Heart Diseases Guide

Heart diseases in women

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:34:00 +0000

Incidence of Heart diseases in women is rising due to changing lifestyle of new age women and stress at both home and office. Smoking is the major preventable risk factor for heart diseases in women.

The underlining mechanism is: (narrowing of blood vessels/Atherosclerosis)

Decrease (shrinking) in the size of coronary arteries (vessels supplying blood to the heart), thereby free flowing of the blood is affected. There is more amount of fat accumulation inside the walls of the blood vessels. The more decrease in the size of the vessels, the earlier is the heart attack.

Causative factors:

1. Age: Women of above 65 years of age are more prone to heart attacks.

2. Smoking: One of the main culprits and the dangerous factor. Nicotine in the tobacco makes the vessels to shrink in the size and decrease in inner capacity volume.

3. Excessive in taking of more fatty food materials like, non vegetarian diet, ghee, Fried foods, readymade junk foods, etc.

4. Diabetes: When it is not under control.

5. Sedentary life: Lack of exercise is more common in the present day modern life.

6. Race and genetic factors.

Some of the above factors can be avoided, like Smoking, fatty foods intake, sedentary life, diabetes, etc.

Age, genetic race factors are beyond our capacity to control them. Avoid the following risk factors, there by, the individual can be saved from heart attacks:

1. Stop smoking: In the first year itself, the risk is decreased by 50%. After 5 years of stopping of smoking, your health condition is just like the health status of “Non smokers”.

2. Avoid fatty foods: Instead take fresh fruits, vegetables and fish without frying with oil. Take fewer amounts of snacks.

3. Body weight should be under control: The BMI (Body mass index) should be between -18.5 to 24.9. The weight measurement should be 35 inches or less.

4. Avoid anxiety, stress and strain: By keeping them under control, the risk of heart attacks is decreased by 70%.

5. High B.P and Diabetes: Women having them may prone to heart attacks 3-7 times more. So it is well and good to keep them under control by following appropriate food habits, doing regular exercise and taking drugs regularly.

The signs and symptoms of heart diseases:

1. Pain or weight in the chest, and it gradually extends to upper limbs, neck, to the facial bones containing the teeth, breathing becomes difficult, tiredness and sleeplessness (especially in women).

Tests to be done: (if necessary)

Stress test, CT scan, Angiogram, Cardiac MRI, etc.

Management of the cases in women:

1. Balloon angioplasty or Stunting
2. By- pass grafting.

We can prevent more than 50% of heart diseases by changing our lifestyle and through regular screening.

Calcium score indicates Heart Disease risk

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 08:46:00 +0000

Calcium levels in the arteries of heart (coronary arteries) indicate your risk of getting heart diseases. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score helps to predict one’s risk for heart attack irrespective of age, race and bad habits. Calcium score indicates the level of calcium on the walls of the coronary arteries. This research study was done by University of California scientists and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. They did the research study on 6,700 persons from all major ethnic groups. Calcium levels in the coronary arteries can be detected by CT scan and calciums core acts as marker for coronary artery diseases. Prognosis worsens as calcium levels rise in the arteries.

If Coronary calcium score is between 101 and 300, risk of getting heart attack is 8 times higher while risk is 10 times more if calcium score is above 300.

CT scan screening is a non-invasive technique that helps to prevent heart attacks although it is an expensive one. Cardiac CT scan costs about $250 to $500 but helps to find out even minor obstruction (fat or calcium) in the arteries that was missed by other diagnostic tests.

Cardiac CT scan may gradually replace tests like Treadmill. One should not do this CT scan without physician’s advice. Before this test, one should take routine tests like Blood cholesterol, C-reactive protein, ECG and ECHO under doctor’s supervision.

Snoring linked to heart diseases

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:52:00 +0000

People who snore have higher chances of getting heart attack than those who do not snore. According to a study by Hungarian researchers, heavy snorers have 67% increase in risk of getting strokes and 34% increase in risk of getting heart attacks than non-snorers. Scientists conducted research on 12,000 patients to find the relation between snoring and heart diseases. These research findings were published in the journal “Sleep”. Heavy snoring acts as a trigger for rise in blood pressure which can cause heart diseases. Quiet snoring is not associated with any heart disease risk in men but in women it causes hypertension.

Snoring incidence is 24% in women and 40% in men. Snoring increases with age but declines after the age of 70. Snoring habit is high in obese people and it is a sign of some obstruction in the air pathway. Snoring shows familial incidence.

Snoring and cardiovascular disease risk is high during pregnancy. Bad habits like smoking and drinking increases snoring occurrence. Snoring is a side effect of muscle relaxants.

If you are a male aged more than 50 with snoring habit, check your heart regularly with doctor.

Amazing facts about your Heart

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 03:03:00 +0000

Heart is an amazing and most hard working organ in your body which continues to pump out blood as long as you live. Heart, as a symbol of love gets an eternal place in our life. Livescience.com listed 10 amazing facts about your heart.

