This information is presented by a practicing cardiologist who is the medical Director of HeartPoint. He stated he gets a lot of questions about heart disease. The doctor also said he was consistently surprised how few “facts” have engrained themselves deeply into “common knowledge”. The myths are not only wrong, but are often dangerously misleading to those who choose to believe them. Here are heart disease myths 5-7 of the top 12.

Heart Disease Myth #5: “Exercise may help you lose weight and look good, but you won’t live any longer.”

Real Truth: The facts on exercise are really surprising. Even a little can go a long way. A recent study of men in Hawaii showed that walking 1-2 miles per day reduced mortality by 35%! We all know that exercise will help you lose weight, and this can lead to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, but it also has been shown in studies to improve a person’s sense of well-being and even decrease the symptoms of depression. You don’t need to join a health club or buy home exercise equipment to make a big difference in how long you live . . . and you’ll feel better and look better, too.

Heart Disease Myth #6: “I just pop a couple of multivitamins a day. That’s all you need.”

Real Truth: Some people seem to believe that vitamins can prevent or cure everything. If only that were so. On the other hand, there are many recent studies suggesting that vitamins can be an important addition to therapy. Vitamin E, a well-known anti-oxidant, has been shown in at least two large studies to reduce the incidence and severity of blocked arteries and heart attacks. The data on Vitamin C is suggestive, but less convincing. Recently, an amino acid (the building blocks of proteins) called “homocysteine” has been shown to be elevated in many people with blocked arteries. Although not all of the data is in yet, it appears that this substance may be as important cholesterol in causing injury and eventual blockage of arteries. And yes, levels of homocysteine can be substantially reduced with the vitamins folic acid (folate), B-6, and B-12.

Heart Disease Myth #7: “Those nitroglycerin pills are dangerous!”

Real Truth: Nitroglycerin (“nitro”) is a medication which can be administered in pills, tablets, spray cans, intravenously . . . even in paste or patches placed on the skin. It has been around for years, and has never to my knowledge “blown anyone up”! While it may cause headaches and lightheadedness, it is prescribed to people with blocked heart arteries because it can be so effective in relieving a lack of blood supply and oxygen to the heart muscle. The small pills (which are placed and dissolved under the tongue) and spray cans (also sprayed under the tongue) are to use at the time that angina (usually perceived as pain in the chest) is occurring. One should indeed sit down when taking nitroglycerin, and should stand up slowly afterwards as well (it does cause the blood vessels to dilate and could cause a lowering of blood pressure). However, patients underuse this inexpensive but powerful little miracle. They think that “the pain wasn’t severe enough”, or “I was afraid of what it would do”. (By the way though, nitroglycerin in any form must be avoided by patients who are taking the new drug, Viagra).

In the next post, we will uncover heart disease myths 8-10.

To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newletter!

P.S. Vita Che is the ultimate Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit http://699456.shopvitamark.com

This information is presented by a practicing cardiologist who is the medical Director of HeartPoint. He stated he gets a lot of questions about heart disease. The doctor also said he was consistently surprised how few “facts” have engrained themselves deeply into “common knowledge”. The myths are not only wrong, but are often dangerously misleading to those who choose to believe them. Here are twelve of the most dangerous MYTHS the doctor runs into, and discussions about each one.

Today, we will begin with heart disease myth number 2 and end with myth number 4.

MYTH # 2:

“I’ll know when it’s time to stop smoking . . . I’ll do it when I start to cough or get short of breath.”

THE FACTS

Regardless of how you’re feeling, the time to stop smoking is now, before anything else happens. Coughing is indeed a sign that damage has been done to the breathing tubes (“bronchi”), but many other effects of smoking occur without letting you know until it’s too late. Smoking is well known to cause emphysema and several cancers, but it is also one of the most important factors in the development of blocked arteries. Stopping smoking will not only slow the progression of blockages, but also allow them to improve over time. More importantly, you get immediate benefit — the risk of heart attacks and sudden death decrease by 50% right away.

MYTH# 3:

“My blood pressure (or cholesterol, or blood sugar) is running good on these pills, so I can stop them now.”

THE FACTS

Antibiotics may cure an infection, but problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are only controlled. Medications can indeed be very effective for such control . . . but they only work while you’re taking them. Changes in your lifestyle such as weight loss and exercise may make it possible to lower the dose or even get off of the medicines, but this must be done under the supervision of your doctor.

MYTH # 4:

“That pain can’t be from my heart . . . it isn’t severe enough” (or “it doesn’t go to my left arm”, or “it’s just indigestion”, or any number of others).

