Archive for the 'Heart Disease' Category

The Risks of High Cholesterol

Friday, July 2nd, 2010 No Commented
Under: Heart Disease

Simply put, as high Cholesterol is a direct contributor to cardiovascular disease, which can lead to strokes and heart attacks, the risks of high cholesterol is not to be taken lightly. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the blood. It’s the excess or high levels of cholesterol, known as “bad” LDL Cholesterol in the bloodstream that can lead to trouble.
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Not all cholesterol is bad. A healthy body needs it to function. It plays an important role in the manufacture of a number of molecules and hormones needed in the body cell structure

However, it’s when an imbalance of levels accurate, is when the problem begins. There are three factors to consider.

The first; Low-density lipoproteins (LDL’s) high blood fat levels. These levels are a major cause of cholesterol build-up in important arteries, and can be serious, as it may lead to damage to the lining of the vessels, known as atherosclerosis. This, in turn, can lead to the restricted blood flow linked to coronary artery disease, ischaemic cerebrovascular disease (stroke),

The second consideration is; High-density lipoproteins (HDL’s) that are ‘good’ cholesterol, that removing unwanted debris and plaque from the arteries via way of the liver.

The third in the equation is Triglycerides; Triglycerides are blood fats and keeping these levels low is recommended as higher triglycerides can contribute a greater risk for heart disease, stroke and even diabetes.

The bulk of cholesterol is actually made in your own body, specifically in the liver. And some of cholesterol comes from the foods you eat. The Tran’s fats and saturated fats found in many processed foods can give a rise in the levels of cholesterol.

Heart attacks claims hundred and thousands of lives every year in North America alone. And the major contribution to these figures has been high cholesterol levels. In short, the risks of high cholesterol condition is not to be taken lightly

Unfortunately, as we age the arteries naturally start to harden and narrow, and it is a wise precaution to have you blood pressure and cholesterol levels check regularly, say ever three to five years.

Improving on your lifestyle can go a long way in influence cholesterol levels. You can lower your “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and even raise your “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) with a few lifestyle changes – diet, exercise, and weight loss – can make a great difference to cholesterol levels.
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Lifestyle alteration however, may not be enough to help lower the risks of high cholesterol… You may have to consult with your doctor to find a treatment plan that’s best for you.
Be sure to visit 360 Degree Health.org for more detailed advise on the risks of high cholesterol levels and treatments without harmful drugs or drastic diet changes.

Herbs For Hardening of the Arteries

Monday, June 14th, 2010 No Commented
Under: Heart Disease

Hardening of the arteries is a dangerous condition in which the space inside the artery (the lumen) starts to narrow due to the accumulation of cholesterol laden plaque deposits. As these plaque deposits build over time a layer of calcium and/or fibrous tissue may start to form leading to the common condition known as hardening of the arteries. The question we pose is can herbs for hardening of the arteries reverse, halt, or neutralize this dangerous condition?

There is good evidence to suggest the answer is yes, at least according to research conducted at the University of Texas Health Center at Houston. The study looked at a number of herbal remedies for heart and artery health purchased locally at a well respected local health store and what they found was that these herbs for hardening of the arteries were very effective at delivering nitric oxide to the body. Nitric oxide lowers blood pressure by relaxing or dilating large blood vessels. The result of higher nitric oxide levels was ultimately an improvement in overall blood flow to the heart. Additionally, and just as important to our investigation into herbs for hardening arteries, was the finding that herbs can prevent plaque buildup and the formation of clots in the arteries.

Next why don’t we move on and identify specific names of herbs for hardening arteries.

Hawthorn: Hawthorne is one of the best known and most widely used herbs for hardening arteries and heart disease. It is derived from a small shrub like tree that grows throughout the northern hemisphere. Hawthorne has been shown to increase the amount of blood flowing through narrowed arteries and increase the strength of the arteries, thus reducing the chances of a heart attack or stroke. Other benefits related to heart health but not necessarily hardening of the arteries are: improvement in the contractibility of the heart muscle, increased cardiac output and performance, reduction in the hearts workload, as well as increasing the hearts ability to cope with oxygen deficiency in times of stress or excitement. Hawthorne when taken as a herb for hardening arteries is quite safe and will not interfere with other medications, according to the official European Community monograph (ESOP). An additional benefit is that it can help with anxiety as well.

Garlic: Perhaps the most well known, and easily acquired, of our herbs for hardening arteries is garlic. Research has shown that garlic decreases serum cholesterol levels up to 10 percent when one clove or more is consumed on a regular basis.

Red yeast rice: Red yeast ride is one of the oldest Chinese herbs and has been used for centuries in the practice of Chinese herbal medicine. It is also considered to be one of the best herbs for hardening arteries due to its statin drug like qualities. Red yeast rice has been shown to lower overall cholesterol, raise good cholesterol, and lower bad cholesterol levels. There is also some evidence to suggest that it may aid the body in reducing existing artery clogging plaque deposits.

