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 h...

Coronary Artery Disease  Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a condition in which plaques(a fatty deposit on an artery wall in atherosclerosis ) build up in the walls of the coronary arteries (the vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle). These deposits can gradually block the artery, or they can suddenly rupture, causing a more acute obstruction.  Basically, the heart muscle requires a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients to survive, obstruction of a coronary artery rapidly leads to significant problems. CAD is caused by atherosclerosis(a disease of the arteries characterized by the deposition of plaques of fatty material on their inner walls),a chronic, progressive disorder of the arteries in which deposits of cholesterol, calcium, and abnormal cells (that is, plaques) build up on the inner lining of the arteries. Atherosclerosis – the left artery shows a normal lumen (the cent...

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...

ECG (electrocardiogram) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. The heart is a muscular organ that beats in rhythm to pump the blood throughout the whole body. The signals that make the heart's muscle fibres contract come from the sinoatrial node, which is the natural pacemaker of the heart. In an ECG test, the electrical impulses made while the heart is beating are recorded and usually shown on a piece of paper. It's known as an electrocardiogram, and records any problems with the heart's rhythm, and the conduction of the heart beat through the heart which may be affected by underlying heart disease. The information taken from an electrocardiogram can be used to discover various types of heart disease. It may be useful for seeing how well the patient is responding to treatment. It is a good idea to have an ECG in the case of symptoms such as dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing),chest pain(angina),fainting, ...

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...

Beta blocker is one of the most effective pharmaceutical treatments for hypertension. It is commonly prescribed by the medical doctors to people with high blood pressure. Moreover, there are special considerations that they need to understand before taking the drug. This goes with the dosage, route of administration and interaction of the drug to other oral medications taken by the users. Below are the common side effects (adverse reactions) of beta blockers: Lightheadedness (dizziness) Fatigability (excessive tiredness)  Blurring of vision Cold feet and hands Slow heart rate (below 60 beats per minute) Nausea and diarrhea (watery stool) However, there are side effects that can affect the neurological (nervous system) of the users. It has lesser effects but if the drug is consumed for more than what is prescribed, this will lead to serious problems. Poor sleeping pattern (insomnia) Loss of libido (lack of sex drive) Mental problem (depression) For male users, it can...

High blood pressure in children is described as higher BP readings for about 95% compare to normal BP. This condition may occur to both male and female child. It usually affects a certain age group (14-18 years old). The juvenile hypertension may strike any child with varying weight and height, as well. Any case of high blood pressure that may occur to children who are below 10 years old is caused by other underlying cardiac problems. However, the causes of this vascular problem are the same with the hypertension to adults. These include overweight, failure to exercise, and possesses poor eating habits.  Modification of lifestyle and eating pattern can help reduce the chance of getting juvenile hypertension. But for other cases, pharmaceutical drugs will be given to stabilize the blood pressure.  Causes of Juvenile Hypertension There are two major groups of causes for juvenile hypertension. These include the modifiable and non-modifiable factors. For modifiable fac...

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 fami...

Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest? Statistics shows that several thousands of people die daily of heart disease globally. One need to know about the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest, the leading causes of heart-related deaths. Perhaps it’s a good idea for all of us to educate ourselves of these diseases. When the heart is in a really bad shape, the outcome of neither a heart attack nor a cardiac arrest is in our control, so it might be a good idea to do something about our heart before it gets really bad and destroys us. Heart Attack: Heart attack is a problem of difficulty in pumping blood in and through the heart as a result of weak heart muscles or blocked arteries due to high cholesterol or plaque, a condition also known as ‘atherosclerosis‘. A cardiac arrest, on the other hand, is a damage or irregularity of heart’s rhythm (too fast, too slow or just no rhythm at all), also called ‘arrhythmia’ or ‘atrial fibrillation’.  This could happen as a...

Beta blocker is one of the most effective pharmaceutical treatments for hypertension. It is commonly prescribed by the medical doctors to people with high blood pressure. Moreover, there are special considerations that they need to understand before taking the drug. This goes with the dosage, route of administration and interaction of the drug to other oral medications taken by the users. Below are the common side effects (adverse reactions) of beta blockers: Lightheadedness (dizziness) Fatigability (excessive  tiredness) Blurring of vision Cold feet and hands Slow heart rate (below 60 beats per minute) Nausea and diarrhea (watery stool) However, there are side effects that can affect the neurological (nervous system) of the users. It has lesser effects but if the drug is consumed for more than what is prescribed, this will lead to serious problems. Poor sleeping pattern (insomnia) Loss of libido (lack of sex drive) Mental problem (depression) For male users, it...