congestive heart disease http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for congestive heart disease Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 02:30:18 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/congestive+heart+disease How Congestive Heart Disease Affects Women http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-congestive-heart-disease-affects-women http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-congestive-heart-disease-affects-women#comments Mon, 05 Nov 2007 23:15:00 +0000 congestive heart diseaseheart disease in womenrisk elementsheart conditionsrisk factorseffects of menopauselifestyle changes http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-congestive-heart-disease-affects-women congestive heart disease in women, we want to first and foremost inspect the facts. According to recent studies, it's found that greater than 8 million American women are currently living with some type of heart complaint. In truth, are the highest source of death of American women and more women than men die of heart related diseases each year.

Congestive can be diagnosed and treated but the major key to staying healthy is prevention. Whenever a woman finds out that she has heart disease, it may by this time be too late. Chances are, that woman has engaged in several around her lifetime that contributed to her contracting the illness.

Such risk elements that increase the risk of congestive heart disease in women include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure (hypertension), not being active, diabetes and obesity.

Women have to recognize that these risk elements have to be avoided as much as possible insofar as they are so susceptible to the condition. Heart disease in women doesn't have to be as great an epidemic it has become. With just a few , all women can once more live long and healthy lives without the risk for congestive heart disease.

As a consequence, there are other risk elements that increase the risk for congestive heart disease in women that can't be helped. These include age, heredity, and the , etc. By knowing this, women must arm themselves with as much information as they can so that they can recognize just what they are dealing with.

Congestive heart disease in women doesn't need to have such a high morality rate.By adopting a few lifestyle changes such as getting further exercising, eating right, quitting smoking and reducing tension levels, women can drastically lower their disposition for congestive heart disease. This is significant not only for heart conditions but for other diseases similarly.

Congestive heart disease in women does claim countless lives each and every year but the illness can be manageable and preventable. Women need to study and learn as much as they can about how this condition will impact on their lives. Not a great many women realize that they carry such a high probability of getting heart disease. All women need to understand that they are at a greater risk of acquiring the condition than men. By understanding and knowing this, women will maintain a step up on this awful condition and, maybe one day, congestive heart disease in women will become a thing of the past.

Congestive heart disease in women does claim countless lives each and every year but the illness can be manageable and preventable. Women need to study and learn as much as they can about how this condition will impact on their lives. Not a great many women realize that they carry such a high probability of getting heart disease. All women need to understand that they are at a greater risk of acquiring the condition than men. By understanding and knowing this, women will maintain a step up on this awful condition and, maybe one day, congestive heart disease in women will become a thing of the past. Mark has suffered with a congestive heart problem since 1994 and is now severely disabled. He now maintains a website for anyone who wants information on congestive heart problems. http://www.congestive-heart.com ]]> Congestive Heart Disease Information http://www.artwoo.com/article/congestive-heart-disease-information http://www.artwoo.com/article/congestive-heart-disease-information#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2007 21:25:02 +0000 congestive heart diseasecongestive heart failureheart valve diseaseheart muscleheart pumpsheart bloodheart attacks http://www.artwoo.com/article/congestive-heart-disease-information Congestive heart disease is a physical disorder in which the heart no longer pumps hard enough. Since the weakly, blood can back up into the lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and extremities.

Congestive heart disease is also called (CHF), cardiac failure, or heart failure. These names can be misleading, since they seem to indicate that the heart has totally failed and that death is imminent. This is not the case. Congestive heart disease is nearly always a chronic, long-term condition, although it does sometimes develop suddenly.

How Common Is Congestive Heart Disease?

Of 100 people between the ages of 27 and 74, approximately 2 have congestive heart disease. That means about 6 million people in the U.S. are affected by the disease. After age 74, congestive heart disease becomes more common. It is said to be the leading cause of hospitalization among senior citizens.

Causes of Congestive Heart Disease

Congestive heart disease has many causes. They include, but are not limited to, the following causes:

* Weakening of the due to viral infections. The weakness may also be caused by toxins such as alcohol abuse. * Weakening of the heart muscle by coronary artery disease that has led to . * Weakening of the heart muscle by that involves large amounts of blood leakage. * Heart muscle stiffness caused by a blocked heart valve. * Uncontrolled high blood pressure, also called hypertension. * High levels of the thyroid hormone. * Excessive use of amphetamines ("speed").

Symptoms of Congestive Heart Disease

Either side of the heart muscle may weaken and cause congestive heart disease. The symptoms of congestive heart disease depend on the side of the heart that is affected. They can include these:

* asthma that can be attributed to the heart * blood pooling in the body's overall circulation * blood pooling in the liver's circulation * enlargement of the heart * shortness of breath * skin color that appears bluish or dusky * swelling of the body, especially the extremities

Congestive Heart Disease Risk Factors

As is true with most heart disease, family history is a major risk factor for congestive heart disease. Genetics cannot easily be altered. Age is a second risk factor that cannot be changed. Congestive heart disease is particularly prevalent among older people.

Aside from those two, however, risk factors can and should be addressed. Here are 7 risk factors for congestive heart disease that you may want to discuss with your health care provider.

1. High blood pressure: This is the highest risk factor for congestive heart disease! Men with uncontrolled high blood pressure are twice as likely as those with normal blood pressure to suffer congestive heart disease. If a woman has uncontrolled high blood pressure, she is three times as likely as women with normal blood pressure to develop congestive heart disease.

2. Heart Attacks: This is the second highest risk factor for congestive heart disease. Those who have had heart attacks that resulted in damage to the heart muscle, and scarring of the muscle tissue, have increased risks of experiencing congestive heart disease.

3. High Cholesterol: Showing high levels of cholesterol, particularly when levels of HDL are low, is listed as another risk factor for congestive heart disease.

4. Diabetes: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are risk factors for developing congestive heart disease.

5. Obesity: Men and women who are overweight unnecessarily increase their risks of experiencing congestive heart disease. The heart must work harder when the body is not at a healthy weight, and can begin to lose its ability to deliver blood efficiently.

6. Prolonged Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle, with little exercise, puts people at risk for congestive heart disease, especially as they increase in age. The heart needs cardiovascular exercise to remain strong and able to function well.

7. Smoking: Smoking increases the heart's workload. It also affects the lungs. This is a risk for congestive heart disease that anyone can eliminate.

CAUTION: Please see your doctor if you have reason to think you may have one or more of the risk factors or symptoms of congestive heart disease. The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only. =A92007, Anna Hart. Anna's mother-in-law suffered from congestive heart disease. In addition, being married to a man who suffers from heart disease, Anna brings to her writing years of experience and research. She invites you to read more of her articles about heart disease at http://www.your-heart-disease-blog.com. If you know someone who faces open heart surgery, you won't want to miss Anna's personal insights on that. Visit Anna now. ]]> Treatment For Congestive Heart Failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/treatment-for-congestive-heart-failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/treatment-for-congestive-heart-failure#comments Wed, 07 Feb 2007 06:27:11 +0000 congestive heart failuresigns of congestive heart failureheart valve diseaseheart muscleheart valvesheart attackrheumatic fever http://www.artwoo.com/article/treatment-for-congestive-heart-failure Congestive heart failure claims many lives each year and its causes may vary among patients, but with timely and proper treatment of the underlying causes of the illness can improve a patients odds of beating the disease.

The condition occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to the other organs and can be caused by a variety of other problems such as coronary artery disease with which the arteries are narrowed and cannot supply sufficient blood flow to the heart. A past , leaving scar tissue on the reducing its ability to function properly and as a result of or other illness.

Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle and congenital (birth) defects of the heart and infection of the or the muscle itself, as well as high blood pressure can contribute to congestive heart failure. Essentially, the heart does not pump out blood as fast as it is being returned to the heart causing a back up in the system. Organs are left retaining the "used" blood instead of being recycled with a fresh supply.

With the blood unable to flow, freely it frequently causes edema, typically a swelling in the ankles or legs, but the swelling can occur in other areas. Fluid often accumulates in the lungs causing a shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Congestive heart failure can also cause the kidneys to become unable to get rid of sodium and water, which increases the edema. One of the is a weight gain due to water retention.

To help fight congestive heart failure, typical steps include rest, proper diet, activity modification and drugs. ACE inhibitors along with vasodilators help reduce resistance of blood flow by expanding the blood vessels which helps make the heart's work easier. Beta-blockers help determine how well the left ventricle is pumping (that is the lower left chamber of the heart) and digitalis can help improve the pumping action of the heart. Diuretics are often prescribed to help rid the body of sodium and excess water.

When the physician finds the exact cause of congestive heart failure it should be treated immediately and if possible corrected. For example, if it is determined a bad valve is the main culprit; it can be replaced with a mechanical valve. Many people diagnosed with congestive heart failure can be treated and with the correct supervision by a medical expert can live long, productive lives.

For many years, the common thinking was that when the heart could not longer contract and relax properly, it was irreversible. In recent years, heart experts have found that certain causes of congestive heart failure can be treated and these treatments can help save those suffering from the disease. Dustin Cannon writes on a variety of subjects and recommends http://www.diseaseinforx.com for more information on the subject. ]]> The Causes And Symptoms Of Heart Valve Disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-causes-and-symptoms-of-heart-valve-disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-causes-and-symptoms-of-heart-valve-disease#comments Sun, 27 Jan 2008 01:19:57 +0000 heart valve diseasemuscles in the human bodychambers of the heartphysical exertiondizzy spellsheart failurehealth class http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-causes-and-symptoms-of-heart-valve-disease health class, the heart is one of the strongest . In addition, it is divided in two halves, named the atrium and the ventricle chambers. Between the two chambers are a set of valves that ensure that the blood only flows in one direction. Occasionally, these valves can be damaged and the individual could suffer from some sort of . If left unchecked, heart valve disease can lead to or even death.

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Valve Disease

It is truly difficult to decide if a set of symptoms are a sign of heart valve disease, since many and various of them are so mild and can be attributed to a passel of varying conditions including asthma, heartburn, heart attack, or sometimes even pregnancy. The best thing to do is have a long conversation with your medical professional concerning your thoughts and physical symptoms. Dependent on that complete picture, they will be able to diagnose your situation professionally.



Heart valve disease is a serious condition, and on no account should it be self-diagnosed. However, there are a few commonplace symptoms of heart valve disease that if you notice on a regular basis you must keep watch out for. If you experience or faintness brought on by physical activity, shortness of breath, or chest pains whilst doing it is inevitably something to bring up to with your physician as soon as reasonable.

Some Causes of Heart Valve Disease

Commonly heart valve disease is caused by a malformation of the valves that separate the two . These deformities can contain narrowed valves, and leaking valves. Narrowed valves that can contribute to valve heart disease can be caused by a variety of things, some unpreventable, others that can be prevented. One source of this condition is congenital abnormality, a position that is usually evident since birth. Another source, one that can be prevented through diet, exercises and maybe medications is degeneration of the valve through atherosclerosis, or hardening of the blood vessels. In addition heart valve disease can also be caused by damage from rheumatic fever or extensive calcification that sometimes begins in old age.

Leaking valves that can lead to heart valve disease can be caused by a variety of additional elements. These include such things as a bacterial infection, or other inflammation of the valves, excessive floppiness of the valve leaflets, or even enlargement of the heart or aorta. Any or all of these things can be the cause of leaking valves, and as a result heart valve disease.

Most certainly, heart valve disease is nothing to be casual about. Although it doesn't always create a life and death situation, it can contribute to major complications with the heart, which is something that no individual in their correct mind would ever choose. The best course of action, as in any medical situation, is to talk to your family doctor and be honest with him or her. Together you ought to be able to recognize a potential case of heart valve disease and build the important course changes. Mark has suffered with a congestive heart problem since 1994 and is now severely disabled. He now maintains a website for anyone who wants information on congestive heart problems. http://www.congestive-heart.com ]]> Canine Congestive Heart Failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/canine-congestive-heart-failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/canine-congestive-heart-failure#comments Thu, 27 Sep 2007 08:20:01 +0000 congestive heart failuresigns of congestive heart failurestages of congestive heart failurecongestive heart diseasevalvular regurgitationdilated cardiomyopathytricuspid regurgitation http://www.artwoo.com/article/canine-congestive-heart-failure Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a clinical condition which is the final result of severe heart disease. It is usual that when a dog has heart failure, heart disease is also present in the body. However, it is true that in some cases, heart disease can be present, but never lead to .

When high diastolic pressures in the heart build up into the veins and capillaries, then congestive heart failure can occur, which in turn causes a leakage of fluid out of those vessels.

Heart failure is the end result of many different cardiac and pericardial diseases. These include:

=95 Decreased myocardial contractibility. This is a weak heart muscle, which is commonly seen with .

=95 . This is a leak in one of the four heart valves, as seen with mitral and .

=95 Increased myocardial stiffness, which impairs the heart's ability to fill with blood.

In the beginning, the can be quite mild and difficult to see. However the symptoms can become more severe in a short space of time. Some of the symptoms to look for are:

=95 Lack of energy =96 the dog becomes much less active and tires quickly during the later ;

=95 Poor appetite;

=95 Weight loss;

=95 Heavy breathing =96 the dog can show signs of difficulty in breathing, panting and coughing whilst resting;

=95 Coughing;

=95 Swollen abdomen - the dogs' stomach can enlarge as fluid accumulates in the liver and abdomen; and

=95 Change of mouth color =96 the color of the membranes of the mouth can be grayish rather than being a healthy pink color.

The first thing that is needs to be done though, is to manage the clinical signs of congestive heart failure by reducing the formation of edema and effusion and to increase the cardiac output, which is the delivery of blood to the tissues.

There are a wide variety of treatments available for Congestive Heart Failure, depending on the severity of the condition.

One of the most popular drugs used for this disease is Digitalis. This is a medication which belongs to a group called positive inotropic agents which help to increase the concentration of calcium in the heart muscle cells.

Diuretics are also another well known drug used for dogs with this condition. These drugs help to remove built up fluids that occur in the lungs and abdomen.

Monitor your dogs attitude and any changes in appearance when you spend time with your friend. It is essential to keep a diary of anything that varies from "the norm" so that you can show it to your vet. Check your dog on a daily basis for:

- breathing, see if it is heavy or labored; - loss or reduction of appetite; - restlessness; - fainting; and - profound lethargy.

However, it is important to remember, that canine congestive heart failure is a major disease and it is a necessity to have regular visits to your veterinarian to ensure that your dogs' needs are being met. Joann Henry operates "Doggie Health Care" http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com, a blog all about our pooches health. Sign up to receive her newsletter, and not only will you get some free tips to keep your dog healthier, but FOR A LIMITED TIME, she'll give you a FREE ebook. http://www.DoggieHealthCare.com ]]> Congestive Heart Failure And The Risks To You http://www.artwoo.com/article/congestive-heart-failure-and-the-risks-to-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/congestive-heart-failure-and-the-risks-to-you#comments Sat, 13 Oct 2007 19:14:59 +0000 congestive heart failureheart specialistcholesterol levelsemphysemabronchitis300likewise http://www.artwoo.com/article/congestive-heart-failure-and-the-risks-to-you Congestive heart failure is a dramatic and potentially deadly occurrence. It is a contributing factor is the deaths of ,000 more individuals each year. Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood efficiently to all tissues. Congestive heart failure is the most common cause of hospitalization for people over 65 years of age. Congestive heart failure is easily confused with breathing difficulties, such as , pneumonia, , and asthma.

