Several studies and researches from around the globe recommend that taking sufficient amount of vitamins B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cyanocobalamin) and folic acid (folacin) can help maintain healthy blood vessels and heart. Folic Acid, B6 and B12 works in combination to help lower the blood level of homocysteine (a natural form of protein that is broken down in the blood). Scientific study shows that low level of homocysteine can reduce the risk of the person from getting heart diseases.  The most leading sources of folic acids are ready-to-eat cereals, veggies, fruits, dry beans, enriched breads, and citric juices. In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required folic acid to be added in the enriched grain-based staples like rice, pasta and bread. On the same issue, the FDA also authorized ready-to-eat cereals to be completely fortified of folic acid up to 100% of the daily value (400 mcg). The only food allowed containing this high

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition that occurs when the heart fails to initiate its ability to pump blood. There are two types of CHF, the left side heart failure and the right side heart failure. It is considered as one of the most common form of heart diseases which requires medical attention. However, there are some simple ways that are feasible to treat this condition. These include self-care or home management recommendations. When someone is diagnosed with congestive heart failure, they are usually in need of qualified cardiologist. People with CHF can do several things at home that enhance their comfort and minimize the risk of worsening the condition. As a matter of fact, the more they become active in performing their daily routines, the better they can overcome the severity of their condition. Modifying the lifestyle practices will mark a better influence. This will not only make them become better but it enhances their opportunity to liv

Mostly people think aneurysm as an instant killer or something that cannot be detected or prevented, and while it is true that many die of brain aneurysms each year, there are couple other kinds that cardiology professional see that are silent killers. Aortic aneurysms, both thoracic and abdominal can be detected, watched, and operated on for a life-saving effect; the difficult part is diagnosis. Most of these bulges in the aorta are found either accidentally as a part of another exam or by doctors, such as cardiologists, who have deemed a patient as a risk. Risks factors include high blood pressure, smoking, genetics, fatty build up in the arteries, infections and trauma, and those who have exhibited some of these symptoms are usually already under the care of a cardiologist for other reasons when these tears and bulges are found. If it is small upon discovery, the condition will be monitored while steps are taken to reduce the risk of rupture. First and fore

Mostly patients have symptoms prior to an real heart attack – generally a “tightness” behind the breastbone, which mainly is caused by an increase in heart rate. The coronary arteries fill in between heart beats therefore anything which increases your heart rate will reduce the time your coronary arteries have to provide blood flow to the heart muscle- the myocardium. Once the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen it becomes irritable leading to palpitations and, if not relieved, death of the muscle. Surrounding the dead muscle is a variable sized area of heart muscle at risk of dying because of inadequate oxygen supply – this condition is known as myocardial ischemia. The heart rate is under the control of the autonomic nervous systems, which, in the case of the heart, is driven by adrenaline the so-called “flight or fight” hormone. Adrenaline acts at various sites of the body – On the sinus node in the heart which controls rate to increase heart rate – On the bro

Implantable Cardiac defibrillators are invasive cardiac surgery advance in cardiac care. Health science have made amazing technological advances in cardiac surgery over the past several decades. Modern equipment, procedures, and knowledge about heart disease risk allows us to save more patient lives than ever and bring the risk of dying from a heart attack to a lower figure. Implantable defibrillators are another innovative solution to a serious cardiac problem. These devices are implanted in the chest to control sudden problems in patients who suffer from tachycardia, or an abnormally fast heart rhythm. A fast, out-of-control heart rhythm can strike suddenly and interfere with the heart’s ability to pump blood to the entire body.  In a normally functioning human heart, the heart’s lower and upper chambers pump in sync with each other – delivering even and consistent blood flow. With heart failure brought on by tachycardia, something interferes with the ele