Know about your heart:

Courtesy: Livescience.

1. Bigger heart is not a symbol for your emotional quotient. But it is a sign of underlying heart disease.

2. Bad news will disrupt your heart and lead to heart diseases due to release of stress hormones.

3. Heart is really an amazing organ. Heart beats for 1,oo,ooo times to pump 2,000 gallons of oxygen-rich blood many times through about 60,000 miles of branching blood vessels in our body per day.

4. Contrary to popular perception, heart diseases are occurring at almost similar rates in both men and women.

5. Like exercise, regular sex (3 times a week) reduces risk of death from coronary heart disease due to burning of calories.

6. Either red or white, wine has similar effect on heart.

7. Laughing will help your heart by increasing blood flow due to relaxation of blood vessels.

8. Scientists are developing stem cell therapies to cure physically damaged hearts.

9. Horse has similar heart as humans. Scientists are conducting experiments on horse hearts to understand human hearts.

10. Heart is the universal symbol of love. According to Greeks, it is a symbol of spirit. According to Chinese, heart is a symbol of happiness.

Click here to know more about the 10 amazing facts.

Heart diseases are again rising

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:33:00 +0000

Incidence of heart diseases which has been declining due to preventive measures is again rising especially among the young, according to several studies in Western countries. Obesity and Diabetes are also major culprits for this rise in heart diseases. Heart diseases are occurring at an alarm rate especially in 35-54 age group due to their lifestyle, smoking and junk food habits. But deaths due to heart diseases are declining in old age people due to better health care services and diagnostic methods.

According to an article published in the medical journal “Archives of Internal medicine”, post-mortem reports of people who died due to other causes are showing high incidence of Coronary heart disease (unknown to them).

How to prevent Heart disease epidemic:

1. Regular health checkups for everyone aged above 35 years.

2. Stay away from smoking and tobacco chewing.

3. Junk food restaurants are your route to hell. Don’t eat refined foods and fat rich diet.

4. Old age people should take preventive drugs like Statins and aspirin.

5. Control your blood pressure and blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

6. Obesity is the major cause for chronic lifestyle diseases. It also causes cancers.

7. Don’t neglect warning signs like chest pain and breathlessness. Consult your doctor immediately.

Governments need to educate people on the harmful effects of smoking and junk food habits. They should ban advertisements on these products.

High B.P increases heart disease risk

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 08:35:00 +0000

Increase in blood pressure raises the risk of getting heart disease, according to University of California researchers. They analysed the medical data of 4, 646 adults who took part in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The research study was published in “The Journal of Archives of Internal Medicine”. Persons who are unable to control their blood pressure are at high risk for heart diseases.

30% of US population are living with high blood pressure which is at high risk for getting heart diseases. 75% of survey participants who had high blood pressure also had other chronic diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, stroke, heart failure and vascular diseases. Most of these people generally fail to control even with medication.

One should maintain blood pressure less than 130/80 mm of Hg. Hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure of at least 140 mm of Hg or diastolic blood pressure of at least 90 mm of Hg. According to the data, high blood pressure is common in older and African American adults.

TV watching and blood pressure:

Children who spend more time watching television are at risk of getting blood pressure in the later life. The children are generally obese due to lack of physical exercise and increase in psychological stress (due to watching TV). These children are generally junk food eaters.

One can stay away from chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer by modifying lifestyle changes and regular screening measures. 50% of these chronic diseases are preventable.

Heart disease risk rises due to bad marriage

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 18:21:00 +0000

People who lack emotional support and supportive partner have 34% increased risk of heart diseases, according to a London University college study. The scientists observed 9,000 people for 12 years before revealing their findings. People in most negative relationships are at 1.34 times more at risk of getting heart attack than normal people. This research study was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Bad relations among family members will rise stress levels and thereby increase heart attack risk. These people will frequently argument and criticize among themselves which will dampen heart health. These emotional imbalances disturb hormonal balance and induce negative biological reactions. They suffer from depression, low self-esteem and other mental health disorders.

According to previous studies, people in relationship enjoy good health when compared to singletons. But bad relationships are worse than not having any relationship. Couples who are in unhappy relationships are at very high risk of heart diseases. What kind of partner you have is more important in determining your heart disease risk.

Psychological counseling for the people who are in bad relationships will help to decrease heart disease risk to some extent. Another interesting study which was published in the Psychosomatic Medicine journal found that women who silenced themselves during disputes with their partner were 4 times more likely to die than those who argue with their husbands.

Researchers discounted age, sex, social status and economical condition before coming to conclusion.

Think twice before selecting your partner.

Siblings of coronary artery patients are at high risk

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 12:52:00 +0000

The close family members of the people who have coronary artery disease are at risk for coronary artery disease. Brothers and sisters of coronary artery patients are 2.5 times at risk for heart diseases than normal ones. This research study was published in the European Heart Journal. Image courtesy: Siemens Medical division.

