Heart Disease and Women» Blood Flow

Heart Disease Treatments-How To Keep A Healthy Heart

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 17:01:43 +0000

The leading cause of death among North Americans continues to be cardiovascular disease. As lifestyle factors play such a major role in heart disease, it is important to understands some aspects of the disease and what you can do to prevent it.

The heart is a muscle in the body that like all muscles needs its own supply of blood in order to function. Working properly, it then pumps blood through the circulatory system, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body and removing wastes such as carbon dioxide.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Heart disease begins in many when plaque begins to build up in the arteries. This causes the arteries to become narrow thereby restricting the blood flow through them. As the blood flow is reduced, the amount of oxygen delivered to the heart is reduced. This tends to create pains in the chest, called angina. Heart attacks result when the blood flow to the heart is totally blocked.

Diets low in fat, high in fiber coming mainly from fruit and vegetables help the body respond to CAD. Omega-3 oils found in foods like cold water fish and flax seeds are of benefit for a healthy heart, as they are felt to inhibit the blood from becoming ‘sticky’ thereby limiting the likelihood of clots forming and may slow down the process of plaque formation. In addition, regular exercise and stress reduction are also beneficial.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Congestive heart failure and related forms of heart failure affect over five million North Americans. It is a condition in which the heart cannot adequately supply the body’s other organs with blood. While a serious condition, the word failure does not mean that the heart stops beating.

As the pumping action of the heart is decreased, the blood does not move efficiently through the circulatory system and starts to back up, which then causes an increase of pressure in the blood vessels, and forces fluid from the vessels into body tissue. When the left side of the heart starts to fail, fluid tends to collect in the lungs, while when the right side starts to fail, fluid tends to collect in the feet and lower legs.

People with congestive heart failure tend to tire easily, have shortness of breath and can experience fluid retention and swelling. Diabetes, obesity and sleep apnea are commonly associated with CHF.

As with CAD a low fat, high fiber diet is recommended along with treatment for associated diseases. CoQ-10, a powerful antioxidant, has been clinically shown to be of benefit to CHF patients. Though exercise may be difficult for people with CHF, it would still be of benefit and therefore one should consult with their health professional to determine what the possibilities might be.

High Blood Pressure

As a leading cause of heart disease, high blood pressure, often called hypertension, is a condition in which too much pressure is being exerted on the walls of the arteries. Called ‘the silent killer’ high blood pressure can be present without a person experiencing any apparent symptoms.

In about 90% of high blood pressure cases an associated cause is not known. This is defined as primary hypertension. If it results from another disease or condition, it is called secondary hypertension and often returns to normal when the originating cause is treated.

There are some factors that though not causes, are often associated with high blood pressure such as: CAD as previously discussed, arteriosclerosis which is hardening of the arteries, imbalances in organs such as the kidneys, lungs and liver, obesity, lack of exercise, sodium (salt) sensitivity, alcohol consumption, and various pharmaceutical drugs. (Note this is not a comprehensive list.)

Once again a heart-healthy diet containing plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish, while low in saturated fats, salt and sugar is recommended for people with high blood pressure. As exercise helps lower blood pressure a regular exercise routine should become part of the daily routine.

Chickpeas, beans, soy products, proteins found in garlic, and other antioxidants such as bilberry help improve lipids in the blood and lower cholesterol. Avocados and nuts have been shown to boost your ‘good’ cholesterol.

Finally, a heart-healthy lifestyle will limit the amount of alcohol consumed as it has been shown to have an affect on cholesterol levels. It is recommended that women consume no more than one drink per day and men no more than two. Smoking has also been linked to heart disease, so the sooner a person can quit the better.

To Your Success,

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

Women’s Heart Attack-More Healthy Heart Tips

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:52:27 +0000

We have been discussing tips to keep your heart healthy so you won’t ever fall into the category of women who have heart attacks.

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

Women’s Heart Problems|Womens Heart Disease – How to Prevent Or Reverse It

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:45:51 +0000

Women’s heart problems is a growing area of concern. However, there are things that women can do to prevent or reverse this progression of the deadly disease. Let’s take a look at what their options are.

