Posts Tagged ‘Heart Attack’
What is heart disease and why should I be concerned?
Heart disease is a name given to a variety of conditions that affect the performance of the heart. Important examples of heart disease include:
angina, in which there is poor blood circulation to the heart,
heart attack, in which there is death of part of the heart muscle, and
Arrhythmia, in which the rate or rhythm of the heart beat, is abnormal.
Your heart is the engine that drives your body. It is a powerful muscle that pumps blood to your entire body, providing the oxygen and nutrients that you need to live.
How important is exercise for a healthy heart?
Exercise is the one of the best – and most enjoyable – ways of lowering your chances of developing heart disease. Regular exercise helps your heart to become stronger, so it can pump more blood around your body with less effort. Indeed, if you exercise on a regular basis, the chance of you developing heart disease is about half that of people who do no exercise at all. Exercise can also help reduce high cholesterol and high blood pressure (both of which can lead to heart disease), help you to sleep better and help provide a feeling of well-being.
Should I stop smoking?
Yes. Giving up smoking not only reduces your risk of developing heart disease, but also the risk of many other serious illnesses, like cancer and emphysema. No matter how old you are, it is not too late to stop. As soon as you do, your health will improve immediately. Studies show that, after five years of giving up, the risk of developing heart disease is the same as for someone who has never smoked.
Giving up smoking is not easy and it may take several tries before you succeed.
What about high blood pressure?
High blood pressure increases your chances of developing heart disease, but there are usually no signs or symptoms of high blood pressure, so you may not be aware you have it.
Making changes to your lifestyle is a first important step. Try to:
keep at a healthy weight or lose weight, if necessary,
reduce the amount of salt you eat,
give up smoking,
learn to relax and reduce stress,
cut down on alcohol if necessary,
Exercise (see above).
Why should I cut back on alcohol?
We know that people who drink heavily are more likely to die of heart disease than those who do not. So, if you drink, do so in moderation. You may have seen recent reports that drinking in moderation (with an emphasis on moderation) may offer some protection against heart disease. But, if you never drink or seldom drink, do not change your habits – alcohol should not be taken as a medicine.
What about my eating habits?
Eating well can also help prevent heart disease. No one food can provide all the nutrition you need, so eat a variety of foods every day from the following four food groups:
bread, other cereals and potatoes,
fruits and vegetables,
low-fat milk and dairy foods,
Meat, fish and alternatives such as beans and lentils.
Try to cut down on the amount of salt that you add to your food and avoid processed foods that have a high salt content.
By: Sajid Latif
About the Author:
Heart disease is a name given to a variety of conditions that affect the performance of the heart. Important examples of heart disease include:
angina, in which there is poor blood circulation to the heart,
heart attack, in which there is death of part of the heart muscle, and
Arrhythmia, in which the rate or rhythm of the heart beat, is abnormal.
Your heart is the engine that drives your body. It is a powerful muscle that pumps blood to your entire body, providing the oxygen and nutrients that you need to live.
How important is exercise for a healthy heart?
Exercise is the one of the best – and most enjoyable – ways of lowering your chances of developing heart disease. Regular exercise helps your heart to become stronger, so it can pump more blood around your body with less effort. Indeed, if you exercise on a regular basis, the chance of you developing heart disease is about half that of people who do no exercise at all. Exercise can also help reduce high cholesterol and high blood pressure (both of which can lead to heart disease), help you to sleep better and help provide a feeling of well-being.
Should I stop smoking?
Yes. Giving up smoking not only reduces your risk of developing heart disease, but also the risk of many other serious illnesses, like cancer and emphysema. No matter how old you are, it is not too late to stop. As soon as you do, your health will improve immediately. Studies show that, after five years of giving up, the risk of developing heart disease is the same as for someone who has never smoked.
Giving up smoking is not easy and it may take several tries before you succeed.
What about high blood pressure?
High blood pressure increases your chances of developing heart disease, but there are usually no signs or symptoms of high blood pressure, so you may not be aware you have it.
Making changes to your lifestyle is a first important step. Try to:
keep at a healthy weight or lose weight, if necessary,
reduce the amount of salt you eat,
give up smoking,
learn to relax and reduce stress,
cut down on alcohol if necessary,
Exercise (see above).
Why should I cut back on alcohol?
We know that people who drink heavily are more likely to die of heart disease than those who do not. So, if you drink, do so in moderation. You may have seen recent reports that drinking in moderation (with an emphasis on moderation) may offer some protection against heart disease. But, if you never drink or seldom drink, do not change your habits – alcohol should not be taken as a medicine.
What about my eating habits?
Eating well can also help prevent heart disease. No one food can provide all the nutrition you need, so eat a variety of foods every day from the following four food groups:
bread, other cereals and potatoes,
fruits and vegetables,
low-fat milk and dairy foods,
Meat, fish and alternatives such as beans and lentils.
Try to cut down on the amount of salt that you add to your food and avoid processed foods that have a high salt content.
By: Sajid Latif
About the Author:
Sajid Latif is writing in financial topics and have strong knowledge in all financial matters and points like money and finance, loans life insurance and health insurance etc. To get one best quote for health insurance please visit us.
