NOTE: This site/link has five (5) threads ( additional links...see bottom of this page...It is your interest to access and review all five pages.
A serious note about heart attacks
HEART ATTACK PROCEDURE':
You should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack . Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
Sixty percent of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive.
Let's say it's 6.15 pm and you're driving home. Suddenly you start experiencing severe pain in your chest that starts to radiate out into your arm and up into your jaw. You are only about five miles from the hospital nearest your home. Unfortunately you don't know if you'll be able to make it that far. You have been trained in CPR, but the guy that taught the course did not tell you how to perform it on yourself.
For Pictorial of the Hearts...Arteries...Valves and Electrical System Click Here
More Help for the Heart
By LAURIE MCGINLEY...February 24, 2008
Medicare is proposing two big changes in coverage for people with ailing hearts.
One would cover artificial hearts and is likely to affect a small number of people. The other would expand coverage of home monitoring of the effects of warfarin, a blood thinner, and could be a boon for thousands of beneficiaries.
When an artificial heart is used in a patient with severe heart failure, part of the patient's heart is removed; the device is kept in place until the patient dies or gets a transplant.
In 1986, Medicare, the federal program for the elderly and disabled, explicitly denied coverage of artificial hearts, finding that there wasn't sufficient evidence proving their safety and effectiveness.
But since then, two artificial heart makers have run clinical trials on safety and health outcomes. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which runs Medicare, says it now believes there is "sufficient scientific evidence" to cover the devices, as long as they are used as part of clinical trials approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
The devices would be covered both for patients awaiting transplants and those who aren't candidates for transplants. The proposal, issued earlier this month, is likely to be made final by May 2008.
Warfarin Monitoring/b
Under the second proposal, issued late last year, Medicare would cover home monitoring of warfarin, which prevents blood clots, for people with atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm problem, and venous thrombosis, a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein, often in the leg. (Currently, Medicare pays for self testing only for people who have mechanical heart valves.
The drug affects different people differently and must be closely monitored. Too large a dose and the patient can have potentially fatal internal bleeding. Too little and the patient can develop new clots, which can cause a stroke.
The accepted gauge for warfarin's effects is called the International Normalized Ratio, or INR. It's a measure of clotting time and is used to adjust the warfarin dosage.
A Closer Watch
Once it appears that a patient is on the correct dose, he or she is usually checked once a month at a doctor's office or at a special anticoagulation clinic. But studies show that patients who monitor their blood levels more frequently are likely to keep the drug dosage in the proper range and have fewer complications.
Testing is simple: patients prick a finger and put a drop or two of blood on a test strip which is inserted into a portable meter that displays the INR number. Medicare, would cover the device and the supplies.
Covering home testing would "improve patient compliance of physician monitoring of anticoagulant therapy," says CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems. "Patients would be able to test INR levels from the comfort of their homes and alert doctors via the phone."
Medicare received several public comments supporting coverage of home testing. Jennifer Lai, a physician at the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, said she believes that home monitoring "would be overwhelmingly helpful in the management of our patients on anticoagulation. This would promote patient autonomy and convenience/quality of life."
Write to Laurie McGinley at laurie.mcginley@wsj.com
Highlights by page author
Easy Food Tips for Heart Healthy Eating
by: American Heart Association americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=9033
Cardiovascular disease will remain the number one cause of death until we get more people off their couches and into their health care providers’capable hands
Free DVD for heart patients>/b>
Only forty eight percent (48%) of heart attack survivors do daily exercise.
Some non-exercisers attribute their abstention to fear of pushing themselves too hard after an attack. That's why Bob Greene, an exercise physiologist, and Mehmet Oz, M.D., a professor of surgery at Columbia University in New York, teamed up to create "Heartfelt for Life: Strengthening Your Heart," a free DVD with tips and entry level exercises for heart attack survivors.
It's important to speak with your doctor before starting any fitness program, but Greene suggests that walking is the most appropriate start for most people.
