Heart Health and Heart Disease - Care Guide
Cardiovascular disease, better known as heart disease is an ailment of the heart and blood vessels. Coronary heart disease covers a number of syndromes caused by the inability of the arteries to supply enough blood to the heart. These include coronary thrombosis, angina pectoris, and sudden death with no infarction. In the western world, heart disease is the number one cause of death. Over the years, there has been an increase in heart disease incidence. This is why maintaining good heart health has become a main concern for a lot of people.
 |
The heart is the most important part of the body. It is a muscle that is approximately as big as a clenched fist. The amazing thing about the heart is that it starts going to work while the child is inside the womb. It weighs a little less than 350 grams but it can pump around 4,300 gallons of blood throughout the body daily which then provides nourishment and oxygen to all the organs. The heart beats at approximately 100,000 times daily and pumps blood continuously for over 60,000 miles of blood vessels. To be able to cope with this workload it is important to ensure heart health. The coronary arteries in turn, supply blood and needed nourishment to the heart. The coronary arteries are referred as such because they are arranged similar to that of a crown or corona.
When the heart is strained, it needs more blood and the arteries adjust accordingly to increase the supply to the heart. In cases where there is a narrowing of the passageway in the arteries or if there is a hardening of its walls due to plaque build-up then the flow of blood is hampered. When heart health is compromised, the heart does not get the supply of blood that it needs. This is called angina pectoris or ischaemia of the heart. This heart disease is characterized by severe chest pain thus limiting one’s physical activity. If the condition shows a blockage in the narrowed arteries caused by a thrombus or clot, resulting to the damage to that particular portion of the heart, then this disease is called a coronary thrombosis or heart attack. This kind of heart disease may heal, leaving a scar or result in death. Patients who survive the heart disease with scars come out seriously disabled or may still live normally with some restrictions to their physical activities.
The damage to the heart health and artery walls does not happen overnight. It is a long and tedious process resulting from years of stress, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, unmanaged blood sugar or diabetes and unhealthy diet, all contribute to the onset of heart disease. The good news is that in many cases the risk of heart disease can be reduced and there are ways to improve your heart health.
Cholesterol: The Good and the Bad
Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver and exists in a healthy heart and in the blood cells of the body. It may also be obtained from foods containing saturated and trans fats. There are 2 kinds of cholesterol- LDL and HDL. Low-density lipoprotein or LDL is referred to as bad cholesterol because it attaches itself to the walls of the arteries and results to narrowed passageways that restrict healthy blood flow. High-density lipoprotein or HDL on the other hand is referred to as good cholesterol because it carries the LDL deposits in the arteries to the liver so that it can be processed and eliminated from the body thus preventing heart disease and keeping positive heart health.
Heart Disease - Signs and Symptoms
Heart disease is commonly manifested by chest pain or pain down either one of the arms. Shortness of breath is another symptom that is caused by insufficient supply of oxygen in the blood. Other manifestations of heart disease are palpitations, cold hands and feet, fatigue, frequent perspiration, fainting and emotional instability. These manifestations may also be indicative of other disorders. It is important to determine the root causes of these symptoms in order to address them with the correct preventive actions to maintain heart health.
Causes of Heart Disease
Maintaining good heart health and prevention of heart disease becomes more challenging as people age. The primary causes of heart disease would be aging, lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and stress. The Farmingham Heart Study of the National Heart and Ling Institute has enumerated the 7 major risk factors to heart health as being:
- Smoking
- Being over weight
- Increased blood pressure levels
- Lack of exercise or physical activity
- Some metabolic disorders like diabetes
- Increased levels of uric acid caused by high protein diets
- Increased levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and other fatty substances
Each risk or a combination thereof, all contribute to heart disease. Many of these factors are caused by faulty diets. These can be controlled by making conscious lifestyle changes and making adjustments to one’s diet. Tension, stress and worry, cause the adrenal glands to release cartisons and adrenaline which also contribute to constricted arteries, increased work for the heart and high blood pressure levels causing decline in heart health.
