When a heart attack occurs, it's critical to recognize the signals and respond immediately. About half of all heart attack victims wait two hours or longer before deciding to get help. This reduces their chance of survival, because most heart attack victims who die do so within two hours of when the signals begin. Time is critical. Anyone experiencing the warning signals of a heart attack should be taken immediately to the nearest hospital with 24-hour emergency cardiac care. People who become unconscious before reaching the emergency room may receive emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Most communities have an emergency cardiac care system that can quickly respond to an emergency. This prompt care for heart attack victims dramatically reduces damage to the heart. In fact, 80 percent of heart attack survivors can return to work within three months. Prompt care for heart attack victims isn't the only reason so many people recover so quickly, but it's an important one.
The importance of time cannot be overemphasized. When a coronary artery gets blocked, the heart muscle doesn't die instantaneously - damage increases the longer an artery remains blocked. If a victim gets to an emergency room fast enough, a form of reperfusion therapy (called thrombolysis) sometimes can be performed. lt involves injecting a thrombolytic (clot-dissolving) agent, such as streptokinase, urokinase or tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), to dissolve a clot in a coronary artery and restore some blood flow. These drugs must be used within a few (usually 1-3) hours of a heart attack for best effect. The sooner a drug is used, the more effective it's likely to be.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Angina treatement
How is angina treated?
Angina pectoris can be treated with drugs that affect 1) the supply of blood to the heart muscle or 2) the heart's demand for oxygen. Some drugs, called coronary vasodilators, cause blood vessels to relax. When this happens the opening inside the vessels (the lumen) gets bigger. Then blood flow improves, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the heart muscle. Nitroglycerin is the drug most often used. It relaxes the veins (reducing the amount of blood returning to the heart and thus lessening the work of pumping) and the coronary arteries (increasing the blood supply to the heart).
Alternatively, the heart's demand for oxygen also can be modified. For example, a drug can be prescribed to reduce blood pressure and thus reduce the heart's workload and need for oxygen. Drugs that slow the heart rate achieve a similar effect.
Invasive techniques that improve the blood supply to the heart also may be used. One technique is percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), also known as angioplasty or balloon angioplasty. Another procedure is coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Before performing either of these procedures, a doctor must find the blocked part of the coronary arteries. This is done using coronary arteriography, which is done during a procedure called cardiac catheterization. In this procedure a doctor guides a thin plastic tube (a Catheter) through an artery in the arm or leg and into the coronary arteries. Then the doctor injects a liquid dye visible in X-rays through the catheter. High-speed X-ray movies record the course of the liquid as it flows through the arteries. Doctors can identify obstructions in the arteries by tracing the liquid's flow.
Some newer diagnostic procedures are available to evaluate how well the heart works. These tests may be done before or after a heart attack. Some of these tests are still relatively experimental and are limited to larger medical centers.
PTCA is a procedure designed to dilate (widen or expand) narrowed coronary arteries. In it a doctor inserts a catheter into an artery in an arm or leg and guides it to an obstructed coronary artery. Then a second catheter with a balloon tip is passed inside the first, and the balloon tip is inflated at the arterial blockage. This compresses the plaque, enlarging the inner diameter of the blood vessel so blood can flow more easily. Then the balloon is deflated and the catheters are withdrawn.
Angina pectoris can be treated with drugs that affect 1) the supply of blood to the heart muscle or 2) the heart's demand for oxygen. Some drugs, called coronary vasodilators, cause blood vessels to relax. When this happens the opening inside the vessels (the lumen) gets bigger. Then blood flow improves, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the heart muscle. Nitroglycerin is the drug most often used. It relaxes the veins (reducing the amount of blood returning to the heart and thus lessening the work of pumping) and the coronary arteries (increasing the blood supply to the heart).
Alternatively, the heart's demand for oxygen also can be modified. For example, a drug can be prescribed to reduce blood pressure and thus reduce the heart's workload and need for oxygen. Drugs that slow the heart rate achieve a similar effect.
Invasive techniques that improve the blood supply to the heart also may be used. One technique is percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), also known as angioplasty or balloon angioplasty. Another procedure is coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Before performing either of these procedures, a doctor must find the blocked part of the coronary arteries. This is done using coronary arteriography, which is done during a procedure called cardiac catheterization. In this procedure a doctor guides a thin plastic tube (a Catheter) through an artery in the arm or leg and into the coronary arteries. Then the doctor injects a liquid dye visible in X-rays through the catheter. High-speed X-ray movies record the course of the liquid as it flows through the arteries. Doctors can identify obstructions in the arteries by tracing the liquid's flow.
Some newer diagnostic procedures are available to evaluate how well the heart works. These tests may be done before or after a heart attack. Some of these tests are still relatively experimental and are limited to larger medical centers.
PTCA is a procedure designed to dilate (widen or expand) narrowed coronary arteries. In it a doctor inserts a catheter into an artery in an arm or leg and guides it to an obstructed coronary artery. Then a second catheter with a balloon tip is passed inside the first, and the balloon tip is inflated at the arterial blockage. This compresses the plaque, enlarging the inner diameter of the blood vessel so blood can flow more easily. Then the balloon is deflated and the catheters are withdrawn.
Heart's collateral circulation
Collateral circulation involves small arteries that connect two larger coronary arteries or different segments of the same artery. They provide an alternate route for blood flow to the heart muscle. Everyone has collateral vessels, at least in microscopic form. These vessels aren't open under normal conditions but grow and enlarge in some people with coronary heart disease. When a collateral vessel enlarges, it lets blood flow from an open artery to either an adjacent artery or further downstream on the same artery. Myocardial ischemia stimulates collateral vessels, so they can form a kind of "detour" around a blockage, providing alternate routes of blood flow.
Research has shown that while everyone has collateral vessels, they don't open and become available in all people. Some people have available collaterals; others don't. People who have open collateral vessels are lucky, because collateral vessels help protect heart muscle from tissue death if the normal blood supply is cut off.
Research has shown that while everyone has collateral vessels, they don't open and become available in all people. Some people have available collaterals; others don't. People who have open collateral vessels are lucky, because collateral vessels help protect heart muscle from tissue death if the normal blood supply is cut off.
Silent Heart Attack
A heart attack is a very serious and very sudden condition and occurs when a section of the heart does not receive blood. This lack of blood flow can cause the heart tissue to die and scar. Heart attacks can range from mild to severe affecting areas both small and large areas of the heart. Almost always, heart attacks are life threatening and require immediate attention.
Silent heart attacks can happen to anyone, but people most likely to experience silent heart attacks are those that have had a prior heart attack, individuals who have diabetes, women, men and women over the age of 65 and those prone to strokes. Individuals taking medication on a regular basis may also experience a silent heart attack.
Symptoms of a Silent Heart AttackThe best way to identify this disease is through careful study of medical history, ECG (electrocardiogram; measures heart activity) and testing blood for cardiac enzymes. The most important treatment in silent heart attack is restoring the blood flow to the heart.
Restoring blood flow can be accomplished by dissolving clots found in the artery (thrombolysis) or by pushing the artery open using a balloon (angioplasty). Both thrombolysis and angioplasty may be used at the same time.
It is reported that as much as 25 percent of those having a heart attack and being diabetic never felt any of the common warning signs such as crushing chest pressure, weakness, arm pain or others.
Silent heart attacks and heart attacks in general can damage to nerves that affect the heart (autonomic neuropathy, or AN) could be the culprit.
Symptoms of a silent heart attack can include discomfort in your chest, arms or jaw that seem to go away after resting, shortness of breath and tiring easily. The most common complaint of visitors to the emergency room is Chest Pain which is by far the most symptom you're having a heart attack. Although Chest Pain takes 1st place as an indicator, second place would be given to extreme shortness of breath! Oddly enough, many heart attack victims reported a feeling of overwhelming doom just before an attack.
Identify a Silent Heart AttackThe best way to identify a silent heart attack is through careful study of medical history, ECG (electrocardiogram; measures heart activity) and testing blood for cardiac enzymes. The most important treatment in silent heart attack is restoring the blood flow to the heart.
Restoring blood flow can be accomplished by dissolving clots found in the artery (thrombolysis) or by pushing the artery open using a balloon (angioplasty). Both thrombolysis and angioplasty may be used at the same time.
