieved after the operation. But a month after his open-heart surgery, my father was complaining of severe pain in the chest. His doctor informed him that he had just endured a major surgery and he needed to be patient with his healing process. At the same time, my father is a doctor prescribed him antibiotics for a staff infection he had developed. The doctor showed no signs of concern, and remained indifferent about the staff infection at the time of the death of my father. As the doctor showed no signs of concern about the human infection, my mother, brother and I did not too much about them either. Oh, how I wish I could time again. Although the actual bypass surgery was successful, it was the staff infection that ultimately killed my dad. It was actually as a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection (MRSA) as a cause of death on his death certificate. Only until after my dad died, I learned how serious this infection is and how not to make it easy. By definition, MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to a large group of antibiotics as beta-lactams, including penicillin and cephalosporins.

This is a very serious infection due to their resistance to most antibiotics. It is also known that a so-called "superbug" by some. In hospitals, patients with open wounds, invasive devices, and weakened immune systems are at greater risk of infection. Or someone, especially as my father, who had just open heart. After his surgery, a catheter was my father in the chest, which I think my father was infected with MRSA. Consequently, the bacteria could dig deep into his body, blood and heart valve. My father had to beg the surgeon to reopen his chest and find the reason for his continued severe chest pain two months after the original operation. Following the reopening of his chest, the surgeon was able to underline the seriousness of MRSA infection, my father had bought. My father was in the heart Puss and my father died on the operating table.

For two months after his bypass surgery, my father was about severe pain in the chest for a reason. The MRSA infection was attacking his heart, and in his blood, which is known to do, and basic oral antibiotics, his primary care doctor prescribed him not to stop. Only by researching MRSA infections online, I realized that my father with more aggressive treatment and attention in this matter by his doctor, possibly with newer antibiotics, such as intravenous vancomycin.

I also discovered that his death was probably caused by carelessness complete, because the bacteria easy to patients by hospital staff, not a proper sanitary procedures. MRSA is very serious, but very preventable. It is too late for my dad, but I believe that human life can only with the question of hospital staff to wash their hands before they get for them. I Still Cry Daddy for my daily and wish I had known then what I know now.

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C._Rick

2008-12-22

Victims of Heart Failure Have Chance to Partake in Gene Therapy Clinical Trial  

researchers are beginning the second phase of a clinical study with the aim to relieve heart failure patients of their condition using gene therapy.

The study, known as calcium-Up-Regulation by Percutaneous Administration of Gene Therapy in Cardiovascular Diseases (Amor), is lead by doctors with the New York-Presbyterian Hospital /Columbia University Medical Center, the investigation of patients' response on receiving the gene therapy drug.

About seven of the nine patients with stage 1 of the study, which determines safe dose ranges and potential drug side effects, "showed improvement over six months."

Phase II of the study, the number of patients who, as well as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that is the therapy to two or three doses with a placebo, "according to a Science Daily News article explained the procedure. About 46 people are to at 13 hospitals in the United States in Phase II.

What is gene therapy?

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) declares that the gene is "an experimental technique, the genes for the treatment or prevention of diseases by inserting a gene into a patient cells instead of using drugs or surgery. "

The NLM also reports that there are a variety of methods of gene therapy, including the following:

* The implementation of a healthy gene copy as a substitute for a mutant Gen.

* If a gene is mutated "properly functioning" gene therapy may be of inactivation of the gene.

* The administration of a new gene, the body in combating the disease can be introduced.

heart failure causes

According to the Science Daily News article, there are about 5 million people currently live with heart failure and heart disease conditions, she continues with a risk of serious injury or death every day. In addition, the article reported that "Heart failure is the only cardiovascular disease whose incidence has been increasing rather than decreasing in recent years."

There are a number of factors, in connection with the development of heart disease or congestive heart failure in patients. The following factors and conditions may be in the development of the disease, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). These factors can include:

* overactive thyroid

* abnormal heart rhythms

* severe anemia

* diabetes

* severe lung disease

* coronary heart disease

* myocardial infarction

* abnormal heart valves

* heart defects such as congenital heart defects

* heart muscle disease

*

hypertension addition, one of the newest causes of heart failure and heart disease is actually a man-made cause, the development of prescription drugs that pose a risk to the health.

Pharmaceutical dangers

Of the pharmaceutical risks that may increase the potential for individual development of heart disease is that of Avandia. Avandia is a type-2 diabetes drug, was launched in May 1999 by GlaxoSmithKline and has been prescribed millions of diabetics.

Avandia, a part of the newer class of drugs, including Actos, was a 2007 New England Journal of Medicine article for the development of heart failure in diabetic patients whose risk for developing heart failure is increased because of their diabetic condition.

persons who suffered from side effects of Avandia should speak with their medical professional in relation to modify or change medications. Moreover, speaking to a lawyer pharmaceutical May, the necessary legal assistance for an individual to receive monetary compensation in respect of their suffering from dangerous Avandia risks.

Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley

 

For more information on the dangers of Avandia visit http://avandia.legalview.com/ or http://www.LegalView.com/

Here, individuals can also locate information on other dangerous pharmaceuticals including the Byetta risks or the Baxter Heparin recall controversy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katie_Kelley

2008-12-20

Getting to the Heart of Bypass Surgery  

Bypass surgery is performed by blocked arteries. If a patient the arteries are blocked, it is coronary heart disease. To resolve the problem, the patient undergoes bypass surgery. Before a Chicagoland hospital for bypass surgery, are well informed about the procedure so that you feel comfortable.

your arteries carry blood from the heart throughout the rest of the body. The main artery, the blood from your heart, the aorta. Two main blood vessels branch out from the base of the aorta. The blood vessels are the left and right coronary arteries and they both have many branches.

If plaque builds in an artery of the patient to a level of around 70 percent of its regular size, the artery is blocked. If the blockage is less severe, it can be improved angioplasty with stent On. A very small balloon is threaded into the affected artery then slowly inflated. A tube as a stent holds the artery open.

If the blockage is serious, Dwight Illinois Healthcare providers recommend bypass surgery. When arteries are blocked, it leads to a heart attack. During bypass surgery, a new piece of blood vessel is sewn by a surgeon to a bridge over the blockade. If others view blocked arteries, the surgeon may also decide to correct them. In three of the arteries in the heart repaired, it is still triple-bypass surgery. If four arteries must be repaired, as it will quadruple bypass surgery.

To bypass surgery, a blood vessel to be taken from the patient's leg or chest. The human body has multiple redundant blood vessels, which can be removed without damage. Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery is a common procedure today. By diverting the blood around the blockage, blocked arteries are effectively corrected.

If you continue with blocked arteries, there is greater risk of losing your life. The heart beats thousands of times every day and during the entire lifespan, pumps about 5 million gallons of blood in your body. Dwight consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to heart attacks and possible death.

lock in arteries caused by fatty deposits that accumulated over many years. Eat fatty foods and a diet with high cholesterol contributes to clogged arteries. The high-fat diet that many Americans makes heart disease the leading cause of death in the United States today. For people over 50 years old, the risk of heart disease increases dramatically.

 

When 79 year old Lyle met with a Dwight Illinois healthcare provider, he discovered he needed quadruple bypass surgery. Dr. Phillip Alexander, M.D. is the Dwight healthcare provider who performed the surgery at Riverside's award-winning Chicagoland hospital right in Illinois. Lyle felt the doctors and nurses were great, everything worked out right and he feels good overall today. The procedure was performed on time so there was no damage to Lyle's heart.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Lane

2008-12-18

How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally Without Drugs  

Bad diets are a major cause of many health problems, including high cholesterol. The primary reason is the consumption of too much fat in our daily diet. This is in relation to, because high cholesterol is one of the biggest risk factors for high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes. In other words, ignoring the risks of high cholesterol can be deadly.

Fortunately, it is easy to combat this problem, if you know how to lower cholesterol naturally. In fact, for most people fight this serious illness a few simple changes in lifestyle are all it takes to reduce it.

If you understand what cholesterol is and how it works in the body, you can begin to see how it can be through natural methods. Cholesterol is a fatty wax-like substance, mainly in the liver. Eighty percent is through the body, while the remaining twenty percent we need now is through the foods we eat. It is, if this percentage of food begins to go before the twenty percent that we run into health issues.

cholesterol is an important substance that the body uses to create and maintain cell membranes and manufacture many of the hormones we must ensure that the body works. But a high level of cholesterol in the blood can lead to atherosclerosis, the narrowing and hardening of the arteries. This in turn can lead to high blood pressure, clogged arteries and blood clots.

Because high cholesterol is such a problem in our society of medical science has partnered with a variety of treatments and medicines to those who have problems with this problem. But in general, it is only in extreme cases that prescription medicines must be used. Normally natural processes work best in the fight against high cholesterol.