Depending on the severity of the heart attack, most people should be out walking within 10 days and should try to add one minute a week to their walking time. The DVD (available atheartfeltforlife.com includes instructions for simple resistance training exercises plus warning signs to watch out for while exercising.
Nine (9)Critical QuestIons to ask your doctor about heart disease
1 What are my risk factors for heart disease, and what can I do to lower my risk- such as healthy eating, exercise, weight and stress management?
2 What are the warning signs or symptoms of heart disease or a heart attack?
3 What should I know about the effects of menopause on my health?
4 What is my blood pressure, cholesterol, and body mass index and are those numbers considered healthy?
5 Which methods of smoking cessation would work best for me?
6 Are my risk factors for heart disease the same or different for stroke, and what are the symptoms of stroke?
7 What is the latest on low dose aspirin for heart attack prevention and treatment?
8 If I experience chest pain, what is your overall plan for evaluation?
9 If I experience symptoms of a heart attack, which hospital in the community is the best to go to?
Copied from Northwest Community Healthcare flyer...No Restrictions "On Copying" noted.
Heart patients should discuss with their doctor, the drinking and consumption of grapefruit and its juice as well as black licorice while taking some heart drugs. Both appear to cause the heart medication not to work properly
"WOMEN"...Help Fight Heart Disease
The AHA’s Go Red for Women campaign gives you the power to prevent heart disease in yourself and others. To join and get your free red dress pin, visit www.americanheart.org/GoRed or call 1-888-MY-HEART.
PARADE Health Editor Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld is a member of the Advisory Committee of the White House Conference on Aging.
Heart Health Starts With You...February 6, 2005...By Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld
Article from this issue of the Chicago Tribune (Parade Magazine ) IS A MUST READ. Article answers your questions...Tells you what to expect...Tells you how to handle the disease and provides knowledge that you should have even if you do not suffer from heart problem. Healthy heart starts with you
If you have Heart Failure...Be Sure To Read The Following
As much as possible, people with heart failure should avoid anyone who has a cold or the flu. They also should stay out of crowds during the height of the flu season. Flu and pneumonia pose greater dangers for people who have heart failure or any heart condition.
When someone develops a lung infection, they don't take in oxygen as efficiently as they should. The heart then has to work harder to pump the oxygenated blood that's available through the body. People with heart failure should avoid putting this extra stress on their heart.
Example: sodium alginate, sodium sulfite, sodium caseinate, disodium phosphate, sodium benzoate, sodium hydroxide, monosodium glutamate or MSG, sodium citrate). Check your medicine cabinet as well. People with heart failure should avoid headache or heartburn medicines that contain sodium carbonate or bicarbonate.
Look for “Low-Salt” or “Low-Sodium” labels on cans and packages. This label is not allowed on the can or package unless the food has 140 milligrams or less sodium per serving.For more on "Sodium"Click Here
Important Some over-the-counter medications could make heart failure worse. For instance, cough and cold remedies "may" increase blood pressure and increase the heart's workload. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, can make the body retain sodium and water and can decrease kidney function. Other over-the-counter medications might contain anti-inflammatory substances as well. That's why it's important for people with heart failure to keep their doctors fully informed about anything...Medication, Herbs,"whatever"...they're ingesting (taking)
Tracking What You Drink
When your body is retaining fluid, as often happens with heart failure, the doctor may recommend limiting how much liquid you get. This link provides the "How's & Whys" that you should, MUST!! know americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=357
What's In That Energy Lift?
Energy drink labels sure do
make a lot of promises.
Many state their product will increase endurance, improve performance, and stimulate metabolism; several others claim the drink will sharpen the . mind.
Is there any truth to these claims?
Researchers at the Institute of Sports Medicine at the University of Paderborn in Germany ii.examined the effects of a popular energy drink on 13 athletes who performed bouts of endurance exercise.
Results indicated the drink strengthened heart contractions and increased the amount of blood the heart pumps, which can help muscles work better and
for a longer period of time.