Fast Treatment of a Heart AttackOne item that is mentioned repeatedly in case studies is aspirin. If you feel you have had a silent heart attack, you may want to take a non-acetaminophen aspirin as studies have shown doing so may help prevent heart damage that can occur from a silent heart attack.
Many people permanently damage their hearts because of pride! If you feel you may be having a heart attack, don't mess around! Seek medical attention immediately and whatever you do, do NOT drive yourself if possible. There is no shame in seeking medical attention for what you believe to be a heart condition. Do NOT be embarrassed if it's a false alarm, it's your life we're talking about!
Silent heart attacks can happen to anyone, but people most likely to experience silent heart attacks are those that have had a prior heart attack, individuals who have diabetes, women, men and women over the age of 65 and those prone to strokes. Individuals taking medication on a regular basis may also experience a silent heart attack.
Symptoms of a Silent Heart AttackThe best way to identify this disease is through careful study of medical history, ECG (electrocardiogram; measures heart activity) and testing blood for cardiac enzymes. The most important treatment in silent heart attack is restoring the blood flow to the heart.
Restoring blood flow can be accomplished by dissolving clots found in the artery (thrombolysis) or by pushing the artery open using a balloon (angioplasty). Both thrombolysis and angioplasty may be used at the same time.
It is reported that as much as 25 percent of those having a heart attack and being diabetic never felt any of the common warning signs such as crushing chest pressure, weakness, arm pain or others.
Silent heart attacks and heart attacks in general can damage to nerves that affect the heart (autonomic neuropathy, or AN) could be the culprit.
Symptoms of a silent heart attack can include discomfort in your chest, arms or jaw that seem to go away after resting, shortness of breath and tiring easily. The most common complaint of visitors to the emergency room is Chest Pain which is by far the most symptom you're having a heart attack. Although Chest Pain takes 1st place as an indicator, second place would be given to extreme shortness of breath! Oddly enough, many heart attack victims reported a feeling of overwhelming doom just before an attack.
Identify a Silent Heart AttackThe best way to identify a silent heart attack is through careful study of medical history, ECG (electrocardiogram; measures heart activity) and testing blood for cardiac enzymes. The most important treatment in silent heart attack is restoring the blood flow to the heart.
Restoring blood flow can be accomplished by dissolving clots found in the artery (thrombolysis) or by pushing the artery open using a balloon (angioplasty). Both thrombolysis and angioplasty may be used at the same time.
Fast Treatment of a Heart AttackOne item that is mentioned repeatedly in case studies is aspirin. If you feel you have had a silent heart attack, you may want to take a non-acetaminophen aspirin as studies have shown doing so may help prevent heart damage that can occur from a silent heart attack.
Many people permanently damage their hearts because of pride! If you feel you may be having a heart attack, don't mess around! Seek medical attention immediately and whatever you do, do NOT drive yourself if possible. There is no shame in seeking medical attention for what you believe to be a heart condition. Do NOT be embarrassed if it's a false alarm, it's your life we're talking about!
How to Survive A Heart Attack when Alone
Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness. However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again. Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital.
Causes Heart Disease
The heart disease is one of the principal causes, because of the modern life styles. Modern medicine developed several effective treatments for the heart disease extending from drugs and the life style. Naturally, the prevention is always better than treatment, thus before we look at some of the symptoms of the cardiac disease, you can help your body to eliminate the risks. healthy life style can reduce the chances to develop cardiac problems. with careful adjustments of our life styles we can improve.
The smoking causes the accumulation of the fatty deposits in the arteries also posing problems of circulation. stop smoking and excessive drinking and do exercise to reduce the weight towards avoiding problems. Palpitations that is strongly and unequally beating heart can be a sign of problems of heart. A feeling of tinkling in the body such as in fingers, toes or lips is often a sign in which your circulation system does not deliver enough oxygen it is a sign of the problems of heart. The sign of the cardiac problems are feeling of pain in the trunk, a condition known under the name of angina. The angina can develop in heart disease. healthy life style will reduce considerably the heart disease.
Age: increase in age the chances for the coronary heart disease occurs. Hereditary factors: It is said that the coronary heart disease occurs because of heredity. This means that person who has family past history is to develop the disease. Sex: research discovered that the men have a greater risk to develop the coronary heart disease than women. Smoking: those who smoke are likely to die due to sudden cardiac death for approximately twice than the nonsmokers. It is the reason basically that people are strongly advised to stop the smoking. cholesterol: When the level of cholesterol increases in the body, there are chances of CHD to develop. This can even lead to hypertension. uncontrolled cholesterol level can lead to the obesity, which is but with one of the greatest causes for heart disease. Inactive life style: people who have greater risks to develop the coronary heart disease are advised to take the regular exercise which can help to increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the body. It can even reinforce the contractions of heart, making your heart to pump more blood without much effort.
Thus such are basically the principal causes of the coronary heart disease. It is wise to note them and understand to identify the best treatment easily. And if you want that the heart disease keeps distance from you, to do something to change the causes. To make your heart healthy which can help to avoid heart disease.
The smoking causes the accumulation of the fatty deposits in the arteries also posing problems of circulation. stop smoking and excessive drinking and do exercise to reduce the weight towards avoiding problems. Palpitations that is strongly and unequally beating heart can be a sign of problems of heart. A feeling of tinkling in the body such as in fingers, toes or lips is often a sign in which your circulation system does not deliver enough oxygen it is a sign of the problems of heart. The sign of the cardiac problems are feeling of pain in the trunk, a condition known under the name of angina. The angina can develop in heart disease. healthy life style will reduce considerably the heart disease.
Age: increase in age the chances for the coronary heart disease occurs. Hereditary factors: It is said that the coronary heart disease occurs because of heredity. This means that person who has family past history is to develop the disease. Sex: research discovered that the men have a greater risk to develop the coronary heart disease than women. Smoking: those who smoke are likely to die due to sudden cardiac death for approximately twice than the nonsmokers. It is the reason basically that people are strongly advised to stop the smoking. cholesterol: When the level of cholesterol increases in the body, there are chances of CHD to develop. This can even lead to hypertension. uncontrolled cholesterol level can lead to the obesity, which is but with one of the greatest causes for heart disease. Inactive life style: people who have greater risks to develop the coronary heart disease are advised to take the regular exercise which can help to increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the body. It can even reinforce the contractions of heart, making your heart to pump more blood without much effort.
Thus such are basically the principal causes of the coronary heart disease. It is wise to note them and understand to identify the best treatment easily. And if you want that the heart disease keeps distance from you, to do something to change the causes. To make your heart healthy which can help to avoid heart disease.
Chest Pain and Heart
Each one at a certain point in their lives will test the chest pain. The majority of people seeking assistance of help are concerned that they can have an attack. The extreme pain of chest, is one of the common symptoms of a heart attack, there are much of other common reasons which can be attributed with the pain of chest, even extreme chest pain. Even minor damage with the some parts of your body can leave you struck with extreme pain of chest.
This does not mean that you should not be concerned if you are struck with serious chest pain and should not seek a medical attention. You should not assume you will die if it arrives at you. Around the nerves in the back can cause part of the pain and it can advance suddenly and can leave you wrinkled more with pain of chest, which can make it difficult to the breath.
In fact of chest pain are not indicators of a problem with any of your vital organs, can be treated with a visit to your doctor and bed rest. However, the chest pain can be a panel of warning of the more serious problems with the vital organs enclosed in your chest. The chest pain can be one of the symptoms of a heart attack and you can have other symptoms with it.
The studies proved that 66 percent of patients who had the chest pain which was not related to the cardiac disorder, but suffered from the backward flow acid syndrome. The researchers studied the possibility that a certain pain of chest, not caused by cardiac or syndrome disorder of backward flow of acid then it can be caused by a intensified sensitivity. The studies proved that in some patients, the muscles of some bodies are sensitive and fast to send signals of pain to the brain. Nobody knows why this occurs, but continuous research.
Once the determination is made that no cardiac disorder is present, Antacids or the inhibitors are generally prescribed. The acid reflux syndrome should carefully be supervised that the stomach acid does not damage the esophagus.
