Cardiovascular Diseases Causes - Some You Can Control

Cardiovascular disease affects more than 1 in 3 Americans. And the consequences of heart disease and stroke can be deadly.

While you can't control your age, race or gender, there are several cardiovascular disease causes within your control.

1- Stop smoking. According to the American Heart Association, people who smoke are 2-4 times as likely to develop coronary heart disease.

2- Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity and diabetes are key factors leading to cardiovascular disease.

3- Get exercise. Not only can regular exercise keep your weight down, but it increases your blood flow through your veins. Since blood carries oxygen to your heart and your brain, it stimulates your body and keeps you alert and healthy.

Exercise has the added benefits of lowering your blood pressure and reducing your stress levels too. Both of these can lead to cardiovascular disease.

4- Lower your blood pressure. High blood pressure and cholesterol are contributing factors to heart disease.

5- Moderate drinking. Moderate is defined as one drink a day for a woman and two for men. Drinking more can lead to higher blood pressure and stroke.

Factors outside of your control are your age, race and gender. More men than woman die of heart attacks. The American Heart Association states 83% of people over 65 will develop heart disease and your heritage plays a role.

If your parents had heart disease, you have a higher risk. Likewise, African American have a higher risk of high blood pressure than Caucasians. Native Americans, Mexican Americans and some Asian Americans have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Partly due to higher levels of diabetes and obesity.

You can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by not smoking, light or no drinking, getting plenty of exercise and eating healthy foods.

Doctors and nutritionists recommend eating 2-3 meals of fish twice a week. The reason fish is important is because they're filled with omega 3 fatty acids. Studies show these essential nutrients can protect your heart and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

All fish have these fatty acids but salmon, herring, tuna and hoki all have some of the highest amounts.

Diet is a big contributing factor to cardiovascular disease causes.

Making sure you eat less processed foods and plenty of fruits, vegetables and fish will go a long way toward preventing heart disease.

Some doctors recommend fish oil supplements as studies show they're beneficial to your heart.


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Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease

Several epidemiological, pathophysiological and clinical studies reveal that obesity and overweight conditions are the two major factors contributing to the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Obesity is now a world-wide epidemic, more pronounced in USA, Europe and all other developing nations. 
Obesity/ overweight is due to the imbalance between physical activity and dietary energy intake. Sedentary life style, unhealthy diet and consequent overweight and obesity markedly increase/worsen the risk of cardiovascular disease.

By now, it is an admitted fact that obesity causes insulin resistance and diabetes. The evidence linking early stages of Glucose dysregulation with cardiovascular diseases, needs a serious consideration. Overweight / obesity raise the heart rate and reduce the body's ability to transport blood through vessels.

Aggressive treatment of subjects with impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance have the potential to reduce both the incidence of diabetes and its related cardiovascular disease. Another research study ( Ref: Health ramification of the obesity epidemic- Li. z.Bowerman S and Heber D. ) 
indicates that obesity and overweight related to health problems including prediabetes and diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disorders and certain forms of cancers. Obesity and overweight conditions account for a significant percentage of overall health care costs and significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality in USA and all around the globe.

Another research study on Nutrition and cardiovascular mortality states that 
about 17 million persons die in cardiovascular disease yearly in the world. Most part of this disease can be prevented by the elimination of primary risk factors, thus by the abolishment of unhealthy nutrition, physical inactivity and by the absence of smoking. The cost-effective national program, as well as the lifemode with decreasing individual risk factors can give a trend to decrease the cardiovascular mortality. Individually the usual blood pressure and cholesterol control, the inhibition of obesity and the lifemode without smoking are able to decrease the organic changes, which produce the lethal consequencies of this disease. The different kinds of diets can significantly influence the development of human diseases. The Western diet has atherogenic effect, increases the risk of myocardial infarction.

It is, therefore, a health hazard to be obese/ overweight which lead to serious health complications. Proper food habits, intake of proper and sufficient nutrition through food and food supplements, coupled with regular exercise shall lead to a healthier life. Weight loss and prevention of weight gain have to be considered as the most two important strategies to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease.


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Knowing the Facts About Cardiovascular Disease Treatment Could Save Your Life

Once a person finds out, or may just suspect, they have heart and/or artery disease the next step is finding the right cardiovascular disease treatment. To do this they will either need to depend on their doctor to make the choice for them or gather enough factual information to make a well informed decision on their own.

Could prescription medications be the best cardiovascular disease treatment?

High cholesterol is one of the primary building blocks for the formations of arterial plaque deposits, thus making drugs to lower blood cholesterol a often prescribed treatment option.

There are four general categories of prescription medications commonly prescribed to help rein in high cholesterol. They are statins, bile acid sequestrants, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, nicotinic acid (prescription strength niacin), and fibrates.

There is a great deal of controversy surround some of the medications. For example nicotinic acid is considered by many to be the most effective of the group, but can damage the liver. There are also a number of other unpleasant side effects associated with prescription strength niacin.

Another example would be bile acid sequestrants which bind to cholesterol containing bile acids in the intestines, which are then sent out of the body by way of stool. The problem here is that they often cause severe diarrhea, making them intolerable to some.

So most doctors have concluded that best mix of effectiveness and safety comes in the form of the statins. Statins in themselves are not without controversy, in fact from 1997-2001 there were 31 deaths attributed to a strong statin medication produced by the Bayer company known as Baycol. The reason for the deaths was a condition known as rhabdomyolysis. In rhabdomyolysis the body is deprived of the necessary amount of cholesterol for cell function, which then produces cell and muscle death. As the bloodstream is flooded with dead cells and other waste products the small passages in, and around, the kidneys clog causing kidney failure and ultimately death.

While this is a scary possibility often linked to statin medications there is little evidence to suggest that most recent array of statin medications (Lipitor, Crestor) trigger rhabdomyolysis. Nevertheless, it is a fact that should not be ignored.

What about aspirin as a cardiovascular disease treatment?

Low dose aspirin is commonly suggested by doctor and works by thinning the blood while inhibiting the sticky platelets floating in the blood from clotting. This is of particularly advantageous in the very early morning hours when the blood is at is stickiest and when most heart attacks occur. While aspirin may be a very useful tool in preventing heart attacks, there is no evidence to suggest that it will reverse the underlying causes of cardiovascular disease.

What about diet and lifestyle changes to reverse cardiovascular disease?

Making changes in a person's diet and lifestyle is perhaps the single most important cardiovascular disease treatment. Ironic isn't it that the very same choices that got us into this predicament in the first place, when changed, can lead us out.

The list of possible diet and lifestyle modifications includes a low saturated fat and cholesterol diet, adding 10 grams of soluble fiber to your daily routine, increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables consumed while decreasing the amount of meat, consuming cold water fatty fish twice a week, saying no to primary and secondary tobacco smoke, effectively managing blood pressure and diabetes, and implementing a doctor approved exercise plan at least 5 days a week.

What about surgery?

If coronary blockage is so severe your physician feels you life is at risk chances are emergency surgery will be the preferred cardiovascular disease treatment method. The three most common procedures are balloon angioplasty, stenting, and bypass surgery.


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Types of Cardiovascular Disease That Present the Greatest Risk

There are many different types of cardiovascular disease encompassing a wide range of challenges. For this article I have tried to pick the three that will have the greatest amount of relevance for most people. They are coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries. So if you have a few minutes why don't we get right down to business in exposing the types of cardiovascular disease that present the greatest risk for most people.

*Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the narrowing or blockage of the arteries that nourish the heart by deposits of calcium, cholesterol, dead cells, and fibrous tissue known as plaque. It may surprise you to know that the heart actually takes the oxygen it requires from the coronary arteries, which branch off from the main artery that carries away from the heart also known as the aorta. According to statistics compiled by the Center for Disease Control CHD accounts for about two thirds of the deaths from all types of cardiovascular disease, and is the type most often responsible for a fatal heart attack or stroke. Coronary heart disease generally produces few noticeable symptoms until significant blockage in one or more arteries has occurred.

*Congestive heart failure (CHF) is one of the lesser known types of cardiovascular disease. When CHF is present the heart's pumping power is not sufficient to supply the bodies needs. There are many different causes for congestive heart failure including heart attack, infections (myocarditis), disease that cause the heart muscle to stiffen (hemochromatosis or amyloidosis), high blood pressure, and diseases such as hyperthyroidism that put extra pressure on the to provide adequate blood flow. Ironically coronary artery disease listed above can cause coronary heart failure as well. Some of the common symptoms associated with congestive heart failure are fatigue; chest congestion; persistent cough; fluid accumulation in the ankles, feet, legs, and belly; and shortness of breath.

*Atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries is either a primary or contributing cause in many different types of cardiovascular disease. This disorder occurs when blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to other parts of the body become narrowed by cholesterol deposits. As time passes the cholesterol deposits mature, becoming larger and harder as fibrous tissue and calcium is added to the mix. As blood flow is reduced so is cell sustaining oxygen causing important organs such as the heart, eyes, kidneys, brain, and gut to be affected. When the arteries to the heart are impacted angina (lack of oxygen) can result, along with other serious cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack, heart arrhythmia, and CHD.

