Eggs cleared of causing high cholesterol
Historical Suspicion of Eggs
Poultry eggs have long been regarded with suspicion and labelled as high cholesterol foods due to their association with raising levels of blood cholesterol, leading to heart disease and heart attacks. This dates back many years, due in part to decades old advice from the British Heart Foundation (revised in 2005) that egg consumption should be limited to two or three eggs per person per week because they increase cholesterol. Now experts have proven that very little of the cholesterol in eggs actually finds it way into the bloodstream.
Previous egg cholesterol research was mis-interpreted
A new report from the British Nutrition Foundation seems to indicate that conclusions drawn from this earlier research on eggs and diet may have been incorrect, due to it’s inability to differentiate between dietary cholesterol and dietary saturated fat. So, in other words poultry eggs may have been the fall guy for the real bad guy – saturated fat, which is found in great quantities in so many of the foods that we often eat every day without necessarily checking what we are eating contains.
It is still correct that high levels of blood cholesterol can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, but it has now been discovered due to improved testing science that most of the blood cholesterol in our blood actually comes from non-dietary sources – typically obesity, lack of exercise and smoking cigarettes, and dietary staurated fat. The new research concludes that this is the primary cause, not eggs, of more than two thirds of the cholesterol in our blood.
Saturated fat mainly to blame, not poultry eggs
Almost half of the people polled in a recent United Kingdom survey still thought they should eat a maximum of three eggs a week, due to the information which has been propagated by health organisations over the years. But the evidence now indicates that there is no reason to limit the weekly consumption of eggs for most people, as there is no evidence to suggest that they cause an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
A respected UK Doctor – Dr Hilary Jones, MD, has highlighted the confusion surrounding dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol. He said that many people think by reducing dietary cholesterol – for example avoiding food like eggs will reduce their risk of heart disease. But he points out that the most important dietary risk factor comes from consumption of saturated fat.
New advice about egg consumption from health organisations
The British Heart Foundation as well as other health organisations have responded to this new research by issuing their own statements. A BHF spokesperson, Victoria Taylor, Senior Dietician, responded by stating :-
“We recommend that eggs can be eaten as part of a balanced diet. There is cholesterol present in eggs but this does not usually make a great contribution to your level of blood cholesterol. She continues ”If you need to reduce your cholesterol level it is more important that you cut down on the amount of saturated fat in your diet from foods like fatty meat, full fat dairy products and cakes, biscuits [cookies] and pastries.”
The American Heart Association has also removed their previous recommendations regarding eggs and heart health.
special advice for people who suffer from familial hypercholesterolaemia
The exception to the above advice is that people suffering from the genetic disorder that causes high cholesterol levels – familial hypercholesterolaemia. If you are one of the one in five hundred of the population who suffer from this condition, then the advice to restrict your dietary intake of cholesterol still applies.
Two eggs a day can reduce cholesterol and help you lose weight!
The most amazing aspect of this latest research is that a study published by in 2008 in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition has shown that eating two eggs per day, as part of a calorie controlled diet, can actually reduce your blood cholesterol level, and help you to lose weight. So if youe have a favourite recipe with eggs, you may be able to enjoy it once again without worrying about your heart health. It just goes to show you that the old expression that you probably heard from your parents is probably good advice – ‘everything in moderation’.
Bradycardia
Definition of Bradycardia
Bradycardia, also known as Sinus Bradycardia, or Bradyarrhythmia is a condition where the heart beats regularly but slowly, and less than 60 beats per minute whilst resting, which is considered to be the minimum normal rate. It is commonly grouped into the category of palpitation or irregular heart rate conditions known collectively as Arrhythmia. However, for some people, a slow heart rate is sometimes normal and can be an indication of physical fitness.
Causes of Bradycardia
The action of the heart pumping blood produces the pulse, which defines the heart rate and rhythm. The heart has a natural pacemaker called the Sinoatrial (SA) Node which controls the rate of beating. The Sinoatrial node functions as a pacemaker by sending electrical signals through the heart muscle, causing it to react by contracting in the way that we associate with a heartbeat. When the electrical system develops a problem it can cause a disruption to the normal regular steady pattern, or an arrhythmia.
There are several possible causes of Bradycardia, and these are described briefly below :-
- A disease of the sinoatrial node itself, which is known as sick sinus syndrome
- Problems with other parts of the electrical conductivity within the heart, which is known as heart block. This also causes an abnormally slow heart beat, and may happen following damage to the heart muscle, following a heart attack, an injury or a disease.
- Age related changes to the heart structure
- Diseases that can damage the electrical system of the heart, including coronary artery disease and heart attack
- Infections such as endocarditis and myocarditis.
Secondary causes may also be responsible for the condition, for example hypothyroidism or an electrolyte imbalance, which can be caused by excessive levels of potassium in the blood.