The first thing you will be advised to do on learning that you have high cholesterol is to begin to make changes to your diet and more exercise. A low cholesterol diet is more than avoidance of foods containing cholesterol, it's going to change the way you prepare your meals and the avoidance of saturated fats and trans fatty acids, both of which were shown to blood cholesterol levels more than cholesterol in foods. This means the prevention and elimination of fried foods and fatty foods from your diet completely.

Eating healthy is your best defense with a sensible exercise program in the fight against cholesterol. Learn how to lower cholesterol naturally is a question of doing a little research and the Internet offers a wealth of information about this topic. Ensure that the necessary changes in the way of life around diet and exercise are not too heavy and the changes it has on your general health are well worth it.

 

If high cholesterol is affecting your health and you want to do something about it but aren't sure where to start please visit the website Lowering Cholesterol by Clicking Here.

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Niacin For Lowering Cholesterol - How Much is Enough?  

A typical, successful amount of niacin to reduce cholesterol is 3000 mg per day, but there are certain precautions you should take.

revenue of more than 1000 mg niacin per day, the homocysteine levels, especially if niacin is not affected by folic acid (400-1000 mg per day), vitamin B6 (10-50 mg /day) and vitamin B12 (50 -- 300 micrograms per day). If you have more than 1000 mg daily niacin, you need extra B vitamins.

There have been no studies of niacin for the reduction of cholesterol in persons who have not had a heart attack, but the Coronary Drug Project followed 8000 men who had a heart attack for eight years. Taking 3000 mg nicotinic acid every day:

  • 10 percent reduction in total cholesterol,
  • 26 percent reduction in triglycerides,
  • 27 per reduction of sentences The second heart attack, and
  • 27 percent reduction in prices of stroke.

follow-up over 15 years found that men who nicotinic acid acid were 11 percent more likely still alive at the end of the study.

Other studies of both men and women have found that niacin increased HDL and LDL cholesterol transforms from the sticky apo-A form for the lighter, less harmful apo-B form. Taking beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium, however, reduced the benefits of niacin.

If you decided to use niacin /nicotinic acid to reduce cholesterol, you should consult your doctor for advice. That is because a number of things can go wrong when you nicotinic acid in doses potent enough to have an effect on cardiovascular health:

  • How statin drugs, niacin sometimes damage the liver. Hepatitis was detected by the dosage as low as 500 mg per day for a period as short as two months, although most cases of liver damage occurred when the dosage was 3000 to 9000 mg for several years.
  • diabetics should not the high-dose niacin. The vitamin may be insulin sensitivity and blood sugar.
  • Occasional side effects, blurred vision, migraines, stomach ulcers, heart rhythm disturbances, and gout.

And the face with an outbreak around the nose is very similar to acne problem. A slow release form of niacin, nicotinamide, does not cause flushing, but worse can lead to diabetes and liver damage. May niacin lower cholesterol for people who do not or choose not to use statins, niacin, but should always be used under professional supervision.

 

Read Lowering Cholesterol by Lowering Salt. Robert Rister is the author or co-author of nine books on natural health including the critically acclaimed Complete German Commission E Monographs and Healing without Medication.

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2008-12-15

Flowing and Going But Flawed - Circulation Problems  

The body of the circulatory process includes the entirety of our system. Blood flow and distribution is vital to every corner of our physical makeup. The heart is an organ of implementing a crucial role in blood circulation. Noble as the heart-figuratively and literally, it is also an institution, a large amount of patience. It can take years for the heart to the abuse we often unmindfully him. But if our so-called mismanagement of them go beyond the border, the heart finally gives in. Up to the time when heart or cardiovascular problems, one of which is spreading problems.

Due to the poor lifestyle choices, health issues begin to manifest May. A common tendency for the majority to eat is an unbalanced diet and live with less physical activity, or are sedentary. These are among the fundamental factors contributing to the fatty deposits in artery walls. These fatty deposits begin May to the systems over time and form in harmful substances known as plaques. Weld stubborn plaques in the arterial walls impede the blood flow to and from the heart. This condition is a leading cause of traffic problems. Formation of plaques in the arteries, after a long period of time.

This is the reason why this particular condition is among the aging process or elderly population. Too much consumption of cholesterol-rich foods is another offender. May increase cholesterol build the viscosity of the blood-yet another element, based on the traffic problems. Problems such as transport, the whole system manifests itself in numerous ways. Other than the heart, the brain, kidneys, liver, the limbs and even sex-drive can be influenced by transport problems. Twenty percent of blood circulated through the system goes to the brain. When the blood flow to the brain is in any way reduced, there is often considerable consequences.

A person can it be that weakness or lethargy that are in difficulty or clear thinking and memory problems. It could also suddenly starts dizziness or headaches. When the traffic problems affect the heart, symptoms such as chest pain and increase in blood pressure and cholesterol levels May occur. A person can easily become tired and out of breath when basic physical activities such as climbing stairs or walking over a distance. The kidneys are responsible for the elimination of waste and excess water from the body. More than this, they are also necessary for the regulation and monitoring of blood pressure. Circulatory problems are consequential to the kidneys.

indications of this condition be changed heart rate, elevated blood pressure and swelling of the hands, feet and ankles. If the liver is affected by the traffic problems, a person May suffer from lack of appetite or sudden weight loss. May the skin begin to feel dry and lacking in luster. Sudden numbness of the limbs may be the result of traffic problems. When it comes to sex drive, traffic problems can lead to erectile dysfunction or impotence in men. Something as basic as the impact of physical activity blood circulation in the body. Health experts have long advocated regular physical activity combined with healthy eating in this regard.

These promote better cardiovascular health and proper blood circulation is within the scope of the directive. Quality health supplements can also aid in this crucial public health measure.

 

The author of this article Rose Windale is a Health and Wellness Coach who has been successful with several natural health programs for many years. Rose decided to share her knowledge and tips through her website http://www.healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free newsletter and enjoy a healthy and happy life.

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2008-12-08

A New Look at Women's Heart Health  

Women heart health is a major issue today. The trend began a few years after it was shown that the majority of research in the field of cardiovascular diseases was geared toward healing and prevention of cardiovascular disease in men. Previously, it was assumed that heart disease was not sexist and has no distinctions in the sense that it affected men and women. This has been as a lie. Heart disease strikes men and women differently, and the techniques necessary to prevent heart disease have also turned out to be different based on the gender of the individual.

Unfortunately, it is still not much information about women for heart health because of the relatively new type of the field. This is not to say that people are not researched the topic, but it has simply not enough time to accumulate a meaningful amount of data. What then can women do to help promote a good heart health if there is a severe lack of information?

Women can the matter into their own hands and follow the general guidelines that have proved successful in both men and women over the years. This information is not the most modern and cutting edge information available, the information has not been produced yet. Rather, information which is based on many years of observations, medical and dietary knowledge, which emerged over the course of time to improve heart health and prevent cardiovascular disease.

The People's drugstore offers several books with this old information in an easy to read and widely accessible. Complicated jargon goes out the door, and instead a right of approach is used to exchange information. These books are no-nonsense approach to the information that women need to stay healthy for the long term.

 

Lindsay Carter is the director of the popular blog HealthyBodyHealthyHeart.Com. She is an expert on all things heart-related. Learn more about cardiovascular system functions. Check out her blog for more info!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lindsay_Carter

2008-12-06

Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation!  

Cardiac rehabilitation or cardiac rehabilitation is an intensive exercise as well as an educational and behavioral program to improve the physical and mental condition of people suffering from heart problems. Patients who require cardiac rehab program significant improvement in the quality of their lives. If they come to know about the healthy way of eating and living in their daily lives, they begin to feel healthy, in more areas than just in their hearts. If the instructions on cardiac rehabilitation followed religiously, the patients enjoy the benefits of his life's work.

The line benefits of cardiac rehabilitation is that patients have improvement in their heart health. They begin to find their heart stronger and more resilient because they cross several cardiac rehabilitation phases successfully and so they gain the confidence of the optimum. Consequently, they enjoy their lives and shed the fear of the occurrence of another heart attack.

With properly follow up the instructions on cardiac rehabilitation, it leads to permanent changes in life. Once the patient receives normal to his /her eating and living habits, they have more control over their lives. Most often, they would with their cardio-rehab habits even after the program is over.

Another advantage of cardiac rehabilitation program will extend the life. It is so because the patient remains under constant care and supervision of specialists in cardiac rehabilitation center, they have a life organized patterns and healthier life compared to those who do not care.

Exercise training in cardiac rehabilitation

Exercise training is an important component of any cardiac rehabilitation program. It is due to the fact that the diseased heart can not in a position to exercise suddenly high. Exercise training in cardiac rehab in the exercise program gradually takes it to a proper level of activity. Those who are seriously ill, the exercise can only sit up and out of bed. In other words, patients shall be exercised according to their individual needs and abilities. If they start to the first exercises correctly, the strength is to them.

In this, the heart is carefully monitored and observed, if the exercise training is given to any kind of heart trouble at bay. When the heart of the patient keeps functioning normally, the level of exercise is bit by bit, and it is in the plane, where the patient can go to a gym, without the need for the supervision of specialists and nurses.

