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.

Original article

Prevention of Women's Heart Disease

In this article you will be directed to look 'way back into your childhood to contemplate what is truly meant by prevention of women's heart disease. Consider how you moved, how you looked, how you received others' lives, what you were doing. Is your picture of your body as a little girl many times more beautiful and capable than it is now? Was your skin clear, your teeth clean, white and cavity free, your movements smooth and precise, your voice clear and sweet?

This is how you were prior to your smoking days and before you learned to inhabit fast food pantries and reject an apple to eat chips and high fat cheddar. After the first few years of your life, you may have been placed in a permanent niche in front of the TV where you may have quickly attained a blubber tire around your waist and promptly forgot what you were supposed to look like. And, you forgot how to move except in the direction of the dinner table.

The picture presented in the second paragraph is what you should want to eliminate from your life, and from the pattern of your children's lives. It is easier not to have attained a debilitated state than to get rid of it later. This is prevention. Do not even let it happen. If your children do not ever eat potato chips and high fat cheese, they will never realize that anything is missing.

Try the DASH Diet Eating Plan that may help you focus on your diet. This book claims you can lower your blood pressure in 14 days by following its diet.

Your daughters will be free of the terrible death risk statistics of women. The future generation will not have to experience a "no chest pain" heart attack and die in the hospital. These are the women who tend not to take care of themselves by getting to the hospital immediately and their treatment comes too late and contributes to their deaths. Sixteen percent of women who are under 65 and had "no chest pain heart attacks", died in the hospital, while only twelve and a half percent of men with no chest pain and of the same age, died.

The absence of chest pain does not let you off the hook: if you have the other symptoms of shortness of breath, debilitating fatigue, heart palpitations and nausea, please get your symptoms checked out by a doctor as soon as you can.

It is legitimate to call 911 even if you do not have chest pain. Remember, the death risk can be turned around. Do not wait too long to deal with those symptoms. Dr. Malissa J. Wood, Co-director of the Massachusetts General Hospital women's heart health program stated, "Time equals muscle", meaning that heart muscle dies or is injured due to a lack of oxygen in the arterial supply. When heart muscle dies it is called an infarction; the heart tissue dies and becomes useless to pump blood.

Your girls are the women of the future and no doubt you are expecting great progress from them. Then help them while they are babies to have nutritious food now and throughout their childhood. Do not give them too much to eat when they are babies or choose foods that are improper for good nutrition. Do not allow them to overeat when they are teenagers. If you have built a trusting relationship with them as the years go by, they will love and respect you, acknowledge your good example, and they will want to be like you.. This is your great opportunity, Mothers, to help your daughters out of the stigma of expecting to be taken by a silent heart attack.

Margaret Heaps is a native born Californian who sees life as not long enough to fit everything in. She has grass roots in Petaluma, California and Nicasio, California, where her great grandfather bought land from gold that he mined in the Gold Rush of 1848 and created a high yield dairy farm. With this background legacy, she married and raised six boys, went back to school and became a registered nurse; this was her profession for many years. Now that she has retired, her energy level still high, she has undertaken to build and market a new website:
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Original article

Prevent Heart Disease With a Heart Healthy Diet

If you are like most Americans, it is very likely that you are in desperate need of a heart healthy diet. Over the past several decades, the diet eaten by the average American has gotten progressively worse. Not surprisingly, as our diets have become less healthy, incident rates of heart disease have risen precipitously. The good news? There are plenty of steps that can be taken to implement a heart healthy diet and avoid heart disease.

Where to Start

Reforming one's eating habits is, admittedly, not an easy task. It is however, a task that is well worth the effort. In your transition to a heart healthy diet, the best place to start is with fats and cholesterol.

Nowadays, it is not uncommon for a single meal to contain well over half of the daily recommended intake of either of these nutritional components. Our focus on convenient foods that are ready right away has placed nutritional value at the bottom of our collective list of priorities when selecting food.

Of all of the changes that a person can make on their road to a heart healthy diet, limiting your intake of saturated and trans fats provides the largest benefit. Keeping these two dietary components in check helps to reduce your blood cholesterol and, in turn, lowers your risk of developing heart disease. When choosing foods based upon their fat content, be wary of butter, cream-based sauces, and hydrogenated margarine. As a rule, keeping your fat intake under 25% of your total daily calories can work wonders on keeping your heart healthy and strong.

Keeping it Going

While lowering your intake of saturated and trans fats is perhaps the most significant change a person can make in transitioning to a heart healthy diet, there are several other changes that can also make a big difference.

On your next trip to the grocery store, keep your eyes peeled for products that are made with whole grains. Not only are whole grains a great source of fiber, they also play a key role in regulating blood pressure. In short, these unrefined grains are a powerful ingredient in your heart healthy diet. Instead of grabbing a loaf of white bread, opt for the whole-grain bread instead. Another great way to integrate whole grains into your diet is via oatmeal. This tasty treat can be combined with berries for an even yummier snack.

Eat Your Vegetables (and Fruits too)

Remember mom's famous words? For children, they can be a source of disdain, or even terror. As an adult, however, it is important to understand that your mother was right - eating your vegetables IS an important part of staying healthy. For this reason, your heart healthy diet will never be complete if it does not include regular servings of fruits and vegetables.

Amanda Paul is the writer and content manager for BistroMD, one of the nation's industry leaders in home delivery of delicious meals designed for a lighter, healthier you.

In addition to content management, Amanda is also editor of the company's weekly newsletters and is the head of SEO marketing.

Amanda earned her B.A. in Communication from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2009, as well as a Minor in Journalism.

Original article

Risk Factors For Heart Disease

A close friend of mine knows a great deal about risk factors for heart disease, but even as a highly trained physician and tri-athlete, he at one time suffered from heart disease. Dr. John Koehler has been a practitioner in the medical field for over 2 decades. He is well known in the greater Rockford, Illinois area as operating numerous Physicians Immediate Urgent Care clinics. His story is of discovery, recovery and gratitude...you see he once had serious calcium plaque buildup (95%) in his coronary arteries. Serious stuff! Dr. "J" as I call him, is a great student of disease prevention.

The stark reality is degenerative diseases are preventable through lifestyle changes.

Health Care Crisis

We have a serious health care crisis in this country. A sad reality is many doctors either don't take the time to discuss preventative strategies (such as high end nutrition and low glycemic food intake) or have limited knowledge in this arena. The fact is doctors receive very little to no formal training in the nutritional and preventative medicine arena. What doctor's do know a lot about is drugs, and surgery. In actuality, we don't have a "Health Care " system in this country. We a have a sickness care system. Why? All the emphasis is targeted at intervention after the fact, after you are diagnosed. Very little if any education is offered regarding preventative strategies, which can eliminate the potential for chronic illness all together.