The human body is a fantastic machine that works in harmony with nature. The machinery needs proper care and sometimes parts replaced on occasion. the heart also needs help to prevent failure. It may not pump enough blood to meet your body's needs, which can lead into congestive heart failure. Many other underlying conditions can also cause congestive heart failure.

Over time and with the wear and tear of the body the heart can develop such things as coronary artery disease or high blood pressure, which can lead to congestive heart failure. These things sap your strength leaving the heart with the inability to pump efficiently causing a very dangerous break down. It is very important that you take care of yourself because these things while not reversible are quite preventable.

There are many medicines and proceedures that can treat the conditions you have to improve your survival rate. These medications if taken properly can help control your blood pressure, , and other things that might be adversely affecting your heart. The field of medicine has come a very long way in recent years providing medicines to prevent congestive heart failure.

The cardiologist who is a can inform you about surgical techniques such as by-pass surgery or stents to help open up the flow of your blood through your veins. Many things are possible to help prolong your life. You need only ask your doctor for advice as to what you need. It is quite possible for you to do things for yourself that will help a heart in good health.

Congestive heart failure may be prevented by making changes to your lifestyle. This does not always need to be a big change but some things in your life are controllable. Firstly look at your diet. Eating a heart healthy diet is very important for your heart. Watch out for excessive salt intake, fatty foods, and sweet indulgences as these can cause congestive heart failure. The problem of being over weight can lead to other problems such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. These conditions need to be kept under control in order to prevent congestive heart failure. In today's world it is increasingly important to know how to manage stress, overcome depression and simply improve the quality of our life.

Managing stress can become a stressful problem in itself for many people. Many people enjoy the benefit of belonging to a gym or owning equipment that they use in their homes. Some of us do not have the time, money, or space to afford such items. A person who sits daily in his office may feel the tensions building up to the point of no relief and even go into a depressive condition. This is very bad for the your heart. Our hearst feels our emotions like love, sadness, hate, excitement along with stress and depression. Congestive heart failure is the number one killer of men and women can be easily be prevented. Prevention begins at home with you learning to take care of your needs.

Please remember that if you are not taking care to prevent congestive heart failure you will be missing all those extra years with your loved ones and friends. My grandmother died before the birth of my children and I have always regretted that she didn't get to meet them. She was a very heavy smoker for many years and it seriously impacted on her health. Even what might be considered small steps will help to ensure that you don't become a victim of congestive heart failure. Mark has suffered with a congestive heart problem since 1994 and is now severely disabled. He now maintains a website for anyone who wants information on congestive heart problems. http://www.congestive-heart.com ]]> Saving Your Heart From Congestive Heart Failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/saving-your-heart-from-congestive-heart-failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/saving-your-heart-from-congestive-heart-failure#comments Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:35:00 +0000 congestive heart failureleaps and boundsfabulous advicemuscle crampssystem weaknessheart failuremedical attendant http://www.artwoo.com/article/saving-your-heart-from-congestive-heart-failure congestive , rather there are things that you can do to help lengthen your life and protect your heart from further injury. Treatment is a matter of changing your lifestyle and a mixture of drug therapy, which will alter your quality of your life.

The medical field's great improvements over the past twenty years has grown in . Lifestyle changes remain fundamentally the same in combating congestive heart failure - quit smoking, lose excessive weight, drink less alcohol, and eat healthy low saturated fat and low salt foods. After that do not forget to exercises which is helpful for most patients. This is that is a major key to preventing congestive heart failure but the most significant is the medical treatment. This is where your medical with your MD is very significant. Don't attempt to try to self diagnose or worse, prescribe your own medicines. The is the only individual well equipped to provide you with the applicable medical treatment.

The heart such as other parts of our bodies can malfunction in varying ways. That is why we had better trust the cardiologist - a specialist in the medical field. One of the the most commonplace medicines prescribed for patients with congestive heart failure is a beta-blocker. The beta-blocker reduces your heart rate and it's output of blood by counteracting a hormone found in the body called noradrenalin. While this drug can prevent congestive heart failure, it isn't recommended for anyone with severe heart failure.

For those patients who suffer from fluid retention and/or high blood pressure due to congestive heart failure the medical field suggests that a diuretic will help square things but you should be aware of some of the potential side effects which are loss of potassium in your system, weakness, , and even joint pains. Let your family doctor be informed right away if you feel any detrimental side effects from the diuretic administered.

This is just an example of some of the drugs used in the medical field that can help ward off congestive heart failure. There are other treatments that the medical field uses and they can be just as valuable.

Congestive heart failure can become undeniably extreme and that is why the medical field has been experimenting with heart transplants and mechanical pumps, which are attached to the heart. There is another experimental procedure for severe heart failure, which is accessible at a few U.S. medical centers. This procedure which is called cardiomyoplasty, involves detaching one end of a muscle in the patients back, wrapping it around the heart, and then suturing the muscle to the heart. An implanted electric stimulator causes the back muscle to contract and pump blood from the heart.

The medical field also has a further surgical procedure that can be used called mitral valve repair which may help extend and improve the lives of people with congestive heart failure. This procedure aims to correct such issues as leaky valves resulting from cardiomyopathy, or heart muscle disease, by surgically inserting a flexible annuloplasty ring at the mitral valve opening.

The medical field has enjoyed great strides in medicines and in surgical procedures that considerably raise the quality of life that we take pleasure in. The medical field has experimented with such things as healthy heart diets and specialized exercises that can only help to improve the quality of life. Now you can help correct congestive heart failure with any life style changes and medical advice from your Physician. Mark has suffered with a congestive heart problem since 1994 and is now severely disabled. He now maintains a website for anyone who wants information on congestive heart problems. http://www.congestive-heart.com ]]> New Treatments To Aid Congestive Heart Failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/new-treatments-to-aid-congestive-heart-failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/new-treatments-to-aid-congestive-heart-failure#comments Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:10:01 +0000 congestive heart failureischemic heart diseaseheart attackrelaxation techniquescardiac arrhythmiadyspneamyocardial infarction http://www.artwoo.com/article/new-treatments-to-aid-congestive-heart-failure Congestive heart failure, a condition found secondary to innumerable major cardiac diseases, possesses its own high mortality rate. Fifty percent of patients who are diagnosed with congestive heart failure will die within the five following years. Scientists and researchers have always had problems understanding the exact mechanisms of the disease, and to find a cure.

Congestive heart failure begins as the cells in the heart die or stop working attributable to an event like a (a ) or . Whatever the cause, the heart is subsequently ineffective pumping blood throughout the body, resulting in the blood pooling in the organs and fluid building up in and around the lungs as sodium is unable to be adequately excreted, causing that is the classic symptom of congestive heart failure.

Clinical research is being targeted at the treatment of the disease and the possibility of repairing the damaged cells in the heart. Current research is underway to measure new medications that would lend a hand in vasodilation, also as a calcium inhibitor that would not producethe higher incidence of seen with the medications currently on the market.

In the age of natural medicine, the power of the mind has been invoked in clinical trials to apply meditation and to battle the tension on the heart that can be the breaking point for patients with congestive heart failure. Tension has been shown to negatively affect the body's blood pressure forcing the heart to work harder and placing an undue amount of stress on a by this time feeble muscle.

