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health heart health

25 Heart Risk Factors You Need To Pay Attention After 40

25 Heart Risk Factors You Need To Pay Attention After 40

As you approach your 40s, heart health should be a significant concern. The American Heart Association released a report in 2015 indicating that around 6.3 percent of men and 5.6 percent of women between the ages of 40 and 59 struggle with coronary heart disease yearly. The rates are nearly double as the decade’s progress. Heart failure affects about 6.5 million people in the US, and Johns Hopkins states that heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization for people over the age of 65. 

You can protect your heart and avoid the health risks associated with poor heart health by looking out for these 25 heart risk factors. 

25 Heart Risk Factors You Need To Pay Attention After 40

1. Not Making Time For Vacations 

Taking some time for vacations is actually medically beneficial. In a study published in Psychosomatic Medicine in 2000, researchers asserted that middle-aged men who vacationed frequently were less likely to die from coronary heart disease compared to men who didn’t. The study was conducted over a nine-year period. 

2. Not Getting Enough Magnesium

If you’re concerned about the health of your heart, ask your doctor to check your magnesium levels. According to Clinical Calcium journal notes, “magnesium deficiencies are common and can be associated with risk factors and complications of heart failure.” Taking a magnesium supplement and eating foods like tuna, salmon, and beans can help raise your magnesium levels. 

3. Eating Too Much Meat 

As you age, it may be best to adopt a vegetarian diet or at least reduce your meat consumptions. People who eat red meat had three times the amount of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) as people who were vegetarian or only ate white meat. TMAO is a food byproduct that has been known to increase the risk of heart disease. 

4. Getting The Flu 

If you want to avoid a heart attack, you should get a flu shot annually. The New England Journal of Medicine published a 2018 study that included 360 patients who were hospitalized due to a heart attack. The study revealed that these individuals were six times more likely to be hospitalized a week after a flu diagnosis compared to times when the patients didn’t have the flu. 

5. Too Many Wrinkles 

Many adults 40 and over have a few wrinkles, but too many deep forehead wrinkles could be a sign of an unhealthy heart. A study at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in 2018 indicated that after following 3,200 adults for 20 years, 22% had wrinkles in their forehead and 2% had no wrinkles — 233 adults passed away during the time of the study. 

6.Breast Cancer Treatment

Less than 5% of the women diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States each year are younger than 40 according to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. A study published in 2013 from the New England Journal of Medicine states that rates of heart problems increased by 7.4% for each gray of radiation.

7.Living At Low Altitudes

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home in a low-altitude city like Washington, D.C. and you’re over 40, think again. Spanish researchers conducted a study with 6,860 undergraduates over a decade and discovered that those who lived at high altitudes had a significantly lower risk of developing insulin resistance, a risk factor for heart disease, then those living in lower altitudes. 

8. Diabetes 

Diabetes Care published a study in 2019 states that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in diabetic individuals. However, being diabetic doesn’t mean that individuals will die from heart disease. The same study indicates that other risk factors, including smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity can also make diabetics more susceptible to heart problems. 

9. Psoriasis 

One of the other main 25 heart risk factors to look out for it psoriasis. This condition causes internal and skin inflammation, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. If psoriasis is not treated for long periods of time, the condition can affect the blood vessel and heart, which increases the risk of heart disease.

10. Living In Noisy Cities 

People who have spent the majority of their lives in the city may experience health problems as they enter their 40s and 50s. The European Heart Journal asserts that long-term noise exposure, especially due to traffic, is connected to a high risk of cardiovascular death, particularly strokes. 

11. Late-Onset Asthma Development 

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America “asthma symptoms can occur at any time in life.” a 2016 study from the Journal of the American Heart Association involving participants for around 14 years and discovered that individuals with late-onset asthma have more of a chance of developing cardiovascular disease. 

12.Taking PPIs

Proton pump inhibitors or PPIs are medications for acid reflux and heartburn. Although these drugs are effective, a 2015 Stanford University asserted that PPIs can increase the chances of a heart attack, particularly for people who have had a heart attack in the past. 

13. Migraines 

Individuals who suffer from migraines should pay attention to factors that trigger these debilitating headaches. A 2009 study in Neurology states that people with migraines, particularly with aura, are at greater risk for angina, heart attack, stroke, and ischemic brain lesions. 

14. Eating Before Sleeping

It’s normal to eat dinner late in some regions of South America and Europe, but this can have serious consequences. Researchers in Brazil studied heart attack patients in 2019 and found that individuals who ate late at night were 4-5 times more likely to die from a heart-related event or to have another heart attack within 30 days of leaving the hospital. 

15. Not Eating Breakfast

Not having breakfast can be just as dangerous as eating too late. The same study from Brazilian researchers revealed that people who previously had heart attacks and regularly skipped breakfast were 4-5 times more likely to die from a previous or future heart attack within a month of hospital discharge. 

16. Use Antibiotics Regularly 

If you have to take an antibiotic for a few days to get rid of an infection, this isn’t a major health factor. However, antibiotics can be dangerous if taken for extended periods. Researchers published a 2019 study in the European Heart Journal indicating that women between 40 and 59 who took antibiotics for at least two months had a higher risk of heart issues. Antibiotics eliminate beneficial gut bacteria which can lead to health problems. 