To summarize, the most important thing about the attainment of a good heart and improved health is to be aware of what one wants to achieve, while others cardiac rehabilitation phases.

 

Dave Clark has many years experience writing articles, he has also written many books, and is well known in the industry. Dave currently has many projects he is working on, he is also on the board of directors for Cushy Sofa a manufacturer and online retailer of, Memory Foam Pillows, Memory Foam Toppers, Memory Foam Sofas, Divans, Buy your Memory Foam Mattress and Memory Foam Mattresses direct from the manufacturer.

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2008-12-05

Mediterranean Diet - Lowering Your Risk of Heart Disease  

The Mediterranean diet is derived from the lifestyle of those who live around the Mediterranean, it comprises more than 30 varieties of cuisine ranging from Greek and Italian to Jordanian and Portuguese. All countries, their own cultural role in the diet if the base is basically the same. The Mediterranean diet is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates such as bread and cereals and legumes. And of course you can be happy in limited quantities of fish, chicken and dairy products. You can even treat with a little wine.

Although most research on the Mediterranean diet and its health benefits are watching, growing number of research associate Mediterranean diet with more longevity (anti-aging effect) and lower figures diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, cancer and Hypertension, compared with the Western diet. The people in this region consume moderate red wine, olive oil, whole grain foods, legumes, fruits and vegetables high in antioxidant content.

The main source of fat is olive oil. Dairy products (mostly cheese and yogurt), fish and poultry consumed low to moderate amounts, zero to four eggs consumed weekly, red meat consumed in small quantities, and wine consumed in low to moderate amounts, normally with meals.

In its most to the Mediterranean diet is a diet-replica that, based on traditional food leads in a number of countries around the Mediterranean. There is no special diet than each of these countries has its own food traditions, regions and even within one country can have very different menus. Nevertheless, there is some consistency between the countries in this field. Most people in Mediterranean countries traditionally eat a diet high in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, seeds and nuts. In general, they have a tendency to use oil as their primary fat, and focus on unsaturated fats. And they eat only moderate amounts of poultry, fish, milk and food, and light red wine.

A large part of the Mediterranean diet is invented by foods from plant sources. This means, bread, cereals and other carbohydrates, with an emphasis on whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and seeds, nuts, legumes and others. You can start your diet regulation by the decision a better selection of vegetables; prefer whole grains, olive oil and your main source of fat. Drink wine and cheese to eat, without only in moderation. Red meat must be treated in much the same way.

The food is minimally processed and eaten as fresh as possible. The primary fat is olive oil, not butter, hydrogenated oils or animal fats, as it often is in the United States. However, this oil is not used carefully. The people in those regions eat it on a regular basis, yet it seems not to suffer because of poor health. Fish and poultry is a low to moderate part of the diet, and red meat is eaten only rarely. Wine is drunk regularly, but in moderate quantities with meals.

 

However I like to suggest using the vital rules of a Mediterranean diet for everyday eating - likely, choosing foods rich in monounsaturated over saturates, eating more fruit and vegetables, basic meals on starchy foods, and eating more fish and beans and smaller quantity of processed foods.

Get more information about Mediterranean Diet.

For the moment, why not start to incorporate the Mediterranean way of life into your own daily schedule? All right, you might not be able to take a daily siesta, but you can start to get more creative in the kitchen, support the family to eat together around the table and at present winter is here, even enjoy meals inside.

Making small positive changes in due course will help you achieve a much healthier life, it'll also be easier to maintain a good weight and keep fit and active.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Indrani_Bhattacherjee

2008-12-04

What Are the Different Types of Heart Surgery?  

In medical terminology "heart surgery" refers to a surgical procedure, which intends to replace the blocked coronary arteries with the veins of the lower extremities of a patient. The general procedure involves the patient on a heart-bypass machine. Then the surgeon performs the operation on a non-beating heart rest of the patient. With the operation, it definitely improves the quality of life of a heart disease sufferer.

In order to resolve various problems the heart of a patient, medical science has dealt with numerous types of cardiovascular surgery. Below is a brief description of these heart operations:

Coronary Artery Bypass: It is also abbreviated as CABG and is one of the most common types of heart surgery. CABG is usually on a person with a Serous coronary artery disease (CAD).

In this type of coronary artery disease, a fatty material referred to as "plaque" will be accumulated within the coronary arteries of a patient, which then blocks the arteries and reduces the flow of blood to the heart muscle.

In this type of heart surgery, a surgeon usually takes an artery or a vein from the leg, chest or any other body part of a patient. He then transplants or connects them (veins /arteries) with the blocked artery. With this, the CABG helps to circumvent the blockade. In a surgery, the surgeon can bypass the maximum four blocked coronary arteries.

Transmyocardial laser revascularisation (TLR): This type of heart surgery is usually performed to treat angina pectoris. This is the last chance, cardiac surgery, when all other treatment options have failed.

In this type of heart surgery, the surgeon actually uses laser technology to channels in the heart muscle. These channels can turn the blood to flow directly from the heart chambers in the heart muscle.

Valve repair /replacement: heart valves are responsible for the letting of blood flow in one direction. Each valve consists of a series of flaps known as "fact sheets".

These leaflets, so when you opened the blood to go directly into the arteries of the heart chambers. Thereafter, the brochures get closed to stop blood from flowing back and forth into the heart chambers.

Valve repair is a type of heart surgery, based on the operation of the closed leaflets. The brochures will receive because of the closed valve merger, which ultimately results in the flow of blood from the valves in the arteries always set.

To work around this problem to be overcome, surgeons usually perform valve repair or replacement. These replacement valves are composed of human, animal tissues or man-made fabric.

aneurysm repair: An aneurysm refers to the abnormal bulging in the heart or in the wall of the artery. These problems occur normally in the left chamber of the heart. Over time, the worst aneurysm can grow and burst, causing the bleeding inside the body. It can also lead to a heart attack.

To overcome these difficulties, surgeons usually through an operation to replace the weaker sections of the artery with a graft.

Heart Transplant: Heart transplantation is usually limited to those patients who have weak hearts, that does not pump enough blood to meet the various requirements of the body.

This type of surgery intended to replace the un-healthy and diseased hearts with the healthy heart. This surgical operation is usually practiced, if not all medical treatments.

Only those patients who are either seriously ill or have an immediate heart transplant is recommended for the implementation of this surgical remedy. This is due to the limited availability of donor hearts.

It is totally up to the medical diagnoses surgeons who thy heart problem carefully to decide what surgical procedure suits you best and then perform the heart surgery.

 

Dave Clark has many years experience writing articles, he has also written many books, and is well known in the industry. Dave currently has many projects he is working on, he is also on the board of directors for Cushy Sofa a manufacturer and online retailer of, Memory Foam Pillows, Memory Foam Toppers, Memory Foam Sofas, Divans, Buy your Memory Foam Mattress and Memory Foam Mattresses direct from the manufacturer

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_H_Clark

2008-12-02

How to Lower Cholesterol to Prevent Heart Strokes  

unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, poor diet and food intake are the main factors contributing to high cholesterol. There are mainly two kinds of cholesterol - LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol). When there are more than LDL in the blood of a person, it will be up in the inner walls of his arteries, by the end caused the blockage of the arteries and thus causing atherosclerosis. Whereas, if it is a high level of HDL present, it will actually help in preventing heart attacks, though, if the amount of HDL is low, it may be the person at risk of experiencing a heart attack.

One of the biggest dangers of high total cholesterol is triglycerides, which is a type of fat that is out of the food that you eat and also in the body. When there is a high level of triglycerides, you are at a risk, high total cholesterol, in which you can high LDL and low HDL.

According to experts on health, nutrition plays an important role in lowering cholesterol levels. In combination with a right medications, diet plays an important role in reducing cholesterol levels.

replacement for regular and full-fat dairy products with low-fat or skimmed, because these are not only good at lowering cholesterol, but also effective in managing your weight. Add more vegetables and fruits because they are low in calories, cholesterol, fat and no matter how much you consume. Limit saturated fat and trans elements of hydrogenated vegetable oils because they are the blood-cholesterol levels. Do not eat processed and junk foods. Take lean meats such as Turkey and chicken meat in place of red meat, because they are effective in decreasing cholesterol levels.

Disclaimer: This article does not claim to the health advice and is for general information only. More important, the findings by a qualified health professional before on any health program.

Copyright? Nick mutt, all rights reserved. If you have this item on your website or in your newsletter to all URLs (links) active.

 

Read more information on How to lower cholesterol. Also read Home remedies for high blood pressure at Natural cures website - a health guide to make you and your family fit and healthy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Mutt

2008-11-28

Lower Blood Pressure Naturally and Live a Longer, Happier Life!  

heart attacks are the number one cause of death in the industrialized world. The chief contribution to heart attacks is high blood pressure (hypertension), often called the "silent killer". The best thing you can do for heart attack prevention is lower your blood pressure. It is easy to lower blood pressure naturally.