One explanation for this result is the drink's high percentage the amino acid taurine, which is known to improve heart function.
In addition, according to a recent study in the European journal Amino Acids, energy drinks may also improve brain function. Graduate
students who drank a popular energy drink an hour before being tested for mood and mental sharpness rated higher.
Sources:Baum M, Weiss M. The Influence of a taurine containing drink on cardiac parameters before and after exercise measured by echocardiography.
Amino Acids,2001:20(1):75-82. Seidl R, et al. A taurine and caffeine-
containing drink stimulates cognitive performance and well being. Amino Acids, 2000; 19(3-4):635-42.
This article copied from the Summer 2005 issue of Healthsmart Magazine. A publication of Alternatine Medicine Custom Publishing.
Highlights added by page author
| PACEMAKER, ETC. |
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| MODERN HEART DEVICES (PACEMAKERS, ETC,) "MIGHT" SAFELY BE USED DURING MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SCANS, NEW STUDY SHOWS... access Hopkins Medical for specifics |
Pacemakers Don't Miss a Beat Near Airport Metal Detectors
Implanted medical devices prove safe, reliable, But? |
American Heart Association's detailed explanation on Pacemakers. What You can and can't do if you have Pacemaker implant If you have implant, you should visit this site. |
| Common Misconceptions About Pacemakers... Cardiac Pacemakers From the Patient’s Perspective and more that you should know. |
Pace Maker...Detailed explanation of function, workings and other |
Pace Makers...Read what people who have say about them...Learn More
Patient Handbook (PDF document),Living With Your Pacemaker,Frequently Asked Questions — Pacemakers, Pacemaker Experiences, |
Exercise your body for lots of reasons!
The Alzheimer's Association Maintain Your BrainTM public awareness campaign emphasizes healthy aging through good
nutrition, lifestyle and exercise.
If you need a reason to exercise, just check out these benefits:
<•> Strengthens bones and builds muscle
<•> Boosts the immune system
<•> Maintains balance and coordination
<•> Manages weight
<•> Strengthens the heart
<•> Controls blood pressure
<•> Promotes psychological well being
<•> Manages stress
<•> Naturally increases the cellular production of Nitric Oxide which is tremendous for vascular health
Here's a fact worth remembering: Every time the heart beats, 25 percent of its output goes directly to your brain. That flow of blood is rich in oxygen and other nutrients, which explains how exercise contributes to cognitive function and brain fitness.
Exercising your brain also is important. Research suggests that mental stimulation generates new connections among nerve cells m the bram, a process that can go on throughout your lifetime.
New connections enhance the brain's data processing network. So mental exercise such as reading, doing crossword puzzles, joining new groups and challenging yourself mentally are ways to increase mental alertness today and foster greater independence later in life.
Article adapted from "About... Healthy Aging," a booklet from MetLife. Connection to the MetLife Foundation dates back to 1982, when the Foundation gave its first grant to the Alzheimer's Association; today, the Foundation's total contributions exceed $1.1 million.
( Highlights addded by page author)
Above copied from: Illinois Chapter, Alzheimer Association's " Progress and Hope" pamphlet...Summer 2004 issue
Why You Should Treat High Blood Pressure !!!
Reducing risk factors...Salmon leads the way to beneficial omega-3 oils
Ah, those lazy days of summer! Cool nights with steaks and burgers sizzlin' on the backyard grill. But there's more to summertime barbecue meals than well-marbled steaks and charred burgers. In fact,there's a whole menu of great eating - and much of it can contribute to healthy aging!
Studies have shown that a diet that includes:Qmega-3 fatty acids benefit the body in many ways. There are two types of omega-3 oils:
Those from fatty fish (like Mackerel, Lake Trout, Herring, Sardines, Albacore Tuna and Salmon)... and those from nuts and grains and their oils.
Omega-3s from fish are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids that can lower triglycerides, reduce abnormal heart rhythms and reduce blood pressure by small but significant amounts. Omega-3s may also improve healthy blood-clotting and assist in easing depression.