Sinus Bradycardia Symptoms
Some people suffering from slow heart rate do not have any symptoms or only experience mild symptoms. A heartbeat of less than 60 beats per minute can cause various distressing symptoms which are summarised as follows :-
- Dizzy, lightheaded feeling or fainting
- Shortness of breath or difficulty exercising
- Tiredness
- Chest pain or heart flutter
- Confusion or lack of concentration
Patients often diagnose themselves with potential Bradycardia by taking their own pulse readings to confirm that they have a slow heart rate, or in association with other symptoms that they are experiencing.
Who is likely to suffer from Bradycardia ?
Bradycardia symptoms are most commonly experienced by men and women aged over 65, as the aging process may be cause the accumulation of fibrous tissue in the heart, that can interfere with the operation of the heart’s electrical system. Sportsmen and women, especially athletes have a higher incidence of Bradycardia, and it can also occur when the core body temperature drops too low as a result of exposure to very cold weather. People with very healthy hearts, such as athletes, often have a natural and healthy slower heart rate than the average of 60 to 100 beats per minute. These slower heart rates reflect a healthy heart that is in good condition.
How are heart rhythm problems diagnosed ?
Many people diagnose themselves initially as having some sort of abnormal heart rhythm, and seek the advice of their doctor. If you experience the above symptoms your doctor will firstly use a stethoscope to listen to the sound of your heart, and also ask about your symptoms and previous medical history. Depending on the outcome of this initial consultation, if symptoms of Bradycardia are confirmed, you may then be sent to a hospital or ER medical center, where you will most likely have an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to assist a cardiologist to assess the nature of the heart rhythm defect.
The results of the ECG or EKG are analysed by a computer, and this information is used by the cardiologist to decide on the correct treatment. However, the symptoms may occur intermittently, so further testing may need to be conducted over an extended period of time by the use of a portable (ambulatory) electrocardiogram in order to ‘trap’ the condition when it does occur. This device is also called a Holter monitor or a cardiac event monitor. Blood tests may also be used as an additional diagnostic tool.
Is Bradycardia serious ?
In severe forms of bradycardia, the heart beats so slowly that it does not pump enough blood to meet the requirements of the body, which can be life-threatening. Another serious problem is the possibility of suffering a seizure. Other less serious, but distressing side effects are from injuries from falling after a fainting episode.
Treatment for Bradycardia
Treatment is not usually recommended unless the condition is causing symptoms. Where treatment is required, the primary goal is to restore the heart rate and blood flow to a normal level. Depending on the severity of the condition, it may treated by simple lifestyle changes :-
- Controlling blood cholesterol
- Eating a low-fat, low-salt diet
- Taking regular exercise (under the guidance of your doctor)
- Stopping smoking
- Reducing or eliminating alcohol
- Ensuring any medicines are correctly dosed
In more serious cases, it may be necessary to fit a Bradycardia pacemaker underneath the skin in the patients body. The pacemaker is a small artificial device which is used to supply the correctly timed electrical signals to control and correct the abnormal beating rate of the heart. In the case of secondary causes, then treating that problem may cure the sinus bradycardia with no additional factors. If a medicine is found to be the cause, then your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a different medicine. If this is not possible, then you have to have a pacemaker fitted
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), also known as peripheral artery or peripheral vascular disease, is a condition which is characterised by a build up of fatty tissues (Atheroma) on the inside wall of various arteries throughout the body. It is closely linked to Atherosclerosis and Coronary Heart Disease.
Although it can potentially affect any artery, when it occurs in the legs it is known by this unique term.
What causes Peripheral Artery Disease ?
The condition is usually related to Atherosclerosis. The accumulation of the Atheroma causes symptoms of blocked arteries in the legs due to the plaque build-up. This is turn restricts the flow of blood to the legs, and results in a shortage of oxygen and nutrient rich blood to supply the muscles of the leg when walking or running.
Atheroma can also affect the coronary arteries, where it can cause angina or a heart artery blockage. This can cause a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest. When it affects the arteries that supply the brain, it can cause a brain stroke.
Symptoms of PAD
Up to half the people who have leg circulation problems, or peripheral artery disease are unaware that they have the condition.
The primary blocked artery symptoms are pain or discomfort in the legs or lower limbs when exercising, walking or running, as the muscle fed by the affected artery starts to work harder and requires more blood supply. Stopping the activity may cause the pain to subside, and this is an additional indicator for the condition. This type of temporary pain is known as ‘intermittent claudication’.
In severe cases, the pain may be felt like a squeezing of the muscle which forces the sufferer to rest until it lapses. Other symptoms may include :-
* Aching or cramping of the leg muscles
* Numbness or exhaustion of the leg muscles
* pain in the thigh or buttock
* difficulty in walking, or walking more slowly than normal
* Restricted walking distance
* Numb or cold feet and toes
* Loss of hair from legs or feet
Risk Factors
Atheroma can build up for many years before it causes problems.
Smoking is the greatest risk factor for PAD and Atherosclerosis, and artery restriction is believed to start within months for people who smoke cigarettes.
Other contributory factors are high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels, diabetes, poor diet, and lack of exercise. These all contribute to the development of Atherosclerosis. Being male and aged over 50 years also increases the risk.