The theory lies in the belief that by learning to maintain a low level of mental stress the heart will be less stressed and as a result less likely to fail completely, and the patient can be accorded a better prognosis.

Alongside the return to natural, holistic methods of treatment is an incredible advancement in clinical technology that was not available twenty or thirty years in the past. Scientists profess to have identified a set of altered genes that can cause a person to be more disposed to suffer from congestive heart failure and are using their current expertise of genes and the benefits of gene therapy in an effort to reverse the effect. In addition, medications to tamp down on the genes' actions, like beta blockers and alpha-2 agonists are by this time available and being used in treatment programs.

Also being explored is the possibility of using stem cells to aid in correction of the damaged heart tissue. Clinical trials showed that patients in distress from congestive heart failure responded very favorably to an injection of their own stem cells into the heart, and while the exact means by which this causes improvement is as yet unknown. It is suspected that these cells either facilitate the growth of new vessels in the heart or act as a type of beacon, attracting the body's own healing cells to the site of the harm and stimulating repair.

The possibility of growing healthy tissue from embryonic stem cells to be transplanted is also being explored, although the controversial nature of the employment of embryonic stem cells due to the compulsory destruction of the embryo makes this doubtful in the foreseeable future. Scientists have determined that adult stem cells just can't provide an adequate supply of new cells to meet the needs of patients who have suffered from congestive heart failure.

Congestive heart failure is incredibly dangerous insofar as the body cannot reproduce the dead tissue cells in the heart; all the same, with modern advancements it is the longing of researchers everywhere to one day find a cure. Mark has suffered with a congestive heart problem since 1994 and is now severely disabled. He now maintains a website for anyone who wants information on congestive heart problems. http://www.congestive-heart.com ]]> The Risk Of Smoking And Heart Disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-risk-of-smoking-and-heart-disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-risk-of-smoking-and-heart-disease#comments Sun, 30 Sep 2007 22:24:57 +0000 cause of heart diseaseheart diseasessudden infant death syndrome sidsheart beatheart attackcoronary heart diseaseheart attacks http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-risk-of-smoking-and-heart-disease heart attack and stroke. You can take heart though as smoking is on the decline in numerous parts of the world including the UK which now has a total ban on smoking in public places, and you, too, can find a way to quit.

Cigarette smoking is the major s, such as heart attack, stroke, and other vascular diseases.

Important Heart Disease Facts Due to Smoking:

Nicotine causes increases in blood pressure as the carbon monoxide makes the quicker and takes the place of oxygen in the blood.

Tobacco contains more then 4,000 chemicals, many of which are known to be poisonous to humans.

Tar in tobacco is well known as a cause of cancer, which can be a fatal disease.

Smoking for prolonged periods will cause clogging of the arteries, which in turn leads to from working the heart too hard by reducing its oxygen supply. Clots are also more likely to form in the blood vessels raising the risk of potentially fatal changes in the heart beat.

Regular, long-time smokers have a 70% larger risk of death from than non-smokers.

80% of new smokers are children and adolescents who are trying to copy adults or to appear "cool" to their peer group.

Passive smoking is another major cause of heart disease, and those non smokers who inhale smoke from others are at direct risk. If you live with a regular smoker it will increase your risk of heart disease by 30%. Inhaling others smoke is especially hazardous for children and unborn babies by pregnant women and contributes to low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and middle ear infections.

Stop Smoking to Improve Your Health and Increase Your

Life Span

Many people smoke to cope with stress, lose weight, because of poor self-esteem, or simply to fit in with their friend's circle. Most new smokers obtain their first cigarette from someone else or find it readily available around the house from a smoking adult.

Getting Help

If you think you cannot quit smoking with just plain will power and if you are a heavy smoker, try to get some help before you start.

Check your doctor first and see what course of action they recommend. In many cases your Doctor can prescribe Nicotine patches, pills or chewing gums are a great substitute. If you can try to give up with a friend or a group.

Smoking can cause you and those who live close to you that inhale your smoke to die early by causing heart disease and cancer. That should be reason enough to give up smoking. Enjoy a healthier lifestyle and stop exposing your family and loved ones to passive smoking. About The Author: Mark has suffered with a congestive heart problem since 1994 and is now severely disabled. He now maintains a website for anyone who wants information on congestive heart problems. http://www.congestive-heart.com ]]> How Can Genes Cure Congestive Heart Failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-can-genes-cure-congestive-heart-failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-can-genes-cure-congestive-heart-failure#comments Wed, 07 Nov 2007 18:20:00 +0000 congestive heart failuretreatment of congestive heart failureheart injurypotassium channelgenetic mutationgene mutationpotassium channels http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-can-genes-cure-congestive-heart-failure congestive heart failure follows another severe type of . Until lately scientists and doctors had no way to recognize those at risk. New research into genes and gene therapy have fashioned them a potential weapon in the fight against congestive heart failure.

Scientists have built upon various discoveries regarding the effect of genes in the detection and . Several years ago it was discovered that a small percentage of patients who had suffered congestive heart failure possessed a failure in the gene that allows the body to detect dangerous stress signals; in essence, the heart does not recognize that it is operating too hard and is unable to to adjust.

This percentage may appear insignificant; although, the was not found in any of the healthy patients examined. Researchers stress that this is a susceptibility factor and not a source of congestive heart failure; however, it may be the breaking point to determining if a heart suffering from other disease will fail. Detection of this mutation may allow doctors to recognize and treat patients at risk before their heart deteriorates instead of subsequently.

This flaw is found in the ATP-sensitive s and is caused by a . The potassium channel regulates potassium and calcium levels in the body. As the heart requires calcium to work, a surplus of calcium leads to harm. This is the reason why calcium blockers are commonly dispensed to patients with congestive heart failure. Fortunately, medications used to open the potassium channel already exist.

In addition, a failure of the delta-sarcoglycan gene has been seen in hamsters with muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy. This gene is the cytoskeleton of muscle fibers, and successful transplants of an everyday human delta-sarcoglycan gene has been shown to make a tremendous improvement in these animals. This is noteworthy insofar as current transplant attempts require open heart surgery. This variety of gene transplant is carried on a virus, eliminating the necessity of surgery.

Scientists had been concerned with using this system of gene therapy attributable to the need for a systemic feature. There was also some concern that the body's natural immune system would eliminate the virus of its own accord before successful delivery of the gene; all the same, they believe they have found the best manner of virus to successfully slip around the body's customary defenses.

Whilst transplanting the delta-sarcoglycan gene researchers used a type 8 adeno-attendant virus, attaching the corrective gene onto it as it was inserted into the body. This permitted the gene to be carried to all areas of the body in animals with muscular dystrophy without being devastated by the body's own natural immunity.

Gene therapy is still highly experimental, and researchers are uncertain yet of the part it will play in the overthrow of congestive heart failure; although, this represents a technology that was unavailable in the past. Continuing advancements in technology and medicine's knowledge of the body's workings may one day unlock the mysteries to the cure of this deadly complaint. Mark has suffered with a congestive heart problem since 1994 and is now severely disabled. He now maintains a website for anyone who wants information on congestive heart problems. http://www.congestive-heart.com ]]> Heart Disease Hits The Famous http://www.artwoo.com/article/heart-disease-hits-the-famous http://www.artwoo.com/article/heart-disease-hits-the-famous#comments Sat, 26 May 2007 01:15:02 +0000 heart disease symptomsheart disease treatmentcongestive heart failureheart bypass surgeryheart attacksir ranulph fiennesquadruple bypass surgery http://www.artwoo.com/article/heart-disease-hits-the-famous
A famous person with heart disease faces the same risk factors as those who are not famous. A famous person with heart disease experiences the same symptoms, and can die of heart disease. The famous do not escape heart disease, known by physicians as coronary artery disease (CAD).

