A 2005 study published in the medical journal ‘Circulation’ indicates that the risk of developing stroke and heart attacks can be increased by poor dental health, and recommends that we take more care of our teeth, gums and oral health. The research showed that there is a proven link between gum disease and subsequent narrowing of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. This is a condition for which there is no cure, and is a root cause of cardiovascular disease.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by plaque. After eating food our teeth become coated with a layer of plaque which is made up of particles of food, bacteria, and the waste by-products of the bacteria. If plaque is left on the teeth, it can cause the gums to become irritated. This irritation causes bleeding, which many of us have noticed after brushing our teeth at some time in our lives. This is the initial stage of gum disease, and is known as gingivitis. When gum disease is left untreated, the gums tend to become swollen, and more plaque accumulates around the teeth, which cannot then be removed by normal brushing with a toothbrush. Eventually this plaque hardens and forms tartar. As the tartar builds up, it can become infected, and cause periodontitis. This can cause an infection of the jaw bone, and ultimately lead to the loss of one or more teeth.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

Normal healthy gums are pink coloured. Diseased gums usually appear swollen and red. However, occasionally the only sign of gum disease is when the gums bleed following brushing of the teeth.      

Why can gum disease cause heart disease?

The following factors may contribute either separately, or in combination to the risk of heart disease in an individual with gum disease :-

The bacteria that cause gum disease may increase the rate at which arteries become blocked 

Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream, and activating the immune system (the body’s defence mechanism) and making their artery walls inflamed and narrowed 

Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and attach to the existing fatty deposits within the arteries, causing further narrowing

A protein, called C-reactive protein, is found in higher levels when there is inflammation of the blood vessels and is an  indicator that atherosclerosis may develop in the future  

The study involved 657 people who had shown no previous history of cardiovascular disease. In order to prove whether gum disease is responsible for an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, the study team tested all the volunteers for 11 different types of bacteria that cause gum disease. Then they examined the arterial and other heart health factors, and discovered that the people who had the ‘gum disease causing bacteria’ also showed signs of thickening of the artery walls, which is a symptom of atherosclerosis. They also had raised white blood cell counts, which is another risk factor for atherosclerosis. The researchers also discovered that this was not the case for people who have all the other types of oral bacteria.
The narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart or brain, causes oxygen and nutrient deficiency, which affects the normal working of the artery and can cause a blockage causing a heart attack or stroke.

Conclusions from the Oral Health Study

The researchers suggested that the results of the study indicate that people who have gum disease may be at a greater risk of developing atherosclerosis and heart disease.

How to prevent gum disease

The most effective way of preventing gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and use a good quality toothbrush which can reach all areas of the mouth. Also you should visit your dentist regularly. This is because even thorough brushing and flossing cannot remove every trace of plaque, so your dentist needs to check your teeth regularly and remove any build up of tartar.

Treatment for Gum Disease

The main treatment for gum disease involves removing plaque and preventing it’s recurrence. Regular brushing and flossing may cure mild cases of gum disease. However when a layer of tartar has formed, this can only be removed with a special descaling tool, which requires a visit to a dentist or hygienist. Also polishing your teeth’s surfaces makes it harder for bacteria and plaque to reform. Your dentist may also recommend an antiseptic mouthwash to control plaque levels. In more serious cases , where the infection has developed into periodontitis, it may be necessary for the dentist to remove the infected tissue around the root of the tooth (also known as root planing).

This short article will explain how to read blood pressure terminology, to assist in understanding low blood pressure numbers. When the heart beats it consists of a contraction which forces blood into the arteries, that subsequently causes the pressure to increase. At this stage, the arterial pressure is greatest. This is known as the systolic pressure. It is followed by a relaxation of the heart muscle, which then refills with blood from the veins, and causes the pressure on the arteries to decrease. This is known as the diastolic pressure. Both the systolic and diastolic pressures are measured in terms of millimetres of mercury (mmHg). The standard notation for blood pressure reading is systolic first, followed by diastolic.

Normal Blood Pressure

The normal blood pressure range  for healthy young adults is betwwen 110/70 mmHg and 120/80. However, the term ‘low blood pressure’ or ‘very low blood pressure’ is relative, and depending on the individual, blood pressure lower than 110/70 mm Hg may produce no symptoms compared to the ‘good blood pressure’ range.

Usually lower blood pressure is more beneficial for long term health.