People with peripheral arterial disease are at much greater risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. This is due to the high probability that other arteries in their body are also clogged with excess blood lipids, and arterial deposits of plaque.
Treatments for Peripheral Arterial Disease
Treatment will usually depend on the severity of the condition, and the Doctor will aim to improve the patients ability to walk without pain, and reduce the risk of further damage to the arteries. By tackling the more serious underlying causes, this can avoid the possibility of future life threatening complications such as heart attack and brain stroke.
Lifestyle Treatment
If the condition is in it’s early stages the treatment will usually aim to consist of daily exercise to improve the circulation and unclog arteries. This may involve switching to a low fat diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables with high concentrations of the antioxidant vitamins C and E. Aspirin may also be prescribed as it helps to thin the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots. Certain herbs such as Gingko biloba or a combination of Tibetan herbs have been shown to increase the distance sufferers can walk before they experience pain.
Medication
For more advanced cases medicines may be used to control the effects of the clogged arteries. If you have a high cholesterol level, you may be given a type of drug called a statin. If you have diabetes, your doctor will ensure that your diabetes is under control and being correctly managed. If you have high blood pressure, you will be given medication to treat this.
You may also be given an anti-platelet drug. These drugs prevent blood clots from forming, which can lead to coronary artery blockage, heart attack and stroke. Anti-platelet drugs include clopidogrel and aspirin.
Surgical Options for Peripheral Artery Disease
Surgical intervention is carried out by a vascular surgeon and is usually reserved for serious cases, or those that have not responded to other forms of treatment.
Angioplasty is a type of surgical procedure to relieve the symptoms of a clogged artery, where the narrowed part of the leg artery is widened by inflating a small balloon internally within the artery. The Angioplasty balloon is later removed leaving the artery wider, and able to pass an increased blood flow to the affected part of the leg.
Where the narrowing of the artery is more extensive, it may be necessary to bypass a section of it by using a replacement – either a vein from the leg or a synthetic replacement material.
In severe cases, when the blood supply cannot be restored to a limb it may have to be amputated.
Your Boss Can Damage Your Heart Health
If you’re unhappy with your boss at work, it could be dangerous for your heart health, according to new research, aptly abbreviated WOLF, (Work, Lipids, and Fibrinogen), conducted by Swedish Scientists at Stockholm, and published in the Magazine ‘Occupational and Environmental medicine’.
Workers whose superiors have poor management skills, or who felt that their managers made their lives more difficult were more likely to go on to develop heart disease, according to the scientists’ findings. This is in comparison to staff whose bosses were more supportive and encouraging of their efforts.
Increased Blood Pressure and Stress Levels
The study adds to an increasing knowledge base that indicates that what happens to us psychologically at work can potentially wreak havoc with our heart health, and cause our blood pressure and stress hormones to rocket. Studies have shown that stress can cause our blood pressure to rise sharply, very quickly, and cause our heartbeart to race. This is compounded by the stress related release of biochemicals, including hormones, that can increase the risk of blood clots forming, and make our arteries more vulnerable to thickening and becoming brittle.
The problem is compounded when the problem boss – employee relationship lasts for an extended period of time (typically four years or more) with the same manager.
Lack of empathy and poor communication skills
The primary criticisms levelled at the poor managers included a lack of empathy with the problems experienced by their subordinates, a refusal to listen to their concerns, poor communication skills, and failure to support their staff. This was found to be responsible for a 60 percent increase in the risk of heart attack, or other life-threatening cardiac conditions. By contrast, employees who considered their managers to have good leadership capabilities were found to have a 40 percent reduction in their risk of suffering from heart health related problems.
The results of this study could influence the way in which corporations train their management staff, in order to reduce the risk of poor management skills causing health problems and heart attacks among their staff.
The research work, conducted by Anna Nyberg, from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden involved a total of over 3000 male volunteers, with an average age of 42, who took part in the heart health workplace research between 1992 and 1995. The volunteers’ health records were then tracked until 2003, and the results confirmed that the lowest risk of suffering from heart disease occurred amongst those who had reported the greatest satisfaction with their boss’s behaviour.
Boss factor trumps all other health risks !
The most amazing conclusion from this study is that the effect that an employee’s manager has on their health appeared to outweigh all other considerations, including workload and lifestyle considerations, such as smoking, lack of exercise or obesity, or high cholesterol, according to what the researchers discovered.
So, if you’re a manager and you’re reading this, and you want to contribute to the long term heart health of your people – the advice is that you need to be sincere, and care about the welfare of the employees under your charge. You should be looking at each one of them from an individual viewpoint. You should learn what motivates them, and know what their strengths and skills are. you should also attempt to keep them engaged at work.
From the employees point of view the main causes of stress from an unreasonable manager are bullying, humiliation, lack of communication, and a lack of a clear understanding of what is required of them. So if you’re an employee, and you’re manager is not communicating properly, you can take the lead and start the process yourself. If your manager is not totally unreasonable, he or she should respond favourably. If they are unwilling to cooperate, then maybe it’s time to look for a new job.