Posts Tagged ‘cardiovascular diseases’

• What is Heart Disease?

  Date: 2007.12.09 | Category: Heart Tips | Response: 0

  Cardiovascular disease is a very broad term. Cardiovascular disease refers to diseases of the heart (cardio) and diseases of the blood vessels (vascular), hence cardio-vascular disease. However, diseases affecting the heart are referred to as heart disease.

  The term heart disease is a very broad term. Problems can arise within the heart muscle, arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle, or the valves within the heart that pump blood in the correct direction. Understanding the differences between each disease of the heart can help with the confusing applications of the term heart disease. Coronary artery disease or CAD is the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death in both genders in the U.S. Coronary artery disease affects the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle. These coronary arteries harden and narrow due to the buildup of a waxy cholesterol, fatty substance referred to as plaque.

  This plaque buildup is known as atherosclerosis. The increase in plaque buildup causes the coronary arteries to become narrower. This will cause blood flow to become restricted, decreasing the amount of oxygen delivered to the heart muscle. Decreasing the amount of oxygen supplied to the heart muscle can cause angina (chest pain) and lead to a heart attack. Coronary artery disease over time can weaken the heart muscle contributing to heart failure and arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms).

  Coronary heart disease is another confusing type of heart disease. Coronary heart disease is not the same thing as coronary artery disease. While coronary artery disease refers to the coronary arteries, coronary heart disease refers to the diseases of the coronary arteries and resulting complications. This includes such complications such as chest pain, a heart attack, and the scar tissue caused by the heart attack. Understanding this subtle difference between the two may impress your cardiologist.

  Cardiomyopathy is a disease affecting the muscle of the heart. Cardiomyopathy can be genetic or caused by a viral infection. Cardiomyopathy can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary cardiomyopathy is attributed to a specific cause (hypertension, congenital heart defects, heart valve disease). Secondary cardiomyopathy is attributed to specific causes (diseases affecting other organs).

  There are three main types of cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is enlargement and stretching of the cardiac muscle. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy causes thickening of the heart muscle. Restrictive cardiomyopathy causes the ventricles of the heart to become excessively rigid causing blood flow to the ventricles to be difficult between heartbeats.

  Valvular heart disease is a disease that affects the valves of the heart. Valves within the heart keep the blood flowing in the correct direction. Damage to valves can be caused by a variety of conditions leading to regurgitation or insufficiency (leaking valve), prolapse (improper closing of the valve), or stenosis (narrowing of the valve). Valvular heart disease can be genetic. Valvular heart disease can also be caused by certain infections such as rheumatic fever, and certain medications or radiation treatments for cancer.

  The pericardium is a sac that encompasses the heart. Pericardial disease is inflammation (pericarditis), stiffness (constrictive pericarditis), or fluid accumulation (pericardial effusion) of the pericardium. Pericardial disease can be caused by many things such as occurring after a heart attack.

  Congenital heart disease is a form of heart disease that develops before birth. Congenital heart disease is an extremely broad term. However, these diseases usually affect the formation of the heart muscle, chambers, or valves. A few examples include coarctation or a narrowing of a section of the aorta; atrial or ventricular septal defect is referred to as holes in the heart. Congenital heart disease should be classified more accurately as an inborn defect that occurs in around 1% of births. Congenital heart disease may be inherited (heredity), or caused by certain infections such as German measles contracted while pregnant. However, researchers are currently studying factors that may cause congenital heart disease.

  Heart failure is another type of heart disease characterized by the hearts inability to effectively pump enough blood to the bodys organs and tissues. When the bodys vital organs do not receive enough blood flow certain signs and symptoms can occur such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention. Congestive heart failure is a type of heart failure that leads to fluid buildup in the body. It is important to note that not all heart failure is congestive. Heart failure may result from other cardiovascular diseases such as cardiomyopathy or coronary heart disease. Heart failure may come on suddenly or develop over many years.

  The month of February is the National Heart Disease awareness month. However, heart disease awareness should be each and every day. With staggering statistics, awareness begins with understanding the different types of heart disease. A diet and lifestyle that is conducive to heart health can mean the difference between life and being a statistic.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Kristy Haugen is a mother and an experienced nurse. She also has a bachelor degree in Biology and Chemistry. She writes to inform consumers about nutrition and health topics. Learn more about weight loss supplements at http://weightlosssupplements.vitaminmaniac.com . Learn more about vitamins and your health at http://blog.vitaminmaniac.com .

  Written By: Kristy Haugen

• Dealing With Pregnancy And Heart Disease

  Date: 2007.09.20 | Category: Heart Tips | Response: 0

  Do you have a heart problem and you’re pregnant? Cardiovascular diseases complicate approximately one percent of all pregnancies. Usually, a pregnant woman with a heart problem would entail the care of a health care team that would include an internist, an obstetrician and a nurse.

  During pregnancy, the heart exerts more effort because both blood volume and cardiac output increases. This generally occurs in the first 28 weeks of pregnancy and is sustained throughout the pregnancy. These changes result in detections of abnormal heart sounds, such as murmurs, and heart palpitations during pregnancy. Both of which are just the bodys response to the increased demand due to the presence of the infant.

  The pregnant woman is in danger because of this increase in circulatory volume. The pregnant womans heart may become overwhelmed that it may not delivery blood properly. When this happens, oxygen and nutrients (both of which are carried by the blood) are not delivered to the cells and the fetus adequately. This condition may endanger the life of both the mother and the infant.

