tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32888733405898272082024-03-08T02:05:22.735-08:00Terapi Air PutihUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-44667421070785853732011-01-23T23:21:00.000-08:002011-01-23T23:24:03.131-08:00How to Drain Ear Fluid<div align="justify">Ear infection can often occur after a cold or respiratory infection. At other times it will seemingly occur without cause. This then causes a build up of fluid which collects in the middle ear which is the space behind the ear drum. That in turn causes the Eustachian tube (which connects the inner ear to the throat) to become plugged thus preventing the fluid from draining. Symptoms of fluid in the ear then are: mild discomfort, severe pain as the fluid pushes against the ear drum and/or lack of hearing that sounds as though you are 'underwater' in one or both ears.<br /><br />This can be unpleasant and distracting and many people find it a constant irritation. Most physicians will recommend simply waiting it out, but in severe cases they might provide you with antibiotics to treat the infection, or use tubes to drain the ear drum or minor surgery from an ENT doctor (ear, nose and throat) which will involve a small incision to drain the fluid. There are several ways however that you can encourage your ears to unclog at home which we will look at hear.<br /><br />Note: Before trying any of these home remedies you should first see a physician. While in most cases fluid in the ear is a sign of infection, in rare cases it can be a symptom of tumour so it is important to get it inspected by an expert.<br /><br />Hot Packs<br /><br />A hot pack pressed against your ear can be a great way to ease the pain. To achieve this, try using a warm flannel or heating up some rice tied into a sock.<br /><br />Ear Drops<br /><br />Many ear drops are designed to neutralise fluid that collects in the ear but you should check with your doctor before using any. To use them, drip just a couple of drops into your ear while lying on your other side (so it doesn't run straight back out) and then close the end with some cotton wool.<br /><br />Use Decongestants<br /><br />Taking decongestants can sometimes help with ear fluid build up and many of these can be purchased over the counter. Again though check with your doctor before beginning any new course in medication. This can help the fluid to drain out of the Eustachian tube and nose.<br /><br />Waiting Out<br /><br />Unfortunately for many of us the only cure is time and this can take up to 9 months. Lying on your side when you sleep, and drinking plenty of water while maintaining a good diet however can help to speed up the process.<br /><br />Source : http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/14712/1/How-to-Drain-Ear-Fluid.html</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-86921514028707351232008-12-29T22:20:00.000-08:002011-01-18T22:59:29.140-08:00Angina and Its Types<div align="justify">Angina is pain in the chest that occurs when the heart does not get the required amount of oxygen in the blood. Angina pain is most commonly caused due to accumulation of fats and cholesterol that block the arteries and obstruct the flow of blood. This leads to slow circulation of blood. When the blood reaches the heart slowly, the heart works harder to satisfy the body’s need for blood. This leads to spasmodic attacks of intense suffocative pain.<br /><br />Angina pain is characterized by chest pain and tightening in the rib area and one feels short of breath. It can be called as an indication for further heart problems as heart is not performing its due functions properly.<br /><br />In many cases, angina can also be taken as a warning for heart attack. It may lead to pain in other areas of the body such as jaws, shoulders, neck and arms.<br /><br /><strong>Types of Angina</strong><br />There are 4 types of angina:<br /><br />Stable Angina<br />This is the most common heart condition characterized by feeling of squeezing behind the breastbone, pressure on jaws, back and arms. It is recognized after several episodes have occurred.<br /><br />The level of activity or stress can almost become predictable that provokes it.<br /><br />Unstable Angina<br />It may occur all of a sudden as a result of some activity or in bouts. It may be provoked by any thing and result from a lesser activity than before. It is quiet dangerous and needs prompt medical action.<br /><br />Variant or Prinzmetal Angina<br />This type of angina is caused by vasospasm, a spasm that narrows that coronary artery and thus the flow of blood to the heart is lessened.<br /><br />Microvascular Angina<br />In this kind of angina, pain is experienced but there are no artery blockages. The pain results from the poor function of tiny blood vessels that nourish the heart, arms and legs.<br /><br /><strong>Causes of Angina</strong><br />Almost all types of angina are caused by one or another reason mentioned here. There are various causes for angina pain.<br /><br />It can be caused by increased need of oxygen for circulation<br />Intake of diet with high fat content<br />Blockage of arteries due to settling of fat and clotting in blood that hampers the flow of blood and oxygen<br />Exposure to emotional and stressful conditions<br /><br /><strong>Symptoms </strong><br />All these types of angina exhibit the same symptoms with slight variation. It is possible that a patient experiences all the symptoms of angina while others may experience only some of them. Some of the most common symptoms that are experienced in all types of angina are:<br /><br />Increased heart rate<br />Increased blood pressure<br />Chest pain as tightness and squeezing or burning<br />Feeling of indigestion<br />Shortness of breath<br />Sweating<br />Fainting<br /><br /><strong>Angina Treatment</strong><br />All types of angina can be treated by controlling high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels as the main reason for angina pain is blockage of arteries by fats and cholesterol. Also, weight control is important as fat and obese people are more likely to suffer from angina attacks. In this regard, physical activity is very necessary to keep your weight in check and burn the extra amount of calories you consume.<br /><br />Also, it is important to avoid stress as it can be a trigger for angina pain. Apart from this, medications such as nitroglycerin and glycerin trinitrate tablets are prescribed to treat angina pain and prevent further attacks. In the same way, taking calcium channel blockers and inhaling amyl nitrate helps to treat and prevent angina.<br /><br />However, if these modes of treatment do not work, surgery such as coronary artery bypass surgery or artery stent are performed to treat angina and clear the plaque or blockage from the arteries.<br /><br />Changes in lifestyle, eating a healthy diet free from fats, along with physical activity can also help in preventing angina. Medicines should only be taken after consulting a doctor. It is important to control angina at early stages or it can result in additional problems. However, it may require some advanced medical treatment to help a specific type of angina pain.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_types_angina.html<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-36304049743770157172008-12-29T22:17:00.002-08:002011-01-18T23:00:13.854-08:00Types of Heart Diseases<div align="justify">Any disease or condition that affects the working of the heart can be called as heart disease or diseases. Being the most important part of the body, heart pumps blood and oxygen in the body and makes you live a healthy life. A heart disease is a serious problem as it can affect the normal functions of the body and lead to an early death.<br /><br />There are numerous types of heart diseases. Some may be fatal, others may not be life threatening but prove equally dangerous if not controlled on time. Some heart diseases are easily recognized while others are not. Thus, to deal with any type of heart disease or condition, it is very important to be aware of it and know about the types of heart diseases that one may have.<br /><br /><strong>Some Important Types of Heart Diseases are</strong><br />Angina<br />Angina is a particular type of chest pain. Angina pain is often felt in the chest, arms, shoulder or back. Angina pain is felt more when the heart works faster during the exercise or mental exertion. It goes away with rest but leaves you weak and sweaty.<br />It is important to get angina pain treated as it may occur more frequently if it’s left untreated. The most common reason why angina pain occurs is the reduced flow of blood to the heart due to high blood pressure or high cholesterol. In most of the cases, angina is the first sign of a heart disease.<br /><br />Heart Attack<br />Heart attack, also known as acute myocardial infraction is a very common type of heart disease and a very deadly one too. The main cause of a heart attack is coronary thrombosis or blockage of blood vessels of the heart. When the heart does not receive proper amount of blood to pump, a heart attack may result.<br /><br />In a heart attack, the heart actually stops working for a few minutes, this condition is known as cardiac arrest. A heart attack is also called the death of a part of heart muscle. The most common symptom of heart attack is chest pain or discomfort. However, many of the patients also suffer from silent heart attacks and do not feel any pain if they suffer from diabetes or any other condition. A heart specialist should be immediately consulted in case of any doubt.<br /><br />Arrhythmia<br />It is a type of heart disease in which the heart rate or the rhythm of the heart beat is not normal or consistent. An arrhythmia can also be defined as the change in the regular heart beat pattern. It may seem that the heart is skipping a beat or beating very fast or very slow.<br /><br />Atherosclerosis<br />It is a heart disease in which the blood arteries harden due to build up of excess cholesterol and other fatty substance in the body. This excessive cholesterol and fat becomes deposited in any artery of the body and lead to obstruction in the blood flow. It can give rise to a number of other heart diseases.<br /><br />Rheumatic Heart Disease<br />It is a chronic heart condition that results from heart damage due to rheumatic fever. This type of heart disease involves damage to the heart and its membranes that primarily results from a complication of rheumatic fever. This condition is characterized by changes in the myocardium or scarring of the heart valves that reduce the ability of the heart to pump blood to the body.<br /><br />Myocarditis<br />It is the inflammation or the degeneration of the heart muscle. Usually it results due to a complication from viral, bacterial or parasitic infectious diseases such as polio, influenza or others.<br />Some of the symptoms of myocarditis include chest pains, irregular heart beat, arrhythmia and breathlessness. It may result in sub-clinical to sudden death.<br /><br />Other Types of Heart Diseases include<br />Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) - Caused by artery narrowing and reduced blood supply to the heart.<br />Tachycardia - Abnormally rapid heartbeat (over 100 beats per minutes).<br />Ischemic Heart Disease – Heart disease resulting from reduced flow of blood to heart.<br />Heart Murmurs – Heart murmur is the sound heart makes when it is beating abnormally.<br />Pulmonary Heart Disease – Heart disease resulting when there is some lung complication and the blood flow to lung is slowed down that increases lung pressure and results in enlargement of heart muscle.<br />There are numerous types of heart diseases. However, it is possible to avoid them and live a healthy life even while suffering from them. A balanced diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle can help you in living a normal life even with heart diseases.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_types.html</div><p align="justify"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-69145355306251723842008-12-29T22:15:00.000-08:002011-01-18T23:00:38.325-08:00Stroke Symptoms Resemble a Heart Attack<div align="justify">There are various diseases or disorders that are not accurately diagnosed at first sight or they are misdiagnosed. Most of the time, it is because the symptoms of one disease or condition are similar to symptoms of some other disorder or condition.<br /><br />This can be very dangerous in case of conditions where prompt treatment or help is needed for immediate and correct diagnosis is very important. Stroke and heart attack are two such conditions that have similar symptoms and it needs proper diagnosis to actually identify the condition.