Posts Tagged ‘High Blood Pressure’
Monday, December 13th, 2010
For as long as 3,500 years, and probably much longer than that, people have recognized the amazing healing powers of garlic. Writings from ancient Egypt tell of garlic’s powerful healing properties with its ability to cure over 22 diseases. The Egyptians recognized that garlic was indispensable in healing those with heart disease, lethargy, and even tumors. Clay representations of garlic have been found in Egyptian tombs, to provide for good health during the afterlife.
Originating in Central Asia over 6,000 years ago, garlic as a healing and culinary herb spread to Asia, Africa, and Europe, primarily in the Mediterranean area. Folklore tells of garlic’s ability to ward off the Evil Eye and even vampires. Sounds odd to us, but these were just some of the things that got the blame for illnesses, so garlic’s ability to ward off these evils may actually be closely associated with its health benefits.
Garlic is a potent herb, the smell come from the sulfur compounds that also provide many of the health benefits. Areas of the world where garlic is used routinely have a much lower incidence of cardiovascular disease than Western countries, especially the United States, where heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women.
Although there is some conflicting data, some studies have shown that garlic helps normalize cholesterol levels. The allicin in crushed garlic is believed to stop the oxidation of LDL, a factor that leads to atherosclerosis. The antioxidant properties help protect blood vessels from the oxidative damage caused by free radicals, one of the main factors in atherosclerosis.
Garlic is also used to lower high blood pressure. Hypertension is one of the biggest risk factors in developing serious heart problems including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Garlic also thins the blood, helping it to flow freely. Another risk factor in heart disease is blood sugar levels that are too high. Garlic is effective in lowering blood sugar and aids in preventing late-onset diabetes.
There is a growing body of evidence that links bacteria responsible for periodontal disease to heart disease. Medical science has not determined yet the exact mechanism for this correlation, but there definitely is one. Garlic comes to the rescue again. One of the primary benefits of garlic is its strong antibacterial and anti-viral properties. The natural antibiotic nature of garlic helps the body fight infection. Whether it is periodontal disease, the flu, a cold or any other infectious illness, garlic has been shown to be as effective as many modern medications. Long used to fight serious diseases, it was utilized for typhoid, tuberculosis, and even the plague.
Although garlic supplements are an easy and less smelly way to ingest it, adding high-quality garlic powder to recipes and sprinkling it on salads or sandwiches is an inexpensive and effective way to add garlic to your daily routine. Some of the benefits are lost with heat so add crushed garlic to soups and stews at the end of cooking.
To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885
mentormonique@gmail.com
Tags: Allicin, Ancient Egypt, Antioxidant Properties, Blood Pressure Hypertension, Blood Sugar Levels, Cholesterol Levels, Diet Plan, Egyptian Tombs, Free Radicals, Healing Powers, Healing Properties, Heart Failure, Heart Patient Diet, Heart Problems, High Blood Pressure, Mediterranean Area, Oxidation Of Ldl, Oxidative Damage, Risk Factor, Sulfur Compounds
Posted in Heart Diet | 1 Comment »
Sunday, September 19th, 2010
If you are on a heart disease diet plan due to having heart problems or just wanting to keep your heart healthy, as you adjust your eating to benefit your cardiovascular system, sometimes you may wonder if the comfort foods are a forbidden item. The truth is, when you are creating your heart disease meal plan, you just have to be careful of the ingredients and make sure that each item you use has a benefit for the heart and blood vessels. For instance, rather than a heavy meat based soup full of artery clogging cholesterol, try a tasty vegetable soup that is low in fats and high in fiber.
Fall is the perfect time for both soup and vegetables! Local farm markets are overflowing with a huge array of healthy vegetables and fruits. Not only will your heart benefit, but so will your immune system and your weight if you stick with healthy vegetables as the base of your hearty soup. Research has proven that diet can improve conditions of heart disease, slowing or stopping the progress of degenerative conditions.
Remember to pick a variety of colors; it is often the pigments in the vegetables that have the most beneficial phytochemicals. This is where the antioxidants are that help keep arteries clean and the heart strong. Carrots, onions, a few red potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, a bright red or orange pepper, cabbage, beans, corn, peas, and members of the legume family like black beans or chickpeas will provide an incredible dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. All the nutrients that your heart and cardiovascular system crave are packed in these foods. Use either a vegetable stock or an all natural, low sodium and low fat chicken stock. People at risk for high blood pressure and atherosclerosis need to always remain mindful of salt and fat content, keeping them low.
To spice up the soup, forget the saltshaker and black pepper. There is a rich world of herbs and spices, many of them with properties that aid digestion and heart health. If you crave a salty taste, go to the health food store and buy some dulse. This is seaweed that imparts a salty taste with almost no salt. The rich taste comes from the minerals from seawater and this is a proven herb for heart health.
