Posts Tagged ‘Heart Attacks’

Heart Attack Treatment Tip-Cayenne for the Heart

Sunday, July 25th, 2010
Green and red cubanelle peppers
Image via Wikipedia

These tiny, colorful hot pepper powerhouses really pack a punch. Not only do they add zing to your food but they have an absolute plethora of health benefits especially for the heart. Cayenne and other hot peppers are all members of the genus Capsicum and whether you choose cayenne, habanero, red Thai, or any of the other hot varieties, they all have amazing heart healthy properties. Anyone with a family history of cardiovascular disease or if they have heart disease themselves needs to add cayenne to the diet.

Cayenne doesn’t have just one heart healthy action; it has them all! It lowers blood pressure benefiting those with hypertension. This relieves the stress on the heart. High blood pressure makes the heart pump harder and harder, eventually wearing out the heart. It opens up the blood vessels almost instantly allowing blood to flow freely. In addition it fights cholesterol, cleaning the blood vessels of deposits that can lead to atherosclerosis. Cayenne helps bring nutrients and oxygen directly to the heart by opening up the coronary blood vessels, strengthening the heart muscle.

Cayenne strengthens every blood vessel in the body including tiny capillaries that bring nutrients and oxygen to every cell and remove the toxic waste products from the cells. Hot peppers even keep the blood from sticking together preventing dangerous clots. All of these actions help cayenne prevent heart attacks and strokes. Herbalists agree that hot peppers are the number one herb for the heart.

Studies show that cultures that consume a lot of hot peppers in their food have a much lower incidence of heart and cardiovascular disease. You can add peppers to food, make an instantly stimulating cup of hot cayenne tea, use high quality hot sauce on vegetables or in soups and stews, or take cayenne capsules.

Worried about ulcers? No need, cayenne actually has properties that heal ulcers! Loaded with nutrients and phytochemicals, cayenne is high in Vitamins A and C. Vitamin C is essential for the health of blood vessels. It strengthens vessel walls and is necessary for the body to produce collagen, the substance that keeps the cell walls flexible and supple. There are many stories of heart attacks and strokes being instantly stopped by cayenne. This is certainly not a substitute for medical attention but in an emergency situation before help arrive, a cup of hot water with cayenne, or even a tablespoon of hot sauce placed under the tongue can stop the heart attack.

 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” Newsletter!

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

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Cardiovascular Heart Disease-To Statin or Not To Statin

Friday, July 16th, 2010

We all know that cardiovascular hypertension, cardiovascular stroke, cardiovascular angina, cardiovascular heart disease risk factors, cardiovascular heart diabetes, and cardiovascular heart failure is on the rise in the United States and other countries. This is really an issue that should lead to a good discussion with your doctor. There is considerable debate and it is getting heated!

The debate about the use of statin drugs to lower cholesterol continues as new analysis of prior studies show that statins really did nothing to lower the death rate of patients with risk factors for cardiovascular heart disease. These are people who have not had a previous heart attack or stroke but are taking the cholesterol lowering drugs in an attempt to stave off a first occurrence of either one.

A second study brings into question the validity of a 2008 study that concluded one particular statin did prevent heart attacks. This would appear to be bad news for the pharmacological companies and for patients taking the drugs. It is primarily due to research that showed statins prevent heart attacks that these medicines are second only to antipsychotic drugs in sales in the United States. They are widely prescribed in hopes of lowering the risk for fatal heart attacks.

But, another study was recently published that showed statins had a beneficial result in preventing further incidence of prostate cancer in men who had surgery for this cancer. The debate over these medicines is a hot one. Many researchers and doctors are firm believers in the benefits to patients taking these medicines.

Lowering cholesterol, preventing cardiovascular disease, and stopping heart attacks is a goal that every physician wants to achieve. Both sides of the debate have the patients’ health in mind, but how best to attain that goal?