What should be your blood pressure? Most experts say no 120/80. But 115/75 is better. If you have 135-145/90-95 They are "red-lining" in the high risk area, where you are very vulnerable to die suddenly of a heart attack. If your BP is high your doctor will probably, medication to lower it.

So, what can you do? How can you lower blood pressure naturally?

We all get to a human body, but it comes without a manual. We have to write our own. Fortunately, there is already a great work, which on this issue. We know pretty much on the control of blood pressure.

Here are three good first steps to lower blood pressure naturally:

1. Control your weight. If you weigh more than 20% more than the ideal weight for your height and sex, you are obese. Obesity kills. Just think of older people, we say, more than 80th How many fat ones you see /know? Not many. Why? Because they are either thin (it) or die, that is the reason why. Make a note of that and control your weight.

More weight means more fat means more miles of blood vessels, your heart has to pump blood through. It is a simple matter of physics. Fat people have higher blood pressure to deliver all that fat. The high-pressure strains the heart and arteries and lead to heart attacks. Note the control and your weight.

2. Strengthen your cardiovascular system with exercise. Aerobic exercise does two things for you. First, it strengthens the heart and arteries, gives them more capacity and the ability to do more than just keep you alive. Secondly, it flushes and lowers the deposits that would otherwise build in your arteries.

Without exercise your heart and blood vessels get lazy and weak. A small problem could then do you in. Even without exercise arterial plaque builds up when you arteries, what your heart to work harder and raise your blood pressure, the blood to circulate. So exercise is very important.

A good rule is to provide 200 minutes of aerobics every week. You can run, run, swim, bicycle, play tennis, etc. Whatever makes your heart work faster and makes you break out into a sweat. If you do not sweat, spend twice as much time. When you walk in 2 1 /2-3 miles per hour, you are not really doing aerobics.

If you are on foot or 4-5 miles per hour, OK, you are sweating, so that your muscles and cardiovascular system. Well. 200 minutes of this or similar per week. That is the way to lower your blood pressure naturally.

3. Get a good home blood pressure measuring device. There are many good ones available at $ 30 to $ 50 Take your blood pressure every morning before you get off the bed. Note the readings. Keep a list or a chart. Take three readings at any time. Believe that the middle and write it down.

During the process of measuring, you can lower blood pressure naturally through your mind calming, relaxing, thinking relaxing thoughts. Remember what your blood pressure rises. Get in this sensitive. High salt intake raises blood pressure in 1 of 3 people. Are you? When you eat salty foods late at night, your BP up?

Everyone is different, but if you want to control the ongoing process, take measurements, the results graph, and note what probably caused that change. To lower your blood going, you should use more of what seems to be lower and less of what makes it upwards. Develop your personal formula to lower blood pressure naturally.

consciously learning to relax during this measurement sessions. Dispel tension from your mind and see how this affects the BP. Learning to relax is an excellent way to lower blood pressure naturally. Use your blood pressure measuring device to help you learn how to do that.

these three simple, healthy changes in your lifestyle, and the chances are you will lower blood pressure naturally, to live a mature age and are much healthier than most!

 

For more information about how to lower blood pressure naturally and avoid heart attacks, visit: Lower Blood Pressure Naturally
To learn more about how to control your blood pressure, visit: Lowering Blood Pressure Naturally

Jorge Chavez is an experienced independent researcher at BestBloodPressureControl.com He used medications to control his own blood pressure for 20+ years before he discovered how to control BP naturally and has not needed to pay for drugs since then.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jorge_G._Chavez

2008-11-20

High Cholesterol - Cholesterol and International Cuisines  

Of all the cuisines of the world, let us choose the kitchen that helps prevent high cholesterol levels. While today's international cuisine are you by the North American kitchen, so that smart decisions in the selection of foods and their preparation is the key to a healthy lifestyle and keeping cholesterol levels in check.

North American Cuisine

American kitchen has an abundance of fat, but also processed foods and a high concentration of sugar. The portions are almost always huge. Therefore, if the North American cuisine is what you love, then let us hope that you love exercise as well!

Mexican cuisine

Mexican cuisine includes an abundance of spices and their essential nutrient consists of red beans, the lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL). However, there is a high-fat cheese, and therefore should be consumed with caution.

Asian Cuisine

Asian cuisine consists of low-fat foods, but the fried food should be avoided.

Far Eastern cuisine, the

cuisine of the Far East is considered to be the lightest of all and is ideal for reducing cholesterol. It does not mean, however, increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), because they do not have the use of olive oil.

Chinese cuisine

Chinese cuisine includes foods rich in vegetable oil and a variety of sauces that contain sugar. The fried dough is not beneficial cholesterol in the prevention, however, the steamed rice and vegetables as in the fight against hyper-cholesterol. The factor is necessary to meaningful choice.

northern European cuisine

European cuisine is recognized for its exquisiteness. However, there was a rise in obesity, especially among children. This may be because their kitchen was heavily influenced by American cuisine in recent years. Northern European Cuisine priority for cheese with high fat, white sauces, sausages, and who can resist their excellent chocolate!

pizzeria

May in Italian cuisine generally considered quite healthy, but it contains traps because of the dominating presence of cheeses and cold meats with high fat.

Greek cuisine

The Greek cuisine is the ideal health food, and even helps to lower cholesterol. But it has also in quality in recent years.

To prevent the increase in cholesterol levels, we must recognize the causes and their effects on our system. But above all we must know how they cope in a practical fashion.

 

If left untreated high cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease, stroke and death. What are you doing to improve your condition? Stop cholesterol before it stops you. Read more news about high cholesterol and other health issues at HealthInfo21.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mia_Sidiro

2008-11-19

It's a Heartache - The Possible Dangers of Having Chest Pains  

diseases and disorders can and do usually take you when you least expect them. Everything begins, that a perfect morning when you wake up and go to the paper, or that late afternoon when you have just a tough round at work and are looking forward to your family in time for dinner. This is usually when you have severe cases of chest pain. No, I do not mean Heartaches in the romantic sense, but those who might have serious consequences for your life and health.

pain in the chest, as you would expect, is never a disease in itself but a symptom or manifestation of something usually more sinister. So you never know, but the checkup can be a literal lifesaver for you. Even minor chest pain can be signs of something under heavy brows. So the next time, if you have pain in the chest, whether you meet some of the following classifications:

You are about 40 years old or more

your family has a history of heart and vascular diseases. You have or have used for some of the following risk factors: obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle and diabetes. The pain can be seen as expressions, crushing tightness or heaviness.

If the type of pain that you have some time to deal with the above information, then you may have a case of serious heart disease just around the corner. And with your doctor about the best possible things to do in such situations. Even if you do not meet the above criteria, it does not give you the luxury of sitting back and participate in activities that endanger your health. Always remember that prevention is better than cure and what you do now can seriously affect how you live the life of tomorrow.

These are just a few tips, however, that you by serious cases of cardiac and vascular diseases. With the right kind of lifestyle and a strong eye for the characters say, you are obliged to live much longer than someone who is much less health conscious.

 

If you want more tips and a comprehensive guide on chest pain and what it can mean for you, just visit: http://theguideto.com/chest-pain/?c=3601/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Dane

Dieting to Lower Cholesterol - Does it Work?  

One of the main factors contributing to high cholesterol is a person, the food. What most people do not realize is that this is also one of the easiest factors to change if you want to lower cholesterol.

Are you interested in nutrition for high cholesterol? Here is just a closer look at what can be done if you would like to lower your cholesterol by simply healthier eating habits, as well as what low-cholesterol diet menus would be.

Before you begin shortly with a high cholesterol diet, it is important to understand a brief, the two types of cholesterol. LDL is known as bad cholesterol because it causes plaque, which leads to clogged arteries.

HDL cholesterol is considered to be good because it helps reduce plaque and, ultimately, reduces the risk of cardiac and vascular diseases. If you choose to go on a diet for high cholesterol, you are increasing your HDL-cholesterol and decreasing your LDL cholesterol.

unhealthy food, from high cholesterol, trans fat and saturated fat should be avoided, if you want to lower cholesterol. Some of the things on low cholesterol diet menus all kinds of fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

Some of the different food items that are not found on low-cholesterol diet menus offered greasy food, fast food and a variety of different types of junk food, like potato chips. It is also important to make sure that you try to avoid foods that are high in starch, like white pasta, rice and potatoes.

excessive quantities of red meat and poultry may also lead to high cholesterol.

It is important to note that you also want to an exercise regime into your regular routine. Because exercise and diet tend to go hand in hand with another, it is important to make sure that you try to two, if you want to lower your cholesterol.

Going on a diet for high cholesterol and comes with a regular exercise routine are the two easiest ways to this serious and common disease under control.

Unfortunately, this can not lead to an overall solution. Diets to lower cholesterol affects your cholesterol intake, but not the cholesterol from the body. It may be necessary to undertake some other action.

The use of statin drugs can even provide some health risks. But there are some very effective natural cholesterol-lowering products now available.