The American Heart Association recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish) at least two times a week. It also recommends eating tofu and other forms of soybeans, walnuts, flaxseed and their oils, which can become Omega-3 fatty acids in the body.
Many diets aren't high enough in omega-3 oils to realize optimum health benefits. But, by including seafood in the diet twice a week, most people can improve their health.
The recipe below combines great summertime grilling with the benefits of omega-3 oils.
LEMON DILL ALASKA SALMON
<•> 4 sheets (12" x 18" each) heavy-duty aluminum foil wrap
<•> 4 (4 to 6 oz. each) salmon fillets
<•> 4 medium carrots, diagonally sliced
<•> 1 each zucchini and yellow squash, thinly sliced
<•> 1/4 cup butter, melted
<•> 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
<•> 2 tsp. dried dill weed
<•> 1 tsp.lemon pepper
Preheat grill to medium-high. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Put a salmon steak in the center of each piece of foil and arrange carrot slices around the fillet; top with squash slices. Combine remaining ingredients; spoon over salmon and vegetables.
Bring up sides of foil and double fold ends to form a packet, leaving room for heat circulation inside packet. Grill nine (9) to eleven (11) minutes in a covered grill.
Makes four servings.
For more salmon recipes. Visit Here
Nutritional information: SIX (6)-oz. serving of salmon is equivalent to TWO (2) grams of fish oil.
ASPIRIN...Much More Than Pain relief
The guidelines for aspirin therapy have been revised. More people with diabetes are now urged to take advantage of this inexpensive, effective tablet to reduce the risks of Heart attack and stroke.
cardiovascular disease (CVD)includes various diseases of the heart and blood vessels. But the term is usually used to mean that arteries (especially the coronary arteries that serve the heart) are narrowed,
hardened, and subject to blood clots.
Adults with diabetes have TWO (2)to FOUR (4)fold higher heart disease death rates than adults without diabetes.
Most heart attacks occur when blood clots block the flow of blood through narrowed coronary arteries.Arteries that serve the brain and limbs
(arms and legs) may be similarly impaired. Thus CVD can also lead to
stroke and limb damage.
These catastrophic events can often be prevented by the humble aspirin.
Low doses of aspirin appear to be even more protective than high doses. All
that's needed is a daily "baby" aspirin-81 milligrams (mg) or, half
a regular (325-mg) aspirin may be" taken every day. Yet despite low-dose aspirin's protective power, too few people with diabetes are taking it.
How does aspirin help?
Aspirin protects arteries by interfering with the clotting process. In this
process, platelet cells in the blood normally respond to the body chemical
thromboxane by clumping to promote clot formation.
Aspirin blocks the formation of thromboxane, however and thus reduces the likelihood of blood clotting.(Some research indicates that people with type2 diabetes and CVD (cardiovascular disease)release excessive amounts of thromboxane.)
New ADA recommendations
The 2004 recommendations from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) widened the range of people with diabetes who are eligible for daily aspirin therapy. In both 2003 and 2004, the Association recommended aspirin as a secondary prevention strategy for people with diagnosed CVD. This group includes people who have chest pain, (angina) or leg pain (claudication) that is caused by inadequate blood flow, as well as those who have suffered a heart attack, stroke, or ministroke.
This year, (* 2004 )however, the ADA also recommended aspirin for primary prevention for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes... without evidence of CVD...if they are over age 40 or have CVD risk factors other than diabetes. Such risk factors include high blood pressure (hypertension), smoking, unhealthy blood levels of cholesterol or other fats, protein in the urine (albuminuria) and a family history of CVD.
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What it means
Primary prevention is the attempt to stop a disease before it starts. Often this is accomplished by reducing or eliminating risk factors for the disease. Some primary preventian strategies are vaccinations, lifestyle changes, and chema prevention... using a drug, such as aspirin, to prevent a condition.
Secondary prevention refers to. efforts to minimize bad outcomes once a disease is present. Daily aspirin therapy, which lowers the risk for further CVD events in people who have had a heart attack or stroke, is also an example af secondary prevention.