<br /><br />Heart attack and stroke both need urgent medical attention. Both conditions are related to heart, the most important organ of the body that pumps and circulates blood into the body.<br /><br />Stroke<br />Stroke usually occurs due to blockage in the blood vessels. Blood vessels get blocked by accumulation of excessive cholesterol or fats that slow down the flow of blood.<br /><br />If any blood clots are present inside the blood vessels there is a greater chance of stroke as they can block the passage of blood.<br /><br />Cholesterol plays a major role in stroke as it blocks the supply of blood to brain. When the blood does not reach the brain it causes lack of oxygen that leads to numbness. This numbness and lack of oxygen can cause a stroke in any part of the body. In addition to this type of stroke, hemorrhaging may also occur in the brain due to rupture of a blood vessel and blood clots.<br /><br /><strong>Key Symptoms of Stroke Are</strong><br />Turning numb in the face, leg or arm suddenly. This may happen on only one side of the body<br />Difficulty in speaking and comprehending all of a sudden<br />Poor vision all of a sudden in one or both eyes<br />Headaches with no real reason<br />Numbness or pain in any part of the body<br />Usually, in a stroke, one may be initially diagnosed as having a heart attack. This is because a stroke victim may not respond when shaken. This happens in the case where the victim has fainted. In some cases, a stroke victim may complain about pain or numbness in any part of the body.<br /><br />Heart Attack<br />The reasons behind heart attack may be same as those for stroke. Cholesterol and fats play a major role in blocking the blood vessels. As a result, the blood does not reach the body and the heart is not able to perform its function of pumping the blood that leads to heart attack.<br /><br />When a heart attack occurs, the arteries that supply blood to the cardiac muscles get blocked and deprive the heart of oxygen. Thrombosis or blood clots also play a major role in causing a heart attack.<br /><br />Key Symptoms of Heart Attack Are<br />Feeling of sore muscles<br />Squeezing or pain in any part of the body. Though in a heart attack pain is largely confined to the chest, left arm, and part of the face (usually the left side)<br />Lack of response if shaken physically<br />Apparent loss in breathing or irregular breathing<br />Lack of blood circulation<br />If a stroke occurs in the chest or near the chest area, people believe that it is heart attack. Also, due to the similar causes and symptoms of the conditions, people are unable to distinguish between stroke and heart attack.<br /><br />In spite of the apparent differences between a stroke and a heart attack, it is most likely that there would be confusion in diagnosis. This is because a patient cannot speak up for himself. Pain or numbness in the body cannot be expressed, and thus no one can determine exactly what is happening.<br /><br />Thus, it can be said that stroke symptoms resemble a heart attack and in such a case, immediate medical care is recommended. Only with the right kind of tests and diagnosis, the right condition can be identified and proper treatment can be given.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_strokesymptoms.html</div><p align="justify"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-2182650125226579602008-12-29T22:14:00.001-08:002011-01-18T23:01:14.514-08:00Living with Heart Disease<div align="justify">Living a healthy life is very important as health is vital for a long and prosperous life. Healthy life means a life free of all tensions and diseases. On the other hand in this day and age, a life completely free of diseases and tensions is not possible. However, it is possible to live a healthy and content life even while going through the perils of life.<br /><br />Heart disease is a very dangerous and life-threatening situation. If this condition is not controlled or looked after, it can result in death too. However, it is also possible to live a healthy life with heart disease. With proper medication, counseling and an improved life style, millions of heart patients are enjoying a healthy life with their families.<br /><br /><strong>Tips on Living with Heart Disease</strong><br />Living with heart disease requires some changes in your lifestyle. You cannot live as before as it led to unhealthy consequences. You need to bring changes in your lifestyle that would help to strengthen your weak heart. Here are some tips on living with heart disease<br /><br />Eating the Right Foods<br />Eating the right foods is very important for living with heart disease. Only eat what your doctor has recommended for you. Avoid eating high cholesterol, fatty and sugary foods. They can add to the problem.<br /><br />Diet is very helpful in improving heart’s condition so it should be properly monitored and only healthy meals should be eaten.<br /><br />Exercise<br />Exercise should only be done when your doctor permits. The heart becomes weak and it may not bear strenuous exercise. It could also result in some other severe problems for the patient.<br /><br />After the patient is stable, the doctor may advice some light exercise that may help to strengthen the heart. In most of the cases, walk is the best exercise for heart patients.<br /><br />Control Exerting Activities<br />Heart patients should control their physical activities and avoid any strenuous jobs as it may put too much load on the cardiac muscles. It will lead to exertion and the heart will not be able to pump blood as efficiently; causing further problems.<br /><br />Heart disease means that the patient needs to be extra careful and take care of himself. With a weak heart, the patient might not be able to perform functions as before. It is important to take things easy unless your doctor says otherwise.<br /><br />Maintain a Balanced Weight<br />Maintaining a balanced weight is very important as obesity and overweight increase risk of heart disease and attack. Obesity and overweight are accompanied by other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.<br /><br />Intake of calories and fats should be controlled to maintain a normal weight. They can be balanced with light exercise too. The intake of calories should be balanced with their expenditure to avoid weight gain and other complications.<br /><br />In case you are overweight, losing only 10% of your weight can help you lower the risk of heart disease.<br /><br /><strong>Some other tips on living with Heart Disease</strong><br />Stop smoking as it is a major risk factor for heart disease<br />Stress is a big risk factors for heart disease and stroke, thus it should be avoided<br />Avoid going out in too much heat or humidity as it can lead to dehydration and weakness<br />Take some time for yourself to relax; meditation is very good for heart patients<br />Get adequate sleep and rest; heart patients need more rest than people who are not suffering from heart conditions<br />Remain physically active as it can help you recover quickly but do not take up any exhausting activity<br />Choose low fat and low calorie foods that are easy to digest<br />Medication is also very important and should be regularly taken on doctors advice<br />Living with heart disease is different and difficult too. It cannot be the same as before because of the fact that one has lived through a life-taking condition. Thus, great care should be taken to live a health life and ensure that the condition does not aggravate.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_problems.html</div><p align="justify"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-86316401289037959202008-12-29T22:11:00.000-08:002011-01-18T23:01:35.823-08:00Heart Disease Prevention<div align="justify">Before we start the discussion on heart disease prevention, let us first have a look into the major causes resulting in heart diseases. Some of the most common factors that cause heart diseases are:<br /><br />Cholesterol<br />High Blood Pressure<br />Cigarette Smoking<br />Diabetes<br />Obesity<br />Lack of exercise<br />Unhealthy diet / nutrition<br />Behavior change<br /><br /><br />Thus, it is very clear that if these are the risk factors for heart disease, then it must be possible to prevent heart diseases by controlling the risk factors. Most of these factors result from unhealthy lifestyle and diet that leads to artery blockage, stroke and other heart problems.<br /><br />With latest research, it has been established that heart diseases cannot necessarily be prevented through drugs or surgery alone. The main cause is stress in men and menopause in women, as the research shows. Thus, if these causes are worked out, heart disease prevention is possible.<br /><br /><strong>Heart Disease Prevention – Some Ways and Means</strong><br /><br />A regular doze of aspirin and simple amino acid can also prevent heart disease. These medicines are blood thinners known as anticoagulants. They help in the smooth flow of blood, preventing any heart disease.<br />Exercise is one of the best and most enjoyable ways of preventing heart disease. Regular exercise helps the heart to become stronger so it can pump more blood around the body with less effort.<br />Smoking avoidance not only reduces the risk of developing heart disease, but also the risk of many other serious illnesses, like cancer and emphysema.<br />Normal blood pressure helps in preventing heart disease. High blood pressure plays a very crucial role in causing heart disease as it narrow downs the arteries that causes slow down of blood circulation. When there are obstructions in the blood flow, it can cause over working of the heart and lead to various heart diseases.<br />Alcohol avoidance is another step to prevent heart diseases. People who drink heavily are more likely to die of heart disease than those who do not. Therefore, alcohol consumption should be moderate.<br /><br /><br />Eating habits are another important factor. Eating well can help prevent heart disease for a long time. Cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity, all result from over eating. Thus to prevent heart diseases, eating habits should be carefully monitored.<br /><br />No one food can provide all the nutrition you need, so you must eat variety of foods every day from the following four food groups:<br /><br />Bread, other cereals and potatoes<br />Fruits and vegetables<br />Low-fat milk and dairy foods<br />Meat, fish and alternatives such as beans and lentils<br /><br /><br />Heart is a very important part of body and it should be properly cared, for a healthy and prosperous life. Eating nutritious diet, regular exercise and a healthy life style can help prevent heart disease for a long time.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_prevention.html</div><p align="justify"></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-33708172594445915752008-12-29T22:09:00.000-08:002008-12-29T22:11:20.448-08:00Preventing Vascular Disease<div align="justify">Caused by atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, vascular disease or disease of the blood vessels can seriously affect the supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients to body from the heart.<br /><br />Vascular Disease<br />A severe condition of the arteries, vascular disease narrows and hardens the arteries due to accumulation of fats and cholesterol that block the flow of blood to different parts of the body. The parts of the body that do no get adequate supply of blood to function suffer from tissue damage or death as a result. Thus, it is important to prevent vascular diseases for normal functioning of heart and body.<br /><br />Anyone with an unhealthy lifestyle, imbalanced diet and irregular physical activity can get vascular disease. In many cases, the susceptibility of the patient to vascular disease is genetic too where an individual may inherit vascular diseases from parents or siblings. However, there are numerous other risk factors that can lead to vascular disease if they are not properly controlled.<br /><br /><strong>Preventing Vascular Diseases</strong><br />It is possible to prevent vascular disease if the high risk factors are controlled. If proper preventive measures are taken, even patients with a family history of vascular disease can avoid it. Some of the ways for preventing vascular disease are:<br /><br />Preventing Vascular Disease Through Diet<br />Preventing vascular disease begins with taking the right amount of nutrition. A diet that is high in fruits, vegetables and fiber and low in saturated fats, sugar and cholesterol greatly helps to prevent vascular disease.<br /><br />Avoiding Tobacco Smoking<br />Smoking is a significant risk factor for vascular disease, including lower extremity vascular disease, aortic aneurysms and carotid artery disease and stroke. Tobacco usage greatly contributes to the amount of build-up or blockage in arteries and decreases the amount of oxygen supplied to your tissues.