THE FACTS

These myths are probably among the most prevalent . . . and the most dangerous. That “little discomfort” in your chest while walking up the stairs may be the warning sign of the heart attack around the corner. The “indigestion” that is “just a little worse than usual” may be the signs of a heart attack in progress, one whose effects could be minimized by prompt therapy. The best time to treat heart disease is before muscle damage occurs. If you’re having a heart attack, dramatic improvements can be made in limiting its effects if you get to the hospital as early as possible. Most medical people are scared of these things too, so they will not think that you are anything but smart to get them checked out early. (For more on the symptoms of a heart attack, check out the link to “Coronary Artery Disease”).

I hope now that you are educated, you will not fall for these heart disease myths!

In the next post, we will uncover heart disease myths 5-7.

To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newletter!

P.S. For more information about Vita Che, what I call the Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit http://699456.shopvitamark.com

This information is presented by a practicing cardiologist who is the medical Director of HeartPoint. He stated he gets a lot of questions about heart disease. The doctor also said he was consistently surprised how few “facts” have engrained themselves deeply into “common knowledge”. The myths are not only wrong, but are often dangerously misleading to those who choose to believe them. Here are twelve of the most dangerous MYTHS the doctor runs into, and discussions about each one.

MYTH # 1:
Those medicines for cholesterol will mess up your liver. Don’t take them!

THE FACTS

The level and type of cholesterol in the blood remains one of the most important determinants of the risk of developing blockages of the arteries, and the ensuing complications of heart attacks, stroke, death, etc. A good diet, maintaining ideal body weight, and exercise can help reduce the risks, but some people will have high cholesterol and bad events despite following the guidelines.

We are fortunate to live in an age when we have agents that will help us reach desireable goals of both good and bad cholesterol. Statin agents (such as “Zocor”, “Mevacor”, “Pravachol”, “Baycol” and “Lipitor”) are potent agents which can lower even markedly elevated levels of bad cholesterol. Agents such as Lopid or Tricor (these are called “fibrate agents”) can lower triglycerides and raise good cholesterol. A naturally occuring vitamin (niacin) has now been developed in a long-acting formulation (“Niaspan”) which not only lowers bad cholesterol, lowers triglycerides, and raises good cholesterol, but lowers the amount of other toxic types of cholesterol such as “lipoprotein (a)”. There is abundant information from well-designed clinical trials to show that these agents not only make the levels of these substances better, but clearly lower the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, bypass surgery, etc.

Yes, like all other medicines, there may be side effects . . . but they are generally mild, can be caught early with blood tests, and are reversible.

If your cholesterol is high, particularly if you have other “risk factors” for having a heart attack or stroke, doesn’t it make more sense to lower your risks of averting these catastrophes by 30-45%? Don’t be scared off by a medicine that causes side effects which are mild and reversible and occur in a much lower number of people!

These medications are one of the most effective means to lower the risks of death and disability from disease of the blood vessels. Proper monitoring minimizes the low incidence of side effects.

CONCLUSION

These medications are one of the most effective means to lower the risks of death and disability from diseases of the blood vessels (atherosclerosis and hardening of the arteries). Proper monitoring minimizes the low incidence of side effects.

All of this great information about heart disease myths came from here:
http://www.heartpoint.com/myth1.html

Tomorrow we will uncover heart disease myth #2.

To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newletter!

P.S. For more information about Vita Che, what I call the Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit http://699456.shopvitamark.com

Tip #18. Order smart slices. If you are a pizza lover, ask for your pizza with half the cheese and double the sauce. When you do this, you can cut the saturated fat by 5 grams. Plus, since tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, you will be helping your cells fight damage that can lead to atherosclerosis.

Tip #19: Have a heart to heart with mom. If you mother had cardiovascular disease before 65, your own risk doubles. So, if you have a family history of women with women’s heart attack problems, check with your medical doctor. It could be you will need your blood presssure and cholesteol checked yearly.

Tip #20: Drink your veggies. You can get in extra servings of veggies by sipping on low-sodium vegetable juice. In a recent study from the University of California, it was found that those who drank 2 cups a day were able to lower their blood pressure by a whopping 5 point after just three months.

Tip: 21: Practice breathing. A study from the Indian Institute of Technology found that people who practice yoga or similar discliplines have a steadier heart rates which is sign of a healthy heart. It seems that yoga soothes the nervous system which slows breathing and calms the heart.

We have covered a number of tips to help you have a healthy heart. Women’s heart attack problems can be avoided take the necessary steps today to prevent this from happening to you.

To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newletter!