The close family members of the people who carry abnormality in the left coronary artery are at risk for coronary artery disease. Brothers and sisters of coronary artery patients are 2.5 times at risk for heart diseases than normal ones. This research study was published in the European Heart Journal.

1. First cardiovascular study:

Researchers analyzed 1,800 members of families in which two or more people developed coronary artery disease. The scientists found 50% or more narrowing in 12% of family members.

2. Second study:

It was done on 1,400 brothers and sisters of people with coronary artery disease for 5 years.
According to these German research studies, siblings of coronary disease patients are at 2.5 times more risk than normal siblings.

Why left coronary artery is crucial?

There are two main coronary arteries in the heart, left and right. It is main artery that supplies 60% heart blood flow. Left coronary artery supplies blood to ventricles and left atrium. Coronary artery disease is accumulation of fat deposits (Atherosclerosis) in the arteries. Around 14 million Americans are suffering from heart disease.

How to prevent cardiac diseases in family members?

Siblings of cardiac patients should check their heart health regularly as they are at high risk for heart diseases. It is better to undergo screening for heart diseases even though costs are high.

According to previous research studies, heart attack also runs in families. We need more studies to give final verdict on the hereditary factor in causing heart diseases in siblings of coronary artery patients.

Please share your experiences if any of sibling is suffering from heart disease.

Good Cholesterol and heart disease risk

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:14:00 +0000

Good cholesterol (HDL, High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol) plays crucial role in reducing risk of heart diseases irrespective of amount of bad cholesterol (LDL Cholesterol). Higher the patient’s HDL; lower the risk of stroke or cardiovascular disease. Even if you can reduce LDL to low levels, it is of no use if you don’t have sufficient HDL. This was revealed in a research study by Sydney Heart Research Institute on 9,700 patients who are on Lipitor (Atorvostatin, cholesterol lowering drug) medication. The research study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Image courtesy: Kansas School of medicine.

But researchers failed to give proper details on the protective mechanism of HDL cholesterol irrespective of LDL cholesterol.

But it is very difficult to raise HDL levels. Niacin is the only drug that can raise good cholesterol levels but it has serious side effects. Statins can reduce only bad cholesterol levels but have minor effect on good cholesterol levels.

Reducing bad cholesterol (LDL Cholesterol) levels reduce heart disease and stroke risk by 50%. If we can develop a magic that can elevate HDL Cholesterol without side effects, we can cut heart disease risk by 90%.

It is good to keep LDL Cholesterol level under 100 mg/dl and HDL cholesterol level above 50 mg/dl.

Smoking, uncontrolled blood pressure, unhealthy diet habits and stressful life are other major risk factors.

Physicians should now concentrate on HDL levels otherwise patients are still at risk of heart diseases even though their LDL levels are under control.

Heart Diseases world’s largest killer

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 16:38:00 +0000

Heart disease and stroke are responsible for largest number of deaths in the world. Heart diseases kill 17.5 million people in the world. This report was released by World Heart Foundation on September 30, World Heart Day.

In India, 70 million people are suffering from heart diseases. Biggest concern is most of these deaths are preventable.

Image courtesy: Wellness Evolution.

Obesity, Diabetes, uncontrolled blood pressure, Smoking, lack of physical activity and unhealthy diet habits are major causes for heart diseases.

Obesity is gradually attaining epidemic proportions especially in urban areas due to lack of physical activity and junk food habits. Obesity is the major factor for causing type 2 Diabetes and high blood pressure. Heart attack is the number one cause of death in diabetic patients.

Brisk walking for 35-40 minutes alone saves millions of deaths from heart diseases.

Smoking is the number one causative factor for heart diseases and stroke. Fast foods are another major risk factor for heart diseases by increasing bad cholesterol thereby causing clotting in the blood vessels.

Contrary to popular belief, 80% of deaths from chronic diseases occur in low and middle class families due to increased health awareness among rich families. Decrease in deaths due to heart ailments is mainly due to better medical treatment and rising health awareness.

Increase in physical activity, consuming diet rich in vegetables and fruits and abstaining from smoking will prevent 80% deaths from heart diseases.

Please share your opinion on this article.

World Heart Day: September 30, 2007

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:59:00 +0000

2007 “World Heart Day” slogan is “Team Up for Healthy Hearts”. Its aim is to encourage people to join together and create hearty-healthy communities. World Heart Federation, World Health Organization and other organizations are taking active part in propagating this message.
Heart diseases statistics:

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death globally. An estimated 17.5 million people died from cardiovascular disease in 2005, representing 30 % of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 7.6 million were due to heart attacks and 5.7 million were due to stroke. Around 80% of these deaths occurred in developing countries. If appropriate action is not taken, by 2015, an estimated 20 million people will die from cardiovascular disease every year, mainly from heart attacks and strokes.

Heart role in life:

1. Physically: It beats 70times/minute and in a day, it beats more than one lakh times in a day. Even though it is small in size (compared to liver), it plays vital role in the bodily functions.