<br /><br />A severe lack of blood flow to the legs can cause gangrene which requires amputation of all or part of the foot and leg. It is vital that you stop tobacco smoking to prevent vascular disease.<br /><br />Controlling Hypertension<br />Hypertension or high blood pressure is the primary and most important symptom of hypertensive vascular disease. High intake of salt is mainly responsible for hypertension and it should be avoided if an individual has a strong family history related to vascular diseases, so that vascular disease can be prevented for as long as possible.<br /><br />Regular Exercise<br />Exercise is frequently recommended to patients with vascular diseases. Exercise training programs show their results in physiological changes such as improved peripheral utilization of oxygen and oxidative metabolic capacity that leads to greater functional capacity and less cardiac effort.<br /><br />Blood flow is observed to increase during and after active exercise. Thus, exercise is imperative for preventing vascular diseases.<br /><br />Monitoring Your Diabetes<br />Diabetes is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It increases the risk of developing coronary, cerebrovascular, and peripheral arterial disease. Medical management directed at optimizing glucose control is essential.<br /><br />Diabetic patients should keep their blood sugar levels in control as low levels of blood sugar can prevent the numbness and blockage of blood vessels.<br /><br />Cholesterol Levels<br />Blood cholesterol level is very closely related to vascular disease. If cholesterol is very high, it builds up in walls of the arteries. Over time, this buildup causes the hardening of arteries i.e. a vascular disease. This condition then causes arteries to become narrowed, slowing blood flow to the heart. The narrowed blood vessels reduce the flow of blood to the heart. Thus to prevent vascular disease, the first step should be controlling your cholesterol level.<br /><br />Keeping your Weight in Check<br />Overweight and obesity are also established risk factors for vascular disease. Losing weight helps a lot in staying away from vascular diseases. Strategies for reducing weight include changing of behavior, physical activity, and changing diet, including reducing salt, increasing dietary fiber and eating enough fresh fruit and vegetables.<br /><br />Prevention is better than cure, so by changing lifestyles and adopting healthy habits it is possible to prevent vascular disease. Rather than taking medicines and expensive treatment, the emphasis should be on taking a preventive approach.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_preventing_vasculardisease.html</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-31637286963796424752008-12-29T22:06:00.000-08:002008-12-29T22:09:23.576-08:00Men and Heart Disease<div align="justify">According to an estimate, heart disease is the most common cause of death among men in the US. Nearly half a million of men die in US annually due to various heart diseases while more than 5.8 million men have already suffered a heart attack or angina pain.<br /><br />Heart disease is more likely to occur in men than women. Among men, mortality rates for heart disease are higher than the rates for all forms of cancer combined. Additionally, more than 70% of premature heart disease deaths (i.e., before age 65) occur among men.<br /><br />Heart disease has been rated as the number one killer of both men and women. However, men are more likely to suffer from heart diseases due to high risk factors. It is reported that a man is vulnerable to heart diseases from the age of 45.<br /><br /><strong>Men and Heart Diseases – Facts and Figures</strong><br />In 2002, 340,933 men died from heart disease making it the leading cause of death for men in the US.<br />About 8.9% of all white men, 7.4% of black men, and 5.6% of Mexican American men live with coronary heart disease.<br />The average age of a first heart attack for men is 66 years.<br />Almost half of the men who have a heart attack under the age of 65 die within 8 years.<br />Results from the Framingham Heart Study suggest that men have a 49% lifetime risk of developing coronary heart disease after the age of 40.<br />Major risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, tobacco use, diabetes, physical inactivity and poor nutrition.<br />Studies suggest that a 10% decrease in total cholesterol and obesity levels may reduce the development of coronary heart disease by as much as 30%.<br /><br />Heart diseases comprise of various disorders and ailments of the heart as classified by the International Classification of Diseases. These diseases range from acute rheumatic fever, chronic rheumatic heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, coronary heart disease, pulmonary heart disease, congestive heart failure, and any other heart condition or disease.<br /><br /><strong>Causes of Heart Diseases in Men</strong><br />Men tend to develop heart disease at an earlier age than women. Various reasons have been given for this fact:<br /><br />Lifestyle plays a major role in causing heart diseases in men. If this factor is controlled, the risk of heart diseases in men can be drastically reduced.<br />Recent studies have also shown a correlation between anger and heart disease, indicating that young men with lots of hostility and anger were more likely to have a heart attack before age 55.<br />The most widespread form of heat disease in men is coronary heart disease. In this disease, blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the heart become clogged.<br />Arteriosclerosis is a major factor here as the walls of arteries harden due to the accumulation of fats and other substances.<br />High blood pressure also poses major risks for both heart disease and stroke.<br />Over 3 million American men suffer from angina. Angina or chest pains are usually associated with the early stages of heart disease. Heart attacks have similar symptoms to angina attack and stroke; however chest pains last longer and are more intensely felt.<br /><br />More than half of men who die from heart attacks do not experience any symptoms. African American men are 26% more likely than Caucasian men, and almost twice as likely as Hispanic men to die of heart disease.<br /><br />According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart diseases include:<br /><br />Being male<br />Old age<br />A history of heart disease in the family<br />Smoking<br />High cholesterol<br />High blood pressure<br />Diabetes<br />Alcoholism<br />Obesity<br />Physical inactivity<br />Stress<br />The symptom’s of heart disease vary in men and have a more dramatic onset than in women. And although men statistically have heart-related problems ten years earlier than women, they are more likely to recover from them.<br /><br />Even though with proper preventive measures and education, there has been a decline in the mortality rate of heart diseases, yet men aged 35 to 44 are still at high risk for heart diseases. Thus, it is high time that men take care of their heart and health as heart diseases are very dangerous and can prove fatal if they are not treated on time.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_men.html</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-21754589889759141032008-12-29T22:04:00.000-08:002008-12-29T22:06:41.413-08:00High Risk Factors for Heart DiseasesThere are numerous causes behind any disorder or dysfunction that occurs in a human body. With research, it has been established that behind every disease and disorder there are some risk factors that lead to it. Similarly, it has also been acknowledged that if these risk factors are controlled, these diseases and disorders can be avoided.<br /><br />One such disorder that is caused by several risk factors is heart disease. Heart diseases are not caused by one, but numerous high risk factors that lead to various complications. High risk factors for heart disease are bound to result in heart complications if they are not controlled on time and you do not take proper care of your health.<br /><br />Being the most important organ of the body, heart performs the crucial function of pumping blood and oxygen into the body. Without a healthy heart there is no chance of survival for you. Thus, it is advised that you keep an eye on the high risk factors for heart diseases and avoid them to live a long and healthy life!<br /><br /><strong>High Risk Factors for Heart Diseases</strong><br />Some of the high risk factors for heart diseases include hypertension, stress, smoking, high cholesterol, lack of exercise and obesity. If these conditions persist for a long time, they are at high risk of causing heart diseases.<br /><br />Cholesterol<br />Cholesterol buildup takes place over a period of time. Accumulation of excessive fat leads to deposits of cholesterol in the arteries. This can cause blockage in the arteries and impair the flow of blood into them. Due to this, the heart may not be able to pump blood in the body and brain. This may lead to various heart diseases.<br /><br />Smoking<br />Smoking is another high risk factor for heart diseases as it weakens the heart. This directly interacts with the working of the heart muscles and destroys them. Just one cigarette can prevent the heart from using oxygen properly for up to 24 hours. It contains enough poison to rough up the side of a blood vessel wall in the heart that can lead to narrowing of the blood vessel and cut down blood flow to the heart.<br /><br />Stress<br />It has been proved that people who take stress are at high risk of getting heart disease. Stress is one of the main causes of artery constriction that causes hindrances in the blood flow. This leads to buildup of blood pressure leading to various heart diseases. If you take too much stress or work in a stressful condition, you are vulnerable to heart disease.<br /><br />Hypertension<br />High blood pressure or hypertension increases the pressure on the heart leading to exertion and overwork. Due to cholesterol and fat deposits, the arteries become narrow. This affects the flow of blood to the heart and leads to elevated pressure of blood. Too much high blood pressure can cause various heart diseases and weaken the heart muscles.<br /><br />Obesity<br />Obesity is too much weight gain or excessive accumulation of fat in the body. Obesity is one of the most unhealthy conditions once can suffer from and it is also one of the highest risk factors for heart diseases. Obesity can lead to high cholesterol as well as high blood pressure and cause heart complications too.<br /><br />Physical Inactivity<br />Physical inactivity can lead to weight gain and obesity and both are high risk factors for heart diseases. Physical activity and exercise keeps you fit and healthy while inactivity can lead to fatness and other complications that eventually lead to heart problems.<br /><br />Diabetes<br />Diabetes is among the high risk factors for heart diseases especially in case of people suffering from adult-onset or Type 2 diabetes also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes. It has been estimated that 65% of the diabetic patients die due to heart diseases. It is important to keep a check on your diabetes as controlling blood sugar level can reduce the risk for heart diseases.<br /><br />Weight<br />If you are overweight or obese, the risk of having a heart attack is high. Being over weight means accumulation of fats and cholesterol in the body that lead to heart disease.<br /><br />Overweight is an unhealthy condition that can supersede to obesity. Obesity is accumulation of excessive fat in the body. Overweight and obese people should try to slim down, as this will reduce their cholesterol levels.<br /><br /><strong>Some Other High Risk Factors For Heart Diseases Are:</strong><br />Male sex<br />Old age<br />Family history of heart disease<br />Race such as African Americans, American Indians, and Mexican Americans are more likely to have heart disease than Caucasians<br />In addition to the above mentioned conditions, there are others too that can increase your risk for getting heart diseases such as abnormal sleep patterns and duration of sleep, medications that have side effects, drugs, stress etc.<br /><br />In order to prevent heart diseases, it is recommended that you control these high risk factors and take good care of your health and heart. Removing causes of stress and depression, exercising, eating a healthy diet and avoiding high-cholesterol foods, controlling your diabetes and avoiding obesity are all helpful in preventing heart diseases.