Some prefer to treat the acid reflux syndrome with dietetic and changes or of life style. If those reduce the stomach acid effectively, then they should relieve the acid chest pain. Some changes of life styles which can help to relieve the acid reflux syndrome include giving up the use of tobacco and alcohol and weight loss. Some dietetic changes which can relieve the acid reflux syndrome include more frequent eating meals and to get rid of fried and fatty foods.
There are many herbs which can relieve the acid reflux syndrome and the chest pain. Those include the root of ginger, the chamomile and aloe. These ingredients and others are sometimes combined by herbalists to create a product for the relief of the acid reflux syndrome.
This does not mean that you should not be concerned if you are struck with serious chest pain and should not seek a medical attention. You should not assume you will die if it arrives at you. Around the nerves in the back can cause part of the pain and it can advance suddenly and can leave you wrinkled more with pain of chest, which can make it difficult to the breath.
In fact of chest pain are not indicators of a problem with any of your vital organs, can be treated with a visit to your doctor and bed rest. However, the chest pain can be a panel of warning of the more serious problems with the vital organs enclosed in your chest. The chest pain can be one of the symptoms of a heart attack and you can have other symptoms with it.
The studies proved that 66 percent of patients who had the chest pain which was not related to the cardiac disorder, but suffered from the backward flow acid syndrome. The researchers studied the possibility that a certain pain of chest, not caused by cardiac or syndrome disorder of backward flow of acid then it can be caused by a intensified sensitivity. The studies proved that in some patients, the muscles of some bodies are sensitive and fast to send signals of pain to the brain. Nobody knows why this occurs, but continuous research.
Once the determination is made that no cardiac disorder is present, Antacids or the inhibitors are generally prescribed. The acid reflux syndrome should carefully be supervised that the stomach acid does not damage the esophagus.
Some prefer to treat the acid reflux syndrome with dietetic and changes or of life style. If those reduce the stomach acid effectively, then they should relieve the acid chest pain. Some changes of life styles which can help to relieve the acid reflux syndrome include giving up the use of tobacco and alcohol and weight loss. Some dietetic changes which can relieve the acid reflux syndrome include more frequent eating meals and to get rid of fried and fatty foods.
There are many herbs which can relieve the acid reflux syndrome and the chest pain. Those include the root of ginger, the chamomile and aloe. These ingredients and others are sometimes combined by herbalists to create a product for the relief of the acid reflux syndrome.
Diabetes and Heart Risk
Did you know that if you have the diabetes you could have a greater chance of cardiac disorder? Reason is the high levels of blood of sugar return the walls of your thicker blood vessels and make them to lose their elasticity, which alternatively marks it harder for blood to be passed through.Depression: The depression doubles the risk of a person obtaining the diabetes. After being diagnosed with diabetes a person will pass by the principal changes of life style.
Obesity: Obesity is an important risk factor for the cardiovascular disease and strongly related to the insulin resistance. The weight loss had shown to improve heart-health with the diabetes. Inactivity: The lack of exercise is another principal risk factor. Weight loss and the exercise can help to reduce the blood pressure and the risk of heart attack.
Hypertension: Hypertension was identified an important long time risk factor for the cardiac disorder. If you have high blood pressure and the diabetes your risk doubles for cardiac disorder. A symptom of diabetes is the skin of a diabetic person becomes very dry and heavy dehydration which could have an effect like a coma. Moreover it takes long-standing for wounds to cure. The diabetes is usually accompanied by the sudden loss of weight. There are many things which could not be a symptom of diabetes. If you think that you could have the diabetes, meet your doctor immediately and check your heart at the same time.
We know now that the daily therapy of aspirin lowers the risk of heart attack and clot. Aspirin obstruct the action of coagulation of blood. If blood vessels are previously damaged with a ondition of narrowing due to accumulation of the fat on them, a possibility is there to get clot can on the artery to make a block. This can stop the flow of blood to the brain and causes a heart attack. The therapy of Aspirin reduces the risks and prevents the heart attack and stroke. The majority of cardiologist recommends a daily aspirin magnesium of proportioning 325 now. Increased use of aspirin however can increase the risk of bleeding and can lead to the disturbed stomach. The study suggests that the poor absorption of the pH of the small intestine can be the reason for the enteric aspirin being not as effective as the regular aspirin.
Thus, people who are on the therapy of aspirin to prevent the heart attack should consider the enteric aspirin to prevent the stomach upset or the bleeding of GI, You can note that the enteric aspirin provides unsatisfactory protection for the heart and the brain. It is important, if the patient continue the discussion with the doctor in particular for the intake of the medicine.
Obesity: Obesity is an important risk factor for the cardiovascular disease and strongly related to the insulin resistance. The weight loss had shown to improve heart-health with the diabetes. Inactivity: The lack of exercise is another principal risk factor. Weight loss and the exercise can help to reduce the blood pressure and the risk of heart attack.
Hypertension: Hypertension was identified an important long time risk factor for the cardiac disorder. If you have high blood pressure and the diabetes your risk doubles for cardiac disorder. A symptom of diabetes is the skin of a diabetic person becomes very dry and heavy dehydration which could have an effect like a coma. Moreover it takes long-standing for wounds to cure. The diabetes is usually accompanied by the sudden loss of weight. There are many things which could not be a symptom of diabetes. If you think that you could have the diabetes, meet your doctor immediately and check your heart at the same time.
We know now that the daily therapy of aspirin lowers the risk of heart attack and clot. Aspirin obstruct the action of coagulation of blood. If blood vessels are previously damaged with a ondition of narrowing due to accumulation of the fat on them, a possibility is there to get clot can on the artery to make a block. This can stop the flow of blood to the brain and causes a heart attack. The therapy of Aspirin reduces the risks and prevents the heart attack and stroke. The majority of cardiologist recommends a daily aspirin magnesium of proportioning 325 now. Increased use of aspirin however can increase the risk of bleeding and can lead to the disturbed stomach. The study suggests that the poor absorption of the pH of the small intestine can be the reason for the enteric aspirin being not as effective as the regular aspirin.
Thus, people who are on the therapy of aspirin to prevent the heart attack should consider the enteric aspirin to prevent the stomach upset or the bleeding of GI, You can note that the enteric aspirin provides unsatisfactory protection for the heart and the brain. It is important, if the patient continue the discussion with the doctor in particular for the intake of the medicine.
Feeling Depressed After A Heart Attack
If you have had a heart attack, you may be experiencing depression. Did you realize that your mood can also be affecting your heart health? Depression causes a lot of problems for people with heart disease: more days in bed, more visits to the doctor, more ER visits, less enjoyment of life, more medical complications, and a higher risk of death. Untreated depression can actually double the risk of another cardiac event after a heart attack! How can you tell if you might be depressed? Here are some of the symptoms to look for:
Do you feel sad, down, or blue most of the time?
Have you stopped enjoying activates that you used to enjoy?
Is your energy very low or are you having problems moving at a normal pace?
Do you have problems concentrating?
Has your appetite or sleep patterns changed?
Do you feel worthless or excessively guilty?
Have you been having thoughts about hurting or killing yourself?
If you have been experiencing these symptoms regularly, you may have depression, and depression is bad for your heart.
Depressed people tend to have a poorer diet, use tobacco more, exercise less, have more stress, and don’t socialize as much. All of these contribute to an increased risk of another heart attack. Depressed people also don’t participate in cardiac rehabilitation as much and are three times more likely to not take their medications as prescribed.
Once depression is treated, people tend to have better mood, better quality of life, and take their heart medication more regularly after having and heart attack. There are many medications that are safe and effective for treating depression in people with CHD. For people who don’t want to use medicine, there are forms of therapy that can be equally effective. Some people respond very well to medication or therapy alone, but using both can lead to longer lasting improvement of depression.
People with depression need monitor their heart problems more closely. This may mean more frequent visits to the cardiologist and more frequent blood tests and ECGs. People who are depressed have a harder time taking medications regularly, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to make taking medication easier. Using a weekly pill box makes it easy to see when you’ve taken your medicine. If you have to take several medications daily, your doctor may be able to simplify things by prescribing a combination pill or a medication that only need to be taken once daily. Depression is not uncommon – if you think you have some of the symptoms above, make an appointment with your doctor.
Do you feel sad, down, or blue most of the time?
