A heart attack is an all-too-familiar term that describes a condition that occurs when the flow of blood is cut off to the heart. A heart attack can cause cardiogenic shock if blood flow to the brain, kidneys, or other organs is cut off. The heart muscle is damaged as a result. The most common cause of a heart attack is a blocked artery, and this condition is called atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis disease is caused by a buildup of fatty deposits, called plaque, on the interior wall of the arteries. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, even though many people think that it is more likely to affect men. Over time, these deposits get larger, and can reduce the flow of blood to the heart. If the blood flow is cut off, then the person has a heart attack and required immediate medical attention.

Atherosclerosis can take a number of years to develop, and most people have at least some plaque on their arteries. Damage to the arteries caused by smoking, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol can cause plaque buildup. For this reason, adolescent heart disease is something that should be on your radar.

Coronary artery disease (”CAD”) is another term used to describe atherosclerosis. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, and swelling in the lower extremities. Age is a factor in this disorder as well. As people get older, they are more likely to develop atherosclerotic plaque in their arteries.

Heart failure, sometimes called “congestive heart failure,” is a condition where the heart isn’t strong enough to pump blood throughout the body. A person who has had a heart attack is at increased risk of developing heart failure. High blood pressure, an infection, or a heart valve disease are other causes of heart failure.

Signs that may indicate that you have heart failure include shortness of breath and swelling in the legs and ankles. The latter symptom can be traced to decreased kidney function causing fluid to collect in the lower parts of the body. If the heart failure is caused by high blood pressure, CAD, or a problem with the heart valves, it may be possible to treat the condition with medication. Reducing salt intake, losing weight, and reducing your intake of fluids can also help to relieve the symptoms of heart failure.

Another heart condition that you should be aware of is called an aortic aneurysm. This condition occurs when a portion of the aorta, the main artery supplying oxygenated blood to the heart, becomes weak. As a result, a portion of the artery bulges. If the bulging is large, it may cause discomfort in the abdomen, chest, or back.

Some people can have an aortic aneurysm and be asymptomatic until the bulging is quite pronounced. If the aneurysm gets too large, it may rupture. This is a very serious medical condition that causes internal bleeding, which can result in blood clots or a stroke.

The signs of a stroke include blurred vision, severe headache, and difficulty speaking. The person may experience numbness in the face and have a hard time following a conversation. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should go to the nearest Emergency Room for treatment.

Good health habits really start in childhood. A person who starts off eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and refrains from smoking when they are younger is more likely to continue with a healthy lifestyle through adulthood. Parents can set a good example for their children, and it’s never too late to start making positive changes that will improve your health.

Find out how to live a longer life by avoiding heart disease. Learn about heart attacks and the most common types of heart disease, including coronary artery disease and endocarditis. Learn about angioplasty, cardiac catheterization, and more on HeartMart.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/tips-for-avoiding-heart-disease-from-heart-attacks-to-atherosclerosis-946439.html

The health benefits of essential fatty acids can be quite substantial and visible, especially if your diet is deficient in them. Find out 5 essential facts that you need to know to reap their maximum benefits and achieve a perfect health naturally.

Essential fatty acids were often referred to as vitamin F. But on later research, scientists found it suitable that essential fatty acids such as Omega 6 and Omega 3 are better classified as polyunsaturated fats.

Here are 5 amazing facts on the health benefits of essential fatty acids -

1) Omega 6 and Omega 3 are vital for our health and well-being. They cannot be produced by the body and need to be supplemented through external food sources.

Essential fatty acids Omega 6 and Omega 3 can be broken down further into two groups — short chain and long chain fatty acids. The long chain fatty acids have a unique feature that they can be produced by the body when short chain fatty acids are present in a good quantity in the diet.

However, this process of conversion is not very efficient. Our body needs both these types of fatty acids and therefore the best way to achieve the maximum health benefits of essential fatty acids is to consume a good quantity of Omega 3 and Omega 6 in our diet.

2) Our body converts the essential fatty acids Omega 6 and Omega 3 into eicosanoids. Eicosanoids play a vital role in our immune system, cardiovascular system, nervous system and the proper functioning of other organs in our body.

3) The daily recommended intake for essential fatty acids Omega 6 and Omega 3 vary. While the USDA suggests around 1.1 g to 1.6 grams of omega-3 per day, the National Institutes of Health suggests 3 g per day and the FDA also recommends 3 g of omega-3 fatty acids per day for men and women.

