Monday, 4 July 2016

5 Heart Health Risk Factors Need to Watch Out In 2016

Sad but true, factors pertaining to health risk are growing. Even today’s cutting-edge technology is also not able to curve this deadly growth. In today’s time, there are more than dozens of risk factors that can cause inflammation of cardiac blood vessels, plaque formation and more. Although this note will discuss about the 5 most fatal heart health risk factors that need to look out in 2016. These risk factors are based on the history of cardiovascular risks, new research by the medical practitioners and more.

1. Smoking: Without a doubt, smoking is the top risk factor for both men and women that cause heart problems. Many of you may think that it is due to the presence of nicotine but that is not. Each puff of cigarette send up to 4,000 chemicals that include pesticides, insecticides and carbon monoxide. All of these chemicals are responsible for causing in one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease.

2. Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is the most fatal reason for causing heart diseases for women. The main reason of causing such problem is women have smaller number of blood vessels in heart compare to men. These problems make women vulnerable to high blood pressure. Women are also prone to diastolic dysfunction of the heart that results higher blood pressure in comparison with men. However, it doesn’t mean men can ignore heart related diseases. But since, anatomy of women is different from men and also uses NSAIDS than men; women are more prone towards this type of problems.

3. Acute Emotional Stress: Stress is a huge factor that causes heart health problems for both men and women. Stress is very risky for hostile and aggressive types of men and vitally exhausted types of women. Acute emotional stress also highly stressful for both men and women.

4. High Blood Sugar: High blood sugar leads to higher level of insulin. Insulin is the main culprit that causes inflammation of blood vessels. Moreover, two most important organizations that cater heart related issues in USA - American Heart Association & American College of Cardiology - have strengthened their focus on the regulation of sugar in blood.

5. Lp(a): Lp(a) are nothing but the cholesterol. More precisely, the most dangerous form of cholesterol. These are small, highly dense & very inflammatory cholesterol particle increases “stickiness” in blood, and contribute dramatically in formation of clots and chance of a heart attack.


Barring the above five, there are various other risks factors for the heart. These are small particle oxidized LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, high homocysteine, elevated C-reactive protein and more.

Monday, 16 May 2016

Causes and Treatment Procedures of Spider Veins

spider vein treatment Huntington Beach

Spider veins are a very common problem suffered by people since a long time. There are various causes of the appearance of spider veins, though these are mostly harmless but it can become more prevalent with age if not treated in time and cause some severe problems. It usually affects women more than men and mostly can be seen on legs and other specific areas as well. It can be easily treated with the treatments mentioned below.

There are several ways available today to get rid of spider veins. Spider veins are thin red colored lines of blood vessels can be found on legs & feet. Usually, harmless, but sometimes these veins can cause aching or burning or even pain, especially if a person is standing for a considerable long period of time. There are multiple reasons that cause spider vein. The most commons are:

  • Birth Control Pills.
  • Blood Clots.
  • Increased pressure in abdomen area due to constipation, presence of certain garments such as girdles and tumors.
  • Changes in hormone functionality due to problems such as menopause, puberty or even during pregnancy.
  • Obesity.
  • Trauma to the skin due to ultraviolet ray or any past surgery on veins.
  • Factory work, hairstyling, nursing – work that requires continual standing.

These types of veins can be discovered more in women than men and also among aged persons. In fact, 60% of adults have dealt with this problem at one time or another.

There is various spider vein treatment centers can be found in Huntington Beach area. These centers are capable of offering treatment based on a person’s symptoms. The two most important are:

  • Sclerotherapy: Doctor injects solution in the affected veins with scars and blocks them which cause blood to reroute to healthier veins. After that, treated spider veins seem or start to fade. However, there are instances, when affected veins had been injected for more than one time. Nonetheless, sclerotherapy is predominantly an effective treatment if done properly. The best part of this treatment is it doesn’t require any anesthesia and can also be done at your doctor’s office. Side effects of this treatment include swelling, itching, changes in skin color in treated areas.
  • Laser surgery: This surgery mainly operates by sending bursts of light (really strong in nature) into the affected veins turning them faded really slow and disappear. In this surgery, there is no need of incision or needles. However, laser surgery is often less effective compared to sclerotherapy, particularly for the larger veins. There are various side effects of this treatment - redness, itching, bruising, swelling and permanent changes in skin tone.