  The type and extent of the heart disease determines if the woman can successfully undergo a complete pregnancy. This could be roughly classified as uncompromised, slightly compromised, markedly compromised and severely compromised.

  o Women who are uncompromised are those who have no limitations in physical activity, no cardiac insufficiency and no anginal pain.

  o Women who are slightly compromised are those who have slight limitation in physical activity and who experience palpitations, shortness of breath and anginal pain during physical activity.

  o Women who are markedly compromised are those who have a marked limitation of physical activity and experience palpitations, shortness of breath and anginal pain during less than an ordinary physical activity.

  o Women who are severely compromised are those who are unable to carry out physical activity.

  Women who are uncompromised and slightly compromised usually undergo normal pregnancy. Women who are markedly compromised are advised to maintain bed rest during pregnancy. While, women who are severely compromised are described to be poor candidates of pregnancy.

  The pregnant woman with a heart problem, be it mild or severe, should visit her obstetrician or family physician once she finds out that she is pregnant. The doctor would evaluate the clients condition and establish baseline data of the client. The doctor and the other members of the health care team can also advise steps to attain a successful pregnancy. Prenatal care should be stressed and close assessment of the pregnant mother should be instated to monitor both the mothers health and the growth and development of the fetus.

  The following steps could help the pregnant woman with a heart problem:

  1. Get enough rest
  A woman with cardiac disease needs more rest than the average pregnant woman. Rest lessens the strain of the increased burden of the pregnant womans heart. Promotion of rest can include discontinuation of work and reduction of heavy physical activity like certain household work.

  2. Eat healthy.
  Nutrition is essential even to the average pregnant woman. Weight gain should be watched carefully because additional cells entail additional demand from the heart. It is also essential to monitor for anemia.

  3. Be informed.
  Like any condition, the pregnant woman should be informed regarding her specific heart condition. She can help herself be searching other alternatives that may help her during her pregnancy.

  Heart problems are nothing to be lax about especially during pregnancy. Although a lot of new technologies have been established in dealing with heart problems, the woman with the heart problem should be extra careful during pregnancy. The essential course of action is of course through prevention and early detection of possible problems. These can be achieved through regular visits to the doctor and religiously following the doctors orders.

  Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR’S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

  About the Author:

  For up to date links and information about Pregnancy, please go to: http://PregnancyClue.com

  Written By: Elysiana Canlas

• Acai Berry Making for a Healthy Heart

  Date: 2007.09.10 | Category: Heart Tips | Response: 0

  Acai is a new fruit from Brazil that offers vital nutritional benefits for people over 40 years of age. The Acai contains 33 times the cholesterol fighting anthocyanin than a glass of red wine, a Daily Value (DVS) of calcium, twice the DVS at the antioxidant ‘Vitamin E and a substantial amount of dietary fiber (2)

  Cardiovascular Maintenance, Anthocyanins are cholesterol regulating compounds with well researched data (indicating their value in Cardiovascular support Elevated blood cholesterol is one of the major modifiable risk factors for coronary heart disease (5) and the leading cause of death in the US The fact is that 490,000 Americans die of Coronary Heart Diseases each year (3) with cost of over $60 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity ( 4) Therefore, regulating and reducing cholesterol through dietary means can contribute to prolonging life and reducing medical expenses.

  Low cholesterol foods and exercise are only a part of the natural program to prevent and mitigate cardiovascular diseases. The consumption of foods rich in compounds that reduce cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and carry antioxidant protection completes the program. Acai is an excellent example of such a functional food that is now accessible to food, beverage and supplement markets in an economical and convenient form.

  Calcium rich Acai also provides several cardiovascular health benefits. According to a research summary by the Just-Food.com editorial team. More than maintaining skeletal strength and reducing the impact of osteoporosis, studies have shown that people who suffer from high blood pressure often also have diets low in calcium, When calcium is added to their diet, blood pressure drops. Some research also suggest that calcium may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Also the lower risk of stroke, found in a study of 86,000 women, was attributed to calcium. Diets rich in calcium have also been linked to reduced occurrences of colon and breast cancer in various laboratory studies.

  The generous amount of Vitamin E in Acai, twice the D.V., (Daily Value), is essential for regeneration of damaged tissue and as a protective antioxidant. Cancer prevention and Intestinal function: “Acai” high fiber content is very favorable to the consumers proper intestinal function, ” reports Dr. Herve Rogez , “Fiber accelerates the intestinal processes and has a very important role in avoiding colon cancer, The D.V. is 35g of fibers/adult a day, Acai consumers reach this dose very easily,” (2)

  References (1)Claire Madden, VP Marketing at MarketResearch.com, (2) “Biochemical and Technical Studies on Acai” by Dr. Herve Rogez 2, Sofia Pascal 2, Jesus N.S. de Souza, Arlete R. Aquino & Raphaele Buxant Dept.. de Engenharia Quimica – Centro Tecnologico, Diaouiweir ria I niinnin, Beligica) (3) National Contor for Health Statictice. Annual summary of births, marriages, divorces, and deaths United States, 1993, Monthly vital statistics report-, vol 42 no 13. Hyattsville, MD: Public Health Service, 1594. (4) American Heart Association. Heart and stroke facts 1995 statistical supplement. Dallas, TX: American Heart Association, 1994, (5) National Cholesterol Education Program. Second report of the Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults Adult Treatment Panel II). BeM6sda National Heart, Lung

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