What else? Most types of cardiovascular disease are treatable through a change in life-style choices, such as diet, exercise, saying no to tobacco, shedding any excess pounds, and enlisting the help of prescription medications or a natural cholesterol reduction supplement if needed. By working with your doctor to develop a safe and effective cardiovascular plan you will have taken the first step in putting yourself on the road to reversing cardiovascular disease and establishing both short and long term heart and artery health.


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Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Did you know that here in the United States statistics are showing that Cardiovascular Disease (heart disease) is "still" the number one cause of death? So sad when there is so much information available on the "how to" take care of your heart in a preventative way.

Over 60 million Americans suffer from one form or another of Cardiovascular Disease. I'll tell you how you can help beat the odds in a few moments.

Cardiovascular Disease includes: 

Heart attack, stroke and artery disease.
Anything that effects the heart, arteries and vessels that carry blood.

Other organs can be effected when the heart isn't functioning properly: 

The lungs, kidneys and the brain.
If oxygen isn't being pumped through your blood by the heart, your whole body suffers.

Here's what you can do to improve your chances against any heart health issues resulting in huge health benefits for years to come.

Diet

In MSN's Health and Fitness section, the article entitled, Review Confirms Links Between Diet, Heart Health by Robert Preidt on April 13, 2009 states:

Vegetables, nuts and the so-called "Mediterranean" diet are heart-friendly, while trans fats and foods with high glycemic index can harm your heart, say researchers who reviewed 189 studies published between 1950 and 2007.

Exercise

Did you know that a 30-minute walk 3 to 5 times a week can lower your cholesterol? Walking is excellent exercise and it can be done at your own pace. You can take your time to work up to endurance and speed.

Foods

Lowering saturated fats in your diet will also make a difference. Eating raw fruits and vegetables makes a difference. Many canned items have way too much salt in them to be beneficial for heart health.

It is a real shame so many people suffer from heart disease when we have so many options in our lives to correct and prevent heart disease.

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

One alternative therapy is Chelation prevention.

If that's a new term for you let me tell you a little about Chelation.

Chelation therapy was introduced into the United State in 1948. Chelation treatment is well recognized by medical authorities around the world. Chelation therapy has been administered to over 500,000 Americans and over one million Canadians, Europeans, Australians, and South Americans who suffer from hardening of the arteries. It was given to more than double those numbers for elimination of heavy metal toxicity but that's another story.

Two time Nobel Prize winning scientist, Dr. Linus Pawing described the usefulness of EDTA Chelation in reducing and preventing hardening of the arteries (Arteriosclerotic plaque) thus improving blood flow to the heart and other organs. This is of huge importance.

Scientific evidence indicates that a course of EDTA Chelation therapy might eliminate the need for bypass surgery. Chelation has an equally valid rationale for use as a preventative treatment.

In 1948 the FDA approved EDTA intravenous Chelation as a treatment for metal toxicity. EDTA was initially used as a treatment for industrial workers suffering from lead poisoning in a battery factory. Then the U.S. Navy began using it on sailors who had absorbed lead while painting government ships and other facilities. The doctors then noted that adults receiving Chelation therapy treatments who had Atheroscleosis began to experience health improvements, less angina pain and improved memory.

We now have a form of Chelation even more accessible for home use as a cardiovascular disease prevention treatment. You will find out more about this innovative treatment and health benefits as you continue to read.

Oral Chelation is the treatment that is making huge differences in people's heart health. I believe Oral Chelation is an improvement over the IV method because every time you start an IV you are traumatizing the vein you are trying to use. These areas then scar over making future use of the vein for IV therapy difficult if not impossible. Imagine needing surgery, blood transfusion or accident treatment and not being able to find a vein that will work!

There are many oral EDTA chelation therapy products available for your use. You you must be careful in your choice of product to use. As with any detoxification product, you must remember they cannot be selective in their cleaning in your body so they are going to remove some of the good nutrients along with the bad toxins. Be sure you use a good replacement product when ever you detox or chelate.

Lets look at some of the ingredients that make for good an excellent chelation product: 

EDTA: a synthetic amino acid
Carrageinan (Irish Moss) - assits in fat metabolism, lowers blood cholesterol.
Garlic:lowers LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol blood levels - prevents arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and cardiovascular disease. effectively lowers blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels and increases HDL levels.
L-Lysine (hcl): assists in fat metabolism, aides in repairing damaged collegen in atheroscleotic blood vessels
L-Methioxine: assists in the breakdown of fat and helps to prevent the build-up of fat in the liver and arterties that obstruct blood flowto the brain, heart and kidneys.
Sodium Alginate: lowers serum cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) Provides regression of atherosclerotic plaque.
Enzymes: 

Bromeain, found in pineapple plants - inhibits platelet clumping and enhances excretion of fat. I speed recovery from cardiovascular disease.
Lipase, a plant enzyme that assists in the breakdown and digestion of fat.
Catalase, lowers serum cholesterol.
Choose your chelaton product wisely and you will see great improvements in your cardiovascular health benefits.

Most important - read all the directions and be sure to follow them faithfully.

There are some jobs you have for life: Motherhood is one but so is Nursing. I happen to feel blessed to have become a nurse nearly 40 years ago. I absolutely love what I do and the articles I write are for educational purposes only. Be sure to read more about my extensive healthcare background and specialty areas in the biography area.

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Cardiovascular Disease - Cardiovascular Disease Can Be Fatal If Neglected

There are different types of heart disease. About 25% of all Americans have one or more types of cardiovascular disease. The major ones are coronary, artheroclerosis, angina, congenital and arrhythmia. Blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol can contribute to heart disease if it is not controlled. The first stages are cracks in the blood vessel walls. The second stage is when the body tries to repair itself by depositing fatty substances (cholesterol) inside the blood vessels to fill the cracks. Over time, the fat can clog the blood vessels, thus causing a heart attack or stroke.

Causes of Cardiovascular disease

Some of the causes and major risk factors can lead to heart disease. One of them is high blood pressure. Also, obesity, smoking and high cholesterol levels along with high pressure increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Symptoms cardiovascular disease

Symptoms vary according to the type of heart disease. Some heart diseases cause no symptoms in the early stages. Each person may experience different symptoms. Some may have chest pain or shortness of breath, fatigue and palpitations - sometimes, fainting and lightheadedness. Women sometimes experience a pain in the lower back - also, the fat around the stomach area could be a symptom of heart disease.

Prevention cardiovascular disease

Some forms of heart disease can be prevented. Exercise regularly, and maintain a low salt and low fat diet avoid smoking and reduce your weight. Also, a healthy diet high in Vitamin C like grains, fruits and vegetables is beneficial. Regardless of the risk level, lifestyle changes are essential. The following rules need to be observed:

Avoid cigarettes 
Exercise regularly 
Maintain a heart healthy diet 
Reduce your weight 
Treat depression

Treatment cardiovascular disease

Omega-3 fatty acid is a natural medication and can be beneficial to the heart and have a therapeutic effect. Omega-3 is found in fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel. There are medical treatments that include aspirin and anti-angina drugs, blood pressure and beta-blockers and cholesterol lowering drugs. Unstable angina is treated aggressively including surgery. There are anti-clotting drugs that break up blood clots. This is useful for patients with severe heart disease.

Treatment Centers cardiovascular disease

There are treatment centers that provide research and patient care through the Health System. The research is aimed at improving and simplifying the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. The treatment aims at improving the quality of life. There are also support groups for stroke survivors and their families. These sessions are extremely beneficial to those who have suffered a stroke and need counseling. It is important to visit the treatment centers on a regular basis after undergoing treatment, as they will provide you with all the support that you need for survivors of a stroke or heart attack.

Shilpa Agarwal, owns the firm Sstream Inkk and is herself an experienced content writer. She sports content writing as a game rather than work xp. Whether your requirement is for content for your website or for academic publishing, journals or newspapers, PR, blog articles, SEO articles, product descriptions or just general articles; she is just the right stop for you. Currently she is developing the content for a health blog.


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The Best Weapon Against Cardiovascular Disease

According to the CDC the number 1 cause of death in the United States is Heart Disease. They estimate that in 2009 785,000 Americans will have a new coronary attack and about 470,000 will have a recurrent attack. In 2005 the CDC went on to state that 454,000 women died from heart disease and 410,000 American males died as result of it. How can we stop this relentless disease? Which new medication should we be taking to save the day? Well even though there are many cardiovascular medications on the market it may be surprising for one to know that the number 1 suggestion from the CDC to prevent Heart Disease is lifestyle changes. They state that it is the best weapon we have against cardiovascular disease.

What Lifestyle Changes?

