Painkillers and Heart Disease: A Warning

If you or your caree is at risk for heart attack or stroke, be careful about using over-the-counter painkillers.  Aspirin has long been known to be helpful in fending off heart attacks and strokes. But a new 10-year study of nearly 40,000 people, ages 50 to 84, found that those who suddenly stopped taking their daily dose had a 60% rise in their risk of having a non-fatal heart attack—regardless of how long they had been taking the drug. The study was done by researchers at the Spanish Center for Pharmacoepidemiologic Research and published in the British Medical Journal.

While stopping aspirin is risky, using another type of painkiller, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) too much and for too long is risky, too. A recent study by University of Florida researchers, published in the American Journal of Medicine, showed that people with heart disease who frequently used NSAIDs upped their risk of heart attack or stroke by 47%. NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen.

In light of this study, Howard LeWine, chief medical editor of Harvard Health Publications, advised those who are on NSAIDs for chronic conditions to talk to their doctors about using a lower dosage, or trying other painkillers, including aspirin, cautiously.

all my best,

Karen Cameron

www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Source:  Anne-Marie Botek for AgingCare.com

Myth-Busting: Cardiovascular Disease

Relying on false assumptions can be dangerous to our hearts. Cardiovascular disease kills more Americans each year than any other disease. But we can boost our “heart smarts” by separating fact from fiction.

1. “I’m too young to worry about heart disease.” How you live now affects your risk for cardiovascular diseases later in life. As early as childhood and adolescence, plaque can start accumulating in the arteries and later lead to clogged arteries. One in three Americans has cardiovascular disease, but not all of them are senior citizens. Even young and middle-aged people can develop heart problems – especially now that obesity, type 2 diabetes and other risk factors are becoming more common at a younger age.
2. “I’d know if I had high blood pressure because there would be warning signs.” High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because you don’t usually know you have it. You may never experience symptoms, so don’t wait for your body to alert you that there’s a problem. The  way to know if you have high blood pressure is to check your numbers with a simple blood pressure test. Early treatment of high blood pressure is critical because, if left untreated, it can cause heart attack, stroke, kidney damage and other serious health problems.
3. “I’ll know when I’m having a heart attack because I’ll have chest pain.” Not necessarily. Although it’s common to have chest pain or discomfort, a heart attack may cause subtle symptoms. These include shortness of breath, nausea, feeling lightheaded, and pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the jaw, neck or back. Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately. Learn you risk of heart attack today!
4. “Diabetes won’t threaten my heart as long as I take my medication.” Treating diabetes can help reduce your risk for or delay the development of cardiovascular diseases. But even when blood sugar levels are under control, you’re still at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. That’s because the risk factors that contribute to diabetes onset also make you more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. These overlapping risk factors include high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity and smoking.
5. “Heart disease runs in my family, so there’s nothing I can do to prevent it.” Although people with a family history of heart disease are at higher risk, you can take steps to dramatically reduce your risk. Create an action plan to keep your heart healthy by tackling these to-dos: get active; control cholesterol; eat better; manage blood pressure; maintain a healthy weight; control blood sugar; and stop smoking.
6. “I don’t need to have my cholesterol checked until I’m middle-aged.” The American Heart Association recommends you start getting your cholesterol checked at age 20. It’s a good idea to start having a cholesterol test even earlier if your family has a history of heart disease. Children in these families can have high cholesterol levels, putting them at increased risk for developing heart disease as adults. You can help yourself and your family by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
7. “Heart failure means the heart stops beating.” The heart suddenly stops beating during cardiac arrest, not heart failure. With heart failure, the heart keeps working, but it doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. It can cause shortness of breath, swelling in the feet and ankles or persistent coughing and wheezing. During cardiac arrest, a person loses consciousness and stops normal breathing.
8. “This pain in my legs must be a sign of aging. I’m sure it has nothing to do with my heart.” Leg pain felt in the muscles could be a sign of a condition called peripheral artery disease. PAD results from blocked arteries in the legs caused by plaque buildup. The risk for heart attack or stroke increases five-fold for people with PAD.
9. “My heart is beating really fast. I must be having a heart attack.” Some variation in your heart rate is normal. Your heart rate speeds up during exercise or when you get excited, and slows down when you’re sleeping. Most of the time, a change in your heartbeat is nothing to worry about. But sometimes, it can be a sign of arrhythmia, an abnormal or irregular heartbeat. Most arrhythmias are harmless, but some can last long enough to impact how well the heart works and require treatment.
10. “I should avoid exercise after having a heart attack.” No! As soon as possible, get moving with a plan approved for you! Research shows that heart attack survivors who are regularly physically active and make other heart-healthy changes live longer than those who don’t. People with chronic conditions typically find that moderate-intensity activity is safe and beneficial. The American Heart Association recommends at least two and a half hours of moderate intensity physical activity each week. Find the help you need by joining a cardiac rehabilitation program, or consult your healthcare provider for advice on developing a physical activity plan tailored to your needs.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.IndependAid.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Source:  The American Heart Association