Daily variation in blood pressure

Throughout the day, blood pressure varies, depending on activity levels. Sometimes this can be by as much as 30-40 mmHg (both systolic and diastolic). Blood pressure is generally lowest during sleep or periods of relaxation. During exercise, or periods of stress or anxiety, blood pressure increases. Therefore, when keeping blood pressure charts, or other extended blood pressure monitoring, measurements should be performed under similar conditions at the same time each day to ensure accurate results.

What is very low blood pressure?

Very Low blood pressure is also known as hypotension. People with a reading of 90/60, or less, are commonly regarded as having very low blood pressure. Because blood pressure varies during the day, there may be a range of low blood pressure readings.

Is very low blood pressure dangerous?

Low blood pressure readings may indicate a dangerous condition when they drop suddenly, or are accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness or fainting. Severely low blood pressure can indicate serious heart, endocrine system, or neurological problems, and can deprive the brain and other vital organs of oxygen and nutrients.

This in turn can lead to shock, which can be a life-threatening condition. Dangerous low blood pressure should always be investigated and treated.

Causes of low blood pressure

The are many possible reasons for low blood pressure, many of which are listed below:

Pregnancy - During the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, it is normal for blood pressure to drop.

Medications - A number of drugs can cause low blood pressure, including diuretics and other drugs that treat hypertension; heart medications such as beta blockers; drugs for Parkinson’s disease; tricyclic antidepressants; Viagra, particularly in combination with nitroglycerine; narcotics and alcohol. Other prescription and over-the-counter medications may cause low blood pressure when taken in combination with high blood pressure drugs.

Heart problems - Among the heart conditions that can lead to low blood pressure are an abnormally low heart rate (bradycardia), problems with heart valves, heart attack and heart failure. These are conditions in which your heart may not be able to circulate enough blood to meet your body’s needs.

Endocrine problems - these include an underactive or overactive thyroid (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism respectively), adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), low blood sugar and, in some cases, diabetes.

Dehydration - Fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, overuse of diuretics and strenuous exercise can all lead to dehydration, a potentially serious condition in which your body loses more water than you take in. Even mild dehydration, a loss of as little as 1 percent to 2 percent of body weight, can cause weakness, dizziness and fatigue.

Blood loss - A significant loss of blood from major trauma or severe internal bleeding reduces blood volume, leading to a severe drop in blood pressure.

Severe infection (septic shock) - Septic shock can occur when bacteria leave the original site of an infection, most often in the lungs, abdomen or urinary trac, and enter the bloodstream. The bacteria then produce toxins that affect the blood vessels, leading to a profound and life-threatening decline in blood pressure.

Allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) - Anaphylactic shock can be a fatal allergic reaction that can occur in people who are highly sensitive to drugs such as penicillin, or to certain foods such as peanuts, or to bee or wasp stings. This type of shock is characterized by breathing problems, hives, itching, a swollen throat and a sudden, dramatic fall in blood pressure.

Nutritional deficiencies  - A lack of the essential vitamins B-12 and folic acid can cause anemia, which in turn can lead to low blood pressure.

Symptoms of low blood pressure

There a number of symptoms whiuch are indicative of low blood pressure, some or more of which may apply to any particular individual:

* Dizziness or lightheadedness
* Fainting (also known as syncope)
* Lack of concentration
* Blurred vision
* Nausea
* Cold, clammy, pale skin
* Rapid, shallow breathing
* Fatigue
* Depression
* Unusual thirst

Diagnosis of Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure should be diagnosed by a doctor. The doctor can examine a patient’s medical history, age, specific symptoms, and the conditions under which the symptoms occur, and determine whether there is a significant low blood pressure problem.

Some symptoms - e.g. dizziness and lightheadedness when standing up (postural hypotension), may not necessarily be linked to low blood pressure. Because a wide range of conditions can cause the same symptoms as very low blood pressure, it is important to accurately identify the cause of the symptoms so that the correct treatment can be given.

The Doctor may perform additional diagnostic tests such as :

In-depth monitoring and evaluation of blood pressure readings and pulse rate, involving periods of lying down, and then sitting or standing up.

ECG (electrocardiogram) to detect heart rate and rhythm problems

echocardiogram (an ultrasound test to visualize the heart).

Blood tests to look for anemia or problems with blood sugar levels.

Exercise stress test or electrophysiology test (EP test)

Where the problem only occurs infrequently, it may be necesary to perform extended home ECG monitoring to capture the data over a longer period of time.

