Heart Health

Many Genetic Variants Linked to Blood Lipid Levels

2010-08-24T01:46:00.000-07:00

Scientists have uncovered the largest set of genetic variants linked to blood lipid levels, which can contribute to heart disease. The findings could lead to more targeted therapies and a better understanding of how heredity can affect cardiovascular health.
Illustration of the inside of a man's chest.
Image by Darren Hopes, Wellcome Images

Heart disease is the nation’s number 1 killer and a significant cause of disability. A major risk factor for heart disease is the blood concentration of fatty molecules called lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Lifestyle factors—such as smoking, diet and physical activity—affect lipid levels. Genetics are also known to play an important, but still poorly understood, role.

Two years ago, scientists analyzed the genomes of about 20,000 people of European ancestry and identified more than 30 genetic variants linked to blood lipids. In a new study, an international research team scanned the genomes of more than 100,000 people of European ancestry. They also searched for specific variants in more than 30,000 people from different ethnic groups. The study received primary funding from NIH's National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), with additional support from NIH’s National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), National Institute on Aging (NIA) and other NIH components. The results were reported in the August 5, 2010, issue of Nature.

The scientists identified 95 genetic variants linked to blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels in women and men of many ethnic backgrounds. Some of the genes are known targets of cholesterol-lowering drugs. Another 59 variants had not been previously linked to lipid metabolism and so may provide new clues for developing more targeted therapies. The researchers found that several of the newly identified variants were also associated with coronary artery disease. Some of the 95 variants are in non-protein-coding regions of the genome.

In a companion paper—also funded by NHLBI—a research team took a closer look at how one genetic variant affects blood lipid metabolism in mice. The researchers focused on a non-coding region of chromosome 1 that had previously been linked to heart attack and high levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol) in humans. The variant is common in people of African American, Hispanic, Asian Indian and Chinese ancestry.

The scientists found that the genetic variant creates a binding site along the genome for a transcription factor protein, which can turn genes on or off. When the transcription factor binds to the site, it alters the expression of certain genes in the liver, including the SORT1 gene. By modifying the expression of this gene in mice, the scientists uncovered the molecular mechanisms that lead to changes in blood levels of LDL and other lipids. The finding demonstrates how a non-coding variant can affect the levels of blood lipids that contribute to heart disease.

"Genetic studies that survey a wide variety of human populations are a powerful tool for identifying hereditary factors in health and disease," says NIH Director Dr. Francis S. Collins, a coauthor of the large-scale genome analysis. These findings provide insights into why some people are more prone to higher levels of cholesterol and other blood lipids, and may one day lead to novel ways of preventing and treating heart disease.

Source:
The above story is reprinted with editorial adaptations from materials provided by the National Institutes of Health.

[Top of Page]

High Blood Pressure Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

2010-07-11T00:03:00.000-07:00

If you have been told that you have high blood pressure (HBP), then you are not the only one. Millions of people have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, worldwide. In the United States alone, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) states that about 1 in 3 American adults has hypertension.

Blood pressure (BP) is the normal force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. There two pressures that can be measured: the systolic and diastolic pressures. Systolic pressure occurs when the heart pumps blood during a beat and diastolic pressure occurs when the heart rests between beats causing a slight fall in blood pressure.

These pressures are usually written one above or before the other. A reading of

120/80 or lower is normal blood pressure
140/90 or higher is high blood pressure
120 and 139 for the top number, or between 80 and 89 for the bottom number is prehypertension

As people age, their blood pressure tend to rise as well. This, however, can be prevented or controlled by following simple steps such as keeping a healthy lifestyle.

Causes

Although people, as they grow older, tend to have higher blood pressure, other conditions, medications and treatments can cause to rise also.

Medical problems like kidney disease, thyroid disease, and sleep apnea may cause high blood pressure. Certain medications can cause the rise in blood pressure, such as certain asthma medications and cold-relief products.

Women who take birth control pills, are pregnant, or are taking hormone replacement therapy also may have elevated blood pressure.

In some cases, the cause of hypertension is unknown.

Signs and Symptoms

In most cases, high blood pressure does not present with signs or symptoms. Rarely, headaches may occur.

A person can have hypertension for many years without knowing it until it has caused health problems, such as stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure.

Treatment Options

Getting checked for high blood pressure is important even if you do't feel sick, especially as you age and have a family history of HBP, kidney disease, or other cardiovascular diseases.

Treatment for high blood pressure include lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes include performing physical activities, following a healthy eating plan, reducing weight to ideal, quit smoking, and learning to cope with stress and managing stress.

If your doctor gives you a medical treatment plan, be sure to follow it and take your medications as prescribed.