Well again, according to the CDC that involves diet, nutrition and exercise. If you keep up with the latest news on health you may have noticed a lot of reporting about childhood obesity. Obesity however seems to be a problem with the young as well as the old. This problem no doubt is contributing to a rise not only in cardiovascular disease but also in diabetes. Diabetes is not only a sugar problem but it is also a cardiovascular problem. Diabetics have a tremendous difficulty in circulatory issues. That is why wounds fail to heal in a timely manner and many times a diabetic must have an amputation to save their lives. It seems so tragic that these two diseases, cardiovascular disease and diabetes for the most part are self induced diseases. Of course we are not saying that every case of cardiovascular disease and diabetes is self induced. There are some who are predisposed, however that would be the exception not the rule.

The Dr. Mathias Rath Challenge.

Dr. Mathias Rath put out a challenge to the world basically to eradicate heart disease in 2001. His solution basically involved diet, nutrition and exercise. Many people know what foods they should and should not be eating. If you don't I would suggest Dr. Dean Ornish's book on reversing heart disease or The South Beach Diet by Arthur Agatston MD. As far as exercise one should check with their medical doctor before beginning an exercise program. That being said, proper aerobic exercise seems to help individuals with hypertension, a form of cardiovascular disease, and weight bearing exercise can make hypertension worse. Elevating blood pressure is not what you want if you have a heart problem. Eventually weight bearing exercise would be fine but first check with your health care physician.

What about Supplements?

There are many supplements that can be used to improve your cardiovascular health. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to lower triglycerides and improve blood flow. Vitamin D has been in the news lately regarding it's positive effect on the heart. L. Arginine, an amino acid that assist the body in making Nitric Oxide is very helpful in increasing blood flow. Nitric Oxide is a chemical that has a great deal of positive benefits for circulation as well as improving our immune system according to Wikipedia. Citrulline is another amino acid that helps with the production of Nitric Oxide. In fact, Citrulline is what had many people excited this summer. Scientist reported that Watermelons had the ability to mimic the effects of Viagra due to its high Citrulline content. B Vitamins especially folic acid has been shown to be important to our cardiovascular system as well as coenzyme Q10. These supplements and more are in a product that I use every day and promote called Cardio Cocktail. You can find out more about cardiovascular disease and Cardio Cocktail by visiting my website at MyCardioGrade.com. Cardiovascular disease can be reversed if we give our bodies the right weapons to combat this disease. Stop being a statistic and start feeding yourself healthy nutritious foods. Make exercise a part of your everyday life and give yourself the right supplements and you will experience a life free of Cardiovascular disease and its effects.


Larry Vestal has been involved in Alternative Medicine for over 20 years. He has worked with Medical Doctors in the Atlanta area assisting with nutritional protocols. For more information you can visit his website at http://www.MyCardioGrade.com.

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Fish Oil - A Sign of Hope For Cardiovascular Disease

These days, fish oil is a sign of hope for cardiovascular disease sufferers. There is an unprecedented correlation between fish oil and cardiovascular disease. Unless you've already heard about it, you're probably skeptical about the possibility of its benefits for cardiovascular disease, but believe it or not, there has been recent evidence to suggest that there are quite a few benefits.

Thousands of cardiovascular disease sufferers in recent years have been helped by the almost-miraculous healing potential of fish oil. Fortunately, this revelation has been passed on and is currently being used for new patients that are now undergoing treatment. From cholesterol to plaque, the Omega-3 essential fatty acids are a great way to improve your cardiovascular health.

One of the best things that fish oil does is alleviate symptoms. Cardiovascular disease can be exacerbated by inflammation, and a common way of fighting inflammation. Cardiovascular disease is one of many diseases that you can get from chronic inflammation. Others include allergies, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, etc. If you want to reduce your risk of getting these diseases.

So, why is fish oil a sign of hope for cardiovascular disease? There are a few other things that fish oil does that makes it so instrumental in helping patients of cardiovascular disease. For one thing, it has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, and raise HDL cholesterol. It has also been shown to lower triglycerides and blood pressure, as well. When you have less fat clogging your arteries, your risk of heart attack goes down accordingly.

But that's not all. Because it has the attributes of a blood thinner, it reduces the likelihood of a stroke or heart attack, and it also breaks up clots that might cause a stroke or heart attack. Scientists have also reported that fish oil can help to break up plaque in arteries, which means that you will have a better chance of avoiding heart troubles and feel healthier.

Believe it or not, scientists have reported that daily consumption of it can reduce your risk of sudden death from heart attack by half. It can also reduce the risk of death from sudden cardiac arrest, which is caused by an irregular heartbeat. There are numerous other positive effects are unrelated to your heart and your cardiovascular system, too, as if those weren't enough.

So is it too strong a statement to declare that fish oil is a sign of hope for cardiovascular disease victims? While it is certainly no substitute for a healthy, nutrient-rich diet, frequent moderate exercise, and other supplements, it definitely improve your odds of surviving a heart attack and even reduces the risk of you even having one in the first place. This revelation, coupled with the anti-inflammation benefits, improvement in brain function, and improvements in almost every other major system in your body, makes it a no-brainer.


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Cardiovascular Diseases

The cardiovascular diseases are those diseases which are caused by disorders of heart and blood vessels. Coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease and failure of heart came under the category of cardiovascular diseases.

Most of the western countries face the high and increasing rate of cardiovascular diseases. More people are killed by this disease every year as compare to cancer. A survey concludes that diseases of the heart alone caused 30% of all deaths, with other diseases of the cardiovascular system causing substantial further death and disability. Every 2 out of 3 cardiac deaths occur without any diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.

After a survey it was conclude that this is the prime cause of death and disability in the United States and most European countries. A large histological study (PDAY) showed vascular injury accumulates from adolescence and makes primary prevention efforts necessary from childhood. An estimated concludes that17.5 million people died from cardiovascular disease in 2005 and this is about the 30 % of all global deaths. 7.6 million out of these were died due to heart attacks and 5.7 million were due to stroke.

Around 80% of these deaths occurred in developing or under developed countries as they have low and middle income. If not step is taken against it then according to an estimate, by 2015, 20 million people will die from cardiovascular disease every year and most of them will be from heart attacks and strokes.

Causes- The cause of cardiovascular disease is a blockage that prevents blood to go to the heart or to the brain. The most important and main cause of cardiovascular disease is build up of fatty deposits in the inner wall of blood vessels. In this particular condition, blood vessels become narrower and less broad and heart doesn't receive the blood. In that case it results to failure of heart.

Reasons- The major reasons of having cardiovascular disease are tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. An early form of fatty deposits, which is known as fatty streaks can also be found in children. Some children may be younger than 10 years. These deposits get slowly worse as the person gets older.

Helpful tips- If you are obese or overweight then it increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. To maintain an ideal body weight, you should take regular physical activity and eat a healthy diet.


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What Are The Most Common Cardiovascular Disease Causes?

For many individuals knowing how to manage and reduce cardiovascular disease causes defines much of how they lead their lives. Others choose to travel down the road of cardiovascular disease causes blindly until that pivotal moment when a heart attack or stroke changes their lives forever.

It is safe to say that in United States the trend is definitely moving in the direction of learning out cardiovascular disease causes before they happen and taking heart healthy steps to make sure they don't just become another statistic of heart disease or stroke.

The many different faces of cardiovascular disease

There are many different forms of cardiovascular disease. This list includes some names you will recognize such as high blood pressure, angina, coronary arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, heart attack, and coronary artery disease along with some other not so familiar names such as myocarditis and pericarditis.

But despite the many different names in most cases cardiovascular disease causes revolve around either/or a weakened heart muscle or a blockage which limits blood supply to the heart which is in most cases, arterial plaque.

While a weakened heart, or a weakening heart, is a natural process that occurs with age arterial plaque deposits in most instances is not and is brought about by a number of common cardiovascular risk factors. Additionally, when our coronary arteries are partially blocked it puts extra pressure on our heart causes it to be overworked and wear out long before its time.

So it just makes sense that every person looking to live as long and as healthy a life as possible would want find out ways to keep their heart strong as long as possible and their arteries as clear as possible. Eliminating cardiovascular disease causes is paramount to achieving these goals. Now, why don't we look at a handful of cardiovascular disease causes that have over time proven to be the most troublesome.

Causes

*Smoking: Smoking is right a top of the list of cardiovascular disease causes with smokers being from three to four times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. Smoking has been shown to raise bad cholesterol (LDL), lower good cholesterol (HDL), damage the interior lining of the arteries, and cause the arteries constrict, leaving less room for blood flow.

*High cholesterol: Cholesterol molecules are the building blocks for arterial plaque. By keeping your bad blood cholesterol low, under 100 milligrams for each deciliter of blood, and your good cholesterol (HDL) over 55 milligrams for each deciliter of blood, you will be taking away the primary component needed for arterial blockage, and ultimately hardening of the arteries.

*Obesity kills: Obesity puts excess pressure on heart causing it to have to consistently work harder than it should. Obesity also raises arterial clogging cholesterol levels along with dangerous triglycerides. When you add it all up all of the sudden you have a formula for cardiovascular disaster.

*Inactivity: Would you believe that about 40 percent of heart attack victims are considered inactive? Well, this is indeed the case. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minute of daily doctor approved daily exercise but goes on to point out that even 10 minutes a day will help.

