B-Vitamins Help Promote Healthy Arteries and Heart

A 2002 study reported, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation reported that a six-month regiment of taking folic acid, vitamin b12, and vitamin b6 can be instrumental in the prevention of recurring blocked arteries in coronary angioplasty patients.

The findings, which were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association are an extension of a clinical trial that examined the effects of combining vitamins on the treatment of heart disease. The treatment apparently works by reducing levels of homocysteine, and amino acid which has long been associated with heart attacks.

The original study involved 205 patients who were given either a vitamin combination of vitamin b6, vitamin b12, and folic acid or a placebo for six months. Over that time period, the patients who took the combination of vitamins showed a 48% reduction in the development of restenosis, or re-narrowing of the vessel, compared with patients who received the placebo.

The new study added 348 new patients, and extended the follow-up observation period from six months to one year. The head researcher, Dr. Guido Schnyder, says that this time extension is important, since six months to one year is the time frame in which restenosis typically recurs. Out of all the patients monitored, the need for additional bypass operations was reduced by 38% over the entire year. This shows that the vitamin actually prevents the development of restenosis, rather than just preventing it.

Dr. Robert Bonow, the chief of cardiology at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and president of the American Heart Association said that the results of the study are very encouraging, offering more evidence that B vitamins are very important in maintaining healthy blood vessels.

Heartburn Free Foods for the Holidays: How to Enjoy Great Food Without the Heartburn This Holiday Season

Ahhh, the holidays... a time of friends, family and for all too many people...

Heartburn!

If youre one of the 60 million Americans who suffer from acid reflux disease you know how one meal of indulgence can lead to a day or night of misery.

The problem is that during the holidays we allow more things into our diets than we do the rest of the year. We eat more sweet and rich foods, drink more alcohol and coffee, and quite often can pay the price with increased heartburn.

But be of good cheer, dear holiday party-goer, you can still eat well, have a great time, and avoid your heartburn problems!

The secret lies in knowing what foods are bad so you can limit them or substitute something in their places.

The bad heartburn foods come in two varieties.

1. Those that cause an increase in stomach acid, some of which can spill over into your esophagus causing heartburn.
2. Those that relax the esophageal sphincter. The esophageal sphincter is a little muscle at the base of the esophagus that acts as a lid that prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus.

Here are some of the heartburn causing foods you should look out for this holiday season.

Peppermint

What candy is more associated with the holidays than the red and white striped candy cane? Yet, peppermint is one of those foods that relaxes the esophageal sphincter and allows acid up into your esophagus.

Instead, try a stick of red licorice. You can buy these sticks in bulk, or individually wrapped.

Chocolate

Yes, Im afraid its true; chocolate is another "relaxing" food that can open the way for stomach acid to reach your esophagus. Instead of chocolate, though, try substituting...

Just kidding. True chocoholics know that theres no substitute for chocolate, but there are people who are thinking of creative ways to make chocolate heartburn free.

See the resource box at the end of this article for a collection of heartburn-free recipes, including one for fudge!

Alcohol and Coffee/Tea

Between the office holiday party, Christmas with the family, and New Years Eve, alcohol consumption for many people sky rockets during this time of year. And, even non-drinkers can over indulge with higher than normal levels of coffee or tea (regular and decaf).

All of the above beverages can increase the acid production in your stomach and give you heartburn. Instead try substituting hot cider (in moderation) for the coffee or tea, and non-alcoholic beer or wine for your other favorite alcoholic beverages.

Hors d' Oeuvres

Spicy and fatty foods are notorious for generating stomach acid production, and no place are these foods more conveniently and neatly presented than on the hors d Oeuvres trays and tables at holiday parties.

Foods to look out for include cheese, salami, beef sticks, and, of course, spicy buffalo wings. Instead, stick with pretzels, apples, or carrots and broccoli dipped in low fat ranch dressing.

Brunch Food

Lastly, another meal that friends and family share together during the holidays--and one thats loaded with heartburn traps and snares--is brunch.

From the coffee, to the eggs prepared in butter and garnished with bacon or sausage, to the donuts and fruit juices, brunch offers heartburn foods at every turn. Even here, just a few modifications can result in a very satisfying meal followed by a pleasant, heartburn free day.

Here are a few tips for making your brunch selections...

Egg white omelets are better than those made with whole eggs, and if you like to have some sort of bread with breakfast, try a whole grain bagel with low fat cream cheese.

Apples and bananas are the best choices for fruit and, if you want a fruit juice, apple is probably your best bet there, too.

As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities for acid reflux and heartburn sufferers to enjoy delicious heartburn-free food this holiday season.

Simply, approach each get together or party with a strategy about what and how much you'll eat. Then, choose to avoid the bad heartburn foods and, most importantly, have a great time this holiday season!

Happy Holidays!

Heart Disease and Homocysteine

Are you aware that one of the most important indicators of heart disease is homocysteine? -1

A naturally occurring amino acid in your body, homocysteine can cause inflammation and damage to your blood vessels when levels become elevated because of a functional deficiency of B vitamins and Folic Acid. -2

Every week we read or hear about heart disease being one of the biggest health concerns facing America today. Most people have experienced this problem because they know a friend or family member with one of these health problems.

In many cases, they may be facing one of these conditions themselves.

Would it be fair to say you really want to take control of and improve your health?

All it takes is a special blood test (just like a test for cholesterol levels), to measure the level of homocysteine in your blood. It is NOT a routine test so do yourself a favor and ask your Doctor for the test.

Also this test may not be covered by your insurance however, because it is so important to your health - get it anyway.

So what is the normal range for homo- cysteine levels? Your level should be under 8, below 7 is even better for your health.

How you can naturally and easily keep your homocysteine levels in the normal range? One can accomplish this with a few supplements and better eating habits for life.

And guess what? You are going to feel better and gain more energy in the process!

The first thing you may want to consider is taking a pharmaceutical grade natural multi-vitamin which contains B vitamins (B2,B6 and B12) and Folic acid 2-3 times a day. Why should I take a vitamin 2-3 times a day you ask? Because the body can only absorb so much nutrition at any one time.

Most quality vitamins will only contain about as much of a certain vitamin and mineral which can be absorbed by your body at one time.

Because the body needs nutrition throughout the day, this is one of the best ways to feed your body what it needs.

Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10. Research has shown and proven this to be effective in fighting heart disease: -3

Slows the effects of LDL cholesterol to fight heart disease.

Inhibits formation of free radicals

Replaces natural CoQ10 levels depleted by statin drugs and poor diet.

Next, here are some great natural food sources to keep your homocysteine levels in the normal range.

Vegetable proteins do not raise levels like some meat proteins can so eat plenty of leafy dark green vegetables.

Legumes (beans) of all kinds which are a great source of protein.

Eggs are a great source of protein (the only protein with all 20 amino acids in the correct ratios for your body) and also a great source of Folic Acid, which helps to control your level of homocysteine.

Great sources of Soy like tofu, soy beverages, soy nuts.

Nuts - in particular - Brazil, walnuts, almonds, pecans and hazelnuts. As well as seeds like sunflower seeds and flaxseed, which is also high in Folic Acid.

High quality grass fed organic beef, wild game, wild Alaskan salmon and sardines.

Poor quality sources of meat protein can actually raise your level of homocysteine.

So as you have learned, you can naturally and easily help your body avoid one of the factors which leads to heart disease with these proven, simple and low cost methods.

And guess what? Just imagine how you are going to feel better and gain more energy in the process in a short period of time!

CRP And Your Heart

Monitoring your CRP level is vitally important because it is one of the best indicators of heart disease. C-Reactive Protein has proven to be one of the best indicators of looming Heart disease.

Find out why high cholesterol alone is NOT responsible for heart disease. And you will find out how to keep your CRP Level in the normal range.

Because your body produces C-Reactive Protein as part of your bodys defense like when you are injured, it signals your immune system for help. Your immune system sends out white blood cells and inflammatory molecules (including C-Reactive Protein) to the injured area.

This defensive system causes inflammation which is damaging to blood vessels and leads to heart disease. Because this is an continuous process, not like an ankle injury which heals and then inflammation goes away.

Elevated C-Reactive Protein levels are an early indication of inflammation in the body. When there is inflammation in the body, there is usually a problem. Realize this is why C-Reactive Protein is a great indicator.

Naturally you can easily understand that C-Reactive Protein is a better indicator of heart disease than cholesterol. A huge study on CRP backs this up.

The New England Journal of Medicine published A report where nearly 28,000 people participated in a study of CRP. Researchers in the study used LDL cholesterol and CRP to predict heart attacks and stroke.

What the researchers found was that CRP was a better predictor of cardiac events than LDL cholesterol -1

So what can you do to keep your C-Reactive Protein level low? In a word, exercise. Activity is the best way to keep CRP levels low. Just taking a walk is a good way to get your activity level up.

There are also important nutrients to help limit the damage from the inflammation.

Here are several nutrients you have heard of:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• And Folic Acid protects the blood vessels.

Two others you may not have heard as much about:

• Taurine - is an amino acid-like compound and a component of bile acids, which are used to help absorb fats and fat- soluble vitamins. It is found in meat and fish.
• L-arginine - A naturally occurring amino acid found in food proteins that the body uses to make Nitric Oxide.

You can easily get plenty of these nutrients through food and supplements combined.

Talk to your doctor about a simple test for CRP levels, it is like a blood test. It is best to keep your levels under 5 mg per liter, preferably 3 mg per liter.

Heart Attack Symptoms, Causes and Treatment: Small Lifestyle Changes Can Help Prevent Heart Attack!

Ask a few well informed people over the age of fifty: What are they afraid of the most? Four out of five would answer: Sudden death due to heart attack. Heart attack is becoming a common cause of death after the age of fifty. Heart attach is preventable to a large extent and we know how to prevent it. We also know that by these measures people have already brought down death and ill-effects caused by it.

Heart receives blood for its own nourishment from coronary arteries, the two blood vessels that are the first to come off the aorta and lie embedded in the heart muscle itself.

The important factors that accelerate coronary artery narrowing are:

1. Excess of fats and cholesterol in the blood: Fats are made up of different fatty acids and glycerol. Cholesterol is a type of fat. Surplus of fats are stored as such in different parts of the body. A high level of cholesterol in the blood, particularly if it is held in combination in the form of LDL globules, leads to irs deposition in the walls of the blood vessels. Coronary artery disease, blood cholesterol level, and the amount of fat taken in the diet usually go hand in hand.
2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries through which it flows. With high blood pressure, blood vessels do not relax to receive the blood from heart. Hence, the heart has to work harder against this resistance. This strains the heart, so that it ultimately fails to perform its function of pumping the blood to all parts of the body.
3. Over-Weight: A person starts gaining weight after the age of 25, unless he does something about the food he eats. The reason is that, beginning at this age, the body starts to need less food because the metabolism is slowing down. Obesity is a disorder closely associated with other potent risk factors, i.e. hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycemia and hypertension.
4. Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes may be defined as high level of glucose in the blood, so that some of it overflows into the urine. Usually it is due to deficiency of insulin. Diabetes causes a lot of complications, an important one being the narrowing of the blood vessels called atherosclerosis. Coronary artery disease is common in diabetics. Also, heart attacks in diabetics occur at a younger age than they do in non-diabetics.
5. Smoking: It has been suggested that Nicotine repeatedly over-stimulates the heart. The carbon monoxide absorbed into the blood takes the place of oxygen and hampers nourishment of the heart muscle and other tissues. The smoke damages the lining of the coronary arteries, allowing artery clogging cholesterol to build up and narrow the passage ways.

Narrowing of the coronary arteries is caused by a process called atherosclerosis. In this, the inner lining of the medium-sized and large arteries raises, yellow or has pearly whites streaks or plaques.

The bitter truth is, Heart attacks do not respect time, place or circumstances. These can happen to anyone anytime. So get moving and work for it.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

(NC)-Heart disease is a leading cause of death for Canadian men and women.1 Chest pain (a classic symptom of angina or heart attack) occurs when not enough blood is reaching the heart muscles due to the narrowing of the heart's coronary arteries or complete blockage of these arteries. Learn the signs of a heart attack and the steps to take if you or a loved one experience these signs:

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the centre of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back
• Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms
• Chest discomfort with lightheadness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath
• Atypical chest pain, stomach or abdominal pain; nausea or dizziness
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
• Unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue

Not all of these signs occur in every attack. Sometimes they go away and return. If any occur, get help fast.