After treatment, in both, blood vessels take some time to fade in several months. But, they may not fade completely. Even, later, new spider veins can develop in the same area. Knowing this, doctors still choose any one of these two treatments when it’s come to spider vein.

Saturday, 30 April 2016

How to Prevent and Reverse your Heart Disease?

Today we have shifted our attention to combat an age old and the most common health problem “heart diseases” from so many toxic medications to a more natural ways of preventing or reversing its effect on us, in order to be safe from “heart attacks “and many other such serious diseases which has impacted to a large number of population of the world and is still increasing at an alarming rate.

In today’s time heart diseases have become a huge problem in our youth, the disease is being increased in a huge percentage, and instead of getting into the heart of the problem they are consuming toxic prescribed medications in a huge amount on daily basis which isn’t helping much instead of just adding more toxic into our body.

If you have some sort of heart disease but that’s not so serious to the level of any kind of surgery such as angioplasty or bypass etc it still can be eliminated just by changing your behavior that has added to your condition and opting to the more healthy habits, exercising regularly or simply by  changing your diet.

The need of the hour is to shift our attention from the regular medications to more effective and natural ways to prevent and reverse heart diseases which can be done in various ways listed below:

Consumption of omega 3 fatty acids: omega3 fatty acid can be consumed in order to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death or any kind of heart diseases in future, it can be found in fish, walnuts, beef etc. its consumption has proven to reduce the heart diseases making it a very good source to prevent it.

Vitamin D: vitamin D has its own various benefits health wise if exposed into limitations it can be great in order to reduce any

Magnesium: magnesium plays a vital role inprotecting against any sort of heart diseases. Magnesium is one supplement that must be included in your diet it can stop aging of your heart muscle and prevent from cardiovascular diseases. Magnesium supplements can turn out to be highly effective to keep heart diseases at bay.

Pomegranate: this is one remarkable fruit to get rid of any heart diseases; it helps to lower blood pressure, fights infections, prevents cholesterol oxidation, and reduces inflammation.

Arginine: According to various researches this amino acid can prevent you with the progression of atherosclerosis and also reverse the pathologies which are associated with the process. It increases the production of nitric oxide which is generally depressed in blood vessels where the inner lining has been damaged resulting in the dysfunction.

Garlic: along with providing many other health benefits of garlic it also helps in reducing the heart diseases, it prevents from the thickness and hardness of the arteries resulting in significantly reducing any sort of risk of stroke or heart attack and other serious heart diseases.

B-Complex: vitamin B reduces the progression of building up plaque in the arteries along with it also reduces the production of homocysteine which can dangerously affect artery and other blood vessels.

There are many more proven ways of prevention and reduction of heart diseases to keep the occurrence of its major form at bay, for more information of heart related issues you can always contact Cardiologists at Orange County

Monday, 28 March 2016

ECP Treatment: All You Need to Know

ECP is a non-invasive treatment helpful during angina pain, congestive cardiac failure etc. It lowers down angina, boosts energy and rejuvenates people for leading quality life. Take a look at all that you need to know about External Counter Pulsation.

Heart functions to circulate blood in the human body. The heart muscle, medically termed as Myocardium, pumps blood. Alike other muscles of the body, it needs oxygen-filled blood for energy. Angina refers to the pain, uneasiness or other cardiac symptom which takes place when the flow of blood to the myocardium is not enough to match its energy requirements.

Coronary arteries supply blood to the myocardium. The thinning of these blood vessels may cause problem for the myocardium to meet its energy requirement and as a consequence, angina may develop.

ECP therapy in Orange County has been a proven treatment for Angina pectoris (crushing chest pain). External Counter Pulsation can spur these blood vessels to grow fine branches, forming a natural bypass surrounding the blocked arteries - the key element of the stirring chest pain.

How Does ECP treatment functions?

The treatment of ECP gradually yet steadily restricts the blood vessels in the lower extremity or limb of the human body to raise the blood flow level to your heart. Every pressure wave is electronically sequenced with the heartbeat, to ensure that the increased blood flow reaches your heart at the defined moment it is reposing.