When you mention heart disease, usually you think of it as a single condition, yet there are actually quite a few different types of heart disease which you can develop. So what different types of heart disease are there and just how can you tell which type you may have?
Knowing the Different Types of Heart Disease
Heart disease generally refers to all different sections of the heart. It could be a problem to do with the hearts valves, the heart’s lining or even the heart’s muscles. Generally every single part of the heart could be affected and each part refers to a different type of heart disease.
Some of the different types of heart disease include:
*Coronary Artery Disease
This is by far one of the most common types of heart disease and it is one of the biggest killers within America. This type of disease occurs when the heart is not getting enough blood into it and therefore it does not get enough oxygen in order to pump the blood back around the body. The scary thing about coronary heart disease is that it can occur with no prior warning signs and that can sometimes, in severe cases, lead to death. Other symptoms of the condition include a possible heart attack and angina.
*Endocarditis
Endocarditis is basically a disease of the heart valves and it occurs in the Endocardium which is a membrane which lines the inside of the heart’s valves. The disease is caused by an infection of bacteria usually and once infected surgery is usually needed.
*High Blood Pressure
Not many people realize that high blood pressure is actually a heart disease. It is generally a condition which is caused by pressure onto the artery walls and it causes the heart to beat harder and faster than it would normally have to. It is possible for heart failure to develop due to high blood pressure and also an aneurysm can also occur.
*Congestive Heart Failure
This condition occurs when the heart does not beat effectively. This could be down to the heart being too weak or it could be damaged and that can cause a lack of control over the blood flow. This lack of control of blood flow then ensures that muscles and tissues are not getting the right amount of blood and oxygen which they need, and that can then cause various different symptoms. Constantly feeling tired and swelling in various areas of the body could occur and if the condition is particularly severe it can lead to a shortness of breath and very pale skin.
By: Ernest Barby
About the Author:
Knowing the Different Types of Heart Disease
Heart disease generally refers to all different sections of the heart. It could be a problem to do with the hearts valves, the heart’s lining or even the heart’s muscles. Generally every single part of the heart could be affected and each part refers to a different type of heart disease.
Some of the different types of heart disease include:
*Coronary Artery Disease
This is by far one of the most common types of heart disease and it is one of the biggest killers within America. This type of disease occurs when the heart is not getting enough blood into it and therefore it does not get enough oxygen in order to pump the blood back around the body. The scary thing about coronary heart disease is that it can occur with no prior warning signs and that can sometimes, in severe cases, lead to death. Other symptoms of the condition include a possible heart attack and angina.
*Endocarditis
Endocarditis is basically a disease of the heart valves and it occurs in the Endocardium which is a membrane which lines the inside of the heart’s valves. The disease is caused by an infection of bacteria usually and once infected surgery is usually needed.
*High Blood Pressure
Not many people realize that high blood pressure is actually a heart disease. It is generally a condition which is caused by pressure onto the artery walls and it causes the heart to beat harder and faster than it would normally have to. It is possible for heart failure to develop due to high blood pressure and also an aneurysm can also occur.
*Congestive Heart Failure
This condition occurs when the heart does not beat effectively. This could be down to the heart being too weak or it could be damaged and that can cause a lack of control over the blood flow. This lack of control of blood flow then ensures that muscles and tissues are not getting the right amount of blood and oxygen which they need, and that can then cause various different symptoms. Constantly feeling tired and swelling in various areas of the body could occur and if the condition is particularly severe it can lead to a shortness of breath and very pale skin.
By: Ernest Barby
About the Author:
Ernest is the owner of http://www.HeartDiseaseToday.us you can view the website at: Ernest is the owner of http://www.HeartDiseaseToday.us you can view the website at: Heart Disease Today , the site offers up-to-date information and tips about acne and many of the latest treatments , the site offers up-to-date information and tips about acne and many of the latest treatments
Heart disease is the main cause of death for women, causing four out of every ten deaths. If you are a woman you are eight times more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than from breast cancer. More women pass away from heart disease than from all types of cancer combined. Roughly as many women die from heart disease and stroke each year as men.
• Women may be more likely to experience uncharacteristic warning signs such as indistinct chest discomfort • Some risk factors such as hormones and diabetes can considerably add to the risk of heart attack amongst women. • Some diagnostic tests and treatments for heart attack may not work as well on women. • In the past, heart disease among women was not treated as aggressively as men and fewer women were referred for treatments such as bypass surgery and balloon angioplasty following a heart attack.
Recognize the warning signs and take action fast!
Learn the indication of heart disease. Learn the signs of heart attack. They are different.
Early warning signs of heart disease in women include:
• Pain or discomfort in the chest that comes on with physical activity and goes away with rest • Shortness of breath, breathlessness, or unusual tiredness with physical activity • Physical activities that used to be easy or normal have become difficult
If you experience any of these feelings, seek medical advice.
Warning signs of heart attack in women
• Vague chest tightness, discomfort, pain or a crushing radiating chest pain • Heaviness, pressure, squeezing, fullness, burning or pain that may begin in the center of the chest and spread to the neck, jaws, and shoulder • Unusual pain that spreads down one or both arms • Shortness of breath, paleness, sweating or weakness • Nausea, vomiting and/or indigestion • Feelings of extreme anxiety, fear and/or denial
If you experience any of these feelings, tell someone right away or call for emergency help.
