Ischemic heart disease occurs when there is a partial blockage of blood flow to the heart. When the heart does not get enough blood it has to work harder and it becomes starved for oxygen. If the blood flow is completely blocked then a myocardial infarction (heart attack) occurs.

As we age we naturally have plaques build up in our arteries. This is called arteriosclerosis which is a hardening of the arteries. This can lead to blood clots that can cause a heart attack or stroke.  Hardening of the arteries and blockage of major arteries is one of the leading causes of death by disease in the United States. In fact heart disease itself kills more people every year then the next 6 diseases combined.

The degree to which ischemic heart disease affects each individual depends on a variety of factors including age, genetics, diet and exercise habits, and smoking. For many people who are at high risk it is important to make certain lifestyle changes that will reduce this risk.

Since medical science and doctors know the causes of ischemic heart disease they also know the steps to take to prevent or reverse its effects. And the steps one can take to avoid its effects are actually quite simple. Eat a healthy diet and avoid foods high in saturated fat, get more regular exercise to strengthen the cardiovascular system, drink alcohol in moderation, and stop smoking. By making these types of simple lifestyle changes you can avoid and prevent the onset of this disease.

Saturated fats are one of the leading causes of plaque build up in the arteries. By avoiding fatty foods that contain these types of fats you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. In fact if you eat more fish that are high in omega 3 fatty acids you can significantly reduce the build up of plaques. Omega 3 help build up the good cholesterol call HDL which helps remove the bad cholesterol (LDL).

Exercise will significantly reduce the risk of ischemic heart disease by helping the body effectively remove excess body fat and reduce the risk posed by obesity. Any form of exercise, whether its daily walks, working around the yard, or a full on exercise program will work wonders when it comes to preventing this condition.

Just a few changes can make all the difference in the world when it comes to fighting and preventing ischemic heart disease.

To learn more about ischemic heart disease please visit the website Understanding Heart Disease by clicking here.

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Years of test have been unable to totally enlighten the cause of heart disease, also known as atherosclerosis or “hardening of the arteries.On the other hand, many “risk factors” have been recognized. The more risk factors a person has, the more is the likelihood that they will develop heart disease. The most common threat factors include – diabetes mellitus, elevated homocysteine, high cholesterol, obesity, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, chronic emotional stress, sedentary way of life and a family history of heart disease. Luckily, all of these risk factors can be modified and maybe eliminated.

Most of them appear to work during a final common path the discharge of toxic substances that irritate the lining of the arteries. This irritation tends to build up inflamed clumps of cholesterol and calcium-called plaque in the arterial walls. When the plaque gets thick, it causes a incomplete obstruction, slowing the blood deliver to tissues and organs downstream. If the blood deliver is totally shut off, the outcome can be a heart attack or stroke.

By making some simple changes in our lifestyle, taking a few nutritional supplements, exercising on a regular basis and involving in nurturing social activities, can maximize the chances at living a long and healthy life. To keep your heart and blood vessels healthy we should get some good amount of exercise. Deep breathing for 20 minutes, climbing the stairs instead of the elevator, brisk walking in the morning can make a lot of difference. Even yoga helps to calm the body and makes it strong from within. Swimming is supposed to be a great way to keep away from heart related diseases. It not only makes the body more strong but it is a overall fitness method. But we should keep in mind that overdoing exercise may worsen things. People suffering from heart related problems should undertake exercise programme under someone’s supervision.

Food plays a extremely important part in everyone’s life. People suffering from heart diseases should replace fried greasy food and refined carbohydrates with serving of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fiber li8ke oat bran, freshly grounded flax seeds also can do wonders for the body. Often people suffering from heart diseases are advised to eat freshly minced garlic clove and even fish oil. These are fat free food and do not in any way deposit any amount of fat in the artery walls of the heart.

Often stress can be a reason for heart attacks. Life is full of ups and downs but it should never take a toll on our health. Stress can often lead to heart attack it is extremely important to rewind and let the mind relax. Friends and family can frequently be great stress relievers. A short holiday or a chat with friends can ease the mind and body. The hustle bustle of life frequently takes away the charm of sitting back in leisure.

In order to lead a normal life we should avoid heavy junk food, exercise regularly and most importantly take the medicines on time. Often by skipping a medicine we can call for trouble. It becomes vital to have a disciplined life in order to life a long life with great health.

Read more on Ashwagandha for stress relief

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The majority of those who suffer from heart valve disease are born with it. It is mostly a congenital condition for people born with a narrow heart valve, leaky valves, valve flaps that are the wrong size or are to stiff. Many people are diagnosed with valvular heart disease when they are born. During their many baby well checks their pediatrician hears the tell-tell murmur that denotes a problem with the heart. For others they may not become aware of their condition until later during their life. There are also people who may never know they have this disease until it is to late when the only symptom is a sudden fatal heart attack.

While there are many people who are born with heart valve disease there are those who get this form of cardiovascular disease from some other disease or condition such as infective endocarditis, rheumatic heart disease, or even a heart attack. Children who are more susceptible to strep throat run a higher risk of rheumatic fever which can cause rheumatic heart disease and damage to the heart valves as they become adults.