When your heart starts pumping again, the pressure level is circulated immediately. This drips the friction of your blood vessels in the limbs so as to facilitate the blood to pump up more smoothly from your heart.

External Counter Pulsation (ECP) can also cause some of the small and fine blood vessels in your heart to open up. These act as "natural bypass" vessels that regulate proper blood flow to the myocardium (heart muscle). The entire process extends relief during tremendous chest pain.

What to expect in an ECP Treatment?

External Counter Pulsation (ECP) is a non-invasive treatment process. Here's the methodology -

  • Patients are asked to lie down on an obstetric table.
  • Fine electrodes are placed on the chest-skin and connected to a device called Electrocardiography (ECG). The ECG machine monitors heart rhythm throughout the process.
  • Blood pressure level is monitored simultaneously.
  • A pair of medical cuffs is enfolded around your calf muscles, thighs and buttocks.
  • These cuffs connect air hoses to the inner valves that help during inflation and deflation of the cuffs.
  • Patients are subjected to experience a firm "grip" in the legs extending from calf muscles to buttocks, when the cuff inflates. It is followed by a quick release of pressure during deflation.
  • The inflation and deflation of cuffs are electronically controlled and adjusted according to your heart beat and B.P.

How much time do you need to complete an ECP Treatment?

The eligible patients need 35 hours of time to complete an ECP Treatment. It is administered for 2 hours a day, scheduled for 5 days in a week and stretches to 7 weeks.

When do you need External Counter Pulsation( ECP)?

ECP Treatment may be helpful to you when you:

  • Have an acute angina problem.
  • Are not relieved with the usage of nitrate, beta blockers etc.
  • Do not need invasive treatments such as - angioplasty or stenting.

For any consultation on your cardio care please contact us at 714-842-8100

Tuesday, 26 January 2016

The Superfoods for Your Heart-Healthy Diet Book

Are you bored out of your daily tasteless food which you need to take just to keep your heart healthy? Good News for YOU! Researchers say that you don't need to compromise on food any further. Grab these tasty foods today and live well.

Cardio professionals

With cardio vascular ailments the top rated killer of men and women, you would surely wonder about any cure or health habits that could drastically make this trend of fatal deaths see a downfall would be great news. Isn't it? Well, the most powerful treatment is so simple that most people find it unworthy to be followed. But, practically it has been researched that if you start heart healthy diet since childhood, you're less likely to suffer a heart attack ever in your lifetime.

"In traditional societies, where people don't eat processed foods, heart disease is rare."
– cardiologist Arthur Agatston, Author The South Beach Wake-Up Call

Fruits and vegetables are always a cardiologist favorite diet. But taking these for continuous days can make your taste buds go jaded. So what to do next? Here's what else you can add up to your heart-healthy diet book for a longer life.

Blueberries

An agricultural promotion group, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, opines that blueberries' antioxidant element help in lowering down the stocked LDL cholesterol "bad" in artery walls, the root cause of cardiac arrest. These antioxidant elements countercheck risky repercussions of metabolism popularly known as free radicals that can cause cancer and several other age specific infections.

Another beneficiary element - Anthocyanin (majorly sourced in blueberries) can also be consumed from juicy blackberries, Oregon black raspberries, and nutritious red grapes. Heart specialists say just a single cup of blueberries a day can keep kids energized. Are the little ones at your home quite picky eaters in approach? Then just add little fresh, chilled, or dried variety of blueberries to your recipes of cereal, sweet muffins, or dark dinner dishes and see the change in your kids' food choice. Kids would jump in to the dining table to taste your special flavors... Bet!!!

Whole grains

With time and recent health studies finding its way to the everyday health schedule of people, carbohydrates have received its due credit. However, paleo diet advocates may not go along with this statement.

Whole grains such as - wheat including einkorn, rice, or barley, buckwheat, bulgur, corn, farro etc even today serve as the best sources for fiber and vitamin B your heart require to stay healthy. Vitamin B ensures non-augmentation of homocysteine (a threat for cardiac illnesses).