You CAN Do It: Latest & Greatest on How to Perform CPR

When an adult has a sudden cardiac arrest, his or her survival depends greatly on immediately getting CPR from someone nearby. Unfortunately, less than 1/3 of those people who experience a cardiac arrest at home, work or in a public location get that help. Most bystanders are worried that they might do something wrong or make things worse. That’s why the American Heart Association has simplified things.

Please watch this short, informative, and very important video to learn about Continuous Chest Compression CPR (now being called “Hands-Only CPR”).  It’s simple.  There’s no mouth contact.  And, it could save someone’s life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5huVSebZpM

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.CheckInCalls.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

When Heart Attack is More Likely

My 49-year old brother just died of a heart attack last week.  I wish it could have been prevented.  Here’s what I’ve learned.  Certain days, weeks, and activities are harder on your heart. If you or your caree has a history of heart trouble, here’s when to be watchful:

First thing in the morning
The risk of heart attack increases 40 percent in the morning, Harvard researchers estimate. Why? As you awaken, your body secretes adrenaline and other stress hormones, increasing blood pressure and a demand for oxygen. Your blood is also thicker and harder to pump because you’re partially dehydrated. All this taxes the heart. Protect yourself: Build some time into your wake schedule so you can hit the snooze button and wake up slowly. If you’re a morning exerciser, warm up thoroughly so as not to additionally stress the heart. And if you’re on a beta-blocker, take it before bed so the medication is at full strength in the AM.

On Monday mornings especially
Twenty percent more heart attacks occur on this day, probably because people are stressed and depressed about returning to work. Protect yourself: Relax on Sunday, but try not to sleep in. Getting up early on Monday after sleeping late Saturday and Sunday can raise blood pressure even more because your body is fatigued and its natural rhythms are out of whack. Try to maintain a regular sleep/wake schedule all week.

After a high-fat, high-carb meal
Studies show these foods constrict blood vessels, making blood more prone to clot. Protect yourself: If you must indulge, keep your portion sizes reasonable. A daily aspirin will also help prevent blood “stickiness.”

During a bowel movement
Straining increases pressure in the chest, slowing the return of blood to the heart. Protect yourself: Eat lots of fiber, stay hydrated, and avoid straining.

During vigorous exercise you’re unprepared for
Having a heart attack while shoveling snow is a classic example of this. The heart attack occurs because the victim isn’t accustomed to that kind of effort and stress hormones skyrocket, causing blood pressure and heart rate to jump. Protect yourself: Regular exercise protects your heart. But increase your intensity level gradually.

At the podium
From the heart’s perspective, public speaking can be similar to unaccustomed exercise. Extreme nervousness raises blood pressure, heart rate, and adrenaline levels, all of which can make the presentation itself a secondary worry. Protect yourself: To counter these effects, if you’re on a betablocker, take it before speaking, flying, or doing anything that makes you overly anxious.