Why the change?
The new ADA recommendation for aspirin as primary preventian reflects results from variaus studies. In one study, male doctors without evidence of CVD took either 325 mg of aspirin every other day.. or an inactive pill (placebo). Of the doctors with diabetes who took aspirin, 4% suffered heart attacks, as campared with 10% who took the placebo.
In another study, nearly 19,000 people with high blood pressure took either 75 mg of aspirin or a placebo. each day. Aspirin significantly reduced total CVD events by 15% and heart attacks by 36% in participants with or without diabetes.
Safety Issues
Aspirin therapy may irritate the stomach lining and cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract the stomach and intestines. Moreover, there is an increased risk of hemorrhagic (bleeding ) strok clotting is not involved. Apirin therapy is not appropriate for people who recently had GI bleeding, have a bleeding tendency, or take anticoagulant medicatian,Coumadin (warfarin).
It also shouldn't be used by anyone with liver disease or an allergy to aspirin.
because it increases their risk for Reye syndrome, a rare but life threatening disarder.
* plus additional highlights & marquee effect added by page author
| Heart Attack Signs/Indicators...How-To Prevent...Surviving...Sodium and Your Heart...Heart Beats...Heart Disease,Arrhythmias, Men & Women...Stroke... Teeth: A Gateway To Your Heart and more |
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| Healthy Heart Guide - An Introduction |
Blood Pressure Log |
How To Take Blood Pressure |
How to Survive a Heart Attack When Alone Instruction is a Hoax>
Summary:Message claims heart doctors recommend that recipients learn "Cough CPR", a procedure that involves vigorous coughing as a potential means of surviving a heart attack when alone (Full commentary provided at link |
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| How Do I Find Out if I Am at Risk for Heart Disease?...Reproduced from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
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CRP Blood Test - C Reactive Protein Test...The CRP blood test, or C Reactive Protein test, is one of the four essential blood tests in determining your risk for developing heart disease. It is very important that you have a CRP test as well as the three other tests discussed on this site to determine what steps you must take to prevent heart conditions from developing further |
Statin Medication Side Effects...Learn About Potential Adverse Reactions of Cholesterol Lowering Drugs...See "Side Bar...Right side" |
| Nutritional Program for Congestive Heart Failure |
NEW TREATMENT FOR YOUR HEART...No more Heart Surgery? |
No More Heart Surgery...Readers Digest article...BE SURE TO VISIT THIS LINK...AND THE ONE ABOVE |
| Blood Pressure Monitor...What To Look For and much more you should know |
Drugs treat heart failure with success...
If you are living with heart failure, effective treatments can help your weakened heart work better and improve your quality of life. |
Stop Heart Disease...Go Red For Women is challenging one million women to stop heart disease and Go Red. Women can take action against their No.1 killer by taking the Go Red Heart CheckUp. An online, 10-year risk assessment, the CheckUp will help women calculate their risk of heart disease. Take the Check Up and learn how to make healthy habits part of your
daily routine |
| Mounting evidence shows a link between periodontal disease—chronic infection of the gums and a host of serious and sometimes life threatening medical problems, from heart disease and stroke to diabetes and respiratory disease. |
National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute....ALL YOU QUESTIONS COULD BE ANSWERED HERE |
HeartAttack Warning Signs |
| Heart Failure News... Current information on Tests, Progress, Medication & more |
Do the Sickest heart failure patients benefit from heart assist pump ( LVAD)? |
Arrhythmia Center...HeartCenter on-line... Much valuable information |
| Want current, up-to-date information on what's happening and what you should know...then visit this site |
Sex & Heart Failure |
Glossary...What the terms mean |
| Cholesterol, Heart Disease and Diabetes |
Novel risk factors: Identifying new culprits in heart disease ...Turns out, there may be other factors that increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. These are known as new, novel or emerging risk factors because scientists are still learning about them and their possible role in the health of the heart and blood vessels...Page author suggests that visitors take the time to visit this page...It is important!! |
C-reactive protein...What it is. (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver as part of the normal immune system response to injury or infection. It's known as an inflammatory marker because it's a sign of inflammation in your body. Inflammation has a central role in atherosclerosis — the accumulation of artery clogging clumps (plaques) of fats, cholesterol and other material.