Bacterial infections and endocarditis of the heart can also cause valve damage. These infections can be a result of medical procedures such as a surgery or dental work where bacteria are able to enter the body. The hearts valve leaflets are scarred by such an infection which can lead to heart valve regurgitation, which is a backflow of blood back through the valve.

Heart valve disease can be identified and diagnosed with the following tests:

1. Echocardiogram – This test is used routinely to diagnose valvular disease. Thickened valve leaflets, vegetations or growths on valve leaflets, myocardial function, and chamber size can be determined, and pressure gradients across valves and pulmonary artery pressures can be estimated. Either transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography may be used.

2. Chest X-ray – This can identify cardiac hypertrophy, chamber and great vessel enlargement, and dilation of the pulmonary vasculature. Calcification of the valve leaflets and annular openings may also be visible.

3. Electrocardiography – Can demonstrate atrial and ventricular hypertrophy, conduction defects, and dysrhythmias associated with valvular disease.

4. Cardiac catheterization – Is used to assess contractility and to determine the pressure gradients across the heart valves, in the heart chambers, and in the pulmonary system.

To learn more about heart valve disease please visit the website Heart Disease by clicking here.

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Cardio vascular disease continues to be a leading cause of death among North American’s (Yes, Canadian’s your death rates attributed to heart disease is almost as high as in the US).

As lifestyle factors play such a major role in heart disease, it is important to understands some aspects of the disease and what you can do to prevent it.

The heart is a muscle in the body that like all muscles needs its own supply of blood in order to function. Working properly, it then pumps blood through the circulatory system, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body and removing wastes such as carbon dioxide.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Heart disease begins in many when plaque begins to build up in the arteries. This causes the arteries to become narrow thereby restricting the blood flow through them.

As the blood flow is reduced, the amount of oxygen delivered to the heart is reduced. This tends to create pains in the chest, called angina. Heart attacks result when the blood flow to the heart is totally blocked.

Diets low in fat, high in fiber coming mainly from fruit and vegetables help the body respond to CAD. Omega-3 oils found in foods like cold water fish and flax seeds are of benefit for a healthy heart, as they are felt to inhibit the blood from becoming ‘sticky’ thereby limiting the likelihood of clots forming and may slow down the process of plaque formation.

Having high cholesterol levels can contribute to this greatly and it is recommended to have your levels checked with a simple blood test at your doctors office.  Your doctor will then give you tips to help lower your levels if they appear high.
In addition, regular exercise and stress reduction are also beneficial.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Congestive heart failure and related forms of heart failure affect over five million North Americans. It is a condition in which the heart cannot adequately supply the body’s other organs with blood. While a serious condition, the word failure does not mean that the heart stops beating.

As the pumping action of the heart is decreased, the blood does not move efficiently through the circulatory system and starts to back up, which then causes an increase of pressure in the blood vessels, and forces fluid from the vessels into body tissue. When the left side of the heart starts to fail, fluid tends to collect in the lungs, while when the right side starts to fail, fluid tends to collect in the feet and lower legs.

People with congestive heart failure tend to tire easily, have shortness of breath and can experience fluid retention and swelling. Diabetes, obesity and sleep apnea are commonly associated with CHF.

As with CAD a low fat, high fiber diet is recommended along with treatment for associated diseases. CoQ-10, a powerful antioxidant, has been clinically shown to be of benefit to CHF patients. Though exercise may be difficult for people with CHF, it would still be of benefit and therefore one should consult with their health professional to determine what the possibilities might be.

High Blood Pressure

As a leading cause of heart disease, high blood pressure, often called hypertension, is a condition in which too much pressure is being exerted on the walls of the arteries. Called ‘the silent killer’ high blood pressure can be present without a person experiencing any apparent symptoms.

In about 90% of high blood pressure cases an associated cause is not known. This is defined as primary hypertension. If it results from another disease or condition, it is called secondary hypertension and often returns to normal when the originating cause is treated.

There are some factors that though not causes, are often associated with high blood pressure such as: CAD as previously discussed, arteriosclerosis which is hardening of the arteries, imbalances in organs such as the kidneys, lungs and liver, obesity, lack of exercise, sodium (salt) sensitivity, alcohol consumption, and various pharmaceutical drugs. (Note this is not a comprehensive list.)

Once again a heart-healthy diet containing plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish, while low in saturated fats, salt and sugar is recommended for people with high blood pressure. As exercise helps lower blood pressure a regular exercise routine should become part of the daily routine.

Chickpeas, beans, soy products, proteins found in garlic, and other antioxidants such as bilberry help improve lipids in the blood and lower cholesterol. Avocados and nuts have been shown to boost your ‘good’ cholesterol.

Finally, a heart-healthy lifestyle will limit the amount of alcohol consumed as it has been shown to have an affect on cholesterol levels. It is recommended that women consume no more than one drink per day and men no more than two. Smoking has also been linked to heart disease, so the sooner a person can quit the better.

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