Heart Disease

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Heart disease

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Facts

Other names include cardiovascular (cardiac) disorders, cardiovascular (cardiac) disease and coronary heart disease.
It is the most common cause of death in many countries around the world.
Heart disease manifests itself in different forms, such as heart failure (where the heart is unable to pump enough blood), heart attack, stroke, arrhythmias (irregular heart beats), heart tumor, stable angina, unstable angina, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (an enlargement of the heart muscle).
Some risks factors of heart disease include family history, uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, high stress, uncontrolled alcohol consumption and being overweight.
High levels of triglycerides and/or homocysteine are also associated with a high risk of heart disease (heart attack and stroke).
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibupreofen and even a viral infection can lead to heart failure.
Atherosclerosis is the medical term for clogged arteries.
The signs of heart disease would include chest pain/discomfort, breathing difficulty, out of breath, nausea, dizziness and sweating.
In 1967, Dr. Christian Barnard, with 30 assistants, successfully performed the world's first heart transplant in Cape Town, South Africa.
If you think a heart attack is coming on, start coughing vigorously. Coughing actually initiates a pumping action that pushes blood through the body to the brain which can keep you going untill medical help arrives. Start with a single cough every 1 to 2 seconds in bouts of 5 coughs.
Reference : American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine

Boost heart health

Avocado
Rich in monounsaturated fats that help keep bad cholesterol levels in check. It also contains a plant sterol called beta-sitosterol known to prevent the reabsorption of cholesterol from the intestine and therefore reduces blood cholesterol levels.
Coenzyme Q10
It has been reported that this enzyme (which is an antioxidant as well) helps to strengthen a frail heart. It aids in the energy production within the heart cells.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Well-researched and known to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Fresh garlic is cheap and readily available so include it in your meals. The best way to preserve it's nutrients from being destoryed is to consume raw or add it just before serving a dish.
Green tea
Known to contain antioxidants that promote protection against those damaging free radicals. Always drink tea soon after brewing.
Noni (Morinda citrifolia)
A phytonutrient called scopoletin found in noni is believed to help lower high blood pressure.
Almonds
Rich in Vitamin E and monounsaturated fats.
Olive and canola oil
Rich in monounsaturated fats.
Pycnogenol
An extract of French maritime pine bark, laboratory studies show that this antioxidant is 50 times more powerful than Vitamin C and 20 times more powerful than Vitamin E. It can prevent blood clogs.
Red yeast rice
See "Rice"
Regular exercise
It is no secret that daily exercise is more beneficial than vigorous irregular exercise. 30 minutes a day for 3 days a week, take on physical activities such as walking, slow jogging, cycling, car washing, taking the stairs instead of the elevator and doing housework.
Soy protein
A healthier source of natural protein than those found in red meat. Foods rich in soy include tofu, soy milk, tempeh and other soya bean products.
Stop smoking
Vitamin B (folic acid, B6 and B12)
A lack of Vitamin B is said to increase homocysteine levels in the blood. Spinach, broccoli, asparagus, dark leafy vegetables and legumes are food sources to tap on for this important vitamin. Note: Large doses of folic acid can mask B12 deficiency.
Vitamin E
An indispensible fat-soluble antioxidant needed to reduce free-radical damage to LDL (low-density lipoproteins) cholesterol and thus lower the risks of heart disease.