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_highriskfactors.htmlUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-21182057142829521512008-12-29T22:02:00.000-08:002008-12-29T22:04:40.613-08:00High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease<div align="justify">The blood is pumped into the arteries by the heart and transported to other parts of the body. When the heart beats, the force inside the arteries which pumps the blood is called blood pressure. If blood pressure increases too much and exceeds the limit, it causes complications and lead to heart problems.<br /><br />In other words, blood pressure can be defined as the force of the blood that pushes through the arteries while passing through the body. Every time the heart beats, the blood is pumped into the arteries. When the blood pressure increases, it means that the pressure in the arteries is above normal that is also called hypertension.<br /><br /><strong>Causes of High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease</strong><br />Constant high blood pressure can lead to heart diseases. High blood pressure can be caused by either poor eating habits or lack of physical activity leading to high cholesterol level, blockage of arteries and enlargement of the heart.<br /><br />High blood pressure and heart diseases need to be addressed immediately. Only if these conditions are taken care of on time, a patient can avoid further complications. Otherwise they can prove fatal and life threatening.<br /><br /><strong>Facts about High Blood Pressure and Heart Diseases</strong><br />High blood pressure is one of the main causes of heart diseases. Coronary artery disease is the build up of the fatty matter in the walls of the arteries and it causes the arteries to narrow and passage of blood is blocked or limited.<br />It can give rise to the formation of clots in the blood thus leading to heart attack.<br />People with high blood pressure are more likely to have heart diseases as the extra pressure of the blood puts force against the arteries, with time this force can damage the arteries.<br />Damaged arteries are unable to provide the required amount of oxygen to other parts of the body and thus when the blood reaches the heart late; it may lead to different problems.<br />Measuring Blood Pressure<br />Blood pressure is recorded as:<br /><br />Systolic Blood Pressure<br />It is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and fills the arteries with blood.<br /><br />Diastolic Blood Pressure<br />It is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between the beatings.<br /><br />For a normal adult, blood pressure should be less than 120/80 mmHg. A systolic pressure between 120-139 and a diastolic pressure between 80-89 mmHg is considered as high and needs to be closely checked. Hypertension can be dangerous because if it persists, it can lead to heart diseases.<br /><br />Preventing High Blood Pressure<br />It is possible to avoid high blood pressure by making some healthy changes to your diet and living an active life. Some of the tips for preventing high blood pressure include:<br /><br />Low salt intake in meals<br />Low cholesterol and low fat foods<br />Use of vegetables and whole grains like rice, pasta, bread and cereals<br />Increased use of poultry and fish while reduction in intake of red meat as it contains more salts and cholesterol<br />Use of aspirin and any other anticoagulant medicine to keep a steady flow of blood and avoid blood clotting that could cause high blood pressure<br />Remaining stress free<br />All these tips can help you in preventing high blood pressure and in turn heart diseases. High blood pressure and heart diseases are connected in such a way that one disease can lead to another causing further complications. Thus, it is advised that you take proper measures to keep your blood pressure normal.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_highblood_pressure.html</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-28480426577923063042008-12-29T21:59:00.000-08:002008-12-29T22:02:03.262-08:00Prevalence Of Heart Attacks<div align="justify">Heart attacks occur when the blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or cut off, resulting in death of heart muscle cells, called an infarct.<br /><br />Heart attack is a severe condition which if not controlled on time can also prove fatal. It has been estimated that heart attacks are very prevalent in the US and world over. Prevalence of heart attacks refers to the estimated population of people who are suffering from managing heart attack at any specific time.<br /><br /><strong>Causes of Heart Attacks</strong><br />Hardening and narrowing of the coronary arteries that supply the blood to heart is an underlying problem. In a few cases, blood clots block the flow of blood while at other times; the narrowing is caused by atherosclerosis. Whatever the reason, all these eventually lead to heart attacks.<br /><br />Contraction of the coronary arteries also causes a heart attack. High cholesterol, triglycerides, or homocysteine; angina pectoris and diabetes are all linked with an increased risk of heart attack.<br /><br /><strong>Prevalence of Heart Attacks</strong><br />Government agencies periodically carry out surveys and the prevalence rates of heart attacks are calculated from these surveys. These rates are applied as the population changes and a new heart disease survey is done and new rates are established. It is significant to know that the prevalence rates do not change until a new survey is conducted.<br /><br />According to the research conducted by the World Health Organization, the rate of heart disease is coming to a decline in general and people these days have a much more chance of surviving a heart attack than they had in the past.<br /><br />The greatest decline in heart attacks was observed in three North European areas i.e. North Karelia (Finland), Kuopio (Finland) and Northern Sweden. The decline is attributable to a massive reduction of risk factors in these countries.<br /><br />There was a decrease of 7% a year in Finland and New Zealand, 6% in the United States, and 5% in Australia. Studies have found that both genders in Central and Eastern Europe and Asia had experienced significant rise in the rates of coronary events. Risk factors were found to be rising, however, in countries like China, which has experienced a corresponding increase in heart disease.<br /><br />Males in Glasgow, Belfast, Warsaw, Newcastle (Australia) and in some parts of Finland had the highest rates of heart attacks. Females in Glasgow were found to have a much higher rate of heart attack. One in two deaths among women in America is related to heart according to the American Heart Association.<br /><br />The majority of heart attacks in women occur after menopause and the mortality rate associated with a first heart attack is considerably higher in women then in men because it occurs at a later age.<br /><br /><strong>Risk factors that Contribute in the Prevalence of Heart Attacks</strong><br />Age is an important factor determining the possibility of heart attacks. The prevalence of heart disease increases with an increase in age.<br />Two out of three adults aged 65 and older have been identified with a heart disease.<br />Children whose parents experienced heart attack are more likely to suffer from it.<br />African Americans have higher blood pressures than Caucasians and consequently a higher risk of suffering from heart attacks.<br />Heart attack risk is higher among the Mexican Americans, American Indians, native Hawaiians and few Asian Americans. This is due to higher rates of obesity and diabetes.<br />Most people with a strong family history of heart attacks have one or more other risk factors too. Just as age, sex, and race cannot be controlled, similarly, family history also cannot be controlled completely.<br />Nearly 5.52 million out of the 15.3 million deaths from heart attacks occur in developed countries, while 9.77 million deaths occur in developing countries.<br />While death rates are decreasing in many industrialized countries, where heart attacks account for 50% of all deaths, they are on rise in Eastern Europe, where they are responsible for 58% and in developing countries, where they make up 23% of all deaths. There are numerous explanations as to why heart attacks are on the rise in developing countries.<br /><br />Studies have proved that short people are more at risk to heart attacks. However, using data from a 13 year follow-up of over 13,000 people, a study has determined, after adjusting for age and level of education, that people in the lowest height quartile had no more risk of a heart attack, as compared with those in the highest category. However, this is not a risk factor.<br /><br />These prevalence details clearly show how people from all over the world of various age groups are likely to suffer from heart attacks. However, it is also possible to control the incidents of heart attacks with a healthy diet and lifestyle.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_heartattackprevalence.html</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-14809584397670631392008-12-29T20:37:00.000-08:002008-12-29T20:38:40.995-08:00Life After A Heart Attack<div align="justify">A heart attack is a life-changing incident. After a heart attack, several precautionary measures should be taken by the patients as well as the caregivers. Patients are required, at their earliest to undergo risk assessment to evaluate their risk of further heart damage and see a specialist for further instructions on diet and lifestyle.<br /><br />Life after a heart attack is very different from the life that you led before this incident. You will need to curtail several of your outdoor as well as indoor activities and adopt some habits that you didn’t even like. However, all these changes are necessary in order to live a long life with a healthy heart.<br /><br />Some of the changes that you may need to bring in your life after a heart attack are as follows:<br /><br /><strong>Modification to Lifestyle</strong><br />Lifestyle changes play a very important part. The most important thing in this regard is adequate rest and healthy diet. You will need to stop partying late into night, eating lots of junk food, quit smoking and any other drugs. Alcohol consumption also needs to be cut down. Ask your doctor about how much wine you can take with a meal.<br /><br />Exposure to secondhand smoke should also be avoided as it impairs heart functions and exercise tolerance in heart attack survivors.<br /><br /><strong>Use of Medication</strong><br />Doctors should be consulted about appropriate medicines for this condition. Aspirin or some other clot-preventing medication should be taken everyday, if aspirin is not recommended. There are various other medicines that are recommended depending on your condition.<br /><br />Regular Exercise<br />Staying fit and active after a heart attack helps you live longer and also improves the quality of life. Sporting activities are mostly recommended that can be varied in intensity and can be taken lightly when needed. Swimming is also a good way of staying fit and active.<br /><br />Even if a patient is not into sports, moderate exercises that help in breathing harder i.e. aerobic exercises are just as beneficial. A doctor should always be consulted before starting an exercise program. Enough water should be taken before, during and after the exercises to stay hydrated.<br /><br />Diet Control<br />Diet control plays an important part in keeping your heart healthy. Lowering the cholesterol level is of prime importance for patients who have suffered a heart attack. Studies have proved that lowering cholesterol level can reduce the risk for another heart attack.<br /><br />Losing weight helps a great deal in reducing cholesterol. Sea-food should be added to the diet, for it helps in losing weight, lowering blood pressure and reducing cholesterol. Studies have shown that people who follow such dietary routines may live longer.<br /><br />Herbal Treatment<br />Herbal treatments are becoming popular day by day. Preliminary clinical tests in China suggest that astragalus, an herb, may benefit people after they have suffered a heart attack. As these studies did not aim at showing any survival or symptom reduction benefit, further research is needed to determine whether astragalus would benefit people with heart attacks or angina.<br /><br />Added Nutritional Supplements<br />Nutritional supplements like amino acid, vitamin C, co-enzyme Q10, selenium, vitamin E, N-acetyle cysteine, fish oil, chondroitin sulfate, etc. are known be helpful in reducing the risk of a second heart attack.<br /><br />Stress Management<br />Stress management decreases the rate of heart attack or death in people with coronary heart disease as suggested by some studies. Constant mental pressure weakens the mind and the heart. Thus, if you manage your stress, you can avoid a second heart attack and live a more comfortable life.