*Other: Other cardiovascular disease causes are high blood pressure, diabetes, and homocysteines. While you probably are very familiar with diabetes and high blood pressure you may not have heard of homocysteines. So in winding this article up about the most common cardiovascular disease causes I will give you a brief description that you can use to find out more.

Homocysteines are amino acids produced when protein is digested. It is thought that these dangerous amino acids damage the interior lining of the arteries thus encouraging the formation of arterial plaque deposits. The good news is that by simply eating a balanced diet high in vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid you can neutralize these dangerous amino acids.


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Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Its Relationship to Cortisol - A Fascinating New Study

A surprising new study suggested an innovative and perhaps unexpected way to search for signs of looming cardiovascular disease in patient populations: cortisol levels in hair. While this may not make sense to patients right away, cardiologists and other medical researchers have long known that there is a correlation between cortisol (the body's stress hormone) and risk for cardiovascular disease. Interestingly, the cortisol levels of the body are 'recorded' to some extent in hair, which can be examined to determine how the cortisol levels have behaved over time.

In the past, cortisol levels were generally measured using saliva or blood tests, but these exams are essentially nothing more than "snapshots" of the overall cortisol levels present in the body. Stressful events which are not repeated or continued over a long period of time can cause spikes in cortisol, but the level normally drops back down after the unpleasant experience ends. Since scientists seek to understand how prolonged stressors (and their associated cortisol levels) affect cardiovascular disease risk, hair examinations are more appropriate since they allow at least 3 months' time to be studied.

To examine the relationship between elevated cortisol levels over a prolonged period of time and overall cardiovascular disease risk, scientists in the Netherlands performed a study on 283 older Dutch patients with a median age of 75. The researchers took approximately 150 strands of hair from each patient and examined the top 3 cm of growth (representing the past 3 months' exposure to cortisol). The researchers then collected information about coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and other medical conditions from the patients.

While women had overall lower rates of hair cortisol levels, those patients who had the highest cortisol levels had significantly greater risk of cardiovascular disease when compared to those with the lowest cortisol levels (p=0.01). The group with the highest cortisol levels also had significantly increased risk of peripheral aterial disease and diabetes, but no evidence of increased risk of stroke. Surprisingly, diseases not associated with the cardiovascular system showed no relationship to cortisol levels, suggesting that for some reason, cortisol is in particular associated with elevated coronary artery disease risk.

Surprisingly, there were no associations noted between body mass index (BMI) and hair cortisol measurements. The scientists who carried out the study noted that the lack of association between cortisol levels and BMI measurements points to the possibility that body weight is only one component of overall cardiovascular disease risk. At the same time, however, because the study only included 283 patients, it is possible that larger studies might elucidate the findings further or even suggest alternative interpretations for some of the data. It is clear though that cardiovascular disease risk is increased when patients have high cortisol levels, and thus future studies can examine the interaction between these two variables. If scientists can determine the degree to which cortisol affects cardiovascular risk, future diagnostic tools and even therapies can be generated to take cortisol into account. For instance, techniques or treatments aimed at lowering cortisol could be developed, and patients with high levels could be treated before they went on to develop cardiovascular disease or its complications.

For now, the takeaway message for patients is to work on controlling traditional cardiovascular risk factors as well as stress levels. Ironically, the physicians and nurses involved in cardiology jobs and emergency medicine jobs who often treat heart disease and associated problems should also take note, since the high risk environments in which they practice may predispose them to cardiovascular disease despite their medical knowledge. Stress reduction is useful for physicians just as much as it is useful for the patients that physicians treat.

If possible, patients can use relaxation therapies, meditation, acupuncture, or other treatments to reduce the physical responses to daily stressors. Of course, life is full of challenges, and it may never be feasible to eliminate all forms of stress or anxiety. The healthy habits that tend to aid in lower cardiovascular disease risk are also likely to aid in stress reduction, such as exercise, enough sleep, a healthy diet, and a balanced work/life situation. For cardiologists and other physicians, the takeaway message is that future studies should examine the relationship between stress hormones and heart disease risk.


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The Risk For Cardiovascular Disease

Are you or someone you love at risk for cardiovascular disease? Have you been experiencing chest pain, fatigue, occasional dizziness and are wondering whether these could be signs of heart and artery disease? Quite honestly almost everyone fits into one of these categories and despite recent improvement in both awareness and treatment cardiovascular disease is still the number two cause of death in the United States with heart attacks killing over 150,000 Americans each year.

Risk for cardiovascular disease - Three Factors you cannot change

The most obvious one is age, with most heart attacks occurring after the age of 60 and 83 percent of deaths over the age of 65. Another is gender with men being at greater risk of cardiovascular disease; though after menopause the gap narrows dramatically becoming almost equal by the age of 65. And lastly heredity, with cardiovascular disease tending to run along family lines.

Three risk factors that can and should be managed

High blood pressure is a major risk factor which often produces no symptoms. It puts excess pressure on the heart and increases pressure in the arteries, thus paving the way for cardiovascular disease. Another serious but manageable condition is diabetes. Three out of every four people with diabetes die from some form of cardiovascular or blood vessel disease. And lastly high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is waxy substance produced by the liver, or consumed in certain foods. When too much cholesterol is in the body it ends up in our arteries, eventually leading to narrowing and hardening.

Risk for cardiovascular disease - Three risk factors that can be changed

The most obvious of these is smoking. Smokers are on average 3 times more likely to have cardiovascular disease than non smokers. People who smoke cigars and pipes are at increased risk, but not to the degree of cigarette smokers. It should also be noted that second hand smoke is a serious risk factor as well.

Another lesser known, but changeable risk factor is that of inactivity. About 4 out of every 10 individuals with cardiovascular disease are considered to be inactive. Regular moderate to vigorous exercise (when done regularly) is one of the most effective preventive tools you have in the battle against heart and artery disease.

An finally obesity or being overweight. Most of us over the age of 40 know how difficult it is to manage our weight effectively. After all, our metabolism becomes slower with age and we may start to snack more while watching television in the evenings. While this may be true in the world of heart and artery disease is riddled with the carnage of those who have packed on the pounds, especially if a lot of it is around the waist.

In summary, when talking about the risk of cardiovascular disease there are some things you can't change, some you can manage, and other risk factors that can be eliminated. By making smart choices such as eating a low fat diet or considering a natural cholesterol reduction supplement, if needed, and/or talking with your doctor about an exercise plan, you can greatly reduce your chances of not becoming just another cardiovascular disease statistic.


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Learn How to Reduce Or Eliminate Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular Disease is becoming a growing issue in our fast paced society, and no one is exempt from being at risk. It is classified as any disease that affects the blood vessels and the heart. It is brought on by numerous factors such as high blood pressure, high bad cholesterol, obesity, stress, and lack of exercise.

It is very important that you find out how to prevent cardiovascular disease now, no matter what age group you belong to. The cases of this disease have been dropping somewhat, but even so it remains one of the leading causes of death. As a matter of fact, over 1 million people died of complications brought on by the disease in 1999 alone. In order to stop cardiovascular disease now, it is important that you understand what exactly puts you at risk of this horrible affliction.

First on the list is cigarette smoking. Everyone knows of the risk that smoking poses to your lungs, but often the fact that it can cause cardiovascular disease is overlooked. The good news is that if you quit smoking now, you will have decreased your chance of getting cardiovascular disease by 40 percent within the first 5 years. With all the other healthy benefits of quitting smoking, you should really consider giving it up.

High blood pressure is another common cause. Basically, the lower your blood pressure within the reasonable limits, the better chance you have to prevent cardiovascular disease. If you have high blood pressure, make sure you monitor it, checking it often. Also, see your doctor regularly.

Another big risk is blood cholesterol levels. There has been clear evidence that there is a link between high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that there are two kinds of cholesterol: good cholesterol or LDL, and bad cholesterol or HDL. In order to keep your bad cholesterol low, always exercise and eat heart friendly foods. These foods will always have a heart image on their packaging.

One thing is for certain, you cannot prevent cardiovascular disease if you do not exercise. Lack of exercise is one of the more common reasons why people develop cardiovascular diseases. In fact, it is regarded as one of the 4 major causes of cardiovascular disease. Make sure you begin by exercising a little bit each day and gradually working your way up; you do not have to overdo it when you first start out.

Besides the 4 major causes of cardiovascular disease, other causes include: obesity and diabetes. Those who are obese will often not get exercise and will have high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Make sure you follow the aforementioned advice and see your primary care physician if you think you may be at risk. Your doctor has many methods by which he or she can help you to prevent cardiovascular disease that may end up saving your life someday. With so many people dying from the complications that it brings on, it is important that you take the proper measures to stop cardiovascular disease now before it can have a chance to ruin your health.