Have you stopped enjoying activates that you used to enjoy?
Is your energy very low or are you having problems moving at a normal pace?
Do you have problems concentrating?
Has your appetite or sleep patterns changed?
Do you feel worthless or excessively guilty?
Have you been having thoughts about hurting or killing yourself?
If you have been experiencing these symptoms regularly, you may have depression, and depression is bad for your heart.
Depressed people tend to have a poorer diet, use tobacco more, exercise less, have more stress, and don’t socialize as much. All of these contribute to an increased risk of another heart attack. Depressed people also don’t participate in cardiac rehabilitation as much and are three times more likely to not take their medications as prescribed.
Once depression is treated, people tend to have better mood, better quality of life, and take their heart medication more regularly after having and heart attack. There are many medications that are safe and effective for treating depression in people with CHD. For people who don’t want to use medicine, there are forms of therapy that can be equally effective. Some people respond very well to medication or therapy alone, but using both can lead to longer lasting improvement of depression.
People with depression need monitor their heart problems more closely. This may mean more frequent visits to the cardiologist and more frequent blood tests and ECGs. People who are depressed have a harder time taking medications regularly, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to make taking medication easier. Using a weekly pill box makes it easy to see when you’ve taken your medicine. If you have to take several medications daily, your doctor may be able to simplify things by prescribing a combination pill or a medication that only need to be taken once daily. Depression is not uncommon – if you think you have some of the symptoms above, make an appointment with your doctor.
Heart Attack and Pain
The decreased flow of blood to the cardiac muscle or the myocardium can have consequence of the ischemic cardiac disease with the pain of chest and even myocardium or a heart attack. This pain can be along the left, deep chest with the sternum or with the two arms, jaws, neck and back. The persistent pain can be characterized like crushing. No change of the pain occurs with breathing or modifying the position of the patient. A slow heart rate, hypotension, giddiness, disappearing and sweating can be associated it. Sometimes nausea and the vomiting will imitate an abdominal problem.
The heart attack results when a clot of blood completely blocks the blood of coronary artery to the muscle of heart. It will cause the death of the muscle of heart. It is noted that the formation of blood clot during a heart attack is usually of cholesterol on the interior wall of a coronary artery.
A heart attack can cause the pain, the cardiac arrest and instability of the heart. The instability of the heart can then cause the abnormal rhythm representing a danger to the life of heart - also known under the name of arrhythmia.
Normally, one can observe some warnings for a potential victim of heart attack. A person with pain will not be necessarily a victim of heart attack, but the pain or the pressure is indeed a common symptom of heart attack. The cardiac pain of chest is often vague and can be described like pressure or tightening or any other faintness.
The heart attack often occurs early in the late morning. It is due at the higher levels of adrenalin released by adrenals during the hours of morning. The adrenalin increased in blood circulation can contribute to the rupture. The incidence of the heart attacks “quiet” can be much higher for diabetics.
Generally a victim of heart attack can complain about: pressure on chest - sweating -pain of jaw - heartburn and indigestion - higher back pains, pain of arm (generally the left arm, but can be one or the other) and nausea.
The heart attack results when a clot of blood completely blocks the blood of coronary artery to the muscle of heart. It will cause the death of the muscle of heart. It is noted that the formation of blood clot during a heart attack is usually of cholesterol on the interior wall of a coronary artery.
A heart attack can cause the pain, the cardiac arrest and instability of the heart. The instability of the heart can then cause the abnormal rhythm representing a danger to the life of heart - also known under the name of arrhythmia.
Normally, one can observe some warnings for a potential victim of heart attack. A person with pain will not be necessarily a victim of heart attack, but the pain or the pressure is indeed a common symptom of heart attack. The cardiac pain of chest is often vague and can be described like pressure or tightening or any other faintness.
The heart attack often occurs early in the late morning. It is due at the higher levels of adrenalin released by adrenals during the hours of morning. The adrenalin increased in blood circulation can contribute to the rupture. The incidence of the heart attacks “quiet” can be much higher for diabetics.
Generally a victim of heart attack can complain about: pressure on chest - sweating -pain of jaw - heartburn and indigestion - higher back pains, pain of arm (generally the left arm, but can be one or the other) and nausea.
Depression
Overview
Depression is a medical condition that leads to intense feelings of sadness or despair. These feelings do not go away by themselves. They are not necessarily related to a particular life event.
What is going on in the body?
Depression is a disorder of the brain. Researchers believe that chemicals called neurotransmitters are involved in depression. Nerve impulses cause the release of neurotransmitters from one nerve cell to the next. This release allows cells to communicate with one another. Too little or too much of these important neurotransmitters may be released and cause or contribute to depression. Some of the neurotransmitters believed to be linked to depression are serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Some of the common types of depression are:
• Bipolar disorder: Also called manic depression, bipolar disorder is a type of depression that has either subtle or extreme "high" periods alternating with "low" periods of depression for years.
• Dysthymia: This type of chronic depression is characterized by ongoing symptoms of depression.
• Major depressive disorder: This type of clinical depression is characterized by a severe lack of interest in the things that were once enjoyed or nonstop feelings of sadness.
• Seasonal affective disorder: This type of depression occurs seasonally and is caused by lack of sunlight.
• Adjustment affective disorder. This type of depression usually occurs after a major loss or negative change in a person's life.
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
Some symptoms are common in people of all ages with depression. These symptoms include:
• appetite problems
• decreased energy
• difficulty paying attention or making decisions
• feeling very sensitive emotionally
• feelings of irritability
• feelings of sadness, despair, and emptiness
• inability to feel pleasure
• low self-esteem
• loss of motivation and withdrawal from others
• pessimism, negativity
• sleeping problems
• thoughts about suicide and death
Children, adolescents, or elderly people who are depressed may have other symptoms.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
There are many theories about what causes depression. Depression may be caused by any of these things: certain illnesses certain medicines, including antibiotics and medicines used to treat acne changes in brain chemicals heredity hormonal changes lack of sunlight major stresses negative thinking patterns.
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Depression may not be preventable. However, some of these steps may be helpful in preventing it: avoiding alcohol and illegal drugsavoiding cigarette smokinggetting prompt treatment for other psychiatric disordersseeking effective treatment for chronic diseasestalking with a counselor after experiencing a major trauma.
How is the condition diagnosed?
Screening tests for depression include: the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scalethe Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) the Zung Depression Scalethe Hamilton Depression Scale.
Depression is a medical condition that leads to intense feelings of sadness or despair. These feelings do not go away by themselves. They are not necessarily related to a particular life event.
What is going on in the body?
Depression is a disorder of the brain. Researchers believe that chemicals called neurotransmitters are involved in depression. Nerve impulses cause the release of neurotransmitters from one nerve cell to the next. This release allows cells to communicate with one another. Too little or too much of these important neurotransmitters may be released and cause or contribute to depression. Some of the neurotransmitters believed to be linked to depression are serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Some of the common types of depression are:
• Bipolar disorder: Also called manic depression, bipolar disorder is a type of depression that has either subtle or extreme "high" periods alternating with "low" periods of depression for years.
• Dysthymia: This type of chronic depression is characterized by ongoing symptoms of depression.
• Major depressive disorder: This type of clinical depression is characterized by a severe lack of interest in the things that were once enjoyed or nonstop feelings of sadness.
• Seasonal affective disorder: This type of depression occurs seasonally and is caused by lack of sunlight.
• Adjustment affective disorder. This type of depression usually occurs after a major loss or negative change in a person's life.
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
Some symptoms are common in people of all ages with depression. These symptoms include:
• appetite problems
• decreased energy
• difficulty paying attention or making decisions
• feeling very sensitive emotionally
• feelings of irritability
• feelings of sadness, despair, and emptiness
• inability to feel pleasure
• low self-esteem
• loss of motivation and withdrawal from others
• pessimism, negativity
• sleeping problems
• thoughts about suicide and death
Children, adolescents, or elderly people who are depressed may have other symptoms.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
There are many theories about what causes depression. Depression may be caused by any of these things: certain illnesses certain medicines, including antibiotics and medicines used to treat acne changes in brain chemicals heredity hormonal changes lack of sunlight major stresses negative thinking patterns.