What We Eat, How Much We Eat

You have certainly heard the statement, we are what we eat. The average American annually consumes a whopping 200 lbs more food today than during the early 70's. Only 4% of that intake is protein. The rest are high glycemic carbohydrates that are very damaging, which cause all kinds of problems over time. It may take years to show up, but today 4 out of 5 Americans dying from long, slow degenerating chronic illness today is proof. The rate of obesity today in adolescents has quadrupled, resulting in an epidemic of degenerative disease.

Leading Degenerative Diseases (Preventable)

* Coronary Heart Disease
* Type 2 Diabetes
* Arthritis
* Osteoporosis
* High Blood Pressure
* Fybromyalgia

Carbohydrate Addiction Cycle

Consuming bad carbs in the form of high glycemic foods is a major player in visceral fat buildup, which cause risk factors for heart disease. As we consume excess calories from excess fat and sugar we gain weight over time. Visceral fat is stored under the arms, around the waistline, but most damaging in and around the intestines in the stomach area. This is known as "Metabolic Syndrome, or Syndrome X. Another very damaging aspect of visceral fat is that it stores toxicity in the form of chemicals and preservatives, from the food and fluids we eat and drink, and the air we breathe. We must learn to get off the carbohydrate addiction by eating low gi foods, which never turn to fat to begin with. Daily exercise, such as simply walking, is another excellent preventative strategy in eliminating risk factors for heart disease.

Optimal Nutrition

Another major player in reducing risk factors for heart disease is optimal nutrition. Obtaining the essential minerals and anti-oxidants today from our nutritionally depleted soils today is nearly impossible. For most, eating optimally healthy foods is inconvenient. High quality supplementation is a key factor in overcoming, and preventing heart disease...

The bottom line is, you can take control of your health. You must be pro-active and take the actions necessary to either reverse or prevent heart disease all together.

You can start right now to get on the path to true health in eliminating risk factors for heart disease. Winning begins with Beginning. Click here to learn more.... http://go.lowglycemicresetplan.com

Original article

Women and Heart Disease

Heart Disease is the number one killer of American Women. Over 400,000 women die annually from CVD, or cardiovascular disease. 61,000 of those die from an actual heart attack. There are over 42 million women who are afflicted with some form of heart disease. This includes over 7.5 million women who have angina and over 3 million who have had a heart attack. Surprisingly more women die annually than men from cardiovascular disease.

Risk Factors: There are several risk factors that will make a woman more likely to develop heart disease. Many of these factors are lifestyle related and therefore can be controlled. Cigarette Smoking: Smoking doubles your risk of heart disease. Quitting is one of the most important decisions you can make for your health. It isn't easy and you will most likely experience withdrawal symptoms that often make people begin smoking again. There are many programs and treatments available. But if you persevere you can stop smoking for good. Speak to your health care provider about the many ways that you can get help for this addiction. Ask for support from family and friends to encourage you along the way. Other helpful steps include getting rid of anything smoking related such as cigarette packs, ashtrays and lighters. Stay away from smoking environments such as casinos that allow smoking or anywhere you are exposed to people smoking. Substitute smoking with chewing gum or hard candies until you can get over the need for the oral sensation of a cigarette. Practice mediation and relaxation methods and exercise daily to lower stress. Give yourself credit for each day you don't smoke. All of these techniques can help you to quit smoking for good.

Lower Cholesterol Levels: If your cholesterol level is too high it will result in "atherosclerosis" or a hardening of plaque in the arteries. If there is too much blockage it could result in a heart attack. There are two types of cholesterol. One is considered the bad cholesterol and is known as "LDL". The other is "HDL" and is considered the good type of cholesterol. It is the LDL that creates arterial plaque while HDL clears the blood of cholesterol. An LDL over 160 is considered high and puts you at risk for heart disease. See your doctor to check your cholesterol levels and make sure you are not in the risk category.

Age Factors: As we age we are more susceptible to heart disease. Statistics suggest that over 82% of those who die from heart disease are 65 or older. It is speculated that serum cholesterol levels decline with age and this increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Also there is a loss of elasticity in the arteries that naturally occurs with age. Being 55 or older increases the risk as the body changes due to menopausal factors.

Family History: Genetic factors come into play as well. A family history of heart disease increases risk. Researchers have found a potential genetic link to hypertension which can lead to cardiovascular disease. Blood pressure levels: High blood pressure is a serious health condition and can lead to heart disease, heart attacks and heart failure. If it continues the arterial walls will begin to thicken in response and cause arterial plaque. A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 while a high blood pressure is greater than 140/90. It is important to know and understand these risk factors. If you have any of them you can find ways to reduce your risk with a variety of preventative strategies.

Prevention: There are many things you can do to help protect your heart and prevent heart disease. A combination approach to diet, nutrition and lifestyle are all important factors. Food Choices: The popular trend of low fat began about twenty years ago. Unfortunately the manufacturers removed the fats from foods but added more sugars and carbohydrates to make it taste appealing. Low fat foods are a dietary trap because it is fat that creates a feeling of fullness. You will end up eating more because of the lack of fat. This may account in part for the upsurge in obesity in the last two decades. A healthy dietary choice would be the Mediterranean style diet. This diet is based on studies conducted on the island of Crete where the inhabitants had the lowest rate of heart disease for anywhere in the world. The people were habitual smokers and had other risk factors as well, yet virtually no heart disease. Studies were conducted on what they were eating which created such superior heart health. The Mediterranean diet is high in "good fats", such as olive oil. Other simple foods comprise the core of the diet and include fresh fish, whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. Alcohol is consumed in moderation. There is very little meat and dairy that is consumed in this diet. Researchers have concluded it is the combination of these foods that is a powerful defense against heart disease. Olive oil and whole grains lower cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids from seafood are anti- inflammatory and lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels. The Mediterranean diet is a very simple and wholesome way of eating that you can easily incorporate into your lifestyle.

Understanding Portions: As a culture we tend to overeat and consume portions that are entirely too large. For example, the recommended 5-10 daily servings of fruits and vegetables aren't really as much as it sounds. Since a serving is only ½ a cup you can see that it is possible to eat your daily requirements. Portion size for meat is only 3 ounces which is equivalent in size to a deck of cards, so you can see how small a serving really is.

Exercise: Exercise is so very important to your health. After the age of 45, daily exercise is vital to maintaining a healthy weight. Additional benefits of exercise include reduced stress levels, lower cholesterol, protection against diabetes and improved sleep. Realistically, if you can exercise 30 minutes daily, five days a week you are creating a positive change in your world. With our busy lives women often make sacrifices over their health. But it is important for you to make time for yourself because your health is important to you and the ones who love you.