P.S. For more information about Vita Che, what I call the Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit my online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com

Tip #13: Speak up. Heated arguements can raise our stress levels and blood pressure. Research also show that bottling up your feelings is unhealthy as well. A study from Western Washington University found that women who avoided saying what was on their mind had a higher risk of heart disease. So, always speak up!

Tip #14: Try Sardines. Many experts recommend geting 500 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids a day to protect aganist inflammation, lower blood fats, and triglycerdies. Sardines, which have 830 mg per 3 ounce serving and wild salmon with 650 mg of omega-3 per serving are food sources you can add to your diet.

Tip #15: Bring out the honey. Too much suger can potentially suppress the production of nitric oxide which helps blood vessels to widen and relax says scientists at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora. One way you can cut back is to use honey. Since it is more concentrated, you use less. Research reveals those who opt for honey have lower cholesterol levels than those who eat sugar.

Tip #16: Spice up your supper. If you want to avoid developing women’s heart attack problems, foods such as onions and garlic not only add delicious flavor to your favorite dishes, but also provide a fiber called inulin. This promited the growth of healthy bacteria in the small intestine which helps remove any bad cholestrol says Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., R.D. a nutrionist in Sratosa, Florida.

Tip #17: Get on the bandwagon. Did you know resistance bands are an essential part of any home gym? Exercisers who use them along with dumbells gained up to three times the body strength as those who only lifted weights according to a study published in the “Journal of Strength Conditioning Research. This build up your muscle mass and raises your good cholesterol levels.

These are easy tips we all can follow as women to avoid developing women’s heart attack problems.

More tips for one month to a healthy heart and you will follow in the next post.

To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newletter!

P.S. For more information about Vita Che, what I call the Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit my online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com

Today, we will cover 5 more tips for a healthy heart.

Tip #9: Sip Green Team. Drinking a cup of green tea can increase your blood flow in as little as 30 minutes according to a recent study in the “European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation.” It is the antioxidants in the green tea which improves blood vessel function.

Tip #10: Get The Right Amount of “Shut-Eye”. Women who got just 5 hours a sleep a night are twice as likely to fall into the women’s heart attack group. Sleep deprivation can promote calcium build-up in the arteries which can lead to plaque says Dr. Michelle Miller. So ladies, get in your “shut-eye.”

Tip #11: Get a Furball. Pets can be very soothing. A recent study found that cat owners were up to 40% less likely to die from a heart attack than those without a cat friend. This study was done by Dr. Adnan Quershi of the Zeenalt Quersahi Stroke Research Center. Dogs probably provide the same benefit.

Tip #12: Clear the Air. Reseach from the University of Michigan found that pollutants such as soot, nitrates, and metals can cause inflammation in the body. This can result in the hearts arteries being less flexible and can trigger a spike in blood pressure. A suggestion would be to invest in a HEPA filter such as those sold by Honeywell ($111 at amazon.com).

More tips for one month to a healthy heart and you will follow in the next post.

To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newletter!

P.S. For more information about Vita Che, what I call the Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit my online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com

Let’s continue learning tips to prevent you from ever being part of this group.

Tip #5: Use Your Beans-Beans are high in phytosterols and ligans which are substances that bind cholesterol to the small intestine and prevent it from being absorbed in the bloodstream according to Keri Gans, R.D. a dietician in NYC. If you eat one-third of a cup of cooked or canned beans a day, you can slash your chances of a being in the women’s heart attack group by 30%.

Tip #6: Do A Check. Did you know women with vitamin d deficits in their 20’s to early 40’s are three times more likely to develop high blood pressure later in life? This is according to a recent University of Michigan study. Since a whopping 75% of Americn fall short on their vitamin intake, women should have their doctor check vitamin d levels with a blood test.

Tip #7: Wear earplugs to bed? It’s true. It does help because nighttime noise increases your odds of developing high blood pressure by 45%. It interrupts sleep and creates stress according to researcher Theo Bodin. Earplugs can block all that noise.

Tip #8: Call Your Funny Friend. Laughing fo 15 minutes can boost blood flow by 22%. It causes some of the tissue in your blood cell lining to relax. Over the years, this can prevent hardening of the arteris and lower the potential for developing heart attack and stroke.

While women’s heart attack problems are very concernful. there are a number of thiings you can do to develop and keep a healthy heart.

More tips for one month to a healthy heart and you will follow in the next post.

To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newletter!

P.S. For more information about Vita Che, what I call the Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit my online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com

“Fortunately, research suggests that your lifestyle-from the friends you interact with to the time you go to bed-has a huge impact on your heart,” says Marie Savard, MD a Philadelphia internet.

Over the next few posts, we will be covering 24 tips you can follow to keep your heart going strong for life.