By combining healthy lifestyle with proper medications, you can prevent high blood pressure complications and can control your HBP.

Sources:
Medline Plus
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute site

[Top of Page]

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

2010-07-10T20:29:00.000-07:00

High Blood Pressure (HBP), also called hypertension, is a serious cardiovascular condition that can lead to complications, such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure if not treated promptly. In the United States, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), about 1 in 3 adults has HBP.

Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by blood on the walls of the arteries. This occurs because of the pumping action of the heart forcing blood into the blood vessels. If the pressure elevates and remains high over time, it can lead to serious complications.

A person can have hypertension for years without knowing they have the condition. For this reason, HBP is dubbed as a "silent killer." It is important to know your blood pressure numbers and keeping track as you grow older.

Healthy Blood Pressure Numbers

Two pressure numbers are usually written, the systolic (sis-TOLic) and diastolic pressures. These pressures occur when the heart pumps pushing blood (systolic) and when it rests for a short time (diastolic).

Often, the numbers are written with the systolic number written above or before the diastolic number (e.g. 120/80 mmHg). The mmHg after the numbers is the abbreviation for millimeters of mercury, which are the units used to measure blood pressure.

Categories of Blood Pressure Levels in the Adult Population

Normal BP: Less than 120 (systolic) and less than 80 (diastolic)
Prehypertension: 120-139 (systolic) and 80-89 (diastolic)
High Blood Pressure
- Stage 1: 140-159 (systolic) and diastolic pressure of 90-99
- Stage 2: 160 or higher (systolic) and diastolic pressure of 100 or higher

These blood pressure ranges apply to most people aged 18 and above who don't have short-term serious health problems.

The NHLBI states that if blood pressure levels are above 120/80 mmHg, the risk for hypertension is higher. When a person has BP in the "Prehypertension" range, this means that he or she is more likely to end up developing high blood pressure, unless prevention measures are done.

Sometimes, the numbers may not be in the same blood pressure category. If this is the case, the higher number category is considered. For example, having a BP reading of 160/80 mmHg, means that the systolic pressure is 160 and diastolic pressure is 80. In the BP categories 160 (systolic) is categorized as Stage 2 high blood pressure. So, in this case, the person is considered to have Stage 2 HBP. The same goes with the diastolic pressure if it is in the higher category.

What you can do

As people age, blood pressure tends to rise, as well. You can take steps to prevent or delay this elevation of blood pressure. For example, following a healthy lifestyle can help prevent HBP.

All is not lost for people who have high blood pressure. There several steps that people can do to prevent complications or to control the condition. Things like, following a healthy lifestyle including regular exercises and maintaining healthy diet; having an ongoing medical care; and following exactly the treatment plan that the doctor prescribes are key steps in reducing risks for other health problems.

Sources:
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) site
MedlinePlus site

[Top of Page]

Preventing Strokes: What You Can Do

2010-02-14T04:05:00.000-08:00

Strokes have become an all-to-common condition that is commonly caused by a blocked artery supplying the brain. It is a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention. In the United States, about 800,000 cases of stroke occur each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of these, about 137, 000 Americans die of stroke yearly. This makes stroke the third leading cause of death among Americans.

There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. The most common type is ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Ischemic stroke accounts for about 80 percent of stroke cases. The other type of stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, occurs when a blood vessel bursts and bleeds into the brain.

Regardless of the type of stroke, when supply of blood to the brain is interrupted, the brains cells begin to die because of lack of oxygen and essential nutrients.

Symptoms of stroke can appear suddenly without warning. The major symptoms of stroke are numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs; the person seems to be confused and having trouble speaking or being understood by another person; vision problems in one or both eyes; difficulty walking and coordination, in general; and having a severe headache.

Because a stroke can lead to permanent disability or even death, it is important to know the signs of stroke and to act fast—call your local emergency hotline immediately. The first few hours after a stroke are very critical. There are medications that can be life-saving that works only if it were given within a few hours when symptoms begin.

Preventing Strokes: What You Can Do

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important in preventing strokes. This includes eating a healthy diet low in sodium and saturated fats, performing exercises or physical activity daily, avoiding smoking and alcohol intake.

People who have risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure should make sure to take their medications and follow their doctor’s advice in controlling their condition.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Top of Page]

Arrhythmia: Abnormal Rhythm of the Heart

2009-02-08T00:59:00.000-08:00

Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heartbeat’s speed or rhythm becomes abnormal. In arrhythmia, the beating of the heart can be too fast, too slow, or with irregular rhythm. When the heart beats too fast, the condition is called tachycardia. Conversely, a heartbeat that is too slow is called bradycardia.

Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute. When the heart rate is too fast, too slow, or irregular, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body. Damage to the brain, the heart itself, and other organs may occur as a result of lack of blood flow.