Why it's important.Some studies show that women with a high CRP level are seven times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than are women with a low level...For more, scroll down to C-Reactive heading on page. |
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Protein linked to heart disease...LONDON (BBC News) -- Lowering levels of a protein in the blood could offer another way of reducing the risk of heart disease, a study suggests.High levels of the C-reactive protein are linked to clogged arteries and damage to blood vessels in the heart. |
Arrhythmias... are disorders of the regular rhythmic beating of the heart. They're common, BUT not to be taken lightly |
Heart Arrhythmia Support Forum...You must join to access archives |
| MEN, WOMEN, heart disease...and diabetes...Recent research suggests that type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease have more than a disease-and-complication relationship. Rather, the two conditions are probably connected by both genetics (heredity) and environment. But understanding how they are connected and the factors that put men and women at risk for these disorders remains to be clarified |
Recipes for Low-Fat and Low-Cholesterol Meals |
Diseases and conditions that affect your heart. |
| Heart disease risk calculator...Calculate your heart disease risk score... Estimate your risk of having a heart attack or dying of heart disease within the next 10 years. This tool is for use by adults without known heart disease or diabetes |
Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as coronary artery disease (CAD), is the most common cause of death in the United States among men and women...Are you at risk? Take the test to find out!! |
Ask Yu Doctor What A Good Blood Pressure Reading Is For You... New medical guidelines state that a normal blood pressure for most adults is less than 120/80. Drug Treatment is recommended if your blood pressure is at or above 140/90...Recently, Doctors have been advising patients that they should strive for readings lower than 120/80 |
| Take The "Heart Failure" Quiz" |
If you are interested in naturally improving your cardiovascular health, complete the questionnaire. |
Recent scientific research has proven that many natural solutions exist to drastically improve cardiovascular health and help prevent disease. In addition to diet and exercise, site lists simple elements every person should take to heart...Page author suggests that every visitor shold take the time to review what site provides |
| Maintaining a regular exercise program is very helpful to your cardiovascular health. Exercise naturally increases the cellular production of Nitric Oxide which is tremendous for vascular health. |
Gumming Up Yur Heart...Mounting evidence shows a link between periodontal disease—chronic infection of the gums—and a host of serious and sometimes life threatening medical problems, from heart disease and stroke to diabetes and respiratory disease |
Statin Drugs Effective in the Long Term ... Statins, the drugs used to lower cholesterol, may decrease the risk of cardiovascular and coronary death and the incidence of cancer over the long term, according to new research. |
| Desserts That Stop Heart Attacks...Yes, enjoying a bowl of ice cream, yogurt or pudding might just save your life |
If you are taking Coumadin®You might find this book on "A Complete Guide to Healthy Meals When Taking Coumadin" of interest. Scroll down page to heading |
Ask the Dietition about Vitamin "K"..What and How many Foods contain and more |
| Clinical Trials...Heart Disease ...offering includes a search for clinical trials based on your preferences and more |
Medical Information on Heart |
47 Million Americans: A Special Group at Risk are you one?...scroll down to section with this heading |
| WHAT IS "CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE"...Listen to the Video |
It's your life. Tips to help you start making changes today — whatever your condition will allow. Begin an exercise program only with your doctor's permission. |
Diet and Lifestyle Changes for Congestive Heart Failure...more video...If you have CHF, you should visit this site |
| Congestive Heart Failure...Understanding Diet Terms...Reading Food Labels...Cutting Down on Salt Limiting Fat and Cholesterol...The Importance of Potassium...Tracking what you Drink...Choosing a Heart Healthy Diet...Quick Tips for Dieting...Eating Out...Tips for Healthy Cooking |
Congestive Heart Failure Data Fact Sheet...Be Sure To Visit The " Plain Text" link |
FACTS ABOUT HEART FAILURE |
| Choosing a Heart-Healthy Diet |
Congestive Heart Failure...Understanding, Treatment and much more |