The USDA recommends a daily consumption of around 12 g to 17 g of Omega 6 per day for men in the age group of 19 to 50, while for women their suggestion is of around 10 to 13 g per day. The National Institutes of Health recommends only 4.4 g per day and the FDA does not make any specific recommendations with regards to Omega 6 fatty acids.

4) Medical research reports indicate that a proper and regular intake of Omega 3 fatty acids reduces the risk of heart problems and lowers cholesterol levels. It also provides effective relief in depression symptoms and problems such as attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, etc.

5) Omega-3 fatty acids have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. This makes them very effective for pain relief in problems such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, etc.

The health benefits of essential fatty acids do not end here. In fact, a whole book can be written on their amazing health benefits. A healthy and balanced consumption of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids are vital for a good overall health.

The inclusion of Omega 3 fish oil supplements is one of the best means to reap the maximum health benefits of essential fatty acids, achieve a sharp mind and enjoy a perfect health naturally.

Vijay K Raisinghani is a Natural Healthcare Expert and a passionate advocate of Omega 3 Fish oils for a healthy mind and body. His website http://www.your-omega3-fish-oil-guide.com provides a wealth of information on what works and what doesn’t work in Omega 3 fish oils to achieve a young, vibrant and robust health.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/discover-5-amazing-health-benefits-of-essential-fatty-acids-that-only-the-experts-know-exist-943040.html

Patience is a virtue. That’s what they say isn’t it? But isn’t it fascinating how often when we make a decision to do something, it seems that from that moment onwards it takes forever to achieve; we are overcome with frustration if it’s not completed right now…RIGHT this minute. Well that’s how it is for me anyway. Once I decide I want something, I want it done, complete and finished there and then. No mucking around.

This is a blessing and a curse all at the same time. A blessing in a sense that I become very motivated and committed to whatever project I have decided on; a curse because sometimes other people don’t feel the same sense of urgency about the task at hand as I do. Well, why would they after all? It’s not as if it’s their personal project. So often I’ll be in a position where I have to wait for something or someone; and waiting is something I don’t do very well.

While we’re on the subject of waiting, I can’t stand the concept of ‘lay-by’ either. Ever talk to somebody who wants to buy something and they say ‘I’ve put it on lay-by. I’m paying it off each week. I’ll have it in 3 months…’ Now that is what I call patience. So now, what on Earth do my ramblings have to do with the subject of weight loss?

Well consider this: what if you’re not the patient type and you’ve decided you to lose weight? Do you give up just because you can’t drop the weight by tomorrow? Well, you could….but that wouldn’t get you very far. If you are an impatient person, then I have to say that I definitely feel your pain. Impatience is omni-present; it doesn’t limit itself to the task of losing weight. For example, ever since I have decided to build a therapy room and work from home, it seems I can’t get it done quickly enough. This of course is a real shame because the plasterer we hired has other ideas. He seems to think its okay to just not show up. Time to tear my hair out.

What’s that all about?’ I’ll tell you what it’s about. It’s about patience and tolerance (or in my case, the lack of both). But it’s definitely teaching me something. I believe I go through these little setbacks so I can help my clients. Take ‘Lisa’ for example. She came to me in a desperate state. She simply ‘had’ to lose the weight. Not in a few months, but right now. ‘You’ve taken the first step. Congratulations.’ I told her. But taking the first step was not enough for her. Lisa had more than a weight problem. She had a major subconscious block to permanent weight loss; a belief that said ‘If I can’t have it tomorrow, I don’t want it at all’.

How can you possibly make a start on something when you know the very next day you’re going to give up? Ironically, ‘Lisa’ took great comfort in my therapy room story. She also agreed with me 100% on the lay-by thing. (Surprise surprise!). But most importantly, what she also did was agree to come back the following week, and the week after that. ‘Lisa’ made a commitment to herself and to me that she was going to see this though.

If you want to lose weight but you don’t think you can be bothered going through the sheer hell of losing only one kilo a week (as opposed to the 5 kilos you could theoretically lose if you went on the lettuce leaf diet or the pineapple diet or the no food at all diet), then think about what this experience is teaching you. You didn’t wake up several kilos overweight; this happened over time. Similarly, you’re not going to wake up and find yourself several kilos lighter tomorrow. But step by step, you can and you will do it. With a bit of patience.

Just like I will have my therapy room eventually. And then everything will be okay; until the next project….

Sonia Devine is one of Australia’s leading experts in weight loss hypnotherapy. Want to learn more about how to achieve permanent weight loss? Claim your FREE Weight Loss E-book here => http://loveyourselfslim.com.au/free_stuff

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/waiting-to-lose-weight-943043.html