Other herbs for hardening arteries and heart health worth investigating further are: bilberry, cayenne, chamomile, ginkgo, and rosemary.

Heart Disease, Gender and Nutrition

Friday, June 11th, 2010 No Commented
Under: Heart Disease

There has always been a disparity between men and women when it comes to heart disease. For years, it was thought that heart disease only affected men and that it was the rare woman who developed heart problems, let alone had a heart attack. We now know that heart disease does affect women, but that their heart attack symptoms are different from a man’s “classic” signs and are often more likely to be ignored. There are a number of steps that men and women cannot change that increase their risk for heart disease, including their family history and genetics. However, there are other factors that can be changed.

Six updated guidelines are:

- Learn to relax, especially with meditation. Studies have shown a 47% reduction in death, heart attacks and strokes in those who started practicing mediation after being diagnosed with heart disease.

- Education for self, families and community.

- Work to reduce blood pressure by losing weight, exercising and taking medication if it is needed.

- Know your waist measurement. Doctors have long said to lose weight or to control body mass index (BMI). However, new studies suggest that knowing your waist’s measurement may be more indicative of the heart disease risk that you face. The larger your waistline, the more likely it is that you are carrying your weight in your midsection. This fat is linked to higher triglyceride levels and an increased risk of diabetes in addition to heart disease.

- Increase the amount of vitamin D that you get. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to some forms of cardiovascular disease. Food sources include milk, salmon and fortified cereals. We also get vitamin D from the sun.

- Manage diabetes. Heart disease is the main cause of death for those with diabetes. 65% or more of those with diabetes will die from a heart problem or stroke. Diabetics are also two to four times more likely to have heart disease in the first place.

- Get enough sleep. The right amount of sleep every night can affect stress hormones, blood pressure and the metabolism.

Different Genders, Different Risks

When plaque builds up in a man’s arteries, it tends to block them off and cause obvious problems. However, recent studies have shown that when the same thing happens in a woman’s arteries, they just get bigger to accommodate both the plaque and the blood flow. Unfortunately, that means that the plaque is not being spotted by traditional tests that are only looking for blockages. The plaque accumulates over a lifetime, some think starting during pregnancy. The buildup can cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue, which is often misdiagnosed by most doctors as something other than heart disease. Because the testing methods that are currently being used do not spot a blockage, the women are not cautioned to be alert to heart attack or other symptoms and are therefore more likely to die from their heart disease than a man would. There is a newer test that is recommended that can look at the smaller and more subtle symptoms that could indicate early cardiovascular disease. This test, the myocardial contrast echocardiography, is noninvasive, relatively inexpensive and can see far more than the traditional tests ever could. Anyone with risk factors should find out if the testing is available in their area

How Losing Weight Can Help

Losing weight can help to keep the risk of heart disease reduced. In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, losing weight can reduce the risk of diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and some cancers. Losing weight may also make it easier to get the right amount of exercise, which in turn can help to lose more weight. Staying active may also help in preventing arthritis and may slow the progression of some mental conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia.

Even a small reduction in weight can be beneficial, especially in those who are apple shaped (small legs, larger midsections). Monitoring the waist to hip ratio may be even more important than keeping track of the body mass index.

Heart disease in women tends to start quietly and develop gradually and without notice but is also ironically more likely to result in their death. A man’s heart disease may present with problems fairly early and may not be fatal right away. In fact, a man may have several smaller heart attacks before he suffers a fatal one. A woman’s first heart attack is more likely to be her last.

Losing weight should never be about a fad or uncontrolled diet, which is also bad for the heart and the rest of the body as well. Sudden, large amounts of weight loss can throw the heart into abnormal rhythms, for instance, and may increase the risk of gall stones in those who are predisposed to them. It is also important to note that there are other problems noted with extreme weight loss, and it is equally important to note that the faster the weight goes, the more likely it will be to come back right away.

Healthy and Balanced Nutrition

The American Heart Association suggests that the best weight loss plan is one that stresses healthy foods and includes all of the major food groups. The aim should be to lose no more than one pound per week and to make gradual lifestyle changes. Getting the right amounts of carbohydrates, fats and proteins is important. Using the DASH diet might be helpful as well. DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) is the diet plan that is given to those who are combating high blood pressure, but it can be perfectly beneficial to others as well. It emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products and reduced sodium intake.

Using a protein supplement as either a between-meal snack or a meal replacement can be a good way to help reduce weight without causing the deprivation and starvation of severe reduced-calorie diets.

HDL and LDL Cholesterol

Thursday, March 18th, 2010 No Commented
Under: Heart Disease

Most of us have heard the names HDL and LDL but most don’t know the real difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol. In this article we will not only explore the difference in the two but also the how they got to be who they are today.