17. Depression 

Individuals who often feel anxious and depressed should seek professional therapy or medication recommendations from a physician. Scientists discovered that adults older than 45 who have mental health issues have a greater risk of heart disease. Women with depression and anxiety are 44% more likely to have a stroke and men with anxiety and depression have a 30% higher likelihood or heart attack compared with men and women who don’t have their mental health issues, according to the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. 

18. Smoking E-Cigarettes 

E-cigarettes are often seen as a healthier option to conventional cigarettes. However, new research indicates that e-cigarettes can be just as harmful as traditional ones. a study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine in 2018 states that people who smoke e-cigarettes daily can almost double their risk of a heart attack. 

19. High Cholesterol 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated in 2015 than 12% of adults older than 20 had high cholesterol, and this is especially detrimental for people over the age of 40. Every ten years that a person lives with hypertension is connected to an increased risk of heart disease by 39%.

20. Insomnia

Getting little sleep or waking up in the middle of the night is bad for your schedule as well as your heart. Research in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology indicates that people with insomnia have an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Difficulty getting to sleep raises the risk of heart disease by 11% and sleep that is not restful leads to an 18% increased risk. 

21. Yo-yo Dieting 

A healthy weight is essential for a healthy heart; however, weight fluctuations can make it difficult to maintain heart health. Being active at least three times a week and engaging in at least 30 minutes of cardio during these sessions can keep your heart healthy. 

22. Excess Sodium

Hypertension is often connected to sodium intake and WebMD states that high blood pressure is connected to hypertensive heart disease. Consuming no more than 2300 mg of sodium daily is ideal for heart health. 

23. Loosing Teeth 

People who are losing teeth in their 40s should make an appointment with the cardiologist as well as the dentist. The American Heart Association asserts that middle-aged individuals who lost more than two teeth have an increased risk of heart disease; people who have lost teeth had a 23% increased risk of cardiovascular issues compared to middle-aged people who didn’t lose any teeth.

24. Going Gray 

The European Society of Cardiology’s EuroPrevent examined 545 men and discovered that the mean with half a head of gray hair or more had an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Researchers say that graying of the hair and atherosclerosis “occur through similar biological pathways” which is why gray hair could be a sign of potential heart problems. 

25. Artificial Sweeteners 

Artificial sweeteners are getting a lot of press, but they’re not that great for your heart. A 2017 study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal asserts that there is a definite connection between artificial sweeteners and high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It’s probably better to stick to real sugar, but in moderation. 

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Health Benefits of Foods

This Study Will Make You Eat an Egg a Day

This Study Will Make You Eat an Egg a Day

Studies have shown that eating an egg a day can actually reduce the risk of stroke, a condition where a blood vessel bursts in the brain or a blood clot stop the flow of blood in the brain. Either type of stroke is a medical emergency and potentially fatal. Stroke is in the top ten causes of death in the United States.

According to studies conducted by the EpidStat Institute of Ann Arbor, Michigan between 1982 and 2015, the reduction in the risk of stroke from eating an egg a day is about 12 percent. This finding, which was published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, is part of an overall evaluation of the role foods thought to be high in cholesterol have on overall health.

This Study Will Make You Eat an Egg a Day

Both coronary heart disease and stroke were studied. Though the consumption of an egg a day didn’t seem to effect the risk of heart disease, it did have an impact on stroke. Medical and nutrition experts are not quite sure why this is.

About Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat that the body uses to make hormones and cell membranes. There are several types of cholesterol, but people are mostly interested in LDL and HDL cholesterol.

RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Commonly Misdiagnosed Illnesses That Can Cost Your Life

Because the body can’t dissolve cholesterol in the blood, it needs to be transported by substances called lipoproteins, which are made in the liver along with cholesterol itself. Low-density lipoprotein or LDL is responsible for transporting most of the body’s cholesterol. Though it is not harmful when its levels are normal, it can adhere to the inside lining of the arteries. This can form plaques that put the person at risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Optimal levels of LDL cholesterol are 100 to 129 milligram per deciliter.

READ ALSO:  THIS May Save Your Life: The Difference Between A Heart Attack, Stroke And Cardiac Arrest

High-density lipoprotein or HDL is considered the “good” cholesterol. It’s considered good because it finds excess LDL cholesterol and carries it to the liver, where it can be reprocessed or excreted. This is how HDL cholesterol protects against cardiovascular disease. Optimal levels of HDL cholesterol are 60 mg/dL and over. The best levels for complete cholesterol levels are lower than 200 mg/dL.

About Eggs


One of the reasons that experts believe that eggs help lower the risk of stroke is that the yolk contains omega-3 fatty acids, which naturally lower levels of LDL cholesterol while increasing the levels of HDL molecules. Eggs not only help increase the amount of HDL in the bloodstream but allow it to do its job more efficiently. Eggs are also very high in choline and other B vitamins and give a person 100 percent of the daily values of vitamins A, D, E and K. Both vitamin A and E are antioxidants, which protect the body from being damaged by free radical molecules. This protection extends to the cardiovascular system.

Thanks to this study and others, people who were wary of eating an egg a day should take comfort. An egg a day not only doesn’t raise the levels of “bad” cholesterol but can actually reduce their risk of stroke.