Tips pertaining to Congestive Heart Failure |
| Tips For Healthy Cooking |
Liquids...Tracking the "Amount" of Liquid(s) you ingest ( drink ) on daily basis... |
Diet... How much Sodium and more |
| EXERCISE AND CHF |
Eating OUT...The Do's & Don'ts Be sure to run a copy of this listing so you can refer to it when eating out. |
Fint color="red">Other "Low Salt"...Heart Failure and Medical links |
| Warning Signs...Diseases and Medications plus Frequesntly Asked Questions |
Heart Memo...reports activities of NHLBI education programs and initiatives and findings from Institute-supported research on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. |
Act in Time to Heart Attack Signs--Brochure...Actions To Take To Prevent Attacks and much more. Visting this site is time well spent Also provided in Spanish |
| Cardiac Rehabilitation (Consumer's Guide |
What medical treatments may be right for your heart condition? What are the pros and cons of each? What research studies have been done, and what were the results? What are the important considerations you should discuss with your doctor?...The American Heart Association can answer these important questions |
Warning Signs...Treatments and more |
| Dr. Weil's "Excellent" site relative to Cardiovascular Disease...Site also contains Answers to peoples questions that relate to heart problems and activitoes, Food, etc...Scroll to bottom of page for data on Coenzyme Q10 |
Heart Failure Patients...It is important to decrease the amount of sodium you eat when you have heart failure, because heart failure causes the body to hold on to extra sodium. The sodium causes extra fluid to build up in your body. The extra fluid makes your heart work harder. It also causes symptoms such as swelling of the ankles, feet or abdomen, shortness of breath, or weight gain..."Free" Download of Information |
Heart Failure - Educational Modules...The Heart Failure Society of America has prepared a series of educational modules designed to help patients learn to live successfully with heart failure. The advice in the modules can help heart failure patients feel better, stay out of the hospital and live longer |
| Heart Failure Medicines:Medicines are important in the treatment of heart failure. Research shows that heart failure medicines can help stabilize your heart function. They can also help you:Live longer,Have fewer symptoms,
Breathe more easily,Have more energy,Increase your activity level,Have less swelling,Stay out of the hospital. "Free" information on:The main types of medicines used for heart failure.
Common side effects of heart failure medicines...Other medicines used to treat heart failure. |
Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Heart Failure Caused by Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction - Pharmacological Approaches. |
Learn to Read Food Labels By reading food labels, you can learn which foods are high and low in sodium. As a rule, most processed foods, whether they are frozen, canned, or boxed, are high in sodium. For example, most frozen TV dinners, frozen snack foods such as pizza rolls and egg rolls, canned vegetables, and instant hot cereals are high in sodium and should be avoided. |
| Reading a Food Label for Sodium Content II. Fortunately, the new easy-to-read food labels can help with finding foods low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, and with keeping track of the number of grams or milligrams consumed each day. According to Food and Drug Administration regulations, no manufacturer can say that their product is "low-fat" or "low sodium" unless they can prove that claim. Learning to read these labels is a good first step in developing a sensible eating plan |
Reading a Food Label for Sodium Content III |
Things You Should Know About Your Heart...It's In Your Interest To Visit This Site |
| Key Words...You Can Rely on the Label...Rest assured, when you see key words and health claims on product labels, they mean what they say as defined by the government |
Understanding Diet Terms...Most people are aware that a diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium is better for their heart and overall health. But few people understand the reasons why. Even fewer know what quantities of these substances actually qualify as "low" or healthy.It's especially important for people with heart failure and other heart conditions to understand the terms associated with a "heart-healthy" diet. |
Cardiovascular diseases |
| American Heart Asso. site on "sodium" Listed in order of relevance |