2. Mentally and socially: we call a particular person as ‘’heart-less fellow”. Here heart means-kindness, sympathy, generosity, loving others, etc. in nature.

3. Spiritually: The golden quotation is “those who are pure at heart, they are blessed and shall see God one day”.

That means God is residing in our heart in the form of “Soul”, and reminding us always to do good only. It clearly shows that the heart is not a simple, innocent, physical (muscular) organ but more than that, playing greater role in our day to day activities. Hence it is our duty to protect our heart in every aspect and respect.

Heart diseases causes:

Heart attacks and paralysis are the main causes of death among the population. 175 million people are dying due to these two diseases only, every year in the world.

1. Obesity: At present 155 million children are suffering from obesity, all over the world. It is a very dangerous situation. We have to be very careful about the food habits and physical exercise in them. Otherwise these habits become stabilized and remain in the later life also. If the children are obese, the chances of getting heart attacks before reaching the age of 65 years are 3-5 times more, than normal weight persons. Many of them are prone to diabetes.

2. Tobacco-smoking: The incidence of smoking is increasing year after year, especially among the youth, who constitute 50% of the population, in spite of the anti-smoking propaganda, undertaken by the governments and other private organizations.

3. Food habits: More intake of fatty, junk foods (high cholesterol diet), leads to heart troubles.

4. Stress and strain, lack of exercise, etc are other factors.

5. Heart diseases in Women: Previously the notion was that only men suffer from heart attacks. Now the trend is changed and 50% of deaths among women are due to heart attacks only. More over the signs and symptoms in females are a little different compared to males. The pain in chest during the heart attack is more felt in men, than the women. But women feel more “tiredness” and it is misunderstood for general weakness. So women are to be more enlightened on these matters.

6. Low intake of fruit and vegetables is estimated to cause about 31% of ischemic heart disease, 11% of stroke worldwide and 19% of gastrointestinal cancer. Overall, 2.7 million deaths are attributable to low fruit and vegetable intake.

7. Physical inactivity is estimated to cause, globally, about 10-16% of cases each of breast cancer, colon and rectal cancers and diabetes mellitus, and about 22% of ischemic heart disease. Overall, 1.9 million deaths are attributable to physical inactivity.

How to prevent heart attacks?

1. Heart attacks and strokes are major killers in all parts of the world. But they can often be prevented.

2. You can protect yourself from heart attacks and strokes by investing a little time and effort.

3. Tobacco use, an unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

4. Stopping tobacco use reduces the chance of a heart attack or stroke from the moment you stop.

5. Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week will help to keep away heart attacks and strokes.

6. Eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day, and limiting your salt intake to less than one teaspoon a day, can help to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

7. High blood pressure has no symptoms, but can cause a sudden stroke or heart attack. Have your blood pressure checked regularly.

8. Diabetes increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke. If you have diabetes, control your blood pressure and blood sugar to minimize your risk.

9. Being overweight increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. To maintain an ideal body weight, take regular physical activity and eat a healthy diet.

10. Heart attacks and strokes can strike suddenly and can be fatal if assistance is not sought immediately.

Now a days, people find it difficult to find suitable places to do exercises, in the towns and cities due to over crowding of houses and also increase in the population, especially in the developing countries. Hence every body should take active part to achieve healthy environment, smoke-free societies and also to encourage healthy food choices among children and adults.

“God sees your ‘Heart’ not your mind”. So it is our prime duty to save our valuable Heart under any circumstances.

Courtesy: World health organization (WHO).

Heart diseases and sleep correlation

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 01:56:00 +0000

Sleep plays a vital role in increasing the risk of death from heart diseases. British Researchers found that cutting sleep time by 2 hours (optimal 7 hours to 5 hours) will double the death risk from heart diseases. Increased sleep duration from 7 to 8 hours a night will also increase the mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases. Short sleep is a risk factor for weight gain, Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension. But researchers failed to find the mechanism by which long sleep will increase heart attack risk. Image courtesy: Experts in Sleep.

A person generally needs 7 hours of sleep for ideal functioning of the body. Sleep will prepare the body for healthy functioning by physiological restitution and recovery. Lack of sufficient sleep will alter the dynamics of body metabolism and cause lifestyle diseases.

This research was done by scientists from the University of Warwick and University College London and was published in the "Sleep" journal. This extensive study was done on 10,308 civil servants over 17 years to understand the correlation between sleep and heart attack risk. They adjusted for a range of factors such as age, sex, marital status, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, employment grade, physical activity, alcohol consumption; self rated health, blood pressure, cholesterol, illnesses, and others.

Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for 25% of deaths in Britain. 30% British adults sleep less than 5 hours or less. Persons in low stressful jobs may not need 7 hours of sleep but busy executives should need 7 hours of night sllep.