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Health and Food

Don’t Consume Garlic If You Have Any of These Conditions. It’s Very Dangerous!

Don't Consume Garlic If You Have Any of These Conditions. It's Very Dangerous!

Raw garlic continues to be applied as a traditional remedy when it comes to the prevention and treatment of various health concerns the world over. Hypertension, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, reduced blood flow caused by narrowed arteries, heart attack, and atherosclerosis are only a few of such concerns. As such, it is quite obvious that garlic is among the most beneficial foods, not to mention healthiest. But is it always safe to consume garlic?

Allicin is the active compound found in garlic. This compound lowers blood pressure by using a mechanism similar to that employed by blood pressure drugs such as ACE inhibitors. According to experts, garlic helps the relaxation of blood vessels by preventing the creation of a hormone known as angiotensin II. Garlic is also quite useful and efficient when it comes to controlling LDL cholesterol.

Not only does garlic add flavor to foods, but it is also useful as a natural health remedy for a wide variety of medical conditions. Incredibly, garlic is also among the best immune-boosting foods available today. A recent study found that those who consume garlic on a daily basis reduce their chances of catching flu and colds by a staggering 63%. Garlic oil, which most people prepare for personal use, helps to speed up treatment when it comes to ear infections. This oil also comes in handy for the treatment of stubborn Staph infections.

Consumption of raw garlic can lead to heartburn, bad breath, nausea, gas, lingering pungent tastes, and undesirable body odors. However, each of these potential effects depends on individual body chemistry. As such, you should consider moderation and remember to exert extreme caution when consuming garlic. Regardless of the benefits it offers, the consumption of garlic can prove perilous in some cases including:

When combined with anticoagulant drugs: Garlic works a natural anticoagulant, which means it is excellent for treating blood circulation issues due to its ability to make blood more fluid. The enhanced fluidity of blood prevents clots, heart-attack-causing blood clots, stroke, and thrombosis among others. When combined with anticoagulant drugs, the consumption of garlic can cause too much blood fluidity, which usually leads to unnecessary and excessive bleeding.

RELATED ARTICLE: The Right Way To Consume Raw Garlic To Flush Out Parasites From Your Body

When combined with several types of medication: Be very careful and ensure you consult a doctor before you consume garlic if you are on any other medication. Garlic has the ability to enhance the effects of many different drugs, which might cause more problems than solutions.

If you have a liver problem: According to experts, anyone suffering from liver complications should not consume garlic. Consumption of garlic might limit your liver’s breakdown of some drugs or reduce the effectiveness of the medication you take for your liver problems. All types of medicines, particularly birth control drugs, are prone to adverse interactions with garlic regardless of the form ingested.

If you have a sensitive stomach: Avoid the consumption of garlic if your stomach is sensitive. Ingesting either too much garlic or onions might irritate or aggravate your gastrointestinal tract. When taken together with stomach medications, garlic can also lead to some gastrointestinal counter-indications.

During pregnancy: Every pregnant woman has to avoid the consumption of garlic. Although ingesting moderate amounts of raw garlic while pregnant is generally considered safe, it might prove inadvisable. Women should also refrain from eating raw garlic during the entire breastfeeding duration regardless of whether it is in medicinal or therapeutic amounts.

Hypotension: Refrain from eating garlic if you already have low blood pressure, or you fall within the average range of blood pressure. In such cases, you might enhance the possibility of lowering your own blood pressure to a range that is even lower than it was initially. However, experts recommend sparing intakes of garlic in moderate amounts. Because knowledge of how much you can safely handle can only be until you are rushing to the hospital, it might be a better idea to avoid it all the same.

Conclusion
According to research, although garlic is quite beneficial, it also comes with some almost unforeseeable risk factors. For instance, you can never be too sure about your range of blood pressure if you fall within the normal range. In this case, the consumption of garlic can prove quite perilous. It is, therefore, imperative to seek a doctor’s advice and guidance before you include garlic in your daily diet.

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Vitamins Deficiency

Why Your Family Needs Vitamin K And What Are The Main Signs You’re Lacking It

Why Your Family Needs Vitamin K And What Are The Main Signs You’re Lacking It

Why Your Family Needs Vitamin K And What Are The Main Signs You’re Lacking It

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Vitamin K is an essential vitamin that can be found in leafy vegetables. It comes in several forms, and two of them can be obtained in the United States. K1 is the most popular form, because it is stronger and works faster. It also is not as toxic as K2. Vitamin K3 is artificial.

Vit k

Why You Need Vitamin K Daily

The primary benefit of vitamin K is that it helps the blood to clot. Patients may also be given supplemental vitamin K when taking certain medications that cause bleeding, such as quinine, quinidine, salicylates, sulfonamides, and antibiotics. People who are on dialysis may also be given vitamin K to help reduce cholesterol.

