1.
Every person is unique, and the same is
true of hearts. The degree to which a
heart ages can vary dramatically depending on
heredity, gender and how well it has been cared
for.
2. Levels
of estrogen, a hormone in women that allows them
to have children and keeps bones strong, decline
after menopause. Scientists speculate
that estrogen relaxes the arteries, allowing increased
blood flow. Postmenopausal women - especially
those who have had their ovaries or uterus removed
- are much more prone to heart disease. Estrogen
replacement therapy may decrease that risk by
as much as 50 percent.
3. Sudden
cardiac death occurs when the heart stops beating
abruptly. Unlike a heart attack, which
usually is caused by a blocked artery, sudden
heart death happens for reasons not entirely known.
In fact, evidence of heart disease may or may
not be present.
4. High blood
pressure is nicknamed "the silent killer"
for good reason. It wears down the heart
with every passing day, causing many potential
health problems. Often people don't get their
blood pressure checked because they feel great.
Diet and exercise do not guarantee low blood pressure.
Get it check regularly, at least every 2-1/2 years.
5. High levels
of triglycerides have been linked to the development
of coronary artery disease in some people. You
need to watch your triglycerides if they are between
200 and 400. Above 400 is considered high. Diabetes,
excess weight, lack of exercise and excessive
consumption of alcohol are common culprits behind
high triglycerides.
6. The most common
and accurate way to calculate a proper weight
in regard to your height is to use the Body Mass
Index (BMI). You calculate your BMI in
three steps:
1) Multiply your weight in pounds by 700
2) Divide that number by your height in inches
3) Divide that number again by your height in
inches.
The resulting number is your BMI.
Ideally it should fall between 21 and 25, with
a rating of 30 or higher considered obese. However
some studies suggest modifying the scale for older
individuals. With that scale in mind, if you are
45 to 54 years old, an acceptable BMI is 22 to
27. If you are 55 to 65 years old, and acceptable
BMI is 23 to 28. If you are 65 years or older,
and acceptable BMI is 24 to 29. If your number
is above your acceptable range, you are overweight.
7. This type of
surgery occurs when there are three blocked arteries,
instead of one or two. This coronary
bypass surgery also requires three vein or artery
grafts, one for each of the damaged arteries.
Overall, bypass operations are becoming more and
more common; each year more than 500,000 Americans
have this type of surgery.
8. Fear, anger
and depression are common feelings after a heart
attack. Your friend might be afraid of
dying or that her life will never be the same.
She could even be angry that the heart attack
happened to her. Encourage her to talk to her
doctor about her feelings. Depression can be damaging
to long-term health. Her physician likely will
recommend the professional help of a therapist
or counselor.
9. If you feel
you have a problem, describe all of your symptoms,
even ones that might seem minor. Tell
the doctor all the medications you are taking,
including over-the-counter drugs. Also, don't
be shy about asking questions, especially if your
are having trouble understanding what your doctor
is saying. Listen closely to any instructions
and, if necessary, have your doctor repeat them
or write them down. This is particularly important
for medication. After your visit, if you still
have questions, call your doctor.
10. The easiest
way to measure your heart rate is by taking your
pulse. Before, during or immediately
after exercising, place the tips of your first
two fingers on the underside of your wrist just
below your thumb (about where you would wear a
watch). Here you should find your pulse. Count
the number of times you feel your heart beat in
15 seconds. Then multiply that number by four.
That is your heart rate.
11. The benefits
of exercise far outweigh the risks. To
lower your chance of injury or heart attack (which
is unlikely) during exercise, always see your
doctor before starting a program. And when you
start, pace yourself.
12. Yes and no.
In recent studies, the use of alcohol
- wine (red and white), beer and liquor - has
been shown to lower the rate of heart disease
and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels. But
above two drinks per day for men and one drink
a day for women, the effects of alcohol can be
detrimental - liver damage, alcoholism, high blood
pressure, obesity, stroke, accidents, and even
suicide. The rule of thumb: if your don't drink,
don't start. If you do drink, do so in moderation.
13. The chance
of having a heart attack drops almost immediately
after your last puff. And in only three
years - no matter how long you've smoked - the
risk of heart disease falls to nearly the same
level as if you had never smoked at all. Surprisingly,
research also has found that older people have
a higher success rate at quitting smoking that
younger smokers.
14. Low, daily
doses of aspirin (not other pain relievers such
as Tylenol or Advil) have proven to be helpful
in preventing heart attacks by thinning the blood
slightly. However, there can be potentially
unsafe side effects, especially if combined with
alcohol. Consult your doctor before taking aspirin
on a regular basis. As for garlic, current research
- in contrast to older studies - suggests it is
simply a flavorful herb. So while a few cloves
a day certainly won't hurt, they probably won't
help much either.
15. Not exactly.
People with Type A personalities tend to be competitive,
stubborn and aggressive - and often in a hurry.
But studies have shown that the behavior
most apt to put people at a higher risk of heart
disease is anger. This may be tied to the release
of adrenaline or perhaps lowered levels of seratonin.
Those individuals who anger easily need to take
extra precautions in controlling their stress
levels. |