By: James Hunt
About the Author:
• Women may be more likely to experience uncharacteristic warning signs such as indistinct chest discomfort • Some risk factors such as hormones and diabetes can considerably add to the risk of heart attack amongst women. • Some diagnostic tests and treatments for heart attack may not work as well on women. • In the past, heart disease among women was not treated as aggressively as men and fewer women were referred for treatments such as bypass surgery and balloon angioplasty following a heart attack.
Recognize the warning signs and take action fast!
Learn the indication of heart disease. Learn the signs of heart attack. They are different.
Early warning signs of heart disease in women include:
• Pain or discomfort in the chest that comes on with physical activity and goes away with rest • Shortness of breath, breathlessness, or unusual tiredness with physical activity • Physical activities that used to be easy or normal have become difficult
If you experience any of these feelings, seek medical advice.
Warning signs of heart attack in women
• Vague chest tightness, discomfort, pain or a crushing radiating chest pain • Heaviness, pressure, squeezing, fullness, burning or pain that may begin in the center of the chest and spread to the neck, jaws, and shoulder • Unusual pain that spreads down one or both arms • Shortness of breath, paleness, sweating or weakness • Nausea, vomiting and/or indigestion • Feelings of extreme anxiety, fear and/or denial
If you experience any of these feelings, tell someone right away or call for emergency help.
By: James Hunt
About the Author:
James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest.
Read more at www.heart-disease-central.info
Read more at www.heart-disease-central.info
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the nation’s single leading cause of death for both men and women. At least 58.8 million people in this country suffer from some form of heart disease. Men have a greater risk of heart attack than women do, and they have attacks earlier in life. Even after menopause, when women’s death rate from heart disease increases, it’s not as great as men’s. But the good news is that measures can be taken to prevent heart disease. Studies show that nearly everyone can become more heart healthy by following a few key steps, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy body weight.
The American Heart Association has identified several risk factors. Some of them can be modified, treated or controlled, and some can’t. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing coronary heart disease. Also, the greater the level of each risk factor, the greater the risk. For example, a person with a total cholesterol of 300 mg/dL has a greater risk than someone with a total cholesterol of 245 mg/dL, even though everyone with a total cholesterol greater than 240 is considered high-risk.
Food has a powerful influence on health. What you eat, interacting with other risk factors, substantially determines the development of coronary heart disease. The principal components of food are fat, carbohydrate, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. The goals of a heart-healthy diet are to eat foods that help obtain or maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and lipids (fatty molecules) by achieving the following:
ท Reducing overall cholesterol levels and low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which are harmful to the heart.
ท Increasing high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which are beneficial for the heart.
ท Reducing other harmful lipids (fatty molecules), such as tri-glycerides and lipoprotein(a).
By: Eric Timmy
About the Author:
The American Heart Association has identified several risk factors. Some of them can be modified, treated or controlled, and some can’t. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing coronary heart disease. Also, the greater the level of each risk factor, the greater the risk. For example, a person with a total cholesterol of 300 mg/dL has a greater risk than someone with a total cholesterol of 245 mg/dL, even though everyone with a total cholesterol greater than 240 is considered high-risk.
Food has a powerful influence on health. What you eat, interacting with other risk factors, substantially determines the development of coronary heart disease. The principal components of food are fat, carbohydrate, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. The goals of a heart-healthy diet are to eat foods that help obtain or maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and lipids (fatty molecules) by achieving the following:
ท Reducing overall cholesterol levels and low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which are harmful to the heart.
ท Increasing high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which are beneficial for the heart.
ท Reducing other harmful lipids (fatty molecules), such as tri-glycerides and lipoprotein(a).
By: Eric Timmy
About the Author:
Read more article at Heart Diet Center
It’s considered one of the biggest killers in the United States. In fact, an estimated 13.2 million Americans suffer from coronary heart disease. With a number sufferers that rivals the population of some small countries, this disease is serious business. But, what is it and how can it be detected and prevented? When it comes to coronary heart disease, CHD for short, knowledge and action are key. Prevention isn’t always possible, but steps can be taken.
Coronary heart disease is a condition that results from the creation of plaques along the walls of the coronary arteries. This essentially impacts blood flow to the heart. The process is call atherosclerosis. If the condition continues, the heart can become deprived of oxygen, which weakens it and may even lead to the “death” of certain parts of the heart. This, of course, means a heart attack, which can be fatal.
Here are some facts about the disease and its impacts:
* The condition is the biggest cause of death for men and women in the United States. It’s estimated nearly 500,000 people die each year from this most ravaging of conditions.
* The United States alone records about 1.2 million heart attacks a year. Doing the math shows just under half the cases die, which is unacceptable in any book.
* The sad but true fact about coronary heart disease is that in many cases the condition was preventable. Risk factors, for the most part, involve lifestyle choices - with a few exceptions.
The risk factors of coronary heart disease are many, but keep in mind, most are personal choices. They include:
* High blood pressure, which can be medically or stress caused.
* High cholesterol
* Smoking
* Obesity
* Physical inactivity. When the heart doesn’t get a work out, the whole body can pay eventually.