Calcium supplements increse Heart attack risk

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 06:23:00 +0000

Calcium supplements which are generally prescribed by doctors for bone health can cause heart attack, according to a research study by University of Auckland. This research study is more significant as Calcium supplements are using by millions of osteoporosis patients especially women. Regular intake of Calcium will reduce risk of broken bones by 25% but Calcium supplements increase heart attack risk by 40%.

Doctors should think twice before prescribing calcium supplements routinely. One should cut their daily calcium intake from 1200mg to around 500mg a day. Whether patients want broken bones or heart attack? It is better for older women not take calcium at all.

Build-up of calcium in the blood vessels and heart valves increases heart attack risk, according to researchers. This study was conducted on 1500 postmenopausal women by Auckland University with the belief of calcium might decrease heart attack risk. Results surprised not only researchers but entire medical community.

Calcium functions in the body:

1. Regulation of heartbeat.
2. Conduction of nerve impulses.
3. Stimulation of hormone secretions.
4. Clotting of blood.

This research was done on elderly women but we need more studies on the impact of calcium supplements on young women. Postmenopausal women should try other risk free drugs for their brittle bones.

High Blood Pressure and Childhood Obesity

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 03:04:00 +0000

Blood pressure levels in children and youth are rising after decades of decline, according to a research study by a Morehouse school of Medicine. This study was done by analysing data of national health surveys conducted in 8-17 year age group between 1963 and 2002 published in “Circulation”, journal of the American Heart Association.

Childhood obesity increased in all racial and ethnic groups in the recent times. One centimetre increase in waist circumference will raise blood pressure by 10% and pre- high blood pressure by 5%.

Prevalence of high blood pressure showed a downward trend between 1963 and 1994 surveys and upward trend from 1999 onwards.

High blood pressure is a major health problem and a common risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

Normal blood pressure was defined as having both systolic pressure and diastolic pressure below the 90th percentile.

Pre-High BP was defined as either a systolic or diastolic blood pressure above the 90th percentile but below the 95th percentile or having blood pressure levels above 120/80 mm Hg, but below 95th percentile.

High Blood pressure was defined as either systolic or diastolic blood pressure at or above the 95th percentile.

Pre-high blood pressure is relevant because the long-running Bogalusa (La.) Heart Study found that children whose blood pressure was chronically at or above the 90th percentile showed signs of early organ damage as young adults, such as greater thickening of the heart wall or higher amounts of a protein called albumin in the urine.

Researchers used 2 kinds of overweight measurements:

1. Body Mass Index (BMI) – General overweight.
2. Waist circumference – Abdominal obesity.

Changing eating habits and sedentary lifestyle are major factors for rise in childhood obesity.

Problems in low cholesterol persons

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 01:45:00 +0000

Media is concentrating on diseases associated with high cholesterol while overlooking diseases associated with low cholesterol.But, low cholesterol is also causing some diseases mainly psychiatric.

We all know that low cholesterol diet is good for heart patients and prevents heart attacks.But other problems arise at the same time.

Abnormally low levels of cholesterol may indicate:

Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland
liver disease
Malabsorption
Inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestines
Malnutrition

The CNN web site has an article on low cholesterol that reports that people with cholesterol below 180 had twice the risk of hemorrhagic stroke over people with cholesterol levels at 230.

High cholesterol probably accounts for 10 percent to 15 percent of ischemic strokes. Low cholesterol is the cause of perhaps 7 percent of hemorrhagic strokes.

Saturated fats play a positive role in the human body. They provide a good source of stored energy, they cushion the organs against shock, and they insulate vital tissues against the cold.There are problems associated with saturated fat in the diet, but they are related more to excessive consumption and to the lack of regulating EFAs (essential fatty acids).

Source: http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9902/06/strokes/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/352216.stm

Doctors usually prescribe Interleukin-12 to patients suffering from cancer and heart ailments.Due to this, level of melatonin hormone decreases in the blood.

Due to this low level, patient develops depression and suicidal tendency.

Health benefits of quitting smoking

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 15:26:00 +0000

Everybody knows that tobacco is injurious to our health; still one finds difficulty in getting rid of that bad habit. Tobacco makes men to become slaves to it. Unless one has got very strong will power, it is highly impossible to break the iron chains of smoking. Many stopped the smoking habit number of times and again they are falling prey to that habit.

Health benefits if you stop smoking:

1. Blood pressure: (Usually smoke raises 10 mm hg of systolic Bp per one cigarette smoking). 20 minutes after stopping the smoking, Blood pressure returns to normal levels.

2. Carbon monoxide (CO): It is harmful to the body, presence in the blood falls to half of its previous levels within 8 hours after the stopping of smoking. Oxygen previously in low levels, reaches to normal levels.

3. Heart: The chances of prone to heart attack are decreased to a great extent after 48 hours of stopping the smoking.

4.Taste: Nicotine levels in the blood falls, and the taste buds on the tongue becomes more active and one able to taste the food properly, as like the non-smokers and like that feels the smells also.