Examples of Famous People with Heart Disease

A famous person with heart disease who recently (March 2007) underwent triple is Regis Philbin well-known United States TV host. He had experienced typical such as chest pains and shortness of breath, despite having angioplasty 14 years ago. He joined a long list of famous people with heart disease. Here are a mere dozen of them.

* Bill Clinton =96 in 2004 * David Letterman =96 quadruple bypass surgery in 2000 * Larry King =96 and bypass surgery in 1987 * Mike Ditka =96 heart attack in 1988 * Tommy Lasorda =96 heart attack in 1996 * Dick Cheney =96 at least 4 heart attacks * Phyllis Diller =96 heart attack in 1999 * Elizabeth Taylor =96 * Victoria Gotti =96 heart disease from age 16 * Ma Ji =96 died of heart disease in 2006 * Alfredo Di Stefano =96 heart attack in 2005 * =96 heart attack and bypass surgery



A famous person with heart disease may be able to afford the best treatment available. Every effort will likely be made not only to save their lives but to return them to the fullest possible health.

Advantages of Heart Disease in the Famous

A famous person with heart disease can be a highly-recognized spokesperson for companies that offer heart disease medications, diet plans, and other treatments aimed at reducing heart disease. It is said that immediately after a famous person has a heart attack or major heart surgery, hundreds of people schedule physical examinations =96 especially men.

The heart disease is not, of course, an advantageous experience for the famous person undergoing it. It can awaken them to their need for lifestyle changes, but other than that, it is just as excruciating for the famous as for those who have no claim to fame.

No One Is Invincible

Whether it is a famous person with heart disease or a person who is famous only to his or her family, no one is invincible. That may be one of the biggest lessons to be learned from hearing of yet another famous person with heart disease. Another big lesson is that we should all heed the multitude of warnings, and take action to prevent heart disease in ourselves and our loved ones. =A92007, Anna Hart. Anna is married to a man who suffers from heart disease, and brings to her writing years of experience and research. She invites you to read more of her articles about heart disease at http://www.your-heart-disease-blog.com. You won't want to miss Anna's insights and perspectives on coronary heart disease risk factors. Visit Anna now. ]]> Patients Needs For Congestive Heart Failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/patients-needs-for-congestive-heart-failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/patients-needs-for-congestive-heart-failure#comments Mon, 12 Nov 2007 22:24:59 +0000 congestive heart failureheart illnessheart patienthealthy heartone heartheart attacksmost important things http://www.artwoo.com/article/patients-needs-for-congestive-heart-failure congestive heart failure. Not every individual is alike so; a treatment that works for one Patient may not be effective on another one. This has left many Patients quite rightly confused over the correct treatment for their cardiovascular state. The experts readily admit that what works for one may not work for another.

There was a recent study of greater than 2,300 patients where angioplasty-vs-drug therapy comparison proved to be the same. The end result was that no differences in death, nonfatal , strokes or hospitalization between patients with "stable" treated with medication alone vs. those who received drugs plus angioplasty and stenting.

A family doctor realizes that you as a patient comprehend your own body and appreciate your own needs such as diets and activity. A Patients treatment had better be based accordingly to their needs and accessibility of medical procedures. Every patient must reserve the right to be certain what his care will be and what he can do to help avert congestive heart failure. The patient should prepare to build for him or herself a method of action that will end in a healthy lifestyle. Starting with diet and exercises are the two in your life to improve upon to have a .

The Patient still has rights over their own body as to the kind of treatment and care they need to have. The Patient must devise a list of what they feel in order to discuss with the doctor the symptoms that they are having. This will help your family doctor in diagnosis of your case and decide upon the treatment and care that is best for you. You must be able to confer with your medical attendant on any type of treatment recommended and ask for a second opinion if you are not just sure that the procedures recommended for you are right.

You can start your own program to help with your position if you find that congestive heart failure is likely or you begin to show symptoms.

Initially, pore over your weight. Are you overweight? Do you require a diet? You probably understand the answers to these questions only too well. A diet method ought to fit your physical needs, which will help you lose weight and keep the weight off too. You shouldn't have to join a group or purchase special food in order to go on a diet. There are adequate diets plans available free on the internet. You had better confirm with your physician in advance of starting diet method.

The next thing that should do is some activity to help lose weight and relieve stress. You can become your own patient and keep track of your vitals, weight loss and any other important factors about yourself. A Patient has the power to control the way that they live their life. Mark has suffered with a congestive heart problem since 1994 and is now severely disabled. He now maintains a website for anyone who wants information on congestive heart problems. http://www.congestive-heart.com ]]> Battling Chronic Congestive Heart Failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/battling-chronic-congestive-heart-failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/battling-chronic-congestive-heart-failure#comments Sat, 01 Dec 2007 21:15:00 +0000 congestive heart failureischemic heartheart tissueheart conditionsupplemental oxygencellsdyspnea http://www.artwoo.com/article/battling-chronic-congestive-heart-failure congestive heart failure is an insidious opponent, possessing a slow onset that results in a patient often not even noticing they are having symptoms. Over time the patient will suffer from worsening and edema that will in due time drive them to seek treatment, where they will discover that for whatever reason that their heart is no longer able to function correctly.

Congestive Heart failure starts when the of the either die or become non-functional owing to another cardiac event, usually secondary to condition or coronary artery disease. As a result, the heart is no longer able to pump the blood all through the body adequately; instead the blood pools, resulting in fluids being retained instead of being excreted properly and oxygen starved organs being ineffective. The death of these cells is critical insofar as, like brain cells, once the cells of the heart die the body is not up to reproducing them and restore full working function to the heart.

Congestive heart failure carries with it a very high mortality rate, with over fifty percent of its victims dying within five years of being diagnosed with it. Doctors and researchers are able to use some of the latest advancements in medicine to enable the patient to be better relaxed and, in very many cases, to provide them with a further favorable prognosis.

Multiple patients do not even discover that they have been suffering chronic congestive heart failure until they are brought into the Emergency Department of their local hospital complaining of chest pains and difficulty breathing. Doctors will stabilize them there, suppying them with and starting a course of medicinal treatment that will carry them out of the hospital.

Contemporary science has provided physicians with a wide array of methods with which to battle the distress done by chronic congestive heart failure. Whenever oxygen is returned to an acceptable level a family doctor will mainly administer a diuretic to stimulate the renal system to pull fluid out of their circulation, relieving the edema and taking a great strain off of the lungs, heart and other organs. This will also generally be accompanied by supplemental potassium, as the renal system will remove potassium as well as the nonessential fluid and hypokalemia carries with it its own hazards.

A great deal of attention in the field of medicine has been focused on the body's construction of angiotensin II as it aggravates congestive heart failure. Angiotensin II is a substance created by the body which raises blood pressure and causes the blood vessels to constrict, thereby forcing the heart to work a great deal harder to pump blood throughout the body efficiently. An ACE inhibitor will many a time be administered to prevent the body from producing angiotensin II, and an angiotensin receptor blocker is available to those who do not respond as desired to the ACE inhibitor. Many patients with heart problems are accorded nitroglycerin for this reason also.

Along with medicine, research into the field of congestive heart failure is an ongoing process. The speculated utilization of stem cells, particularly embryonic stem cells, has opened a whole field of bitter debate for treatment of heart failure in the science community. Patients with congestive heart failure were given some of their own stem cells in the heart via injection, and all reacted very favorably.