Millions of people have arrhythmias. In fact, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), about 2.2 million Americans have atrial fibrillation—a common type of arrhythmia.

Although there are many different types of arrhythmia, most of them are harmless or do not cause lasting complications. However, some can be serious or even life threatening.

Other Name of Arrhythmia:
Dysrhythmia

[Top of Page]

Causes of Arrhythmia

An arrhythmia can happen when the electrical system that control the heartbeat does not function as it should. It can occur when the electrical signals are delayed or blocked. This can happen when the special nerve cells that produce the electrical signal don’t work properly or when the electrical signal doesn’t travel normally through the heart.

The condition can also occur when another part of the heart starts to produce electrical signals, adding to the signals from the special nerve cells and disrupting the normal heartbeat.

In some people, stress, smoking, heavy alcohol use, heavy exercise, use of certain drugs (such as cocaine or amphetamines), use of certain prescription or over-the-counter medicines, and too much caffeine or nicotine can lead to arrhythmia.

A heart attack or an underlying condition that damages the heart’s electrical system also can cause an arrhythmia. These conditions include high blood pressure (hypertension), coronary artery disease, heart failure, overactive or underactive thyroid gland (too much or too little thyroid hormone produced), and rheumatic heart disease.

For some arrhythmias, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, the underlying heart defect that causes the arrhythmia is present at birth (congenital). Sometimes, the cause of an arrhythmia can’t be found.

[Top of Page]

Signs and Symptoms of Arrhythmias

Many arrhythmias cause no signs or symptoms. When signs or symptoms are present, the most common ones are:

• Palpitations (a feeling that your heart has skipped a beat or is beating too hard)

• A slow heartbeat

• An irregular heartbeat

• Feeling of pauses between heartbeats

More serious signs and symptoms of arrhythmia include:

• Anxiety

• Weakness

• Dizziness and light-headedness

• Fainting or nearly fainting

• Sweating

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

[Top of Page]

Diagnosis

In addition to learning about your symptoms and family and medical history, your doctor can recommend tests to find out if you have an arrhythmia.

Usually the first test used to diagnose an arrhythmia is an EKG (electrocardiogram). An EKG is a simple test that detects and records the electrical activity of your heart. It shows how fast the heart is beating and its rhythm (steady or irregular). It also records the strength and timing of the electrical signals as they pass through each part of the heart.

Other tests and diagnostic procedures may be ordered by your doctor to help in the diagnosis of arrhythmia. It may include:

• Blood tests

• Chest x ray

• Echocardiogram

• Stress test, and

• Coronary angiography

[Top of Page]

Treatment

Common treatments for arrhythmia include medicines, medical procedures, and surgery. Treatment is needed when an arrhythmia causes serious symptoms, such as dizziness, chest pain, or fainting, or when it increases your chances of developing complications, such as heart failure, stroke, or sudden cardiac death.

Medicines

Medicines can be used to speed up a heart that’s beating too slow, or slow down a heart that’s beating too fast. They also can be used to convert an abnormal heart rhythm to a normal steady rhythm. Medicines can be used to control an underlying medical condition, such as heart disease or a thyroid condition, which might be causing an arrhythmia. Medicines used to convert an abnormal rhythm are called antiarrhythmics.

[Top of Page]

Medical Procedures

Some arrhythmias are treated with a device called a pacemaker. The pacemaker is a small device that’s surgically placed under the skin at the collarbone; wires lead from it to the atrium and ventricle(s). The pacemaker sends small electric signals through the wires to control the speed of the heartbeat. Most pacemakers contain a sensor that activates the device only when the heartbeat is abnormal.

Some arrhythmias are treated with a jolt of electricity delivered to the heart. This type of treatment is called cardioversion or defibrillation, depending on which type of arrhythmia is being treated.

Some people who are at risk for ventricular fibrillation are treated with a device called an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). This device is surgically implanted in the chest and connected to the heart with wires. It continuously monitors the heartbeat. If it senses a dangerous ventricular arrhythmia, it sends an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat.

[Top of Page]

Surgery

Sometimes, surgery is used to treat arrhythmia. Often this is done when surgery is already being performed for another reason, such as repair of a heart valve. One type of surgery for atrial fibrillation is called “maze” surgery. In this operation, the surgeon makes small cuts or burns in the atria, which prevent the spread of disorganized electrical signals.

Coronary artery bypass surgery may be needed for arrhythmias caused by coronary artery disease. The operation improves blood supply to the heart muscle.