If you or someone else is having heart attack warning signs, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Speak to your doctor to determine your level of risk and to discuss what measures you can take to reduce the risk of heart attack.

Lowering Your Risk Of Heart Disease

(NC)-If you have been deemed at risk by your doctor, there are steps you can take to help control risk factors.

According to Statistics Canada, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death of Canadians, accounting for over 26% of all deaths.1 Despite this, there are a variety of ways Canadians can lower their risk of heart disease and ultimately heart attacks:

Diet and Nutrition

• Get your blood cholesterol level checked by your doctor
• Lower LDL (low density lipoproteins) levels by following a low-saturated fat and low cholesterol diet

Exercise *

• Become physically active for a minimum of 30 minutes at least three times per week
• Physical exercise may lower your risk for heart disease or stroke

Lifestyle Modifications 

• Limit alcohol consumption for overall lifestyle benefits
• Stop cigarette smoking, or at a minimum cut back gradually

Preventative therapies

• Consult your doctor for regular check-ups and for a prevention plan, especially if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, have had a heart attack or stroke, are overweight, smoke or have an inactive lifestyle.

Abnormal Beating of the Heart: Cardiac Arrhythmias

Heart has a rhythmic capability to beat and pump blood to our body and remarkably, does so without fail, throughout our life. The rhythm has been destined to beat in certain prefixed numerical limits and with certain regularity. Arrhythmias are disorders characterized by abnormal beating of the heart. Arrhythmias can occur in a healthy heart and be of minimal consequence. At the same time they may co-exist with diseased heart and may be life-threatening or Abnormal Beating of the Heart: Cardiac Arrhythmias

Heart has a rhythmic capability to beat and pump blood to our body and remarkably, does so without fail, throughout our life. The rhythm has been destined to beat in certain prefixed numerical limits and with certain regularity. Arrhythmias are disorders characterized by abnormal beating of the heart. Arrhythmias can occur in a healthy heart and be of minimal consequence. At the same time they may co-exist with diseased heart and may be life-threatening or may cause, stroke, heart failure or sudden death.

An arrhythmia occurs when the normal electrical cycle of the heart is disturbed. Normally, tiny currents activate the upper part of the heart, just before the bottom part of the heart, which are the muscular chambers that pump blood around the body. Fast arrhythmias are referred to as tachyarrhythmias. When the heart goes too slowly due to a failure of electrical activation, it is referred to as a brady arrhythmia. Most arrhythmias arising from the top of the heart are troublesome but not life-threatening. Many arrhythmias arising from the lower of the heart, are life-threatening.

Causes of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Some cardiac arrhythmias result from congenital heart defects that run in families. Others arise from a variety of diseases that develop in individuals over a period of years. Others still result from sudden events such as heart attack. They may also be the result of excessive alcohol, smoking or certain drugs. Rarely despite extensive investigations no cause is found of their occurrence. Cardiac arrhythmias may be symptomatic or may cause a variety of warning symptoms such as palpitations or rapid thumping in the chest, feeling tired or light-headed, getting unconscious, having shortness of breath or chest pain.

Types of Arrhythmias

Following are the different types of cardiac arrhythmias:

1. Atrial fibrillation: The heart beats too fast and irregularly. This type of arrhythmia requires treatment and can increase risk of stroke.
2. Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia: The heart has episodes when it beats fast, but regularly. This type of arrhythmia may be unpleasant but is usually not dangerous.
3. Ectopic beats: The heart has an extra beat. Treatment usually is not needed unless you have several extra beats in row and/or other problems with your heart - such as heart disease or congenital heart failure.
4. Ventricular tachycardia: The heart beats too fast and may not pump enough blood. These types of arrhythmias are very dangerous and need immediate treatment.

The Remedy

Treatment depends on the type of cardiac arrhythmia you have. Some mild arrhythmias require no treatment. Other arrhythmias can be treated with medicines. In more serious cases, other treatments are available:

1. Drugs.
2. A pacemaker: An electronic device placed under the skin on the chest. It helps the heart maintain a regular beat, especially when the heart beats too slowly.
3. Implantable cardiac defibrillation: Can be used to stop an abnormal rhythm and restore a normal one.
4. Surgery: Can correct certain types of arrhythmias. For example, arrhythmias caused by coronary artery disease may be controlled by bypass surgery. When an cardiac arrhythmia is causes by a certain area of the heart, sometimes that part of the heart can be destroyed or removed. may cause, stroke, heart failure or sudden death.

An arrhythmia occurs when the normal electrical cycle of the heart is disturbed. Normally, tiny currents activate the upper part of the heart, just before the bottom part of the heart, which are the muscular chambers that pump blood around the body. Fast arrhythmias are referred to as tachyarrhythmias. When the heart goes too slowly due to a failure of electrical activation, it is referred to as a brady arrhythmia. Most arrhythmias arising from the top of the heart are troublesome but not life-threatening. Many arrhythmias arising from the lower of the heart, are life-threatening.

Causes of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Some cardiac arrhythmias result from congenital heart defects that run in families. Others arise from a variety of diseases that develop in individuals over a period of years. Others still result from sudden events such as heart attack. They may also be the result of excessive alcohol, smoking or certain drugs. Rarely despite extensive investigations no cause is found of their occurrence. Cardiac arrhythmias may be symptomatic or may cause a variety of warning symptoms such as palpitations or rapid thumping in the chest, feeling tired or light-headed, getting unconscious, having shortness of breath or chest pain.

Types of Arrhythmias
Following are the different types of cardiac arrhythmias:

1. Atrial fibrillation: The heart beats too fast and irregularly. This type of arrhythmia requires treatment and can increase risk of stroke.
2. Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia: The heart has episodes when it beats fast, but regularly. This type of arrhythmia may be unpleasant but is usually not dangerous.
3. Ectopic beats: The heart has an extra beat. Treatment usually is not needed unless you have several extra beats in row and/or other problems with your heart - such as heart disease or congenital heart failure.
4. Ventricular tachycardia: The heart beats too fast and may not pump enough blood. These types of arrhythmias are very dangerous and need immediate treatment.