Exercise Tips: Find ways to motivate yourself to be consistent in your exercise routine. Create both short and long term goals. Find things that you enjoy doing. Perhaps you like walking, swimming, tennis or hiking as opposed to joining a gym. Stick to what you like so that you will continue to exercise and not get frustrated. Small changes such as a 15 minute walk after dinner, using the stairs instead of the elevator and walking to local shops can all add up to a serious boost to your overall health. Make sure to stay well hydrated when exercising with plenty of fresh clean water.

Buddy System: Find a friend or colleague to be your workout partner. This is very helpful to many women who like the support structure this provides. You can motivate and encourage one another to stick to the program and reach your goals. Heart health is a very important concern for women to take seriously. By making positive changes in your lifestyle you can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease. Remember whenever beginning any dietary or lifestyle changes, always consult with a medical professional, particularly if you are taking prescription drugs or suffer from any disease or ailment.

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By Tina C. Loren

Original article

Prevent Heart Disease With a Good Diet

Heart diseases are a worldwide problem and there are many causes that may develop such a disease. We can consider a heart disease if blood vessels are blocked or narrowed so that the transportation to the heart of the nutriments and oxygen is affected. With a healthy diet you can reduce the risks of developing a heart disease.

The most important cause that helps a heart disease to develop is an unhealthy diet, because in time fat and other substances will build up on the arteries wall, narrowing them, so that the blood flow will be affected and heart won't have enough oxygen and nutriments and eventually it will lead to a heart attack.

Prevent and treat a heart disease with a healthy diet.

If you want to take actions and prevent a heart disease, this is what your daily diet should contain:

1) Fiber
There are two types of fiber: soluble (this can lower in time your LDL and raise your HDL) and insoluble(this helps regular bowel movements but has no effect on cholesterol). When you eat food which contains fat your liver will eliminate bile into intestines which will help breaking down the fat. It is recommended to eat soluble fiber because this will help you eliminate bile released by liver instead of returning it into the blood flow which will have as a result lower amounts of cholesterol into the blood.

2) Try to reduce the amounts of saturated and trans fat from your food
These types of substances are considered toxins because can cause cholesterol to build up on the arteries and blood vessels wall which eventually will end up narrowing the path of blood flow and will have as a result bad circulation of oxygenated blood and nutriments through our organism which will increase the pressure on the heart, because now it needs to pump harder to push the blood in our entire organism. After a period of time the heart won't be able to supply with blood all the cells and will result a heart disease. Doctor's recommendation is to reduce from what you eat foods based on animal fat and try to eat more cold water fish because this is the main source for omega 3 and omega 6.

3). Try to drink up to half of your body weight of water or juices in ounces
AS an example let's say you weight 180 pounds, this means that you'll have to drink 90 ounces of water or juices or teas to prevent your cells to become dehydrated.

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

Are You Headed for Heart Disease?

27.1 million Americans, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), have heart disease. Being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure and/or type II diabetes are conditions that may increase the risk of developing heart disease, as well as Alzheimer's and kidney disease.

Working with a Registered Dietitian can be an effective plan to prevent these conditions from occurring. It is our job to create a strategy for overweight clients to lose 10% of their current weight in six months, while learning the basics of healthy diet, hydration, physical activity and stress management. This educational process can save time, money and possibly your life, while lowering your chances of developing these conditions that may lead to coronary heart disease.

One third of all Americans are classified as obese, and these statistics are growing. Starting with our children, there are predictions by 2015 approximately 23% of children 6 to 11 years of age will be obese. This statistic should be enough of a wake-up call. The diseased heart of an obese individual is enlarged because it is necessary to work so much harder to pump out the blood. In my experience, change starts at home with the entire family. Parents need to take control, plan menus and involve the family with cooking and shopping. What is more important than being a positive role model and teaching children how to take care of themselves? My patients are surprised when they realize that they are eating healthier, losing weight and saving time and money.

Our society has advanced in many areas bringing great improvements to our population. I cannot say, that about one industry, the food industry has improved. We are blessed with an abundance of food and, simply put, the emphasis is not "simple heart healthy nourishment" but overly fat, salt and sugar laden "fake" products that are truly harmful. Recently, very famous chefs I admire have all started to redefine their recipes, reducing saturated fat, and sugar without sacrificing wonderful taste. It can be done!

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a condition that when untreated can lead to congestive heart failure and kidney disease. According to the CDC, one out of every three adults in the United States has high blood pressure. Genetics play a part in this disease but making significant lifestyle changes has been shown to lower the risk. The DASH dietary plan (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), is an eating plan high in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods which have been shown to reduce hypertension. Another important component of this plan are foods low in saturated fats. This diet emphasizes maintaining a healthy weight, utilizing healthy cooking methods (bake, broil, roast, steam, poach, boil, and sauté) to prepare menus high in fiber and low in saturated fat. Non animal foods such as nuts, legumes and beans in portion controlled servings are recommended. Other factors to examine are stress, and physical activity. Of course, tobacco should be eliminated, and alcohol intake needs to be controlled. The website www.nhlbi.nih.gov.com contains additional information.

More than 85% of diabetics are overweight. In 2010, 1.9 million people 20 years and older were newly diagnosed with diabetes, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse(NDIC). 80% of deaths in persons with diabetes are attributable to atherosclerosis (Pasternak et al., 1996), a hardening of the arteries caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. Again, as in the other conditions, caloric restriction to promote weight loss, better food choices and timing of meals and snacks are very important lessons for the diabetic. In my practice, I am seeing more children and adults with type II diabetes. Educating them and helping them to manage their lives and diets, has in many cases has allowed them to lower their blood glucose levels to normal ranges, which allows them to reduce or stop their medications.

In closing, I would like you to spend time examining your family history, your diet and lifestyle. If there are changes you need to make, no matter how difficult they might seem, professionals like me are ready willing and very able to help you achieve a better chance of avoiding these horrible diseases.

Bernice Borow RD, CDN, specialist in weight management helps her patients to achieve success as they improve their health and wellness. She is passionate and dedicated to helping you succeed. Learn more at http://berniceborow.com/

Original article

Risks For Heart Disease Indicated By Blood Pressure At Midlife

Another reason to know your blood pressure numbers. A new study finds that the ups and downs of blood pressure at midlife have a significant association with risks for heart disease later on.

This comes from an investigation of data from 7 different studies that included over 61,000 subjects - one of the largest research projects that's ever been done on how alterations in blood pressure at midlife impact on the lifetime chance of stroke or heart disease.

The research team used the data to estimate the lifetime risk for both heart attack, stroke as well as other known heart events for both Caucasian and African American adult subjects.

Starting with the initial reading at 41 years old, researchers tracked alterations in blood pressure until the subjects were 55 years of age, then kept following participants until a heart attack or stroke or another similar medical event happened, they died or reached the age of 95.

