The Potential Health Benefits of Cardiac Supplements

For people with high cholesterol, or at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, there are a couple of concentrated nutritional supplements that may be helpful to aid in lowering cholesterol and prolonging the healthy life span.

The first is the unique and natural native product from China - red yeast rice. It has been used in customary medical systems from about 800 A.D. This rice is produced when white rice is fermented with (monascus purpureus) red yeast. It is said to be used first in China (more than 2800 years in the past) as food coloring agent and food preservative. The first assumed use of the recipe for making red yeast rice was in 1368-1644 - the Ming Dynasty. It was reported even at that time to boost blood circulation. There is careful production of the red yeast rice extract to prevent any citrinin presence, a by-product of the process of fermentation which is sometimes toxic. When CoQ10 is added, there appears to be further enhancement of the product to support the immune system as well as healthy cardiovascular functions.

Chinese cuisine has used red yeast rice as cardiac supplements for centuries - that is, to encourage blood circulation and reduce clotting. Asian countries use red yeast rice as a staple for diets, used in making rice wine, flavour agent, as well as to maintain the colour and flavour of meat and fish. The yeast rice develops inhibitors referred to as monacolins. These inhibitors (hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase)) occur naturally. The healing properties of the red yeast rice positively affect the lipid reports of patients who are hypercholesterolemic.

The second concentrated nutrient that may be of benefit to your heart is omega-3 fatty acid. This appears to be helpful for people that are at risk of heart disease, or are currently experiencing the negative effects of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to have an anti-arrhythmic effect, and have been shown in some research to reduce the risk of sudden death by about a half, and reduce the risk of cardiac death by a third. Modest doses are recommended because of the possible interaction with other supplements or medications a person may be taking, such as aspirin and other blood-thinning medications.

The primary side effects of red yeast rice appear to be primarily due to contaminants during production. Selecting a product from a reputable manufacturer is especially important for this supplement. The primary side effects of omega-3 fatty acids likely come from interactions with pharmaceuticals. It is important to let your physician and pharmacist know about what you are taking, so they can help you minimize any side-effects. Also, keep in mind that supplementation does not replace a healthy diet full of plant foods. Balance supplementation with a moderate diet.

REFERENCE

Ong HT, Cheah JS. Statin alternatives or just placebo: an objective review of omega-3, red yeast rice and garlic in cardiovascular therapeutics. Chin Med J (Engl). 2008 Aug 20;121(16):1588-94. PMID 18982874.

Tom Heston is the Editor of the Internet Medical Journal and developer of android medical apps.

Original article

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Protocols and Heart Attacks: What Really Happens?

Rarely does there exist a more stressful event than the sudden onset of chest pain (or pressure) with accompanying arm or neck pain, dizziness, nausea and/or shortness of breath. All of these symptoms suggest the terrifying possibility of a myocardial infarction - or "heart attack".

Fortunately, there are protocols in place to attend to those who face an unexpected chest pain and associated symptoms. These protocols are found in the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training given to pre-hospital and hospital health care providers. Not all hospital workers receive this training but those that do (physicians and nurses) are prepared to assist and intervene with appropriate treatment for the possible "MI". The American Heart Association compiles studies every 5 years to update the advanced cardiac life support protocols and treatment guidelines. These guidelines are then adopted by all of the emergency responders in the United States.

Remember, "time is muscle" which means the first step is always to place that 9-1-1 call for assistance. So what can the patient expect after the call for help related to complaints of chest discomfort or pain? This is a great question and easily answered based on the ACLS protocols.

Paramedics respond and asses the patient's status. Upon determining the patient's presentation fits the potential for cardiac injury, he would be taken to the hospital. En route, baby aspirin (assuming no allergy to aspirin exists), oxygen and possibly sublingual nitroglycerin (a tiny pill placed under the tongue) would be given. An IV would be placed and an EKG possibly completed en route. After arriving in the Emergency Department, the hospital staff takes over and other medications could be given (including additional nitroglycerin and possibly blood thinners), along with another EKG, blood samples and a chest X-ray. The physician would make the determination as to the patient's condition and supportive staff prepared to do what comes next in the protocol.

Constant communication and efficient interventions are conducted rapidly to save the heart muscle from additional damage. Fortunately, paramedics and hospital personnel are experienced and have amassed the skills necessary to intervene and save a heart from serious injury, even death. What a wonderful resource ACLS is to those who must utilize the protocols to save another's life - and what a blessing to those who receive the benefits of ACLS training utilized on their behalf. A hearty "thank you" is never too much to give back to those who practice ACLS on behalf of their patients.