What Is Defibrillation? It is a specific medical treatment in which a defibrillator (An apparatus used to control heart fibrillation by application of an electric current to the chest wall or heart) delivers electrical energy to an afflicted heart. Healthcare professionals determine the level of electrical charge (joules) to apply, based on their experience and tested practices under medical consultation. The electrical charge is applied to the patient’s chest through pads or paddles connected to the defibrillator. The electrical shock to the heart depolarizes a critical amount of the heart’s muscle, stops the arrhythmia (beating), and lets the regular sinus rhythm restart through the body’s natural pacemaker chemicals, in the sinoatrial node of the heart. This device is used for life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias or a ventricular fibrillation. A cardiac arrhythmia occurs when there is unusual electrical activity inside the heart. The hear

Doctors will ask you many questions about your symptoms and your medical history. You will be asked about any conditions you have that may cause heart failure (such as coronary artery disease, angina, diabetes, heart valve disease, and high blood pressure).So it’s good to have your health data with you when you visit your doctor You will be asked if you smoke, take drugs, drink alcohol (and how much you drink), and about what drugs you take. You will also get a complete physical exam. Your doctor will listen to your heart and look for signs of heart failure as well as other illnesses that may have caused your heart muscle to weaken or stiffen. Your doctor may also order other tests to determine the cause and severity of your heart failure. These include:  Blood tests. Blood tests are used to evaluate kidney and thyroid function as well as to check cholesterol levels and the presence of anemia. Anemia is a blood condition that occurs when there is not enough hemo

Treatment of heart failure concentrates on slowing or reversing its progression. Starting early treatment will be a better result. From a initial diagnosis, your doctor will recommend several lifestyle changes. You may be asked to reach and maintain a healthy weight, increase your activity level (after consulting your doctor), restrict salt intake, restrict fluid intake, and avoid alcohol. If you smoke or chew tobacco, you’ll be advised to stop. You will need to work with your doctor to find the right balance of rest and activity — mobility is important to keep blood circulating. You will also need to weigh yourself daily and record your weight to detect fluid retention. Your doctor will also prescribe several medications to manage your heart failure or the underlying problem that caused the heart failure. Drugs used to treat heart failure, often in combination, include: Diuretics or water pills to help the body eliminate excess salt and water. Example

* Keep your blood pressure low.  In HF(Heart failure), the release of hormones causes the blood vessels to constrict or tighten. Therefore the heart must work hard to pump blood through the constricted vessels. It is important to keep your blood pressure as low as possible, so that your heart can pump effectively without extra stress. * Monitor your own symptoms.  Check for changes in your fluid status by weighing yourself daily and checking for swelling. Call your doctor if you have unexplained weight gain (3 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week) or if you have increased swelling. * Maintain fluid balance.  Your doctor may ask you to keep a record of the amount of fluids you drink or eat and how often you go to the bathroom. Remember, the more fluid you carry in your blood vessels, the harder your heart must work to pump excess fluid through your body. Limiting your fluid intake to less than 2 liters per day will help decrease the workload o

Aspirin is a drug used to treat myocardial infarction. It belongs to NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) which works to minimize the inflammation and pain. Recently, this drug is used to prevent and treat heart diseases. Diseases of the heart which includes CVA (Stroke), peripheral artery disease (Insufficient blood supply to the lower extremities such as leg), and MI (Heart Attack) are the leading causes of death in America. Over 900,000 deaths are recorded each year (2011 statistics – U.S. CDC) Based on the clinical research and studies,aspirin can contribute several benefits to people who have these cases: Every individual who suffered from heart attack, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. People who undergone surgical operations such as bypass graft and stents are recommended to use this medication, as well. People who suffered from angina pectoris (chest pain) are prescribed to take aspirin;  Women and men who are not manifesting any clinical sig

The most important way to prevent heart diseases is to monitor the type and contents of food that we eat. Checking the nutritional value of every goods we buy at the grocery store can help us to establish the best healthy diet plan. One of the most common substances that can cause the development of heart disease is fats (cholesterol). Eating too much of fats or foods with high level of cholesterol can promote coronary artery disease. High level of cholesterol in the blood will result into plaque formation. This fatty plaque goes along with the blood. The problem is when this plaque is clogged in the tiny vessels. This can prevent the proper circulation of the blood resulting to atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries). However, it doesn’t mean that we should omit fats and cholesterol in our diet. Take note that fats can also provide 4 kilocalories of energy. This simply tells everyone that there are few recommendations that require fat intake, as well. That is why w