5. Respiratory tract: The respiratory tubes begin to function normally, after 72 hours of stopping the smoking.

8. Energy levels in the body rises and the person feel to work in energetic manner.

9. Blood circulation is improved within 2 weeks after quitting smoking.

10. Function of the Lungs: It Improves by 10% from the present level within 3-9 months. Breathing troubles also will be decreased maximamly.

11. Chances of getting heart attacks will be lessened to 50% at the end of one year.

12. Chances of getting paralysis is almost becomes less, as observed in non- smokers.

13. Chances of getting cancer are also lessened within 10 years and they are equal to non-smokers.

14. After 15 years, the chances of getting heart attacks are nil, as found in non-smokers.
Why delay, Say good –bye to that habit of tobacco smoking and be happy and be benefited as shown above.

One might say-‘’Preaching is easy’’. Of course it is 100% correct. But see the golden sentence below.

Golden word: ‘’ where there is a will there is a way’’.

Relationship between Blood pressure and elements

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:43:00 +0000

The plants and elements that decrease high BP (proved in clinical trials) are:
Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Co Enzyme Q10, Fish oil and Flock seed oil are important ones.
Elements:

1. Potassium: Deficiency of potassium in food definitely shows its effect on BP. By taking foods that contain more potassium, the high BP can be controlled. It decreases systolic blood pressure by 3.11 mm hg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.97mm.

2. Sodium: It is present in more quantities in the salt (as sodium chloride), which we use for taste in the foods. By taking less salt, the heart diseases can be reduced by 25 %( 1/4th of total heart diseases).

3. Magnesium: Decreased intake of mg leads to rise in the BP level.

4. Co-Q10: Co enzyme was first of all found in the muscles of cow’s heart and later on found in the human beings. Human body can produce it by itself. Co-enzyme is also present in, meat, fish and soya bean oil etc. It acts like Vitamin E and neutralizes the free radicals (which are harmful). Co-Q10 helps the blood to flow freely in the blood vessels and controls the high BP.

5. Fish oil: Omega 3 fatty acids present in the oil, decreases the high BP to some extent. The dose is 3 grams per day. It contains EPA, which acts on the heart to control BP.

6. Flacks seed oil: It also contains Omega 3 fatty acid containing Alfa-lenolenic acid, which reduces the BP by 5 mm of Hg both systolic and diastolic. If one table spoon of flack seed oil is taken daily, it provides sufficient amount of fatty acids to control the high BP.

How to prevent heart diseases?

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 14:17:00 +0000

Human heart is of the size of a man’s fist. Even though it is of such a small size, its performance is of the size of a mountain. World Heart Day is observed on -24th September, every year. Throughout the world, 57 million people are dying due to various causes, in a year. Out of which 17 million people are dying due to the diseases of the heart only. It is estimated by World health organisation that by 2010 more number of deaths might be due to diseases of heart and blood vessels. But most of these deaths are preventable.

Main causes for these deaths:

1. High blood pressure
2. Atherosclerosis (high cholesterol levels in the blood)
3. Diabetes (especially affecting more people in developing countries).
4. Obesity due to bad food habits and lack of exercise.
5. Tobacco smoking: Raises the bad cholesterol level (LDL) in the blood (in low fat persons) which is not good for heart.
6. Stress and strain: More common in modern speedy life, as hurry makes worry.

Signs and symptoms: If any of the following symptoms are noticed, one has to consult the physician for further treatment of the case.
1. Pain in the chest and also some discomfort in the middle of the chest
2. Feeling of tightness or keeping weight on the chest
3. Breathing becomes difficult
4. Dyspnoea and sweating all over the body.

How to protect your Heart?

1. Get rid of that bat habit of tobacco smoking.
2. Walk for ½ an hour daily (as brisk walking is the best exercise)
3. Blood pressure and Diabetes should be under control.
4. Avoid tension (stress and strain), and try to be with laughing face always (as laughter is the best medicine),
5. Take balanced diet always (as quality is main than quantity, that slogan holds good anywhere and every where).
6. Have positive thinking mentality (as hope is life).
7. Belief in GOD gives you mental peace (as sincere faith moves mountains).

Hence keeping the heart in healthy condition is in your hands only.
Remember this slogan always: Health is Wealth, (and every other thing is secondary to Health).

World No Tobacco Day – May 31

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:14:00 +0000

World No Tobacco Day aims to encourage countries and governments to work toward strict regulation of tobacco products. According to World health organization (WHO), Tobacco is responsible for the death of 1 in 10 adults worldwide. Tobacco is responsible for 5 million deaths worldwide. WHO urged all governments to ban smoking in public places. Women and children are worst sufferers due to passive smoking. China is the worst sufferer where more than 1 lakh people are dying each year due to second hand smoking.
Leading causes of death according to WHO:
1. Heart diseases,
2. Tobacco use.

Tobacco use in any form can produce number of diseases in the body. Out of them, 70% are diseases of Respiratory system. The most important disease is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and the second important disease is Lung Cancer.