Zack Zarrilli is a Firefighter and the owner of SureFire CPR. His company is comprised of Firefighters, Paramedics, Lifeguards, and EMTs who teach hundreds of CPR, BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP, AED, and First Aid classes every year. SureFire CPR's instructors teach from their own real world experience and specialize in on-site CPR and First Aid training in all of Southern California.

Did you find the above article useful? If so, for more information or to take a class, please visit us at http://www.surefirecpr.com/ or call us at 888-277-3143. SureFire CPR currently offers CPR classes in Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, San Francisco, Riverside County, and the Inland Empire.

Original article

Cardiac Tumor

In this article I want to talk about heart diseases that are not very common and can affect any part of the heart, so a few people actually know something about them.

There are two types of cardiac tumor: benign and malign.

1) Benign tumors
1.1) Myxoma
This condition represents a cardiac benign tumor, which develops inside the cavities of your heart and usually occurs in the left atrium of the heart so that it will affect the blood flow from inside your heart. Most common symptoms of this heart disease are: weight loss, fever and it can go until death happens.

1.2) Rhabdomyomas
This condition usually happens at children and infants. This tumor is usually found in the myocardium or in the endocardium and is responsible for one in four cases of heart tumors causing cardiac insufficiency. Most common symptoms for this illness are: chest pain, and nausea.

1.3) Fibromas
These tumors usually evolves in the myocardium or in the endocardium, and affects the valves of the heart. If you cannot see or feel this tumor you can't identify it because there aren't any symptoms related to this disease.

1.4) Teratomas of the pericardium
This disease usually evolves on the main blood vessels and it in most cases it is find at infants. This disease is quite rare and like the other one it does not cause any symptoms.

2) Malignant tumors
This type of tumors develops in other part of the body and from there it spreads to the heart. This tumors are seen in most cases than benign tumors, it can originate from any heart tissue and evolves in most cases in children.

2.1) Angiosarcomas
This is responsible for over a third of malign heart tumors and usually starts spreading from the right side of the heart. Until know the causes for this tumor are not very clear and the symptoms of this disease depend on the location and stage of the tumor.

2.2) Fibrosarcomas
This condition usually develops as a primary or secondary bone tumor. Until know are known two types of fibrosarcoma of bone:

2.2.1) First one is primary fibrosarcoma which is a disease that produces variable amounts of collagen

2.2.2) The second one is called secondary fibrosarcoma of bone and it usually develops from a lesion that exists on the body or after a radiotherapy. Most common symptoms for this disease may be: broken bones, pain, urination very often and obstructed urination.

I invite you to read carefully this article. For more information's about this subject just visit Symptoms For Heart Disease. If you want to read about most common heart disease visit: Heart Attack

Original article

Importance of Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for Heart Patients

A healthy heart ensures a healthy and active life. A hospital's cardiac rehabilitation program serves the needs of heart patients to exercise safely, and maintain a heart-healthy life style. As part of the cardiac rehabilitation heart patients are provided tailored-exercises, education, guidance on quitting smoking and change of diet, and emotional support.

Patients with a record of cardiovascular diseases, those who had recent cardiac event, such as heart attack or heart failure, those who had undergone cardiac procedure such as angioplasty or heart surgery and those suffering from arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) or an implantable device (pacemaker or defibrillator) are eligible for cardiac rehabilitation.

It helps patients to carry out daily activities - walking, working etc, reduces the risk of recurrence of heart diseases, and improves the patients' quality of life. These programs are usually multi-disciplinary, and invite the coordinated and collaborative efforts of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists and dieticians.

Each cardiac rehabilitation program takes into account the patient's personal preferences and personal constraints. Certain guidelines are mandatory while availing cardiac rehabilitation programs

1. Doctor's advice and referral are required before the patient goes for these programs.

2. It should have a proper reporting mechanism whereby the patient's progress is reported to the concerned doctor from time to time.

3. Patients are to undergo the doctor-supervised stress test, before going for this program.

4. Not only the patient but also his family need to be counselled of the heart diseases, its impact on them, and the good effects of undergoing this program.

5. It is never the same for all patients. It has to be customized as per the patient's health condition and proper diagnosis of the heart disease.

6. Trained and certified cardiac rehabilitation staff should facilitate the program.

7. The duration of the program, fee and insurance coverage are to be clearly defined.

It is mostly advised for patients who suffer from some form of cardiac risk. A planned cardiac rehabilitation program helps in achieving a level of health that may even be better than life before heart disease has occurred.

It offers remarkable benefits to patients suffering from heart diseases.

1. Improves the patient's exercise capacity.

2. Helps in lowering of lipid levels, body weight, blood pressure, blood glucose.

3. Reduces the progression of atherosclerosis.

4. Helps in the reduction of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Notably, This program helps patients to acquire and maintain functional independence. By the end of this program, each patient achieves enhanced, active and enriched life.