* Diabetes
* Stress
The key to preventing CHD is to recognize its risk factors and take steps to eliminate them or at least lessen them in a person’s life. While not all things that cause CHD can be removed, doing things such as quitting smoking, eating right and adding exercise to a routine can very much lessen the chances of problems down the road.
Detecting CHD in a person involves an invasive test called an angiography. While the condition’s presence can be guessed at otherwise, and in most cases a guess is accurate, the angiography is required for a definitive diagnosis. An invasive procedure, this test involves the insertion of a tube into the artery that releases a dye. A picture is then taken with the dye helping to highlight blocked areas. The test can be done during an inpatient hospital stay or even at an outpatient facility.
While the best treatment for CHD is total prevention, that won’t do the trick every time. Surgery is available and many times those on the path for having a heart attack can change course in time to avoid disaster. Eating right, exercising and not smoking are key to avoiding the disease as is following doctor’s orders.
CHD is the biggest killer in the United States. Its prevention is possible, but people have to be willing to stay the course. There are ways to avoid the tragedy that is a heart attack, but it’s up to the individual to ensure success.
By: Ray La Foy
About the Author:
Coronary heart disease is a condition that results from the creation of plaques along the walls of the coronary arteries. This essentially impacts blood flow to the heart. The process is call atherosclerosis. If the condition continues, the heart can become deprived of oxygen, which weakens it and may even lead to the “death” of certain parts of the heart. This, of course, means a heart attack, which can be fatal.
Here are some facts about the disease and its impacts:
* The condition is the biggest cause of death for men and women in the United States. It’s estimated nearly 500,000 people die each year from this most ravaging of conditions.
* The United States alone records about 1.2 million heart attacks a year. Doing the math shows just under half the cases die, which is unacceptable in any book.
* The sad but true fact about coronary heart disease is that in many cases the condition was preventable. Risk factors, for the most part, involve lifestyle choices - with a few exceptions.
The risk factors of coronary heart disease are many, but keep in mind, most are personal choices. They include:
* High blood pressure, which can be medically or stress caused.
* High cholesterol
* Smoking
* Obesity
* Physical inactivity. When the heart doesn’t get a work out, the whole body can pay eventually.
* Diabetes
* Stress
The key to preventing CHD is to recognize its risk factors and take steps to eliminate them or at least lessen them in a person’s life. While not all things that cause CHD can be removed, doing things such as quitting smoking, eating right and adding exercise to a routine can very much lessen the chances of problems down the road.
Detecting CHD in a person involves an invasive test called an angiography. While the condition’s presence can be guessed at otherwise, and in most cases a guess is accurate, the angiography is required for a definitive diagnosis. An invasive procedure, this test involves the insertion of a tube into the artery that releases a dye. A picture is then taken with the dye helping to highlight blocked areas. The test can be done during an inpatient hospital stay or even at an outpatient facility.
While the best treatment for CHD is total prevention, that won’t do the trick every time. Surgery is available and many times those on the path for having a heart attack can change course in time to avoid disaster. Eating right, exercising and not smoking are key to avoiding the disease as is following doctor’s orders.
CHD is the biggest killer in the United States. Its prevention is possible, but people have to be willing to stay the course. There are ways to avoid the tragedy that is a heart attack, but it’s up to the individual to ensure success.
By: Ray La Foy
About the Author:
Copyright (c) 2008 At Peace With Food
It’s in the news all the time: heart disease. Why don’t we take a few moments and look at some of the ways you can lower your risk for developing this #1 killer of men and women.
It is about what is called ?risk reduction.? No one can promise you that if you make all the changes in the world you will never have a heart attack (hey, you can get hit by a car while crossing the street after buying your lowfat soy mocha). What you need to do is work on reducing your RISK for developing the disease.
To that end, let me tell you about the different types of risk factors involved in heart disease.
I divide risk factors into two categories:changeable and non-changeable; ones you can do something about, and ones you can?t.
There are three non changeable risk factors for heart disease: age, gender and genetics. You can?t change the fact that, even as you read this article, you are getting older, and the older you are, the greater your risk for heart disease. The plan is to delay that event for as long as you can! Males tend to have more heart attacks than women, particularly pre menopausal women. Studies show the level of heart disease in post menopausal women is the same as men. It is possible that there is a hormonal reason for this, but none of the studies have been able to prove that replacing the hormones lost during menopause (particularly estrogen and progesterone) eliminates the risk. However, research is ongoing, so we shall have to wait and work on our changeable risk factors!
The third non changeable factor is genetics. Unfortunate, but true-you cannot pick your parents. If either of your parents had heart disease, especially at an early age, your risk is much higher than someone whose parents did not have heart disease.
Which brings us to: changeable risk factors. There are many ways you can modify your behavior to reduce your risk for heart disease-including the following:
1-Diet. By changing the composition of your diet, you may be able to reduce the buildup of cholesterol (actually what is known as ?plaque?) on your artery walls. Lowering your intake of saturated fat is a major step. Saturated fat is found primarily in animal foods, so try to buy lean cuts of meat, fish, poultry. Using unsaturated fats, such as nuts, seeds, oils may help lower your cholesterol levels as well.
2-Exercise. Increasing activity may help make your heart stronger, and increase your blood levels of HDL, also known as healthy cholesterol.