When subjects were in their mid 50s, 25% of men, and 50% of women continued to have normal readings, about half the participants had readings that were above the normal range but not high enough to fall into the hypertension category. Interesting that women had bigger rises in blood pressure readings at mid life than men, African Americans had an increased risk over their lifetime for suffering from hypertension, heart attack or stroke than whites did.

The study confirmed that those with a normal reading at 55 have a relatively low risk of heart disease or stroke during their lives. But, those who already had hypertension at this age also carried an increased lifetime risk of some form of heart disease problem - anywhere from 42% to 69%.

Anyone who keeps their blood pressure number in the lower range, less than 120/80 has the lowest risk of heart disease and stroke; those who were above 140/90 have the highest risk. The longer you can keep your blood pressure within normal ranges, the better off you will be.

Based on the analysis, the team of researchers predicts that

- More than two of three men who had hypertension at middle age will go on to experience a heart attack, stroke or another such even by the age of 85.

- 50% of women who suffer with hypertension by the early 40s will have heart disease, or increased risk of stroke later on in life.

The research findings point out how important it is to maintain normal blood pressure during mid life, and even earlier.

Over 74 million U.S. adults suffer from hypertension, a condition where the top number (systolic or when the heart beats) exceeds 140 mmHg, the bottom number (diastolic or when the heart rests) is at 90 mmHg or higher. The American Heart Association recommends that adults start having blood pressure screenings at age 20 as part of your regular healthcare visit every two years, so long as your blood pressure is under 120/80.

Remember hypertension has no symptoms, you could have it for years and not know it, though all that time it will be damaging your heart and blood vessels as well as your kidneys and other parts of your body... silently, steadily. Your best bet, if you don't know your blood pressure numbers, is to find out so as to manage your risks for heart disease in the future.

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Original article

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/

Original article

Sweet Drinks Are A Risk Factor Of Heart Disease

If you drink more than two sugar sweetened drinks (including those popular flavored waters) per day, a new study finds they are a risk factor of heart disease and you might have a higher risk for developing diabetes, even if you aren't adding any weight from enjoying these popular, and tasty beverages. These types of sugar-laden drinks are well known culprits that contribute to obesity and have already been removed from vending machines at many schools in an effort to limit the empty calorie temptations for kids.

Researchers looked at the drinking habits for almost 4,200 subjects, both men and women, who were between 45 to 84 years old and were of different ethnic backgrounds.

Using questionnaires to learn about drinking habits, the team also recorded weight gain, measured waist circumference, noted levels of cholesterol and blood sugar, as well as who might be diagnosed with diabetes during follow up exams that continued over a period of 5 years. None of the participants were suffering from heart disease at the start of the research back in 2002.

The study found that middle aged women that consumed two (or more) sweetened drinks per day had a risk four times higher of suffering from elevated triglycerides levels as well as higher blood sugar levels compared to those women who drank under one sweetened drink a day.

The sweetened beverage drinkers also had increased belly fat, but did not weigh more than the non-drinkers.

Doctors know that fat in the belly area poses far more dangerous health risks compared with fat stored in other parts of the body. Fat in this area lies around vital organs and often produces hormones and other dangerous substances that have a negative impact on blood pressure, insulin production and cholesterol. Taken together, these are what are known as metabolic syndrome, a group of risks that have been associated with stroke, diabetes and heart disease.

The findings on sweet drinks did not hold for men, though no one knows precisely why this might be. It might be that women don't need as much energy for metabolism compared with men due to being smaller in size with less muscle mass overall. A soda containing 130-calories accounts for a larger chunk of the daily energy of a woman compared to a man - maybe men need to drink more sweetened beverages to see the same effect.

While cutting back on the sugar-laden drinks is not easy, it is a smart choice when it comes to improving your health. Think about this, women usually make the food (and drink) choices for the whole family, and this can have far reaching effects on others. As individuals, we need to exercise some control over how much we drink as these choices can have an incredible impact on our risk for heart disease.

Another study presented at the same meeting included 212 patients with heart failure, aged 61 years old and found that those who had low vitamin C levels do worse than people who get sufficient amounts of vitamin C through their diet.

Heart failure patients with a deficiency of vitamin C were nearly 2.5 times more likely to have an inflammation marker linked with heart disease called high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in the blood. These people had a higher risk of being hospitalized (or dying) from heart failure in comparison to those who had higher vitamin c levels of and low levels of hsCRP.

It seems that those who eat a diet full of vitamin C are likely to have better health than those who don't. As always, experts caution against favoring one good for you food over another - a balanced eating plan that includes lots of healthy foods is always best, as well as reducing your intake of sugary sweet drinks.

FREE Bonus Secret Health Reports - For a limited time you can grab 5 FREE essential health reports from the Daily Health Bulletin. Click through now to discover more on how to reduce any risk factor of heart disease that you may have.

Original article

Cardiovascular Disease - Signs - Symptoms

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US. It is one of the four leading causes of US fatalities that have been directly linked to diet.

Specifically, diseases affecting the heart and circulatory system are related to deficiencies in certain nutrients and excessive intake of others. By definition, that is an imbalanced diet.

Excessive intakes of all of the following are associated with circulatory diseases:

• Saturated fat
• Omega-6 fats
• Trans-fats, which are man-made, non-essential and are not a part of any healthy eating plan
• Salt/sodium

In addition, diets that are high in processed foods and simple sugars can lead to type II diabetes. People with type II diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease and peripheral vascular (blood vessel) diseases.

Inadequate intakes of any of the following can increase a person's risk of heart attack, stroke and other circulatory issues:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Potassium
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Folate/folic acid
• B-complex vitamins
• Magnesium
• Selenium

In truth, chronic inadequate intake of any essential nutrient or trace element can lead to cardiovascular disease. A general lack of fruits and vegetables in the American diet is another problem, because fruits and vegetables provide fiber and phytochemicals important for circulatory health.

Years ago, just following WWII, the US government realized that heart attacks were killing an increasingly large number of people in the US. After Eisenhower had a heart attack while he was in office, the government decided to sponsor scientific research concerning the causes and risk factors of heart attack. These same causes and risk factors were eventually related to stroke and other circulatory issues, as well.

The research has not stopped. It has been ongoing for decades. Doctors have closely followed all of the residents of a single small town, recording information about what they eat and other lifestyle factors. Smoking cigarettes was one of the first causes identified. It was relatively easy to see the connection there, but there were still many questions to be answered.

To date, the causes and risk factors of cardiovascular disease that have been identified through this ongoing research include:

• High LDL coupled with low LDL cholesterol
• High blood triglycerides
• High blood pressure
• Type II diabetes
• Obesity
• Family history (sometimes due to genetics, sometimes due to the family diet)
• Physical inactivity
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Stress

Many of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease are related to each other and all except for the last four have been directly linked to unhealthy diet. Even stress can be reduced with a healthy eating plan, while an unhealthy eating plan can increase stress in the body.