Some doctors and researchers now believe the risks to the patients are too great, the statins are not worth the hope of lowering fatal heart attacks and strokes. The most reasonable voice right now may be the one that advises doctors talk to their patients and explain that right now there are conflicting results and an intense debate. The issues will be clearer with future.

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” Newsletter!

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

Women’s Heart Problems-What Is The Link Between Anxiety and Heart Disease?

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Several recent studies have found a link between anxiety and heart disease.
Although it is a fairly recent change in thinking in mainstream medicine
allowing that the mind affects the state of the body and its health, this
is something that the general population has accepted as fact for
centuries.

Findings in several studies have now shown a significant increase in heart disease in those who suffer from generalized anxiety. The frequent fear that something bad will occur and an ongoing state of chronic anxiety can actually cause physical changes in the body that lead to heart disease. Although researches do not understand the exact workings of this link, it is now clear to medical scientists that it exists.

Studies have been reported in The Journal of the American College of
Cardiology, Science Daily and the Journal of the American Heart
Association. All have confirmed that ongoing anxiety affects heart health
and can increase the risk of heart related problems including heart
attacks. The studies used psychological tests that pin point areas of anxiety
and show that there can be an increase in heart disease as high as forty
percent.

Most studies have been conducted on men. However, researchers reported in Circulation that the Journal of the American Heart Association studied the correlation between women with phobic anxieties and sudden cardiac death that results from a
lethal rhythm disturbance in the heart.

Whether it is phobias or generalized anxiety, doctors now recognize that
something should be done to alleviate the state of worry and lessen the
risk for heart trouble. There are many ways to calm anxiety without
medications. Yoga practitioners have long recognized the link between a
healthy mind and a healthy body. Breathing techniques are one of the most
effective ways to alleviate anxiety, working quickly when anxiety is at a
peak. Yoga classes can help focus the mind, calm the breathing and provide
physical wellbeing.

Look for future blogs that focus on the mind-body connection and how this can be a useful technique in healing the heart.

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” Newsletter!

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

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Heart Disease Treatments-Prevent Heart Disease The Natural Way

Friday, June 4th, 2010

As someone who stronlgy believes in going the natural route first when experiencing illness, including heart disease, I really liked what this article has to say.

So, I thought I’d pass it on to you!

Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease – Is There a Natural, Non-Invasive Way to Treat Heart Disease?

By Allan Lloyd

Statistics show that almost every second man and woman in the industrialized world, dies from the consequences of Coronary Artery Disease — most often simply referred to, as Heart Disease, or Cardiovascular Disease.

Plaque deposits that cause blockages in the Coronary Arteries, the first blood vessels that branch off from the Aorta — can lead to sudden heart attacks. If the same blockages occur in arteries supplying blood to the brain, then this can lead to a stroke. Sadly, many people miss the preliminary signs and symptoms of Heart Disease and so often their first ‘symptom’ is sudden death.

The epidemic spread of cardiovascular diseases, is largely due to the fact that until now, the true nature of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease has been insufficiently understood.

Conventional medicine is largely confined to treating the symptoms of heart disease. Treatments such as calcium antagonists, beta-blockers, nitrates and other drugs are prescribed to alleviate angina pain. Surgical procedures, such as angioplasty and bypass surgery — are applied to mechanically improve blood flow. Rarely does conventional medicine target the underlying problem: the instability of the vascular walls, which triggers the development of atherosclerotic deposits.

Can you prevent and reverse heart disease without invasive procedures and avoid the complications of bypass surgery?

The answer is yes. Cellular Medicine provides a breakthrough in our understanding of the underlying causes of cardiovascular conditions, and leads to the effective prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease. The wonderful benefit of utilizing cellular medicine, is that the complications of bypass surgery are avoided.