<br /><br />Resume Your Relationship<br />After a heart attack, relationships can become strained. It is important that you try and get back to normal and healthy relationships. Patients are normally hesitant about going back to active sexual relationships because of the myth that resuming sex can cause another heart attack, stroke or sudden death.<br /><br />Recent studies have showed that there is really no reason to stop sexual activity after a heart attack. However, physicians recommend waiting for at least two weeks after heart attack or surgery before returning to normal sexual activity.<br /><br />Rehabilitation Centers<br />Patients can join rehabilitation clinics where they are helped to resume their normal lives. Rehabilitation clinics are widely popular as they boost the confidence of patients and their families.<br /><br />They also provide tremendous help for brining changes in lifestyles and dealing with doubts and concerns that people have regarding life after heart attack. If all these suggestions are followed properly, it is possible to live a full, high quality life even after a heart attack.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_heartattack_life.html </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-26085277782335561852008-12-29T20:33:00.000-08:002008-12-29T20:36:08.335-08:00Heart Diseases - Causes, Symptoms, Risks and Treatment OptionsHeart is the most important organ in the body and pumps blood to all other parts of the body. Heart diseases are caused due to the blockage of the arteries narrowed by the accumulation of fats and cholesterol. This way the heart does not get its required amount of oxygen and blood that leads to pain and heart stroke.<br /><br />Heart diseases may arise due to a number of reasons. If the heart does not perform its functions properly, the functions of the entire body are affected. When people talk about heart diseases, they only think in terms of heart, the muscle.<br /><br />On the contrary, there are numerous heart diseases that range from:<br /><br />Narrowing of the arteries<br />Coronary disease<br />Heart failure<br />Abnormal heart rhythms<br />Heart muscle disease<br />Angina<br />Congestive heart failure etc<br />However, it should be noted that any of these heart diseases is equally dangerous and can prove fatal if it is not treated properly within the required time frame. There are a variety of reasons for these heart diseases and there might be an individual cause for each of these diseases.<br /><br /><strong>Causes of Heart Diseases</strong><br />Most of the heart diseases result from the build up of fatty materials within the walls of the arteries, as well as the lack of oxygen supply to the heart. The blood becomes thicker and thus, leads to slow circulation<br />The clots start forming in the blood further complicating the matter and leading to slow heart beat<br />Heart diseases are also a result of too much hectic lifestyle and poor eating habits<br />Eating too many fatty and fried foods may also lead to high cholesterol and finally heart disease<br />Too much stress and tension<br /><br /><strong>Symptoms of Heart Diseases</strong><br />Unusual breathlessness when doing any physical activity or getting breathless all of a sudden.<br />Angina or chest pain or tightness around the chest<br />Fatigue after doing some activity even a simple one<br />Severe pain that comes on without warning accompanied by sweating, fainting and shortness of breath<br />Feeling of choking<br />A bluish tint on fingers or nails indicating lack of oxygen in the body<br /><br /><strong>Heart Disease Risk Factors</strong><br />There are certain risk factors for heart diseases, some of them can be controlled, and some cannot be controlled. The uncontrolled risk factors are:<br /><br />Male sex<br />Older age<br />Heart problem in family history<br />Working in a demanding position<br />There are certain conditions that can be controlled to avoid heart diseases:<br /><br />Smoking<br />High cholesterol<br />Tension<br />Physical activity<br />Obesity<br />Treatment for Heart Diseases<br />Medicines<br />Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is given to widen blood vessels to improve the flow of blood to the heart and normalize heartbeat.<br /><br />Antiarrhythmia drugs are used to treat abnormal heart rhythms resulting from irregular electrical activity of the heart. They help to stabilize the beating of the heart.<br /><br />Aspirin is also given to decrease the pain as well as to inhibit the blood clots and ensure the quick flow of blood. Being an anticoagulant or a blood thinning medicine, it helps in the regular flow of blood. Along with aspirin, Thrombolytics, or clot buster drugs are injected into the veins to break up the blood clots that cause heart attack.<br /><br /><strong>Surgery</strong><br />Sometimes, due to intensity of the problem when the medicines do not work, surgery is the only option left.<br /><br />Angioplasty is the non-surgical procedure to open blocked arteries. The bypass surgery is performed by replacing the blocked arteries with the substitute arteries taken from some other part of the body.<br /><br />Another kind of surgery to treat heart diseases is heart valve surgery in which an incision down the center of the breastbone is made and the abnormal valve is replaced.<br /><br />There may be different reasons for heart problems and diseases in different people. However, lifestyle and diet play an important role in heart diseases. Medicines and surgery are treatment options but only when advised by a doctor.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_heart_diseases.htmlUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-12551128081650869312008-12-29T20:29:00.000-08:002008-12-29T20:32:07.882-08:00Daily Exercise for Cardiovascular Health<div align="justify">Daily exercise is very important for health as it not only helps in weight control but also protects the human body from various medical problems. Regular exercise can consist of any activity that you like and could be carried out according to your age and stamina. Exercise has also proved very beneficial for cardiac health as it strengthens the heart and builds immunity in the body.<br /><br />Along with diet, exercise is the other most important factor to maintain cardiovascular health. Exercise helps in preventing heart diseases and helps in reversing them too by making your heart stronger.<br /><br />It has been found that strictly adhering to exercise regime significantly lowers the risk of heart diseases and other illnesses. It keeps body in healthy condition and helps in warding off heart diseases.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Daily Exercise for Cardiovascular Health</strong><br /><br />If you are suffering from cardiovascular disease, consult your physician before adopting an exercise. Your physician will advise you an exercise program keeping in mind your health and the condition of your heart. You will be instructed on the frequency, duration and intensity of exercise.<br /><br />The exercises should be designed to help improve the cardiovascular health and help in remaining healthy.<br /><br />Warming Up and Stretching<br />Cold muscles should be never stretched. First, warm up for 5-10 minutes at low intensity. To prevent injury and give better performance, warming up must be done before the workout.<br /><br />Aerobic Exercise<br />Aerobic means oxygen producing and such an exercise includes the production of oxygen. It includes running, biking and swimming etc. that increase the heart rate.<br /><br />When the heart rate increases, it means that blood circulation is taking place, providing oxygen to body. It should be regularly continued to maintain heart health.<br /><br />Anaerobic Exercise<br />It comprises of short-lived, intense bursts such as sprints and weight lifting. It is good for improving muscle strength and flexibility as it helps in maintaining a healthy heart and avoiding injury.<br /><br /><strong>Some guidelines on how exercise helps cardiovascular health:</strong><br />A combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercises improves cardiovascular health as well as muscle strength.<br />Cardiovascular efficiency along with lung functioning improves with exercise as blood pumping process increases with heart beat.<br />Exercise relieves stress and tension that are a danger to cardiovascular health.<br />Exercise increases the range of motion and flexibility that come handy to fight cardiovascular diseases.<br />Exercise is an essential part of life. It helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases and gives you a long and healthy life. To maintain a healthy heart, exercise should be made a regular part of life.<br /><br />However, people with cardiovascular problems should first get approval from their physicians regarding the exercise and ask about the kind of exercise that would suit them and their heart. Only when exercise is done within the prescribed limits, it helps you; carelessness and inattention to exercise can cause further complications.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_exercise_cardiovascularhealth.html</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-5415133841971474742008-12-29T20:25:00.000-08:002008-12-29T20:29:18.993-08:00Depression and Heart Disease/Attack<div align="justify">According to latest research, 1 out of every 3 people who experience heart disease/attack; suffer from depression. Especially people who are known be weak hearted are more at risk of feeling depressed after heart attacks. Depression is a mental state characterized by feelings of sadness and pessimism followed by loss of appetite and interest in life.<br /><br />It has been reported that people who live without their families are more likely to undergo depression while suffering from heart diseases. It is because the fear of death along with the fear of being lonely causes depression. However, depression was also reported in some people who lived in large families and had lots of people caring for them.<br /><br />Being depressed while suffering from a heart disease or recuperating from a heart attack can make recovery more difficult and slow. Thus, to live a happy life, it is better to treat depression as it can further aggravate heart disease.<br />Depression and Heart Disease/Attack<br /><br />A patient is liable to feel downcast or gloomy after suffering from a heart disease or an attack. This especially happens to people who have been in pretty good shape and this heart attack or discovery of suffering from a heart disease comes as shocking news. Also, it is not possible to completely get cured from a heart disease or an attack as these conditions live on forever though they can be improved with medicine and diet. One has no choice but to live with it. This often brings one into a state of depression.<br /><br />Depression as the result of a heart disease/attack may be expressed in different ways. Up to 65% people experience depression after having a heart attack.<br /><br /><strong>Symptoms of Depression After Heart Attack</strong><br />Depressed moods that are marked by sadness<br />Loss of interest in things that were previously absorbing<br />Weight loss or gain through appetite changes<br />Disturbed sleep patterns<br />Agitation/ Irritation<br />Fatigue<br />Guilt or feelings of worthlessness<br />Inability to focus<br />Inability to take decisions<br />Suicidal thoughts<br />In addition to the above mentioned symptoms, there may be others too. The occurrence of these symptoms depends on the intensity of the heart disease or the attack. A depressed person is likely to have all the symptoms of depression. It means the patient should see a doctor immediately if they last for more than 2 weeks.<br />If these symptoms are not treated on time, they may become more intense and lead a person to suicidal thoughts and behavior.<br /><br /><strong>Curing Post Heart Attack Depression</strong><br />It is important to understand that depression is curable. Depression is believed to be caused by an imbalance of hormones in the brain. This imbalance of hormones is triggered by the frightening and near fatal experience that one had. As a consequence, it triggers a number of glands that secrete an imbalanced proportion of hormones.<br /><br />However, this imbalanced secretion of hormones can be controlled by counseling and medication. As the patient begins to recover, the horrors of the heart attack begin to recede and with proper guidance and medicine and patient can come back to normal.