Treatment for low blood presure

For many people, chronic low blood pressure can be effectively treated. Initially, the doctor may recommend some simple diet and lifestyle changes to alleviate the effects of very low blood pressure, or to increase the blood pressure. These may include some of all of the following tips:

How to prevent some of the symptoms of very low blood pressure:

1. When moving from lying down to standing position, do so slowly, and pause for rest at the sitting position.
2. Elevate the head of your bed at night by 5 to 20 degrees, by placing bricks or blocks under the head of bed.
3. Avoid heavy lifting.
4. Avoid straining while using the toilet.
5. Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water, such as hot showers and spas.
6. Eat smaller, more frequent meals and rest after eating.
7. Use elastic support (compression) stockings as these restrict blood flow to the legs, and help to keeping more blood in the upper body.

How to raise low blood pressure:

1. Eat a diet higher in salt.
2. Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of liquid per day, especially during hot weather. Sports drinks that are high in sodium and potassium are recommended
3. Consume extra salt and drink more fluids during hot weather or during viral illness, such as a cold or influenza.
4. Have a doctor evaluate any precription or general medications to identify any link to low blood pressure.
5. Get regular exercise to promote blood flow.
6. Drink more coffee (although there is conflicting medical evidence as to whether there is any link between coffee and higher nblood pressure

There are many Chinese cooking recipes around, especially recipes for chinese chicken, but if you’re concerned about your heart health, why not try making this delicious lo fat chow mein recipe. This is an authentic chinese recipe, not to be confused with some bland, tasteless frozen chicken stir fry recipes that you may buy in from the grocery store. Chicken healthy doesn’t have to be chicken boring.

Why is this chinese recipe good for your heart health and lower blood pressure?

• we use one of the healthiest oils
• we use plenty of fresh garlic which has proven health giving properties
• we use fresh root ginger which helps to lower blood pressure
• we use fresh chillies which have amazing heart health giving properties
• chicken is one of the healthiest, low fat meats
• we use lo salt soy sauce
• we use lots of fresh healthy vegetables
• we use dried egg noodles, not greasy fried ones
• we use no added salt or sodium substitute

This is an easy chinese recipe which could pay big health dividends for the health conscious who also like their food to taste good.

If you want a vegetarian chinese recipe - just leave out the chicken, and use vegetable stock cubes!

Ingredients (serves 4 people)

You can see the main ingredients here, with the full listing below :

• 4 Tablespoons of Red Palm and Canola Oil
• 6 cloves of fresh garlic, finely chopped
• Ginger root (approx 1 inch, thinly sliced)
• 4 medium onions, coarsely chopped
• 2 large chicken legs
• 4 medium onions, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons chinese cooking wine
• 1 teaspoon chinese five spice
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons reduced salt light soy sauce
• 2 chicken stock cubes
• 3 carrots sliced
• 2 corn cobs, corn removed
• 2 leeks, sliced
• 2 red chilli peppers, sliced thinly
• 1 green chilli pepper, sliced thinly
• 350 grams dried medium egg noodles

Cooking Instructions

Preparation time - Approx. 1 hour. Cooking time - 25 minutes.

Put the oil, chopped garlic and sliced ginger in the wok and stir for for 2 minutes on full heat:

Separately pan fry the chicken legs for a few minutes, then remove the chicken meat from the bone and chop it into small cubes or shred it.

Add the chopped chicken and the onions to the wok. Continue to stir for 3 minutes:

Reduce the heat to about two thirds, and add the sesame seeds, chinese cooking wine, chinese five spice, black pepper, soy sauce, and crumble the chicken stock cubes into the wok and stir for another 2 minutes.

Add the sliced carrot, corn, and leek and stir for a further 3 minutes:

Reduce the heat and add the sliced chillies, and stir for another 3 minutes.

Put the noodles into a large pan of unsalted boiling water and boil for 4 minutes, then drain:

Serving up time

Traditionally, chinese chicken noodles are served with the noodles and the chicken all mixed up together. But equally you can serve the chicken on a bed of noodles, which is the way we like to serve it. So you arrange the noodles arouond the edge of the bowl like this:

Then add the chicken to create the perfect heart friendly Chinese Chicken Chow Mein (don’t forget the candles!). Why not add a nice glass of ice cold, crisp Chilean Chardonnay (a small amount of alcohol can be beneficial to your heart health) as well!

We hope that you enjoy your meal.

You can check out these other heart healthy receipes here too - we’ve got a superb lamb jalfezi recipe, and a spicy spaghetti bolognese recipe for your enjoyment.

Bon Appetit.

