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. … [Read more...]
Health benefits of quitting smoking
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’’. … [Read more...]
How to prevent heart diseases?
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 chest2. Feeling of tightness or keeping weight on the chest3. Breathing becomes difficult4. 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). … [Read more...]
Best diet for healthy heart
The major triggers of heart diseases are obesity and hypertension. Heart attack signs and symptoms: 1. Chest discomfort: You can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.2. Pain or discomfort in the arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. 3. Shortness of breath 4. Cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. Cardiac arrest signs and symptoms: 1. Sudden loss of responsiveness. No response to gentle shaking.2. Blood pressure and pulse rate drop3. No signs of circulation. 4. No movement or coughing. Dietary control is the first step and perhaps the best approach to a “healthy heart” and change a life style can reduce risk of heart disease significantly. Diet recommendations for a healthy heart: 1. A well-balanced diet like plenty of fiber, fresh fruits (apple etc) and vegetables can save arteries and prevent heart diseases. Foods rich in the antioxidants like beta –carotene, vitamins C and E, and selenium that fight free radicals. Foods like tomatoes, sprouts, raw nuts (except peanuts), garlic etc help to reduce serum cholesterol levels. 2. Avoid foods like coffee, tobacco, alcohol, sugar, butter, red meat, hydrogenated oils, fried fruits, soft drinks, and white flour products etc as they damage the arteries and cause heart attack. 3. Consume no more than 20 to 22% of daily calories from fat per day. 4. Life style modifications: Modify some of those important risk factors which predispose you to develop angina and ultimately leading to heart attack. 5. Smoking: Smokers carry a 3-6 times greater risk of developing heart attack than non smokers. Smoking causes injury to the walls of the arteries and increases cholesterol level and other substance which gradually narrowly the arteries. 6. Obesity: Obese people have excess of harmful cholesterol. Fat deposits causing body weight to be more than 20% normal weight constitutes obesity. Obesity places a strain on the heart. 7. Alcohol: Regular intake of more than moderate quantity of alcohol leads to hypertriglyceridemia which in turn raises bad cholesterol and lead to the increase in abdominal weight. 8. High Blood Pressure: Increase in blood pressure can damage the delicate inner lining of the arteries and allow excess cholesterol to creep into walls of the arteries and cause narrowing of blood vessels. 9. Exercise and Stress: Regular exercise reduces blood cholesterol levels and slows down the process of atherosclerosis and decreases the body weight. It also promotes mental relaxation and reduces strain and stress. Future stress on cardiac diseases is not about treatment but prevention through healthy diet, regular exercise and disciplined lifestyle. … [Read more...]
Heart diseases: Prevention and care
Coronary heart disease is getting epidemic proportions due to rapid rise in stress levels in the family and work life. Irregular timings (stress and strain), lack of control over diet habits and smoking are the major reasons behind increase in incidence of heart patients. How to prevent heart diseases: Courtesy: Sciencebob. 1. 1 hour of brisk walking at the speed of 5-6 km daily. 2. High fibre and low fat diet. Eat fruits and green leaf vegetables. 3. Stay away from fast food restaurants. Never eat junk food like pizza etc. 4. Family history of Diabetes, Obesity, Hypertension and lipid disorders are more prone to heart diseases at an early age.5. Men above the age of 35 years and women over 40 years who are either smokers or alcoholics are at greater risk than normal persons.6. Strictly follow diet and exercise schedule.7. Meditation and Yoga help in reducing stress levels. 8. Controlling Blood pressure and Diabetes are essential. 7. Avoid lifting anything that weighs more than 3 kg. 8. While getting up from a chair, try not to put your body weight on your hands. 9. While getting up from bed, roll over to the edge, swing your legs to the floor and push your upper body up with your elbow. Sit on the side of the bed for a couple of minutes before getting up. 10. Avoid pushing and pulling heavy things, mowing, vacuuming or any activity that might put strain on the breast bone. 11. For 7-8 weeks after the attack of surgery, let others drive. 12. 80% of the heart patients can resume normal life through proper rehabilitation programme. Prevention is better than cure. Balance your family and work life. Heart surgery patients – Proper Care 1. During the first 6-8 weeks after discharge, you may feel pain in the chest, shoulders and back. DON’T PANIC. These are healing pains. 2. Begin your walking programme 3-4 days after surgery. 3. Don’t over-exert yourself. 4. Never take a walk immediately after meals. 5. You can climb stairs from the day of discharge, but do so slowly. 6. Don’t begin household chores immediately. … [Read more...]