Other Treatments

Vagal maneuvers are another arrhythmia treatment. These are simple exercises that sometimes can stop or slow down certain types of supraventricular arrhythmias. They stop the arrhythmia by affecting the vagus nerve, which is one factor that controls the heart rate. Some vagal maneuvers include:

• Gagging

• Holding your breath and bearing down (Valsalva maneuver)

• Immersing your face in ice-cold water

• Coughing

• Putting your fingers on your eyelids and pressing down gently

Vagal maneuvers aren’t an appropriate treatment for everyone. Discuss with your doctor whether vagal maneuvers are safe and effective for you to try.
Serious arrhythmias can often be successfully treated. Most people with arrhythmias are able to live normal lives.

Source: Adapted from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

[Top of Page]

Heart Attack Warning Signs

2009-02-07T23:40:00.001-08:00

Learning the signs of heart attack and what steps to take can save a life—maybe your own.

What are the signs of a heart attack? Many people think a heart attack is sudden and intense, like the once we see on the “movies” where a person clutches his or her chest and falls over.

The truth is that many heart attacks start slowly, as a mild pain or discomfort. If you feel such a symptom, you may not be sure what's wrong. Your symptoms may even come and go. Even those who have had a heart attack may not recognize their symptoms, because the next attack can have entirely different ones.

Women may not think they're at risk of having a heart attack–but they are. In fact, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), women account for nearly half of all heart attack deaths. Women are as vulnerable to a heart attack as men.

It is important that everyone learn the warning signs of a heart attack. These are:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

Shortness of breath. Often comes along with chest discomfort. But it also can occur before chest discomfort.

Other symptoms. May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness.

Learn the signs–but also remember: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, you should still have it checked out. Fast action can save lives-maybe your own.

Source: Adapted from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) web site: www.nhlbi.nih.gov

[Top of Page]

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

2009-02-04T02:02:00.000-08:00

The following are risk factors for coronary heart disease that cannot be controlled.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors:

Increasing Age

 The risk of coronary heart disease increases with age.
 Men ages 45 and older have increased risk.

 Women ages 55 and older have increased risk.

Family History

 Children of parents who developed coronary heart disease before age 55 are more likely to develop it themselves.

Racial or Ethnic Background

 African Americans, Mexican Americans, American Indians, and other Native Americans have greater risk than Caucasians.

[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]

[Top of Page]

Controllable Risk Factors

2009-02-04T01:43:00.000-08:00

The following risk factors for coronary heart disease can be controlled or managed.

Physical Inactivity or Lack of Physical Activity

 People with inactive lifestyles have increased risk.

 30-60 minutes of physical activity on most days helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Smoking

 People who smoke cigarettes have the greatest risk.

 People who smoke cigars or pipes seem to have greater risk, but their risk is not as great as cigarette smokers'.

 Exposure to other people's smoke increases the risk of cardiovascular disease even for nonsmokers.

 Quitting smoking helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Overweight or Obesity

 People who have too much body fat, especially around the waist, have increased risk.
 Women with waist measurements of more than 35 inches have increased risk.

 Men with waist measurements of more than 40 inches have increased risk.
 People with Body Mass Index (BMI) values of 25 or greater have increased risk.

 Losing weight helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
High Blood Pressure

 People who have blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher have increased risk.

 Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.

High Blood Cholesterol

 People with total blood cholesterol levels of 200 mg/dL or higher have increased risk.

 People with heart disease or diabetes, who have low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels of 100 mg/dL or higher, have increased risk.

 People with no other risk factors, who have low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels of 160 mg/dL or higher, have increased risk.

 People with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels of less than 40 mg/dL may have increased risk.

 People with triglyceride levels above 150 mm/dL may have increased risk.

Diabetes Mellitus

People who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes have increased risk.

Other Contributing Factors

Stress

 People who have too much stress or who have unhealthy responses to stress may be at greater risk of having coronary heart disease.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for the Treatment of Menopause

 Some women who take hormone replacement therapy for the treatment of menopause may have increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.

[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]

[Top of Page]

Heart Attack

2009-02-03T22:07:00.000-08:00

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle becomes blocked. This usually occurs as a result of atherosclerosis, which causes narrowing of the blood vessel. When platelets gather at the narrowing, they can form a clot that completely blocks the blood flow. If the blood supply is cut off for more than a few minutes, the muscle cells of the heart may be permanently injured or die from lack of oxygen.

Other Names: Myocardial Infarction, MI

Causes

Heart attacks occur most often as a result of a condition called coronary artery disease (CAD). It can also be caused by a condition called microvascular disease, which involves the microscopic blood vessels of the heart. Less commonly, a spasm (tightening) of a coronary artery can cause a heart attack.