Heart Health and Risk Factors
- Age
- Stress
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Unhealthy diet
- Being overweight
- Lack of physical activity
- High blood pressure levels
- Genetics- family history of heart disease
- High levels of cholesterol- LDL and low HDL
- Gender- Men experience higher risk to heart disease and coronary artery disease compared to women. Women are increase their exposure to the risk of heart disease after menopause
Heart Disease - Multiplying Risk Factors
Commonly, people have more than one risk factor to heart health and the more risk factors there are, the higher the chance of heart disease and even death. Being overweight for example, often leads to diabetes and increased levels of cholesterol and blood pressure. This group of symptoms is referred to as metabolic syndrome that increases the risk of heart disease.
Here are some of the factors that may increase the risk of heart disease according to research conducted in recent years:
- Lipoprotein is a substance that is formed when LDL binds with a specific kind of protein. The protein that carries lipoprotein (a) may cause a disruption in the body’s ability to address blood clots. High amounts of this substance will increase the risk of heart disease
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sign of inflammation that is a component in the development of atherosclerosis. Increased CRP levels may cause an increased risk to stroke and heart attack.
- Homocysteine is an amino acid manufactured by the body during metabolism. Increased levels of homocysteine is said to increase the risk of heart disease because it damages the walls of the arteries and promotes clotting. Taking Vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid can control homocysteine metabolism and a deficiency can cause elevated levels of homocysteine.
- Fibrinogen is a protein in the blood that is involved in the formation of clots. Elevated levels of fibrinogen can cause over clumping of the platelets which may then result to clotting and later on lead to heart disease such as a stroke or heart attack.
Stroke – The Five Warning Signs
A stroke is considered a medical emergency. This is why it important to know the warning signs and symptoms. In case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Here are the signs to look out for:
- Weakness- weakness or sudden numbness in the face, leg or arm in a particular side of the body
- Difficulty speaking- coupled with confusion and difficulty understanding
- Vision impairment- any sudden trouble with vision in either or both eyes even temporary
- Headache- unusual and severe headache without any cause
- Dizziness- sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance and coordination combined with any of the above mentioned signs
Heart Disease Treatment Options
Heart disease has a range of available treatments from lifestyle changes to natural heart health supplements to medications to surgery. Those with less severe heart disease with fewer risk factors can control the disease by making simple lifestyle changes combined with natural cholesterol lowering supplements and medications. A healthy diet can maintain or return heart health if designed properly to change body chemistry and improve the general nutrition intake and hopefully reverse and damage in the heart and blood vessels.
A healthy diet combined with regular exercise and avoiding smoking can help manage heart disease and lead to good heart health. Be it cholesterol drugs, medical procedures, natural supplements, lifestyle changes or a diet - weigh the risks and benefits before you make a decision.
A diet addressing heart health should be one of the top options to consider in order to help you lower your cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease. Follow the links to learn more about Low Cholesterol Foods to include and High Cholesterol Foods to avoid in your diet. You can also read about Cholesterol Lowering Supplements that Work and Cholesterol Lifestyle Suggestions that can make all the difference.
Hypercet Cholesterol Formula - It is cholesterol lowering supplement specially formulated to help the body maintain healthy levels of LDL and HDL. It also acts as a general heart tonic and aids in the body’s elimination of free radicals.
Heart Health - Final Thoughts
You may take into consideration the following in order to maintain your heart health and prevent heart disease:
-
Be familiar with the warning signs and consult your doctor immediately if you suspect a stroke
-
Increase the amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet. Include garlic, soy, fish, nuts, and yogurt as well as green tea.
-
Lessen your consumption of saturated fat, trans fat, salt and sugar to prevent heart disease
-
Incorporate exercise into your daily routine
-
Avoid smoking because it causes plaque build-up in the arteries, making your heart work harder
-
Maintain a healthy, normal weight to prevent heart disease
-
Minimize stress factors because stress can elevate blood pressure, the risk to atherosclerosis and cholesterol which all contribute to heart disease and stroke
How to Prevent and Even Reverse HEART DISEASE
Get the Real Facts on How to Prevent or Even Reverse Heart Disease. This 200 pages Special eBook written by a Former Cardiologist / Surgeon ... who now reveals the real truth to you! In this eBook you’re going to learn how to reverse heart disease if you or a loved one already has it — or how to prevent it if you don’t, and without dangerous drugs or surgery.