Scientists are unsure as to whether this is because the stem cells support the body in growing new vessels or just act as a signal for the body's natural healing mechanisms, drawing other cells to the site of the injury. Whichever the case may be, stem cells represent a fascinating opportunity to at last find a means by which to restore correct heart functionality to patients who have suffered with chronic congestive heart failure.

Advanced science is providing a whole new world of treatment options to patients with congestive heart failure, and researchers are making new discoveries all the time. It is the ambition of all of those in the medical field that one day chronic congestive heart failure will be another illness medicine has the answer to. Mark has suffered with a congestive heart problem since 1994 and is now severely disabled. He now maintains a website for anyone who wants information on congestive heart problems. http://www.congestive-heart.com ]]> Recognising Congestive Heart Failure Symptoms http://www.artwoo.com/article/recognising-congestive-heart-failure-symptoms http://www.artwoo.com/article/recognising-congestive-heart-failure-symptoms#comments Mon, 08 Oct 2007 22:15:00 +0000 congestive heart failuresymptoms of congestive heart failureheart failure symptomscongestive heart failure symptomsfailure resultspitting edemadyspnea http://www.artwoo.com/article/recognising-congestive-heart-failure-symptoms Congestive heart failure symptoms, or simply , is a condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the normal needs of the body's tissues. Congestive heart failure interferes with the kidney's usual function of eliminating excess sodium and other waste from the body. Congestive heart failure can affect either the right side, left side or both sides of the heart. There are many diseases that can impair pumping efficiency and including fatigue, diminished exercise, shortness of breath, and swelling. Today, however, there are many effective measures that can be utilized to improve the symptoms, and the survival, of patients with congestive heart failure.

While all cardiac conditions carry similar symptoms of chest pain and difficulty breathing, congestive heart failure has a very specific set of symptoms and lab results, giving doctors a firm set of clues upon which to base a definite diagnosis.

, or difficulty breathing, coupled with severe edema (when the body retains fluid to the point of holding the imprint of an object that is pressed into the skin for several minutes) are generally the first symptoms pointing to congestive heart failure. Heart in the heart not being able to efficiently pump blood throughout the body; as a result, fluid accumulates rather than being removed and causes the body to swell as if it were a water balloon. Non-, or fluid retention that does not hold an imprint, is not caused by heart failure and indicates that another diagnosis should be made. The patient may also produce a frothy pink sputum when they cough.

In addition to the symptoms related to the fluid accumulation, general weakness and malaise, particularly during times of physical exertion are frequent symptoms of patients suffering from congestive heart failure, and should not be ignored. This is caused by a lack of nutrients and oxygen from the blood to the body tissues, and can result in permanent damage to the internal organs if they are left without these vital elements for a prolonged period of time. Anuria, or a lack of urination, is also evidential of heart failure as fluid accumulates in the tissues rather than being excreted as normal. Patients may suffer from an altered mental status due to toxins accumulating in the body.

As soon as the physician suspects heart failure based on the physical evidence, blood samples will be sent to the laboratory.

BNP, or Beta-natriuretic peptide, is excellent for screening in suspected cases of heart failure. This hormone is produced in greater quantities by the failing heart muscle as fluid levels rise, with a level between one hundred and five hundred pg/mg suggesting congestive heart failure and greater than five hundred being fairly diagnostic; however, an elevated BNP should not be considered to be sufficient evidence upon which to base a decisive diagnosis, as conditions like renal failure, ventricular strain, tumors or hypoxia can also cause BNP levels to rise too. Arterial blood gases may be tested to determine the degree of hypoxemia. A decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, proteinuria (protein in the urine), and a mild azotemia (elevated blood urea level) becomes evident in early to moderate disease. An increased serum creatinine, hyperbilirubinemia (increased bilirubin in the blood) and dilutional hyponatremia (decreased serum sodium levels) are also evidence that the patient is suffering from a more advanced case of heart failure.

Radiology can also perform imaging studies to evaluate the condition of the heart. A chest x-ray will usually reveal cardiomegaly (enlargement of the heart) and pleural effusion (fluid around the heart). An echocardiogram is performed to study the internal structures of the heart to evaluate for any structural abnormalities, as in the case of mitral stenosis. This provides confirmation to determine the underlying cause of congestive heart failure, particularly in suspected cases of valvular heart disease.

Physicians are very like detectives, in that once these tests have all been run they will gather these pieces of evidence together to form a fairly accurate picture of the patient's condition, allowing for an accurate diagnosis leading to proper treatment.

Today there are many effective measures that can be used to improve the symptoms, and the survival, of patients with congestive heart failure. Mark has suffered with a congestive heart problem since 1994 and is now severely disabled. He now maintains a website for anyone who wants information on congestive heart problems. http://www.congestive-heart.com ]]> d-Ribose Preserves Heart Function http://www.artwoo.com/article/d-ribose-preserves-heart-function http://www.artwoo.com/article/d-ribose-preserves-heart-function#comments Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:30:03 +0000 congestive heart failured ribosedna rnachambers of the heartsurgical congressheart failureacademic surgery http://www.artwoo.com/article/d-ribose-preserves-heart-function congestive in many people who have had a heart attack at some point in the past. Congestive heart failure is a condition that can occur as a result of any structural or functional cardiac disorder which impairs the ability of the heart to fill with and pump a sufficient amount of blood throughout the body. Since not all patients experience volume overload at the initial evaluation, this disease is most commonly referred to as heart failure, rather than congestive heart failure. This disease is often under-diagnosed because of a universally agreed upon definition does not exist and there are difficulties with diagnosis, especially in those with a mild condition. Even with the best care and therapy, heart failure has an associated mortality rate of ten percent and is the leading cause of hospitalization in people above the age of sixty-five.

Many studies have been done and presented at the Second Annual Academic , which is sponsored by the Association for and Society of University Surgeons. Heart attacks often lead to the progressive onset of congestive heart failure. After a heart attack, the portion of the heart that hasn't been damaged must work harder to compensate for the functional loss of the tissue that is damaged. The heart will eventually begin to fail, causing the to enlarge and waken, which in turn causes the heart to lose its ability to pump blood effectively.

A study, which was conducted by the University of Minnesota, led by Dr. John Foker and his team, determined that administering D-Ribose will significantly improve heart function after a heart attack. The study also showed that the progression of heart failure after a heart attack begins with the fall of energy levels. D-Ribose is very unique, it serves as a foundation for many important compounds such as DNA, RNA, and ATP (the energy of cells). ATP is very important to health and for maintaining normal energy-dependent body functions. Hearts that are stressed, muscles, and other tissue lack the metabolic machinery that is needed to quickly make D-Ribose and overcome progressive energy depletion. D-Ribose has been shown to significantly increase energy formation in those tissues that are stressed. The energy level of the heart tissue that is not damaged by the heart attack is in control of the beginning events of heart failure. When ATP starts to decrease, function will worsen, which sets the progression of chronic cardiac failure in motion. Supplementing with D-Ribose is known to increase energy in stressed hearts, which slows the progression of heart failure and in some cases even prevents it altogether. Although the study is in its early stages of investigation, Dr. Foker is positive about the results. By treating hearts with D-Ribose, ATP concentration of the heart can be improved and loss of energy can be prevented, which is known to be the major contributor to this disease's progression. More information on d-Ribose can be found at http://vitanetonline.com/ where a large selection of Ribose and similar supplements can be found. ]]> Simple Steps To Healthy Heart Care http://www.artwoo.com/article/simple-steps-to-healthy-heart-care http://www.artwoo.com/article/simple-steps-to-healthy-heart-care#comments Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:29:59 +0000 american heart associationheart healthhealthy heartheart careheart overflowsbroken heartmy heart http://www.artwoo.com/article/simple-steps-to-healthy-heart-care Healthy heart care is an issue which could affect any of us especially as we grow older. The heart is one of the the most talked about parts of your body. The heart used metaphorically describes love as a great hurt such as a . "My with my love for you," says a young man to his sweetheart. The emotions that we express with our heart are only one element of the human makeup. The other portion consists of having a healthy heart.