3-Quit smoking. While cigarettes do not raise blood cholesterol levels, the chemicals act on your arteries to make them inelastic, a condition known as arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
4- Reduce stress. However you define stress, find a way to deal with it! Yoga, pilates, meditation-you need to lower your stress levels because they may be related to raising yet another risk factor->
5-Blood Pressure. If you are overweight, unable to deal with stress, your blood pressure may rise, increasing your risk for heart attack and stroke. Lifestyle change and medication may be very helpful at reducing blood pressure.
These are only a few of the ways you can modify the changeable risk factors in your life to lower your chances for developing heart disease. You need to decide what you are capable of doing, working together with your health care providers and your family. While there are no guarantees, there are no downsides to making time to take care of yourself.
Now get started!
By: Leeann Simons
About the Author:
It’s in the news all the time: heart disease. Why don’t we take a few moments and look at some of the ways you can lower your risk for developing this #1 killer of men and women.
It is about what is called ?risk reduction.? No one can promise you that if you make all the changes in the world you will never have a heart attack (hey, you can get hit by a car while crossing the street after buying your lowfat soy mocha). What you need to do is work on reducing your RISK for developing the disease.
To that end, let me tell you about the different types of risk factors involved in heart disease.
I divide risk factors into two categories:changeable and non-changeable; ones you can do something about, and ones you can?t.
There are three non changeable risk factors for heart disease: age, gender and genetics. You can?t change the fact that, even as you read this article, you are getting older, and the older you are, the greater your risk for heart disease. The plan is to delay that event for as long as you can! Males tend to have more heart attacks than women, particularly pre menopausal women. Studies show the level of heart disease in post menopausal women is the same as men. It is possible that there is a hormonal reason for this, but none of the studies have been able to prove that replacing the hormones lost during menopause (particularly estrogen and progesterone) eliminates the risk. However, research is ongoing, so we shall have to wait and work on our changeable risk factors!
The third non changeable factor is genetics. Unfortunate, but true-you cannot pick your parents. If either of your parents had heart disease, especially at an early age, your risk is much higher than someone whose parents did not have heart disease.
Which brings us to: changeable risk factors. There are many ways you can modify your behavior to reduce your risk for heart disease-including the following:
1-Diet. By changing the composition of your diet, you may be able to reduce the buildup of cholesterol (actually what is known as ?plaque?) on your artery walls. Lowering your intake of saturated fat is a major step. Saturated fat is found primarily in animal foods, so try to buy lean cuts of meat, fish, poultry. Using unsaturated fats, such as nuts, seeds, oils may help lower your cholesterol levels as well.
2-Exercise. Increasing activity may help make your heart stronger, and increase your blood levels of HDL, also known as healthy cholesterol.
3-Quit smoking. While cigarettes do not raise blood cholesterol levels, the chemicals act on your arteries to make them inelastic, a condition known as arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
4- Reduce stress. However you define stress, find a way to deal with it! Yoga, pilates, meditation-you need to lower your stress levels because they may be related to raising yet another risk factor->
5-Blood Pressure. If you are overweight, unable to deal with stress, your blood pressure may rise, increasing your risk for heart attack and stroke. Lifestyle change and medication may be very helpful at reducing blood pressure.
These are only a few of the ways you can modify the changeable risk factors in your life to lower your chances for developing heart disease. You need to decide what you are capable of doing, working together with your health care providers and your family. While there are no guarantees, there are no downsides to making time to take care of yourself.
Now get started!
By: Leeann Simons
About the Author:
For more information on becoming At Peace With Food
In the recent issue Circulation, a new method for detecting heart disease was discussed. This may offer hope for those with a family history of heart disease. Scientists at Michigan University and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN discovered that by administering calcium to patients may allow doctors to detect blocked arteries for people who show no symptoms of disease. This is a non-evasive way for doctors to detect heart disease early.
This is a fifteen minute test, called electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) test which detects calcium in arteries. Originally this test was used for patients already experiencing symptoms of heart disease, but researchers have discovered this EBCT test can be used for those not experiencing heart disease and is very effective. A study was tested on both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients and the results were seventy percent accurate.
You might be wondering how the EBCT works? This test measures the calcium buildup or deposits in artery plaque. Plaque in the arteries will block blood flow and eventually can lead to coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary arteries supply your heart with blood and oxygen. A complete blockage in one of these arteries can cause a heart attack. Calcium seems to adhere to plaque in the arteries so scientists have determined that the more calcium detected by the EBCT test means more plaque in the arteries and the more advanced CAD a person could have. If patients of 50 years or older scoring 200 or more and patients younger than 50 years old scoring 100 or more could have early onset CAD. This applies for both men and women.
If you suspect that you have CAD, here are some simple signs and symptoms to look for. One symptom is chest pain, do you feel tightness or pressure in your chest as if someone is pressing against your chest or standing on it? This sort of pain is usually triggered by physical or emotional stress. The pain goes away when you stop the stressful activity. This pain may feel sharp extending to your abdomen, back and/or arms.
Second symptom you may experience is shortness of breath. This happens when your heart can not pump enough blood to supply the body’s needs. You could experience heart failure - shortness of breath can be followed by extreme fatigue, and swelling of the feet and angles.