Nuts

The little yet superfoods namely - peanuts, almond, pine nuts, pecans, crude almonds, walnut etc works wonder for your heart. Orange County Cardiologists say that these nuts are best for controlling LDL cholesterol. You can consume these at any point of time such as with your fresh yogurt recipe, evening snacks etc.

Greek yogurt

The more yogurt you take the lessened is the risk of cardiac stroke. Greek yogurt is rich in protein and held responsible for aligning your carbs consumption, you take it every day. You can enrich your bowl of yogurt by adding sliced and diced fruits, crushed nuts etc. You just need to make sure that you cut down substantially on your intake of processed foods with additional sugar, that neutralizes any benefit you receive from selecting yogurt as a diet menu in the first place.

Fish

The protein packed sources - FISH are the true delights when it comes to eating together. Additionally, fishes with its special quality of omega-3 fatty acids account for lesser risk of aggravated cardiac illness.

Extra-virgin olive oil

Did you ever try recipes made up of extra-virgin olive oil from Spain, Italy, or Greece? Or you didn't try in the fear of taking extra fat? Don't worry; it's healthy and tasty at the same time! Olive oil consists of unsaturated fat that puts your undesired cholesterol level in control, specifically, when contemplated with butter, cheese or margarine.

Wine

Drink as much as you can! Ooh not really. Excess of anything doesn't work well. Who knew that wine, an alcoholic beverage could be a health beneficiary adult drink. Cardio professionals opine that antioxidant resveratrol is the major element that contributes immensely to the cardiovascular benefits.

Tuesday, 5 January 2016

A Happy Heart Test: What Cardiologists Recommend

No single cardiovascular test is superior to other, and every symptom is indicative of a problem unexplored. Know your risks before and stay alarmed with the tests for the life threatening heart illnesses!!!

A physician has stepped into your workplace and asks you to test run briskly on a treadmill. For another 10 minutes, he'll ardently figure out your heart rate, pulse rate, and blood pressure as the fervency of your workout surges up. As soon as your stress test gets completed, he'll let slip whether you corner any coronary or cardiac disease. Scary to hear it forthwith at the age of 30! Isn’t it? So why not prepare yourself in your 20s to avoid this unpleasant news in your late 30s.

Weight reduction, quit smoking, eating healthy and cholesterol-free food, stress minimization and regular exercise is what people do and believe to be maintained for a happy heart. But, what if you are already there in the high-risk zone that too unknowingly?

Well, Cardiologists in Orange County, these days recommend some prying medical investigation to measure the danger of heart attack. Positive results will however involve auxiliary testing or subtle instrumental process. Here are some of the tests that a cardiologist recommends to keep you alarmed of the lurking heart disease.

Cardiac Calcium Scoring

Fact: Cardiac Calcium Scoring is one of the most preferred cardiac tests because it predicts the chance of heart attack or stroke, 10 years before the occurrence.

Methodology: A CT scanner, tests for atheromatous plaques (comprises of calcium, cholesterol elements, and welt tissue) within your heart's arteries. Electrodes are well annexed to your chest and to an EKG machine that counts every heartbeat, you rest flat on an investigation table that slowly glides inside a large doughnut-shaped channel and clench your breath for few minutes.

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Testing (CIMT)


Fact:
This imaging test is capable of detecting the cardiac challenges indeed at the beginning, before your blood flow is clogged.

Methodology:
This "Neck Ultrasound" makes the process possible by getting a picture of the right and left carotid arteries that carry blood to the most vital organs of your body - head and brain. A jelly substance is applied over your neck, and then an ultrasound transducer is drifted over your carotids to quantify the viscosity of the lining that surrounds arteries.

Myocardial Nuclear Perfusion Studies
Source: Wikepedia

Fact:
A nuclear medicine procedure, Myocardial nuclear perfusion aims to expose the condition of heart muscle tissue and the challenges, if any.

Methodology: Radioactive nuclide is infused deep into the vein which runs to the heart, pre and post of your workout session. This element allows capturing areas of irregular blood flow headed towards the heart muscle triggered with the tightening or snarls in the arteries.

Don't waste your time, if you are at high risk for heart disease or could sense any symptom viz squatty breath, irregular nerve pain or uneasiness in your chest, it’s time to contact a cardiac specialist. Get your cardiac assessment done today and stay aware to avert heart-hazards.