Crestor (Rosuvastatin)

The American Heart Association has published details of a new statin drug - Crestor - which dramatically reduces the number of heart attacks and strokes, even for people without existing high levels of cholesterol in their blood.

The results of drug trials conducted in the United States, were so conclusive that they were prematurely halted in March 2008, just halfway through their planned 4 year term, as the medical profession considered that it would be unethical to continue giving placebos to half the trial patients.

It was discovered that a daily treatment of Crestor, also known as Rosuvastatin, dramatically cut the rate of heart problems and cardiac deaths by an amazing 44 per cent. Crucially, the U.S. study involved those who would not normally be considered at risk of heart problems.

Heart Attack and Stroke reduced dramatically

Heart attacks were cut by 54 per cent, strokes by 48 per cent and the need for angioplasty or heart bypass surgery by 46 per cent among the group on Crestor compared to those taking a placebo, or dummy pill.

Significantly, those taking Crestor, experienced a fifty per cent reduction in their levels of the ‘bad’ cholesterol known as LDL, and were 20 per cent less likely to die from any other cause.

The conclusion from the study, named Jupiter (Justification for the Use of statins in primary prevention), is that taking Statins could reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes for everyone, even those with healthy cholesterol levels. However all the trial patients had high levels of a protein known as hsCRP - high sensitivity C-reactive, which is linked to inflammation of the arteries and heart disease. Now the U.S. researchers want this factor to be considered when deciding who will receive statins.

low cholesterol level is no longer safe

The lead researcher on the Jupiter study, Dr Paul Ridker, director of the Centre for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts said: ‘Half of all heart attacks and strokes occur in men and women with normal cholesterol levels. We’ve been searching for ways to improve detection of risk in those patients. We can no longer assume that a patient with low cholesterol is a safe patient.’

Warnings against high regular statin dosage

However, experts have warned against trying to replicate the effects of Crestor - the newest and most effective statin - by using other statins at higher doses. Professor Martin Cowie, professor of cardiology at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, said it was apparent that some statins worked differently from others. He added that ’simply giving patients massive doses of other statins would not necessarily work and could increase the side effects to unacceptable levels’.

Professor Cowie pointed out that Doctors and Cardiologists are under increasing pressure to reduce the drugs bill by putting patients on the cheapest statins. He said: ‘I sympathise with the need to consider costs but you have to balance risks and benefits amid this push to switch patients to generic drugs, but high doses of statins can cause high rates of side effects like muscle pain and weakness’.

In the united Kingdom more than four million British patients regularly take statins to control their cholesterol levels. Eight out of ten use the cheapest generic drug, simvastatin, which costs just a few dollars per month. However, Crestor, which is made by AstraZeneca, costs approximately $40 per month for a 20mg daily dose.

In a recent British fitness survey of 3000 people, more than half of the people who were questioned reported spending most of their working day sitting down and inactive. Another survey - the National Travel Survey showed that the average distance walked per year year fell from 255 miles in 1975 to just 186 miles by the year 2000. This is largely due to the way in which modern living has almost engineered physical activity out of our daily lives.

Why is exercise and physical activity good for heart health?

In a nutshell, exercise can help to prevent heart disease, and reduce the heart attack statistics. Exercise can also lower blood pressure and other risk factors for coronary heart disease. Exercise is also beneficial for recovering heart patients.

Combined with a good heart diet, regular physical activity can also be effective in helping to prevent a range of other diseases and conditions, including :-

• stroke
• bowel cancer
• breast cancer
• osteoporosis
• obesity

There are also supplementary benefits associated with increased levels of fitness and physical activity - most people report feeling less stressed by the daily pressures of life, and overall better well-being. Regular exercise is also believed to ease the symptoms of anxiety, and mild depression.

Getting started with exercise

The good news is that it is never too late to start doing some extra physical activity to improve your health, no matter how old or unfit you currently are.

By reading this article, you are probably already realising the potential benefits and are serious about improving your risk factors for heart disease.

   However, you must see a doctor if your have not been regularly exercising over the years, to ensure that your body is capable of withstanding the additional heart exercise. This also applies if you have a concern about an existing medical condition.

How much exercise does it take to tackle heart disease causes?

According to the British Heart Foundation the minimum recommended ‘dose’ of exercise required to gain benefits to your health is 30 minutes per day, and at least five days per week. It is not necessary to do this in one contiguous 30 minute block, but may be spread out across the day and with different activities contributing to the daily total. If you manage to achieve 30 minutes per day, you should then try to increase the amount to 40-60 minutes on most days if possible, especially if you are also involved in a weight loss program.