[Top of Page]

Risk Factors

Certain risk factors increase the chances of developing CAD and having a heart attack. Risk factors may include:

 Having high cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood
 Having low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the blood
 High Blood Pressure (hypertension)
 smoking
 diabetes
 being obese
 Inactive Lifestyle or lack of physical activity
 Age
 Family History of Heart Disease

Some of these risk factors can’t be controlled, while others can.

[Top of Page]

Signs and Symptoms

The warning signs of heart attack may not be the same for everyone. However, the common signs and symptoms of heart attack may include:

 Chest discomfort or pain—uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or the chest that can be mild or strong. This discomfort or pain lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.

 Pain or discomfort in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, back or abdomen

 Shortness of breath may occur with or before chest discomfort.

 Other signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) and vomiting, lightheadedness or fainting.

Delaying medical help can result in lasting heart damage or death. If you think you or someone with you is having a heart attack, call 9–1–1 or your local emergency hotline right away.

[Top of Page]

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of heart attack is based on your symptoms, your personal and family medical history, and the results of diagnostic tests.

EKG (Electrocardiogram)

This test detects and records the electrical activity of the heart. Certain changes in the appearance of the electrical waves on an EKG are strong evidence of a heart attack. An EKG also can show if you’re having arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats), which a heart attack (and other conditions) can cause.

Blood Tests

During a heart attack, heart muscle cells die and burst open, letting certain proteins out in the bloodstream. Blood tests can measure the amount of these proteins in the bloodstream. Higher than normal levels of these proteins in the bloodstream is evidence of a heart attack.

Commonly used blood tests include troponin tests, CK or CK–MB tests, and serum myoglobin tests. Blood tests are often repeated to check for changes over time.

Coronary Angiography

Coronary angiography is a special x-ray exam of the heart and blood vessels. It's often done during a heart attack to help pinpoint blockages in the coronary arteries.
The doctor passes a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) through an artery in your arm or groin (upper thigh) and threads it to your heart. This procedure—called cardiac catheterization—is part of coronary angiography.

A dye that can be seen on x ray is injected into the bloodstream through the tip of the catheter. The dye lets the doctor study the flow of blood through the heart and blood vessels.

If a blockage is found, another procedure, called angioplasty, may be used to restore blood flow through the artery. Sometimes during angioplasty, the doctor will place a stent (a small mesh tube) in the artery to help keep the artery open.

[Top of Page]

Treatment

Treatments for heart attack include medicines and procedures to open blocked arteries (such as angioplasty).

Lowering your risk for CAD can decrease your chances of having a heart attack (or second heart attack). This usually involves making healthy lifestyle choices and treating conditions related to CAD such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, and diabetes.

Most people are able to return to their normal activities after a heart attack. Ask your doctor when you can resume daily activities such as driving, exercise, work, sexual activity, strenuous activities (for example, running or heavy lifting), and travel.

Many people survive heart attacks and live active and full lives.

Related Topic: Heart Attack Warning Signs

[Top of Page]

Coronary Artery Disease

2009-02-03T16:23:00.000-08:00

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a type of atherosclerosis in which plaque (plak) builds up inside the arteries that carry blood to the heart. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), CAD is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States each year.

Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol (ko-LES-ter-ol), calcium, and other substances found in the blood. When plaque builds up in the arteries, the condition is called atherosclerosis (ATH-er-o-skler-O-sis). As the artery walls thicken, the passageway for blood narrows. Sometimes platelets gather at the narrowing, forming a clot that decreases or prevents blood flow to the region of the heart supplied by the artery.

CAD can lead to angina, heart attack, heart failure, and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).

OTHER NAMES: CAD, Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), Heart Disease, Ischemic Heart Disease

Risk Factors

Certain condition and other factors raise the risk of developing CAD. Risk factors may include:

 unhealthy blood cholesterol levels

 high blood pressure

 smoking

 diabetes

 overweight or obesity

 metabolic syndrome, lack of physical activity

 age

 a family history of early heart disease

[Top of Page]

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms of CAD are

 Angina. Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood.

 Shortness of breath

The severity of these symptoms varies. The symptoms may get more severe as the buildup of plaque continues to narrow the coronary arteries.

Some people, however, have no signs or symptoms. This is called silent CAD. It may not be diagnosed until a person shows signs and symptoms of a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats).

[Top of Page]

Diagnosis

Your doctor will diagnose CAD based on your medical and family histories, your risk factors, and the results of diagnostic tests.

No single test can diagnose CAD. If your doctor thinks you have CAD, he or she will probably do one or more tests. Tests may include EKG (electrocardiogram), stress testing, chest x ray, and blood tests. Additional tests may be recommended by your doctor to rule out other conditions or problems.