Velma Kearney, one of the Nations' Leading Health and Wellness Consultant. Understand how our own bodies can reverse the odds, currently the odds are more than 50%, for Heart Disease, Stroke and Diabetes at [http://www.ICanBeatTheOdds.com]

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Holistic Nutrition for Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are a group of disorders related to the heart and the vascular system (or the blood vessels). Though some cardiovascular diseases like congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart valve diseases, rheumatic disease, etc., are not caused due to diet and lifestyle, a majority of the cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease, hypertension, heart attack and stroke are directly related to hardening and narrowing of arteries called atherosclerosis, which in turn is affected by diet and lifestyle. Healthy arteries are elastic, strong and flexible that helps them to withstand the pressure exerted on the walls of the arteries by the blood. Hardening of the arteries is caused by the increased pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels. Narrowing of the arteries is caused by the build-up of fatty deposits on the inner walls of the arteries resulting in plaque formation, which can sometimes break off and cause clots that block the blood vessels. Hardening and narrowing of the arteries results in restricted flow and sometimes block the flow of blood to heart and brain. Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death all around the world. More people die from cardiovascular diseases than all the different types of cancers put together.

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases

Risk factors are classified into those that can be modified to control or reduce the risk of these diseases and those that cannot be modified.

Non-modifiable risk factors: Age (the older the age, the higher the risk), gender (men are at a higher risk than women), and heredity (family history and race also plays a role in CVDs) are the risk factors cannot be modified, and so it is very important to treat and control other modifiable risk factors to reduce the risk of these diseases.

Modifiable risk factors: Smoking, unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, obesity and overweight, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, stress, and too much consumption of alcohol are those that can be modified. These risk factors can be modified by making changes to the diet and lifestyle, and thus reduce the risk of CVDs.

Role of diet and nutrition

Most of the risk factors like obesity and overweight, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes mellitus are related to an unhealthy diet that lead to a buildup of fat in the inner walls of the arteries, and can be controlled with a holistic diet and nutrition. So, a proper diet and nutrition is very important in controlling and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Let us have a look at some of the unhealthy eating habits and poor choices of food we generally make and what they can do to our heart and blood vessels.

Refined foods - Breads, rolls, cakes, cookies, muffins, pastas, and other products prepared using refined and white flours lack in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Simple sugars - Sweets, desserts, candy, chocolate, lollies, fruit juices, cordials, fruit concentrates, sweetened drinks, and other similar foods are high in simple sugars that cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels and also results in a lot of empty calories. Over a period of time, these foods will result in overweight and obesity.

Saturated fats - Butter, margarine, animal fats, and baked foods prepared with these are rich in saturated fats, which need more energy for their digestion. These saturated fats get accumulated as adipose tissue and result in the buildup of fat in various parts of our body including arteries. Also more activity and energy is required to mobilize them and use them for energy purposes. These fats over a period of time lead to overweight and obesity.

Fast foods - Pastries, pies, burgers, and other fast foods generally have a high content of saturated fat, salt and refined flours, which can cause overweight, obesity, diabetes and hypertension.

Red meats - Red meats, fatty cuts of meats, and poultry with skin on are all very high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which again result in overweight and obesity.

Fried foods - Fried foods like French fries, fried chicken and other fried foods have a high content of saturated fat and cholesterol. Also the fat used to fry these foods generally is hydrogenated and so has trans fats.

Processed foods - Processed foods generally have high content of salt and other preservatives, which can cause hypertension.

Ready-to-eat meals and takeaway foods - These foods are again high in saturated fats, refined flours, salt, cholesterol and trans fats. All these can cause overweight, obesity, diabetes and hypertension, which are the major risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.

Role of different nutrients in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Learning about different nutrients and how they can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases will help us make informed healthy choices and lead to a healthy lifestyle. Given below are different nutrients, their source and specific role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

1. Complex carbohydrates: These are present in whole grains, cereals, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, fruits and vegetables. The complex carbohydrates are mainly present in dietary fiber.

Dietary fiber: Dietary fiber is neither digested nor absorbed in the human digestive tract and is of absolutely no nutritional value, but it plays a very important role in regulating the blood sugar levels, blood cholesterol levels, and also promoting the health of colon. Dietary fiber is of two types - soluble and insoluble.

(1) Soluble dietary fiber promotes satiety. Because of the presence of complex carbohydrates, food takes longer time to digest and get absorbed, and so it stays in the GI tract for longer periods of time causing a feeling of fullness in the stomach (satiety) and also prevents a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.

(2) Insoluble dietary fiber (like bran) latches on to LDL cholesterol in the digestive tract and removes it from the intestines. Thus, it prevents a postpranadial increase of cholesterol in blood and regulates the blood LDL cholesterol levels.

(3) It absorbs water, adds bulk to the contents of the intestines, keeps the bowels regular and maintains the health of the colon.

2. Unsaturated fats: Unsaturated fats are of two types - monounsaturated fats (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFA). These are mostly present in foods of plant origin like fruits, nuts, seeds, and oils extracted from these, and also cold water fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, etc. Unlike saturated fats, unsaturated fats are easy to digest, and are also necessary to maintain the fluidity of the cell membranes.

Omega fatty acids: Omega fatty acids are a type of PUFA. Nutritionally important omega fats are - omega 3 and omega 6. Omega 3 fatty acids are present in flaxseed, walnuts, and cold water fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines. These have been extensively studied and are found to have the following beneficial effects -

Reduce inflammation in the body.
Maintain the fluidity of cell membranes
Decrease the aggregation of platelets, thus reducing the risk of clot formation
Inhibit the thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries
Relax the arteries by increasing the activity of nitric oxide in the endothelium of the arteries

Thus omega 3 fatty acids reduce the risk of CVDs. On the other hand, omega 6 fatty acids have an inflammatory effect. Consumption of high amounts of omega 6 fatty acids also tends to suppress the positive effects of omega 3 fatty acids. The recommended ratio of consumption of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids is 1:3.

3. Vitamins A and E: Vitamins A and E are fat soluble vitamins and act as natural antioxidants. Vitamin A and its precursors are present in brightly colored yellow, orange and dark green colored fruits, vegetables and leafy vegetables. Vitamin E is mostly present in nuts and oil seeds. They neutralize the free radicals generated in the body as a result of normal metabolic processes and reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases like atherosclerosis. Vitamin E also reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and its deposition in the inner walls of the blood vessels.

4. Vitamin D: Precursors of vitamin D are provided by milk and milk products, which are converted to active vitamin D when the skin is exposed to natural sunlight. Deficiency of vitamin D indirectly increases the risk of CVDs by increasing the risk of diabetes mellitus, secondary hyperparathyroidism, hypertension, and thickening of walls of heart and blood vessels. But supplementation with vitamin D to reduce the risk of CVDs is still being studied.

5. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that functions as a natural antioxidant. It is present in citrus fruits, berries, pineapples, and other fruits and vegetables. It prevents the formation of clots in the blood and also keeps the blood vessels elastic and flexible, thus reduces the risk of CVDs.

6. B vitamins: B vitamins have a variety of functions in the body like coenzymes, cofactors, catalysts, activators, etc. These are abundantly present in whole grains, cereals, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, eggs, meat and meat products. In the metabolism of proteins, methionine is metabolized to homocysteine, and subsequent metabolism of homocysteine needs B vitamins riboflavin (B2), pyridoxine (B6), cyanocobalamine (B12) and folic acid. In the absence of sufficient amounts of B vitamins, homocysteine gets accumulated, which is a risk factor for CVDs. So consumption of sufficient amounts of B vitamins reduces the risk of CVDs.

7. Minerals: Minerals function as coenzymes and cofactors and are required for the smooth running of all the metabolic functions. These are present in whole grains, cereals, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, meat and meat products. Especially, copper, manganese and selenium play a very important role in activating the enzymes involved in neutralizing the free radicals (detoxification).

8. Antioxidants: Antioxidants are plant compounds that neutralize the free radicals in our body and have protective functions. These are abundantly present in fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. These antioxidants neutralize the free radicals and reduce the risk for a variety of inflammatory and degenerative diseases including CVDs.

Holistic nutrition in cardiovascular diseases

Holistic nutrition it is believed that we need a certain balance of protein, vitamins, and other nutrients to help our bodies reach maximum energy levels and overall physical and emotional health. It is also believed that each individual is different and requires different amounts of these proteins, vitamins, and nutrients to make that particular individual healthy. Holistic nutritionists devise diets that match each individual's health and nutritional needs. A number of cardiovascular diseases can be controlled and the risk reduced by consuming a healthy and holistic diet. A balanced diet carefully planned to include a variety of foods from all the food groups provides all the nutrients in adequate quantities and also reduces the risk of variety of diseases including CVDs. While planning your diet, make sure that your meals have variety of the following foods.

1. Wholemeal and whole grain foods - include a variety of whole grains, cereals, breads, rolls, flours, pastas, and food products made from these in your daily diet. Examples are - whole wheat, corn, rye, brown rice, barley, oats, etc.

2. Lean meat, white meat, legumes, beans and lentils - choose your protein foods from a variety of protein sources like white meats like poultry, veal, lean pork, lean beef, eggs, legumes, beans, and lentils. Including good amounts of legumes, beans, and lentils ensures you are not consuming too much animal protein which is naturally rick in saturated fats and less in dietary fiber.