What type of exercise should I do?

The main reason for exercising is to increase the normal heart rate, and so virtually any activity that makes your heart beat faster is probably acceptable.

You should be able to tell as your heart rate increases, as this will make you feel warmer, increase your breathing and possibly make you feel out of breath. So all of the following activities (and many more not listed here) are recommended :-

• cycling
• swimming
• brisk walking
• jogging
• dancing
• skipping

By the end of the activity you should feel the glow of the increased blood circulation around your body, and also feel a mild sweat from the exertion.

Regular Activities can also substitute for exercise

There are many daily jobs and chores which have been automated or replaced by modern machinery and living. It is possible to re-engineer just a small part of your normal routine to pay big health dividends. You can even use normal household activities to good effect. For example, fairly heavy housework, gardening, or washing the car by hand can all increase your breathing and metabolism, and count towards your 30 minutes of ’sweat time’ per day. You could also consider taking a brisk walk to work, or to the shops, instead of using mechanised transport. The activity does not have to be intense, however there is some evidence that heart disease prevention may depend on a higher degree of activity.

Can exercise be harmful?

There is a common misbelief that physical activity may be bad for, or strain the heart. However this is not true even for heart disease patients! physical activity is good for most people with heart disease. However, If you are unfit, or suffering from a heart related condition it is best to seek the advice of a physician and to very gently build up your exercise level.

This is not surprising as high blood pressure and heart disease affects nearly 1 million people in the United kingdom, and shockingly kills more than 110,000 people annually. It’s a big problem which none of us can afford to ignore.

Heart Deaths Statistics

The number of heart related deaths in the UK alone is the equivalent of thousands of fully loaded jumbo jet airplane crashes each year.

This is a mind numbing statistic, and it is incomprehensible why so many people do not take the time to learn more about this silent but prolific killer in our midst.

Scientific Evidence is key to beating Heart Disease

The key to understanding the condition is to look into the scientific evidence, and to understand the many different factors which may contribute to this devastating disease. This may offer the only hope of fighting back against the threat which blights so many of our lives.

A fascinating study was conducted in 2004 and published in the British Medical Journal, The Lancet. This study titled ‘INTERHEART: Nine factors that could save your life’ made an important discovery by examining the lifestyles of 30,000 people in 52 countries.

Nine Risk factors for Heart Disease

The effect of these nine risk factors is consistent in men and women, across different geographic regions, and by ethnic group, making the study applicable worldwide.

It concluded that irrespective of where you live, how old you are, or what you look like, 90 % of first heart attacks (myocardial infarction) suffered by people can be attributed to nine risk factors, which usually result in a particular type of disease of the heart.

These nine risks are as follows :-

* cigarette smoking
* high ratio of blood lipids (or blood fats)
* high blood pressure (greater than 120 / 80)
* diabetes
* abdominal obesity
* excessive stress
* lack of daily consumption of fruits and vegetables
* insufficient daily physical exercise
* excessive alcohol consumption

An encouraging conclusion from the Interheart report however, is that all the above risk factors can be reduced by positive preventative action by the sufferer.

So, tackling any or all of the above risk factors which you may identify is applicable to your own life, will improve your chances of avoiding serious health problems or death from coronary heart disease.

Lower Blood Pressure Quickly ?

Further advice from the Interheart report concludes that crash courses in heart health improvement are unlikely to produce effective results, and it is very difficult to lower your blood pressure quickly, or improve your general heart health in a hurry. Instead, a progressive and holistic approach involving heart-healthy foods, stress relief, exercise and elimination of unhealthy lifestyle choices are recommended as necessary changes to enjoy a long and healthy life.

Are you feeling stressed by the Internet?

Well, in an increasing number of us, this is causing us to have feelings of stress or anxiety, which can lead to raised blood pressure and other associated health problems linked to stress. Unfortunately the signs of blood pressure are hard to identify, and so this condition often goes undiagnosed. Also most people would not naturally associate blood pressure and software in the same breath.

Discomgoogolation

The problem is so widespread that there is now a word which describes it - discomgoogolation - which describes the stress that people feel when they are unable to go online. It is based on the adjective ‘discombobulated’ which means having self-possession upset, being frustrated or being thrown into confusion. The scale of the problem may be a significant factor in the growing number of high blood pressure causes.

visible signs of stress

In the United Kingdom it is estimated that a significant 44 percent of the population may suffer from this condition when the trigger condition arises, with an estimated 25 percent or more who took part in a recent survey of 2100 people by the YouGov polling organisation, reported increased feelings of stress when they were prevented from going online by a technical failure.