Tobacco mainly contains –Nicotine, Tar, Carbon Monoxide and 4000 different types of different harmful cancer producing chemicals.

When a person smokes tobacco, the harmful chemicals enter into the respiratory tract damages the inner mucous layer and produce other poisonous substances. The cilia (thread –like small structures) immediately come into action and move vigorously to all sides, trying to remove the harmful products.

But after some time the cilia become weak and cannot send out these pollutants from the respiratory system and in turn, the harmful products remain there and begin to damage the respiratory system and infect the organs causing diseases.

Diseases due to Tobacco use:
1. Pneumonia
2. Bronchitis
3Tuberculosis
4. Emphysema
5. Lung Cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Diseases:
1. Tightness in the chest
2. Pain in the chest during inhalation
3. Cough and wheezing.
4. Breathlessness
5. Loss of appetite and weight loss,
6. Sleeplessness, tiredness and shivering of the body (mainly due to accumulation of Nicotine in the blood).
7. If the person is already suffering from Asthma, smoking aggravates it severely.

70% of the smokers want to get rid of this bad habit, but only 3% are able to put a full stop to it.

How to get rid of this bad habit:
1. Doctor’s moivation is essential.
2. Support from family members and friends is also plays a prominent role.
3. Behavior therapy with psychologists.
4. Constipation problem may be there after stopping smoking, but this will be solved with drugs. 5. De- Addiction Therapy the desire of smoking is gradually decreased.

The drugs have to be taken under the supervision of a physician. Many individuals might stop the smoking with the above methods, but some may start to smoke again, so the persons should be watched by their relatives for some more time and also they should be kept away from the smokers’ circle. It is good to consult the doctor for every three months.

Smoking should not be stopped all of a sudden, because of nicotine effect on the body.
If stopped suddenly, the person gets angry even for small causes and develops vomiting, diarrhea, pains all over the body, shivering, loss of concentration and tiredness. So smoking should be stopped gradually.

Why they smoke?

Brain is activated and there is a sense of happiness develops in the mind of a smoker, due to the presence of Nicotine in the tobacco. Our body naturally produces some amount of Nicotine along with other chemicals. The normal function of Nicotine is to control the emotions that arise in the brain (mind) and gives joyfulness even in the depressed mind (man).The body produces only the required amount of Nicotine, for its normal physiological function, and not excess any more.
More over hormones like-Adrenaline and neurotransmitters like Acetyl choline control the production of Nicotine; otherwise the excess production will endanger the life of a person. Here the Nicotine in the tobacco mixes with the already present natural Nicotine in the body and causes the harmful effects in the individual.

Now, devices contain artificial Nicotine in the form of –chewing gum, skin patches and also Nicotine sprays. But these are not given in those patients suffering from heart diseases and high blood pressure. These patients will be given other medications which contain very less amount of Nicotine.

The final advice is—‘’Where there is a will, there is a way’’. If the individual develops strong will power, he can get rid of that bad habit, under any circumstances.

Coronary heart disease – Risk Factors, Symptoms and Prevention

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Sun, 27 May 2007 17:23:00 +0000

Heart disease is a broad term that includes several more specific heart conditions.
The most common condition is coronary heart disease (CHD), which occurs, when the coronary arteries, that supply blood to the heart muscle, become hardened and narrowed due to the plaque build- up. Plaques are a mixture of fatty substances including cholesterol and other lipids. Blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart can be reduced or even fully blocked with a growing plaque.

What happens in CHD?

In some people, the first sign of CHD is heart attack. A person is likely to experience one of the below or all symptoms or signs:

1. Chest discomfort in the form of pain, or uneasiness or tightness or fullness.
2. Shortness of breath.
3. Discomfort in the other areas of the upper body, which include pain in one or both the arms, the back, the neck, the jaw area or in the stomach.
4. Cold sweating
5. Feeling nausea
6. Light-headedness

The risk factors for CHD are:

1. High blood pressure
2. Obesity
3. High blood cholesterol levels
4. Alcohol.
5. Tobacco smoking
6. High fat diet
7. Physical inactivity.
8. Stress and strain.

Prevention of Coronary heart Disease:

1. Control of cholesterol levels.
2. be physically active
3. Keeping blood sugars under control
4. Diet control
5. Avoid-alcohol, smoking and tobacco use in any other form.
6. Meditation to avoid stress and strain.

Bypass surgery: when should be done?

It is reported that out of 5 deaths that are occurring daily one is due to heart attack( which is also known as Myocardial infarction).

This heart disease is treated either by, Angioplasty or Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and supply to heart is restored.

Indications for bypass surgery:

1. When treatment with medicines is not possible,
2. When main coronary artery (which supply blood to heart) on the left side is closed 70% or more.
3. In chronic diabetic patients (for them Angioplasty is not suitable),
4. In those patients, where there is block in the three coronary arteries.

Method:

Now the latest procedure is “Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting”. In this method there is no necessity to open the heart and with the help of one or two openings operation will be done. It is possible only when there is one block only.