There are many herbal salt substitutes that pack in the flavor without any artificial chemicals. Plenty of garlic and a dash of cayenne will strengthen both the heart and the entire circulatory system. Hopefully your own garden is full of parsley, thyme, and oregano. All of these are heart-benefiting seasonings.
One last word, don’t overcook the soup. The longer vegetables cook, the more nutrients that are lost, so keep cooking time at 60 minutes maximum. Have a slice of warm whole grain bread with the soup and a dessert of baked apples and your heart will love you! You will be on a great heart disease healthy eating plan!
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
Tags: Black Pepper, Chicken Stock, Degenerative Conditions, Diet Plan, Farm Markets, Health Image, Heart Benefit, Heart Problems, Hearty Soup, Herbs And Spices, High Blood Pressure, Local Farm, Low Sodium, Members Of The Legume Family, Orange Pepper, Tasty Vegetable, Vegetable Stock, Vegetables And Fruits, Vitamins Minerals, World Of Herbs
Posted in Heart Diet | 10 Comments »
Monday, August 30th, 2010
Most people who have heart problems likely realize they need to be on a heart healthy diet. I just found out how you can make a heart healthy salad. Here is how you build a heart healthy salad.
First, we’ll look at a typical salad and the mistakes people make thinking all salads are healthy. A typical salad bar salad starts with a bed of iceberg lettuce, a nutrient poor food that zoos even stopped feeding the animals. Then most people pile on the cheese, full of fat and maybe not even real cheese but processed cheese food full of partially hydrogenated oils. Next, many people add lots of croutons which are high in fat and contain white flour, and drench it with a hearty helping of creamy dressing which also is high in fat and probably loaded with trans fats.
This is NOT a heart healthy salad. Not one thing in it is going to benefit the heart and cardiovascular system. You can say you ate a salad for lunch,but it wasn’t much better than a big fast food burger for your heart.
The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in the United States has been linked to our diet and learning a few tips to help prevent high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and cholesterol build up can be life saving.
The very first thing to remember is color. Deep green, bright red, purple,orange, and yellow colors in vegetables are caused by plant pigments. Each and every one of the phytochemicals that make up complex plant colors act as antioxidants. Current research indicates that not only heart disease and stroke but also other debilitating diseases like cancer may all be caused by free radical oxidative damage wreaking havoc on our cells. Antioxidants neutralize and stop the oxidative stress chain reactions caused byantioxidants. So pile on the colorful vegetables and fruits. Red cabbage, dark green spinach and other deeply colored greens, orange peppers andcarrots, broccoli, whatever vegetables you enjoy. Don’t forget a tiny bit of hearth healthy cayenne if you like spicy. Be sure to add onions that have proven heart healthy properties.
A little cheese, Parmesan or mozzarella, goes great on top of a salad, but just add a small amount and use real cheese. If you are building a dinner salad then add some lean grilled chicken. A perfect heart healthy addition is wild caught Alaska grilled salmon high in heart healthy Omega 3 oils.
Avoid fried or breaded additions; these are full of unhealthy fats.
If you need a little crunch on the salad look for raw nuts and seeds.
Walnuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, or pumpkin seeds all benefit the heart and cardiovascular system. Don’t buy roasted or salted.
Finally, the dressing. The ideal dressing is a simple dash of olive oil and a bit of red wine vinegar. The trick is to sprinkle the salad with herbs; oregano, thyme, parsley, whichever herbs you enjoy. Then a sprinkle of garlic powder or pieces of roasted garlic, also proven to benefit the heart, and you have a truly heart healthy salad!
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
Tags: Cardiovascular Diseases, Colorful Vegetables, Creamy Dressing, Forg, Healthy Heart, Heart Diet, Heart Healthy Diet, High Blood Pressure, Hydrogenated Oils, Iceberg Lettuce, Orange Peppers, Oxidative Damage, Oxidative Stress, Plant Pigments, Poor Food, Processed Cheese Food, Red Cabbage, Trans Fats, Vegetables And Fruits, Wreaking Havoc, Yellow Colors
Posted in Heart Diet | No Comments »
Sunday, July 25th, 2010
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
Tags: Capsicum, Cayenne, Coronary Blood Vessels, Genus Capsicum, Heart Attack Treatment, Heart Attacks, Heart Image, Heart Muscle, Heart Pump, Heart Studies, High Blood Pressure, History Of Cardiovascular Disease, Hot Pepper, Hot Peppers, Hot Sauce, Powerhouses, Soups And Stews, Strengthening The Heart, Tiny Capillaries, Toxic Waste Products
Posted in Heart Disease Treatments | No Comments »
Monday, June 28th, 2010
Long known to herbalists for its benefits for people with cardiovascular disease, hawthorn has been shown in clinical studies to both strengthen the heart and help with many aspects of heart disease. Hawthorn is a small flowering tree that produces berries that are used to make herbal supplements. Widely used in Europe by both homeopathic and allopathic doctors for heart problems; it is a popular herbal supplement in the United States.