3. Vegetables oils - choose from a variety of vegetable oils like sunflower, safflower, peanut, canola, olive, rice bran, and vegetable oils. Different oils have different fatty acid profiles. So using different oils ensures that you are getting all the fatty acids.

4. Cold water fish, nuts and seeds - include good amounts of cold water fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines, a variety of nuts and seeds in your diet. These will provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, and omega 3 fatty acids.

5. Reduced fat milk and milk products - choose reduced fat milk and milk products like cheese, yoghurt, and skimmed milk to reduce the amount of total and saturated fat consumed.

6. Fruits and vegetables - include a variety of fruits and vegetables from all colors, textures and flavors. These are very good sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Consume the following foods in very limited amounts. Meat and meat products - Red meats, fatty cuts of meat, poultry skin on, shrimp, crabs, lobsters, etc Full cream milk and milk products Sweets and desserts Saturated fats (butter, margarine, and hydrogenated fats)

Conclusion

Cardiovascular diseases pose a serious life-threatening risk globally across all races and age groups. But most of them could be controlled and risk reduced through a proper diet, nutrition, healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes. With a proper natural healthy balanced diet that is inclusive of all food groups and covering a variety of foods and a healthy lifestyle, we can reduce the risk of a number of most serious life-threatening cardiovascular diseases and enjoy life to its full.

Dr Kevin Lau DC is the founder of Health In Your Hands, a series of tools for Scoliosis prevention and treatment. The set includes his book Your Plan for Natural Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment, a companion Scoliosis Exercises for Prevention and Correction DVD and the innovative new iPhone application ScolioTrack.

Dr Kevin Lau D.C. is a graduate in Doctor of Chiropractic from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia and Masters in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health in USA.

In 2006 I was awarded the "Best Health-care Provider Awards" by the largest Newspaper publication in Singapore on October 18 2006 as well as being interviewed on Primetime Channel News Asia as well as other TV and Radio. For more information on Dr Kevin Lau, watch his interviews or get a free sneak peek of his book, go to: Health In Your Hands website.

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Cardiovascular Disease Globally

Most people have heard the statistics for their own country. Cardiovascular disease is the number one leading cause of death - or number two or three. But what about other nations? Are their statistics similar to those of your nation? Is cardiovascular disease as prevalent in New Zealand as it is in Latin America? Is it as much a leading cause of death in Japan as it is in the Middle East Crescent?

What is the global prevalence of cardiovascular disease?

Global Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease

The global prevalence of cardiovascular disease is a big topic, given the fact that a number of different diseases fall into this large umbrella category.

The World Health Organization (WHO), however, provides certain global health statistics from 1990 (Murray CJL & Lopez AD, 1996). Statistics are provided for Established Market Economies, which are Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, New Zealand, and the USA. In addition, WHO provides statistics for formerly Socialist regions of the world as a group, India, China, other Asian and island regions, the group of African regions south of the Sahara, Latin American and Caribbean countries, and countries in the Middle East crescent area.

From those statistics, we can see the global prevalence of cardiovascular disease in three categories: coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease, involving angina, typically manifests itself as chest pain. The pain is caused by arterial blockage, which deprives the heart of vital oxygen.

The global prevalence of cardiovascular disease that is coronary in nature appears to follow a fast-moving, stressful lifestyle. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is most prevalent in the Established Market Economies. In those combined countries, 8.2 million people had the disease at the time of the study. India had 6.6 million cases. In former Socialist countries, the number was 5.8 million. The region with the lowest prevalence of coronary heart disease was sub-Saharan Africa. This may be due, at least in part, to the slow pace of life in that region.

Stroke

The global prevalence of cardiovascular disease that manifests as stroke also appears to follow a fast-moving, stressful lifestyle.

This study found 9.5 million cases of stroke in the Established Market Economies and only 1.3 million in sub-Saharan Africa. Interestingly, China was second in this category, 7.4 million people with stroke. Yet China ranked fourth in CHD, with 4.5 million people.

Diabetes

The Established Market Economies led the way again in global prevalence of cardiovascular disease manifested through diabetes. At the time of the study, 37.9 million people in these nations had diabetes. The runner-up was India, with less than half as many cases: 18.1 million. Sub-Saharan Africa had only 3.9 million cases.

In Summary

Having viewed the global prevalence of cardiovascular disease, one is forced to ask why. Why is it that regions with wealth, regions that hold some of the greatest medical expertise in the world, have a greater prevalence of cardiovascular disease? Why is it that strokes and diabetes strike more people in the metropolises of the Established Market Economies than in the villages of Africa?

The layman can only conclude that, for all of our knowledge regarding cardiovascular disease, we are woefully lacking in applying that knowledge to prevention.


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Cardiovascular Diseases Overview

In the second half of the twentieth century, the main danger to public health and public health problem had came from non-communicable diseases, especially cardiovascular system, which currently are the leading cause of morbidity, disability and mortality of the adult population. There has been a "rejuvenation" of these diseases. They began to spread among the population in developing countries.
  • alcohol treatment 
  • heart disease diet 
  • online classes 
  • blood pressures 
  • papillary muscle 
In most economically developed countries, diseases of the circulatory system ranked first among causes of disease morbidity and mortality, although their prevalence in different regions varies considerably. In Europe two third of all deaths each year are from cardiovascular diseases and cancer and are even higher in the U.S. These amounts accounts for half of all deaths actually it is 2.5 times more than all cancers combined, while one quarter of deaths are from cardiovascular disease comprising of people under the age of 65 years.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system are numerous. Some of them are predominantly diseases of the heart, while others – mainly the arteries (atherosclerosis) or veins, and others hit the cardiovascular system as a whole (hypertension). Diseases of the cardiovascular system may be caused by congenital defects, trauma, inflammation, and others. Congenital defects in the structure of the heart and large vessels often referred to as congenital heart disease.

There are also diseases of the cardiovascular system, an underlying inflammatory process. Occasionally, thisinflammation is bacterial. This means that the inner membrane of the heart valves or the outer membranes of heart, bacteria replicate and thus causing purulent inflammation of the heart.

The cardiovascular system consists of the heart and blood vessels with a filling of liquid tissue – blood. Blood vessels are divided into arteries, arterioles, capillaries and veins. Arteries carry blood from the heart to the tissues, they treelike branching into smaller and smaller vessels and are transformed into arterioles, which are split into a system of very thin vessels, capillaries. From the capillaries begin small veins, they merge together and become stronger. Cardiovascular system to deliver blood necessary to perform its transport functions – delivery to the tissues of nutrients and oxygen and removing metabolic products and carbon dioxide. In the center of the circulatory system is heart of it originates large and small circulation.

Systemic circulation begins large artery-aorta. It divides the large number of medium-sized arteries, and these – for thousands of small arteries. The latter in turn split into many capillaries. The wall of the capillaries has a high permeability, allowing the exchange of substances between blood and tissues: nutritional, and oxygen pass through the wall of capillaries in tissue fluid and then into the cells, in turn, give the cells in the tissue fluid carbon dioxide and other metabolic products that come in the capillaries.

Arteries are elastic tubes of different calibers. The wall consists of three layers – outer, middle and inner. The outer shell is formed by connective tissue; the average – muscle – is composed of smooth muscle cells and elastic fibers. Smooth inner shell lines the vessel from the inside and covered by its lumen flat cells (endothelium). Due to the endothelium provides unobstructed blood flow and is supported by its liquid state. Blockage or narrowing of the arteries leads to severe disorders of blood circulation.

Veins have the same structure with the arteries, but their walls are much thinner than arteries, may subside. In the lower part of body the veins muscular because these had to overcome the force of gravity and have to take the blood against the gravity. The inner shell of veins forms folds in the form of pockets – valves, which are arranged in pairs at regular intervals and prevent the back flow of blood.

Heart – the hollow muscular organ located in the thoracic cavity behind the breastbone. Most of the heart (about 2 / 3) is on the left side of chest, a smaller (approximately 1 / 3) – in the right. An adult male, weight of the heart is an average of 332g, and in the woman – 254g. Heart pumps about 4.5 liters of blood in 1 minute.

The wall of the heart consists of three layers. Inner layer – endocardium – lines the cavity of the heart from the inside, and its offshoots form the heart valves. Endocardium consists of smooth flattened endothelial cells. The middle layer – the myocardium – is formed by a special cardiac striated muscle tissue. The outer layer, epicardium – covers the outer surface of the heart and the nearest parts of the aorta, pulmonary trunk and hollow veins.

Atrio-ventricular valves close the holes that have wing structure. Valve between the left atrium and ventricle are bicuspid, or mitral, and the right side tricuspid. The edges of the valve leaflets tendon strands are connected to the papillary muscles. Around holes pulmonary trunk and aortic valves are semi lunar. Each of them has the three pockets that open in the direction of blood flow in these vessels. When reducing the pressure in the ventricles of the heart, they are filled with blood, their edges are closed by closing the lumens of the aorta and pulmonary trunk and preventing the penetration of the inverse of blood to the heart. Sometimes the heart valves, damaged in some diseases (rheumatism, atherosclerosis), can not be tightly closed, heart broken, there are heart defects.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Atherosclerosis

The bases of many lesions of the cardiovascular system are atherosclerosis. The term derives from the Greek words athere – wheat paste and sclerosis – a firm and reflects the essence of the process: deposition of fat in the arterial wall masses who buy into the subsequent form slurry, and the development of connective tissue with subsequent thickening and deformation of the arterial wall. Ultimately, this leads to a narrowing of the lumen of the arteries and reduce their elasticity, which makes the flow of blood on them.