Original article was written by Arthur Agatston, MD, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.CheckInCalls.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

When Heart Attack is More Likely

Certain days, weeks, and activities are harder on your ticker. If you or your caree has a history of heart trouble, here’s when to be watchful:

First thing in the morning
The risk of heart attack increases 40 percent in the morning, Harvard researchers estimate. Why? As you awaken, your body secretes adrenaline and other stress hormones, increasing blood pressure and a demand for oxygen. Your blood is also thicker and harder to pump because you’re partially dehydrated. All this taxes the heart. Protect yourself: Build some time into your wake schedule so you can hit the snooze button and wake up slowly. If you’re a morning exerciser, warm up thoroughly so as not to additionally stress the heart. And if you’re on a beta-blocker, take it before bed so the medication is at full strength in the AM.

On Monday mornings especially
Twenty percent more heart attacks occur on this day, probably because people are stressed and depressed about returning to work. Protect yourself: Relax on Sunday, but try not to sleep in. Getting up early on Monday after sleeping late Saturday and Sunday can raise blood pressure even more because your body is fatigued and its natural rhythms are out of whack. Try to maintain a regular sleep/wake schedule all week.

After a high-fat, high-carb meal
Studies show these foods constrict blood vessels, making blood more prone to clot. Protect yourself: If you must indulge, keep your portion sizes reasonable. A daily aspirin will also help prevent blood “stickiness.”

During a bowel movement
Straining increases pressure in the chest, slowing the return of blood to the heart. Protect yourself: Eat lots of fiber, stay hydrated, and avoid straining.

During vigorous exercise you’re unprepared for
Having a heart attack while shoveling snow is a classic example of this. The heart attack occurs because the victim isn’t accustomed to that kind of effort and stress hormones skyrocket, causing blood pressure and heart rate to jump. Protect yourself: Regular exercise protects your heart. But increase your intensity level gradually.

At the podium
From the heart’s perspective, public speaking can be similar to unaccustomed exercise. Extreme nervousness raises blood pressure, heart rate, and adrenaline levels, all of which can make the presentation itself a secondary worry. Protect yourself: To counter these effects, if you’re on a betablocker, take it before speaking, flying, or doing anything that makes you overly anxious.

Article was written by Arthur Agatston, MD, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

all my best,

Karen Cameron
www.CheckInCalls.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Heart Attack Signs & Symptoms can Vary

Did you know that surprisingly few people have the classic Hollywood heart attack, the kind that leaves them clutching their chests and staggering?  Although chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack, victims can suffer shortness of breath, jaw pain, arm pain, nausea and even vomiting.

“I didn’t fall to my knees”
Kevin Ambrose, 52, of Washington Grove, Md., has had three heart attacks but was never in physical agony. “They were all mild — I didn’t fall to my knees,” he says. “Instead I got a bad headache or blurred vision.” During one heart attack, he recalls, he felt well enough to drive himself to the hospital, even though he knew he should call 911.

Joe Marzan, of Prineville, Ore., who had a heart attack at 31, says he felt his whole chest move with every heartbeat, and then he started vomiting.

It’s different for women
In a study of 515 female heart attack survivors, conducted by researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, only 30 percent described chest pressure before their attack; very few recalled pain before or during their attack.

The most common symptoms in women were unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances, shortness of breath, indigestion, and anxiety. Such “pain-free” attacks, which tend to strike women, people with diabetes, and people over 65, are especially hard to spot.

Linda Rawls, 62, of Boynton Beach, Fla., a veteran of three attacks — the first two of which were overlooked or misdiagnosed at the emergency room — has all but memorized her symptom pattern. “It felt like somebody was squeezing my heart and lungs and everything else in my chest as hard as they could,” she says. She felt pressure, but not as much sharp pain as one would expect.

Painless heart attacks can be deadlier
Heart attacks that don’t cause chest pain tend to be deadlier than those that do, because they are often misdiagnosed or undertreated. These so-called silent heart attacks may go completely unnoticed unless a patient has an electrocardiogram.