The heart is a major part of your body organs and functions to keep you alive and healthy. It is a noted fact that not only emotions affect your heart as other factors such as your food, your lifestyle, exercises, and pressure all play a pertinent role in . The provides a great deal very good information about . The Cleveland Clinic and other medical centers provide knowledge and steps you can take to ensure you have a healthy heart.

Exercising is a very import element of healthy heart care. We appreciate that not everyone can go to the gym or has the room in their home for gym equipment. We have some suggestions that will help with your heart health care.

- Sit in a comfortable chair and make sure you loosen your clothing for comfort.

- Start with your feet and ankles; rotate them only to the point where you feel the strain.

- Next gently work up to your legs raising them up and holding them for about five minutes.

- Work your hands and arms by raising them one side and then the other.

- Move your head up and down then back and forth in gentle motions.

About 20 minutes a day will help you relieve the strain in your life and will allow you to relax. This is a great way to improve on your general heart health. The next thing is your diet arrangement. Please remember it isn't so much what you eat rather how much and how regularly. We suggest you stay away from the ordinary things that individuals talk about such as fats, too many sweets and desserts, and things that you already know will harm you.

The heart is measured by taking your blood pressure with the results letting your doctor be certain as to your position. While reading your heart, first the physician looks at the Systolic level since systolic heart failure starts whens the left ventricle cannot contract vigorously which is probably a pumping issue. The diastolic heart failure occurs as long as the left ventricle can not relax or fill completely which then becomes a filling issue. The heart must but be able to pump vigorously and then relax to refill with blood to keep a healthy heart.

The truth is that the nations' biggest killer is heart disease and we have piece meal data gathered nation wide. AHA has put together some prime information on the subject and published it while the U.S. Government has not attempted to track heart disease at all. The AHA feels strongly that the government must get involved.

Yes, the heart is at the very soul of our existence. For many we think of the heart as long as we are in love or at a time of personal loss. As we grow older we begin to scrutinize the real heart, the arteries, veins, and the effects on our heart by the things we do. Take some simple precautions for healthy heart care and revel in your life. Mark has suffered with a congestive heart problem since 1994 and is now severely disabled. He now maintains a website for anyone who wants information on congestive heart problems. http://www.congestive-heart.com ]]> Understanding Some Of The Varied Heart Medications http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-some-of-the-varied-heart-medications http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-some-of-the-varied-heart-medications#comments Tue, 20 Nov 2007 01:30:02 +0000 congestive heart failureheart failure patientsheart medicationangiotensin ii receptor blockersloss of heartheart ratecholesterol levels http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-some-of-the-varied-heart-medications heart medication.

Beta-Blockers, which are employed to lower the and the output of blood by counteracting a hormone called noradrenalin, is not recommended for individuals with severe heart failure.

Diuretics are a medication that helps patients with fluid retention problems which are very common with .

The digitalis medicines raise the force of the heart's contractions, helping to improve circulation.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and (ARBS) may improve the survival rate amongst and may slow or prevent the pumping activity. The ACE inhibitors were originally developed as a treatment for hypertension (high blood pressure), the inhibitors help heart failure patients by decreasing the stress inside the blood vessels. This results in the heart needing to work less hard to pump blood around the vessels.

Nitrate or hydralazine is prescribed to patients who cannot use ACE inhibitors or ARBS. These medications help relax tension in the blood vessels and improves blood flow.

These are the rudimentary groups of medications but they are manufactured by drug companies that attach their own name. Nonetheless, just read the leaflet you will get from your pharmacist and that will let you know which medication you are taking.

Patients with high use a drug called Lipitor whilst other patients might need a Beta-Blocker consequently the medicine is named Plavix.

A patient might be inclined to strokes therefore; Nadolol helps with this issue.

One medication that you can take that is strongly recommended is Aspirin. Aspirin is known to stop heart attacks or avert heart attacks and this medicine can be bought over the counter without a prescription.

The above medications are just a few that your gp can prescribe for you according to your heart defect.

The heart is the number one vital organs in our body. It is required that we take very good care of our heart in order to survive. That is why taking heart medications is a very serious matter.

I knew a man who was not of the wisest nature and whenever he traveled on his short weekend trips would have all of us heart medications on Friday afternoon so he would not carry them with him. At the beginning he proclaimed that the room went round and he was dizzy for a time. This didn't stop him and the next time he did this his heart stopped when he stood up.

Yes, the man died at the age of 55 years only due to the fact that he mismanaged his heart medications. Please only have use what your family doctor recommends and only as it is prescribed. Mark has suffered with a congestive heart problem since 1994 and is now severely disabled. He now maintains a website for anyone who wants information on congestive heart problems. http://www.congestive-heart.com ]]> Heart Disease : Risk and How to Prevent http://www.artwoo.com/article/heart-disease-risk-and-how-to-prevent http://www.artwoo.com/article/heart-disease-risk-and-how-to-prevent#comments Sat, 09 Aug 2008 07:36:29 +0000 good cholesterol levelscongestive heart failurehigh blood cholesterolcoronary heart diseaseheart disease treatmentfamily history of heart diseasehistory of heart disease http://www.artwoo.com/article/heart-disease-risk-and-how-to-prevent
There are many risks factors can lead you to heart disease. One factor is increasing age. Over 83 percent of people who die of are 65 or older. At older ages, women who have heart attacks are more likely than men are to die from them within a few weeks. If your parents have a heart disease, you are also more likely to develop to heart disease more than other people. Most people with a strong have one or more other risk factors. According to a study, smokers are 4 times that of nonsmokers developing coronary heart disease.

and high blood pressure are the factors of hear disease too. As blood cholesterol rises, so does risk of coronary heart disease. When other risk factors are present, this risk increases even more. High blood pressure increases the heart's workload, causing the heart to thicken and become stiffer. It also increases your risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and .

Low in exercise is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Regular exercise can help to prevent heart disease because it causes you to be obesity and overweight. Obesity and overweight people are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other risk factors. Excess weight increases the heart's work. It also raises blood pressure and blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and lowers .

Heart disease can let you very suffer from its symptom and have to spend a lot of money for the . So it is necessary to take care yourselves out off the risk to be heart disease.

Start with your diet, a heart friendly diet emphasizes foods low in fat, and high in complex carbohydrates. You have to avoid red meat, butter, cheese, ice cream, and other foods high in saturated fat, add fair amount of fish in your diet. Eat lean chicken and have fruits and vegetables daily. When you cook your meal, you ought to reduce or eliminate the foods that are processed or fried. Eat a high quality protein such as beans and soybeans because beans and soybeans are good for you from heart disease. Garlic is very good for prevent heart disease as well. It lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, reduces blood pressure, help prevent the clotting of blood that cause heart disease.

Regular exercise is essential for keep out of heart disease. Habitual suitable exercise can help to prevent heart disease. Anyway you should work out regularly and long term. Exercising can help control blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity, as well as help lower blood pressure in some people. Many experts suggest that a 30 minute walk 3 to 5 times a week is sufficient to protect heart disease. On the other hand, if you are a heart patient or are over 40 and have not been exercising regularly, you should necessary to consult a doctor before beginning any exercise program. Yoga is an excellence exercise which you can opt to less the risk of heart disease as Yoga is stretching exercises can improve circulation to the heart.