Thirdly and worst is heart attack, this happens when the arteries are completely blocked. Symptoms may vary but usually consist of terrible chest pain, pain in shoulders and arms, followed by shortness of breath. Women tend to experience other warning signs like nausea, back and/or jaw pain. Occasionally heart attacks display no symptoms.
If you have a family history of heart attacks, early detection is recommended. When one goes for regular screenings, most doctors use one of the following electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, angiogram, electron beam computerized tomography (EBCT), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or perform a stress test.
When a heart attack occurs, the heart is damaged and it is irreversible. Its best to take steps to change your life style such as quitting smoking, monitoring and controlling blood pressure, get regular cholesterol checks, keep diabetes under control, exercise regularly, manage stress levels, maintain a healthy weight level, and above all eat healthy foods. Nutritionists suggest taking a multiple vitamin on a regular basis to help support your healthy diet. If you are looking for a good multiple vitamin, stick with name brand vitamins that supply a full spectrum of natural ingredients, stay away form synthetic brands. All natural multiple vitamins can be found at your local or internet health food store.
By: Darrell Miller
About the Author:
This is a fifteen minute test, called electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) test which detects calcium in arteries. Originally this test was used for patients already experiencing symptoms of heart disease, but researchers have discovered this EBCT test can be used for those not experiencing heart disease and is very effective. A study was tested on both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients and the results were seventy percent accurate.
You might be wondering how the EBCT works? This test measures the calcium buildup or deposits in artery plaque. Plaque in the arteries will block blood flow and eventually can lead to coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary arteries supply your heart with blood and oxygen. A complete blockage in one of these arteries can cause a heart attack. Calcium seems to adhere to plaque in the arteries so scientists have determined that the more calcium detected by the EBCT test means more plaque in the arteries and the more advanced CAD a person could have. If patients of 50 years or older scoring 200 or more and patients younger than 50 years old scoring 100 or more could have early onset CAD. This applies for both men and women.
If you suspect that you have CAD, here are some simple signs and symptoms to look for. One symptom is chest pain, do you feel tightness or pressure in your chest as if someone is pressing against your chest or standing on it? This sort of pain is usually triggered by physical or emotional stress. The pain goes away when you stop the stressful activity. This pain may feel sharp extending to your abdomen, back and/or arms.
Second symptom you may experience is shortness of breath. This happens when your heart can not pump enough blood to supply the body’s needs. You could experience heart failure - shortness of breath can be followed by extreme fatigue, and swelling of the feet and angles.
Thirdly and worst is heart attack, this happens when the arteries are completely blocked. Symptoms may vary but usually consist of terrible chest pain, pain in shoulders and arms, followed by shortness of breath. Women tend to experience other warning signs like nausea, back and/or jaw pain. Occasionally heart attacks display no symptoms.
If you have a family history of heart attacks, early detection is recommended. When one goes for regular screenings, most doctors use one of the following electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, angiogram, electron beam computerized tomography (EBCT), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or perform a stress test.
When a heart attack occurs, the heart is damaged and it is irreversible. Its best to take steps to change your life style such as quitting smoking, monitoring and controlling blood pressure, get regular cholesterol checks, keep diabetes under control, exercise regularly, manage stress levels, maintain a healthy weight level, and above all eat healthy foods. Nutritionists suggest taking a multiple vitamin on a regular basis to help support your healthy diet. If you are looking for a good multiple vitamin, stick with name brand vitamins that supply a full spectrum of natural ingredients, stay away form synthetic brands. All natural multiple vitamins can be found at your local or internet health food store.
By: Darrell Miller
About the Author:
Please visit VitaNet, LLC. Vitamin store, VitaNet sells vitamins, herbs as well as Multiple Vitamins. Please link to this site when using this article.
For many heart patients finding a way for reversing heart disease is a dream while for others it may be a goal, which they believe may someday be available. When many professionals talks about reversing heart diseases they may be referring to the possibility of halting, or at least slowing the progression of the disease. Many cardiologists state that reversing damage done to the heart is not within the scope of today’s medicine and that many surgical techniques can repair damaged blood vessels and even the heart valves, but are dubious about the use of natural medications to reverse any damage already done by heart disease.
Many heart experts claim that once a heart is broke, it is nearly impossible to fix. Valves can be replaced and vessel repaired but there is no known way to allow the body to heal on its own, as far as heart disease is concerned. Many claims of reversing heart disease focus on the effects of a person’s lifestyle and diet has the future of their heart health.
For years the medical community has a drawn a direct correlation between a person’s diet and heart disease. Add to that a lack of exercise and the stage is set for a heart attack. However, some medical professionals dispute the diet-heart connection as being total and point to many other ways of reversing heart disease than a vegetarian lifestyle.
Focus On Overall Individual Health.
While disputes continued over the relationship of diet and heart disease, everyone agrees that eating nutritious meals instead of nutrition-empty calories will have a beneficial effect on reversing heart disease. Exercise is also important as studies have repeatedly shown a connection between a healthy heart and a person’s weight.
When a person is significantly overweight, the heart has to work harder and while under stress may simply give up, causing a heart attack. An overweight person can begin reversing heart disease by losing weight to a level that matches their height and body type. Eating healthy, balanced meals to achieve weight loss is much better for reversing heart problems than crash dieting that can starve the body of vitamins and minerals needed for health.
