Posts Tagged ‘Vascular disease’

• 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

• Heart Problems? Are You at Risk?

  Date: 2007.07.27 | Category: Heart Tips | Response: 0

  Whether we like it or not, our bodies are under constant attack from toxins, in our food, the water we drink and from the very air we breath. Many of these, harmful heavy metals, such as Mercury, Cadmium and Lead can build up as plaque in the bloodstream, leading to the narrowing of the arteries ( known as Atherosclerosis). This in turn can lead to all sorts of problems and in many cases, drastic surgery to bypass blocked arteries. Chelation Therapy is a method of drawing toxins from the circulatory system. The word Chelation is derived from the Greek word “chele” meaning “to claw”.

  Chelation ( Pronounced Key-lay-shon) therapy has been used by doctors since the 1930′s, utilising a synthetic amino acid known as EDTA ( Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid) to great effect in binding the offending heavy metals and releasing them out of the body through the urine.

  Chelation Therapy is considered to be an effective first step alternative to surgery for Atheroslerotic Vascular disease. In some cases deeming bypass surgery unnecessary. This therapy ( like bypass surgery and angioplasty) is based upon a scientific rationale and is of measurable benefit to patients. Positive results have been seen in hundreds of thousands of cases where this treatment has been used.

  However, Intravenous Chelation Therapy is a long, tedious and expensive process and not suitable for all.

  There is an alternative. The Original Oral Chelation Formula #1, developed by a leading nutritionist in the USA is now available in the UK.

  The Original Oral Chelation has been used safely and effectively for 20 years. It consists of Royal Jelly, unprocessed honey, natural Vitamin C, B12 and Honeybee Pollen. The Original Oral Chelation contains one very important synthetic ingredient in oral chelation, EDTA. The most effective forms of chelation, ( oral or intravenous) utilise a synthetic amino acid, called EDTA to remove toxins, specifically heavy metals, from the circulatory system. (Think about the Mercury leaking into your systems from Amalgam filling). Amalgam fillings contain more than 50 per cent Mercury – a highly toxic heavy metal. Mercury is more poisonous than Lead. When it is released in the body it can settle in the central nervous system , kidneys, brain and other organs.

  The Original Oral Chelation ( Formula #1) has the benefit of the EDTA, is in Royal Jelly and Natural Honey. Your body sees this formula as food so you absorb it quickly, almost as quick as IV.

  How does The Original Oral Chelation compare to IV chelation therapy? A session of IV chelation therapy can last 3 hours, 30 to 40 treatments are generally required costing $3000 – $6000, and must be supervised by an M.D. It is high cost, there is a risk of infection, it takes a long time.

  The Original Oral Chelation uses raw unpasturised honey to carry and deliver EDTA. Uses the richest natural source of B Vitamins from fresh Royal Jelly. Take 1 – 2 tablespoons daily. Also available in softgels. Use in the privacy of your own home. It tastes great and costs as little as $0.50 – $1.00 per day.

  Regain and maintain heart health with Original Oral Chelation Formula #1. Effectively binding to harmful heavy metals and helping to remove them from the bloodstream. Tens of thousands have benefitted from this life-changing dietary supplement.

  You owe it to your heart. Why not try a bottle Today and start feeling the benefit. Available in liquid or softgel capsules.

  For further information visit www.LifeStyleSuccess2007.com

  About the Author

  We have been involved in the Health and Wellness industry for the last five years. We created LifeStyle Success 2007 from our experiences and personal success and now supply cutting edge, scientifically backed nutrtional products.

  Written By: John Dawson

• Nuts To You… Just One Way to a Healthy Heart

  Date: 2007.07.22 | Category: Heart Tips | Response: 0

  Nuts are readily available and provide a highly nutritious food. In addition to protein, carbohydrate, and fat, nuts contain many other important nutrients: fiber, vitamin E, folic acid, potassium, and magnesium. Although on some food charts you may see nuts listed in the same food category as diary products, eggs, and red meat because of the fat content, new information calls into question this designation.
  While nuts do contain a high proportion of fat, tree nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazel nuts, Brazil nuts, and macadamia are actually low in saturated fat. Most of the fat comes in the form of monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered to be acceptable forms of fat that actually “reduce” the incidence of heart and vascular disease.
  Several large studies have examined the relationship between the risk of heart disease and intake of omega-3 fatty acids from plant sources. In the Seventh Day Adventist Health Study researchers found that those who reported eating nuts more than four times per week had a 50% lower risk of heart disease than those who rarely ate nuts. The Nurses’ Health Study found that heart disease risk was reduced by 35% in those who ate nuts compared with those who rarely ate nuts. An addition study found that the risk of type 2 diabetes went down by nearly 1/3 in women who consumed 1/4 cup of nuts five times per week compared to those that did not eat nuts at all.
  One recent study looked at almonds in particular. They examined the effects on LDL ["bad"] cholesterol values. Each person served as his own control and they were each on three different “diets”: almonds representing about 1/4 their entire daily calorie intake, OR a “handful” of almonds per day, OR a muffin [containing about the same number of calories as a "full dose" of almonds]. The LDL cholesterol went down about 10% when the subjects took a “full dose” of almonds, went down about 5% with intake of a “handful” of almonds, and did not go down at all with eating a muffin. In those with the higher “dose” of almonds, the “ratio” of bad to good cholesterol [LDL/HDL ratio] went down by 12%.
  The American Heart Association (AHA) recognizes nuts [including almonds, walnuts, pecans, peanuts, macadamia, and pistachios] may help to lower your blood cholesterol and may be a very healthy “snack”. However, they also warn that they are a source of calories and should not be used to great excess in those with calorie restricted diets and that you should avoid nuts with added oils or added salt. The AHA recommends eating an overall balanced diet that is high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and includes low-fat [or non-fat] diary products, fish and lean meats. If you add nuts to your diet, just be sure that you don’t inadvertently add considerable total calories – despite the benefits of nuts, maintaining an ideal body weight is more important. Weight is often a simple lesson in physics – what comes in either stays [as increased pounds] or is used up for energy and metabolism [which is increased by a regular exercise program].

  Disclaimer: If you are under 18, pregnant, nursing or have health problems, consult your physician before starting any weight loss plan. The information here is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician before beginning any course of treatment.

  About the Author

  Dr. John Rumberger’s experince in the field is extensive, and includes achieving his doctorate in 1976 (Bio-Engineering/ Fluid Dynamics/ Applied Mathematics) from Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio, with a dissertation on, A Non-Linear Model of Coronary Artery Blood Flow. He has just completed his book The WAY Diet available on amazon.com or direct through the publisher at http://www.emptycanoe.com

  Written By: Dr. John Rumberger