Atherosclerosis – a chronic disease of the arteries of large and medium-sized, characterized by the deposition and accumulation of plasma atherogenic apoprotein-B-containing lipoproteins, followed by a reactive growth of connective tissue and the formation of plaque. Atherosclerosis in the first place usually affects the large arteries: aorta, coronary arteries, the arteries supplying the brain (internal carotid artery). When atherosclerosisnarrows the lumen of the artery, increasing the density of the arterial wall, decreasing its tensile strength, in some cases the stretching of aneurismal wall of the artery.

Found that many external and internal, including hereditary factors are responsible for the development ofatherosclerosis or adversely affect its course. One reason for the disparity in atherosclerosis consider the content of various classes of lipoproteins in blood plasma, some of which contribute to the transport of cholesterol in the vascular wall, i.e. are atherogenic, others impede this process. Occurrence of similar violations and the development of atherosclerosis contribute to long-term consumption of foods containing an excess of animal fats that are rich in cholesterol. Factor of excess fat consumption is particularly is easy to implement when there is insufficient development of liver enzymes that deplete cholesterol. Meaning, those with high activity of these enzymes do not develop atherosclerosis, even in long-term consumption of food containing large amounts of animal fats.

Description of over 200 contributory factor to atherosclerosis, or adversely affect its course, but most important are hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity and smoking, which applies to most risk factors foratherosclerosis. According to a survey atherosclerosis significantly is more common among patients with hypertension than in those with normal blood pressure.

The earliest manifestations of atherosclerosis, lipid stains, or lipid strips, often found during childhood. This flat spots yellowish, of various sizes, which are located underneath the inner membrane of the aorta, most often in her thoracic region. Yellowish spots attached cholesterol contained in them. Over time, some lipid spots dissolve, while others, in contrast, grow, occupying an increasing area, gradually transformed into a flat spot protruding into the lumen of the artery cholesterol plaques. Later germinating plaque is compacted into connective tissue, often in delayed calcium salts. Growing plaque starts to narrow the artery and sometimes completely close it. Vessels supplying it to the ground, injured, and plaque can rupture with the formation of hemorrhage, which lifts the plaque, increasing the narrowing of the artery until complete closure. Insufficient blood supply to the plaque itself often leads to the fact that its contents are partly necrotizing forming a mushy detritus. Platelets in blood are unable to stick to intact vascular wall and are deposited in an area devoid of endothelium, giving rise to the development of thrombus.

Widespread and significant expression of aortic atherosclerosis may be the cause of its aneurysm, which is manifested symptoms of compression of the adjacent to the aortic bodies. The most dangerous complications of an aortic aneurysm is its delamination and rupture.

The basis for the prevention of atherosclerosis is a rational way of life: work and rest, reducing the likelihood of mental overstrain, with the exception inactivity, classes' recreational physical activity, and stopping smoking and drinking. Of great importance is nutrition: stability of normal body weight, elimination of excessive amounts of food of animal fats and replacing them with vegetable fats, enough content in the diet of vitamins, especially vitamin C intake of sweets. Important in the prevention of atherosclerosis is early detection of hypertension and diabetes, predisposing to the development of vascular lesions, and their systematic carefully controlled treatment.
Myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction– an acute disease of the heart caused by the development of one or more foci of necrosis in cardiac muscle and is manifested cardiac activity, observed more often in men aged between 40 to 60 years. Usually occurs as a result of coronary heart arteries with atherosclerosis, when there is a narrowing of their lumen. Often, this blockage of blood vessels joined in his area of destruction, resulting in blood in whole or in part ceases to flow to the appropriate section of the heart muscle, and it formed foci of necrosis (necrosis). In 20% of all cases of myocardial infarction is fatal, and in 60-70% – in the first 2 hours.

In most cases, myocardial infarction is preceded by a sharp physical or mental strain. Most often it develops during exacerbation of ischemic heart disease during this period, called pre-infarction, frequent angina, become less effective action of nitroglycerin. It can last from several days to several weeks.

The main manifestation of myocardial infarction – a long bout of intense pain in my chest burning, pressing, less tearing, burning nature, which does not disappear after re-taking nitroglycerin. Attack lasts more than an hour (sometimes several hours), accompanied by severe weakness, feeling the fear of death, as well as shortness of breath and other signs of disorders of the heart.

In most cases, myocardial infarction accompanied by characteristic changes in the electrocardiogram, which can be delayed, appearing occasionally in a few hours or even days after decrease in pain intensity.

If you experience a sharp pain behind the breastbone, not disappearing after administration of nitroglycerin, an urgent need to call an ambulance is required. Based on careful examination of the patient, including electrocardiography, it is possible to recognize the disease. Before the arrival of the doctor to the patient and provide the maximum physical and mental rest: it should be laid, as far as possible to allay. When you are choking or shortness of breath the patient must give Half-upright position in bed. Although myocardial infarction nitroglycerin does not completely eliminate the pain, re-use it as appropriate and necessary. Bring noticeable relief and distraction tools: mustard on the heart and sternum, warmer to the feet, warm hands.

With the preventive point of view it is important that any sudden acute cardiovascular weakness, especially the attack of cardiac asthma in elderly and senile, should primarily cause health professional thought on the development of pain of myocardial infarction.

There is a sudden abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal distention, and sometimes paresis of the intestine. This version of myocardial infarction is most difficult to diagnose. Localization of pain in the abdomen may lead to erroneous diagnosis of acute abdomen. Known case of mistaken gastric lavage is observed in these patients.

Sometimes myocardial infarction is clinically apparent only in cardiac rhythm disturbances.

During myocardial infarction identify the following periods:
  • Pre-infarction 
  • Acute (7-10 days) 
  • Sub-acute (up to 3 weeks); 
  • Recovery (4-7 weeks) 
  • During subsequent rehabilitation (2,5-4 months); 
  • Post-infarction. 
Myocardial infarction is found in lot of complications. Among the early complications of myocardial most important are the various forms of shock (collapse), often as heart failure, severe cardiac arrhythmias, external and internal ruptures of the heart muscle.

Patients with acute illness are in need of constant supervision of staff. During the first episode it is often followed by repeated, more severe. The disease may be complicated by acute heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, etc.
Care and treatment of myocardial infarction

All recommendations, including diet and regime, gives a doctor. If the treatment is carried out at home, caring for sick relatives exercise under medical supervision.

Nutrition fractional and varied, but in the first days of illness is better to eat less, preferring the less high-calorie foods, preferably fruit and vegetable purees. Food that causes flatulence, such as peas, milk etc, excluded from the diet, because it can raise the diaphragm and presses the heart. Fatty meals smoked and salted foods, all types of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

From the first days of treatment with no complications the doctor prescribes individually selected complex physical therapy. Care should be taken to a room where the sick, the air was always fresh.

Rehabilitative therapy aimed at preparing the patient with myocardial infarction to an active lifestyle, starting from the first days of treatment. It is conducted under the direction and supervision of a physician.

Day regime should be strictly regulated. Paste and go to bed every day is better at one time. Sleep duration of at least 7 hours. Nutrition should be a four-time, diverse, rich in vitamins and limited in calories (less than 2500 kcal / day). Stop smoking and alcohol abuse – the necessary conditions for prevention of myocardial infarction.
Cardiac arrhythmia

Cardiac arrhythmia – a variety of abnormalities in the formation or conduct of the excitation pulses to the heart, most often seen in heart rhythm disturbances, or the rate of its contractions. Some arrhythmias are detected only by ECG, and in cases of violations of rhythm or rate of heart contractions are often felt by the patient and detected by auscultation of the heart and probing pulse in the arteries.

Normal, or sinus rhythm of the heart shaped excitation pulses that occur with some frequency in special cells in the right atrium and propagating in the conduction system in the atria and ventricles of the heart. The emergence of cardiac arrhythmia can be caused by the formation of the excitation pulses outside the sinus node, their circulation or abnormal slowing of conduction along the conducting system of the heart due to congenital abnormalities of development, or in connection with disorders of the nervous regulation of the activity or heart disease.

Cardiac arrhythmia varied in its manifestations, and vary in clinical significance. Major cardiac arrhythmias are premature beats, paroxysmal tachycardia, bradycardia with heart block and atrial fibrillation. The latter, in most cases associated with heart disease, often observed in some rheumatic heart disease.

Manifested atrial fibrillation full spasmodic heart rate, often combined with their increased frequency. It can be permanent and paroxysmal in nature, with paroxysms of arrhythmia, sometimes for several years preceding its permanent form.