Lifestyle changes including eating right and exercising can go a long way towards reversing heart diseases, but once the heart muscle is damaged, there is no known way to heal it on its own. Heart transplants have been successful, but replacing the heart is in no way part of reversing heart diseases.
Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with diseases of the heart such as Vitamin E, Potassium and Phytosterols.
Vitamin E may have a role in reducing the risk of lung cancer, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health. It supplies oxygen to the heart and other muscles of the body and aids in the functioning of the immune system.
Potassium may help prevent high blood pressure and protect against artherosclerosis and reduce the risk of stroke.
Phytosterols is found in flax seed and peanuts, which are suggested to help lower serum cholesterol.
By: David Cowley
About the Author:
Many heart experts claim that once a heart is broke, it is nearly impossible to fix. Valves can be replaced and vessel repaired but there is no known way to allow the body to heal on its own, as far as heart disease is concerned. Many claims of reversing heart disease focus on the effects of a person’s lifestyle and diet has the future of their heart health.
For years the medical community has a drawn a direct correlation between a person’s diet and heart disease. Add to that a lack of exercise and the stage is set for a heart attack. However, some medical professionals dispute the diet-heart connection as being total and point to many other ways of reversing heart disease than a vegetarian lifestyle.
Focus On Overall Individual Health.
While disputes continued over the relationship of diet and heart disease, everyone agrees that eating nutritious meals instead of nutrition-empty calories will have a beneficial effect on reversing heart disease. Exercise is also important as studies have repeatedly shown a connection between a healthy heart and a person’s weight.
When a person is significantly overweight, the heart has to work harder and while under stress may simply give up, causing a heart attack. An overweight person can begin reversing heart disease by losing weight to a level that matches their height and body type. Eating healthy, balanced meals to achieve weight loss is much better for reversing heart problems than crash dieting that can starve the body of vitamins and minerals needed for health.
Lifestyle changes including eating right and exercising can go a long way towards reversing heart diseases, but once the heart muscle is damaged, there is no known way to heal it on its own. Heart transplants have been successful, but replacing the heart is in no way part of reversing heart diseases.
Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with diseases of the heart such as Vitamin E, Potassium and Phytosterols.
Vitamin E may have a role in reducing the risk of lung cancer, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health. It supplies oxygen to the heart and other muscles of the body and aids in the functioning of the immune system.
Potassium may help prevent high blood pressure and protect against artherosclerosis and reduce the risk of stroke.
Phytosterols is found in flax seed and peanuts, which are suggested to help lower serum cholesterol.
By: David Cowley
About the Author:
David Cowley has created numerous articles on heart disease. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to heart disease and how to treat them. Visit Heart Disease
Every year, more than a million people in the United States alone suffer from a heart attack, a stroke or cardiac arrest. Studies have shown that half of those patients will die within an hour after the first symptoms start showing and on the way to the hospital.
Heart diseases are the end result of many things. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, drinking and being overweight. If people do not make some lifestyle changes, the chances of this happening are much higher as the person gets older.
So how can people prevent the occurrence of heart disease? It’s best for the person to undergo a physical exam and discuss certain things with the doctor to be able to find a solution for each.
If the individual smokes a lot, it is best to quit. Studies have shown that people who stop are able to decrease the risk almost immediately. It is hard to give up this habit so this should be done gradually to prevent the person from having withdrawal symptoms.
Having high blood pressure is usually attributed to the kind of food being consumed by the person. It is best then to add some fruits, vegetables and whole grains to the diet to balance out the oils and fats usually found in meat.
Exercise can also prevent heart diseases. The person doesn’t have to enroll in a gym but take an occasional stroll or engage in a sport with friends. This will help the individual burn excess calories and keep the heart pumping.
Alcohol as mentioned earlier may also contribute to heart disease. Studies have shown that having one or two drinks a day is safe while anything more than that is dangerous to one’s health.
Prevention is key against heart disease especially if there is a medical history of this in the family or because everyone has the same sort of diet or lifestyle risk. This means that everyone must sit down and consult with the family physician the changes that have to be made.
Aside from making certain changes, here are two medications that can also be used to prevent heart disease.
The first is aspirin. Studies have shown that this can make the blood thinner and lessen the size of blood clots especially during a heart attack. This is usually given to individuals who had an experience in the past.
People who want are healthy and want to use aspirin must first consult with a doctor since this drug has not yet been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration.
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or ACE is one drug that can be used for a lot of things. This can stop the production of a chemical that makes the blood vessels narrow and help control high blood pressure for a damaged heart muscle.
The doctor may recommend this to a patient after an attack or for those who’s heart is unable to pump enough blood to supply the body’s needs.
There are other drugs that can be used to prevent heart disease. The right prescription can only be given after a thorough checkup.
Timing is everything when a stroke occurs. The longer that blood is cut off, the greater the chances of brain damage. It’s best then to take preventive measures so this can be avoided.
By: Hector Milla
About the Author:
Heart diseases are the end result of many things. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, drinking and being overweight. If people do not make some lifestyle changes, the chances of this happening are much higher as the person gets older.
So how can people prevent the occurrence of heart disease? It’s best for the person to undergo a physical exam and discuss certain things with the doctor to be able to find a solution for each.