Cardiac rehabilitation program is advised for the patients suffering from cardiac problems and to maintain healthy heart. It improves the patient's exercise capacity, reduces the depression & blood pressure and provides healthy life.

Original article

Beware of Side Effects of Cardiac Medications

The modern healthcare scenario is somewhat muddled, as far as a layman is concerned, due to the claims and counterclaims made by different groups with differing opinions. The same is absolutely true to heart care medicines. Most prescription drugs claim to reduce cholesterol, clogging up of the arteries and other heart-related diseases, but in fact they have hidden but very obvious side effects which can, in the long term, can reduce the lifespan.

As an example, we shall take up the case of Simvastatin, which is a hypolipidemic that is used for treating people suffering from high cholesterol and triglycerides. The medicine, to be truthful, helps preventing cardiovascular diseases and reduces the chances of heart strokes and attacks. The medicine is arguably good for administering in diabetes patients too. Again, the drug is effective in reducing cholesterol in children and young adults too. A large number of manufacturers are selling this drug under different names, like Simvacor and Simcard, to name a few.

However, with all its unique qualities, this prescription drug has many pronounced side effects. The general negative effects include indigestion, fatigue, loss of memory, joint pains, muscle cramps, abdominal pain, headaches etc. But you need to note here that these side-effects are neither universal nor long-lasting. Some persons may experience a handful of these impacts while another group may experience most of these. In some persons, the side effects may be recurring and long drawn out while in some, they may be just fleeting experiences. Extreme and rare side effects like Myalgia, which is a severe form of muscle pain, can also be observed in some patients. Regular and uncontrolled usage of Simvastatin have also reportedly caused life-threatening situations like Myositis, Rhabdomyolysis, Cholestatic Hepatitis, Hepatic Cirrhosis etc in some patients.

People who are undergoing Simvastatin usage also need to stay away from foods like grapefruits. The juice of the fruit has the capability to interfere with the cholesterol-reducing agentsin the drug while obstructing the metabolism process. The enzymes contained in the fruit work negatively with the ingredients in Simvastatin, but this does not mean that all citrus fruits are out of bounds for those undergoing heart treatments.

The above mentioned facts are indicative that simvastatin may be among the most harmless cholesterol reducing drugs available now. However, you need to be cautious about its usage. In addition, the drug must be administered only on the advice and active participation of a registered medical practitioner. After all, it is your health that is at stake here.

If you need help passing your USMLE, PLAB and other board exams you must have a large set of Cardiology MCQs. Visit Cardiology Questions for latest Cardiology questions with answers.

Original article

How to Be Prepared For Cardiac Emergencies?

Since cardiac emergencies are commonplace, there is a need for people to learn the initial emergency measures to be adopted in case one amongst us suddenly experiences heart failure. Medical professionals are well trained in this. But what can you and I do, as laymen, to help one who is badly in need of emergency medical care? The stories of two medical professionals, which I am about to narrate here, must open your eyes to this.

A wonderful, professionally expert nurse in her late thirties started showing signs of unusual heart rhythm and started medication for treating this. She was about to turn forty, but one night, she felt a strange feeling in her chest and dropped on the floor. Her husband, who was nearby, rushed to her side, but not being well-versed in emergency medical care, he neither called 911 nor applied AED or CPR for several minutes. The lost minutes proved fatal with the oxygen supply to her brain getting cut off. Anyway, she survived, and recovered the ability to talk but is presently living in a permanent care facility in an almost vegetative state.

Another medical doctor, again in her late thirties, suffered from a heart failure and collapsed in a street while jogging. A lady, while looking out through her window, noticed this and quickly called 911 and ran to her. Incidentally, this lady had enough knowledge on CPR and was able to administer it quickly to the patient. In a matter of seconds, her breathing was restored and in the meantime, a police car pulled up with an AED in its trunk. The police officer and the lady quickly hooked up the AED and gave the young doctor a shock. By the time an ambulance arrived, the doctor was stable enough to be transported to a hospital. She recovered fully, and is now the proud mother of a six month baby.

What message do the two similar incidents, with dissimilar results convey? The stories convey the ultimate truth that we all need to learn CPR, irrespective of what you are or who you are. Schools, churches, business or any other public facilities need to be equipped with professionals with enough knowledge on CPR. Keeping emergency vehicles equipped with AED facilities would also help here. Since millions of people are dying from heart diseases and strokes every year, this would be a wise practice to ensure that at least some people are saved in time. In this endeavor, contacting the local offices of American Red Cross or American Heart Association would be of immense help.

If you need help passing your USMLE, PLAB and other board exams you must have a large set of Cardiology MCQs. Visit Cardiology Questions for latest Cardiology questions with answers.

Original article