According to many nutritional researchers, the primary cause of coronary heart disease and other forms of atherosclerotic disease — is a chronic deficiency of essential nutrients in millions of vascular wall cells. This deficiency leads to the instability of the vascular walls — thereby leading to lesions and cracks, atherosclerotic deposits, and eventually, heart attacks or strokes. Since the primary cause of cardiovascular disease, is a deficiency of essential nutrients in the cells of the vascular walls — the daily optimum intake of these essential nutrients is the primary measure to prevent atherosclerosis and help repair artery wall damage.

Scientific research and clinical studies have already documented the particular value of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and other ingredients in the prevention of heart disease — but what if you are already suffering from the symptoms of this disease?

One vocal proponent of using nutrition in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, is Matthias Rath, M.D. In Dr Rath’s book, “Why Animals Don’t Get Heart Attacks — But People Do!”, he outlines his theories about why optimum nutrition is so vital and can not only prevent, but even reverse heart disease. Dr. Rath believes that there are specific, essential nutrients that help to prevent cardiovascular disease and repair existing damage.

Vitamin research and cardiovascular disease.

One of the largest studies about the importance of vitamins in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, was conducted in Europe. It is a well-known fact, that cardiovascular diseases are more frequent in northern European countries, compared to Mediterranean countries.

Professor K.F. Gey, from the University of Berne in Switzerland, compared the rate of cardiovascular disease in these countries — to the blood levels of vitamin C and beta-carotene, as well as cholesterol. His findings were remarkable:

* People in Northern European countries have the highest rate of cardiovascular disease, and on average, the lowest blood levels of vitamins.

* Southern European populations, have the lowest cardiovascular risk and the highest blood levels of vitamins.

* An optimum intake of the vitamins C, E and A — had a much greater impact on decreasing the risk for cardiovascular disease than lowering cholesterol levels, a frequent focal point in conventional medicine.

This study finally provides the scientific answer as to why there is such a lower rate of heart attacks — in France, Greece and other Mediterranean countries, when compared to the norm. The key factor for the lower cardiovascular risk in these countries, is the high intake of nutrition through the regular diets of these regions. Certain dietary preferences, such as the consumption of wine and olive oil, which are rich in bioflavonoids and vitamin E seem to be of particular importance.

Supplementation – Your defense against heart disease.

With our modern lifestyle and eating choices, it is simply not that easy to get all the nutrients we need from our diet alone. This is why so many people choose to supplement their diet with nutritional supplements such as vitamins and antioxidants. If your aim is to prevent diseases such as heart disease — then supplementation has become more than just a ‘quaint health fad’ — it’s more a matter of life and death.

What are the best supplements to take for problems with the cardiovascular system?

Many people know of the general benefits of nutrients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, fish oil etc. But what is specifically good for the heart and cardiovascular system? Here are some suggestions:

* Vitamin C: provides protection and promotes the natural healing of the artery wall and the reversal of plaque

* Vitamin E: provides antioxidant protection

* Vitamin D: optimizes calcium metabolism and the reversal of calcium deposits in the artery wall

* Folic acid, Biotin and B Vitamins: provide a protective function against increased homocysteine levels

* Copper: supports stability of the artery wall with the improved cross-linking of collagen molecules

* Bioflavonoids, Grape Seed Extract and Pine Bark Extract: contain antioxidant nutrients and molecules known as ‘OPCs’ which act as biocatalysts for improved vitamin C function and improved stability of the artery wall

The most specific supplement formula for cardiovascular disease, would have to be what is known as an Oral Chelation Therapy supplement. This type of formula, is a blend of nutrients designed to heal and tone the cardiovascular system, as well as ‘chelate’ or ‘claw out’ the excess plaque and calcium buildup in the arteries. Oral Chelation Therapy is not as widely available as the individual nutrients mentioned before – however its specific formula provides the best combination of nutrients to fully assist the body in its healing processes — so that one can prevent and even reverse the onset of cardiovascular diseases.

Copyright 2009 HealthyHeartInfo.com

Allan Lloyd is a researcher and educator in nutritional medicine. For a Free Special Report on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease with Oral Chelation Therapy plus a subscription to Heart Health Tips visit: http://www.healthyheartinfo.com

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” Newsletter!