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Depression may not be preventable. However, some of these steps may be helpful in preventing it: avoiding alcohol and illegal drugsavoiding cigarette smokinggetting prompt treatment for other psychiatric disordersseeking effective treatment for chronic diseasestalking with a counselor after experiencing a major trauma.
How is the condition diagnosed?
Screening tests for depression include: the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scalethe Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) the Zung Depression Scalethe Hamilton Depression Scale.
Heart Attack Treatment
What are the treatments for the condition?
The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance the person will survive. Taking an aspirin as early as possible after the onset of pain is very important. Aspirin acts as a blood thinner. This helps get oxygen-rich blood to the oxygen-deprived heart muscle. Other medications are used once the person arrives in an emergency department. Powerful medications called thrombolytics ("clot-busters") can sometimes dissolve the clot that is blocking the artery and causing the heart attack. Oxygen will be given to reduce damage to the heart tissue. A medicine known as nitroglycerin (i.e., Nitrolingual, Nitroquick, NitroStat) is given to decrease the work of the heart. Morphine may be given as well to reduce pain and decrease the work the heart has to do. A person who has had a heart attack often undergoes a procedure known as a cardiac catheterization or cardiac angiogram. A contrast agent is injected into the coronary arteries. Using an X-ray procedure, the healthcare professional can watch the blood flow through the heart and see if a blockage has occurred.
Some blockages in the coronary arteries can be opened using a special catheter with a balloon on the end. This balloon is inserted through the narrowed artery and inflated to open the artery and allow blood to flow. This procedure is called balloon angioplasty. If the artery will not stay open, a stent, or hollow tube, can be inserted to hold the artery open. The cardiac catheterization may show blockage in many arteries. If this is the case, heart bypass surgery may be necessary. A blood vessel from another part of the body is grafted onto the coronary artery. The graft provides a new route for blood to get to the heart muscle. After recovery from the acute phase of the heart attack, the person may be enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program. This gradual exercise program will help the person safely resume a healthy lifestyle.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects of medicines can include headache, dizziness, allergic reactions, and upset stomach. Blood-thinning and clot-busting medicines may increase the risk of bleeding and hemorrhage. Heart bypass surgery can be complicated by bleeding, infection, reactions to anesthesia, and, rarely, death.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
After the initial emergency treatment of a heart attack, any underlying disorders will be treated. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity.
How is the condition monitored?
The person will need to visit the healthcare professional regularly so medicines can be adjusted. He or she will monitor blood pressure, weight, and other major factors. Regular stress ECGs may be done to make sure there is proper blood flow to the heart. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare professional.
The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance the person will survive. Taking an aspirin as early as possible after the onset of pain is very important. Aspirin acts as a blood thinner. This helps get oxygen-rich blood to the oxygen-deprived heart muscle. Other medications are used once the person arrives in an emergency department. Powerful medications called thrombolytics ("clot-busters") can sometimes dissolve the clot that is blocking the artery and causing the heart attack. Oxygen will be given to reduce damage to the heart tissue. A medicine known as nitroglycerin (i.e., Nitrolingual, Nitroquick, NitroStat) is given to decrease the work of the heart. Morphine may be given as well to reduce pain and decrease the work the heart has to do. A person who has had a heart attack often undergoes a procedure known as a cardiac catheterization or cardiac angiogram. A contrast agent is injected into the coronary arteries. Using an X-ray procedure, the healthcare professional can watch the blood flow through the heart and see if a blockage has occurred.
Some blockages in the coronary arteries can be opened using a special catheter with a balloon on the end. This balloon is inserted through the narrowed artery and inflated to open the artery and allow blood to flow. This procedure is called balloon angioplasty. If the artery will not stay open, a stent, or hollow tube, can be inserted to hold the artery open. The cardiac catheterization may show blockage in many arteries. If this is the case, heart bypass surgery may be necessary. A blood vessel from another part of the body is grafted onto the coronary artery. The graft provides a new route for blood to get to the heart muscle. After recovery from the acute phase of the heart attack, the person may be enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program. This gradual exercise program will help the person safely resume a healthy lifestyle.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects of medicines can include headache, dizziness, allergic reactions, and upset stomach. Blood-thinning and clot-busting medicines may increase the risk of bleeding and hemorrhage. Heart bypass surgery can be complicated by bleeding, infection, reactions to anesthesia, and, rarely, death.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
After the initial emergency treatment of a heart attack, any underlying disorders will be treated. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity.
How is the condition monitored?
The person will need to visit the healthcare professional regularly so medicines can be adjusted. He or she will monitor blood pressure, weight, and other major factors. Regular stress ECGs may be done to make sure there is proper blood flow to the heart. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare professional.
Long-term effects of Heart Attack
What are the long-term effects of Heart Attack?
Depression can occur following a heart attack. Most people who survive for a few days after a heart attack can expect a full recovery. However, about 10% of people who have a heart attack die within a year.
What are the risks to others?
Heart attacks are not contagious and pose no risk to others.
Depression can occur following a heart attack. Most people who survive for a few days after a heart attack can expect a full recovery. However, about 10% of people who have a heart attack die within a year.
What are the risks to others?
Heart attacks are not contagious and pose no risk to others.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain, or angina. Angina is often described as a feeling of crushing, pressure, fullness, heaviness, or aching in the center of the chest. These sensations may extend into the neck, the jaw, down the left arm, or occasionally to other places.
Angina is often associated with other symptoms, including:
• excessive sweating
• feelings of apprehension
• nausea
• shortness of breath
• weakness
The type of angina known as stable angina is brought on by exertion and relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. In the type of angina known as unstable angina, the pain is more frequent and more severe. It can occur even when the person is resting. Unstable angina is a medical emergency.
Usually, angina is very uncomfortable. However, in some cases, symptoms are mild enough to be discounted as indigestion. A person may deny the chest pain and delay seeking help. Someone who has diabetes may not experience classic angina symptoms. A person with diabetes can have a heart attack without knowing it.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of heart attacks. Deposits of fat, platelets, and cellular debris build up along the inner wall of the artery. The narrowing of the coronary arteries from atherosclerosis is known as coronary heart disease. It reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood that can reach the heart.
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Heart attacks cannot always be prevented. It is important to control high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. A person can lower his or her risk by maintaining a healthy body weight. Physical activity and a diet designed to reduce heart disease can help prevent heart attacks.
How is the condition diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a heart attack begins with a history and physical exam. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can help in the diagnosis. Blood tests are done to measure levels of certain enzymes (released by damaged heart muscle) in the bloodstream. Because these enzymes may not rise for several hours after the pain begins, a person with a suspected heart attack is often admitted to a hospital. Rechecks of these levels over a period of time will determine if a heart attack has occurred.
The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain, or angina. Angina is often described as a feeling of crushing, pressure, fullness, heaviness, or aching in the center of the chest. These sensations may extend into the neck, the jaw, down the left arm, or occasionally to other places.
Angina is often associated with other symptoms, including:
• excessive sweating
• feelings of apprehension
• nausea
• shortness of breath
• weakness
The type of angina known as stable angina is brought on by exertion and relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. In the type of angina known as unstable angina, the pain is more frequent and more severe. It can occur even when the person is resting. Unstable angina is a medical emergency.
Usually, angina is very uncomfortable. However, in some cases, symptoms are mild enough to be discounted as indigestion. A person may deny the chest pain and delay seeking help. Someone who has diabetes may not experience classic angina symptoms. A person with diabetes can have a heart attack without knowing it.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of heart attacks. Deposits of fat, platelets, and cellular debris build up along the inner wall of the artery. The narrowing of the coronary arteries from atherosclerosis is known as coronary heart disease. It reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood that can reach the heart.
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Heart attacks cannot always be prevented. It is important to control high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. A person can lower his or her risk by maintaining a healthy body weight. Physical activity and a diet designed to reduce heart disease can help prevent heart attacks.
How is the condition diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a heart attack begins with a history and physical exam. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can help in the diagnosis. Blood tests are done to measure levels of certain enzymes (released by damaged heart muscle) in the bloodstream. Because these enzymes may not rise for several hours after the pain begins, a person with a suspected heart attack is often admitted to a hospital. Rechecks of these levels over a period of time will determine if a heart attack has occurred.