Like most vitamins, it is necessary to help prevent a variety of diseases. When there are sufficient amounts of vitamin K, it can help to prevent the following:

• Arterial calcification
• Cardiovascular disease
• Varicose veins
• Osteoporosis
• Dementia
• Prostate cancer
• Lung cancer
• Liver cancer
• Leukemia
• Pneumonia

RELATED ARTICLE: 9 Worst Signs Of Calcium Deficiency And What Is Your Adequate Amount Of Calcium

Vitamin K can also be applied directly to the skin. Many people use it to eradicate issues like rosacea, spider veins, bruises, scars, and stretch marks. It is often also applied directly to surgery sites to speed up healing. An injection of vitamin K may be given to prevent clotting.

Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin K Deficiency

Not having enough vitamin K will be evidenced in several ways. Problems may include one or more of the following:

• Anemia
• Bruising
• Severe aortic calcification
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Osteoporosis
• Coronary heart disease
• Gastrointestinal bleeding

Most Americans will get enough vitamin K in their diet. Those who are more apt to have a deficiency include alcoholics, people with liver disease, and those with gastrointestinal problems, such as those with colitis, cystic fibrosis, and Crohn’s disease. People who take antibiotics over a prolonged period may also have reduced levels of vitamin K, because some of the body’s needs for the vitamin is produced in the intestines. Taking aspirin over long periods can also reduce vitamin K intake levels.

Foods That Are High in Vitamin K

Healthy eating will normally provide a good amount of vitamin K in the diet, which should be about 90 mcg per day for women, and about 120 for me, according to the National Institute for Health. Vegetables are the primary source of the vitamin and the highest levels are found in kale (1,147 mcg per cooked half cup), spinach (988 mcg per cooked half cup), and collards (1,059 mcg per cooked half cup).

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It can also be found in:

Other Vegetables:
• asparagus (144 mcg per 4 spears)
• broccoli (220 mcg per cup, cooked)
• mustard greens (830 mcg per cup, cooked)
• turnip greens (529 mcg per cup, cooked)
• cabbage (163 mcg per cup, cooked)
• brussel sprouts (219 mcg per cup, cooked).
Beans and soybeans
Fruit:
• Strawberries (2.2 mcg per berry)
• Avocado (21 mcg
• Grapes (22 mcg per cup, raw)
• Prunes (28 mcg per 5 prunes)
• Kiwifruit (28 mcg per fruit)
Meat:
• lamb (5.3 mcg per 3.5 ozs.)
• duck (3.8 mcg per 3.5 ozs.)
• beef liver (3.9 mcg per 3.5 ozs.)

In order to get the most benefit from vitamin K in the foods you eat, you need to eat some fat with it.

Warning Signs of Vitamin K Deficiency

Vitamin K is certainly one of the most important vitamins necessary for good health. As you can see from the above lists of problems caused by deficiencies, a lack of it affects a wide range of problems – and all of them are serious. Vitamin K is also necessary to complete the process of changing some proteins into biologically active (useful) ones, say vitamins-supplements.org.

The human body only stores a couple of days’ worth of the vitamin, so a constant supply is needed. While many people do get enough vitamin D to cause sufficient clotting, there is not enough to help prevent some of the other potential issues. Vitamin D is also important for the body’s proper utilization of vitamin K. Each one is essential for the body to be able to efficiently use the other one.

The Importance of Vitamin K for Kids and Old People

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, when newborns are born, a shot of vitamin K is often given by injection. Children need vitamin K because of their frequent falls, and the elderly need it because of various health problems.

People who are on blood thinners need to consult their doctor about how much vitamin K they should take. Some other medications may also negate the effects of the vitamin, or vice versa.

Conclusion

Vitamin K is often lacking in many people’s diets today. It can be supplemented easily, and taking vitamin K2 is probably the best form.

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Categories
Health and Food

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat 3 Bananas A Day

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat 3 Bananas A Day

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but what about three bananas? Multiple studies have revealed that consuming three bananas per day reaps plenty of health benefits. If you’re looking to incorporate more fruit into your diet and want one that will not just taste great but also yield wonderful physiological results, look no further than the lowly banana.

benefitsa

What’s in a Banana?

Bananas are an excellent source of manganese, potassium, vitamin B6, biotin, copper, and dietary fiber.

Manganese

helps the body form strong connective tissues and bones, assists in blood clotting and affects love hormones. It is necessary for proper vital brain and nerve function.

Potassium

is a vital mineral for every cell in the body. All of your cells and organs need potassium to thrive, and it also contributes to bone health and skeletal and smooth muscle function. Potassium, therefore, plays a large role in proper digestion and movement.

Vitamin B6

is one of the eight essential B vitamins that assist in the body’s metabolism, converting food to glucose, which produces energy. Vitamin B6 also gives you healthy eyes, hair, skin, and liver. It also helps the nervous system function properly. Although vitamin B6 deficiency is uncommon in the United States, not getting enough can cause serious health issues. Boosting your intake can make you feel stronger and healthier, and will help you look better.

Biotin

is also a part of the B vitamins family and contributes to hair health and proper nervous system function. It also helps the body metabolize fats and carbohydrates efficiently. Copper is a multipurpose mineral found throughout the body that helps make red blood cells and keeps your immune system strong. It also helps form the connective tissue of bones and muscles called collagen and can act as an antioxidant.

Dietary fiber helps regulate the body’s speed of digestion, so getting enough is essential to proper nourishment and metabolic function.