One of the primary actions of hawthorn is strengthening the heart itself.
This is the main reason for its widespread use for patients with heart failure. This disease means that the heart is not strong enough to adequately circulate blood. Hawthorn can strengthen the heart and alleviate many of the symptoms of heart failure. Hawthorn acts to dilate the arteries around the heart allowing a better flow of nutrients, oxygen, and blood which helps build the heart muscle back up.
Another benefit of hawthorn is its effect of hypertension. High blood pressure can be caused by buildup of cholesterol or plaque in the arteries, causing them to constrict and reduce the flow of blood. Hawthorn has been shown to relax the arteries and reduce cholesterol. Both of these actions will reduce high blood pressure.
Studies have shown this herb to be beneficial for angina and irregular heartbeat. Many studies have been done in Europe, Germany in particular.
American researchers are now studying hawthorn for its beneficial actions.
Using this herb has long been a part of heart therapy in Europe and is becoming accepted here now due to its effectiveness and safety.
The herb also has a calming effect that helps in today's high stress world. High levels of stress are known to cause physical problems including coronary disease. Hawthorn needs to be taken over a long period of time, months and years for the benefits to be optimized. There are no known risks and no known adverse drug interactions.
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
Additional Article I Feel You Will Enjoy:
-
Time to reconsider atenolol? « journalClub – When compared to placebo for the treatment of hypertension (4 trials with about 3,000 patients total), there was no benefit for atenolol in terms of mortality, cardiovascular mortality or MI. There was a benefit for stroke, but this was mainly from one trial in which atenolol was not used as monotherapy in most patients. In 3 trials with about 7,000 patients that compared atenolol to other anti-hypertensives, atenolol fared worse than the other medications for all parameters except for MI, where it was about the same.
-
Soy – The Untold Story « Genetically Modified Foods, The Silent Killer – The true story of Soy has not been told. The many serious health hazards from consuming soy have not been told. The consumer has not been made aware of the dangers, in order for them to make an educated decision on whether or not to …
-
eskimos, heart disease, and omega-3s: the plot thickens – david marcus made the following comment on an earlier post: it's a myth that eskimos have low rates of heart disease. actually, recent studies have shown they have high rates of cardiovascular disease (50% higher than western …
-
Observe the symptoms of heart disease that can detect problems … – Heart disease is a broad term that encompasses all covered by the disease or condition related to his heart. This means that the identification of symptoms of.
-
Diabetes: Increased Risk Factor for Heart Disease | Affiliate … – Diabetes can be a real threat to the cardiovascular system. It comes on slowly and can wreak havoc with the bodies systems before the individual.
-
Staringfrog.com – Articles and Information » Women and Heart Disease – Scientists studying women and heart disease hypothesized that hormone replacement therapy could help post-menopausal women fight heart disease; however, long-term studies do not confirm that preliminary idea and doctors no longer …
-
The Treatment Of Heart Disease | BestCure – Heart disease has become the number one cause of premature death in the United States and many other parts of the world. It is also a.
Tags: Adverse Drug Interactions, Allopathic, American Researchers, Beneficial Actions, Coronary Disease, Disease Means That, Heart Disease Treatments, Heart Failure, Heart Muscle, Heart Problems, Heart Therapy, Herbal Supplement, Herbal Supplements, High Blood Pressure, Irregular Heartbeat, Levels Of Stress, Patients With Heart Failure, Small Flowering Tree, Strengthening The Heart, Symptoms Of Heart Failure
Posted in Heart Disease Treatments | No Comments »
Monday, June 28th, 2010
Long known to herbalists for its benefits for people with cardiovascular disease, hawthorn has been shown in clinical studies to both strengthen the heart and help with many aspects of heart disease. Hawthorn is a small flowering tree that produces berries that are used to make herbal supplements. Widely used in Europe by both homeopathic and allopathic doctors for heart problems; it is a popular herbal supplement in the United States.
One of the primary actions of hawthorn is strengthening the heart itself.
This is the main reason for its widespread use for patients with heart failure. This disease means that the heart is not strong enough to adequately circulate blood. Hawthorn can strengthen the heart and alleviate many of the symptoms of heart failure. Hawthorn acts to dilate the arteries around the heart allowing a better flow of nutrients, oxygen, and blood which helps build the heart muscle back up.