Womens Heart Disease – How to Prevent Or Reverse It
By Darryl Hunter

One of the major health concerns facing modern women today is heart disease. It has long been seen as a health problem for men but more women die from heart attacks than men and many women mistakenly believe they are not at risk.

The scariest part of womens heart disease is that alot of the time it can go undetected until it is a major problem. Many women that die from it had no previous signs or symptoms.

Studies are starting to show that women are affected differently by heart problems and that women also exhibit different symptoms which can result in the problem being undetected.

Part of the problem with heart disease is the blocking of the arteries around the heart. If the arteries begin to block, blood flow to the body is reduced and pressure can build at the site of the block. This pressure can cause major problems.

In men this tends to be in the major arteries and is characterised by intense sharp pains. Womens heart disease however can happen in minor arteries which is equally dangerous but harder to detect as there isn’t the major pain associated with it and the pain caused can easily be misdiagnosed.

Some of the major factors that lead to heart problems are being over weight, a bad lifestyle, poor diet, cholesterol levels and genetics.

The good news is that apart from your genetics the other factors can be controlled and reduced to help prevent the development of heart problems. Even if your genetics mean you are more at risk of heart disease if you prevent the other factors then you have a far better chance of not developing it.

Heart disease can be prevented and if you already have it it can be reversed. To find out more about how to prevent womens heart disease and how you can live life without the worry of getting heart disease Click Here Now: http://www.squidoo.com/womensheartdisease

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darryl_Hunter

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

Heart Disease Prevention-Use These 8 Natural Doctors

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:46:15 +0000

As someone who enjoys learning about natural ways to stay healthy, including keeping a healthy heart, I find that these 8 natural doctors will do wonders not only for your body, but also your mental health. They are great tips for heart disease prevention. Even if a person does develop heart disease, they are natural heart disease treatments.

Everyday living in today’s society can be very taxing on our bodies. With hectic work schedules and quick or skipped meals, we are damaging and destroying our bodies a little bit more every day.

A very sure solution would be to employ eight natural doctors to aid in your healing process, including heart disease prevention. Don’t worry, they will not charge you any money, in fact, these doctors will actually help you save money.

Once you have followed the advice of these eight natural doctors, you will experience a new start in life. And ‘New Start’ is an easy way to remember these doctors. Let’s take a brief look at them one at a time.

N-E-W S-T-A-R-T

N – Nutrition
It is important to “watch what you eat”. Eating a lot of trans-fatty foods will not only make you overweight, but will aid in clogging your arteries. This can cause heart disease. Eating plenty of fresh, green, leafy vegetables is a great way to help your body get the vitamins and nutrients it needs to function properly. This is a perfect way to keep your heart healthy.

E – Exercise
The reason exercise is important is because this is how your heart gets stronger. A stronger heart means better blood flow. If you spend 30 minutes, three days a week, working out, not only will you feel better, but your mental abilities will also improve. For exercise to be effective, it must be progressive, systematic, and habitual. The more you exercise, the stronger every part of your body will become.

W – Water
It used to be said that you should drink 8 glasses of water each day. Today that number is debated as to whether that specific number applies to everybody or not. The bottom line is that your body is comprised of mostly water. Your brain needs plenty of fresh water everyday in order to function properly. While your body can go three days without water, your brain will start to experience negative effects within 12 to 14 hours. There is no substitute for water, not even sports drinks. By drinking plenty of water every day, your brain, kidneys, and most internal organs will function more efficiently.

S – Sunshine
Taking a break from your cubicle everyday and getting into the sunshine will do more for you than you may realize. According to Dr. Tedd Mitchell, in his article for USA Weekend, recent studies suggest that the sun’s ability to stimulate vitamin D production in the skin can make it an incredible boon to the body in fighting certain kinds of cancers, including some skin cancers. Taking short, regular breaks to allow your body to be exposed to sunshine is a good way to help you stay healthy.