76% of the population now admit that they cannot live without the Internet

The survey also found that a staggering 76 percent of the respondents felt that they could not live without being able to access the Internet. So the life source of modern communications may also be responsible for raising our blood pressure. This is understandable as the internet has spread into most homes across the United Kingdom, with over half of the population using the web between one and four hours per day, and with 19 percent of people spending more time online than they do with their family during the average week.

The condition was discovered by psychologist Dr David Lewis whose research involved measurement of heart rate and brain activity linked to normal internet usage, and monitoring the body’s reaction to problem scenarios where the internet was unavailable.

Dr. Lewis commented that “The proliferation of broadband has meant for the first time in history [that] we’ve entered a culture of ‘instant answers’ … and we have become addicted to the web. When [we are] unable to get online, discomgoogolation takes over”.

Forty-seven percent of those polled believed that the Internet was more important in people’s lives than religion, with one in five people paying the Internet more attention than their partner.

Often the only time we actually remember that we have a beating heart which is solely responsible for keeping us alive, is when we feel that flutter in our chest, which may make us gasp for breath momentarily.

This is a typical Arrhythmic episode and may only last for a few seconds or minutes, and following this, we carry on with our lives as usual, with the memory of the incident quickly fading into obscurity.

What is Arrhythmia?

The definition of Arrhythmia is that it is any abnormal heart rhythm, where the heart may beat either very slowly, very fast, or with a seemingly random beating rate.

The heart beats because electrical signals are sent from a natural pacemaker, also known as a Sinoatrial Node or Sinus Node, which is part of the heart. This electrical impulse is transmitted within the heart muscle through special electrical cells. The effect is to make the heart muscle contract, which is the basic mechanism which causes the blood to flow throughout the body.

However, these signals can be interrupted for a number of different reasons, and the result is an abnormal heart rhythm as a result of the delay of these electrical signals on their way through the heart. Alternatively, the electrical messages may arrive from a different part of the heart, instead of the natural pacemaker.

Symptoms of Arrhythmia, or Heart Arrhythmia

If the heart rate is very fast, very slow, or irregular, it can make it more difficult for the heart to pump blood around the body.

Abnormal electrical impulses associated with Arrhythmia

Some of the symptoms of Arrhythmia are as follows :-

• heart beat like a thumping sensation
• missing heart beats
• heart beat racing or beating faster than normal
• feeling of dizziness
• feeling of tiredness
• feeling out of breath
• collapsing

What causes Arrhythmia?

Most people have an occasional extra, or missed heartbeat, usually without noticing it. Excessive stress, lack of sleep and stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine, increase the risk of arrhythmias, as can medications, such as decongestants and alcohol.

Abnormal heart rhythms can also signal a major heart problem, such as an abnormality of the heart muscles, valves or electrical conducting system. They can be a sign that the heart has been damaged, for example, after a heart attack.

The rate at which the heart beats is important because it determines how much blood, oxygen and other vital nutrients are delivered around the body. If you run, for example, you need more oxygen and energy, so your heart rate must increase.

The heart has its own natural built-in pacemaker, called the sinoatrial node (or sinus node). Electrical impulses are triggered here and travel through a system of nerve wiring around the heart, so different parts of the heart beat in a regular order to make it function efficiently as a pump.

Faults with this internal ‘wiring system’ are one of the main causes of abnormal heart rhythms.

Different Types of Arrhythmia

There are different types of arrhythmia, depending on which part of the heart the electrical impulses originate from.

Atrial or Supraventricular Arrhythmia

This occurs when the abnormal heart rhythm starts in the upper parts of the heart, also known as the atria.

Ventricular Arrhythmia

This occurs when the abnormal heart rhythm starts in the lower parts of your heart, also known as called the ventricles.

Heart Block

A heart block is when the heart rhythm gets delayed or blocked on its travel down through the heart, which can make the heart beat too slowly, or unreliably. There are various degrees of heart block. Some people are born with a 1st degree heart block and this usually requires no treatment as the delay is tiny and so it doesn’t make the heart beat too slowly. A heart block should not be confused with arterial blockage which is caused by a build up of fatty plaques within the artery walls and is a common cause of heart attacks.

Is Arrhythmia dangerous?

The good news is that most cardiac arrhythmias are temporary, and not serious or life-threatening. However in rare instances an arrhythmia can cause sudden death, usually in a young person. This is known as Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome, or SADS. It is also known as a deadly arrhythmia. In the United Kingodom this condition accounts for less than 500 deaths per year in people aged under 35.