The Remedy
Treatment depends on the type of cardiac arrhythmia you have. Some mild arrhythmias require no treatment. Other arrhythmias can be treated with medicines. In more serious cases, other treatments are available:

1. Drugs.
2. A pacemaker: An electronic device placed under the skin on the chest. It helps the heart maintain a regular beat, especially when the heart beats too slowly.
3. Implantable cardiac defibrillation: Can be used to stop an abnormal rhythm and restore a normal one.
4. Surgery: Can correct certain types of arrhythmias. For example, arrhythmias caused by coronary artery disease may be controlled by bypass surgery. When an cardiac arrhythmia is causes by a certain area of the heart, sometimes that part of the heart can be destroyed or removed.

Prevent Heart Disease

You should always keep in mind that whatever actions you do today can either help to prevent, delay or minimize the effect of heart disease or worsen it. The key is to control risk factors. Granted that you cannot control every risk factor for heart disease such as family history but you can definitely do something about your behavior. Age and gender also influence your risk of heart disease.

Major Risk Factors of Heart Disease

Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a type of a lipid, a soft, fatlike substance that serves as a source of fuel. Excessive cholesterol can cause buildup of atherosclerotic plaque. Accumulation of plaque in arteries can block blood flow and lead to a heart attack. LDL cholesterol, the so-called "bad" cholesterol, is transported to sites throughout the body, where it's used to repair cell membranes or to make hormones. LDL cholesterol can accumulate in the walls of your arteries. HDL cholesterol, the so-called "good" cholesterol, transports cholesterol to the liver, where it's altered and removed from the body.

Blood Pressure

Normal blood pressure level is defined as less than 130 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for systolic blood pressure and less than 85 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure. The higher the blood pressure, the more likely it is to take a toll on the heart and on the brain. Blood pressure should be checked whether or not your levels are high. For normal, check once every two years. For high-normal, check once a year. If extremely high, you should get immediate care. Then get multiple measurements to know if a high level is sustained over time.

Diabetes

Another risk factor for heart disease is diabetes, a chronic disease of insulin deficiency or resistance. Type 2 diabetes, the most common type, is associated with obesity and may be prevented by maintaining ideal body weight through exercise and balanced nutrition.

Tips For Controlling Risk of Heart Disease

Stop Smoking

The effect of smoking on your lungs can cause almost every other medical condition.

Get Active

Routine physical activity is highly recommended and helpful in controlling obesity. Try to perform 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Fast walking is one of the best way to prevent heart disease. If you can lose even a small amount of weight, five pounds for example, it may have a positive effect on lipid levels and blood pressure preventing heart disease.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Limit daily alcohol intake to three ounces or fewer to prevent heart disease. People who drink large amounts of alcohol (six to eight ounces a day) tend to have higher blood pressure.

Watch What You Eat

Eat five helpings of fruits and vegetables daily to prevent heart disease.

Maintain adequate dietary potassium, calcium and magnesium intake.

Reduce saturated fats and cholesterol to stay away from heart disease.

Diagnosing a Heart Attack

The first step in diagnosing a heart attack is to be mindful that a heart attack is occurring. In cases wherein an individual feels severe chest pain there should already be a suspicion that a heart attack is occurring. However, a problem arises whenever the symptoms of a heart attack leave out chest pain because a heart attack may not be suspected and therefore the some of the appropriate tests may not be performed.

In addition, there is a gadget that is used to record the electrical activity of the heart. This gadget is called the electrocardiogram which aside from recording abnormal electrical activity of the heart also identifies the areas of the heart muscle that are lacking in oxygen as well as determine areas of the heart muscle that have died. Moreover, for patients experiencing typical symptoms of heart attack, the electrocardiogram is an effective way of securing a diagnosis of the heart attack thus giving way for the immediate treatment of the heart attack. However, there are some cases wherein diagnosis for a heart attack may become less secure, and example of which are patients experiencing symptoms that are rather vague or atypical that are the results of pre-existing electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities resulting from previous heart attacks or some abnormalities in the electrical patterns that makes the interpretation of the ECG difficult to diagnose. In such case, diagnosis can be made only hours later through the detection of elevated cardiac enzymes in the blood.

Another way of determining heart attack is by means of blood tests since cardiac enzymes are proteins that are released into the blood by dying heart muscles. These cardiac enzymes are usually elevated in the blood several hours after the start of a heart attack. Moreover, series of blood tests for the enzymes especially when performed during a 24 hour period are very useful not only in aiding the diagnosis of heart attack but also helps in determining the changes in the levels of the enzyme in the blood over time and then correlates with the amount of heart muscle that has died.

Still nothing can compare to a prompt medical attention in diagnosing and treating a heart attack. The quick evaluation allows for the early treatment of potential heart attack symptoms like abnormal rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation. Aside from that, early evaluation of heart attack symptoms also results in early reperfusion which is a procedure to unclog the blocked coronary arteries. Moreover, the faster the blood flow is reestablished the more heart muscle that is saved.

Treating Heart Attack

There are various ways of treating heart attack however, the primary goal of these treatments is to quickly open the blocked artery and then restore the blood flow in the heart muscle in a process called reperfusion. And then, once the artery is open the damage in the heart muscle ceases and with it ceases the pain that an individual feels. Aside from that, early reperfusion helps in minimizing the extent of heart muscle damage by preserving the pumping function of the heart. Maximum benefit may be derived from reperfusion if it can be applied within the first 4 to 6 hours of the heart attack. Moreover, delay in administering reperfusion may result to a severe damage to the heart muscle as well as a reduction in the ability of the heart to pump blood all throughout the body. Not only that, patients who have been found out to have hearts that are unable to pump sufficient blood tend to develop heart failure, a decreased in the ability to exercise and often times experience abnormal heart rhythms. The amount of remaining healthy heart muscle after a heart attack becomes a vital factor in determining the future quality of life as well as the longevity of an individual.

There are many ways of treating a heart attack and these are as follows: anti-platelet medications, anti-coagulant medications, coronary angiography, clot-dissolving medications, supplemental oxygen, medications to decrease the need for oxygen as well as the medications to prevent abnormal heart rhythms. The anti-platelet agents are medications that are administered to prevent blood clots from forming in the arteries of the heart by inhibiting the aggregation of platelets. However, the formation of blood clots in areas wherein there is laceration or injury is favorable since it will prevent excessive blood loss. There are three types of anti-platelet agents and these are the aspirin, thienopyridines and the glycoprotein llb/lla inhibitors.