If the individual smokes a lot, it is best to quit. Studies have shown that people who stop are able to decrease the risk almost immediately. It is hard to give up this habit so this should be done gradually to prevent the person from having withdrawal symptoms.
Having high blood pressure is usually attributed to the kind of food being consumed by the person. It is best then to add some fruits, vegetables and whole grains to the diet to balance out the oils and fats usually found in meat.
Exercise can also prevent heart diseases. The person doesn’t have to enroll in a gym but take an occasional stroll or engage in a sport with friends. This will help the individual burn excess calories and keep the heart pumping.
Alcohol as mentioned earlier may also contribute to heart disease. Studies have shown that having one or two drinks a day is safe while anything more than that is dangerous to one’s health.
Prevention is key against heart disease especially if there is a medical history of this in the family or because everyone has the same sort of diet or lifestyle risk. This means that everyone must sit down and consult with the family physician the changes that have to be made.
Aside from making certain changes, here are two medications that can also be used to prevent heart disease.
The first is aspirin. Studies have shown that this can make the blood thinner and lessen the size of blood clots especially during a heart attack. This is usually given to individuals who had an experience in the past.
People who want are healthy and want to use aspirin must first consult with a doctor since this drug has not yet been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration.
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or ACE is one drug that can be used for a lot of things. This can stop the production of a chemical that makes the blood vessels narrow and help control high blood pressure for a damaged heart muscle.
The doctor may recommend this to a patient after an attack or for those who’s heart is unable to pump enough blood to supply the body’s needs.
There are other drugs that can be used to prevent heart disease. The right prescription can only be given after a thorough checkup.
Timing is everything when a stroke occurs. The longer that blood is cut off, the greater the chances of brain damage. It’s best then to take preventive measures so this can be avoided.
By: Hector Milla
About the Author:
Hector Milla is editor of http://www.heartdiseasesympton.com/ , a website about :: Hearth Disease Symptoms :: , thanks for publish this article in your website or ezine keeping a live link.
Seven Ways To avoid heart disease
Quit Smoking
Smoking accounts for more than 20% of all cardiovascular deaths.But if you quit , your risk of CHD drops by a whopping 50 percent within 12 months. In 15 years , risk of dying from CHD drops to nearly the same as non smokers.
Eat More Vegetables, fish and grains
Use oil and ghee sparingly. Foods high in saturated fat and cholestrol can raise levels of cholestrol in the blood and plug arteries . For every 10 percent above acceptable levels , the risk of CHD increases by 20 percent.
Reduce Your Intake Of Salt
Foods high in soudium ( such as soya sauce and monosodium glutamate) contribute to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke. High blood pressure is often symptom - less making it crucial to have a simple blood pressure test.
Get Active
People who exercise even as little as three to ten minutes bouts of vigorous activity in a day can decrease their risk of heart attack by 40 percent.
Reduce Stress
Mounting evidence suggests that job related stress is a risk factor for heart disease. Find time to relax . Try yoga and meditation for distressing.
Dont Forget Your Kids
It takes about 20 years for coronary arteries to block up . That means parents are the first line of defence in protecting their children from heart disease later in life by serving healthy food at home and limiting junk food. Helping children maintain a healthy weight by encouragin physical activity instead of letting them sit in front of the computer or TV means they are likely to carry healthy habits into adulthood.
Get A Checkup
This is advice that is valid for everyone - and specially if you have a close relative who died from heart disease or stroke before age of 60. You too could be at risk.
Click Here For More Information And Tips On Healthy Heart Maintainence
By: Ajeet Gautam
About the Author:
Quit Smoking
Smoking accounts for more than 20% of all cardiovascular deaths.But if you quit , your risk of CHD drops by a whopping 50 percent within 12 months. In 15 years , risk of dying from CHD drops to nearly the same as non smokers.
Eat More Vegetables, fish and grains
Use oil and ghee sparingly. Foods high in saturated fat and cholestrol can raise levels of cholestrol in the blood and plug arteries . For every 10 percent above acceptable levels , the risk of CHD increases by 20 percent.
Reduce Your Intake Of Salt
Foods high in soudium ( such as soya sauce and monosodium glutamate) contribute to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke. High blood pressure is often symptom - less making it crucial to have a simple blood pressure test.
Get Active
People who exercise even as little as three to ten minutes bouts of vigorous activity in a day can decrease their risk of heart attack by 40 percent.
Reduce Stress
Mounting evidence suggests that job related stress is a risk factor for heart disease. Find time to relax . Try yoga and meditation for distressing.
Dont Forget Your Kids
It takes about 20 years for coronary arteries to block up . That means parents are the first line of defence in protecting their children from heart disease later in life by serving healthy food at home and limiting junk food. Helping children maintain a healthy weight by encouragin physical activity instead of letting them sit in front of the computer or TV means they are likely to carry healthy habits into adulthood.
Get A Checkup
This is advice that is valid for everyone - and specially if you have a close relative who died from heart disease or stroke before age of 60. You too could be at risk.
Click Here For More Information And Tips On Healthy Heart Maintainence
By: Ajeet Gautam
About the Author:
visit www.reliableherbs.com for alternative medicine needs