Arrhythmia Diagnosis

Arrhythmia is usually a temporary condition, and may be triggered by exercise or even an unexpected noise or other seemingly irrelevant situation. Some types of arrhythmia only occur during sleep.

Following a visit to a physician, certain medical tests will may be recommended. These tests may include one or more of the following :- 

The tests for Arrhythmia

• electrocardiogram – or ECG
• echocardiogram – or ECG
• MRI or CT Scan of the chest
• exercise tests
• 24 hour tape test – or Holter Monitor
• electrophysiology tests
• tilt tests

The type of test that a physician may recommend depends on the symptoms presented, and also any family or hereditary history of Arrhythmias or Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome

Potassium is a chemical compound, or mineral, which is found naturally occurring in certain foods, and is an important tool in the fight against high blood pressure. It is an important nutrient for maintaining good heart health, as it is necessary for smooth muscle contraction, of which the heart is possibly the most important example. It also assists with other essential body health functions such as kidney and digestive function.

The role of Potassium in the body

Potassium is critical for the normal functioning of the muscles, heart, and nerves. It plays an important role in controlling the activity of the muscles of the heart. Normal blood levels of potassium are critical for maintaining normal heart electrical rhythm. Both low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia) and high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can lead to abnormal heart rhythms (arrythmias).

Natural sources of Potassium

Potassium can be found in many natural foods ranging from fruits, vegetables and legumes, and a diet which contains sufficient potassium can usually be achieved by eating a variety of foods containing potassium. Consequently, potassium deficiency is usually rare in healthy individuals who are eating a balanced diet.

Foods with high sources of potassium

The best dietary sources of potassium are fresh unprocessed foods - meats, fish, fruit and vegetables.

bananas - a good source of Potassium

These include whole grains, orange juice, potatoes, bananas, avocados, tomatoes, broccoli, soybeans, brown rice, garlic and apricots, although it is also common in most fruits, vegetables and meats. The most well known potassium food from the above list however, is bananas.

High Potassium Diet Benefits

Diets high in potassium can reduce the risk of hypertension. Dietary intake is the preferred method of maintaining the correct level of potassium in the blood. The recommended daily amount according to the US Institute of Medicine is 4g or 4,000mg, although most Americans consume only half that amount on average, per person, per day.

However Supplements of potassium are not generally recommended for boosting the body’s Potassium levels. Whilst some earlier animal and human research did suggest that potassium supplements could help to lower blood pressure, more recent improved studies suggest that potassium supplements do not improve blood pressure significantly.

Excessive Potassium in the diet

Having too much potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia, and in its mild form is a common condition, causing stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea. Extremely high levels of potassium in the blood (severe hyperkalemia) can lead to cardiac arrest and death. Incorrect diagnosis and treatment of severe hyperkalemia results in a mortality rate of about 67%.

The most important clinical effect of hyperkalemia is related to the electrical rhythm of the heart. While mild hyperkalemia usually has a limited effect on the heart, moderate hyperkalemia can produce EKG changes (EKG is an electrical reading of the heart muscles), and severe hyperkalemia can cause suppression of electrical activity of the heart and can cause the heart to stop beating.

Potassium Deficiency

Low Potassium or having too little Potassium in the blood is known as hypokalemia. Studies in rats have shown that a potassium deficiency combined with an inadequate level of the vitamin thyamine has produced heart disease in rats. One of the most important uses of potassium is to treat the symptoms of hypokalemia, which include weakness, lack of energy, muscle cramps, stomach disturbances, an irregular heartbeat, and an abnormal EKG (electrocardiogram, a test that measures heart function). Treatment of this condition takes place under the guidance and direction of a physician.

Potassium and High Blood Pressure

Some studies have linked low dietary potassium intake with high blood pressure. The US Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure recommends adequate amounts of potassium in the diet, along with other measures such as dietary calcium and weight loss, to prevent the development of high blood pressure. Similarly, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet emphasizes eating foods rich in fruits, vegetables, and low- or non-fat dairy products to provide high intake of potassium, as well as magnesium and calcium.

Potassium and Stroke

In several population based studies evaluating very large groups of men and women over time, a diet rich in potassium was associated with a reduced risk of stroke. For men, this seems to be particularly relevant for those suffering from high blood pressure and/or those taking diuretics (blood pressure medications that help the kidneys eliminate sodium and water from the body). Potassium supplements, however, do not seem reduce the risk of stroke.

