Rheumatic Heart Disease Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is uncommon in the US, except in children who have had strep infections that were untreated or inadequately treated. Children ages 5 to 15, particularly if they experience frequent strep throat infections, are most at risk for developing rheumatic fever. The infection often causes heart damage, particularly scarring of the heart valves, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood. The damage may resolve on its own, or it may be permanent, eventually causing congestive heart failure (a condition in which the heart cannot pump out all of the blood that enters it, which leads to an accumulation of blood in the vessels leading to the heart and fluid in the body tissues).

Rheumatic Heart Disease Symptoms

The symptoms is usually start about one to five weeks after your child has been infected with Streptococcus bacteria. The following are the most common symptoms of rheumatic fever. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

- Joint inflammation - including swelling, tenderness, and redness over multiple joints. The joints affected are usually the larger joints in the knees or ankles. The inflammation "moves" from one joint to another over several days.
- Small nodules or hard, round bumps under the skin.
- A change in your child's neuromuscular movements (this is usually noted by a change in your child's handwriting and may also include jerky movements).
- Rash (a pink rash with odd edges that is usually seen on the trunk of the body or arms and legs).
- Fever.
- Weight loss.
- Fatigue.
- Stomach pains.

The symptoms may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

Treatment for rheumatic heart disease:

Specific treatment for rheumatic heart disease will be determined by your child's physician based on:

Your child's overall health and medical history.

- Extent of the disease.
- Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies.
- Expectations for the course of the disease.
- Your opinion or preference.

The best treatment for rheumatic heart disease is prevention. Antibiotics can usually treat strep throat (a Streptococcus bacterial infection) and stop acute from developing. Antibiotic therapy has sharply reduced the incidence and mortality rate of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.

Children who have previously contracted are often given continuous (daily or monthly) antibiotic treatments to prevent future attacks of rheumatic fever and lower the risk of heart damage.

Visit us for more information and surgical pictures about rheumatic heart disease causes, symptoms and treatments.

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Causes of High Cholesterol

Over one hundred million Americans have high cholesterol. Derived from the Greek word "chole" for bile, this thick substance is produced in the liver and is very important to the good health and functioning of the human body. Cholesterol has numerous functions in the body and it is found in the outer layer of every human cell. Among its functions include the following; production of bile, aids in cell membrane growth and production of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Cholesterol also helps to metabolize fat soluble vitamins in the body.

We are all focused on hearing about how dangerous cholesterol is but in fact it also serves a very vital purpose to the body. However there is both "good" and "bad" cholesterol and this is where it is important to know the difference. How we produce cholesterol: When we eat animal proteins we produce cholesterol. Fruits, vegetables and grains cannot produce cholesterol and they do not contain any. When meat, eggs and dairy products are consumed they enable the body to make cholesterol. It is a question of eating these foods in moderation as too much saturated fat can lead to elevated cholesterol levels which can be unhealthy and dangerous.

Types of cholesterol: Cholesterol can be one of three types; HDL, LDL or Triglycerides. Lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout the bloodstream. LDL cholesterol is what is known as the "bad cholesterol". This is the cholesterol that is carried from the liver to the body's cells. If too much is carried into the body, you will develop excess cholesterol. Excess can lead to many health complications including arterial plaque and heart disease. The "good" cholesterol is known as HDL. It works in an opposite way to LDL because it actually carries the cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver. The liver then will discard this cholesterol out of the body. HDL can help prevent heart disease. Most fat found in the body is in the form of triglycerides. They are made from the foods that we eat. Normal Cholesterol Levels: There are cholesterol guidelines of what is considered normal and what is considered high. Normal is less than 200mg/dL and high is anything 240mg/dL or higher.

What high cholesterol can do to your body: High cholesterol can have many deleterious effects on your body and your health. Heart disease is one of the main potential consequences. The arteries can become blocked which reduces blood and oxygen flow to the heart. You will also increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Symptoms of high cholesterol: If you haven't gone to see a doctor and get blood work yet you may notice various symptoms if you do have high cholesterol. These may include some of the following; pain in your legs when walking or exercising because the arteries have narrowed and yellow patches on your skin, particularly around the eye area. These patches are actually cholesterol deposits and are a tell tale symptom that you have high cholesterol levels.