Tip #1: Be A Sodium Detective. The average American woman digests 50% more than the daily recommendation of 2400 milligrams. Since most of our sodium intake comes from processed foods, women should be always carefully study the nutrition label on every package.

Tip#2: Hang Out With The Girls. Going out with your gal pals could be very healthy for your heart; just at much as hitting the gym. Researchers have found that lonely people have anywhere from 10-30 points higher blood pressure levels than those who are more sociable. Plus, this is a great stress reliever!

Tip#3: Eat a Baked Potato: Spuds have a lot of potassium which can offset the effects of sodium, According to a new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, consuming twice as much potassium as sodium daily can reduce your reduce your risk by half of dying from cardiovascular disease. Since most Americans consume only half of the 4,700 mg that are needed, ladies, load up on potatoes which have 900 mg each and bananas which have 430 mg each.

Tip #4: Use Interval Training. If you are a gym goer and usually set your elliptical, treadmill, bike, etc. on the same level, mix things up. Use bursts of speed between steady paces. Researchers from Canada’s McMaster University found that just 20 minutes of interval training (alternating near maximum exertion with low intensity exertion) is just as effective at strengtening your heart as an hour of moderate exercise. Interval training is fantastic for your heart because it causes your heart to pump faster and harder which strengthens your arteries, accorind to Maureen McDonald, Ph.D.

These are really great tips to avoid being a woman who develops women’s heart attack problems. I will be sharing more heart healthy prevention tips in the next post.

To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newletter!

P.S. For more information about Vita Che, what I call the Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit my online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com

So, that said, let’s continue and hear what else Dr. Wallack recommends, someone who had to have bypass surgery.

Tip #5: Make love once more. Dr. Wallack recommends you ask your doctor if you can have sex again. Many heart patients worry sex will strain their hearts and this is not true. Less than 1% of patients due of a heart attack while having sex.

Tip #6: Eat well for recovery. Eat small meals frequently. Anesthesia effects can cause some heart patients to feel nauseaous and creates a loss of appetite. Plus, pain medication can add to the problem. Dr. Wallack found smoothies to be ideal for him.

Tip #7: Prepare for career issues. When Dr. Wallack was recovering, some people were tryinto get his job! When you return to work, don ‘t talk about your health and don’t let people see you taking medication. Do ask your boss or human resources manager for accomodations such as taking a 15 minute power nap or making time for a rehab trip.

Tip #8: Set exercise goals. Women’s heart problems as well as men’s can be helped with exercise. Regular exercise lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Plus, it reduces stress. Make sure you develop a program with a rehabilitation expert who can work with you the first few months as you recuperate. This many times is covered by your insurance.

I hope, whether you are a woman who has women’s heart problems or a gentleman, that you have found Dr. Wallack’s information helpful. Follow it and you will be well on your way to recovery.

To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newletter!

P.S. For more information about Vita Che, what I call the Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit my online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com

This post will cover the first four and the following the last 4 out of the 8. These are the steps that Dr. Marc Wallack, MD followed to overcome his bypass surgery.

Step #1: Get adequate sleep. Many patients who undergo heart-related procedures struggle with sleep problems following their procedures. Nighttime fears and insomnia are common. The unfortunate result is these issues can increase the risk of more heart problems.

D. Wallack used sleep medications for three months and then found he also slept better with static noise in the background. He also slept with the blinds open so he could see lights outside.

Step #2: Overcome Depression. Dr. Wallack says nearly 1:3 heart attack survivors experience postsurgical dperession. It has been found by researchers at the University of Maryland and Columbia University Medical Center that those patients who became depressed after their procedures were twice as likely to die from heart problems within 7 years.

Talk therapy combined with antidepressants can sometimes help women with heart problems as well as men regain their sense of balance.

Step #3: Get back into the world. It can take months to recover from major heart surgery and some patients feel very weak and disoriented. Some are even reluctant to leave home even after given the medical go ahead.

So, getting out of the house is a major step in recovery. Gentle exercise such as walking and getting back to driving and going out can help.

Step #4: Optimize Doctor Visits. Women who have heart problems and who have had heart surgery initially have numerous postsurrgical doctor visits. This is ofen stressful because patients fear bad news. What is helpful is to bring someone with you when you go see your doctor or undergo tests. Furthermore, for peace of mind, ask your cardiologistthe best way to contact him or her.

These are simple steps you can use to have a successful recovery after heart surgery. Stay tuned for the last 4 steps which follow in the next post.

To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart” Newletter!

P.S. For more information about Vita Che, what I call the Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit my online nutrition store at http://699456.shopvitamark.com