During his last attack Ambrose stopped to make himself a glass of chocolate milk before waking his wife to have her drive him to the hospital, a stall he attributes to dumb denial. “I just thought to myself, ‘Oh no, please don’t let this be happening again,’ ” he says.

Whatever your age, health, or gender, it pays to know the basic signs of heart attack — but remember that attacks rarely follow a script.

Source:  www.Health.com

all my best,
Karen Cameron

www.CheckInCalls.com & www.Memoir-Maker.com

Health-Promoting Benefits of Whole Milk

If milk does the heart good, it might do the heart better if it comes from dairy cows who graze on grass instead of in feedlots, according to a new study.

Earlier experiments have shown that cows on a diet of fresh grass produce milk with five times as much of an unsaturated fat called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than do cows fed processed grains. Studies in animals have suggested that CLAs can protect the heart, and help in weight loss.

Hannia Campos of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and her colleagues found, in a study of 4,000 people, that people with the highest concentrations of CLAs — the top fifth among all participants — had a 36 percent lower risk of heart attack compared to those with the lowest concentrations.

Those findings held true even once the researchers took into account heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and smoking.

The new findings suggest that CLA offers heart-healthy benefits that could more than offset the harms of saturated fat in milk, Campos said.  “Because pasture grazing leads to higher CLA in milk, and it is the natural feed for cattle, it seems like more emphasis should be given to this type of feeding.”

Dairy products in the U.S. come almost exclusively from feedlots, she added. And cow’s milk is the primary source of CLA. (Beef contains a small amount.)

Campos and her colleagues looked to Costa Rica for their study, where pasture grazing of dairy cows is still the norm. They identified nearly 2,000 Costa Ricans who had suffered a non-fatal heart attack, and another 2,000 who had not. Then they measured the amount of CLA in fat tissues to estimate each person’s intake.

Since CLA typically travels with a host of other fats, the researchers went a step further to tease apart its effects from those of its predominantly unhealthful companions, they report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The difference in risk attributed to CLA subsequently rose to 49 percent.

“Whole-fat milk and dairy products have gotten such a bad reputation in recent years due to their saturated fat and cholesterol contents, and now we find that CLA may be incredibly health-promoting,” Michelle McGuire, spokesperson for the American Society for Nutrition, and associate professor at Washington State University. “Whole milk is not the villain!”

Each year, approximately 1.5 million Americans will suffer a heart attack. A third will not survive.

The evidence may now be piling up: another paper out of Sweden in the same issue of the journal as the Costa Rican study also hints at heart attack protection through milk fat.

Further, the benefits of CLA may extend beyond the heart to the prevention of cancer and diabetes, suggests McGuire, pointing to results of other animal studies. “Milk is actually the only food ever ‘designed by nature’ to be fed to mammals,” she added. “We need to look to milk as the perfect food and learn everything we can from it.”

SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, online May 12, 2010.

ElderCaring is brought to you by Check-In Calls, LLC

New way to do CPR

Please watch this short, informative, and very important video to learn about Continuous Chest Compression CPR.  It’s simple.  There’s no mouth contact.  And, it could save someone’s life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5huVSebZpM

Know the Warning Signs of Heart Attack

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most of them start slowly, with a mild pain or discomfort.  Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

• Chest discomfort.  Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back.  It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.  Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath.  Theis feeling often comes along with chest discomfort.  But it can occur without chest discomfort also.
• Other signs.  These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

If you or someone you are with has one or more of these signs, call 9-1-1..Get to the hospital right away.

If you’re the one having symptoms, and you can’t access emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the hospital immediately.  Don’t drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option.  For more information, contact your nearest American Heart Association office, click www.americanheart.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.

Source:  American Heart Association

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most of them start slowly, with a mild pain or discomfort.  Here are some of the signs that can mean a heart attack is happening.

• Chest discomfort in center of chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body like arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
• Other signs, like breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness

If you or someone you’re with has any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.  Don’t wait longer than five minutes before calling for help.  You need to get to a hospital right away.  (Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment.) 

Source:  American Heart Association’s “Our Guide for American Adults”