Causes of High Cholesterol: There are several known reasons for developing high cholesterol. It should be noted however, that sometimes there is a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol levels. Poor nutrition: Eating large quantities of cholesterol laden foods such as meat and dairy can increase your cholesterol. Most dangerous are foods that are high in saturated fats. Red meat, sausage and sugary baked goods all have high saturated fat levels. Eat fresh whole foods in the form of lean proteins, fresh vegetables and whole grains and a little bit of fruit.

Obesity: Excess weight can also increase bad cholesterol levels. Try to maintain a weight that is appropriate for your height and gender. You can refer to a body mass index scale, also known as a "bmi". This chart will tell you the weight range you should be in. Smoking: Smoking of course is an extremely unhealthy habit to have. And it can raise your cholesterol levels as well. Speak to your medical provider who can help create a program for you to follow to quick this habit. Age: Cholesterol levels increase naturally with age. Usually at the age of 50, a man's cholesterol levels will taper off naturally. Women's cholesterol levels will naturally begin to rise after they have reached menopause. This does not take into account of course, for all of the various lifestyle and medical factors that can raise your cholesterol levels as well.

Lack of exercise: People who do not exercise will more likely have higher cholesterol than people who incorporate exercise into their lifestyle. Additionally sedentary people will tend to have lower amounts of the good cholesterol, HDL, as well. Part of a healthy lifestyle incorporates a regular exercise program. Find exercise that you enjoy doing and try to commit to exercising three to five times weekly for a minimum of 30 minutes. Medical Conditions: There are certain medical conditions that tend to create higher cholesterol in the body. These include diseases such as diabetes, kidney and liver disease.

Diagnosis: Under the care of your medical provider, a blood test is performed which will check LDL, HDL and blood triglyceride levels. Medication: There are various medications that your physician may prescribe for you if you suffer from high cholesterol. Statins: this drug lowers cholesterol by blocking liver enzymes that produce it. There are various side effects associated with statins and include headaches and constipation but not everyone will experience these effects. Niacin: Niacin will reduce both HDL and LDL levels and it is a B vitamin. Your doctor may prescribe a particular dosage for you. You may experience flushing and tingling side effects. Aspirin: Aspirin is a common medication doctor's recommend taking for high cholesterol levels. If you have high blood pressure along with high cholesterol your doctor may prescribe other drugs such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. Your doctor will know what exactly is appropriate for you depending on your blood work, age and health condition.

You can reduce your cholesterol levels in various ways. By looking at the various causes of high cholesterol you can begin to assess which areas of your life you may change to become a healthier person. Of course, always consult with your medical provider before undergoing any type of lifestyle, nutritional or exercise program, particularly if you are elderly or suffering from any disease or ailment.

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By Tina C. Loren

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Understanding Heart Disease Causes

I was reading a health and fitness publication. While I was reading through it occurred to me that about every other article was something could help with heart disease prevention. My second thought was how are we supposed to determine what works for us and with our situation when there is a whole lot information out there?

Based on my research by reading, talking with medical practitioners and my life experience I've developed a list that concentrates on typical coronary disease contributors and what to do to decrease those risks.

Greatest Risks:

High Blood Pressure LevelInflammationElevated Cortisol levelsPlaque in the arteries

Blood Pressure Level

As reported by the University of Iowa high blood pressure increases injury to our blood vessels and vital organs and this is among the most frequent risk factors in heart disease. Without using too many medical terms high blood pressure levels causes you to work hard like a mean boss!

Inflammation

Inflammation is as a result of injury to our bodies. It is the way the body's immune system looks after you. Long-term inflammation takes place when you get an excessive amount your body taking care of itself! With coronary disease the inflammation may also cause the human body to send the incorrect kind of treatment the fix can come as plaque which in turn causes the arteries to restrict.

Elevated Cortisol Levels

High cortisol levels (the stuff that increases when you're stressed) leads to an increase in blood pressure levels and more belly fat. As we saw above increased blood pressure is harmful for us for many reasons! The stomach fat has been shown to increase your probability of heart disease because it contributes to metabolic syndrome. The main reason for this is that there's a rise of fat in your body.

Plaque in Arteries

This ultimately blocks your arteries and may cause a heart attacks. This Plaque can come from fat, cholesterol, calcium and other miscellaneous places.

Best methods to Combating Risks

ExerciseHealthy dietStress Management

These ought not to be overly surprising since this is what you hear many times. However these areas are not exactly easy to identify the # 1 consideration. So what follows is a glance at the most significant activities.

Exercise

Most sources say we require A half-hour of moderate activity every day of the week and then moderate is around Two miles in Half an hour. Why? Because the list of advantages is impressive!