The aspirin is the one that inhibits the activity of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase inside platelets. Moreover, aspirin was found out to improve the survival among patients with heart attack. And aside from that, aspirin is also easy to use, and since it is low dosage it is safe to used for anti-platelet action. Aspirin are also fast acting and relief can be obtained within 30 minutes and it is also affordable. On the other hand, the thienopyridines such as ticlopidine and the clopidogrel inhibit the ADP receptor on the surface of the platelets. This action of the thienopyridines of inhibiting the ADP receptors on the platelets prevents the platelets from aggregating and causing blood clots to form. The third anti-platelet agent is the glycoprotein llb/lla inhibitors which are considered to be the most potent anti-platelet agent, approximately nine times more potent than aspirin and three times more potent that the thienopyridines. Moreover, it is also the most expensive anti-platelet agent.

Cranberries Can Reduce Your Risk Of Cancer And Heart Disease

When is the last time you ate cranberries? Was it with a turkey dinner? With all the research pointing to the amazing health benefits of this simple berry, shouldn't cranberries be more than a once a year side dish?

How Cranberries Are Proving Their Strength:

The Cranberry Institute provides the results of studies and research that highlight the fantastic health benefits of the humble cranberry.

Cranberries have been used for thousands of years by Native Americans as a source of food and to extend the shelf life of dried meats. Colonial sailors also made use of the natural preservatives in cranberries (from benzoic acid) which allowed them to last through long sea voyages, and the high Vitamin C content which prevented scurvy.

Perhaps they were on to something since new research suggests that cranberries may prevent the adhesion of the e.coli bacteria - a common cause of food poisoning from contaminated meat - to the urinary tract. This 'anti-adhesion' effect may also help in preventing bacteria from causing stomach ulcers and gum disease.

Vitamin C is also a known powerful antioxidant and is being widely accepted as a means of combating the effects of free radicals in the body which can cause cancer, heart disease and other health problems. Antioxidants from cranberries are being researched for prevention of kidney stones and lowering cholesterol.

While many fruits contain antioxidants, according to research cranberries have more antioxidants than 19 commonly eaten fruits. With this news it makes sense to include cranberries into a balanced diet throughout the year.

How Can You Include Cranberries Into Your Diet?

Fresh, frozen or dried, cranberries can be eaten anytime of the year.

Adding dried cranberries to baking (such as scones, breads and cookies) is an easy way to enjoy their tart sweetness. Adding frozen cranberries to smoothies or soups can lend a mild tang to your creations. Fresh cranberries make excellent garnishes and dressings.

The easiest way to add cranberries to your diet is to drink cranberry juice. While sweetened juices have less antioxidants than unsweetened, the benefits of adding cranberry to your diet are still there. If you add unsweetened juice to sparkling water you can enjoy a refreshing spritzer.

While studies are still being conducted on the health benefits of cranberries there is no doubt that increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables in your diet will lead to a healthier body. Choosing to use a variety of berries, citrus and other fruits will ensure you are giving your body everything it needs for optimum health.

Streamlining the Preoperative Process for the Open Heart Surgery Patient

Open heart surgery is considered to be a major event for patients, their families, and hospitals. Delays in surgery cause emotional distress for the patient and their family and are costly to the hospital. For these reasons, it is beneficial for all organizations providing open heart surgery services to review their processes that prepare the patient for open heart surgery. Investing the time to detail the patient flow processes involved in the preoperative preparation will assist in eliminating process gaps and identify opportunities to improve organizational communication, patient care and satisfaction. This can be accomplished by instituting a task force/ committee to assist in this area.

It is advisable to include departments involved with patient entry points into the open heart process. These departments are usually the inpatient medical cardiac units, registration area, cardiovascular surgeon office, and cardiac cath lab. Development of standardized preoperative open heart surgery orders help to create common practice routines that can reduce errors, improve the staff education, and reduce organizational costs by eliminating unnecessary tests and improving staff efficiencies. These benefits outweigh the challenge of standardizing preoperative physician orders. The orders set should be approved by the appropriate organizational committees, explained to the staff, and then distributive to appropriate departments for implementation. Included in these order sets should be preoperative lab tests, patient testing (CXR, EKG), medications, consults including anesthesia, and surgical prep. Input from the medical staff is essential to this process. The administrative leader should be well versed on latest clinical techniques and cardiovascular research ensuring best practices are addressed and not overlooked.

Some of the most common causes of delays are from inaccurate completion of blood bank procedures, long turnaround times for patient reports, a lack of the chest film or lateral view, scheduling delays for patient testing, and lost pieces of the patients medical record. Addressing these topics during patient flow planning is essential in expediting the presurgery process. Once process gaps are identified it is important to develop a workable solution and education plan. Ongoing continuous quality management can evaluate the effectiveness of the changes and identify any additional needed areas of improvement.

The outpatient preadmission process should be flow charted to facilitate a smooth patient transition through the appointment schedule. This is the patients introduction to your heart program and efforts should be directed at providing the patient with a good first impression. The following issues should be addresses in the planning sessions for the preadmission appointment:

• What time of day is best to schedule preadmission appointments
• Where should the patient report
• Who will educate the patient on post operative care, incentive spirometer, skin prep, family waiting, and discharge needs
• Who will be involved in the preadmission process

Due to the need for a number of tests and significant clinical education it is recommended to schedule the preadmission appointment prior to the day of surgery. This provides the time to review the test results and provide comprehensive education for the patient. The preadmission process can be accommodated in a same day surgical appointment but more opportunities are present for process delays. Frequently included with the diagnostic testing are a listing of consults for anesthesia and other services, an insurance assessment, and completion of history and physical by a physician assistant /certified nurse practitioner if this has not been provided by physician office.

A standardized patient education session is a major component to patient surgical preparation. One of the first steps should be to determine who will be involved in the education process. Cardiac care coordinator, clinical nurse specialist, or cardiovascular unit staff nurses are good choices to provide the postoperative education. When multiple patient care providers are providing patient education it is recommended to script the education ensuring all topics are consistently presented. Many hospital heart programs are now offering preoperative cardiovascular patient education online through their website. This is another educational opportunity that compliments the individualized approach. The patient education session should be brief as to not frighten the patient, but should review the major care components such as monitoring, invasive lines, tubes, and alarms. Most patients are interested in knowing when the lines and tubes are inserted and how long they remain. Ambulation protocol should be explained so they can anticipate getting out of bed shortly after they awake from surgery.

