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| Dealing with the stresses of modern life often times mean that we don’t really have time to pay proper attention to our diets. Diets high in toxins and additives cause additional strain on our bodies. Controlling your diet in a natural way with products such as Hoodia weight loss pills and by detoxing with foot spa every now and then, cleanses the body and will also give you more energy. | |
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| Heart Disease
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The main cause of death in the UK is
disease of the heart and circulatory system. This is commonly known as
CVD. In 2004, CVD was the cause for more than 216,000 deaths in the UK
alone, which is more than one in three people. Coronary heart disease
(CHD) and stroke are the two main forms of CVD. CHD is responsible for
approximately 49% of all CVD deaths and stroke is responsible for
approximately 28% of CVD deaths.
Death before 75 is considered premature and CVD is the main cause of
premature death in the UK for both men and women. In 2004, CVD caused a
little under 60,000 premature deaths in the UK. 32% of men and 24% of
women died prematurely in 2004 from CVD. |
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| What is Coronary Heart Disease? |
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Coronary arteries are hollow tubes
which allow blood flow. Over time fat is deposited into the blood
vessel walls. These deposits can cause damage to the walls and
chemicals are released to help heal the damage. These chemicals are
stick and substances that travel in the blood stream get stuck to the
walls. These substances and fat combine which forms plaque. The artery
begins to narrow as the plaque builds up.
Plaque is usually hard on the outside and soft on the inside. If the
surface of the plaque tears, platelets come to this area and form
around the tear. Platelets are particles in the blood in the shape of a
disc which assist in blood clotting. The artery is further narrowed by
this clotting.
The narrow artery may develop new blood cells to go around the build
up of plaque to get blood to the heart, however during times of stress
or exertion these new vessels may not be able to get enough oxygen to
the heart.
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Risk Factors of Coronary Heart Disease
There are quite a few risk factors
associated with coronary heart disease. Some are hereditary and some
are through individual lifestyle. Some people are genetically born with
tendency to have high cholesterol. If there is a history in the family
of relatives having heart attacks or angina at certain ages, the risk
is also higher.
Other factors include;
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Smoking |
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Lack of exercise |
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High blood pressure |
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Diabetes |
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Being overweight |
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High blood cholesterol |
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What are the symptoms? |
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With a narrowing of the arteries, it is difficult to get oxygen rich blood to the heart.
When this happens a feeling of tightness or discomfort can occur across
the chest, or even a dull ache. Angina is an uncomfortable feeling or
pain in the chest which can also spread to the neck, jaw or arm. Some
people may not have any of the above symptoms and only notice when they
have a heart attack.
Any chest pains or discomfort should be reported to your Doctor.
Easy steps to a healthier heart
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Make sure cholesterol levels are kept in check
Cholesterol is needed in our blood for various reasons, however too
much can lead to build ups of fat. You can help reduce cholesterol by
regular exercise, cutting down on foods with saturated fats and
increasing your vegetable and fruit intake. |
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Quit smoking
Although it is not easy to give up smoking, the
risk associated with smoking drops by half of that of a smoker within
12 months. After 15 years, the risk is that of a person who has never
smoked. |
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Have a healthier diet
A healthy balanced diet is the best way to help
keep your heart healthy, with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and a
low intake of saturated fats. |
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Check your blood pressure
Reducing your intake of salt is a great way to lower your blood pressure if it is high. Lower than 140/85 is the target reading. |
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Have less stress in your life
Many of us have some form of stress in our lives. Heart disease has
been associated with both stress and depression. Work related stress is
also a major factor in our lives today. Exercise is a great way to help
relieve stress. |
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Enjoy regular exercise
One of the most crucial factors in keeping your
heart healthy is regular exercise. The exercise needs to be aerobic,
such as jogging, aerobics and swimming. It is recommended that a
minimum of 30 minutes of exercise is taken every day. This can ever be
taking a brisk walk around the block or even to and from the station
for work. |
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Increase Omega 3 intake
Fish such as herring, tuna, trout, salmon and sardines are high in
Omega 3 fats. A recent study has shown the potential of Omega 3 fats in
protecting against heart disease. |
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