The birth of our two star players begins in that serene setting full of flora waving in the wind, the intestines. Before our two stars grew up they were known as chylomicrons. These are particles that your intestinal cells assemble from the proteins and fats you eat. Chylomicrons are very, very fatty tiny particles. But as they travel through your bloodstream making their way to the liver, these fatty particles release their fats, known as triglycerides, into your blood. Now ten ton tiny is only a remnant of himself, to be exact a chylomicron remnant, but he is still packing his cholesterol and protein.
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Once arriving at the fat depot otherwise known as the liver our friendly remnant eats four or five chili cheese dogs to fatten up and comes out full of fat and now becomes a very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). He has emerged bigger, fatter, and fluffier than ever before! The liver then sends 20 ton tiny out into the world known as your body. As VLDL makes his rounds he is continually dropping piles of fat and cholesterol. As this happens he emerges as slightly smaller version of himself known as an IDL, and as fat and cholesterol continue to melt away he is now turned in a slightly smaller, heavier low density lipoprotein. The last and final step is transforming the fat frog into the mostly protein handsome prince know as high density lipoprotein (HDL).

HDL is now so proud of his fat and cholesterol reduction program that he never wants to be fat again and is obsessed with removing fat and cholesterol from the arteries. He has now become cholesterols worst enemy. A scavenger molecule bent on the destruction of cholesterol.

As you can see the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol is that LDL still contains cholesterol. Where HDL does not. This is the main different, one is primarily fat and one is primarily protein. One can cause coronary artery disease and the other prevents it. Two lipoproteins, one step away from each other in the chain of development, and ultimately they are virtually complete opposites. Sound like anyone you know?

What Next? Lowering cholesterol, in most cases, is about changing old habits, adopting new healthier habits, and enlisting the help of convention medications such as statins or natural cholesterol reducing remedies if needed. Put simply, this basically means finding ways to increase HDL (good cholesterol) and decrease LDL (bad cholesterol levels). Certainly the aforementioned statin drugs will be one of your options but they do carry a number of serious label warnings. The side effect risks have made natural cholesterol reduction supplements combined with diet modification an alternative treatment combination worth considering.

Ischaemic heart disease

Thursday, March 4th, 2010 No Commented
Under: Heart Disease

The heart is one of the most important organs and holds the job of pumping blood to other organs. Ischaemic heart disease also called myocardial Ischemic is a heart illness that has an effect on the way how the blood travels to the heart. Ischaemic heart disease occurs when there is a plaque formation that restricts the arteries from transporting precious blood and oxygen to the heart. The heart becomes affected when there is a reduction in the blood flow to the heart muscle that damages the heart muscle. Ischaemic heart disease has become one of the leading causes of death in the western world.

Ischaemic heart disease hardly show any signs in its first when it starts to take effect however, different warning signs can be seen based on the severity of the disease when it is diagnosed. Some the most identifiable symptoms are acute chest pain and angina prectoris. Acute chest pain can be identified by sharp pain felt in chest and is treated as an emergency situation.

Angina precoris results in chest pain behind the breast bone or slightly to the left of the chest, there may also be a crushing sensation, squeezing or heavy pressure moving towards to the jaw, back, shoulder or event the arms. This symptom also causes indigestion, light headedness, vomiting, shortness of the breath. It’s a possibility that angina precoris will not show any of these symptoms even when in effect; this is called silent ischaemia. Ischaemic Heart Disease can also lead to heart failure slowly over time. Heavy coughing, shortness of breath with after lying down or while doing physical activities, fatigue, loss of appetite, unusual heart beat patterns, inflammation of the ankles and feet are all signs that a heart failure may be approaching.

There are certain particular habits that makes it easier of you developing heart diseases. Persons who have particularly bad eating habits and suffer from obesity automatically increase their chances of being affected by these heart disease. These situations cause high cholesterol levels that make the heart work excessively to keep up with the needs of the body and so leads to various heart diseases.

Individuals experiencing situation should maintain healthy eating habits and exercise for at least three times weekly and maintain your body mass. These patterns can greatly minimize stress levels, take care of the muscles and keeps the body in check. Individuals that suffer from insomnia, and don’t work out are more prone to feel highly stressed. Cigarette smoking is also a huge contributing factor of heart diseases. If persons hope to minimize their chances of getting Ischaemic heart Disease, smoking will have to be eliminated. High tension levels can also cause ischaemic heart disease,

Persons who have experienced a stroke or heart attack or who have a hereditarily record of heart diseases or other disease like diabetes are more prone to develop heart diseases. So Persons should make it their duty to research their medical history and seek a heart specialist when necessary to test the condition of their blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They should also be conscious of what they eat. Individuals may require medications to regulate these conditions. In serious cases of Ischaemic heart Disease, surgical procedure may also be needed to treat ischaemic disease but the greatest cure is prevention by exercising healthy lifestyle patterns.