Skin prep and other medications such as Bactroban (if they are a part of the night before prep) should be provided with written instructions and explanation for use. The educational session is also a good time to review specific discharge issues like the expected length of stay and need for someone to stay with them the first few days following discharge. A tour of the post op recovery unit allows the patient and their family to visualize the high level of care that will be provided. The committee should plan for how the sequence of appointments will flow to reduce wait times for the patients and all disciplines involved. This attention given to improving the preadmission process can increase the level of confidence the patient and family has in your program. It starts their surgical experience off on a favorable note.

For all open heart surgery patients test results should be reviewed with abnormal results provided to the surgeon as quickly as possible. If the patient is a diabetic, the anesthesiologist usually prefers to be informed of the morning blood sugar. Latest research correlates blood sugar levels with wound healing therefore; strict regulation of blood sugar levels is now common practice and can be a key to improved patient outcomes. Any preoperative indication of infection warrants physician notification such as an elevated temperature and abnormal blood or bacteria counts in the urinalysis. Carotid studies should be anticipated for patients that presents with clinical symptoms or at a specific age (commonly >65). Open heart surgery will be delayed if the patient has a significant carotid stenosis. This condition will likely require treatment before open heart surgery can be preformed. Chest x-ray report along with the films for posterior anterior and lateral views is another frequent source of open heart surgery delay. The films are needed and reviewed in the surgical suite helping the physician determine the depth of the incision. A lateral view is essential for all redo open heart surgery patients since adhesions may be present. The chest views enables the surgeon to determine the heart size, pulmonary vascular and possibility of calcification of the aorta.
 

A comprehensive preadmission process for open heart surgery patients sets the stage for preventing post operative complications and improving patient outcomes. Due to the complexity of open heart surgery and the expensive to perform it is prudent for the organization to ensure that the candidates are adequately assessed, well educated and prepared both clinically and psychologically for the event. These efforts help to achieve program goals and outcomes. Good patient outcomes are vital to open heart programs since they are monitored by most insurance providers, federal agencies, and available to consumers. Poor patient outcomes place the whole open heart surgery program in jeopardy. An efficient preadmission process can reduce costly delays and improve patient and family satisfaction. For these reasons it is of value to the organization to invest the time to guarantee the preadmission processes are smooth and efficient.

Soy Recipe Hearty Miso Soup Meal

One of the highlights of a meal at a good Japanese restaurant is miso soup. This is usually clear, often with chopped green onions, diced tofu, oriental dried mushroom slices, and delicate spices.

For home use, several brands of dehydrated miso soup are available in oriental and health-food stores. But a better way is to make your own, customized to your taste. Here is one of my recipes, which makes a complete meal. This soup is not clear.

Ingredients per person:

• two cups water
• angel hair pasta, about a half inch circle's worth
• fresh miso paste, from health-food store or similar, about a rounded tablespoonful
• one of the following enhancements
  * about half cup of diced or crushed firm tofu
  * one or two whipped eggs
  * the tofu with one egg
• optional: green spice mix, fresh ground black pepper, diced onions or garlic, and tablespoon of a good soy sauce

These quantities were determined by trial and error. Vary to suit your own tastes. The only negative about this recipe is that boiling miso can kill the healthful fermentation culture. If you have a food blender, you can pulverize the miso in some water, to add after the pasta is cooked. Otherwise, proceed as follows.

Place the water in a large enough pot, and bring to boil on stove top. Reduce heat, add miso, and use fork or spoon to break miso paste into small pieces. The angel hair pasta will cook in less than 5 minutes, as judged by it being very limp or by not being tough to bite test.

Add all other ingredients of your choice, and stir. The egg will be cooked by the soup into "egg drops".

Remove from heat. Cooling can be helped with one or two ice cubes stirred in, or 3 to 5 minutes placement in refrigerator.

Orientals would eat such a noodle soup with chop sticks, and a bowl that can be lifted to the mouth. Culturally deprived North Americans can use fork and spoon, alternating, to get a similar result.

This is a high protein meatless meal. I make it when I am in a hurry, or want something different for lunch, or just plain feel in the mood. Divided in half, it can be a side dish for dinner.

Tips to Prevent Heart Disease and Lead a Healthy Life

One of the greatest ailments that endanger your healthy life is undoubtedly the heart disease. As per statistics provided by the American Heart Association, 62 million Americans suffer from some form of cardio-vascular diseases like heart attack, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Close to, a million such cases per year turn fatal. Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. and about 1/3 of the deaths from heart disease could be prevented by a way of a better dietary habit.

Without analyzing the cause, you cannot prevent the effect. One of the prime catalysts of heart disease is the free radicals. Contrary to the belief, margarine, which you may think is preventing heart disease (thanks to widespread advertisements), is much more harmful than butter. The process of margarine preparation involves heating oils to very high temperatures. Such a high temperature transforms the oils into free radicals.

One of the best foods you can have is the egg.

The egg yolk contains about 250 mg of cysteine, a variety of amino acid. This cysteine is instrumental in the elimination of free radicals.

Another common cause of heart diseases is cholesterol.

However, the interesting fact is that bulk of the cholesterol is synthesized within the body itself and not taken as part of the diet. Cholesterol is a soft buttery substance. It joins hands with calcium and cause hardening of the arteries that results in heart disease.

We consciously avoid some fat-rich food, like butter in order to avoid heart disease. However, this notion is grossly incorrect. The real culprit for poor heart health is sugar rich processed food. For instance, let us observe the dietary habits of the Eskimos. They consume large quantities of blubber - a highly fat-rich food. Yet, the instance of heart disease in them is minimal, unless fizzy drinks and French fries influence their food habits.

Excess weight begets heart disease.

Therefore, you need to check your diet. However, you should remember that being overweight is the problem, not eating fats. Some essential fats like Omega 3 fish oil has healing power.

Surprisingly 150 years ago, heart diseases were almost unheard of. Some vested interests have made heart disease proliferate. The people, who manufacture drugs for heart disease, stand to gain enormously when a detected patient has to consume drugs for the rest of his/her life. What is worse, your doctor is also befooled by the drug manufacturers in the name of educating them.

Prescribing drugs is rooted to faulty medical education of the doctors. It is a pity that less than 2% time of a Harvard Medical school student is spent in learning preventive medicine and a minor slice is devoted to nutrition.