Sadly, there may be no symptoms until a person has a heart attack or a stroke. This is why high blood pressure is called the silent killer.

Regular medical check-ups are essential to monitor the first four risk factors, although prescription medications may not be the right choice for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. In my next article, you will learn about the ways to reduce your risk and possibly prevent these deadly diseases naturally.

Please click link on Cardiovascular Disease below in the resource author box.

Thanks for reading the article. Please visit http://www.healthybodysupplements.com/ recommended Nutritional Supplements and Vitamins that may help Prevent Cardiovascular Disease.

Original article

Preventing Heart Disease in Seven Ways

About 1 in 4 deaths in the United States is believed to be caused by heart disease. According to medical articles, more than 450,000 Americans die of coronary heart disease each year. Heart disease remains the leading cause of deaths in the country. How do we prevent it?

1. Reduce fat intake. This is the best way. You probably have read much about how cholesterol and fat wreak havoc on your arteries. Unfortunately, people don't pay attention. Wrong diet is the leading cause of not only heart disease but other conditions like diabetes and cancer. The ideal way to get rid of unwanted fat is to stay away from solid fats like butter and margarine.

2. Opt for low-fat protein sources. For many people, the best source of protein is meat, but meat contains animal fat. Healthier alternatives are fish, legumes, and skim milk. Some types of fish are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the heart. Avoid full-fat milk, egg yolks, hot dogs, sausages, and bacon. These sources are rich in fat.

3. Have more servings of vegetables and fruits. Next time you do grocery shopping, include veggies and fruits. These are rich in fiber and have high doses of vitamins and minerals. They are low in calories and fat. Thus, they are very good for the heart and for health in general. But there are fruits to avoid like coconut. Instead of eating snacks, ice-cream, and burgers, help yourself to salad and vegetable dishes.

4. Go for whole grains. They are rich in fiber. So instead of refined grain products, buy whole grain substitutes. Ground flaxseed, for instance, is an ideal substitute to refined grains. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, thus helping lower cholesterol in your body. Other healthy grains are brown rice, high-fiber cereal, oatmeal, and whole grain pasta. Avoid white bread, refined flour, doughnuts, biscuits, egg noodles, granola bars, cakes, and pies.

5. Reduce salt intake. Health and medical articles are against too much salt consumption. Salt contains sodium which causes water retention and raises blood pressure. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease. Then again, aside from reducing salt in your recipes, you should also stay away from canned and processed food, which has lots of sodium. Making your own food is the healthier alternative.

6. Do not overeat. A lot of people eat more servings in a meal than needed. This is the efficient way to gain weight, most especially if you are an office worker glued to your seat more than 8 hours a day. Overweight people are at risk of heart disease. Check the amount of food you eat. Don't consume more than what you can burn.

7. Walk, run! It's easy to use gas when driving to a store a few blocks away. Why don't you move those muscles and take a hike? Inactive people tend to retain fats in their tissues. This is not good for the heart. Exercise is one of the best ways to improve well-being and prevent cardiovascular disease.

Original article

These Vitamin K Benefits Could Be Your Secret Weapon Against Heart Disease

Let me ask you a quick question, do you want to keep yourself healthy for as long as possible? Do you want to escape the heart disease that plagues so much of the country?

Of course you do!

Vitamin K benefits are rocking the medical establishment and with good reason. The benefits range from protecting you from bone loss to safeguarding your heart.

In fact, studies show this vitamin plays an important role in keeping your calcium where it needs to be and out of your arteries where you don't want it.

Powerful Benefits

The Rotterdam Study, a well-known study on Vitamin K, found participants who had a high intake of this vitamin had significantly lower calcium build up in their arteries-where it calcifies and can lead to a heart attack.

This study followed 4800 Dutch participants for 7 years. This is the largest clinical trial to find a direct correlation between vitamin K2 intake and heart disease. The scientists found participants who included the most vitamin K2 in their diets experienced 57% fewer heart attacks than those who got the least.

They also had a higher calcium amount in their bones-where it can protect you from "The Fall" so many seniors experience that lead to hospital visits and a downward spiral in health.

Here's How It Works:

Your body has an enzyme called Matrix Gla-protein (MGP). It's controlled by K2. MGP is a calcium-binding protein found in your bones. You need this.

Research shows lab mice who don't have enough of this protein die with calcified arteries-similar to atherosclerotic plaque in your arteries.

Studies find that one of Vitamin K's biggest benefits is keeping your calcium out of your arteries-and in your bones where it belongs.

That way it protects your heart and your bones.

Not Just Any Vitamin K

Of course, these benefits don't come from all types of Vitamin K. In fact, you need a specific kind-Vitamin K2-to enjoy these benefits.

Vitamin K2 is difficult to get from the typical Western diet.

It's also difficult to find in a lot of supplements.

That's because most manufactures use the cheaper Vitamin K1 which helps with blood clotting. Scientists say you probably do get enough of this in your food.

Yet, only a few supplements contain the all-important Vitamin K2.

A prominent cardiologist at the University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands, conducted a study of 16,057 women between the ages of 49-70, for an average of 8 years. His findings are groundbreaking.
480 women who didn't get enough K2, developed coronary disease.

To make matters worse, the popular blood thinning drug warfarin depletes your already low levels of this important vitamin.

To protect your health you have to get the K2. Now that you know these important Vitamin K benefits, your next step is to find a supplement that has this essential form of the vitamin.

Wouldn't it be great if you could get it in a multi-vitamin?

Jen P. April is a passionate advocate of health and nutrition. To learn more about effective supplements she recommends after extensive research, visit http://vitamin-and-minerals.com/

Original article

The Risk Factors for Developing Heart Disease

There are several risk factors for developing heart disease; high LDL cholesterol is only one. Family history plays a significant role. If your father had a heart attack or stroke prior to age 55 or your mother had a heart attack or stroke prior to 65, you have a higher risk. The same increased risk factor applies if your siblings had heart attacks or strokes in those age brackets. High blood pressure, smoking cigarettes, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, being 30% or more over your ideal body weight (as determined by your BMI), metabolic syndrome, leading a sedentary lifestyle, HDL of less than 40 mg/dL and women with premature menopause all increase your heart attack and stroke risk factors. A previous personal history of any kind of cardiac event also puts you at a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Exercise and other physical activity a preventive for heart disease

Steady exercise or physical activity is a very real and effective way to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Cardiovascular exercise is the best way to strengthen your heart muscle, raise HDL levels and reduce blood pressure. To get the most heart health benefit out of any exercise routine, you need to get your heart rate elevated. If you have not exercised for an extended period of time and otherwise lead a sedentary lifestyle, you should consult your physician before starting any exercise program. Once you have been given the go ahead you still need to start slow and increase your exertion at a rate you are comfortable with for two reasons. First is your muscles including your heart need time to build up. Trying to do it all at once will make you sore and may not be the smartest for your heart. The second reason is that if you injure yourself by using muscles and tendons that are not accustomed to that kind of intense use, you may end up with injuries or be so sore that you don't feel like staying consistent with your exercise routine. Consistency is the most important aspect. You will increase your conditioning quickly if you are regular with your newfound exercise routine.