Heart Attack
Overview
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction (MI), occurs when the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen to the point that the heart tissue dies.
What is going on in the body?
The left and right coronary arteries are the first branches to leave the aorta, the main artery of the body. The coronary arteries supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. When these arteries do not deliver enough oxygen, a pain known as angina results. If the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen for a long enough period of time, the heart cells begin to die. This is called a heart attack.
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction (MI), occurs when the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen to the point that the heart tissue dies.
What is going on in the body?
The left and right coronary arteries are the first branches to leave the aorta, the main artery of the body. The coronary arteries supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. When these arteries do not deliver enough oxygen, a pain known as angina results. If the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen for a long enough period of time, the heart cells begin to die. This is called a heart attack.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Stress and the Immune System
•Stress can make you more vulnerable to colds and flu, fatigue and infections.
•Stress and the Brain—stress can cause brain dysfunction, decreased concentration, and headaches.
•Stress and Endocrinology and Metabolism—stress can slow metabolism and make you susceptible to type II diabetes.
•Stress and the Cardiovascular System—stress can cause rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, elevated cholesterol levels, and lead to a delayed processing and clearance of fats and triglycerides.
•Stress and the gastrointestinal tract— stress can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea by hindering stomach acid secretion and emptying, as well as increasing the movement of the colon.
•Stress and the Reproductive system—stress suppresses the production of the male and female sex hormones testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.
•Stress and Physical Problems—stress can cause dizziness, trembling, sleep disorders, and sexual problems.
•Stress and the Brain—stress can cause brain dysfunction, decreased concentration, and headaches.
•Stress and Endocrinology and Metabolism—stress can slow metabolism and make you susceptible to type II diabetes.
•Stress and the Cardiovascular System—stress can cause rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, elevated cholesterol levels, and lead to a delayed processing and clearance of fats and triglycerides.
•Stress and the gastrointestinal tract— stress can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea by hindering stomach acid secretion and emptying, as well as increasing the movement of the colon.
•Stress and the Reproductive system—stress suppresses the production of the male and female sex hormones testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.
•Stress and Physical Problems—stress can cause dizziness, trembling, sleep disorders, and sexual problems.
Preventing Back Injuries
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits in the US. In fact, at least one in five Americans will experience some sort of back pain during his or her lifetime. The good news is, most back pain can be prevented by proper care. And if back pain does occur, most injuries will resolve without a doctor’s care. As with most other health issues, prevention is easier, less expensive, and less painful than treatment once injury occurs. Luckily, most back pain just requires a few days of taking it easy and using over the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprophen. Bed rest is usually not necessary, and may actually delay recovery. If back pain persists beyond 72 hours or gets worse, it’s best to call your doctor.
There are several steps you can take to avoid a back problem:
•Keep your weight at a normal level. Excess pounds put excess stress on joints and muscles all over the body. The back muscles have to work much harder when carrying around a heavy belly.
•Exercise regularly. Walk, swim, ride a bike, anything that keeps you moving and doesn’t put too much stress on the spine will benefit the back. Regular stretching through activities such as yoga, tai chi, and Pilates has been proven to prevent back injuries. Just be sure you have a good instructor when starting a stretching program. Strength training, in particular exercises that strength the abdominal muscles, also can help prevent back strain.
•Stand up straight. Your mother was right, good posture will not only make you look taller and thinner, it also keeps the spine in proper alignment and helps prevent muscle fatigue.
•Learn how to lift properly. When lifting anything, even something very light, keep your back straight and bend from the knees. Let your legs do most of the work. Avoid twisting your back when you lift.
There are several steps you can take to avoid a back problem:
•Keep your weight at a normal level. Excess pounds put excess stress on joints and muscles all over the body. The back muscles have to work much harder when carrying around a heavy belly.
•Exercise regularly. Walk, swim, ride a bike, anything that keeps you moving and doesn’t put too much stress on the spine will benefit the back. Regular stretching through activities such as yoga, tai chi, and Pilates has been proven to prevent back injuries. Just be sure you have a good instructor when starting a stretching program. Strength training, in particular exercises that strength the abdominal muscles, also can help prevent back strain.
•Stand up straight. Your mother was right, good posture will not only make you look taller and thinner, it also keeps the spine in proper alignment and helps prevent muscle fatigue.
•Learn how to lift properly. When lifting anything, even something very light, keep your back straight and bend from the knees. Let your legs do most of the work. Avoid twisting your back when you lift.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium that is transmitted to humans by the black-legged tick or deer-tick. It is the most prevalent tick-borne infectious disease in the United States. In 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 21,273 cases of Lyme disease. Although the disease has been reported in nearly every state, more than 95 percent of all cases are concentrated in just several areas, including New England. This puts New England Laborers at increased risk because so much of our work is performed outdoors. Individuals, including children, who live near wooded areas, play or work in their yard, participate in activities such as hiking, camping, fishing and hunting are also at risk.
Typically, the first symptom of Lyme disease is a red rash that starts as a small red spot at the site of the tick bite and expands over time, forming a circular or oval-shape that resembles a bulls-eye. As infection spreads, rashes can appear at different sites on the body and are often accompanied by symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, body aches, and fatigue.
Treatment
When diagnosed and treated early most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. However, after several months of infection, slightly more than half of people not treated with antibiotics develop recurrent attacks of painful and swollen joints, most commonly in the knees. About 10 to 20 percent of untreated people develop chronic arthritis. Lyme disease can also affect the nervous system, causing such symptoms as stiff neck, Bell's palsy and numbness in the limbs. Less commonly, untreated people can develop heart problems, hepatitis, and severe fatigue.
Prevention:
• Avoid tick habitats whenever possible. Deer ticks are found in brush, woods,
and tall grass.
• Use caution in warm months, especially May and June.
• Deer ticks are tiny and are easier to spot on light-colored clothing.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts tucked-in.
• Wear long pants with the cuffs tucked in work boots.
• Apply a repellent that has 33% DEET on exposed skin and clothes.
• Additionally, apply permethrin repellant on clothes.
Perform a tick check:
The transmission of bacteria from an infected tick is unlikely to occur before 36 hours of attachment so check daily for ticks. Embedded ticks should be removed using fine-tipped tweezers as closely to the skin as possible. Do not be alarmed if the “claws” do not remove from the bite area. The bacteria are contained in the tick's midgut or salivary glands. Cleanse the area with an antiseptic.
Typically, the first symptom of Lyme disease is a red rash that starts as a small red spot at the site of the tick bite and expands over time, forming a circular or oval-shape that resembles a bulls-eye. As infection spreads, rashes can appear at different sites on the body and are often accompanied by symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, body aches, and fatigue.
Treatment
When diagnosed and treated early most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. However, after several months of infection, slightly more than half of people not treated with antibiotics develop recurrent attacks of painful and swollen joints, most commonly in the knees. About 10 to 20 percent of untreated people develop chronic arthritis. Lyme disease can also affect the nervous system, causing such symptoms as stiff neck, Bell's palsy and numbness in the limbs. Less commonly, untreated people can develop heart problems, hepatitis, and severe fatigue.
Prevention:
• Avoid tick habitats whenever possible. Deer ticks are found in brush, woods,
and tall grass.
• Use caution in warm months, especially May and June.
• Deer ticks are tiny and are easier to spot on light-colored clothing.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts tucked-in.
• Wear long pants with the cuffs tucked in work boots.
• Apply a repellent that has 33% DEET on exposed skin and clothes.
• Additionally, apply permethrin repellant on clothes.
Perform a tick check:
The transmission of bacteria from an infected tick is unlikely to occur before 36 hours of attachment so check daily for ticks. Embedded ticks should be removed using fine-tipped tweezers as closely to the skin as possible. Do not be alarmed if the “claws” do not remove from the bite area. The bacteria are contained in the tick's midgut or salivary glands. Cleanse the area with an antiseptic.
How to Handle Stress
• Relax, unwind, and make time for yourself.
• Sleep. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
• Eat right. Try to fuel up with fruits, vegetables, and proteins for
the energy you need.
• Get moving. Your body makes certain chemicals, called endorphins, before
and after you work out. They relieve stress and improve your mood.
• Talk to friends to help you work through your stress.
