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Cholesterol Confusion & Statin Controversy

The headlines are saying cholesterol may not be a "nutrient of concern." To understand what that means, you have to look beyond the headlines. What the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Committee meeting minutes actually say is that "cholesterol is not a nutrient of concern for overconsumption." What's changed? Some experts are saying that dietary cholesterol was mistakenly connected to heart disease. There was a rise in coronary artery disease leading up to the 1977 recommendation to reduce cholesterol intake. However, a closer look at the science reveals that there is more evidence to suggest that dietary cholesterol may not play a significant role for most healthy Americans and their risk of heart disease. That perhaps provides more support for the argument that dietary cholesterol intake is not connected to blood (serum) cholesterol levels. But the reality is that heart disease is still a major health concern. Many people take medications to
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10 Tips for a Healthy Heart

Women & Heart Disease

Although heart disease may often be thought of as a problem for men, heart disease is the most common cause of death for both women and men worldwide. One challenge is that some heart disease symptoms in women may be different from those in men. Fortunately, women can take steps to understand their unique symptoms of heart disease and to begin to reduce their risk of heart disease. Heart attack symptoms for women The most common heart attack symptom in women is some type of pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest. But it is not always severe or even the most prominent symptom, particularly in women. And, sometimes, women may have a heart attack without chest pain. Women are more likely than men to have heart attack symptoms unrelated to chest pain, such as:           Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort           Shortness of breath           Pain in one or both arms          Nausea or vomiting           Sweating           Lightheadedness or diz

Cholesterol Management

High cholesterol and lipid levels can significantly increase a person's risk of developing chest pain, heart attack, and stroke. Fortunately, a number of effective treatment options are available. Lipid levels can almost always be lowered with a combination of diet, weight loss, exercise, and medications. As lipid levels fall, so does the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), including disease of blood vessels supplying the heart (coronary artery disease), brain (cerebrovascular disease), and limbs (peripheral vascular disease). This results in a lower risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. It is not too late if CVD is already present; lipid-lowering treatment can be lifesaving. Lifestyle and home remedies Lifestyle changes are essential to improve your cholesterol level. To bring your numbers down, lose excess weight, eat healthy foods and increase your physical activity. If you smoke, quit. Eat heart-healthy foods What you eat has a direct impa

Take care of Your Heart

Today's fast-paced life and workplace pressures escalate stress levels, taking a toll on one's heart. We must  realize  that the healing power of the body decreases when under stress, leading to many complications like hypertension and obesity. Today, even youngsters are prone to heart ailments. So, it's very important to stay healthy and manage your stress levels by understanding the risk factors — high cholesterol levels, stressful lifestyle, smoking, and lack of exercise — following simple changes in lifestyle.  Avoid smoking  Smoking reduces life expectancy by 15-25 years. If you are a smoker, you are twice more likely to have a heart attack than a non-smoker. The moment you stop smoking, the risk of heart attack begins to reduce.  Cut down on salt   Too much salt can cause high blood pressure, which increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease.  W atch your diet  Try to have a balanced diet. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables avoi

LIFE AFTER HEART ATTACK

Life AFTER HEART Attack Many people survive heart attacks and live active, full lives after treatment which includes angioplasty /bypass surgery or medicines. If you get help quickly, treatment can limit damage to your heart muscle. Less heart damage improves your chances for a better quality of life after a heart attack. Medical Follow-up After a heart attack, you'll need treatment for coronary heart disease (CHD). This will help prevent another heart attack. Your doctor may recommend:      Lifestyle changes, such as following a healthy diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking       Medicines to control chest pain or discomfort, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and your heart's workload           A cardiac rehabilitation program If you find it hard to get your medicines or take them, talk with your doctor. Don't stop taking medicines that can help you prevent another heart attack. Returning to

Healthy Heart & Healthy You