Knowing the offsetting factors

There are various positive factors that help offset risk factors. High levels of HDL or "good" cholesterol are very beneficial in preventing heart disease or at least offsetting risk factors. The Framingham study and others have suggested that for each single point increase in HDL, there is a corresponding drop in your risk of having a heart attack by 2%-3%. Some of us are just plain lucky and are born with high HDL. Others are not so fortunate and struggle to raise their HDL and even with excessive physical activity are helpless to raise it. HDL below 40 is considered a risk factor. HDL of over 60 is considered a positive factor for heart disease. Total cholesterol readings are not the best barometer of heart disease risk. Even though high HDL levels and low LDL levels are no guarantee, your risk factors are most assuredly reduced with high HDL and further reduced with low LDL levels. Overall or total high cholesterol levels are less accurate as a predictor but most often a high total cholesterol reading is attributable to high LDL.

Estrogen production, is it another factor?

Women who have not gone through menopause have a much lower rate of heart attacks and strokes than men. It is said that Estrogen production reduces heart disease risk. However after menopause, women are 2-3 times more likely to have heart attacks than women who have yet to go through menopause and are the same age. Although premenopausal women are less likely to have heart attacks than men that is not the case after they stop producing estrogen with menopause. A 2002 study showed that women on hormone replacement therapy had more heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer and blood clots than women not taking hormones. Therefore, Hormone replacement therapy is not the answer.

What risks provide the most benefit?

There are differences in each risk factor as it relates to lessening the chance of heart attacks or strokes when changes are made. A survey of risk-reduction strategies by Harvard researchers showed these risks and benefits:

A person who maintains a healthy body weight as he or she gets older, or keeps body weight near "ideal," has a 45% lower risk.Decreases the risk for heart attack by 50% one year after a person quits smoking10% of reducing total cholesterol cuts heart attack risk by 20 to 30%Being inactive almost doubles the risk of coronary artery disease.

Other risk factors for heart disease are currently under further investigation.

Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) is a molecule of LDL with an extra protein attached. There is a hypothesis that the existence of Lp(a) and high levels of LDL are of concern. Not so much for people with normal LDL levels.Elevated fibrinogen levels although present in people with heart disease, it has not been proven that lowering fibrinogen lessens the risk of heart attacks. Ways to reduce fibrinogen includeexercise, weight loss, smoking cessation, low dose aspirin, low dose alcohol and eating a lot of fish.Homocysteine level reductions have not been proven to lessen the risk of heart attacks.C-Reactive Protein or CRP is the most recognized of the risk factors and measures the amount of inflammation in the arteries.

For more information about preventing heart disease and heart attack, please visit Cholesterol Institute at http://cholesterolinstitute.net/

Original article

Fish Oil Supplements and Important Information for Menopausal Women About Heart Disease

Women approaching menopause have symptoms caused by estrogen levels that are waning. One of the biggest killers of post menopausal women is heart disease. This is news to many women who are not aware that they are at risk for heart disease. Because of this women must educate themselves and become knowledgeable regarding the fact that after age 65 they no longer are safer from heart problems than men as they have been in the past.

There are various risks besides age for heart disease among menopausal women, including heredity, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and inactivity. Each one of these factors adds to the danger of having heart problems up to and including a fatal heart attack. Research is only now beginning to understand and study how the risks of heart disease in women are different than for men.

The symptoms of heart attack can be even different than those men experience. A woman might experience extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, feel faint, nausea and vomiting, become anxious, sweat freely, have burning abdominal pain, and/or experience neck and shoulder pain.

In order to limit the chances of heart problems menopausal women need to educate themselves in various areas. Know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers. If you have conditions that put you at risk, discuss with your doctor how you could best limit those risks.

Modify your diet and limit your consumption of sugar, fat, and limit your consumption of processed foods which are notoriously high in sodium. Make small changes like adding more fruits and vegetables to your daily meals. Trade high fat foods for low fat dairy along with whole grains. Avoid salt and fried foods. Begin reading labels. You will be surprised at what is hidden in the foods we consume. Just a few small changes increased over time will make major changes in your health.

It is extremely important, if you smoke, to stop. Stopping is difficult, but if you value your life you will find a way to stop. Smoking is not only detrimental to the health of the smoker but to anyone who is nearby. This is especially true for children of smokers.

Start getting regular exercise. You can join a gym and have a trainer help you decide what kind and how much exercise you need, especially if you are trying to lose weight. But, you can just start by getting up off the couch and take a walk., adding distance gradually. You could actually get to the point that you look forward to exercise. What ever you do keep moving.

Life is stressful for us all; however, in order to live heart healthy you must try to limit stress as much as possible. To help with stress, exercise, take a yoga class, take time to meditate. If you work in a stressful environment take time to take a break and just take a short walk or try deep breathing exercises.

Adding a natural fish oil supplement will also contribute to a heart healthy lifestyle. Research has shown that fish oil contributes to heart health. This is so because fish is a good source of protein and unlike fatty meat products; it is no high in saturated fat. Fish and fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids benefit the heart of healthy people as well as those with cardiovascular disease. These fatty acids also act to decrease triglyceride levels.

Virginia takes a keen interest in all maters relating to health and fitness. She also does research in the areas of natural dietary supplements.

I am sure you are concerned about your health; therefore. I suggest you Visit Fish Oil Supplement to obtain additional information on the best natural fish oil supplement on the market.

http://stayhealthyinfo.com/

Original article

8 Heart Disease Facts For You

Heart disease is the number one killer in many countries. Blockage of the coronary arteries that carry blood to the heart is the major reason for heart disease. It is the main reason contributing to heart attack. A study shows that a person suffers from some sort of coronary occurrence every 29 seconds. Every year, around 25,000 people die in the U.S before they reach hospital due to heart attack. It is therefore important for all to know the facts of disease, even if there is no sign of (heart) disease. Proper knowledge can help protect you from this silent killer.