• Plan your time and set limits. Write a to-do list. Figure out what’s
most important to do.
• Don’t deal with stress in unhealthy ways like drinking too much
alcohol, using drugs, smoking, or overeating.
• Get help from a professional if you need it. They may prescribe
medications that can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety and
help promote sleep.
• Compromise, get a hobby, or help others.
• Sleep. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
• Eat right. Try to fuel up with fruits, vegetables, and proteins for
the energy you need.
• Get moving. Your body makes certain chemicals, called endorphins, before
and after you work out. They relieve stress and improve your mood.
• Talk to friends to help you work through your stress.
• Plan your time and set limits. Write a to-do list. Figure out what’s
most important to do.
• Don’t deal with stress in unhealthy ways like drinking too much
alcohol, using drugs, smoking, or overeating.
• Get help from a professional if you need it. They may prescribe
medications that can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety and
help promote sleep.
• Compromise, get a hobby, or help others.
Heads Up!
Why is Head Protection so Important? Because your head is such an important and delicate part of your body. In and around your head are:
• Your eyes, with which you see;
• Your ears, with which you hear;
• Your nose, with which you smell;
• Your mouth, with which you eat and speak; and
• Your brain, with which you think.
Impact and penetration injuries to the head can be painful and very serious. Every year construction workers are injured and killed because of head injuries. These injuries are commonly caused by falling or flying objects, or by striking the head against a fixed object. By using a hard hat you can protect your head from these types of injuries. Hard hats resist penetration and resist the shock of a blow. They can also provide some protection from electrical shock. When you conduct work on the job or at home carefully evaluate the project and the potential hazards. When a head injury hazard exists wear your hard hat to protect this very delicate part of your body. Many people are treated each year for injuries to the head. The pain and the consequences of not protecting your head (loss time out of work, missed family time, expenses) can be avoided by using caution and common sense.
• Your eyes, with which you see;
• Your ears, with which you hear;
• Your nose, with which you smell;
• Your mouth, with which you eat and speak; and
• Your brain, with which you think.
Impact and penetration injuries to the head can be painful and very serious. Every year construction workers are injured and killed because of head injuries. These injuries are commonly caused by falling or flying objects, or by striking the head against a fixed object. By using a hard hat you can protect your head from these types of injuries. Hard hats resist penetration and resist the shock of a blow. They can also provide some protection from electrical shock. When you conduct work on the job or at home carefully evaluate the project and the potential hazards. When a head injury hazard exists wear your hard hat to protect this very delicate part of your body. Many people are treated each year for injuries to the head. The pain and the consequences of not protecting your head (loss time out of work, missed family time, expenses) can be avoided by using caution and common sense.
Hand Safety
Your hands are one of the most complex parts of your body. Without healthy hands you cannot perform such routine jobs as buttoning a shirt, opening a door, or lifting a fork. Many of us take our hands for granted. Whether on the job or at home we often take chances around such hazards as chemicals, machinery, power tools, sharp or rough edges, ropes, welding sparks, heat, cold, etc.
On the job your hands are the tools that make you a highly skilled and valued worker. Yet, as important as your hands are, most people are careless about hand safety. Each year approximately 180,000 people suffer with serious hand injuries, most of these injuries are job related accidents. These serious injuries may prohibit a person from working and in many cases from being independent enough to perform daily necessary activities like washing up, getting themselves dressed, eating meals, and driving.
Choose to take care of your hands at work and at home. Don’t wait until you have a serious injury to learn more about the new materials and styles available to protect you. There are so many comfortable, durable, and functional glove options these days chances are you will be able to find the perfect fit. Be sure to work with your employer & safety supervisor to evaluate your working environment to decide what type of protection you will need to keep your hands healthy.
On the job your hands are the tools that make you a highly skilled and valued worker. Yet, as important as your hands are, most people are careless about hand safety. Each year approximately 180,000 people suffer with serious hand injuries, most of these injuries are job related accidents. These serious injuries may prohibit a person from working and in many cases from being independent enough to perform daily necessary activities like washing up, getting themselves dressed, eating meals, and driving.
Choose to take care of your hands at work and at home. Don’t wait until you have a serious injury to learn more about the new materials and styles available to protect you. There are so many comfortable, durable, and functional glove options these days chances are you will be able to find the perfect fit. Be sure to work with your employer & safety supervisor to evaluate your working environment to decide what type of protection you will need to keep your hands healthy.
Allergy Facts
To ease the symptoms of allergies, sufferers should avoid common irritants like tobacco smoke, automobile exhaust, hair spray, and perfumes. Do a thorough spring cleaning windows, book shelves and air conditioning vents collect dust and mold throughout the winter that can provoke allergy symptoms.
If you suffer from hay fever allergies you should wash their hair at night. Why? To remove pollen and prevent it from settling on bedding and pillows. Wash your hands frequently and try to avoid going outdoors when pollen counts are high.
Ask your allergist about prescription medications to help prevent allergy attacks. Patients typically start taking these types of medications about a week before peak allergy season and at least 30 minutes prior to outdoor activity. Some allergy medications, such as antihistamines, may cause drowsiness, so if you need to be alert ask your doctor about the newer types that have fewer side effects.
Additional helpful hints:
•Vacuum at least twice a week.
•Keep car windows closed during peak allergy season and point air conditioning vents away from your face.
•Avoid open windows or fans that may draw pollen inside.
•Pollen can cling to pets, so keep them off of furniture and out of the bedroom.
•Wear a filter mask when mowing the lawn or doing gardening.
If you suffer from hay fever allergies you should wash their hair at night. Why? To remove pollen and prevent it from settling on bedding and pillows. Wash your hands frequently and try to avoid going outdoors when pollen counts are high.
Ask your allergist about prescription medications to help prevent allergy attacks. Patients typically start taking these types of medications about a week before peak allergy season and at least 30 minutes prior to outdoor activity. Some allergy medications, such as antihistamines, may cause drowsiness, so if you need to be alert ask your doctor about the newer types that have fewer side effects.
Additional helpful hints:
•Vacuum at least twice a week.
•Keep car windows closed during peak allergy season and point air conditioning vents away from your face.
•Avoid open windows or fans that may draw pollen inside.
•Pollen can cling to pets, so keep them off of furniture and out of the bedroom.
•Wear a filter mask when mowing the lawn or doing gardening.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
What Is the Cold/Flu?
The cold, like the flu, is a virus and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Unfortunately, the only true treatment is to wait until has run it's course.
The flu is similar to the common cold but the symptoms are usually much more severe.The flu is a virus called influenza. It cannot be treated with antibiotics, but may be prevented with a flu shot and new antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu, may help shorten the duration of the flu.
The flu is similar to the common cold but the symptoms are usually much more severe.The flu is a virus called influenza. It cannot be treated with antibiotics, but may be prevented with a flu shot and new antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu, may help shorten the duration of the flu.
Better Care at Lower Cost
Good health care doesn't just happen. You have to do your part. Taking an active role in your health care is the best way to make sure you get great care and reduce costs at the same time.
It is likely that you will be faced with one or more of the following health decisions at some time. Use the skills described in the topic Making Wise Health Decisions to help you decide if the services or treatments in question are right for you.
Making Wise Health Decisions
Throughout your life you will have to make health decisions for yourself and your family. The decisions you make will influence your overall well-being as well as the quality and cost of your care. In general, people who work with their doctors to make health decisions are happier with the care they receive and the results they achieve.
Why should you partner with your doctor to make decisions? Aren't you paying him or her to know what to do? It''s not always clear what choices are the right ones for you. There are often several approaches to diagnosing and treating a health problem. And you are more likely to feel better about the chosen approach if it is the one best suited to your needs and values.
The best formula for making health decisions is to combine the most reliable medical facts with your personal values. These include your beliefs, fears, lifestyle, and experiences, and they all play a role in helping you make decisions about your health.
It is likely that you will be faced with one or more of the following health decisions at some time. Use the skills described in the topic Making Wise Health Decisions to help you decide if the services or treatments in question are right for you.
Making Wise Health Decisions
Throughout your life you will have to make health decisions for yourself and your family. The decisions you make will influence your overall well-being as well as the quality and cost of your care. In general, people who work with their doctors to make health decisions are happier with the care they receive and the results they achieve.