To combine a diet to reduce cholesterol, exercise and a top-shelf natural cholesterol-lowering product and you have a complete battle plan for managing your cholesterol.

 

Want to know more about Naturally Lowering Cholesterol? Visit Peter's Website Natural Health-Natural Skin Care and find out more about Cholesterol Lowering Supplements at http://naturalskinhealth.com/cholesterol

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Wilson

2008-11-17

High Blood Pressure and Heart Health  

Pressure Point

My husband and I have an ongoing dispute over salt - I say that a little goes a long way, he considers it a food group. The difference of opinion is not really about salt per se, it's about the effects of salt on blood pressure.

High blood pressure has become a serious health risk - so serious that it has established itself as "the silent killer." If your systolic blood pressure (the upper number, which measures the pressure of blood against artery walls when the heart contracts) is at or above 140 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), or your diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number, which measures the pressure against the artery walls when the heart relaxes between beats) is at or above 90 mm Hg, it is time to make some changes.

walk away from hypertension

Nothing beats a healthy way of life for keeping blood pressure in check. This means that eating a diet rich in Whole Foods. Experts also emphasize the importance of exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. In a study of more than 20 clinical studies by investigators at Tulane University, people with normal blood pressure increased, its level of aerobic lowered their systolic blood pressure by more than 4 mm Hg An earlier study showed that overweight participants who lost up to 8 pounds lowered their systolic levels, too.

These studies suggest that if we could just lower the average systolic blood pressure among Americans by 5 mm Hg, we would seek a 14 percent decline in deaths from stroke, a 9 percent drop in heart disease deaths, and a 7 percent General decline in mortality. In fact, a reduction as small as 2 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure could save more than 70,000 lives per year!

Here's the best part: You do not need to sign up for a Spinning class or start training for a marathon to see these results. All you have to do is walk 30 minutes or more most days of the week. You can even break it if you do not have the time or stamina to make it for the entire 30 minutes. Try to walk 10 minutes three times per day. Just do not meander - try to walk as quickly as possible, to the heart pumping.

The Salt debate

So what about salt? Is it really the big bath boogie man? Well, yes and no. We need salt to regulate our body fluid levels - but too much can cause high blood pressure and heart disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, you should not consume more than 2300 mg, or about a teaspoon of salt per day. But 95 percent of American men and 75 percent of the women is higher than the amount often eat a heart-stopping from 4000 to 6000 mg daily.

processed foods pack the biggest punch sodium, so be reduced by using natural and filling your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and lean meat. If you must use canned and packaged foods, read the nutrition label and choose only those items that are 5 percent (115 mg) or less of the maximum recommended daily intake per serving.

Want It Now flavorful foods without added salt? Hit the Spice aisle the next time you in the supermarket. Besides blithely mixes the food up without salt, there are a number of different herbs and spices that work well with specific foods. Meat and poultry benefit from basil, marjoram, onions, oregano and thyme. Fish is the special addition of dill, lemon or Cajun spice. Beans benefit from cinnamon, cloves, cumin or nutmeg. Vegetables and some additional Zing with curry powder, garlic, lemon, rosemary or sage.

The Promise of potassium

exile together with the salt shaker, dining adequate amounts of potassium may also help the blood pressure under control. The problem is the Americans' average potassium intake is alarmingly low - almost a third of the currently recommended 4,700 mg per day.

As we increase our potassium intake? A major food company wants you to start your Stocking refrigerator with its new yogurt-based super shots with potassium. Your promises - each shot 3/3-Unzen offers a convenient way to add 350 mg of potassium to your diet. Simple, yes. Cheap? Not so much. Each shot costs about one dollar - for-ounces ounces more than a Starbuck's Latt? - And only 7 percent of the recommended daily amount.

Instead of shelling out your hard-earned money on the latest supermarket gimmick, reach for a potassium-rich banana. Other Food That you can help your intake of potassium include apricots, cantaloupe, oranges, raisins, cabbage, potatoes, spinach and tomatoes.

The best way to increase your potassium levels is to eat several pieces of fruit, and liberal quantities of vegetables every day. The amount of potassium in a healthy diet ranges from about 2.5 grams to about 5.8 grams per day. But if your doctor discovers that you are severely flawed, ask potassium supplements.

The amount may In addition - 99 mg per tablet or capsule - is very low, considering that a banana can contain 500 mg. Do not try to raise your potassium levels by a large number of potassium pills, because this concentrated form of potassium can irritate the stomach. One or two, along with a meal, every day should be a healthy diet supplement - not replace, the fruits and vegetables you should eat.

One Last Thing ...

The reason for high blood pressure is often called the silent killer, because many people do not realize they suffer until they have a stroke or a heart attack. Although nobody dies from high blood pressure itself, the health issues they contribute to - stroke, Heart attack and heart and kidney failure - kill hundreds of thousands of people every year.

Along with cleaning up your diet and the creation of a regular exercise program, other changes in the way of life - such as smoking cessation, limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, and a grip get to stress - can make a huge difference. This is mainly for people with borderline to moderate high blood pressure that the vast majority of cases. In fact, more than 160 studies comparing the drug and non-drug therapies for the treatment of borderline to mild hypertension showed favorable results for the non-drug treatments, including diet, exercise and stress-reduction techniques.

relaxation techniques benefit the body, so be sure your breathing and their Relationship to stress. Yogic breathing or belly breathing employs that your diaphragm can improve blood pressure. Conversely, shallow breathing or chest can cause sodium retention in the body and increase blood pressure. Meditation, yoga and restorative the gentle art of the no - Can say therapeutic for your heart and mind. The incidence of high blood pressure is indeed sobering, but the chance for cure can be empowering.

This just in ... If you

one of the 20.7 million adults suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), you have probably tried numerous remedies to relieve the joint pain and stiffness. During the go-to drug of choice among doctors is acetaminophen, it is a safer and more natural approach.

A recent meta-analysis of three clinical trials shows that the hip - the fruit of the rose plant, the potent anti-inflammatory properties - May to a reduction in the pain of OA. The randomized, placebo-controlled trials, the 287 participants , The majority of whom were women suffer from OA of the knee. All of the patients, the hip supplement reported significantly less pain than those taking the placebo. In one of the studies, the exemption was so pronounced that the Rosa group has been able to reduce or eliminate the amount of acetaminophen it has.

If you want to give rosehips an attempt, according to a standardized supplement that the offers of 500 mg rosehips. Because each of the studies used relatively high amounts of rosehips, you can Up to 5 capsules per day. But a little patience, because it may take up to four months to experience less pain and stiffness.

 

For a Free Subscription: Click Here

References:

Barnes VA, Pendergrast RA, Harshfield GA, et al. "Impact of breathing awareness meditation on ambulatory blood pressure and sodium handling in prehypertensive African American adolescents." Ethnicity & Disease. 2008;18:1-5.

Christensen R, Bartels EM, Altman RD, et al. "Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials." Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2008;16:965-972.

Rosas M, Pastel�n G, Lomel� C, et al. "Therapeutic clinical approach for the elderly patient with hypertension: recommendations for clinical practice." Archivos de Cardiologia de Mexico. 2008; 78: Suppl 2:S2-94-97.

Whelton SP, Chin A, Xin X, et al. "Effect of aerobic exercise on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials." Annals of Internal Medicine. 2002;136:493-503.

http://www.healthier-you.com/advanced-natural-medicine

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bonnie_Jenkins

2008-11-15

The Dangers of Low Cholesterol  

In today's society, cholesterol is seen as a baddie. Everybody "knows" that a high cholesterol "causes" heart and vascular diseases. TV ads warn us that "diet and exercise May not enough", and drugs are increasingly prescribed to reduce cholesterol.

You may think you know what the problem of cholesterol is all about, but before you jump on the anti-cholesterol train these studies:

* A 3-year study involving 11,500 patients has shown that low cholesterol levels resulted An increased lung cancer, increases in other types of cancer, increased risk of cardiovascular death, erectile dysfunction and infertility, and a loss of memory and mental focus. (European Heart Journal 1997, 18, 52-59)

* A Swedish researchers discovered that people with low cholesterol levels suffer from frequent and severe infections, while people with high cholesterol had a lower mortality rate than the average population. (Uffe Ravnskov, MD, PhD, independent researchers Magle Stora Kyrkogata 9, S-223250 Lund, Sweden)

* A 30 years follow-up on one of the original studies linking cholesterol and heart disease showed no correlation between high cholesterol and mortality, but have a low correlation between cholesterol and mortality. Death rates from cardiovascular disease increased 14% for each 1 mg /dl decrease of total cholesterol per year (Anderson KM. Cholesterol and mortality, 30 years follow-up from the Framingham study. JAMA 1987 Apr 24; 257 (16) : 2176-80)

* A paper in the Journal of Heart Failure on a study from 1134 patients with heart disease have shown that low cholesterol was associated with worse outcomes in heart failure patients and affects survival rates. It also showed that elevated cholesterol was not associated with hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

(Horwich TB. Et.al. Low serum total cholesterol is associated with significant increase in mortality in Advanced Heart Failure. J Card. Fail. 2002 Aug; 8 (4) :216-214)

High cholesterol is a " Disease ", which was developed by the pharmaceutical industry to sell more cholesterol-lowering medication, namely, statins. These drugs have a high profit margin, so that the laboratory is sufficient for cholesterol were changed in the last 7-10 years, so that more people will appear as "high" cholesterol and to be convinced to take medication.