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

Heart Disease and Women-The Hidden Heart Attack Trigger

Friday, May 21st, 2010

Most people know that obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are some of the risk factors for heart attacks in the United States.

Most people may not know that 50% of heart attack victims did not have any warning signs at all. Pretty scary the first symptom they have is the heart attack itself!

Most people may not know that there is a little known risk factor that doesn’t show up on traditional test doctors conduct for cardiovascular disease. It shows up nowhere, not even with an EKG or a stethoscope.

It will blow your mind what this hidden trigger for heart disease is! Ready? It is interrupting conversations! Yes. That’s right. Interrupting conversations is bad for women’s health and men’s too!

You see, several studies have found that people who do this are at higher risk for heart problems. In one study done by Duke University, it was found that people who interrupt are up to 7 more times more likely to get heart disease!

Why? Well,the scientists theorize that people who interrupt conversations are excessively competitive and controlling-two indicators of of the worst “Type A” personality traits.

The good news is this. All of you “Type A” types pay attention to this heart disease prevention tip. You can lower your risk for heart disease without taking any drugs or dietary changes. You don’t even have totally alter your personality. All you gotta do is learn to be a good listener.

In one study, the test subjects focused on being silent while others talked. The result: they lowered their blood pressure and stress hormone levels.

Yes, everyone can easily avoid this trigger for heart disease and heart attacks by becoming expert listener’s!

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” Newsletter!

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

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Heart Disease and Women-5 Tips to Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

Broccoli Macro
Image by Johan J.Ingles-Le Nobel via Flickr
In the United States and other western countries, heart disease is increasing. With heart disease comes the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues. High blood pressure can also lead to heart problems down the road. Here are the top 5 ways to lower your blood pressure naturally whether you are a woman or a man.

Tip #1: Limit salt to 1,000 mg a day. Avoid foods with high sodium content such as canned soups, cereals, cheese, deli meats, etc. In other words, become an expert label reader,

Tip #2: Get 4.7 mg of potassium a day. Research has shown only 10% of men and 1% of women get adequate amounts. Potassium helps the kidneys in excreting sodium. Include in your diet tomatoes, baked potatoes with skin, and bananas,

Tip #3: Get 1,200 mg of calcium a day. This vitamin helps lower blood pressure. Low or non-fat yogurt, broccoli, etc. are good food sources for calcium.

Tip #4: Eat whole grains every day. In a recent study in which with more than 60,000 participants were studied from a 10-18 year period, those who included whole grains in their diet instead of refined carbohydrates significantly lowered their high blood pressure risk.

Tip #5: Reduce sugar intake. Eat no more than 6 teaspoons a day (i.e. 100 calories). High sugar levels can raise your blood pressure and triglycerides. In addition, too much sugar can increase your risk of obesity. Many people get much more than they need and the primary culprit is soft drinks.

These are easy things you can do every day to lower your blood pressure naturally and be heart healthy!

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” Newsletter!

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

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Heart Disease Treatments-How To Keep A Healthy Heart

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

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

Heart Disease Myths: Myths 5-7 of the Top 12

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

We have been covering the top 12 heart disease myths that abound today. I came across some great information about heart disease myths we here in the United States fall. The site link for all 12 heart disease myths can be found here at http://www.heartpoint.com/dozendangers.html

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

Heart Disease Myths|More of theTop 12 Heart Myths

Monday, March 1st, 2010

As I mentioned in the previous post, I came across some great information about heart disease myths we here in the United States fall for many times. The site link for all 12 heart disease myths was at http://www.heartpoint.com/dozendangers.html

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

Heart Disease Myths-12 Dangerous Heart Disease Myths

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

I was browsing the internet to find some useful information about this post and came across a site which listed the top 12 heart disease myths. The site link is http://www.heartpoint.com/dozendangers.html

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