Health Benefits of Eating Three Bananas a Day

Improved Digestion

Consuming three bananas can help ease constipation as well as make you feel fuller for longer periods of time. Since bananas are packed with both soluble and insoluble fibers, they assist in the digestion and can regulate your digestive speed. This makes them a perfect breakfast staple since they’ll leave you feeling more satisfied and ready to start the day rather than spending your whole morning fantasizing about lunch.

Lower Blood Pressure

A single banana packs around 422 mg of potassium and next to zero sodium. This ratio helps neutralize blood pressure, as high blood pressure is the major effect that sodium has on our body.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

High-fiber foods are good for the heart, so eating three bananas a day can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD). The fiber boost you’ll receive from eating a couple of bananas a day will lower your risk of developing heart disease, as well as assist with other dietary functions related to fiber, such as regulated bowel movements, proper digestion and the absorption of nutrients.

RELATED ARTICLE: THIS May Save Your Life: The Difference Between A Heart Attack, Stroke And Cardiac Arrest

Suppressed Hunger Pangs

Although there are plenty of 3-day and 7-day banana diets floating online, incorporating three bananas into your daily diet can actually help you maintain a slim figure. Since the fiber helps regulate digestion and keeps you fuller for longer, bananas can keep you from constantly craving a snack. Even the smell of bananas has been proven to quell hunger pangs!

Improved Athletic Performance

Bananas provide antioxidants and nutrients needed to boost your muscles. A study by Appalachian State University’s Human Performance Lab found that consuming a banana every 15 minutes during a cycling trial was as beneficial to the workout as consuming a sports drink equal in carbohydrates.

Happiness Boost

Magnesium is an essential part of a human being’s diet. Men and women require 420 mg and 320 mg of magnesium per day respectively. Without adequate magnesium levels, people can experience anxiety, depression, irritability, and other mood disruptions. One medium banana has approximately 27 mg of magnesium, so grabbing a banana when you’re feeling a bit low could be just what you need to pick you up and get you through the rest of the day.

Summary

Bananas present a wide array of health benefits, so if you’re wanting to boost your fiber intake and improve your overall diet, the habit of eating three bananas a day may be a good one to practice. It is important to note that due to their high sugar content, it is not recommended for anyone who has diabetes to consume three bananas a day or any other foods that could raise their blood sugar.

If these health benefits don’t have you convinced, then consider these non-health perks: rubbing a banana skin on your teeth for two minutes before brushing can lead to brighter pearly whites and they’re perfectly safe for dogs, so you and your furry friend can enjoy the same healthy treat.

So what are you waiting for? Get peeling!

Categories
Symptoms

The Warning Signs From Your Body You Should Never Ignore

The Warning Signs From Your Body You Should Never Ignore

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One of the best ways to stay healthy is to constantly analyze any signs that our body is giving us. Humans have a huge amount of feedback from their bodies, but there are a few symptoms that no one should ever ignore. Here is a closer look at a handful of warning signs that might indicate a serious medical issue is taking place.

Sudden Headaches

A headache could be nothing more than a pinched nerve or dehydration, but any severe headache that comes on quickly requires immediate action. This type of discomfort could be the result of any number of medical issues that are taking place such as a burst blood vessel. The most severe headaches will generally peak in terms of pain within just a few minutes and can last for five minutes or longer.[Slideshow: Cure Headaches and Migraines Without Pills]

Unexplained Weight Loss

Those that are not trying to lose weight and do not have a history of fluctuating weight should understand that weight loss could be a sign of trouble. For the average individual, gaining or losing more than a pound of weight per week will put an incredible amount of strain on the body. [/nextpage][nextpage title=”…”] In terms of losing weight, it may be nothing more than digestive issues, but sudden weight loss could also indicate a much more severe problem such as a tumor or failing organ.

Chest Pain

Chest pain is one warning sign that no one should ever ignore no matter their age or their overall health. Chest pain will often manifest itself as either a dull throb or a sharp pain through the center of the chest, both of which can be a precursor to a heart attack. When the heart is having difficulty pumping blood it will also affect other parts of the body. Those with a troublesome heart rate will often notice pain around their shoulders and up through their jaw.

Sharp Abdominal Pain

The abdomen is home to a number of organs, and this means that any severe pain that has come about for no clear reason should result in an immediate trip to the hospital. If there are medical problems such as an infection in one of the organs, there may be secondary signs to keep an eye out for as well. This includes blood in one’s stool, dizziness, and a change in one’s appetite over a long period of time.

Burning Sensation on Hands and Feet

When appendages are not receiving enough blood it will cause a tingling or burning sensation as the nerves send the brain erratic feedback. If this lasts for more than a few moments or happens often, however, a patient should schedule an appointment with their doctor. When left untreated, chronic circulation issues could permanently damage nerve cells around the hands and feet.

The human body is extremely complex, and this includes its ability to give us warning signs when serious medical issues are beginning to take place.

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Health and Food heart health

What Happens To Your Body When You Drink Soda?

What Happens To Your Body When You Drink Soda?

What Happens To Your Body When You Drink Soda?

Over the last several decades, drinking soda has become a universal habit that is seen throughout the world and spans every culture and socioeconomic level. Many studies have found that ingesting excessive amounts of soft drink beverages can result in long-term health problems.