Normal (ie, non-pathological) cholesterol ranges should be 175 to 275, with people with blood type O is running at the upper end of the spectrum because of the way their body uses protein. Since these are the pathological areas, levels above or below these values mean the body is seriously unbalanced and probably sick.

However, for optimal health, one should be in the middle third of this range. How healthy cholesterol should be between 208 and 242nd Strangely these people with completely normal and healthy cholesterol ranges are encouraged to take drugs to their unhealthy cholesterol too low.

So, before you statin drugs to lower your cholesterol, can be a little research on the dangers of low cholesterol levels. There are other ways of protecting themselves from heart disease, are much more effective.

 

Steven Horne, RH(AHG) is a professional member and immediate past president of the American Herbalists Guild. He is passionate about spreading the word about how effective herbal medicine can be. You can learn more about his straight-forward healing philosophy at http://www.healityourself.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Horne

2008-11-12

Bad Cholesterol Control - How To Lower It Instantly  

studies show that the genes we inherit are closely linked with the sharp rise in the cholesterol our body.

This increase in cholesterol levels by several other factors such as:

1. Unhealthy lifestyles

2. Intake of saturated fat and calories

3. Unhealthy eating habits

4. Lack of exercises

5. Excessive alcohol consumption

6. Menopausal stage in women - it is when estrogen is on a precipice to reduce

7. Age factor - Seniors often suffer from this disease.

The main cause of heart disease as the doctors advise is cholesterol. High cholesterol in the blood can not only lead to heart attacks, but also more weight problems. Let us first understand what cholesterol is this - there is a waxy fat-like substance produced naturally in the liver of our body. Although cholesterol has a thorough "bad guy image," it serves surprisingly many important functions for our healthy life.

Basically, cholesterol is of two kinds:

i. low density lipoprotein or LDL

ii. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL

low-density lipoprotein or LDL

1. It is the ultimate bad guy. It is this type of cholesterol that clogs the blood vessels leading to an increased risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases.

2. The researchers have now shown that diet consisting of highly saturated fats raise the level of LDL-cholesterol in our body when it is only a dietary cause for the same.

high-density lipoprotein, or HDL

This is "the good man" or to specify the kind of favorable cholesterol.

1. It deletes "the bag guy" is that the LDL cholesterol from the blood, thereby reducing the risk of heart all complaints.

2. Research has shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables together with the average of omega-3-fatty acids from fish oil helps significantly increase HDL cholesterol.

In the absence of remedial measures, the rising levels of LDL cholesterol can cause heart disease, hypertension, etc. Here are some solutions to lower your cholesterol levels immediately:

1. Many people believe that exercising regularly, eating the proper diet with saturated out animal fats, diary and lard, they could have some definitive solutions for the treatment of high cholesterol. Well, you through these food "lipid sources show that they had no immediate suspension of the undesirable elements of the body. Though it has no side effects on various cardiovascular diseases and disorders in the artheroma degeneration associated with arterial walls.

2 . In order to decrease the rising levels of cholesterol in the blood, "statins" will be very effective. It is considered an effective drug, which is very reliable medical groups.

Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) is the statin - this medicine represents a standstill on the very high bad cholesterol. It reduces them by 52% with a 10 mg dose, compared to 7 mg placebo. Crestor increased HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol by 14%, compared with 3% to HDL cholesterol in the placebo.

It works both ways, reduction of LDL-cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. So? S is a real significant pro-life saving medicines.

You must inform your doctor licensed in terms of the factors to an effective treatment . At the same time, some of these factors, he would come to know all of him during the test:

Ba liver and kidney problems

ii. Pregnancy in women

iii. Excessive drinking or normal - liver is high, the alcohol

iv. Family history - the high-cholesterol cases

v. your current position of problems such as thyroid function, diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism

vi. Any recent cases of cardiac and /or hypertension attack

vii. Other diseases that are not related to the problem of high cholesterol

viii. The Chinese and /or Japanese descent

ix. The consumption of drugs, antacids

x. All other provisions.

The side effects of Crestor are as follows:

i. constipation

ii. Muscle pain

iii. Abdominal pain

iv. Weakness

against nausea.

Although these are all quite mild symptoms and go away with time.

The patients in such cases to ensure that they minimize their intake of unsaturated fatty substances. In this context, here are some important points:

Ba cooking in olive oil is the best for such patients, because they unsaturated fatty acids to a large extent.

ii. A report by Dr. P. Rethinam & Mohartuyo from the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community Press cited was that in the Jakarta Post on 18 June 2003, confirmed that coconut oil is best among all other vegetable oils on hand, such as maize, sunflowers, soybeans, canola, cotton, palm kernel, coconut oil, etc. they say is the best medium to bad cholesterol in the body.

 

Abhishek has got some great tips on Lowering Cholesterol!. Download his FREE 85 Page Ebook, "How To Lower Your Cholesterol" from his website http://www.Health-Whiz.com/506/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abhishek_Agarwal

2008-11-11

Foods That Lower Blood Pressure - Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally  

Do you suffer from hypertension? If so, you should know that along with other natural methods, there are foods that help lower blood pressure. Maybe you take prescription medication for your illness, but there are some good reasons to take it! Here you will find some information you need in order to improve your health and add years to your life.

Anyone who suffers with hypertension know that the reduction of salt is very important. Did you know there are many foods that lower blood pressure in combination with other programs? Meditation, deep breathing, exercise and certain foods all contribute to your readings.

Why you should not prescription drugs? Many of these drugs are synthetic, and can do more harm than good to your body. Alpha-and beta-blockers can cause headaches, nausea, and in some cases raise your cholesterol bath! That is why with food and other natural remedies to lower your blood pressure is so important.

Here are some foods that lower blood pressure

Dark Chocolate


grapes


bananas


celery


Salmon

These are just some of the food, the impeccable in your fight against hypertension. Of course, food alone will not cure the problem. But in combination with other natural remedies, you can lower your blood pressure by a huge margin in a few days!

use of natural methods to control your disease is very good for your overall health expenditure. In fact, you can add years of your life! Improving your blood pressure with natural remedies will also help people with cholesterol and diabetes problems.

Are you ready to learn more about the use of foodstuffs and other options to lower your course readings? Visit the following links to learn more about food, lower blood pressure and the best guide for dealing with high blood pressure the natural way.

 

Learn more about foods that lower blood pressure and other ways to control your hypertension naturally - without dangerous and costly prescription drugs! For more information on the best blood pressure resources, visit Natural Blood Pressure Remedies

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Teresa_Tackett

2008-11-09

Cardiomyopathy and Gluten  

cardiomyopathy, a heart condition in which the heart muscle is inflamed and the heart does not pump properly.

It is a little-known link between cardiomyopathy and gluten. It's called celiac disease. Although not the cause in most cases, cardiomyopathy, gluten and celiac disease is a major reason for the cardiomyopathy.

There are three types of cardiomyopathy: dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive.

cardiomyopathy can be infectious. It can also be caused by autoimmune diseases. In the second case it is called myocarditis.

cardiomyopathy symptoms include shortness of breath, swollen angle, palpitations (fluttering) in the chest and pain in the chest.

cardiomyopathy is usually treated with medication. But of course cardiomyopathy is not constrained by the lack of a patented medicine.

It turns out that dilated cardiomyopathy can celiac , an adverse reaction to gluten $ $. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a form of heart failure .

A study found that 5.7% of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy have celiac .

In these cases, a gluten-free diet May reverse symptoms. myocarditis May with an improvement in the gluten-free diet in some cases. A study showed that 4.4% of patients had myocarditis celiac . All patients in the study improved with celiac disease, once it is on a gluten-free diet.

Sun is a $ gluten free_diet $ the magic bullet for the treatment of cardiomyopathy patients? It seems that the majority of cases, the answer is no. On the other hand, since cut gluten in no case is harmful for everyone, it is also worth a try, gluten-free diet. Make

in a significant number of cases - from 4 to 6 percent, gluten is the underlying cause of cardiomyopathy.

In these cases it is not only a gluten-free diet deal with the problem cardiomyopathy, it also deals with many other potential or actual problems that the patient may experience or experience, such as bloating, under-weight, a general malaise, etc.

Like gluten cardiomyopathy can lead to burnout in some patients it may also have an impact on all major organ in an equally disastrous path.

 

Doug Samuel operates Allergy Details, a site which covers many allergy - and health-related topics.

To find out more about gluten allergies, visit the gluten allergy page on Allergy Details.