But when there are two or more blocks in the arteries, surgeons will do operation in the conventional method by opening the heart.

There is no guarantee that heart attack will not reoccur later on once the bypass operation is performed, hence the patient should take the following precautions.

Patient should take the drugs regularly and should undergo periodical checkups. He should not carry heavy loads.

He/she should avoid constipation and situations that cause stress and strain and also other factors that cause heart attacks.

Walking is the best form of exercise. 30-45 minutes of walking is enough.

Avoid non- vegetarian food like mutton etc also it is good to take less amount of fats in the diet,
Yoga and meditation are good to do but no sexual activity at least for two months after the surgery.

If the patient follows the above precautions scrupulously, life span will be prolonged minimum for 10-15 years.

Children will suffer from parent's smoking

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Tue, 22 May 2007 15:15:00 +0000

According to a study presented at the American thoracic society international conference 2007, Kids may suffer from respiratory problems due to the smoking habits of their parents. Children of smoking parents show more respiratory problems like puffing, wheezing and may suffer from pneumonia. Even those children who do not suffer from any respiratory problems in childhood may suffer from lung diseases in the later stages of life.

This study was done on 244 children (4-12 ages) without any previous history of lung disease to understand the effects of passive smoking.

These children were divided into 4 groups according to the smoking pattern of their parents.

4 Groups of children:

1. Children whose parents have never smoked.
2. Smoking after birth but not during pregnancy.
3. During pregnancy but not after birth
4. Both before and after birth.

According to study, children whose parents are smokers are experiencing respiratory problems than children of non-smoking parents. Smoking after birth appeared to be more harmful than smoking during pregnancy.

Even though some children of smoking parents have not shown any signs of respiratory diseases, they are still suffering from reduced lung function which could worsen progressively if they are under constant exposure.

Children of these parents generally suffer from Asthma, Pneumonia, Bronchitis and infections in the later stages of life.

The American Lung Association defines second-hand smoke as a mixture of smoke that is expelled from the blazing end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, and that which is exhaled from the lungs of a smoker.

Atherosclerosis – Pathology and prevention

dr.nvkrishna@gmail.com (Dr. Krishna) — Mon, 07 May 2007 09:03:00 +0000

Atherosclerosis Pathology:

Atherosclerosis means there is an obstruction to the flow of blood in big and medium sized vessels walls in the human body due to accumulation of fat patches or plaques. Usually the inner layer of blood vessel is smooth and slippery in nature. If there are creaks in this layer, then fat accumulation beings to form. Blood vessels last their elasticity and become hardened.

Body has got its own mechanism for repairing any damaged part in the body. Here the monocytes become active and begin to repair the damaged inner walls and removes the accumulated fat particles. Some times the fat particles have the upper hand over the monocytes. Then these hardened fat particles separate themselves from the wall of the blood vessels and travel in the blood circulation and forms round balls called embolus.

It forms at the junction where the blood vessels divide into two branches and obstructs the blood flow. If the obstruction occurs in the coronary blood vessels, the heart-attack occurs. If it occurs in the brain –paralysis (stroke) occurs.

Atherosclerosis statistics:

The deaths due to Atherosclerosis are 2 times more than the cancer especially in western countries.

Risk Factors:

1. Smoking
2. Rise in Blood Cholesterol Level
3. High blood pressure
4. Diabetes
5. Obesity
6. Sedentary life
7. High levels of Homo cysteine in the blood.

How can we know this condition of Atherosclerosis?

Usually these symptoms appear when the blood vessel is closed up to 70% only.
If the blood vessels of heart (coronary vessels) - closes partially – the person gets heart attack.
If the openings in the vessels closed completely, there is heart attack or heart failure or changing in the rhythm of heart beatings.

If the vessels in the legs are totally closed-we get severe pain in the legs (called intermittent claudication).

In the persons beyond 50 years of the age-if the blood flow does not go to kidneys, kidney failure occurs.
If there is less oxygen supply to the muscles-we call it as “muscle cry”.

How to prevent Atherosclerosis?

1. Avoid smoking, Alcohol and meat.

2. Control Blood cholesterol level and take fat free diet. Stay away from fast foods.

3. Avoid stress and strain.
4. Take soya beans, oatmeal, brawn, Garlic, fish and more vegetables.

5. Garlic: It is called as “old doctor”. It does more benefit of health to the humans. It prevents thickening of blood and blood clots and thus prevents heart diseases. It contains “Alison” a chemical which prevents cancer. Garlic decreases the high blood pressure. It is better to take it in raw form rather than cooked product.

6. Fish: It contains omega-3 fatty acids and also cad liver oil which prevents heart diseases, joint pains and it increases brain activity. The omega 3 fatty acids increase the good cholesterol (HDL), and decreases bad cholesterol (LDL) and thus prevent heart diseases.
Most of the heart attacks are preventable with simple measures like diet control and regular exercise. Meditation and Yoga reduce the stress levels.

Please share your preventive measures.