[Top of Page]

Treatment

Treatment for CAD may include lifestyle changes, medicines, and medical procedures. Lifestyle changes include:

 following a heart healthy eating plan

 increasing physical activity

 maintaining a healthy weight

 quitting smoking

 reducing stress

[Top of Page]

Prevention

Taking action to control your risk factors can help prevent or delay CAD. You can take action by making lifestyle changes and/or taking medicines as prescribed by your doctor.

If you've been diagnosed with CAD, you can control the disease with lifestyle changes and medicines. See your doctor regularly, and call him or her if you develop any new symptoms or your symptoms become more severe.

[Top of Page]

Heart Failure

2009-02-03T16:02:00.000-08:00

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body the way it should. In some cases, the heart can’t fill with enough blood. As a result, blood back up in the veins leading to the heart, and sometimes causes fluid to build up in the legs or other parts of the body. In other cases, the heart can’t send blood to the rest of the body with enough force. Some people have both problems.

OTHER NAMES:
Dropsy.
Left-side, or systolic, heart failure. This is when the heart can't pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body.
Right-side, or diastolic, heart failure. This is when the heart can't fill with enough blood.

Causes

Heart failure happens when the heart is diseased, damaged or injured, or overworked. The condition usually develops over time as the pumping action of the heart grows weaker. Some of the leading causes of heart failure include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

[Top of Page]

Signs and Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of heart failure are

 shortness of breath or trouble breathing

 fatigue (feeling tired), and

 swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen, and, rarely, the veins in the neck.

[Top of Page]

Diagnosis

Your doctor will diagnose heart failure based on your medical and family histories, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests. He or she must rule out other causes for symptoms and find out whether you have a disease or condition that's causing heart failure. He or she also will check whether your heart is damaged and how well it pumps blood.

No one diagnostic test shows whether you have heart failure. If you have signs and symptoms of heart failure, your doctor may order an EKG (electrocardiogram), a chest x ray, and a BNP blood test as initial tests. If initial test results indicate heart failure, your doctor may refer you to a cardiologist. A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in treating people with heart conditions or problems. He or she may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis.

[Top of Page]

Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment can help people with heart failure live longer, more active lives. Treatment of heart failure may include lifestyle measures, medicines, ongoing care, and using a medical device or having surgery. The sooner you start treatment, the better off you're likely to be.

Your doctor will plan your treatment based on your type of heart failure and your unique needs.

[Top of Page]

Prevention

You can take steps to prevent heart failure doing the following:

 having a healthy lifestyle

 Exercise

 Maintain a healthy weight

 Eat a healthy diet

 Quit or do not start smoking

 Manage stress

 preventing and treating conditions that can lead to heart failure

 Control blood pressure

 Control blood cholesterol

 Prevent and manage diabetes mellitus

 taking your medicines as prescribed by your doctor

[Top of Page]

Atherosclerosis

2009-02-02T20:19:00.000-08:00

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque builds up on the inner walls of arteries—the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart ant other parts of the body. It can cause the walls of the artery to become thick and narrowed. As a result, blood flow through the body is reduced.

Plaque is formed from cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances in the blood. When blood cholesterol levels are high, there is a greater chance that plaque will build up on the artery walls. In most people, this process begins when they are children or teenagers and worsens as they get older.

Atherosclerosis can affect any arteries in the body. Different diseases may develop depending on the artery or arteries involved.

OTHER NAMES: Arteriosclerosis (ar-TER-e-o-skler-o-sis), Hardening of the Arteries

Risk Factors

The cause of atherosclerosis is not fully understood. However, certain conditions and risk factors may raise the chances of developing it.

 High Cholesterol and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood

 Low level of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) in the blood

 High Blood Pressure

 Smoking

 Diabetes Mellitus

 Obesity

 Inactive Lifestyle or lack of physical activity

 Age

 Family History of Heart Disease

[Top of Page]

Signs and Symptoms

Atherosclerosis usually does not cause signs and symptoms until it narrows or totally blocks an artery. Many people don't know they have the disease until they have a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Some people may have other signs and symptoms of the disease. These depend on which arteries are severely narrowed or blocked.

When the arteries supplying the heart are narrowed or blocked, it can cause angina. Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. It may feel like pressure or a squeezing pain in your chest. You also may feel it in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.
This pain tends to get worse with activity and go away when you rest. Emotional stress also can trigger the pain.

The carotid arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your brain. When plaque narrows or blocks these arteries (a condition called carotid artery disease), you may have symptoms of a stroke. These symptoms include sudden numbness, weakness, and dizziness.

Plaque also can build up in the major arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the legs, arms, and pelvis (a condition called peripheral arterial disease). When these arteries are narrowed or blocked, it can lead to numbness, pain, and sometimes dangerous infections.