Copyright 2008 Douglas Samuel. May be republished providing above author information is included, and live links are used without the rel=nofollow attribute.

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2008-11-07

The Silent Killer  

February is American Heart Month and heart disease is the # 1 killer among women. This disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and the major cause of disability. The most common heart disease is coronary heart disease it often seems like a heart attack. In May 2008 770000 have a coronary attack, 430,000 May, a recurrent attack. Every 26 seconds an American will have a coronary attack and about every minute die from one.

Other conditions may relate to your heart such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, secondhand smoke, arrhythmia and heart failure, peripheral artery disease (PAD). These risk for heart disease can cause death or disability. For more risk factors for a list of diseases and conditions here for the American Heart Association website.

signs of heat illness are:

  • chest discomfort, chest tightness, fullness or pain, usually lasting a few minutes, and then it goes back.


  • discomfort in the upper part of the body between the shoulders ache, toothache, jaw pain, stomach pain, and pain in both arms.
  • shortness May occur with or without chest discomfort. Lightheadedness, resolution, which in cold sweats and nausea.

To prevent heart disease try changing your life style. Eat more lean meat with less skin, cut back on salt try to eat about 2300mg of sodium per day less than 1500 per day, if you are at risk of high blood pressure. Cut back on beverages and foods that contain sugar if you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. Stay away from trans and saturated fats, go for low-fat dairy products, stay away from foods that are high in cholesterol, prepare foods with little salt and above all do some kind of physical activity.

women count for 52.8 percent of deaths in 2004 450000 died of cardiac and vascular diseases. This disease dose not only the older woman aged 65 and older it also affects women 25-44 years old. Cardiovascular disease is the 2nd Cause of death among women aged 45-65 years, this disease can be prevented. For more information about heart disease go to the American Heart Association website. I have high blood pressure and I do what I can to stay healthy for reasons of my children and myself.

 

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2008-11-04

Red Yeast Rice - Lowering Cholesterol Naturally  

For those who have been advised to lower their cholesterol, but are concerned about the serious adverse events associated with statin drugs (eg dysfunction of the liver, muscle atrophy, memory loss, etc.), clinically proven natural Alternatives are available. The Chinese Red Yeast Rice wort, for example, were informed by the doctor at the Reference Desk of dietary supplements to "significantly reduce cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in total, compared to a placebo." In view of the fact that the PDR is the authoritative text in the medical field to supplement, and it is written by doctors for doctors, it is disappointing that some doctors recommend Red Yeast Rice to manage hypercholesterolaemia in their patients. After all, Red Yeast Rice contains the same cholesterol-lowering HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (lovastatin) as a drug Mevacor. And yet, even after six times lower doses, Red Yeast Rice, the isolation from the pharmaceutical lovastatin, a wider range of services and incomparably larger margin.

Despite these findings, and in disregard of both sense and the rights of consumers to their health, both the FDA and the manufacturers of lovastatin lobbying the courts to the sale of Red Yeast Rice, arguing that its efficacy they qualified as a drug, the FDA and the medical regulation. In 1999, the Federal District Court in Utah ruled against the FDA that Red Yeast Rice was not a drug but a dietary supplement. More recently the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on 24 July 2000 that Red Yeast Rice is subject to the regulation of the FDA. Currently the future of the Red Yeast Rice is uncertain, but what all these legal debate shows, is a rather deep, that agreements between private interests and the FDA. If something works great and is safer than expensive drugs, why should it be kept from the public?

Part 2: The lower the cholesterol the higher the profits

If you watch prime-time television these days - just occasionally - it is almost impossible to Miss barrage of advertising trying to keep you and the rest of the adult America, in order for the latest cholesterol-lowering medications on the market. This advertisement would have us believe that if we take care of our health, and we love, we should keep our low cholesterol with drugs. The problem is that statins, like many of the drugs on the market so aggressively to the public in these days have dangerous and even deadly side effects.

no longer the exception, side effects and deaths from drugs have hit astronomical levels. After one of the most respected and widely read medical journals in the World - The American Journal of Medicine (JAMA) - approximately 108,000 Americans die each year from the "non-error negative side effects of medications." During the entirety of our involvement in Vietnam, 53,000 Americans died. People flooded the streets in protest. The entire nation was divided. The story is still difficult in the sense of revulsion and disgust the senseless violence of the war against the popular consciousness. And yet, if the statistics are accurate JAMA, annual deaths from prescribed medications are now occurring at a rate 14-times higher than those during the Vietnam War. What may be even more disturbing than the statistics themselves is the fact that there is little, if an open and meaningful discussion on it. When it comes to lowering cholesterol, many of the efficiency of research that calls into question the concept of high cholesterol causes heart disease. Low cholesterol, in fact, has been shown to increase the risk of stroke and cancer.

cholesterol, after all, is something our bodies were equipped to deal. It is essential for the production of all steroid hormones and vitamin D for maintaining the fluidity of cell membranes, and for the transport and distribution throughout the body fat soluble nutrients such as vitamin E, carotenoids, and coenzyme Q10. CoQ10 is a co-factor for energy production in the mitochondria of each cell of our body. Because heart muscle has the most mitochondria of the cell every muscle in your body (5000 heart muscle mitochondria per cell compared with 50 for musculoskeletal-), when the CoQ10 drops, the heart is one of the first institutions done. Why then, if statin drugs are known to lead to a decline of coenzyme Q10, they are used to prevent heart disease? Unfortunately, because the drug companies are a killing - both literally and figuratively - the sale of these drugs, they have every reason to distort or disregard information that contradicts their "lipid hypothesis" of cardiac and vascular diseases. Mercurial the relationship between pharmaceutical companies and the 'experts' who decide what strategies should be used by the Americans to prevent heart disease, was made public by a consumer group recently. The following excerpt from an Associated Press article, 17 July 2004, addresses this relationship poignantly:

"Most of the heart disease experts who urgently more people, the cholesterol-lowering drugs this week have made money from the companies selling those medicines."

The article went on to say, that the new guidelines these experts would add 7 million more Americans to the 36 million already encouraged to take the pills to lower cholesterol. Regardless of whether you choose to lower your cholesterol, or investigate in greater depth the validity to be done, you should know that safe and natural methods to do.

 

To learn more about the benefits of Red Yeast Rice, visit: http://www.patienthealthyself.info/red_yeast_rice.html

Sayer Ji is a philosopher of nutrition and nutrition educator. He founded http://www.patienthealthyself.info this year in order to provide the public strictly scientific information on the therapeutic effects of herbs, foods, spices and vitamins. Without freedom of information, there can be no health freedom.

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2008-11-03

Various Tests For Diagnosing Heart Disease!  

people suffering from heart diseases are treated with various techniques cardiac surgery. In the treatment of medicines, changing lifestyles and different medical procedures do not work, then cardiac surgery is the last option. Cardiac surgery involves the treatment of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular attacks. It is also used as a substitute for damaged hearts with the health and the setting of heart valves for the proper regulation of your heart beat.

Whether you need heart surgery or not is decided by a physician or a cardiologist or a cardiothoracic surgeon. Since they have specialized in the treatment of cardiovascular problems, they will advise you whether you need for heart surgery or not. There are a lot of tests that help to identify heart problems, which they considered useful for the diagnosis of heart disease you are suffering from. The doctor will also determine whether you need surgery at all or not and what kind of surgery you need and at what time.

There are a variety of diagnostic tests, as follows:

diagnostic tests:

ECG (electrocardiogram):

It is the easiest and painless test whether accounts the electrical activity of your heart. This test helps determine the source and exact location of heart problems. The test is done by attaching sticky patches known as electrodes on the legs, arms and the skin of the breast. Then again, these electrodes to the wire by a machine that accounts the electrical signals from your heart.

The test determines whether your heart is beating properly and your pulse is stable or mixed. It also shows from where the electrical activity starts in your heart and it will travel in a normal way through the heart.

Stress Test:

You can easily diagnose some heart diseases, if your pulse is faster and your heart, he works hard at normal times. At the time of stress tests, you have to work hard, so your heart beat faster. You can do this by exercising or if you are unable to exercise, then some medicines will be sent to you.

During stress tests, your EKG and your blood pressure checked. Echocardiography

:

It is very easy and painless test. In this type of test, no instrument or equipment used to test this. It is also known as "non-invasive" test, since no surgical instrument in the body. In this test, uses sound waves to a moving picture of your heart. There is information about the shape and size of the heart. It also provides information in connection with the proper functioning of the heart chambers.

The test determines the areas where blood flow is less on your heart. Moreover, recognizes the heart muscles, which are not contracting properly and the damage to your heart muscle caused by poor circulation. These are general tests that are used to determine cardiac and vascular diseases.

So, with these tests can help you successfully diagnose your various heart problems.

 

Dave Clark has many years experience writing articles, he has also written many books, and is well known in the industry. Dave currently has many projects he is working on, he is also on the board of directors for Cushy Sofa a manufacturer and online retailer of Memory Foam Pillows, Memory Foam Sofas, Divans, Buy your Memory Foam Toppers, Memory Foam Mattresses direct from the manufacturer.