<br /><br /><strong>Success in Treating Depression</strong><br />Up to 90% of the time, treatment for depression after a heart attack is effective. However, there are some cases in which medication and counseling are not effective. In such cases, a doctor advises the patients on the activities they should adopt to divert their attention. This helps them with boredom and thinking on their condition.<br />Heart diseases and attacks are no doubt a severe blow to an individual’s mind set, however, it is something that can be helped and an individual can live a normal and healthy life as before after making changes in lifestyle. There have been numerous such cases where successful treatment of patients suffering from heart diseases and attacks has been reported.<br /><br />Depression and heart diseases need to properly addressed and a patient should be looked after carefully and not left alone to suffer.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_depression.html</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-20550881490906303522008-12-29T20:16:00.000-08:002008-12-29T20:25:31.597-08:00Coronary Artery Diseases<div align="justify">Coronary heart disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscles get hardened and narrow. The arteries may harden and narrow due to the build up of plaque in the inner walls. Due to the deposits of plaque, the blood flow is affected and the amount of oxygen needed by the heart is affected causing heart disease.<br /><br />Coronary heart disease refers to the deposits of plaque or cholesterol in the inner walls of arteries that block the flow of the blood, and due to which the oxygen supply to the heart is affected. This may lead to formation of blood clots and lead to heart attack.<br /><br /><strong>Coronary Heart Disease Signs and Symptoms</strong><br />Coronary heart disease varies both in symptoms and severity. Sometimes, it may produce no symptoms; at other times it may cause pain of varying degrees. It may also result in a heart attack.<br /><br />If the arteries are blocked but do not cause any pain, it is a kind of silent attack.<br />If the coronary arteries cannot supply the blood to meet the oxygen demand of the heart; it may result in pain and cause angina.<br />Sometimes, shortness of breath or extreme fatigue is symptom of coronary artery disease.<br />A heart attack results when an artery to the heart muscle is completely blocked and the part of the heart muscle linked to that artery becomes numb.<br /><br /><strong>Causes Of Coronary Artery Disease</strong><br /><br />The arteries that carry oxygen rich blood away from heart to all parts of the body should be clean and slick. If the artery walls are injured they become more vulnerable to coronary disease.<br />Atherosclerosis is the slow buildup of deposits called plaques inside the walls of the arteries. Plaques are deposits of fat, cholesterol and calcium and may lead to coronary disease.<br />Due to accumulation of plaque, the arteries become narrow causing blockage in the flow of blood and it may also lead to clot formation.<br />Eating high cholesterol and fats may also lead to deposits of fats in the arteries and coronary artery disease.<br /><br /><strong>Risk Factors For Coronary Artery Disease</strong><br /><br />The risk factors that can be controlled to prevent coronary artery disease are<br />Smoking<br />High blood pressure<br />High blood cholesterol<br />Diabetes<br />Obesity<br />Alcohol consumption<br /><br />The risk factors that cannot be control and may lead to coronary heart disease are<br />Male sex<br />Hereditary and race<br />Age factor<br /><br /><strong>Treatment and Prevention</strong><br />To treat and prevent coronary artery disease, several approaches and therapies can be used.<br /><br /><strong>Lifestyle<br /></strong>The first thing to do is to change the life style that has lead to artery disease.<br />Smoking and alcohol should be avoided<br />A healthy diet should be taken which is made up of fruits and vegetables, with smaller portions of meat.<br />Regular exercise plays an important part in preventing coronary artery disease.<br /><br /><strong>Medications</strong><br />Sometimes, medicines are also given by the doctors if the lifestyle change is not enough<br />Cholesterol lowering drugs are given that can help in lowering the level of bad cholesterol that is LDL, and protect against coronary artery disease.<br />Aspirins are given to make the blood thin and help in flow of blood.<br />Beta blockers slow the heart rate and decrease blood pressure; they also reduce the risk of heart attack.<br />Calcium channel blockers are also used to relax the muscles around the arteries and help vessels to open more increasing flow of blood.<br />Coronary heart disease is the disease of the arteries that carry blood and oxygen to the heart and if due to some reasons the blood and the oxygen does not reach the heart, it may lead to heart diseases.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_coronary_artery.htm</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-28508920444816178062008-12-29T20:09:00.000-08:002008-12-29T20:12:06.721-08:00a favorite part of the holidays<div align="justify">HO! HO! HO!<br /><br />Dropping in to wish ya a Happy New Year !<br /><br />Ya know what one of my favorite parts of<br />the holidays are?<br /><br />The SMELLS!<br /><br />The smell of pine.<br /><br />The crisp, fresh smell of Winter.<br /><br />and of course...<br /><br />The smell of gooey cookies, fresh apple pie and<br />piping hot homemade bread wafting through the air.<br /><br />Mmmm...makes a southern boy smile :-)<br /><br />How 'bout you?<br /><br />So, I thought I would *smell up* your<br />home for the holidays too!<br /><br />Here's a new favorite recipe at our home.<br /><br />My wife has made this for the past couple years.<br /><br />It's simply called Beer Bread. My wife RAVES<br />about how easy it is because there is no kneading<br />required because the beer does all the work.<br /><br />Cool huh? It smells divine and tastes sooooo good!<br /><br />Here's the recipe and we are hoping you<br />enjoy it and think of us when your home<br />smells like freshly baked bread too!<br /><br />HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!<br /><br />*********<br />Beer Bread<br />*********<br /><br />For one large loaf you will need:<br /><br />3 cups self rising flour<br />3 tablespoons granulated sugar<br />1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)<br />1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)<br />1 level teaspoon dried chives<br />1/2 to 3/4 cup of sharp cheddar cheese<br />One 12 ounce can of room temperature beer (I used Budweiser and it worked very well)<br />2+ tablespoons butter, melted<br /><br /><br />Grease metal loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and sprinkle with cornmeal (can be made without the cornmeal too if you prefer) and set aside. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.<br /><br />Combine all ingredients in a large bowl except for the beer and cheese and mix well. Pour beer into dry mixture, then add cheese before stirring. Stir with large wooden spoon until all ingredients are mixed well.<br /><br />Spoon batter into loaf pan and spread so there are no "high spots" in the batter. Then bake for approximately 60 minutes, longer if necessary. Top should be a light golden brown and a knife can be inserted into center of bread to check to see if it is done. Bread is done when knife comes out with crumbs instead of batter. :)<br /><br />Once done, remove bread from oven and place loaf pan on cooling rack, then generously brush melted butter on top of bread. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-91168829369991150072008-12-26T23:05:00.000-08:002008-12-26T23:08:31.096-08:00Chronic Angina Therapy - EECP Enhanced External Counter Pulsation<div align="justify">The number of people suffering from angina is increasing day by day. Angina is the name given to tightness or pain in the chest behind the breastbone. It is mainly caused by the blockage of the arteries due to accumulation of fats and plaques. The walls of arteries lead to blockage in the flow of blood and formation of clots. If not treated on time and with care, it can cause severe problems leading to heart diseases and eventually death.<br /><br />There are various treatments for angina. However, for some people the standard methods of treatment do not work and they become severely restricted in their activities. For such people other forms of therapies have been introduced, one such therapy is EECP - Enhanced External Counter Pulsation.<br /><br />EECP – Enhanced External Counter Pulsation<br />EECP is a mechanical procedure in which the patient’s legs and calves are wrapped by inflatable cuffs like that of a blood pressure device. During the time in which patient lies on a bed, the leg cuffs are inflated and deflated with each heartbeat.<br /><br />This procedure is carried out with help of a computer that triggers off the ECG so that the deflated cuffs inflate with the heartbeat in a sequence which pumps the blood upwards towards the heart. This is done to help regulate the flow of blood in the body.<br /><br />The EECP therapy gently yet precisely compresses the blood vessels in the lower parts of the body thereby increasing the flow of blood to the heart. The waves of pressure are timed with the heartbeat so the increased flow reaches the heart at the moment it relaxes; when the heart pumps again the pressure is released. Thus, it helps in pumping of the blood from heart.<br /><br />It also helps in opening some of the blood vessels to open small channels that become extra braches and help in passage of blood by becoming natural bypass.<br /><br />Who Needs EECP<br />People who are prime candidates for EECP are those who:<br /><br />Have a chronic stable angina<br />Do not get the required amount of relief by taking nitrate tablets<br />Cannot go for other forms of treatment such as surgery or angioplasty<br />Advantages of EECP<br />It is very effective in treating chronic stable angina<br />It improves the symptoms of angina and produces exercise tolerance<br />It is also helpful after surgery or treatment<br />EECP benefits the heart in two ways; first the pumping action of the leg cuffs increases the blood flow to the coronary arteries. With each heartbeat, the inflation of the cuffs helps more blood to flow in the arteries. This immensely helps with the angina symptoms.<br /><br />Second, with the beating of the heart, EECP deflates the cuffs and creates a vacuum like action that reduces the work of heart muscles and leads to enhanced and smooth blood flow in the arteries.<br /><br />EECP is very effective in treating angina pain as it helps in the circulation of blood without any surgery or extensive treatment. It decreases the frequency and intensity of angina while at the same time reduces the need for medicines. EECP also increases your ability to exercise and gives you more energy and strength to carry out your daily routine activities.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_chronic_angina_therapy.htm </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-13816558374284827342008-12-26T23:04:00.000-08:002008-12-26T23:05:37.697-08:00Cardiac Rehabilitation - Building a Better Life after Heart Disease<div align="justify">Cardiac rehabilitation may be called a program based on building a better health for people who have experienced cardiac arrest or a heart attack. It is very necessary to follow a customized program of exercise and diet to regain ones health. Cardiac rehabilitation helps in regaining strength to avoid further complications by reducing the risk of heart problems through proper guidance.<br /><br />Cardiac Rehabilitation<br />Cardiac rehabilitation can be called a medically supervised program specially designed to help patients suffering from heart problems to build a healthier life by recovering and improving their overall mental and physical health. It aims to prevent another heart attack and keep conditions from getting worse. It works to provide better quality of life.<br /><br />Need for Cardiac Rehabilitation<br />Cardiac rehabilitation is needed while a patient is recovering from a heart attack or trying to prevent another attack. It aims to provide knowledge on how to moderate ones life according to the limitations of the body. If one is adjusting to a life after heart attack, cardiac rehabilitation helps make you feel better and makes things seem brighter.<br /><br />By working out and adjusting to the new life under a trained eye, it becomes easy to survive and lead a better life.<br /><br />Goals of Cardiac Rehabilitation<br />The goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to slow down or even try to reverse the progress of cardiovascular diseases and in turn reducing the risk of further heart damage, attacks and death resulting from such diseases.