The primary objective of treatment for people with coronary artery disease (CAD) is to reduce the serum low density lipoprotein (LDL – bad cholesterol) level. Current clinical studies verify that reducing the LDL also reduced the short-term susceptibility of cardiovascular disease by as much as 40%. It also brings even bigger risk reduction over the period of time. In 2012, the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), supported by the National Cholesterol Education Program of the National Institute of Health (NIH), and declared the first major research regarding the management of cholesterol to nearly 10 years.  The ATP III advises:  More assertive cholesterol-reducing treatment scheme and appropriate evaluation of people at higher risk for heart diseases; Full lipoprotein profile as the initial diagnostic test for high level of cholesterol; Provide better emphasis on treating high level of triglycerides; Latest cutoff point wherein low level of HDL is considered as major

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a cardiovascular problem that is caused by a streptococcal infection. It is usually initiated by an acute and recurrent rheumatic fever (RF). RF is a form of inflammatory problem that commonly affecting children. The main culprit of RHD is beta-hemolytic streptococcus. This causative agent is aerobic. It means that any vital organ in the body that has favorable source of oxygen serves as the best reservoir for strep. These include the heart (RHD) and kidney (Acute Glomerulonephritis or AGN).  The inflammatory process of RHD can affect the three layers of the heart. These include endocarditis (inflammation of the heart’s innermost lining), myocarditis (swelling of the cardiac muscles), and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart’s outer layer).The most common age bracket that is affected by RHD is children age between five and fifteen.  However, some reported cases are affecting adults and elders. This simply explains that RHD does not have ex

Heart Attack or medically known as Myocardial Infarction is a condition that is caused by low oxygen supply to the heart. The term “Myo” which means muscle and “Cardiac” for heart suffers from great deal of insufficient blood and oxygen supply from the coronary arteries.[relating to the heart (Greek kardia, ‘heart’)] Eventually, this condition can be fatal because it causes death to a person who suffers from it. According to the World Health Organization, heart diseases such as Myocardial Infarction are one of the leading causes of mortality for adults and elderly. In line to this, several approaches were reinforced to various health sectors and departments across the globe. This is to prevent the occurrence of heart attack. This article focuses on the preventive measures for heart attack. Avoid eating foods which are high in cholesterol.  Cholesterol is a substance that is commonly absorbed by the body. It goes along with the fats which are highly deposited in the adipos

People who suffered from Myocardial Infarction (heart attack) require long process for recovery. This will influence greater changes in their life. They need to understand the situation because it affects their eating pattern, activities, drug regimens and intervals of consultation. Moreover, rehabilitative care after myocardial infarction provides emphasis on health plan that can reduce their risk from getting another attack and complications. Most individuals who suffered from MI will be discharged after 3 to 5 days of hospitalization. However, the extent of hospitalization can be longer if the person had undergone surgery.  Other times, they remain for longer period in the hospital if they have developed complications. The doctor (cardiologist) will not allow the person to go home until their vital signs are stable. After being discharge from hospitalization, it is best that the folks (family and significant others) should learn the discharge health plan. The family p

We all know that the heart serves as the main core of the body. It is because the heart pumps the blood to all vital organs. This simply tells us that the brain can’t function or the kidney can’t perform normally without blood and oxygen supply. The heart is considered as a highly-vascular organ and it is very critical if the heart starts to function abnormally. Can you imagine if the heart stops pumping blood? This could definitely create series of critical condition to several vital organs in the body. Heart failure can also lead to death. That is why everyone needs to protect our heart from various factors that can affect its condition. To do this, they need to reinforce the health promotion technique in order for them to efficiently shield the heart from possible anomalies. Below are the best foods that are good for the heart. It does not require everyone to take medications.  By simply eating these foods, it can provide 100% protection rates: Green Veggies This fo