The crucial link between Potassium and Sodium (Salt)

The correct level of potassium in the body unfortunately depends on the body’s sodium intake. This means that excessive salt consumption may deplete the body’s stores of potassium.

reduced sodium salt can improve Potassium levels

Other conditions that can cause potassium deficiency include diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, malnutrition, and use of diuretics. In addition, coffee and alcohol can increase the amount of potassium excreted in the urine. Adequate amounts of magnesium are also needed to maintain normal levels of potassium.

Potassium Warnings

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary potassium supplements should only be taken under the supervision of a physician or healthcare provider. This is especially important in the elderly, as they are at high risk for developing hyperkalemia due to decreased kidney function that often occurs in later years. Older people should be careful when taking medication that may further affect potassium levels in the body, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and ACE inhibitors.

Individuals suffering from kidney diseases may suffer adverse health effects from consuming large quantities of dietary potassium. End stage renal failure patients undergoing therapy by renal dialysis must observe strict dietary limits on potassium intake, since the kidneys control potassium excretion, and buildup of blood concentrations of potassium may trigger fatal cardiac arrhythmia. Acute hyperkalemia can be reduced through eating baking soda, or glucose.

The medical term for a heart attack is a Myocardial infarction (MI, or AMI for acute myocardial infarction),

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart tissue, or myocardium, is interrupted by a mechanical blood flow problem.

The most common cause of a heart attack is because of a blockage, also known as an occlusion, of a coronary artery following the detachment of a piece of fatty plaque from within the artery wall.

In medical terms this is known as the rupture of a atherosclerotic plaque, containing unstable lipids (which are particles related to cholesterol) and white blood cells (especially macrophages) which are normally contained within the inner wall of an artery.

The resulting reduction in the incoming supply of blood to the heart (also known as Ischemia) and oxygen shortage, can cause damage or terminal damage to the heart tissues, which is known as an infarction. This is shown in the graphic below. The problem is greatly increased if treatment is not provided urgently.

Symptoms of a heart attack

The classic symptoms of a heart attack or myocardial infarction include some or all of the following :-

* sudden chest pain
* pain radiating to the left arm or left side of the neck
* shortage of breath
* nausea
* vomiting
* heart palpitations
* sweating
* anxiety or a feeling of dread

Women and Heart Attacks

When a woman suffers a heart attack, she may experience fewer symptoms than a man. The  most commonly experienced symptoms of a female heart attack are shortness of breath, weakness, and a feeling of indigestion, and fatigue.

The silent Heart Attack

Approximately one quarter of all myocardial infarctions are silent, without chest pain or other symptoms. This makes them very difficult to identify, and often the sufferer may only be diagnosed after an emergency callout for a paramedic, or admission to the ER room of a hospital.

Heart attack is the most common form of death worldwide

Heart attacks are the leading cause of death for both men and women all over the world. There are many risk factors to be considered, of which the most important are listed in the following bullets :-

* Cardiovascular disease
* Angina
* Previous history of heart attack or stroke
* Older age (especially men over 40 and women over 50),
* Cigarette or tobacco smoking
* High blood levels of certain lipids (triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein or “bad cholesterol”) and low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL, “good cholesterol”)
* Diabetes
* High blood pressure
* Obesity
* Chronic kidney disease
* Heart failure
* Excessive alcohol consumption
* Drug abuse - especially cocaine
* Stress, especially chronically high levels

Immediate treatment for a heart attack

A heart attack is a medical emergency, and people experiencing chest pain are advised to alert the emergency medical services, because prompt treatment is essential.

Immediate treatment for suspected acute myocardial infarction includes oxygen, aspirin, and nitroglycerin. Pain relief is also often given, usually in the form of morphine sulfate.

Follow up treatment for a heart attack

The heart attack patient will receive a number of diagnostic tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG), a chest X-ray and blood tests. Under the guidance of a heart specialist or surgeon, further treatment may be administered using specialist heart drugs or possibly surgical intervention.

Confusion between heart attack and sudden cardiac death

The phrase “heart attack” is sometimes used incorrectly to describe sudden cardiac death, which may or may not be the result of an acute myocardial infarction. A heart attack is different from, but can be the cause of cardiac arrest, which is the stopping of the heartbeat, and cardiac arrhythmia, an abnormal heartbeat. It is also distinct from heart failure, in which the pumping action of the heart is impaired; severe myocardial infarction may lead to heart failure, but not necessarily.