[Top of Page]

Diagnosis

Your doctor will diagnose atherosclerosis based on your medical and family histories, your risk factors, and the results of physical exam and diagnostic tests.

[Top of Page]

Treatment

Treatments for atherosclerosis may include lifestyle changes, medicines, and medical procedures and surgery. Lifestyle changes include following a healthy eating plan, increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and reducing stress.

Taking steps to control your risk factors can help prevent or delay atherosclerosis and its related diseases. These steps include making lifestyle changes and/or taking medicines as prescribed by your doctor.

Improved treatments have helped reduce deaths from atherosclerosis-related diseases. However, the number of people diagnosed with atherosclerosis remains high.

If you've been diagnosed with atherosclerosis, you can control the disease with lifestyle changes and/or medicines. See your doctor regularly, and call him or her if you develop any new symptoms or your symptoms worsen.

[Top of Page]

Angina

2009-02-02T15:43:00.000-08:00

Angina is pain or discomfort felt most often in the chest. It occurs when some region of the heart does not receive enough blood. Angina is not a disease itself but a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD occurs when a fatty material called plaque builds up on the inner walls of the coronary arteries. Plaque causes the coronary arteries to become narrow and stiff. The flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle is reduced.

OTHER NAMES:
Angina Pectoris, Stable or Common Angina, Unstable Angina, Variant Angina, Prinzmetal's Angina, Coronary Artery Spasm, Acute Coronary Syndrome

Signs and Symptoms

Angina can feel like a squeezing pain, pressure, or tightness usually in the chest under the breastbone. Sometimes pain is felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Most commonly, angina is experienced after physical exertion. The condition may also be triggered by:

 stress

 extreme cold or heat

 heavy meals

 alcohol consumption, and

 cigarette smoking

Sometimes, people say that angina discomfort is hard to describe. In others, they can’t exactly tell where the pain is coming from.

Other Signs and Symptoms

In addition to pain, some people may also experience nausea feeling sick to your stomach); fatigue (tiredness); shortness of breath; sweating; light-headedness; and weakness.

[Top of Page]

Types of Angina

The most common types of angina are stable angina and unstable angina. A rare type of angina is called variant angina.

 Stable angina occurs when the heart is working harder than usual. Pain from stable angina goes away when you rest or take your angina medicine. Angina medicine, such as nitroglycerin, helps widen and relax the arteries so that more blood can flow to the heart.

 Unstable angina is a very dangerous condition and needs emergency treatment. Unstable angina is a sign that a heart attack may happen soon. Unstable angina can occur with or without physical exertion. It isn't relieved by rest or medicine.

 Variant angina is caused by a spasm (tightening) in a coronary artery. This narrowing of the artery slows or stops blood flow to the heart muscle. The pain may be severe. This type of angina is relieved by medicine.

[Top of Page]

Risk Factors

Risk factors for angina may include:

 high cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood

 low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the blood

 diabetes

 high blood pressure (hypertension)

 obesity

 a family history of heart disease

 inactive lifestyle or lack of physical activity

 age (The risk increases for men after 45 years of age and for women after 55 years of age.)

 smoking

[Top of Page]

Diagnosis

In addition to learning about your symptoms, asking about your risk factors and family history of CAD or other heart disease, and performing a physical exam, your doctor may also recommend other tests and procedures. Your doctor may order one or more tests to help with the diagnosis or rule out other health problems.

Diagnostic tests and procedures may include EKG, stress testing, chest x ray, coronary angiography and cardiac catheterization, and blood tests.

[Top of Page]

Treatments

Treatments available for angina include lifestyle changes, medicines, medical procedures, and cardiac rehabilitation (rehab).

If your symptoms are mild and are not getting worse, lifestyle changes and medicines may be the only treatments needed. However, in an angina that can’t be controlled through lifestyle changes and medicines, other medical procedures (angioplasty and coronary artery bypass graft) and cardiac rehab may be necessary.

Lifestyle changes include following a healthy eating plan, quitting smoking, being physically active, losing weight, and learning how to handle stress and relax.

You can prevent or lower your risk for angina and CAD by making lifestyle changes and treating related conditions. If you have angina, it's important to know the pattern of your angina, what medicines you take (keep a list) and how often you should take then, how to control your angina, and the limits on your physical activity. You should know how and when to seek medical help.

Your doctor will help decide which treatment is best for you.

Note: When angina is unrelieved by rest or medications, you may have unstable angina. Unstable angina is an emergency condition that requires treatment in the hospital.

[Top of Page]

Heart Basics

2009-02-02T15:35:00.000-08:00

The heart is a powerful muscle, about the size of your clenched fist. Its major function is to pump blood to the different cells and tissues of the body.