What Happens To Your Body When You Drink Soda

Obesity

Soft drinks are loaded with sugar, in fact, drinking just one can of soda exceeds the recommended daily amount of carbohydrates for an entire day. On its own, sugar contains about half the calories as fat per gram, but when excessive amounts are consumed, the body converts sugars into fat. When people consume a can or more a day of soft drinks, they are adding an excessive amount of sugar to a diet that already contains an indeterminate amount of carbohydrates.

Heart Disease

Recent studies have shown that individuals who regularly drink sodas are 61% more likely to suffer from heart maladies than their counterparts who rarely indulge in fizzy drinks. The long term vascular changes from consuming soft drinks are caused by caffeine and its dehydrating effect which results in an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.

Metabolic Syndrome

Research has linked moderate to high soda consumption with the development of metabolic syndrome, a condition marked by increased abdominal girth, hyperglycemia, hypertension and low HDL cholesterol. The cocktail of ingredients found in soft drinks such as sugar, caffeine, carbonation, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners set the stage for creating an unhealthy reaction in the body. Individuals suffering from metabolic syndrome have a higher likelihood to experience:

Stroke
Heart disease
Diabetes
Obesity

a sip of soda

Dental Problems

Drinking soda is associated with an increase in tooth decay, whether the soft drink contains sugar or artificial sweeteners. The beverages create acidic conditions in the mouth that make the teeth more susceptible to the damaging effects of sugar that result in cavities.

Kidney Disease

A recent study found that women who consumed two or more diet soft drinks per day were at risk from suffering kidney disease caused by the damaging effects of artificial sweeteners. Women who drank sodas sweetened by sugar did not have an increase in kidney problems.

 

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sleep

How Many Hours of Sleep Does a Woman REALLY Need?

How Many Hours of Sleep Does a Woman REALLY Need?

Duke University scientists find women need more sleep than men

Researchers have recently discovered that lack of sleep can be more physically damaging to women than to men. Scientists at Duke University conducted a study tracking 210 middle aged men and women who were never diagnosed with a sleeping disorder. Participants in the study did not use any medications, including hormone replacement therapy, and all participants were non-smokers.

Women Need More Sleep Than Men

The Basis Of The Study

Participants that met the above criteria were tracked by two methods. They were asked to record their sleeping habits and how they felt each morning after waking up and they provided blood samples so specific biomarkers could be tracked.

What the study found was that over 40 percent of people who normally did not think that they had a sleeping problem actually did. These “problems” were classified as having trouble falling asleep each night and frequently waking. Of this group, a majority of the people who had these problems were women.

Poor Sleep Can Harm Women

Women who recorded poor sleeping habits reported more emotional turmoil in their lives, frequently had bouts of depression, and believed that they became angry too often. Amazingly, men who had poor sleeping habits did not report the same type of issues.

Physically, women also had significant changes in their blood chemistry when they were sleep deprived. Large amounts of c-reactive proteins were found in women with poor sleep. In fact, 33 percent of the women with poor sleep habits in the study had such high levels of c-reactive protein in their system that they were at high risk for heart disease.

Additionally, these same women had higher levels of insulin in their blood. These high levels, over time, can lead to insulin resistance and Type II diabetes.

Further research is taking place at this time to discover why poor sleep impacts women differently than men. Scientists theorize that this may be due to certain hormone or amino acid levels in the body which vary greatly between the genders.

For optimal health, women should try for a minimum of seven hours a sleep a night, with nine hours being the perfect amount.

Related Link: Recommended Sleep Times According To The National Sleep Foundation

This is not the first study that suggests women need more sleep than men. In fact, one of Britain’s leading researchers on sleep concluded that women actually need twenty minutes more shut-eye, because of the multi-tasking brain of women.

“One of the major functions of sleep is to allow the brain to recover and repair itself,” said Professor Jim Horne, director of the Sleep Research Centre at Loughborough University, United Kingdom.

“During deep sleep, the cortex – the part of the brain responsible for thought, memory, language and so on – disengages from the senses and goes into recovery mode.
“The more of your brain you use during the day, the more of it that needs to recover and, consequently, the more sleep you need.

“Women tend to multi-task – they do lots at once and are flexible – and so they use more of their actual brain than men do. Because of that, their sleep need is greater.

“A man who has a complex job that involves a lot of decision-making and lateral thinking may also need more sleep than the average male – though probably still not as much as a woman.”

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heart health Most Popular women's health

7 Warning Signs of Heart Attack In Women

Symptoms of myocardial infarction, or heart attack, are different in men and women. Experts say signs of heart attack exhibited in men are not displayed by women. This difference in the exhibition of heart attack signs between men and women is very important. Women often ignore their heart attack symptoms. Extreme chest pressure is one of these symptom. It’s important to understand the signs of heart attack in women as it can happen at any time.

Here are 7 signs of heart attack in women:

1. Unexplained Fatigue:

More than 70 percent of women suffer from extreme fatigue before a heart attack. They suddenly feel exhausted even after small tasks like getting up from a chair and going to the kitchen. Flu-like exhaustion is also experienced by women. This fatigue is different from chronic fatigue that is caused by hormonal imbalance.