One of the well-known surgeries in this heart disease field is the bypass surgery. Contrary to what you know, bypass surgeries fail to lengthen your life span than those who go without it. Unfortunately, 2% to 4% of the cases of bypass surgery turn fatal on the operation table itself.

Respectable medical journals have started stating the truth - bypass surgery does not result in increase of life expectancy. Bypass surgeries do not attack the cause of the problem, merely attempting to repair damage. It leaves chances for falling pray to heart disease again. Only about 2 inches of the blood vessels are repaired without addressing the problem of hardening of the arteries.

Much to your horror, another bigger fraud exists than the bypass surgery. It is the heart drugs. Cholesterol drugs reduce the cholesterol to some extent, but it never prolongs your life. The most important adage in this context is prevention is better than cure. In order to prevent heart disease, be vigilant on your diet. Avoid fizzy drinks and calorie-rich fried food (but that doesnt mean fat).

Consumption of cholesterol drugs in order to prevent heart disease has ugly side effects. Instead of prolonging life, these drugs aid in shortening your life span. A study in Finland on heart disease shows that the probability of people suffering a heart attack is 46% higher for those who are regular consumers of cholesterol drugs.

The mantra is to go for a heart-friendly diet, prevent being obese and exercise regularly. Lend your heart a helping hand in combating heart disease.

Depression After Heart Attack

There are several factors can lead to depression after heart attack. The stress of being in the hospital, the fear of another heart attack, time away from work can all contribute to feeling depressed, helpless, down and despondent.

Do many people suffer depression after heart attack?

Not surprisingly, the answer to this question is yes. Recent studies show that as many as 65% of people who have a heart attack report feeling depressed, down and despondent. A general state of despair. Moreover, women, people who have been depressed before, and people who feel alone and without social or emotional support are at a higher risk for feeling depressed after a heart attack. Two new Canadian studies have shown that More than twice as many women than men tend to fall into chronic depression after suffering a heart attack and are more likely to lead lives of poorer quality following their treatments.

Being depressed can also make it harder for you to recover. However, depression can be treated.

Being told by doctors that you should take up exercise, adopt a new diet, stop smoking, etc. etc. etc. can certainly make you feel helpless, in fact, you will probably have good days and bad days following your release from hospital. However, most people start to feel better as time passes. People that are quickly able to get back to their usual routines normally notice a drop in anxiety faster than those that dont.

So what exactly is depression?

Depression, be it after a heart attack or not, is a medical illness, like diabetes or high blood pressure and not just somebody going crazy. This is important both for the sufferer and family members to understand. The symptoms of depression may include some or all of the following:

• Feeling sad or crying often
• Losing interest in daily activities that used to be fun
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Sleeping too much or having trouble sleeping
• Feeling agitated, cranky or sluggish
• Loss of energy
• Feeling very guilty or worthless
• Problems concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Can heart disease trigger depression or depression trigger heart disease?

Either of the above may be true, one thing seems clear. The two are often found hand in hand, therefore controlling one may help control the other.

According to The American Academy of Family Physicians research has shown that people who are depressed and have pre-existing cardiovascular disease have a 3.5 times greater risk of dying of a heart attack than patients with heart disease who are not depressed. In a recent study, depression was shown to be associated with an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease in men and women. Depression was shown to increase mortality related to coronary heart disease in men but had no effect on mortality in women.

How can the risk of relapse be avoided?
The risk of relapses, be it of heart disease or depression, can be greatly reduced by living a healthy lifestyle, and your doctor will instruct you on this. However, some important lifestyle modifications are avoiding alcohol, illegal drugs, smoking, start a regular exercise program, eating a balanced diet, manage stress, join a club, meet new people or take courses in things that interest you, get enough rest and sleep.

The Organ We Love - How The Heart Works

Being the strongest muscle in the body, the hearts purpose is to pump blood through our blood vessels through rhythmic contractions. To regulate blood pressure and volume, the heart secrets "ANF", which is a very powerful peptide hormone. It affects the regulatory region of the brain, as well as the kidneys, blood vessels, and the adrenal glands.

First off, i would like to clear up a worldwide rumor; the Heart is not located on the left side of your body! Its actual location is found in the center of your chest, just SLIGHTLY of to the left hand side, and underneath the sternum. For protection, the heart is enveloped in a sac called the pericardium, and is surrounded by the lungs. First thought is, "why does the strongest muscle in the body need so much protection?". It's fragile! Weighing in at about 300 grams, the heart consists of 4 chambers; 2 lower ventricles and 2 upper atria. Valves between the atrium and the ventricle control proper blood flow from one to the other.

The job of pumping blood everywhere in the body is a huge responsibilty. Each and every beat of the heart consists of a sequence of events called the cardiac cycle. "Cardiac" is greek, meaning "heart". There is 3 major steps in the sequence: atrial systole, ventricular systole and complete cardiac diastole. After the blood has completely left the atria, the atrioventricular valves (located between atria and ventricular chambers), close to prevent backflow. This function is what you would recognize as your heartbeat. Next, there is a contraction of the ventricles and flow of blood into the circulatory system. This is known as the ventricular systole. Once again, valves called "pulmonary" and "aortic semilunar" close to prevent backflow. After these 2 steps, the heart takes a quick break called complete cardiac diastole. This allows the refilling of blood and to start the process over.

Add Years to Your Life and Save Your Heart for Free

If you were told that you can add years to your life, get your cholesterol levels back to normal and protect yourself from heart disease and atherosclerosis, all for free would you believe it?

No need for the latest fashionable supplement or designer drug. No need to worry about unwanted drug side-effects and expense. You dont even have to be too concerned about your bad LDL cholesterol! Yes, you read correctly.

It sounds too good to be true, but it isnt

Every day the evidence is piling up that links an increased risk of heart disease and stroke more strongly to low levels of the good HDL cholesterol rather than to high levels of the bad LDL. Studies have clearly shown that for every one-milligram rise in HDL, the risk for developing cardiovascular disease falls by 2 to 3 percent. There is a really simple, zero cost way of increasing your HDL by 5mg that means a 15% reduction in the possibility of suffering from heart disease!

For some time it has been known that HDL cholesterol is a so-called negative risk factor, meaning high levels zeros one of your other risk factor on your overall health profile. But this latest evidence takes the HDL issue one step further.