Heart disease can impact on the sufferer's life, modern medicine has developed several effective treatments for heart disease, ranging from drugs and lifestyle improvements right through to surgery. Of course, prevention is always better than cure, so living a healthy lifestyle, eating more fruits and vegetable, and exercise regularly can protect you from hear disease.Health Care]]> Learning To Live Again With Congestive Heart Failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/learning-to-live-again-with-congestive-heart-failure http://www.artwoo.com/article/learning-to-live-again-with-congestive-heart-failure#comments Fri, 19 Oct 2007 21:25:00 +0000 congestive heart failureheart blooddyspneafortunatelyprognosisorgansoxygen http://www.artwoo.com/article/learning-to-live-again-with-congestive-heart-failure Congestive heart failure, as well as all the risks that go along with it, can be a terrifying prospect for any man, woman or child. The affect of a heart, the body's central tool for survival, no longer performing may appear like the very beginning of the end. The nice news is, by establishing an effective treatment plan with your cardiologist the , and the chances for you to lead a typical life, grow exponentially.

Congestive heart failure starts while the heart can no longer efficiently pump blood through the body. The blood pools, and whilst are poor of vital, life conveying and nutrients the excess sodium that would ordinarily be excreted in the urine builds up in the tissues, resulting in fluid retention that leads to to organ tension and the that is so typical in cases of congestive heart failure. Left untreated, the oxygen impoverished organs will in time cease to work and the patient will die.

, there are now innumerable ways to contend against the mortality aspect allied with heart failure. Doctors can prescribe medications to promote the flow of blood all through the body and take some of the pressure off the heart; blood thinners can decrease the chances of clots forming in the veins. Leaving out medicinal means, there are many and various factors that may be altered in your lifestyle to influence the prognosis of your disease.

It is of vital importance that the body be allowed adequate time to take a rest during the day. While at ease the heart can more readily pump blood around the body; just as you would relax an injured leg when it began to hurt, you ought to take it easy your heart also. On the flip side, it is significant to establish an every day work-out routine. It doesn't have to be three hours of aerobics; a half hour walk every day would carry a greater impact on your physical being than nothing whatever. Sit down together with your medical practitioner to find the course of action that works best for your individual circumstances.

As well as a course of action you must work with your attending physician to find the best diet format for you. In most cases a low sodium diet is recommended to help lower fluid retention. Diuretics can significantly affect the levels of potassium in the body causing hypokalemia, which can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis and a fatal cardiac arrhythmia; therefore, very often if you been prescribed a diuretic a daily a potassium supplement will also be given

Nicotine can bring forth a serious issue for patients with heart failure. It increases the heart rate and blood pressure while having a detrimental affect on the oxygen level in the blood. All of these things cause the heart to function harder. It is strongly recommended that if you have been diagnosed with congestiveheart failure you withdraw from smoking completely.

Hand in glove with smoking are the intrinsic dangers associated with contracting a case of pneumonia or flu. If you are able you had better lay hands on an yearly flu shot, as well as the one time dose of pneumococcal vaccine. This will provide some level of protection against pneumococci bacteria, the major source of bacterial pneumonia. Pneumonia is an issue for the same reasons as smoking; the decreased oxygen levels in the blood make the heart work harder in an attempt to compensate and get oxygen to the organs and tissues. If possible, steer clear of crowded areas during cold and flu season, and stay away from people you understand are affected

Amazingly, something as simple as the clothes you wear can impact your condition if you have suffered congestive heart failure. Tight clothing can be the cause of blood clots and restrict blood flow to the extremities. In addition, in cases of excessive temperature your clothes ought to be weather appropriate; if the body has to function harder to uphold its temperature the heart will have to work so much more.

Sexual relations can on the whole be continued as before; yet, they should occur in as peaceful an environment as is possible to ward off any undue pressure. If your condition is severe it is significant that you talk over this with your family doctor; it may be important to forego sexual relations for a time in favor of other, less tiring shows of affection.

Each and every one of these steps will help you continue to live much as you did prior to being diagnosed. Congestive heart failure will certainly influence your life; it is entirely up to you how much. Mark has suffered with a congestive heart problem since 1994 and is now severely disabled. He now maintains a website for anyone who wants information on congestive heart problems. http://www.congestive-heart.com ]]> What Are The Risks For Heart Disease From Rheumatoid Arthritis? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-the-risks-for-heart-disease-from-rheumatoid-arthritis http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-the-risks-for-heart-disease-from-rheumatoid-arthritis#comments Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:25:00 +0000 blood vessel wallsrheumatoid nodulescongestive heart failuresystemic autoimmune diseaseanti inflammatory drugsinflammation of blood vesselsinflammation of blood http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-the-risks-for-heart-disease-from-rheumatoid-arthritis
Patients who present with complications of RA outside the joints- what is termed extra-articular disease- are at particular risk for early death. Extraarticular problems that can be seen in RA include, skin ulcers, anemia, eye inflammation, lung inflammation and damage, heart disease, vessels, and (these are bumps consisting of inflamed tissue that grow at certain areas such as the fingers, elbows, heels, and back of the skull).

A predictor of the presence of extra-articular disease is the level of rheumatoid factor in the blood. The higher the rheumatoid factor, the more likely a patient will have extra-articular disease.

A newer blood marker, the anti-CCP (anti cyclic citrullinated peptide), also appears to predict higher risk of extra-articular problems as well as more severe disease.

The bottom line is that RA is not a benign condition. In fact, it carries the same mortality as first heart attacks, untreated diabetes, and stage 4 Hodgkins disease in some studies. RA must be diagnosed and treated aggressively.

Probably the primary cause of the increased mortality is cardiovascular death. Estimates range from 33-50% of all deaths in RA patients are due to cardiovascular causes. Patients with RA are at significantly increased risk for atherosclerosis, , heart attack, and vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels).

So what are some of the risk factors that particularly are important?

Among them are:

=95 Severe RA disease

=95 Severe extra-articular disease

=95 Elevated blood levels of homocysteine which is aggravated by methotrexate therapy

=95 Abnormalities of

=95 Drugs that are used to treat RA such as corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

=95 Overproduction of inflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers of disease)

=95 Rheumatoid nodules

A note about drugs...

Methotrexate, the most commonly used disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug is associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular death. Unfiortuantely, nonsteoridal anti-inflammatory drugs which are commonly used to treat symptoms in RA increase the risk of blood clots, cardiovascular disease, and congestive heart failure.

The role of other medical problems such as blood sugar, elevated lipids, and so forth are a subject for another article.

Recommendations for reduction of cardiovascular risk in RA patients include:

=95 Low dose aspirin (which should be supplemented with some type of stomach protection) particularly in patients who are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

=95 Statin drugs for people with elevated lipids

=95 Folic acid supplementation to minimize the elevated homocysteine levels seen in RA

=95 Caution with the use of TNF-inhibitors in patients with congestive heart failure

=95 Control of co-morbid conditions such as smoking, diabetes, and hypertension that might aggravate the tendency towards cardiovascular risk.

Complicating this issue is some data showing that TNF inhibitors can elevate serum lipids in some instances. The implications of this phenomenon on the overall picture is still unknown.

A bright note: there is increasing evidence that aggressive treatment with methotrexate and TNF-inhibitors reduces the incidence of cardiovascular events. Therefore, the above-mentioned lipid problem may not be that important. Further studies are obviously needed to confirm these findings. Nathan Wei, MD FACP FACR is a rheumatologist and Director of the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. For more info: http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/arthritis-treatment.html ]]>