2. Struggling while sleeping:

If you are unable to fall asleep it may indicate a heart attack. It’s difficult to detect this sign as it may be due to many other reasons, if you notice any unexplained reasons or prolonged disturbance in your sleep this may be warning you of a heart attack. One study found almost half of women who had a heart attack experienced sleep disturbances beforehand.

3. Pain:

If you are experiencing mild pain in your jaw, back, shoulder, neck, or ear, these might be signs of heart attack. Women usually don’t feel the numbness in chest and shoulder like men, but may feel tightness running along their jaw and going down the neck.

These mild pains can expand down to shoulders towards left side. Pressure in breastbone and upper back are also signs of heart attack in women.

4. Shortness of Breath:

Difficulties taking long and deep breaths is a bad sign. More than half of women suffer shortness of breath before the heart attack. They find it difficult to talk from inability to catch oxygen. This is one of the most common early heart attack signs in women.

5. Indigestion or Nausea:

Dizziness or nausea is a sign prior to heart attack women often display. They may have indigestion or vomit shortly before their heart attack. The chances of experiencing gastrointestinal problems double in women before a heart attack.

6. Anxiety and Stress:

Women often feel anxious, stressed, and keyed up before a heart attack. Anxiety is a common sign of heart attack in women, more than 30% of women get this symptom. This has been described as a feeling of impending doom by several women.

7. Sudden Sweat:

Sudden pallor for no apparent reason is not a good sign and may be an indicator of heart attack. More than 40% of women feel dizzy and break into a cold sweat before a stroke. You should call 911 when you experience abrupt lightheadedness or dizziness, these signs should not be taken lightly.

Immediately notify your doctor if you observe any of the above-mentioned signs in you or anyone else.

7 Warning Signs of Heart Attack In Women
[Last Updated on June 2nd 2015]

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Facts Health and Food

7 Things To Do For Suspected Heart Attack

7 Things To Do For Suspected Heart Attack

7 Things To Do For Suspected Heart Attack
BY Positivemed Team
Edited By: Stephanie Dawson

• Call 911
The first and most important step is to call 911 or your local ambulance number. You should ensure that as soon as you see symptoms of a heart attack you immediately call so that the ambulance can arrive as early as possible. Remember, the first few minutes can save a life if dealt with properly. When it comes to the heart, time is muscle.

• Make sure patient continues breathing and has a pulse until the ambulance arrives
Once you have called the ambulance, the second step is to make sure that the patient does not lose breath and maintains a pulse. This can be done by keeping the patient calm and warm. Deep breaths should be taken in such a situation.

• Perform CPR and artificial respiration if needed
The aims of cardiopulmonary resuscitation are twofold. Firstly, to artificially pump blood out of the heart and around the body, this is provided by chest compressions, and secondly to artificially blow oxygen into the lungs by mouth to mouth resuscitation. Only do it if you are trained.

7 Things To Do For Suspected Heart Attack

• Chew and swallow aspirin
Aspirin makes the blood platelets less sticky which inhibits blood clotting and helps the blood flow through narrowed arteries. Chewing an aspirin during a heart attack reduces the risk of death by more than 25%.

• Give Nitroglycerin tablets
If your doctor has prescribed nitroglycerin tablets take them as directed. Take one pill at a time until the pain has stopped or medical help arrives. These pills should not be taken without doctor’s prescription.

• Start coughing vigorously
Start coughing repeatedly and vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough. The cough must be deep and prolonged. Repeat coughing every two seconds without ceasing until help arrives or until the heart starts beating normally again.

• Loosen clothing and shoes
When the symptoms of heart attack are clearly visible immediately remove the shoes of the patient and loosen their clothing. Tight clothing becomes a constraint to proper blood flow and can increase the chances of death.

Source
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Blood natural remedies

Circulatory Problems, Lessened Naturally

How to Manage Poor Circulatory Problems Naturally

Circulatory problems occur when the blood flow is limited to parts of the body such as hands, feet, brain, heart, and lungs. Plaque builds up in our arteries and causes the restriction of blood flow and hardening of the arterial walls. Some of the diseases that can be caused by this include hypertension, stroke, varicose veins, Raynaud’s phenomenon, blood clots, kidney disease, heart disease, and peripheral artery disease.

Poor blood circulation can impact the entire body, including:

  • Effects upon the brain – poor blood circulation can impact the brain causing fatigue, dizziness, memory loss, and frequent and unexplained headaches.
  • Effects upon the heart – poor blood circulation can have an impact on the heart, causing inability to perform simple aerobic activities like climbing stairs without breathlessness; high blood pressure and cholesterol, and chest pain can be other symptoms. Heart attack and stroke are major risks of poor circulation that remains untreated.
  • Effects upon the liver – symptoms of poor blood circulation in the liver can include lack of appetite or unexplained weight loss, and changes in skin tone.
  • Effects upon the kidneys – poor circulation to the kidneys are typically the result when there is swelling of the hands, feet and ankles. Other symptoms can include fatigue, altered heart rate and rise in blood pressure.
  • Effects upon the limbs – with poor circulation, cramps in the limbs, numbness and varicose veins can appear as symptoms.