This is the kind of “secret” information that the mainstream medical establishment hopes you never find out about. To them, you’re nothing more than a source of income. But now you’ll know!
It Works! Guaranteed with 100% Money Back Guarantee if you're not satisfied!
The Great Cholesterol Lie
If you or a loved one are suffering from Heart Disease, High Cholesterol Levels or Inflammation, then this is without question the Most Important Book you'll ever read.
It was written by Dr. Lundell who in 25 years performed 5,000 open-heart surgeries while being a highly respected, renowned physician amongst the most prestigious. Dr. Lundell reveals why the cholesterol theory is scientifically and fatally flawed and has been since it began and why inflammation is the real cause of heart disease. Then he simply reveals very good news—your action plan! How you can heal your heart naturally without statin medications!
This Offer comes with Bonuses and Unconditional 60 days Money Back Guarantee!
How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally
Sit down, turn off your cell phone and put the "DO NOT DISTURB" sign on the door… Hear from the world’s top doctors and Nobel Prize winners and learn how to reduce your Cholesterol naturally and eliminate harmful prescription drugs!
The Cholesterol-Reversing Breakthrough – Discover How YOU Can Beat Your Cholesterol Naturally & Take Your Life Back for Good! Cholesterol is a Problem! It can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and many more life threatening diseases if goes untreated. Despite this epidemic problem, there is good news. You can do something about it and that's what this guide is all about. In plain English, we will take a laymen's look at cholesterol, the causes, effects and what you can do to reverse the negative impact it has on your personal health.
Unconditionally Guaranteed to Effectively Lower Your Cholesterol in Just 30 Days or Less - Or You Don’t Pay!
Articles on Cholesterol
-
Good Cholesterol Sources to Avoid Heart Disease
Cholesterol is in fact essential to health. All vertebrates need a healthy dose of cholesterol to maintain healthy cells. Cholesterol actually turns into fatty lipids and alcohol, which are normally circulated through the body as it goes with the blood plasma and into the body tissues. But while this substance is important to maintaining health, it needs to be closely monitored. With the advent of fast foods and food take-outs, people have become susceptible to high cholesterol problems. When these…Read 487 times Read more...
-
The Best High Cholesterol Diet to Lower Cholesterol
The market is currently flooded with low cholesterol foods, cholesterol lowering supplements and other health products that offer to help you resolve your cholesterol problems. However, nothing beats healthy, well-balanced and low cholesterol diet from beating the odds of this silent killer. It is time to take control over your cravings and load up on some healthy foods that will boost healthy cholesterol levels.Read 500 times Read more...
-
How Atherosclerosis and Cholesterol Levels Affect Heart Health
The body handles two types of cholesterol; the good cholesterol (HDL) and the bad cholesterol (LDL). The LDL or low density lipoprotein is called bad cholesterol because of its tendency to build up through the arterial walls, thereby increasing the risk of heart diseases such as atheroma. Atheroma, otherwise known as atherosclerosis, is a condition caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. This condition also causes “fat streaks” as fatty materials build up through the arterial walls. As the fatty…Read 491 times Read more...
-
Cholesterol Diet to Promote Healthy Cholesterol Levels
As much as the body needs fat, it also needs healthy cholesterol levels to maintain optimum heart health and overall well-being. However, due to the ever increasing consumption of high cholesterol foods in the modern diet, people mess up the natural balance between LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). What results is the increased risk for coronary heart disease such as atherosclerosis. Years of careless consumption of high cholesterol foods might lead to clogged arteries, a condition…Read 445 times Read more...
-
Lifestyle Changes to Lower Your Cholesterol
People who are beyond the age of 20 must start taking their blood cholesterol levels seriously. Most cases of high cholesterol problems fall in this age group. Immediately detecting cholesterol problems is extremely helpful in maintaining optimum health. Low cholesterol diet, medication, exercise and lifestyle changes do not hold the only solution to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Making necessary changes to one’s eating habits and lifestyle comes with a great deal of challenge. It is often difficult for people to…Read 415 times Read more...
Related Articles - Cholesterol
