Heart Health

by Dr. Grace Ormstein

Do you know your heart?

This month is dedicated to the awareness of the heart health and the cardiovascular system. February is also the month when people celebrate valentine’s day on Feb 14th , is this a coincidence?

The celebration of Valentine’s day increases excitement and wishes to spend time with the love ones since January. We see color red everywhere it is impossible not to notice chocolate hearts, hearts in red on different decoration bringing to surface heavy advertisement of this special day. After this is over, do we remember about our heart? I encourage you to extend the interest in your heart well being beyond Valentine’s day. Learn about having healthy heart as long as you live using a few suggestion from this information.

First let’s talk about what do statistic say about the heart and cardiovascular problems in USA and other part of the developed world. February is a good month for evaluation if we are “good “ to our heart, are we take care of our health did we change our life style yet etc…..

It is good to know and be aware of the fact that heart and cardiovascular diseases became number # 1 killer in U.S. and other developed countries.

Cardiovascular disease accounted for more then one-third of all deaths in 2004. On average, there are 1.2 million heart attacks annually.

The heart and cardiovascular problem has always been perceived as men’s problem, not to our surprise women are suffer from that as well.

Cardiovascular disease affect more women then men and heart attack are generally more severe in women than men.

Falling to recognize and respond to symptoms of a heart attack may be one-reason women experiencing a greater proportion of sudden cardiac deaths than men may. So what is the problem?

Mostly misconceptions, among women as well as their doctors. The current warning signs of a heart attack are based primarily on studies of white, middle – aged men.

 A recent study had revealed more insight to just how differently women experience heart attack compared to men. A survey of more than 500 women found that 95% had specifically new and different symptoms up to a month prior to heart attack.

Most common symptoms reported by women in a month prior to a heart attack:

● 71% unexplained or unusual fatigue

● 48% sleep disturbance

● 42% shortness of breath

● 39% indigestion

● 35% anxiety

 Awareness of own health is important in all age group. American Journal of Epidemiology Dec 2006 reported; young adults are clueless about heart risk factors. In a survey of nearly 4,200 healthy adults, researchers were surprised to find out that most not know the major risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and being overweight.

Did you know that more belly sticks out, the greater the risk of developing heart disease a new study shows?

This is our right to have a healthy heart and making first step towards healthy lifestyle is the most important one. Let’s review few simple things that can be done in physical activity and diet and supplements.

Majority of people in USA became coach potatoes and follow SAD diet. I would suggest to start with walking, slow and steady for 10-15 minutes and increase slowly to 1-hour walk every day. The newest study has shown that only walking every day can contribute to healthy body and all organs. A lot of us resist changing diet but we can start by dropping two junk foods per week and replacing with healthy whole foods. Important is of making an observation how do we feel after certain food or physical activity and take the time of listen to the body.

• Our body is our best friend because letting us know how feels before worst happen. I would suggest either reading books, going to the seminars on a healthy eating or visit a nutritional consultant for guidance. Supplements are playing important role in addition to life style changes they are able to reawaken the body natural abilities to recover healthy functioning of the heart and cardiovascular system. There are a few supplements for support healthy heart CoQ-10 enzyme is important, vitamins B complex, omega – 3 essential fatty acids Suggested dose of EPA/DHA per AHA is 2-4 grams per day. , Arjuna, ayurvedic herb is known from ancient ages for its cardiac tonic properties. Saffron contains several phytochemicals such as Vit B1, vitB2, beta and gamma carotene, in folk medicine was used for tranquilizing properties, Aloeweed supports healthy blood pressure and tranquility. Hawthorne berries are support the circulatory system, contain vit C and B complex. Magnesium glyconate supports healthy blood pressure. L- Arginine supports blood vessel dilation and oxygen delivery to the heart. Garlic supports normal blood clotting abilities, supports healthy lipids level and blood pressure and Alpha lipoic acid is an effective antioxidant.

Make a first step your heart is in your hands.

 Heart is only size of the fist but works day and night pushing the blood through the vessels which length is about 3 times length of the earth around at the equator. It beats 72 times per minute and push about 5 quarts of blood per minute.

Always remember, having healthy heart is a gift to yourself for ever.

Optimal Health Consulting. All rights reserved. 2006