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2008-10-31

Heart Diseases Part XIX - How to Treat Heart Diseases With Chelation Therapy  

As we have in previous articles, cardiovascular diseases are by uncontrolled diet rich in trans fatty acids and resulting in clogged arteries by bad LDL cholesterol and the inner lining of blood vessels are damaged hinder the transport of oxygen and nutrition to the heart .

people with heart disease, which this type of therapy must be carefully selected and their doctors. The prime candidate people at their 40s and people already suffering from advanced forms of cardiovascular diseases such as angina pectoris and intermittent claudication, because people in this age group will experience some form of cardiovascular disease caused by excessive intake of cholesterol and calcium build up, scar tissue and fat in the arteries.

This form of chelation therapy involves the use of an IV apparatus and EDTA that is a widely used abbreviation for the chemical compound Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. EDTA, the chelation agent, not only helps to clean the harmful substances like lead, uranium, nickel and calcium deposited in the arterial wall but also improves circulation, strengthens the immune system and inhibits the formation of free radicals. With the slow flow of EDTA from the bottle through the IV and eventually into the vein of the patient and blood circulation results in turning back the clock for many potential victims of heart disease. Chelation therapy is not only helpful, as an attractive alternative to bypass surgery, but also has the ability to improve the function of the brain, because this form of therapy is especially helpful in the treatment of arterial blockage in the upper body.

Other benefits of chelation therapy are: reducing the liver produces cholesterol, lowered cholesterol, reducing high blood pressure, and less excessive heart contractions.

With all the success in chelation therapy, it also produces some side effects for some people, such as headache, diarrhea, fainting, fatigue, fever and convulsions. Be sure that you understand all these problems before taking chelation therapy.

I hope this information helps. If you need more information from the above topic, please visit my website at:

 

Kyle J. Norton

http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/
http://heartdiseasespartxix.blogspot.com/
All rights reserved. Any reproducing of this article must have all the links intact.
I have been studying natural remedies for disease prevention for over 20 years and working as a financial consultant since 1990

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2008-10-17

Remedying High Blood Pressure Through Stress Control  

Stress in any form is something that can slowly sabotage your health. It can launch pad for the development of many diseases, but rather in the context of the vernacular they are the heart and circulatory diseases. In fact, a high degree of unmanaged stress is a known risk factor for hypertension.

The stress hormones are the ones who are the link between stress and hypertension. While chronic stress, as we call it adrenaline and cortisol (stress hormones) are consistently on. Correspondingly, the vital functions would change, over the increase of blood pressure. Some experts say that stress can be a risk factor in itself but it can also develop other risk factors. The problem of chronic stress May branch off to a bad nutritional habits, alcohol consumption, smoking and physical inactivity - all of which are risk factors for hypertension.

Stress also influences sleep hygiene. The extent to which a person would actually affect sleep depend on how a person deals with stress. According to studies, those who sleep like a baby at night after a busy day are those who try to ignore the feelings of fear and tension. Those who worry about the feelings of fear and tension are those who have trouble sleeping at night. It was also found in studies that sleep is more vunerable to stress hormone.

Indeed, stress management plays a critical role in blood pressure and other related conditions such as sleep hygiene. Initially, before the attempt to control stress, a person to know and recognize the signs of stress. Stress can be easily managed, because there is a lot of ways to do it, but if these symptoms are often ignored, then the problem can not be promptly.

Physically, a person may have dizziness, headaches, digestive disorders, increased muscle tension, insomnia, sweaty palms, exhaustion and either weight gain or weight loss. On the mental aspect, there can be constant worrying, decision-making problems, poor memory and inability to concentrate. During the period of stress, changes in emotion may be anger, anxiety, depression, mood swings and irritability. Negative attitudes are issued - bossiness, compulsive eating, alcohol /drug abuse, social and withdrawal.

The solution is easy and simple logic - identifying the source of stress and try to reduce. It would not help if you think too much about things that you can not at this moment. Just know that your plan if you do it, and reset the case.

Relaxation aside techniques, such as breathing techniques, muscle relaxation, and medication can also be done. All these can be combined in activities like yoga, Tai Chi or Qigong. Studies show that those who practiced techniques for two to three months, had significant decrease in blood pressure, had lower levels of stress hormones, and were less anxious.

There is also a technique called mental images, where quiet, images created will. Biofeedback on the other side is a method that teaches you to monitor your body while you relax, with the use of instruments for measuring vital functions such as temperature, pulse, and muscle tension. There are also studies to support the effectiveness of biofeedback in the reduction of blood pressure.

Stress reduction simply means not neglecting the importance of regular good sleep and proper eating habits. A short nap is also known to reduce stress. Try an exercise routine that you can enjoy (dancing, swimming, etc.) Even if you are anxious or stressed, sometimes it would be helpful if they all let it out of your chest, your release burden.

 

Gerrard Mackenzie is a contributor at Supercharge Your Sleep. He has taught thousands of the stressed-out, tired and overworked how to overcome their sleeping difficulties, get a better night's rest and have more energy. You can find out more about him at http://www.superchargeyoursleep.com

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2008-10-15

My Heart Struggled to Beat and Nobody Knew Why  

While scrubbing the bathtub one day in January, 2005, I felt a strange feeling in my chest and was weak. My heart no longer beat, then struggling to pound against my chest. It felt like it jumped into my throat. I crashed on the cool tile and took my pulse - 40 Half of my normal heartbeat. I struggled to breathe. After a few minutes, the episode passed and I returned to normal.

That was strange, I thought. With 55 years ago I was in perfect health, was physically active and had no history of heart problems. Neither had any of my 5 siblings or parents. I decided to ignore it.

Then in March, it happened again. A few times a day for two minutes each episode. This went on a week. Growing concerned, I quickly make an appointment with my doctor, but by the time I got in the episodes are no longer occur. My EKG was normal. My doctor said: "Drink more water, and you see these cardiologists, if it happens again." He handed me a referral.

In April, it happened again, off and on for a week. I called the cardiologist, but could not make an appointment until June. In between episodes, I felt great.

In May, it happened again. But this time it was four to five times per day for two weeks. I would go outside to the e-mail and had to crawl back into the house on my hands and knees. In between some episodes, I drove myself to the ER. After parking in the hospital parking lot, my heart went back. I sat down on the curb, wondering how I would be at the door. I come crawling, but I wore new pants and do not want to make them dirty. I walked a few steps, sat down and rested, continue this way until I have to triage nurse.

She into a pulse monitor on my finger, then said: "My God, your pulse is 40!" They whisked me back into a room and has an electrocardiogram. Relieved, I would quickly find an answer, I wholeheartedly. But until then, the sequence had passed and the ECG was normal.

They as a cardiologist and withdrew my nomination. But he told them that I had probably PAC's - a benign condition. I knew it was more than just PAC's. Frustrated, I left, in the hope that a visit to the cardiologist would answers.

My some episodes were frequent and lengthy. The cardiologist ordered a monitor for me to bear. I would record each episode, where they took place. I have more than a dozen episodes. I have also experienced an episode during the performance during the stress test and had stop.

In June, I returned to the cardiologist, anxious to finally have a diagnosis. He smiled and said: "There is nothing wrong with you. It is only PAC's." Then he laughed. "And you went to the ER for?"

Depressed by his reaction, I said: "I can barely walk without having to sit down and rest. It takes forever to make a short walk."

He said: "They need to exercise more." He put me on medication (Toprol), the heart rate. "This will contribute to the PAC's."

I thought that was strange, because my heart went to 40 during these episodes. "These monitors do not pick up all the heart beats," he said. "Your heart really is not 40". I felt like my symptoms were ignored, but I knew he made the best. Because he was the doctor.

Big error. The next day he left a message on my answering machine, "Stop the medication! Come back to see me in August, when I returned from vacation."

What was that all about? I wasn 't stand that so I called the office. He told me that he had shown my monitor strip to a specialist who told him they pointed an electrical block.

I asked him the name This specialist and an appointment with him. A week later, I sat in the electro-physiologist's office. He showed me my monitor strip. "These are not PAC's. You have a Type II, second-degree electrical heart block, and you need a pacemaker. Now! Each time an episode occurs, there is potential negative consequences for the heart. They will die from this if you do not get a pacemaker. "

I learned that my natural pacemaker sends an electrical signal in my heart she says to beat. Because the electrical signal crosses the upper chambers of my heart towards the lower chambers, it stops for some unknown reason. The lower chambers were not always receive the signal beat.

I a pacemaker that July. Finally, after six months, I had a correct diagnosis. It works great, this day.

I think so, because I am a woman, my concerns were not taken seriously. The most important lesson I learned from this is to trust my instincts and always a second opinion, if not satisfied. I knew that something was wrong with me, and I would have more vigorously if my concerns. And by the way, I never returned to that cardiologist.

Copyright Elizabeth Blake 2008

 

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