<br /><br />Counseling for the patients so they can better understand their problems and manage them<br />Designing an exercise program for patients<br />Providing proper guidelines for the patients to enable them to return to work<br />Lending emotional support<br />Helping patients in making them understand the modifying factors such as smoking, alcohol, lack of physical activity and intake of proper diet<br />Creating a sense of well being and optimism regarding the future in the patient<br />Aspects of Cardiac Rehabilitation<br />Cardiac rehabilitation has 4 main components:<br /><br />Medical Evaluation<br />The healthcare team thoroughly studies the medical history and assesses physical abilities and limitations of the patient. They check whether there is a chance of any serious problem and how to prevent them. It helps in constructing a program suited to individual situation.<br /><br />Physical Activity<br />If you have a heart problem, physical activity is better than lying down and resting. A cardiac rehabilitation program will design a proper exercise plan for you, keeping your condition in mind. It will help in remaining fit and making your heart stronger.<br /><br />Lifestyle Adaptation<br />Knowledge about proper diet and nutrition will help you keep a healthy heart. Weight loss is better than being fat or obese. To take a balanced diet, learn what to eat and what to avoid as it will help in maintaining a good health.<br /><br />Mental Support<br />Adjusting to a new lifestyle may prove difficult for some people. It needs some specialized people to work out with the patients and advice them on how to regulated their life and manage a new lifestyle.<br /><br />Patients may experience anxiety and depression which needs professional advice. Cardiac rehabilitation helps you rebuild your life, both physically and emotionally. It may seem very hard in the beginning and cause difficulties in adjustment, but its basic purpose is to help one deal with changes in life.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_cardiac_rehabilitation.html </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-90800647754012467512008-12-26T23:01:00.000-08:002008-12-26T23:03:44.486-08:00The Importance Of Beta Blockers<div align="justify">Beta Blockers also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, beta blockers are medicines that affect the response of the body to certain nerve impulses. This, in turn, decreases the force and rate of the heart's contractions, which lowers blood pressure and lessens the heart's demand for oxygen.<br /><br />Beta Blockers Include<br />Atenolol (Tenormin)<br />Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL)<br />Propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA<br />Beta blockers are used mostly for the management of:<br />Hypertension<br />Angina pectoris<br />Tachyarrhythmia<br />Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis<br />Migraine headache (prophylaxis)<br />MI (prevention)<br />Glaucoma (ophthalmic use)<br />CHF – congestive heart failure (carvedilol and sustained-release metopolol only)<br />Hyperthyroidism<br />It has been proved that unless suggested otherwise, beta blockers should be considered a basis of therapy to improve symptoms of mortality and to decrease hospitalization. Numerous studies and researches carried out to test its effectiveness support the safety and success of beta-blocker therapy.<br /><br />How Beta Blockers Work?<br />Beta-blockers reduce the stress on the heart by decreasing its workload. They work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. As a result, the heart beats slowly and with less force, thereby reducing blood pressure. Beta blockers help the blood vessels to relax and open up that improves the flow of the blood.<br /><br />Studies show the value of beta-blockers in avoiding second heart attacks.<br /><br />Heart Mortality in Patients<br />Beta blockers are effective medicines for reducing mortality and heart attacks in patients with asthma, diabetes mellitus, severe peripheral vascular disease and moderate or severe left ventricular failure.<br /><br />Current guidelines for treatment of CHF (Coronary Heart Failure) now include beta blockers as standard therapy for patients with mild to moderate heart failure.<br /><br />Hyperthyroidism Treatment<br />Beta blockers play an important role in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Propranolol and atenolol are effective for this purpose. These drugs do not have any effect on the thyroid gland itself, but rapidly stop the effects of high hormone levels on the heart, nervous system and other organs.<br /><br />Beta blockers help in controlling the heart racing, palpitations, shakes and some of the psychological problems that occur with hyperthyroidism.<br /><br />Helps Burn Victims<br />Direct evidence has not been found, yet it’s acknowledged that beta blockers help in reducing mortality rate of burn victims. Beta blockers soothe hypermetabolic states in children with burns; their usage in adult cases showed beneficial results that prove beta blockers improve burn outcomes.<br /><br />Hypertension Treatment<br />Beta blockers are considered to be the most successful drugs for hypertension. They are very helpful in reducing the cardiovascular complications of hypertension.<br /><br />Some of the indications when beta blockers should be used in hypertension include myocardial infarction or angina, or heart failure.<br /><br />Treatment of Open-Angle Glaucoma<br />Beta blockers are used to treat open-angle glaucoma. They lower the pressure inside the eye by reducing the fluid in the eye. They are very effective and usually well-tolerated by most people.<br /><br />Beta Blockers and Migraine<br />Use of beta blockers as a treatment for migraine is very common now. Propranolol, metoprolol and atenolol are the forms of beta blockers taken for migraines.<br /><br />It was observed that patients suffering from angina and migraine, when given propranolol, found their migraine improved.<br /><br />Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy<br />Beta blockers are commonly used in the treatment of patients with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, also called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.<br /><br />These beta blockers reduce the inotropic state of left ventricle, decrease diastolic dysfunction and increase left ventricle compliance, thereby reducing pressure gradient across left ventricle outflow tract. They also decrease myocardial oxygen consumption and decrease the heart rate, reducing myocardial ischemia potential.<br /><br />Tachyarrhythmia<br />Beta blockers are extremely effective in treating tachyarrhythmia. The forms of beta blockers found to be effective in such cases are esmolol, metoprolol, atenolol, and nadolol.<br /><br />Angina Pectoris<br />Beta blockers are widely used for the angina pectoris. Angina pectoris is a syndrome characterized by chest pain that results from an imbalance between the supply of oxygen and its demand. It is most frequently caused by the failure of atherosclerotic coronary arteries to perfuse the heart under the conditions of increased myocardial oxygen consumption.<br /><br />The therapeutic effect of beta blockers in angina pectoris can be attributed to an inhibition of betal receptor mediated stimulation of heart rate and myocardial contractility, resulting in an improved oxygen demand and supply balance in the myocardium.<br /><br />Reduces Fracture Risks<br />A new study also suggests that taking a beta blocker may also reduce the risk of a broken bone. Taking a beta blocker together with a diuretic may further reduce the risk of bone fracture.<br /><br />Beta blockers are used for a number of ailments. However, it is important to note that beta blockers should not be taken without a doctor’s recommendations to avoid side effects. Some beta blockers need to be taken only once a day, others more often. Whatever the dose of beta blockers may be, its importance in the treatment of various diseases cannot be denied.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_betablockers.html </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-77858342671503191382008-12-26T23:00:00.000-08:002008-12-26T23:01:34.120-08:00Angina Pectoris<div align="justify">Angina pectoris is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to heart diseases. Angina pain occurs due to the blockage in the arteries which occurs when the fats accumulates in the walls of the arteries and affects the flow of blood.<br /><br />Angina pectoris is the temporary chest discomfort that occurs when the heart does not get the required amount of blood it needs. It can also occur due to blockage of one or more arteries and due to uncontrolled high blood pressure. The pain is felt like a fullness, squeezing or pain in the centre of the chest. The pains can extent to jaws, throat and shoulder blades.<br /><br />Angina pectoris attacks when the heart gets a short or restricted supply of oxygen and blood. It may be caused due to the fat deposits inside the walls of the arteries that block the regular flow of blood and when this condition persists for too long, it leads to angina attack.Causes and Symptoms of Angina Pectoris.<br /><br />Causes and Symptoms Of Angina Pectoris<br />It can be brought on by a number of factors.<br /><br />Physical exercise<br />Psychological stress<br />Extreme cold<br />A heavy metal<br />Lack of blood oxygen in the heart<br />Symptoms<br />A squeezing on the chest or heavy sensation<br />Shortness of breath<br />Numbness in arms, shoulders, elbow or hand.<br />Sweating<br />Why Does Angina Pectoris Occur<br />There may be a number of factors responsible for angina pectoris, they may be either hereditary or they make occur with age due to imbalanced diet or hectic life style.<br /><br />A family history<br />Hypertension<br />Smoking<br />Male sex<br />Diabetes<br />Obesity<br />Lack of physical activity<br />One can get angina pectoris attack resulting from a number of reasons and it can be avoided by improving the life style and the eating habits. If not treated on time, it may lead to other severe problems.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_angina_pectoris.htm </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-35041584074797303762008-12-26T22:56:00.000-08:002008-12-26T22:58:29.909-08:00Angina and Heart Diseases<div align="justify">Angina or chest pain has now become a common ailment that is caused by different factors. Sometimes, it requires immediate medical treatment while at others; it is not too severe and can be controlled with medicine and rest. In some cases, heart diseases are also confused with angina pain and vice versa. However, it is always better to consult a doctor on how to deal with it, what causes it and what can be done to prevent it.<br /><br />Angina<br />Angina is the chest pain that occurs when the heart does not get its required supply of oxygen in the blood. In most of the cases, this lack of oxygen is caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries. Angina pain is also considered a part of heart diseases.<br /><br />Angina pain often feels like a squeezing, pressure and tightening across the chest. It may often reach till the neck, jaw arms or back. Patient may suffer from indigestion, heartburn, nausea, weakness and sweating. In case of angina and heart problems, it is advised to consult a physician and get proper treatment.<br /><br />Heart Diseases<br />Heart diseases, is a broad term that can be applied to any of the heart problems such as:<br /><br />Coronary heart disease, a disease of the heart caused by the accumulation of fatty plaques within the walls of the arteries that supply the myocardium.<br />Ischaemic heart disease, characterized by reduced blood supply to the organ.<br />Cardiovascular disease, a sub-umbrella term for a number of diseases that affect the heart itself and/or the blood vessel system, especially the veins and arteries leading to and from the heart.<br />Cor pulmonale, a failure of the right side of the heart<br />Hereditary heart disease, caused by unavoidable genetic factors since birth.<br />Hypertensive heart disease, heart disease caused by high blood pressure, especially localized high blood pressure.<br />Inflammatory heart disease, that involves inflammation of the heart muscle and/or the tissue surrounding it.<br />Valvular heart disease, that affects the valves of the heart.<br />Causes of Angina<br />Angina often occurs as a result of some strenuous activity or due to some severe emotional stress. In such conditions, the heart needs more blood oxygen as compared to normal circumstances and the narrowed coronary arteries are unable to provide it. This causes pain and feelings of discomfort.