Healthy Food Choices...These foods are relatively high in potassium and low in sodium. Extra amounts of these foods may help prevent a potassium deficiency. Certain salt substitutes contain a large amount of potassium and very little sodium. They’re not expensive and may be used freely by most people, except those who have kidney disease. Check with your doctor before choosing a salt substitute. |
Sodium Contents on "Selected" foods |
| Sodium Content in "Common" foods |
Low Sodium Diet...The “whys and hows” of reducing the amount of sodium in your body |
Tips for Reducing Sodium Intake...Scroll down to heading |
| Food Additives...General Information |
American Heart Asso..."Patient Information Sheets"...Understanding your condition and how to manage it can increase your confidence in making changes to improve and maintain your health...Answers are a series of downloadable patient information sheets presented in a question-and-answer format that's brief, easy to follow and easy to read. They also provide room for you to write down questions to ask your doctor. This can help you prepare to get the most out of your next visit with your healthcare professional. Some of the sheets also allow you to log and track personal data such as blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and exercise |
Click to access link |
| Glossary... answers many of your questions and more |
Glossary...Be Sure To Read |
Heart and Stroke Encyclopedia |
| Heart Disease Zone...Extensive Listing relating to Heart Disease and more |
Cocoa may boost cardiovascular health |
Heart Support Group ( Message Boards) Post your question, Problem and someone will respond. |
| Chocolate "Good" for your heart...Studies say "Yes". Read and then ask your doctor |
"Free" Diabetes Software... software application designed for people with Diabetes and/or Hepertension (High Blood Pressure). Health records and graphs your Blood Glucose, Blood Pressure (Systolic, Diastolic, and Pulse), Weight, Temperature, A1c Test, Cholesterol, Supplements, Medications Schedule, Questions for the Doctor, Bowel Movement, Medical Team, Meal Plan, and Pain values. The data can be viewed in a line or bar graph. The software contains an array of statistics |
Information on Pace Makers...Type "Pace Maker" in search box |
| Pace Maker Implantation Questions answered |
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| Heart arrhythmia and palpitations
Depending on the individual's age and level of fitness, the heart beats (on average) between 60 and 100 times every minute |
Heart Healthy Fats |
Heart Glossary II – 20 Words You Should Know |
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Heartburn drugs may invite new problems.
Associated Press....Published December 21, 2005
Holiday revelers beware: Seasonal indulgences like eggnog and fruitcake might give you heartburn, but the acid fighting medicine you take for relief might lead to something worse, researchers say.
People on popular prescription heartburn drugs--Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium--seem more prone to getting a potentially dangerous diarrhea caused by the bug Clostridium difficile, a study printed Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows. C-diff, as it's known, can cause severe diarrhea and crampy intestinal inflammation called colitis.
Dr. Sandra Dial and colleagues at McGill University in Montreal examined data on more than 18,000 patients in the United Kingdom from 1994 to 2004. During that time, 1,672 cases of C-diff were diagnosed, and the numbers increased from less than 1 per 100,000 in 1994 to 22 per 100,000 last year.
Patients with prescriptions for powerful acid fighters called proton pump inhibitors, which include Prilosec and Prevacid, were almost three times more likely to be diagnosed with the bug than those not taking the drugs. Those on less potent prescription drugs called H2 receptor antagonists, which include Pepcid and Zantac, were two times more likely than non-users to get C-diff infections.
The widely used and heavily promoted drugs reduce levels of gastric acid that can keep C-diff germs at bay.
Dr. L. Clifford McDonald, a researcher at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said proton pump inhibitors recently were implicated in a C-diff outbreak at a hospital and nursing homes in Maine.
"It's not surprising in my mind that there could be some association" with acid fighting drugs, said McDonald, who was not involved in Dial's study. If there is, "I do think it would be very important because, boy, everyone and their brother seems to be on them."
Most study patients had not been recently hospitalized and were not taking antibiotics, both of which can increase risks for C-difficile infections.
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