Protecting the heart – Prolonging the life
If we take proper care about our heart, the humans can add 10 years to their life span as per International agencies. How to stay away from Heart diseases: 1. Stay away from Smoking and Alcoholism. 2. Reduce stress and strain on the body. 3. Keep blood pressure under control. 4. Keep weight under control. 5. Exercise daily for 40-45 minutes. 6. Do meditation and Yoga. 1. Blood Pressure: In America, 1 in 4 persons are suffering from blood pressure while in India, 1 in 7 persons are suffering from blood pressure. The wonderful thing is around 50% of those suffering from high blood pressure are without any symptoms. Mechanism: If there is high B.P, heart should work very hard. Heart becomes weak due to this hard work. Chances of heart attack are higher in uncontrolled blood pressure patients. 2. Control of Cholesterol level: Risk for heart attack increases with rise in blood cholesterol levels. Regularly check your blood cholesterol levels. Take fat free diet and stay away from fast foods. 3. Anti oxidants role: Increase in harmful anti - oxidant levels is a direct threat to your heart. Vitamin E is a good anti – oxidant and control the harmful anti oxidants. … [Read more...]
Heart attack – Signs, Symptoms and prevention
Heart attack means death of heart muscle due to loss of blood supply to that heart part mainly due to obstruction in the blood vessel. One million americans are suffered by heart attack every year. Coronart heart disease is the leading cause of deaths in america. Heart attack control is of two types: 1. Possible Control methods: Possible for persons. -Smoking, High blood pressure, High cholesterol level in the blood, Sedentary life style, Irregular and uncontrolled diet habits. 2. Beyond our control: Difficult to avoid. - Males, Age beyond 60 yearsand hereditary. The main cause of obstruction for the free flow of heart is Atherosclerosis – in which fat particles get accumulated in the blood vessels. It takes long time for it to become severe. How to prevent Heart Attacks: Reduce body weight to optimal lavel. Exercise for at least 45 minutes daily. Control your blood pressure and sugar levels. Take fat free diet at regular intervals. Meditate and keep calm under stresful conditions. Checkup your body annually. If Atherosclerosis affects blood vessels, the signs and symptoms of heart disease develop. If the inner gap in the coronary blood vessels is decreased to 30% of the normal size, there is a big obstruction to the blood circulation. It gradually leads to heart attack. Signs and Symptoms of Heart Disease:1. Angina – Pain develops in the chest after exercise and subsides at rest. It occurs in the middle of the heart. It is “Constricting” type. Patient feels heaviness in the chest and somebody bends on their chest and feels as if the chest is breaking away and cries bigger. Pain may radiate to back, checks and left arm. 2. Dyspnoea - Difficulty in breathing. 3. Patient becomes pale with severe sweating in the body. 4. If the above signs may not appear, we may call it as a “Silent heart Attack”. Remember: First 30 minutes are very essential. First 6 hours are crucial. As time progresses, Heart muscle gradually necroses (dies) and irrecoverable. Relatives of cardiac patients should learn about Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Aspirin and Sorbitrate drugs are life savers in this crucial period. Take them immediately after you feel pain. To prevent heart attacks, daily exercises and control in dietary habits are must for every one. If we can reduce the level of Cholesterol by 1%, the danger of occurring of heart attack becomes less by 2%. Every one should check their cholesterol levels annually after 40 years. Type A mentality persons (Highly ambitious people) are at risk for heart attack. Best Diagnostic test to find blocks in the blood vessels is Cardiac CT. It will show blocks in some patients, even though their ECG and ECHO are normal. Please share your experiences. … [Read more...]
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