<br /><br />Angina can also be caused due to a number of other reasons such as indigestion or heartburn.<br /><br />Angina and Heart Diseases<br />The most common cause of angina has been declared coronary artery disease, when the cholesterol deposited in the walls of the artery causes formation of cholesterol that leads to narrowing of arteries and angina pain.<br />When the arteries become too narrow, they can no longer meet the heart’s demand of blood oxygen and it leads to angina; if something is not done on time it may increase further and cause heart problems.<br />Heart problems are caused by blockage of arteries and accumulation of cholesterol in the body. If this persists, it may lead to heart attack and other problems that may be life threatening. When the arteries are blocked more than 50-70%, it leads to heart diseases.<br />Angina can be called a type of heart related chest pain. Angina pain occurs when the heart does not get its required amount of blood and oxygen due to a variety of reasons. Angina pain can be called as a warning to a serious heart attack. If angina pain is not taken care of and it is not controlled, it can lead to other heart complications.<br /><br />Due to lack of oxygen in the blood, if other parts of the body do not get their required amount of oxygen, it can cause a stroke or the patient may go into coma.<br /><br />If angina pain occurs without any prior problem or any warning, it can be quiet dangerous and may need immediate hospitalization. It is imperative that you get medical treatment as soon as possible so that angina pain does not get out of hand and causes further health deterioration.<br /><br />Source : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_angina.html </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-87026461866610664252008-12-26T22:54:00.000-08:002008-12-26T22:56:31.143-08:00Heart Disease Alternative Therapy<div align="justify">Heart is the most important part of the cardiovascular system. Its primary functions are to deliver oxygen and vital nutrition to cells throughout the body and to aid in the removal of cellular waste products. Heart diseases and stroke are among the most common heart and vascular problems that affect most of the people over the world.<br /><br />Referred as silent killers, these conditions are responsible for 43% of all deaths in the world. The most effective way to treat heart diseases is medication and adopting a healthy life style that is based on balanced diet and adequate exercise.<br /><br />Along with this, heart disease alternative therapies are used to treat heart diseases and recover from stroke. These heart disease alternative therapies use natural ways to help patients in recovery.<br /><br />The various alternative therapies available to prevent/cure heart diseases are as follows:<br /><br />Acupuncture<br />Acupuncture is a Chinese therapy for heart diseases. It offers valuable therapeutic benefits for stroke patients and treats pain or disease by inserting the tips of needles at specific points on the skin. The patients receiving acupuncture therapy are evaluated by three measurement systems: the Motor Assessment Scale for stroke patients, Sunnaas Index of ADL and Nottingham Health Profile.<br /><br />The patients opting for acupuncture show significantly improved quality of life as compared to other patients. The results of acupuncture therapy indicate that ‘acupuncture gives an additive therapeutic benefit when given to stroke patients during their rehabilitation program’. Acupuncture does not cause any side effects apart from slight dizziness.<br /><br />Herbal Therapy<br />Commonly used herbs such as garlic, ginger and even green tea can be very effective medicines and alternative therapy for treating heart disease. Since ancient times, herbs have been used for their healthy and medicinal effects. Nowadays, most of the medicines contain herbs and plant extracts due to the healing powers they possess.<br /><br />Researchers are now focusing on finding herbs that contain hypolipidemic, anti platelet, anti tumor, or immune-stimulating properties. These herbs are helpful in preventing and treating chronic degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. It has been proved that many herbs consist of potent antioxidant compounds that offer protection from chronic diseases, saving millions of lives.<br /><br />Many of these compounds are known to protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation, inhibit cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, inhibit lipid peroxidation, or have antiviral or anti tumor activity. The essentials oils and other agents present in these herbs and spices slow down mevalonate synthesis and restrict cholesterol and tumor growth.<br /><br />Traditional Chinese Medicine<br />A traditional Chinese herbal preparation known as Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) is known to treat patients suffering from coronary heart diseases. It has shown significant recovery in patients who were administered with this drug for 15 days.<br />Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) is known to effectively remove the oxygen free radicals from the blood stream thus reducing the lipoperoxide (LPO) injury and regulating the apolipoprotein metabolism in the patients. Thus, it is an effective Chinese alternative therapy for heart diseases.<br /><br />The Sunshine Remedy<br />According to latest research, a dose of sunshine can save the heart attack victims. Patients who recover in the sunniest part of intensive care unit are most likely to survive their stroke. Lack of adequate sun light is known to cause depression and melancholy, while on the other hand, sunlight is known to cheer and give a new lease of life to patients.<br /><br />Sunlight alters the way brain responds to a mood chemical known as serotonin. It is not known why the sun affects heart attack victims but it is effective heart disease alternative therapy for lifting the mood and causing cheerful feelings.<br /><br />Vegetarianism<br />According to researchers, vegetarians suffer from significantly lower mortality rate resulting from heart diseases as compared to non-vegetarians. The main reason behind this is the low cholesterol level found in vegetables as compared to meats that contain high animal fat.<br /><br />For most of the people suffering from heart diseases, it is recommended that they increase their intake of vegetables and cut down fats and meats from their diet. Red meat especially contains lots of fat that can lead to high cholesterol level. High cholesterol level is attributed as the primary risk factor for heart problems. <br /><br />Sumber : http://www.always-health.com/heartdisease_alternativetherapy.html</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-11275503161607428512008-12-26T20:46:00.000-08:002008-12-26T20:50:45.225-08:00Why Is My Baby Crying<div align="justify">Babies cry for many reasons. They might cry because they are hungry, wet or just uncomfortable. When your baby cries, he or she is trying to tell you something. Since babies can’t talk, crying is the only way they have to tell you that something is wrong. It’s your job as a parent to figure out what that is, and sometimes that can be a really hard job.<br /><br />Babies cry the most during the first three months of their lives. This is probably because with some practice, you will become better at figuring out what your baby wants. For example, when my son was a baby, he often cried for attention. Once I realized that he often just wanted to be held, it was a lot easier to get him to stop crying. Most of the time, all I had to do was pick him up.<br /><br />The most common reasons that a baby cries is because she is hungry, or because she needs to be changed. When your baby starts crying, it is a good idea to check her diaper first. If her diaper doesn’t need to be changed, there’s a good chance that the baby is hungry. Try offering the breast or bottle and see if she takes it.<br /><br />Babies will also cry if they are in pain. The baby’s cry is often louder and more urgent in this case. This type of crying is often caused by colic. Colicky babies sometimes respond well to white noise, such as a vacuum cleaner or staticky television set. Babies may also cry if they are wearing clothing that is itchy or pokey, if they are feeling sick, or if their teeth are starting to come in.<br /><br />For teething babies, try letting the baby chew on a toy that is made for teething. These toys often have liquid inside and can be frozen in the freezer. The cold feels good on the baby’s sore gums. Also, keep some Baby Orajel handy, even before you think you need it. This is a medication that numbs the baby’s gums to keep him them from hurting.<br /><br />Sometimes babies cry because they can sense that the people around them are anxious or stressed. They may also cry if they are startled, or even if they are just bored. Babies require a lot of interaction with people. Your baby might just need to be held or rocked. Other things you can try to help soothe your baby are singing to him or putting him in a baby swing. Some parents find that their babies cry less if they put them in carrier that is strapped to the parent’s body. And if all else fails, there aren’t too many babies that don’t fall sound asleep if you take them for a ride in the car.<br /><br />Source : http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/9387/1/Why-Is-My-Baby-Crying.html</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3288873340589827208.post-42445918267032646052008-12-26T20:40:00.000-08:002008-12-26T20:41:33.106-08:00Do you need to lose weight ? signs that you may<div align="justify">Almost every day, millions of people all over the world say to themselves “I need to lose weight.” Are you one of those individuals? While many of the individuals who tell themselves that they need to lose weight do need to lose weight, not all do. So, the question that many ask themselves is “do I really need to lose weight?” If that is a question that you have asked yourself before, you will want to continue reading on.<br /><br />One of the many signs that you may need to lose weight is if you are obese. Many individuals do not realize that there is a difference between being overweight and being obese. While different healthcare professionals have different definitions for obese, it is often said that those who are thirty or forty pounds overweight are obese. If you are obese, you shouldn’t only be worried about your appearance, but your health as well. Obesity has been linked to multiple health complications, including the early onset of death.<br /><br />Another one of the many signs that you should lose weight is if you have been told that you need to do so. Whether your physician recommended losing weight or if someone that you know on a personal level has, it is advised that you at least take their suggestions into consideration. Unfortunately, many individuals are embarrassed or become upset when they are told that they need to lose weight. What you need to remember is that the individual mentioning your weight to you likely isn’t as concerned with your appearance as they are with your health.<br /><br />Another sign that you may want to think about losing weight is if you are finding that your clothes no longer fit you. Of course, it is normal for some individuals to gain weight or to have their weight fluctuate, but you may want to think about joining a weight loss program or developing your own weight loss plan if you find that your clothes no longer fit or are difficult to get into. Unfortunately, many individuals do not just have a small weight gain. Small weight gain often leads to more, which could have a negative impact on your health. It is also important to mention the cost of new clothes, which you may not be able to afford.<br /><br />If you find many simple tasks or activities, like walking up a flight of stairs, difficult, you may want to think about losing weight. Of course, becoming out of breath from simple activities may not necessarily just be a weight problem, but there is a good chance that it is. When you lose weight, even just a little bit of it, you will likely find it easier to do many of the activities that you love or even the tasks that you need to do, like take your kids to the park.<br /><br />The above mentioned signs are just a few of the many signs that you may need to lose weight. Should you wish to lose weight, you are advised to proceed with caution. There are a number of weight loss products on the market, like diet pills or exercise equipment, which do not work. To save yourself money and to protect your health, you may want to consider consulting with your physician before starting any weight loss program, even one that you develop yourself. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0