T – Temperance
Temperance is keeping everything in moderation. We all know about being temperate in eating; don’t overeat or you will gain weight, etc. But temperance should be used in all areas. For example, too much sunshine can cause skin cancer, so limit how much sun you actually expose yourself to. In order to maintain a healthy life, you must use each of these natural doctors in moderation. Don’t overdo it in any area. Keeping well-balanced is the key to good health.

A – Air
Getting plenty of fresh air is extremely important; you cannot live more than a few minutes without it. Make sure that your homes and offices are properly ventilated. If possible, open some windows to provide cross-ventilation. Most people leave their windows shut during the winter months, causing the air to become stagnant and ill-smelling. If you cannot open the windows in your office, make sure you take your breaks outside so you can give your body the necessary oxygen it needs to keep healthy. When you are able to go outside and take ten deep breaths, it is like giving yourself an oxygen cocktail. Your body loves it.

R – Rest
Maybe you have heard that children grow while they sleep. This is true. During rest, your body is able to grow and to re-build itself. The brain tissue is being restored and the nerves are re-charged while you sleep. If you skimp on sleep, your body does not have adequate time to re-condition itself and to heal itself. Getting the necessary hours of sleep each night is important to maintain a healthy body.

T – Trust in God
Trusting in God is the most important of all natural doctors. If we believe that we were created in His image and that He sent His Son to redeem us, we should have no problem trusting Him to take care of us and to keep us healthy. If we do our part in eating nutritiously, exercising, drinking plenty of water, getting plenty of sunshine, being temperate in all areas, getting plenty of fresh air, and getting plenty of rest, God will do His part in sustaining our life to the fullest and keeping it healthy. Just trust Him, He knows what He’s doing.

I loved these 8 natural doctors. They are powerful ways to prevent heart disease and can be heart disease treatments for those who happen to develop the disease.

Begin to use these 8 natural doctors today.

Remember to sign up for my “You Deserve to Have A Healthy Heart” newsletter.

To Your Success,
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
SKype: Monique371
mentormonique@gmail.com

Heart disease and women : You Deserve To Have A Healthy Heart

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:01:50 +0000

There are many reports that show that women are just as susceptible as to heart disease as men. As Goforred.com states at

http://www.goredforwomen.org/understand_your_risks.aspx:

“Your heart is in your hands. Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable if you work to lower your risks. It’s important to know that there are a range of factors that can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chances of developing heart disease and having a heart attack or stroke.”

Knowing this, it is important to discover what the risks you can control as a woman. If you know what to do to reduce your risk for heart disease, you can reduce the risk of your developing the disease.

Risk Factors You Can Control or Treat

These risk factors can be controlled or treated with help from your healthcare professional. You can modify others by changing your lifestyle.

Here are some ways you can lower your cholesterol. In the upcoming posts, more detail will be given for each of the other factors you can control to prevent heart disease.

Lower Your Cholesterol!

Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in the blood and in all the body’s cells. A high cholesterol level is bad because cholesterol can build up with other substances in the inner walls of arteries. This buildup, called plaque, can narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow. Plaques that rupture can cause blood clots that can totally block blood flow in the artery. Clots also can break off and travel to another part of the body. If a clot blocks an artery that feeds the heart, it causes a heart attack. If it blocks an artery that feeds the brain, it causes a stroke.High blood cholesterol has no symptoms, and many people have it without knowing it. Find out what your cholesterol levels are, so you can lower them if you need to. If you need to lower your LDL (or “bad” cholesterol), work with your doctor to create a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, and an exercise plan.

If you’re overweight, work with your doctor to create a diet and exercise plan to help you lose the extra pounds. Diet and increased physical activity are important, but they may not get you to your goal. If these efforts don’t succeed, your doctor may also prescribe medication. Even if you need to take cholesterol-lowering drugs, a healthy diet and increased physical activity are still important.

Yes, heart disease and women is a serious issue. However, if you take the necessary steps, you can dramatically reduce your risk to heart disease. After all, you deserve to have a healthy heart!

Until the next post,

Monique Hawkins

540-858-2885

Skype: Monique371