Symptoms include :

  • Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in extremities
  • Cold hands, feet, or ears
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Dizziness
  • Dry and/or Itchy Skin
  • Edema
  • Varicose veins
  • Leg or foot ulcerations
  • Headaches
  • Muscle cramps
  • Dandruff
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Sluggish Memory

Medical problems that can cause contribute to poor circulation include smoking, anxiety, diabetes, high cholesterol, weight gain, high blood pressure, heart problems, anemia, asthma, food allergies, bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, eating disorders, and many others. A doctor will need to determine the cause before administering treatment.

Mild cases can be improved with aerobic exercise and diet. A person should exercise regularly and eat a low-fat high-fiber diet. If the person has mobility problems due to a stroke or something similar regular assisted range of motion exercises will help.

Foods that improve circulation are fruits, especially those rich in Vitamin C and lycopene, think citrus, watermelon, and tomatoes, nuts, which are rich in Vitamin B3, garlic, and avoiding fatty and sugary foods.

Diet and exercise should be used at a pace you are comfortable with, in severe cases they should be used in conjunction with your doctor’s plan and advice.
 
[Last Updated on June 20th 2014]

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all positive experiences Fitness health Health and Food Health News health posters heart health infographics weight loss weight loss

Coronary Heart Disease, the Short Version

Coronary Heart Disease, the Short Version

This is a great poster! Six easy steps to help avoid coronary heart disease, the basics on how to treat it, and surgery basics. On the whole I think it’s better to try to avoid it as much as possible.  An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

Categories
Chronic disease health health posters heart health

Understanding Coronary Heart Disease

Understanding Coronary Heart Disease

Did you know that Coronary Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States? For every 10,000 people, an estimated 200 pass away from this common heart disease. The conditions of atherosclerosis and coronary thrombosis are together known as coronary heart disease (CHD). Atherosclerosis is a degenerative disease of the large and medium sized arteries, where the growth of wall tissue and accumulation of cholesterol cause the artery wall to bulge inwards — thus preventing blood flow. The atherosclerotic arteries tend to form blood clots, which in turn is called thrombosis. These blood clots prevent cells in the artery walls from contracting, thus causing myocardial infarction —also known as a heart attack.

heart attack vs cardiac arrest vs stroke

Much research has been done to attempt to identify factors that increase the risk of CHD. The following factors all increase the statistical risk:
– Increasing age
– Being male rather than female
– Having a family history of CHD
– Obesity
– Physical inactivity
– High blood pressure
– Tobacco smoking
More equivocally is the effect of diet; there is much evidence for dietary factors increasing the risk of CHD. This is why it’s so important to eat healthy! Trans-fat, saturated fat intake, and cholesterol intake have all been positively correlated with CHD. Trans fats can be found in prepackaged foods like cookies, crackers, and potato chips, as well as fried foods like French fries and doughnuts. Saturated fats can be found in butter, oils, shortening, and the fat in some meat products. In turn, trans fats and saturated fats raise blood cholesterol levels. The easiest preventive measures you can take are to exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet. Why become another statistic?

By Sanjana Umarale

Categories
Chronic disease health posters infographics

What You Should Know About Heart Disease

What You Should Know About Heart Disease

Here’s an infographic for those who want to know more about heart disease and effective ways to avoid it:


 

Categories
Health and Food Heart Disease heart health

Spicy Foods Fight Heart Disease

spicy bibimbap

Spicy foods, such as those foods you may have tried in Indian, Mexican or Korean restaurants, infused with curry and different peppers, have been shown to fight heart disease — the number one cause of death in the western world. Capsaicin, the compound that is responsible for the hot taste of spicy foods has been determined to be key in bolstering the protective qualities of the heart. Interestingly, this ingredient of spicy foods, affects both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol as well as the health of blood vessels.

spicy vegetarian bibimbap

Some studies such as a new study in Hong Kong indicated that spicy compounds reduce the levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol through a process of increasing the breakdown and excretion of cholesterol. Also, the capsaicin compounds relax the heart wall’s muscles and increase the heart’s blood flow.

This video summarizes some benefits of spicy food from helping in cold and flu to fighting some types of cancer, and even helping digestion.

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diabetes Health and Food Heart Disease Heart Failure heart health

Does Drinking Soda Cause Heart Disease?

Does Drinking Soda Cause Heart Disease?

Various studies suggest there is a link between drinking soda and heart disease. The latest study from Harvard School of Public Health suggest that sodas are associated with 20% increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) as well as some adverse changes in lipids, inflammatory factors, and leptin.

a soda a day

“Even a moderate amount of sugary beverage consumption — we are talking about one can of soda every day — is associated with a significant 20% increased risk of heart disease even after adjusting for a wide range of cardiovascular risk factors,” senior author Dr Frank B Hu (Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA) told heartwire . “The increased risk is quite substantial, and I think has important public-health implications given the widespread consumption of soda, not only in the US but also increasing very rapidly in developing countries.”

Hu says that one of the major constituents of soda, high-fructose corn syrup, is subsidized in the US, making such drinks “ridiculously cheap” and helping explain why consumption is so high, particularly in lower socioeconomic groups.

“It has been shown for minority groups — such as African Americans and Asians — that they are more susceptible to the detrimental effects” of sugary drinks on diabetes incidence, he notes.

[Last Updated on May 20th 2014]
Source: medscape