The good news is that it is quite easy to increase levels of HDL and while doing so often levels of the so-called bad LDL decrease. So, you actually get twice your moneys worth. In fact, the HDL actually cleans up the potentially harmful cholesterol from your arteries and sends it off to the liver where it is eliminated. But it doesnt end there, it also acts as an antioxidant that helps stop oxidation the bad cholesterol. Inflammation has also been receiving a lot of press coverage as being one of the culprits for heart disease, well guess what? HDL is also an anti-inflammatory agent, helping to repair what artery disease. It can also help keep blood clots from blocking arteries.

So now all the buzz is on the good guy, which unlike LDL, that should be a low as possible; the higher your level of HDL cholesterol the better for your health. So now you can give your health a natural, zero cost boost and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

So, what should your HDL cholesterol levels be?

For some time it has been known that people who live into their 90's without evidence of heart disease, typically have very high levels of HDL. You should do your best to get your HDL levels up to at least 60 milligrams; levels below 40 mg for men and 50 mg for women, according to the most important international health institutions, are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Come on over to our site now by selecting the link below and find out how to get YOUR levels of HDL up to standard. Dont worry we dont push supplements or pharmaceuticals; we just give you the tips you need.

Heartburn Diagnosis And Treatment

Heartburn or pyrosis is a painful or burning sensation in the esophagus, just below the breastbone caused by regurgitation of gastric acid. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw. Heartburn is also identified as one of the causes of asthma and chronic cough.

Heartburn Diagnosis.

Physicians normally diagnose gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) based on symptoms alone. When the clinical presentation is uncertain, other tests can be performed to confirm the diagnosis or exclude other disorders. Confirmatory tests include:

Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Series: A series of x-rays of the upper digestive system are taken after drinking a barium solution. These can demonstrate reflux of barium into the esophagus, which suggests the possibility of gastro esophageal reflux disease. More accurately, fluoroscopy can be used to document reflux in real-time.

Ambulatory pH Monitoring: A probe can be placed via the nose into the esophagus to record the level of acidity in the lower esophagus. Because some degree of variation in acidity is normal, and small reflux events are relatively common, such monitors must be left in place for at least a 24-hour period to confirm the diagnosis of GERD. The test is particularly useful when the patient's symptoms can be correlated to episodes of increased esophageal acidity.

Endoscope test: The esophageal mucosa can be visualized directly by passing a thin, lighted tube with a tiny camera attached (an endoscope) through the mouth to examine the esophagus and stomach. In this way, evidence of esophageal inflammation can be detected, and biopsies taken if necessary.

Manometer test: In this test, a pressure sensor (manometer) is passed through the mouth into the esophagus and measures the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter directly.

Biopsy test: A small sample of tissue from the esophagus is removed. It is then studied to check for inflammation, cancer, or other problems.

Heartburn Treatment.

Prevention: If heartburn occurs when lying down, raising the head with pillows or sitting up frequently provides relief although care must be taken to avoid placing continuous strain on the neck. Avoidance of certain foods shortly before bedtime is frequently advised to avoid future attacks.

Medications: Antacids, H2-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors are used - in that order - to treat heartburn.

Antacids: Daily treatment with Antacids is effective for 25-30% of people with GERD. Acid-blocking medications are the most effective for mild forms of the condition.

H2-receptor antagonists: With the advent of proton-pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists are not widely used.

Proton-pump Inhibitors: Proton pump inhibitors are a class of medications which can be effective for people who do not respond to antacid or acid blockers. Proton-pump inhibitors directly block acid production in the stomach cells and provide more effective relief than less powerful medications. In order to prevent heartburn the medication disfigures and disables the proteins (proton pumps) that control the pH of the stomach, allowing the body to digest them.

Restricting Diet: Restricting diet is very important, since 90-95% of sufferers of heartburn or esophageal disorder can link their symptoms to specific foods. Therefore, it is important that heartburn sufferers manage their diets as a way to treat their heartburn. Sufferers should choose the kinds of foods and drinks which have little risk of causing acid reflux, while some kinds of foods or drinks should be avoided as they are major heartburn triggers.

Heart Attack Symptom, Causes and Treatment: Prevent Heart Attack with Right Diet!

Heart Attack Symptom, Causes and Treatment: Prevent Heart Attack with Right Diet!

A patient who has suffered a heart attack usually has severe chest pain which needs to be relieved. Also, he may be having other symptoms like shock, pulmonary oedema, heart failure or irregularities in the beat of the heat. All this needs immediate attention. Besides that, it is necessary to overcome shock and cardiac failure, if present, and any other complication that may arise.

Suggested Menu for a Heart Attack Patient!

Breakfast:

• Orange Juice
• Skimmed milk and cornflakes
• Skimmed milk-8oz
• Toast, unbuttered- 2 slice
• Tea or Coffee with skimmed milk
  

Lunch:

• Chapatti or boiled rice- 2 chapattis or 4oz rice
• Boiled vegetable or boiled beans or lentil- 4oz
• Skimmed milk curd
• Cheese prepared from skimmed milk
• Fresh fruit

Dinner: 

• Tomato juice
• Green Salad
• Boiled or roasted chicken, or lean meat
• Vegetable or green peas, boiled with slight addition of ground nut oil
• Mashed Potatoes made with ground-nut oil
• Pudding made with skimmed milk.

Heart attacks can be prevented by preventing the development of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. Besides other factors, the occurrence of atherosclerosis depends on the level of cholesterol in the blood. The level of cholesterol depends upon the intake of cholesterol and fats in the diet.

Diet Control

Diet Control is therefore of prime importance. Of the dietary fats, the unsaturated ones, not only do not increase the level of cholesterol, but also lessen it. Skimmed milk is best as it has lesser content of milk. Butter-milk which is made of curd is very god for the coronaries. Vegetables oils such as ground-nut oil, mustard, sesame, sunflower oil, contain a lot of unsaturated fat, and are good for coronaries.

Blood Pressure, which is when higher than normal, causes excessive stretching of the blood vessel wall and hastens its wear and tear. It accelerates the process of atherosclerosis. It is advisable to use less salt in the diet in order to lower the blood pressure and not depend upon drugs to do this job for you. Foods particularly high in salt are: pickles, canned soups and vegetables, sausages, hot dogs, ham, bacon, salted nuts, popcorn, potato chips etc.

Tip: Take the help of different spices to remove the bland taste in unsalted diet.