8 Facts You Need To Know About Heart Disease

1. Smoking Causes Heart Attack

There are scientific evidences to prove that cigarette smoking is a major cause for (heart) diseases. Though many diseases have links to smoking, coronary heart disease is more serious and is the most common cause of death. Studies show that heavy smokers tend to develop a (heart) disease at a younger age. Sudden cardiac death is one of the most harmful effects of smoking. American Heart Association specifies that smokers have two or four times more risk of developing a heart disease than non smokers.

2. Facts About Cholesterol Rich Food

Elevated serum cholesterol is one of the major risk factor for (heart) disease. Foods rich in saturated fatty acids can increase the cholesterol level, which in turn increase the risk of coronary (heart disease. However, not all fats are bad for heart health. Olive and olive oil, peanut butter and dry nuts contain monounsaturated fat that is good for heart health.

3. Heart Attack Normally Shows Mild Symptoms First

Heart attack symptoms are usually mild in the beginning. Many people experience a mild discomfort first. If you face any discomfort in the center of the chest and if it lasts for a few minutes, you need to consult your doctor immediately and confirm whether it is a symptom of heart attack.

4. Symptoms Experienced By Women Are Different

Heart disease symptoms are experienced different by women. Shortness of breath, vomiting, nausea, jaw pain and/back pain may be experienced by women patients. Discomfort in one or both the arms and in stomach is common for both men and women.

5. Immediate Help Can Save Life

If you think you or some of your loved one is experiencing a heart attack, you should not wait. Getting immediate treatment can help save the life.

6. Sugar Is The Culprit

Many experts believe that sugar is the real culprit behind these diseases. Sugar molecules are converted into cholesterol, which clogs the arteries, causing these diseases. Eating too much of sugary foods can increase your risk of developing this disease.

7. Gum Disease Can Cause Heart Disorders

Many people do not know that gum disease is dangerous to heart. The bacteria in diseased gum can increase the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition caused by hardening of arteries. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help prevent this problem

8. Right Side Chest Pain May Be A Symptom Of Heart Attack In Women

Some women experience chest pain in the right chest. Hence, it is wrongly diagnosed as some other disease. The best way to protect you is to get as much information about this disease as possible.

Knowledge is the key to protect you against this disease. It is worth to learn about the risk factors and the dangers of this disease.

Patients can be rest assured that their personally identifiable health information is completely protected through the HIPAA Privacy Rule. This security rule specifies technical, physical and administrative safeguards to ensure integrity, confidentiality and availability of health information that is protected electronically.

For more information, please visit our HIPAA Privacy Rule website.

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Seven Safe Steps to Avoid Heart Disease

You have already heard the term you are what you eat. It's been around forever. It's also common knowledge that eating certain foods increases your risk for heart disease. But despite that fact we continue to consume more and more foods that we know is bad for us. This is often because changing your eating habits is one of the hardest lifestyle changes you can make. Or so it seems. But take it from me, someone who has 31 years of unhealthy eating attached to my name and frame, there are things you can do to make a change and turn back the hands of time. In this article you'll find eight different ways you can make a change and lower your risks for heart disease.

Meal Planning

When you are planning a meal, or a snack, remember the heart healthy meal plate released by Harvard's School of Public Health. When you're choosing the foods make sure to portion your plate with mostly vegetables, then fruit, then whole grains, and finally a source of low fat low sodium protein. An important thing to do when planning is add some variety to your food choices. Don't get hung up on a certain food for too long or you'll risk burning yourself out. Plus changing up the menu often makes sure your body gets the necessary nutrients on top of spicing up your meals!

Portion Sizes

You always need to watch what you eat. But you also need to watch how much you eat. Filling that plate up, or going for seconds, and especially eating until you feel so stuffed your about to bust is awful for you. It HAS to be stopped! When you eat like that you are taking in way to many calories, carbs, fat, and cholesterol than you should. This WILL lead to you becoming overweight and worse it can lead to numerous diseases such as heart attacks and possibly strokes. So make sure to keep an eye on the number of servings you eat as well as the sizes of those servings.

Scale Back On Sodium

Sodium can cause high blood pressure which causes you to face the risk of heart disease. So scaling back on the amount of sodium you intake is part of a heart conscious diet. In fact a healthy adult shouldn't take in more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. So walk into your kitchen and look down at the teaspoon. 2,300 milligrams is about as big as a teaspoon. But we're not talking just table salt. Remember that every food you eat already has a certain amount of natural sodium in it. So check the nutritional labels before you go adding salt to a dish. Another important fact is if you are over 51, an African-American, or have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease your sodium intake should me 1,500 milligrams of sodium or less per day! A great way to reduce the amount of sodium you intake though is just to stop adding salt to meals. Once you do that you should also consider eating only fresh foods. These usually have way less sodium than canned or processed foods. But if you're like me and just need the easy route sometimes because of a hectic schedule make sure to get them with reduced sodium.

Eat Only Whole Grains.

Whole grains are the greatest source of fiber and other required nutrients. These nutrients help regulate blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and promote good heart health. So forget the refined grains such as white bread and go for whole grains only. Eating these whole grains instead of refined grains substantially lowers total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, insulin levels, offers modest protection against colorectal cancer, prevents diverticular disease, and it also helps lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. So make sure to include whole grains as a part of every meal!

Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables.

Fruits and veggies are a major staple of every meal. This is because they are great sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and they also make a great low calorie low carbohydrate snack. As such they are one of the best ways to eat healthy and lower your risk for heart disease. A holdup for some people is figuring out how they can add these fruits and veggies into their diets. Well for snacks that's easy. Find some things you like and eat it. I tend to snack on broccoli, carrots, or celery with a small dribble of hidden valley ranch dressing or even some fresh cut cucumbers. These snacks are much better for you then meat, or cheese, or chips and a soda. For a meal I would typically eat some fruit for breakfast, a salad for lunch, and green beans, or broccoli and cheese, or a side salad, or even grilled red peppers, green peppers, and onions. It all depends on the rest of the meal. For fruits I'm not very picky. There are plenty of fresh fruits I enjoy such as apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, strawberries, peaches, grapefruit, lemons, limes, and much more. Just take a stop in your local produce section or your local farmers market and you'll be able to easily spice up your meals while lowering your risk of heart problems!

Choose Protein That's Good For You.

The best sources of protein are the leaner meats. Fish, Shellfish, Chicken, Pork Tenderloin, and similar meats are going to be your best sources of protein. When choosing protein it's all about going as low fat as possible. Such as eating a grilled skinless chicken breast over the country fried steak. For me I tend to gravitate towards seafood as my main source of protein. The oceans and rivers are endless in providing us with great tasting sources of healthy protein. The best thing about fish is that they are super heart healthy. Fish and seafood from colder deep sea's water are the highest in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids help protect against many diseases such as; Alzheimer's, cancers, arthritis, high blood pressure, inflammations, depression, strokes, and heart disease. So make sure to try and eat some seafood at least twice per week. Some seafood I tend to eat is shrimp, crab, crawfish, scallops, mussels, tilapia, salmon, and even canned light tuna.