The body of a healthy adult contains about 5 liters of blood, which is circulated over and over throughout the body. Blood moves from the heart, into arteries, capillaries, and veins before returning to the heart.

The entire cycle takes about a minute, during which time the blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all cells in the body.

The right side of the heart pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs where it picks up oxygen. Oxygen-rich blood then returns to the left side of the heart. The left side of the heart pumps freshly oxygenated blood and nutrients to the different parts of the body.

The blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscles are called the coronary arteries.

[Top of Page]

Contact NasugnaM

2008-12-22T15:36:00.001-08:00

Thank you for visiting the NasugnaM Health (Heart Health): Division of Cardiovascular Diseases website.

Contacting the webmaster

Please be aware that we cannot reply to email questions about your specific health problems. We recommend that you direct your questions to your medical doctor.

The information in this website is meant to serve as an aid to understand general descriptions of health conditions and other health matters and not to replace a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. You should not use the information in this website to formulate your own treatment plan. Your healthcare provider can determine which optimal medical and dietary plan is best for you.

To report any broken links, request for health topics to be featured in our website, or other concerns about our website, you can contact the webmaster at davidkm77(@)gmail(dot)com. View information about our privacy policy.Thank you very much.

[Top of Page]

About Nasugnam Health

2008-01-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

Privacy Statement

Of the information we learn about you from your visit to NasugnaM Health (Heart Health): Division of Cardiovascular Diseases "heartnasugnam.blogspot.com," we store only the following: the domain name from which you access the Internet, the date and time you access our site, and the Internet address of the web site from which you direct-linked to our site. This information is used to measure the number of visitors to the various sections of our site and to help us make our site more useful to visitors.

Unless it is specifically stated otherwise, no additional information will be collected about you. When inquiries are emailed to us, we store the question and the email address information so that we can respond electronically. Unless otherwise required by statute, we do not identify publicly who sends questions or comments to our web site. We will not obtain information that will allow us to personally identify you when you visit our site, unless you chose to provide such information to us.

Mission and Disclaimer

Heart Health is a health education website, providing information for the general public about the heart, diseases and conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, health news and consumer health informations. The information on this website is not intended as a substitute for medical professional help or advice but is to be used only as an aid in understanding medical conditions. A physician should always be consulted for any health problem.

This website provides links to other organizations as a service to our readers and is not responsible for the information, services, or products provided by these web sites, health professionals, or companies. If you access another site through a link we provide, you are subject to the privacy policy of that site. Reference in this referred website to commercial products, services, manufacturers, or companies does NOT constitute an endorsement by the Nasugnam Health website and all its divisions.

Advertisement Policy

Advertisements on this site are clearly stated as ads, ad links, affiliate links or advertisements. They are provided for information purposes only and they do not constitute endorsements of those sites or products.

Pop-Up Advertisements

When visiting our website, your Web browser may produce pop-up advertisements. These advertisements were most likely produced by other websites you visited or by third-party software installed on your computer. This website (Heart Health and all Nasugnam Health Divisions) doesn’t produce pop-up ads and doesn’t endorse or recommend products or services for which you may view a pop-up ad on your computer screen while visiting this site.

Log Files

Like many other Web sites, www.heartnasugnam.blogspot.com makes use of log files. The information inside the log files includes internet protocol ( IP ) addresses, type of browser, Internet Service Provider ( ISP ), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement around the site, and gather demographic information. IP addresses, and other such information are not linked to any information that is personally identifiable.

Cookies and Web Beacons

Some of our advertising partners may use cookies and web beacons on our site. Our advertising partners include Google Adsense.

These third-party ad servers or ad networks use technology to the advertisements and links that appear on www.heartnasugnam.blogspot.com send directly to your browsers. They automatically receive your IP address when this occurs. Other technologies ( such as cookies, JavaScript, or Web Beacons ) may also be used by the third-party ad networks to measure the effectiveness of their advertisements and / or to personalize the advertising content that you see.

www.heartnasugnam.blogspot.com has no access to or control over these cookies that are used by third-party advertisers. You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. www.heartnasugnam.blogspot.com's privacy policy does not apply to, and we cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites.

If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options. More detailed information about cookie management with specific web browsers can be found at the browsers' respective websites.

Contacting the Webmaster

Nasugnam Health and all its divisions do not provide specific medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your doctor can provide you with more information about your specific health problem or concerns.

For other concerns, you can contact the webmaster at: davidkm77 (at) gmail (dot) com.

Privacy Statement, Mission and Disclaimer, Advertisement Policy, Pop-Up Advertisements, Accreditation, and Site Maintenance
Published: January 31, 2009; Updated: March 18, 2009

[Top of Page]