Another benefit of hawthorn is its effect of hypertension. High blood pressure can be caused by buildup of cholesterol or plaque in the arteries, causing them to constrict and reduce the flow of blood. Hawthorn has been shown to relax the arteries and reduce cholesterol. Both of these actions will reduce high blood pressure.
Studies have shown this herb to be beneficial for angina and irregular heartbeat. Many studies have been done in Europe, Germany in particular.
American researchers are now studying hawthorn for its beneficial actions.
Using this herb has long been a part of heart therapy in Europe and is becoming accepted here now due to its effectiveness and safety.
The herb also has a calming effect that helps in today’s high stress world. High levels of stress are known to cause physical problems including coronary disease. Hawthorn needs to be taken over a long period of time, months and years for the benefits to be optimized. There are no known risks and no known adverse drug interactions.
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
Tags: Adverse Drug Interactions, Allopathic, American Researchers, Beneficial Actions, Coronary Disease, Disease Means That, Heart Disease Treatments, Heart Failure, Heart Muscle, Heart Problems, Heart Therapy, Herbal Supplement, Herbal Supplements, High Blood Pressure, Irregular Heartbeat, Levels Of Stress, Patients With Heart Failure, Small Flowering Tree, Strengthening The Heart, Symptoms Of Heart Failure
Posted in Heart Disease Treatments | No Comments »
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
Tags: Duke University, Good Listener, Healthy Heart, Heart Attack Victims, Heart Attacks, Heart Disease Prevention, Heart Newsletter, Heart Problems, Hidden Heart, Hidden Trigger, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Nutrition Store, Prevention Tip, Roto Rooter, Stress Hormone Levels, Traditional Test, Type A Personality, Type A Personality Traits, Warning Signs
Posted in heart disease and women | No Comments »
Sunday, April 11th, 2010
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
Tags: Adequate Amounts, Baked Potatoes, Blood Presssure, Canned Soups, Deli Meats, Flickr, Healthy Heart, Heart Attacks, Heart Newsletter, Heart Problems, High Blood Pressure, High Sugar Levels, Lower Blood Pressure, Nutrition Store, Reader Tip, Refined Carbohydrates, Risk Of Obesity, Roto Rooter, Serious Health, Sodium Content, Soft Drinks, Sugar Intake, Ways To Lower Your Blood Pressure, Whole Grains
Posted in heart disease and women | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 6th, 2010
I had to share with you this wonderful program I feel can change your life. If you are someone who is longing to do any of these things:
-lose weight without dieting
-feel more energy
-stop heart disease and stroke
-turn around diabetes
-lower your cholesterol
-lower depression
-reverese high blood pressure
CHIP can help. What is CHIP? It is the Coronary Health Improvement Product. The program helps you to begin to take control of your life and begin living. Plus, at the same time if you follow the principles taught, you can lower your health costs and take control of your life that way you have always longed to.
This program isn’t new. It has been around since 1988 and has graduated 50,000 participants since that time. What you would need to do is sign up with a training class in your local area.
If you are intrigued by this, you can visit the website at http://www.chiphealth.com/ for more information.
To receive your free cd entitled, “Why The Good Life Is Killing Us”, call 1-618-627-4651
To grab your free copy of the “CHIP Prescription for Health” visit http://www.chiphealth.com/about_chip/index.php
I look forward to hearing how CHIP has worked for 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. Vita Che is the ultimate Roto Rooter for your arteries, visit http://699456.shopvitamark.com
Tags: 1 618, Arteries, Chip Index, Cholesterol, Coronary Health, Depression, Diabetes, Free Cd, Health, Health Costs, Health Improvement, Healthy Heart, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, Heart Disease Treatments, Heart Healthy, Heart Stroke, High Blood Pressure, Improvement Product, Local Area, Monique, Roto Rooter, Vita
Posted in Heart Disease Treatments | No Comments »
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
Tags: Blockages, Blocked Arteries, Breathing Tubes, Bronchi, Cardiologist, Common Knowledge, Dangerous Myths, Disease Myths, Effects Of Smoking, Emphysema, Heart Attack, Heart Attacks, Heart Disease, heart disease myths, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Important Factors, Indigestion, Left Arm, Medical Director, Muscle Damage, Myth 3, Myth Number, Short Of Breath, Signs Of A Heart Attack, Stopping Smoking, Warning Sign
Posted in heart disease myths | No Comments »
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=b3e991fc-47cf-4074-9633-619f73967e70)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=cb740dc9-d727-43f6-a6f9-0a28794cf3e2)
