Posts Tagged ‘Plaque Formation’

Heart Disease Causes-The Link Between Your Teeth and Heart Health

Friday, March 11th, 2011

Recent research is finding a strong link between the health of your teeth, gums, and your cardiovascular health. Although this idea appears rather odd at first glance, there seems to be a connection between gum and tooth disease and the condition of your arteries. Studies have looked at the correlation of the presence of gingivitis, gum disease, and the presence of hardening of the arteries and found that in many patients, when one is present, so is the other.

Medical researchers don’t know yet whether one causes the other and if it does, which one causes the other. What they do know is that the presence of tooth and gum disease can be an early indicator of cardiovascular problems. It seems that the same bacteria may be responsible for both atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, and gum disease. How this connection works is the mystery.

One study looked at over 600 patients who had no identified heart problems and found that those with particular bacteria in the mouth were more likely to have atherosclerosis in the main artery in the neck. The carotid artery is the one that takes oxygenated blood to the brain. When it becomes clogged, strokes can occur.

Atherosclerosis develops when fatty deposits build up in the arteries, often accompanied by the same bacteria that cause problems in the mouth. When arteries become clogged, the blood supply to vital organs including the heart and brain occur. This can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Medical professionals are unsure of the process involved in plaque formation in the arteries but believe one culprit could be the body’s own reaction to the bacteria circulating in the blood stream. Inflammation is the body’s natural reaction to disease causing bacteria and infection. The swelling that accompanies inflammation may further decrease the diameter of the artery, slowing blood passage even more and possibly causing clots to form.

The big question raised by the resent research is whether better oral hygiene can help prevent cardiovascular problems. No one is sure of the answer, but the consensus is that taking better care of your mouth just may improve heart health, so why not increase flossing and tooth brushing?

While researchers are attempting to discover the mechanisms behind the connection between heart health and dental health, it certainly can’t hurt to add good dental hygiene to your daily routine. Don’t forget to address heart healthy diet and exercise; brushing your teeth doesn’t mean you can revert to eating a fast food diet while sitting on the couch all day!

Eating right and increasing movement in your daily routine also help your immune system function optimally. This may be one of the keys to reducing the bacteria population that can damage your gums, teeth and cardiovascular system.

To Your Heart’s Health
Monique Hawkins
540-858-2885 anytime
Skype: Monique371

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Heart Disease Diet – Why Organic Foods May Be Key to Heart Health

Sunday, January 2nd, 2011
Organic vegetables at a farmers' market in Arg...
Image via Wikipedia

Although few conclusive studies have been done, early research points to direct effects of environmental chemicals on many aspects of human health. One definite link that has been established is between obesity rates and the prevalence of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment. These range from various plastics to many agrochemicals. Obesity is a major factor in chronic diseases from cardiovascular problems to cancer.

Although Western science tends to isolate organs in their scientific research, when one organ or body system is affected, there is a chain reaction in the body as each system supports the others. If environmental chemicals affect the kidneys or lungs, the effect will eventually be noticed in the disruptions of the heart and circulatory system.

One study noted that pesticides damage the vascular system, may increase platelet aggregation, may contribute to plaque formation in the arteries, cause inflammatory responses throughout the cardiovascular system, damage the heart and blood vessel tissues, and increase hypertension by interfering with the functioning of the kidney.

How can you avoid overexposure to heart damaging pesticides? One simple method is to purchase as much produce, dairy, and meat grown by organic methods that never use agrochemicals. The less processed the food the better too; try to buy only fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meats.

Not everyone has ready access to organic foods though, and not all foods need to be purchased organically. Certain fruits and vegetables grown commercially are relatively free of pesticides. These include asparagus, onions, bananas, pineapples and others. Some of those that have the highest levels and should thus be purchased organically include apples, strawberries, cherries, spinach, potatoes, and grapes. Keep in mind that the juices made from these fruits and vegetables should also be organic. Some of the most heart- healthy foods are some of the biggest offenders unfortunately, but it is still advised that eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables far outweighs the risks.

Another factor to remember is many of the agricultural chemicals become concentrated in the fat cells of animals. Human and animals both accumulate pesticides in fatty tissues because many of the pesticides are fat soluble. This also makes them hard to remove from fruits and vegetables with just water. If you can’t buy organic produce, invest in a good produce wash designed to remove pesticide residues. Fatty meats and dairy that aren’t organic can have high levels of damaging chemicals, in addition to high levels of cholesterol and saturated fats.

Our bodies are exceedingly complex; science doesn’t yet understand many of the intricate functions that go on every minute of your life. What they are beginning to discover though, is that man-made chemicals, ones that humans have only been exposed to in the last century, may be causing incredible damage to our bodies, especially the cardiovascular system. So, be always careful to watch what you eat!

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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

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