Why should you partner with your doctor to make decisions? Aren't you paying him or her to know what to do? It''s not always clear what choices are the right ones for you. There are often several approaches to diagnosing and treating a health problem. And you are more likely to feel better about the chosen approach if it is the one best suited to your needs and values.
The best formula for making health decisions is to combine the most reliable medical facts with your personal values. These include your beliefs, fears, lifestyle, and experiences, and they all play a role in helping you make decisions about your health.
Vegetarianism
Some people choose to follow a vegetarian diet, which means they eat mostly plant-based foods (grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. There are several different forms of vegetarian diets:
- Vegans, or total vegetarians, eat only plant foods. They do not eat red meat, poultry, fish, milk products, eggs, or other foods that come from animals, such as honey and gelatin.
- Lacto-vegetarians include milk products—such as milk, cheese, and yogurt—in their diet.
- Lacto-ovo vegetarians include milk products and eggs in their diets.
Semi-vegetarians may include poultry and fish in their diets, but they do not eat red meat.
Vegetarians also need to make sure they are getting the following nutrients:
Vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is found only in foods from animal sources, such as milk, eggs, and meat. Vegans either need to eat foods fortified with vitamin B12 (such as fortified soy milk) or take a supplement that contains vitamin B12.
Iron
Vegetarian iron sources include cooked dry beans, leafy green vegetables, and iron-fortified grain products. Iron from plant foods is not absorbed as well as iron from meats, so it is important for vegetarians to regularly eat iron-rich foods. Eating foods that contain vitamin C will improve the absorption of iron from a meal.
Calcium
Vegetarians who do not use milk or milk products need to get calcium from other sources. Soy milk and orange juice fortified with calcium are good sources. Other nonmilk sources of calcium include seeds, nuts, and certain green vegetables.
Zinc
Zinc from plant foods is poorly absorbed, so it is important for vegetarians to get enough zinc. Good sources of zinc include leavened whole grains (such as whole wheat bread), legumes (beans and lentils), soy foods, and vegetables.
Vitamin D
Vegetarians who do not use milk or milk products may not get enough vitamin D. However, soy milk is often fortified with vitamin D, as are some cereals. Your body can also make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight on a regular basis. Supplements may be needed if you don''t consume a source of vitamin D and don''t get adequate sunlight.
Walking for Wellness
Walking is one of the easiest way to get the exercise you need to stay healthy.
Before you start, talk with your doctor to make sure it's okay for you to begin a walking program. Start with a short-term goal. For example, walk for 5 or 10 minutes every day. Or increase your number of steps by 300 to 500 each day. After you've made walking a habit, set a longer-term goal. You may want to set a goal of walking briskly for at least 30 minutes a day or work up to 10,000 steps a day. You can try to do this 5 days a week or more. You can wear a pedometer to track your steps each day. To stay motivated, find a walking partner, such as a family member, friend, or coworker. Daily dog walks are also a great way to keep up your walking routine.
Before you start, talk with your doctor to make sure it's okay for you to begin a walking program. Start with a short-term goal. For example, walk for 5 or 10 minutes every day. Or increase your number of steps by 300 to 500 each day. After you've made walking a habit, set a longer-term goal. You may want to set a goal of walking briskly for at least 30 minutes a day or work up to 10,000 steps a day. You can try to do this 5 days a week or more. You can wear a pedometer to track your steps each day. To stay motivated, find a walking partner, such as a family member, friend, or coworker. Daily dog walks are also a great way to keep up your walking routine.
Healthy Eating
Healthy eating requires some planning and purpose and an effort to include a variety of foods in your meals. If you look closely at how you eat, you might find you aren''t getting enough nutrients because you don't get the recommended number of servings from each food group.So, not only is it important to pay attention to what you eat but also to what food groups you may not eat enough of. To accomplish this, keep a food diary of everything you eat and drink for 1 week. Pay attention to serving sizes, and check to see if you are eating a variety of foods from each of the food groups. You don't need to meet the minimum number every day, but try to get the recommended intake on average over a week. If you are not getting the recommended amount of servings from each food group, you may be missing important nutrients. For example, if you rarely eat fruits or vegetables, you may not get enough vitamin C, beta-carotene, or potassium. Making a few small changes can help ensure that you are eating a variety of healthy foods.
Everyone can benefit from eating healthy foods, but not everyone has the same nutritional needs. Pregnant women, growing children, and older adults will have different needs for certain nutrients. People who have high blood pressure need to watch how much salt they eat. Those who have high cholesterol may be on a cholesterol-lowering diet that restricts saturated and trans fats and cholesterol. And people who have diabetes will need to spread the carbohydrate that they eat throughout the day. If you are generally healthy and don’t have health issues that require a special diet, it's still wise to watch how much salt, fat, and added sugar you eat, in order to prevent diseases such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Limit the amount of salt you get by eating as many fresh foods as possible. Remember, 400 mg of sodium is equal to 1000 mg of salt. Processed foods, fast food, and restaurant foods are the major sources of dietary sodium. Prepared foods, such as soups, snack foods, and canned foods, are also extremely high in salt. Also watch the amount of fat you eat. Replace saturated and trans fats with monounsaturated fats such as olive oil and canola oil. Include healthy omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, walnuts, flaxseed, and canola oil. Low-carbohydrate diets may help some people lose weight initially, but they may not be healthy over a long period of time. Low- carbohydrate diets are high in total fat and saturated fat and are low in fiber. They also restrict grains, fruits, and vegetables, which protect against disease and provide important nutrients. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans list fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk products as food groups to choose from, for the greatest benefit.
Everyone can benefit from eating healthy foods, but not everyone has the same nutritional needs. Pregnant women, growing children, and older adults will have different needs for certain nutrients. People who have high blood pressure need to watch how much salt they eat. Those who have high cholesterol may be on a cholesterol-lowering diet that restricts saturated and trans fats and cholesterol. And people who have diabetes will need to spread the carbohydrate that they eat throughout the day. If you are generally healthy and don’t have health issues that require a special diet, it's still wise to watch how much salt, fat, and added sugar you eat, in order to prevent diseases such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Limit the amount of salt you get by eating as many fresh foods as possible. Remember, 400 mg of sodium is equal to 1000 mg of salt. Processed foods, fast food, and restaurant foods are the major sources of dietary sodium. Prepared foods, such as soups, snack foods, and canned foods, are also extremely high in salt. Also watch the amount of fat you eat. Replace saturated and trans fats with monounsaturated fats such as olive oil and canola oil. Include healthy omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, walnuts, flaxseed, and canola oil. Low-carbohydrate diets may help some people lose weight initially, but they may not be healthy over a long period of time. Low- carbohydrate diets are high in total fat and saturated fat and are low in fiber. They also restrict grains, fruits, and vegetables, which protect against disease and provide important nutrients. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans list fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk products as food groups to choose from, for the greatest benefit.
Health Information Technology
Health information technology (Health IT) allows comprehensive management of medical information and its secure exchange between health care consumers and providers. Broad use of health IT will:
Health IT can help to improve public health one individual at a time by building partnerships between health care consumers and providers across the country.
- Improve health care quality;
- Prevent medical errors;
- Reduce health care costs;
- Increase administrative efficiencies;
- Decrease paperwork; and
- Expand access to affordable care.
- Early detection of infectious disease outbreaks around the country;
- Improved tracking of chronic disease management; and
- Evaluation of health care based on value enabled by the collection of de-identified price and quality information that can be compared.
Health IT can help to improve public health one individual at a time by building partnerships between health care consumers and providers across the country.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Deserved Health
The most comprehensive health database online!Drugs, diseases, online pharmacies, buying drugs online and other health related information all on one site.
Much has been written about health, but we must realise that health also comes from our state of mind. When we control our thoughts, our thinking process and have the realisation that we are what we feel, we are only as healthy as we believe we are, even during crisis and ill-health we can overcome almost anything.
Even if we apply all the recommendations in this series of topics, if we have a negative attitude towards our health, then we can still become ill.
So health, then, is a state of mind, just as much as it is a state of our body. Health also comes down to choice. We can choose to live in a healthy environment, in a sustainable way, free from many pollutants, with good quality air, water and food. It's now that we can act and by changing our own lives, we change the whole world.
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