Watch the Fat and Cholesterol

This is the last section but definitely not the least! Out of all the changes you can make this is probably the most important section when it comes to lowering your risk for heart attacks and heart disease. High cholesterol will lead to plaque building up in your arteries which is what causes you to have a heart attack or stroke. To reduce this risk it's important to limit the amount of fats and cholesterol included in your diet. The best way to do that is cut out the lard. Cut the butter, the margarine, and the shortening out of the food you cook. Start to trim the fat off of all the meat you get. Watch your sugar intake by using natural low sugar jellies and jams instead of the others. That also means trying to cut the cookies and cakes, the snack foods, and mostly everything that's high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. If you have to use some sort of fat for cooking make sure to use canola oil, extra virgin olive oil, or even a nut or seed oil. If you start to adjust your diet around these principals you'll be on your way to a heart healthy diet!

To learn more about how to lose weight, Mr. Cox invites you to checkout TheCharlestonDiet.com where "We help people change their life, one pound at a time." The Charleston Diet is consistently helping people stay motivated and develop new strategies to maximize the effectiveness of their diet routine.

Original article

Heart Disease Can Be Avoided When You Diet and Exercise

Heart disease is a serious problem and can affect you as you become older. The secret to avoiding this disease is to eat the right kinds of foods and get exercise. You can never fully be sure that you will not get heart disease but taking these steps will help you to reduce your risk. You may want to get involved with an exercise program that you can do regularly. It can be hard to keep up with a standard regiment on your own. Being part of a class or a group that works out regularly can help you to get enough exercise.

The first thing you want to do is set up a plan for eating better and getting more exercise. The earlier you start in life the better you will be as you get older. This of course can be hard to do when you are young because most people under 40 never think about when they get older. The best option is to change your bad habits and replace them with good ones. You will be surprised over time that your body will get used to a routine.

When it comes to dieting you should think of it as a new way to eat. A good rule of thumb is to try to stay away from the item in the store that are processed foods. Over time these items can clog your arteries and cause you to have heart problems. Think natural foods that are grown from the ground or raised on a farm. The more of these types of foods that you consume the healthier you can be over time. It is also good to manage weight and having a slimmer weight line can also reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

It can be a good idea to create a plan for living healthier with a friend. This could be a co-worker or a boyfriend or girlfriend. It is to your benefit to motivate each other and studies have shown when you diet and exercise with a partner your success rate can be higher. The goal is to avoid getting heart disease and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be the best way to achieve this goal.

Remember that nobody wants to get sick when they get older so making changes now is a good way to reduce that chance. Heart disease can create a lot of unwanted health issues for you. It is best to reduce the chance that you will develop it. To accomplish this you want to change the way you eat and get exercise. We are busy people and it can be easy to avoid going for that walk at night. The best thing to do is to start slow and eventually you will get used to a change in diet and exercise.

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Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Health and Well Being.

Original article

Coronary Heart Disease in Women

In most western countries, Coronary Heart Diseases are considered as the main cause of mortality in adults. Though a lot of people assume that coronary heart diseases affect only the male sex of the population, the truth is different. Through the last few years statistics are consistently showing an increase in the number of women who are being afflicted with cardiac ailments. Most doctors and coronary heart specialists are of the opinion that the modern way of life is responsible for the myocardial infractions that adults of both the sexes are experiencing. The lifestyle that most women lead is extremely stress inducing and the medical community believes that this is the root cause of so many of them are getting affected with serious coronary heart diseases.

With the female cases of CHD at an all time high, it is being predicted by the medical community that the already huge number of elderly patients who need medical care will further rise. Public policy will need to change significantly for taking these new numbers into account. Also, the requirement of more studies and researchers on women CHD patients is also increasing to a crescendo.

The issue of women's health has always been neglected. Nowhere is this more visible that cardiology. It is as if this branch if medical science has been dedicated to men. It's true that men are more affected with cardiac ailments than women but the latter sex needs special medical attention as well. And it's high time it's given to them.

In our country, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the female population. Most women lead extremely stressful lives. Not only do they manage the house and bring up the children (which were their traditional role), they now go out of the house to work and are often the bread winners of the family. Keeping up with all the various roles are affecting women's hearts like never before. Add to this, a lack of good eating habits and prevalence of fast foods kills the body from within. Physical problems give rise to more stress in women's lives. Preventing coronary heart diseases in women is a way of trying to educate them about how to keep stress away from their lives.

There are many hospitals and nursing homes which offer treatment to adults suffering from coronary heart diseases. Counseling, diagnosis and treatment: these are the 3 aspects that have to be kept in mind while dealing with women heart patients.

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

Heart Disease - A Paper Tiger?

Heart disease is a major killer in our society. It is caused by the gradual clogging of the arteries by a plaque. Plaque is deposits of cholesterol and fat. As the plaque in the artery walls increases, the diameter of the blood vessel shrinks and the supply of blood diminishes until the tissue it supplies dies, causing a heart attack. Aggravating factors include hypertension, smoking, family history and diabetes as well as cholesterol levels.

Medical treatment of heart disease has primarily been aimed at treating hypertension, stopping smoking, statin drugs that lower cholesterol levels and surgical intervention with stents and bypass procedures.

But is this really the best way to do it? Recent work has shown that major dietary change scan have a huge impact on cholesterol and heart disease. Dr. Esselstyn at the Cleveland Clinic worked with 12 "end stage" heart patients. An "end stage" heart patient is a patient who will not be helped by heart surgery and their life expectancy is about a year or less. He placed them all on the Vegan diet and 20 years later, 11 or the 12 were alive and well! I have seen catheterization X-rays on a patient showing severe coronary obstruction before the diet which became completely normal after the diet! These are amazing results! It means there can be a much easier way to treat this disease that does not involve surgical procedures. It means you can greatly reduce or even eliminate your risk of heart disease by making a change in your diet.

If you look at other countries such as Japan or China, you will see a much lower incidence of heart disease as their diet is largely fish and fruits and vegetables. The diet that Dr. Esselstyn recommends is to eat no meat, no fish, no dairy and no oil. Don't let this scare you. The first three weeks of this diet are the hardest. after that you will notice your weight is coming off and you have much more energy and you will feel surprisingly good! By doing this you can often lower the cholesterol to less than 150 and the LDL to less than 79 which are levels that allow the arteries to clean out and normalize.

There are many books and supplements that can help you achieve these numbers. Do a little exploring and a little experimenting with diet, and you can do wonders!

Phil Kennedy, MD is a family physician and new author and publisher of http://www.getting-healthy-now.com/

Original article