In elderly and senile cardiac arrhythmias commonly occur on the background cardiosclerosis, but their origins are often involved ischemic myocardium dystrophy. Organic changes in the myocardium most contribute to the emergence of arrhythmia of the heart, when they are localized in the sinus node and conducting system. Cause cardiac arrhythmias may also be congenital anomalies of these structures.

In pathogenised arrhythmia large role is played by changes in the ratio of the contents of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium in myocardial cells and the extra cellular environment.
Coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease – acute and chronic heart failure caused by a decrease or cessation of delivery of blood to the myocardium due to atherosclerotic process in coronary arteries. The term was proposed in 1957. The WHO team. In most cases the reason for this is the dramatic narrowing of one or several branches of the coronary arteries feeding the heart, due to lesions of atherosclerosis. Restriction of blood flow to the myocardium reduces the delivery to him of oxygen, nutrients, and removal of waste products of metabolism, toxins.

Depending on the combination of several factors manifestations of coronary heart disease may be different. Its first manifestation may be sudden death or myocardial infarction, angina, heart failure, heart rhythm disturbances. Often, this disease affects young people (aged 30-40 years), active lifestyles, are leading to huge moral and economic losses. The annual mortality rate from coronary heart disease varies from 5, 4 to 11.3%, depending on the number of diseased arteries and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.

Coronary heart disease can occur in both acute and chronic. Wide dissemination of the disease in most people of working age has transformed coronary heart disease into important social and medical problem. Increased the incidence of coronary heart disease is attributed, primarily, with a decrease in physical activity, family history, obesity and other risk factors. Prevalence of coronary heart disease is higher among people who are inherent in the constant striving for success in all areas; long-term overload operation. Such complex features are sometimes called "coronary personality profile."

During a prolonged period of illness, it is characterized by exacerbation, interspersed with periods of relative prosperity, when the disease may not manifest itself subjectively. Initial signs of coronary artery disease – angina occurring during exercise. In what can bind with attacks occurring at rest. Paroxysmal pain is localized in the upper or middle part of the sternum or retrosternal area on the left edge of the sternum. By the nature of pain is a pressing, rending, or nagging, less stitching.

In the diagnosis of coronary heart disease are widely used electrocardiographic methods. ECG is usually recorded in 12 leads at rest once or repeatedly.

Therapy in coronary heart disease aims at restoring the lost balance between the inflows of blood to the heart muscle. Significant role in the prevention of coronary heart disease is diet. Its basic principles: limiting the total amount and caloric intake, allowing to keep a healthy body weight, a significant restriction of animal fats and carbohydrate, excluding alcoholic beverages, food fortification with vegetable oils and vitamins C and Group B. In moderate physical activity is recommended to eat four times a day at regular intervals, with a calorie daily diet within 2500 kcal. In the diet should include foods containing large amounts of valuable protein, raw vegetables, fruits and berries.
Hypertensive heart disease

Hypertensive heart disease is a disease of the cardiovascular system, characterized by continuous or periodic high blood pressure. Unlike other forms of hypertension, this increase is not the result of another illness.

It is the most common disease in the world, effecting all sorts and races of people. In the United States in the 70′s it was about 60 million people with high blood pressure and only ¼ of the adult population registered with an "ideal" blood pressure. Cause of hypertension is not disclosed until the end. But the basic mechanisms leading to stable high blood pressure are known. Leading one among them is the nervous mechanism. Its primary link – the emotions, spiritual experiences, accompanied with healthy people different reactions, including high blood pressure.

To prevent further development of hypertension, reduce tension; relieve accumulated "charge" of emotions. This discharge is most naturally occurs in conditions of increased physical activity.

The steady progression of hypertensive disease can be halted and even reversed in a timely treatment. Medicine offers a variety of tools that enhance the excretion of renal salt excretion. Therefore, patients with hypertensive disease are often prescribed diuretics.

Reliably known that the plump man, who suffers from hypertension, is sometimes enough to get rid of excess body weight to blood pressure returned to normal without medication. Indeed with the disappearance of fat eliminated as unnecessary an extensive network of tiny blood vessels that developed in this tissue as it grows. In other words, fat deposits are forcing the heart muscle to work under high pressure in the system of blood vessels.

Thus, each person can own to prevent the development of hypertension, without resorting to drugs. This is proved by observations of large groups of patients; strictly implement the recommendations regarding physical activity, nutrition, low calorie and loss of salt in food. One-year observation period showed that most people have returned to normal blood pressure, decreased body weight, and eliminated the need for antihypertensive drugs.

Hypertensive heart disease is not one of the incurable. Arsenal of modern medicine is adequate to maintain blood pressure at the required level, and thereby inhibit the progression of the disease.

Measures for the prevention of hypertension coincide with the recommendations for patients. They are particularly necessary for people with a hereditary predisposition to the disease.

Risk factors for cardiovascular system
Smoking

Tobacco contains the alkaloid nicotine. Nicotine raises blood pressure, constricts the small blood vessels, speeds up breathing. Inhalation of smoke containing combustion products of tobacco reduces the oxygen content in arterial blood.

In the second half of the twentieth century, cigarette smoking has become a common habit. Observation period of 6 years for deaths of 45 men 49 years of age showed that overall mortality regular smokers was 2.7 times higher than non-smokers. According to American scientists in the United States, cigarette smoking contributes annually 325 thousand premature deaths.

In one study, we show that the average number of cases of cardiovascular disease per year per 1000 people aged 45-54 years for nonsmokers equals 8.1, with smoked per day to 20 cigarettes – 11.2, while smoking more than 20 Cigarettes – 16.2, i.e. twice that of nonsmokers.

Nicotine and carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide), apparently, are the main damaging factors. Cigarette smoke contains up to 26% carbon monoxide, moving into bloodstream and binds to hemoglobin (the main carrier of oxygen), thereby breaking the ability to transport oxygen to tissues.

Harm of smoking is so high that in recent years introduced measures against smoking: banned sale of tobacco products to children, smoking in public places and transport, etc.
Psychological factors

This factor has always attached, and has great importance to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Over the past few years have been particularly thorough study of human behavior. Was isolated type of behavior (type A *)

"Type A" behavior is an emotional driving range seen in humans involved in endless attempts to do more for less and less time. These people often appear elements of "freely express" hostility; easily occur at the slightest provocation. In individuals with behavioral features of type "A" has marked symptoms. These people are often simultaneously performing several tasks (reading while shaving, eating, etc.), during the conversation, they also think about other matters, not just paying attention to the interlocutor. They quickly go and eat. To convince these people to change their lifestyle, it is difficult for several reasons:

They are generally proud of their behavior and believe that success in work and society, which they achieved, is associated with this type of behavior.

Persons with the behavior of type A *, are generally pragmatic, and it is difficult to understand how their behavior can lead to heart disease.

In most cases, this energetic, hard working people that bring great benefit to society. And the challenge is to convince them to acquire such habits that will counteract the adverse effect of the characteristics of their behavior on health.
Overweight

In most economically developed countries, overweight has become widespread and poses a serious public health problem. The reason for this, in most cases seen in the discrepancy between the arrival of a large number of food calories and low power consumption due to sedentary lifestyles. The prevalence of overweight, being minimal at 20-29-year-olds (7.8%), with age has steadily increased to 11%, 30-39-year-olds. While over 40-49-year-olds it increases up to 25.7% – to 50-59-year-olds.

The link between overweight and risk of cardio-vascular system is quite complicated, since, is an independent risk factor.

Overweight attracted much attention from the fact that it is amenable to correction without using any drugs. Definition of normal body weight, because for these purposes are no uniform criteria.

Reducing excess body weight and maintain it at a normal level, the challenge is difficult. Controlling your body weight, it is necessary to monitor the quantity and composition of your food and physical activity, diet should be balanced, but the food must be low calorie.
Elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood

Cholesterol circulates in the blood in the form of a dense form of lipoprotein. A certain level of cholesterol in the blood is maintained by the cholesterol coming from the food, and its synthesis in the body. Evolved in practice the boundary of the normal blood cholesterol level is conditional. Considered normal blood levels of cholesterol is 6.72 mmol / l (260 mg). Lower levels of blood cholesterol, 5.17 mmol / l (200 mg) and below – are less dangerous.

Quite often the elevated levels of cholesterol are present blood. Blood cholesterol level 6.72 mmol / l (260 mg) and higher in men between age of 40-59 is found in 25.9% of cases.

Rapid change in the twentieth century lifestyle associated with industrialization, urbanization and mechanization, largely contributed to the illness of the cardiovascular system have become a mass phenomenon among the population of economically developed countries.

Modern principles of prevention of cardiovascular disease are based on the anti-risk factors. All over the world prevention programs have shown that it is possible to reduce the mortality from cardiovascular diseases observed in recent years in some countries, the best proof. It should be emphasized that some of these risk factors are common to a number of diseases.

Major lifestyle habits are laid in childhood and adolescence, so it becomes especially important to teach children healthy lifestyles to prevent them from developing habits that are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (smoking, overeating, etc.).

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