You sleep better (which results in reduced blood pressure levels)Results in a far more efficient cardiovascular systemManages our weight therefore have less body fat in our bloodIncreases the flow of blood allowing the heart to work betterLowers your blood pressureIncreases HDL (good cholesterol)Decreases triglycerides

Nutrition

This is the area that most likely had the most dispute, but all experts believed that a food plan with an increase of vegetables and fruit was your best option. Why? According to Jill Nussinow, MS, RD, the high antioxidant activity of vegetarian and vegan food items is important in heart wellness.

Additionally, when those foods, many of which are naturally loaded with fiber, both soluble and insoluble, are substituted for potentially artery-clogging animal products, will help you lower cholesterol levels, possibly regulate blood sugar (implicated in coronary disease), and help people lose or sustain body weight easier?

So increase fruit and veggies to combat cardiovascular disease.

Stress Management

When we are stressed we will have elevated blood pressure levels and cortisol levels. Especially if we're chronically stressed as the body never has a chance to recoup. Sadly many people are chronically stressed? Too much to do too little time? You know the tale. Then toss on personal finance issues, family, and career problems and the stress assumes a life of its very own.

So using stress management will help. Not sure what to do for stress relief? Here are some ideas:

MeditationYoga breathingExerciseKeeping a diary

So there you have it, a simple summary of how to deal with the information! Exercise every day, eat more fruits and vegetables and take the time to blow off steam. That isn't too challenging.

And finally if you want to learn more about heart disease prevention you should visit http://www.hearthealthjourney.com/

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High Cholesterol - Signs, Symptoms, Causes

High cholesterol is what the average person calls it. The medical term is hypercholesterolemia and it is a risk factor for heart disease.

No signs or symptoms are usually visible until the problem becomes significant. Occasionally, yellowish patches appear around the eyelids or in the outer margin of the iris of the eye. Lumps may form in the tendons of the body, especially in the Achilles tendon.

But most of the time, the fatty waxy yellowish substance lodges inside the walls of the blood vessels, where you cannot see it. That's why you must have your blood levels checked on a regular basis, even if you feel healthy. It could be a family issue you are unaware of.

One of the rare causes of hypercholesterolemia is genetics. It is then referred to as familial hypercholesterolemia. There are actually two genetic mutations, one being much rarer than the other. The rarest form can cause severe cardiovascular disease during childhood. People with the more common, but still rare form tend to develop cardiovascular disease between the ages of 30 and 40.

If members of your family have died from heart attacks at relatively young ages, the reason could be familial high cholesterol. It is in your best interest to get a blood test.

Watch Your Diet

Excessive dietary intake of saturated and trans-fatty acids is the most common cause of hypercholesterolemia in the Western world. Dietary cholesterol was at one time blamed, but most research indicates that cholesterol-rich foods like eggs can be consumed in moderation. For example, eating three eggs per week is okay.

Some people have switched to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Usually the result are quite remarkable. Meat, especially red meat, is a source of saturated fat that can cause high cholesterol.

Get Moving and Keep Going

Another common cause is lack of physical activity. Physical activity is one of the only things that raise HDL levels. HDL is considered "good" cholesterol, because it carries the yellow goo out of the bloodstream. LDL particles are the ones that "stick around" in the blood.

You Have Heard the Warnings Repeatedly

Smoking and alcohol consumption in excess of one or two drinks per day are other causes of high cholesterol. Both smoking and alcohol can cause the liver to produce more LDL particles.

Anyone who is obese should have their HDL and LDL blood levels checked regularly. Obesity raises triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are fats in the bloodstream. Triglycerides include free fatty acids and the cholesterol particles we have been talking about. When a person has high cholesterol, their total blood triglycerides are also higher than normal.

Age a Factor -?

Getting older is a possible cause, although not necessarily inevitable. Dietary changes and improved nutritional status can combat high cholesterol regardless of a person's age.

A number of other health problems can cause hypercholesterolemia including:

* Hypothyroidism
* Pancreatitis
* Type II diabetes
* Nephrosis
* Cirrhosis and other liver diseases

Certain prescription medications can also cause the health problem including progesterone, corticosteroids, anabolic steroids and diuretics. No drug is without risk and many of them have a negative effect on liver function. Anything that messes with the liver can cause hypercholesterolemia, as well as other health problems.

While statin drugs are the usual treatment of choice, they too are risky. It is possible to lower high cholesterol naturally without drugs. Now that you know some basic causes, you'll learn how in my next article.

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