Restless Leg Syndrome Has it Got a Hold on You

By now, we've all seen the ubiquitous TV commercials featuring some poor soul writhing in bed, unable to get a decent night's sleep due to the irritating symptoms of restless leg syndrome.  Many of us do have occasional bouts with leg cramps, charley horses, or aching legs, and we wonder:  could this be restless leg syndrome? Where did this come from?How did I get it?And what the heck can I do about it? Let's start with the basics
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is nothing new.  In fact, as far back as 1683, Thomas Willis, who was writing a medical book at the time, described RLS in a chapter he titled, "Instructions for Curing the Watching Evil".  Willis suggested the disease was caused by "convulsive distempers".   Luckily for you, things have been updated, and here is the modern criteria for RLS diagnosis:
You have a strong urge to move your legs which you may not be able to resist.  This is often accompanied by very uncomfortable sensations.
The symptoms become much worse when resting.  The longer you rest or relax, the worse it gets.
The symptoms get better when you move your legs; sometimes immediate relief is felt.  As long as you are moving, you feel better.
Symptoms are worse in the evening, especially when lying down.  Activities that bother you at night are not a problem during the day.
RLS affects an estimated 7-10% of the European and North American population.  Only a minority experience daily or severe symptoms.  It's twice as common in women, and white people are much more prone to RLS than black people.  Only 3% of individuals from the Mediterranean or Middle East have it, and an estimated 1-5% of those in the Far East.  Thus, researchers believe that genetic inheritance or environmental factors like diet may play a role.  It is more common in people who have an iron deficiency, end-stage renal disease, and pregnancy.  About 25% of pregnant women experience RLS during their third trimester.
Some people have mild symptoms and consider RLS merely an occasional annoyance; others have a major problem with it. RLS is a neurological disease; it's generally considered a lifelong condition with no cure.  Symptoms may worsen with age, although many people have remission periods where symptoms disappear for days, weeks, even months, only to eventually reappear.  A diagnosis of RLS does not indicate or foreshadow another neurological disease.
RLS causes a sensation most often described as uncomfortable, electrical, creeping, itching, pins and needles, creepy-crawly, or antsy.  It is sometimes described as a numbness or like a body part has "fallen asleep".
Movement of some kind usually brings relief, though it may be temporary and only partial.  Different activities may work to alleviate symptoms, among them walking, stretching, yoga and biking.  Often a continuous, rapid, up and down leg movement, or a rapid, scissors-type sideways leg movement can help.
Sitting down to watch TV or read, or lying down can often trigger the uncomfortable sensations that accompany RLS, with most people reporting the onset in the evening or at bedtime. RLS is much less prevalent in the morning for most people, although some suffer throughout the day as well.   Needless to say, this can bring great difficulty in sleeping, with resultant problems such as being late to work or school, missing appointments or events due to drowsiness or impaired driving.  Many people report their worst symptoms when forced to sit for long periods of time, such as on an airplane or taking a long car trip, attending a lengthy meeting or watching a performance.
An increased level of mental awareness may help.  Working a crossword, doing Soduku, or playing a game of cards or Scrabble before bedtime may help.
About 60% of cases seem to be genetic.  No one knows the exact cause.  The most commonly associated medical condition with RLS is iron deficiency, accounting for about 20% of all cases.  Other associated conditions are varicose veins, folate and/or magnesium deficiency, fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, uremia, diabetes, thyroid disease, peripheral neuropathy, and Parkinson's disease.  Auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and Sjogren's syndrome may also play a part.
Certain medications may also worsen RLS:
Antiemetic (used to treat naseau)
antihistamines (including over-the-counter cold medicine)
 many antidepressants
antipsychotics
anticonvulsants
RLS can be an unpleasant side effect from discontinuing tranquillizers, sleeping pills, or withdrawal from opioids.  Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) seems to worsen RLS symptoms.
A note of caution: while some RLS sufferers have low iron levels, many do not.  Never take an iron supplement without first speaking to your doctor and having your iron level tested. Taking iron when it's not needed can cause iron overload disorder, a potentially fatal condition.  While uncomfortable, RLS is in itself not a fatal disease.  Educate yourself, keep a sense of balance about it, and speak with your medical professional.   Above all, don't stress!   That definitely only makes it worse, and that's absolutely the last thing you need, isn't it?

Restless Legs Syndrome What Your Doctor Doesn't Know

If you have restless legs syndrome (RLS), you know how emotionally and physically aggravating it can be. Annoyingly, this terrible affliction can rob you of your sleep and keep you awake long after you should have fallen into a peaceful night slumber. Those creepy crawly compulsive leg movements affect not only your nights but extends throughout your entire life. Loss of your precious sleep decreases your enjoyment of life and affects not only your nights but your waking hours also because you are tired, cranky and struggle to stay conscious. You can’t even focus throughout the day exhausted from lack of sleep. The tormenting twitching and need to kick your legs affects not only you but your spouse also. Either your spouse has moved to the couch or you have. Likely, your doctor has prescribed you Mirapex or Requip for your restless leg syndrome (RLS.) These medications don’t work for everyone and may have unpleasant side effects.  The most common Mirapex side effects are nausea sleeplessness, constipation, involuntary movement, dizziness upon standing and hallucinations. You've may have tried liniments, herbal remedies, acupuncture, and special teas to no avail. So what causes restless leg syndrome (RLS). The cause of restless leg syndrome is unknown but let’s see if by looking at conditions associated with restless legs syndrome we can find a common factor and clue as to its cause. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states some conditions associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS) are pregnancy, obesity, smoking, iron deficiency anemia, hypothyroidism, and kidney disease. Caffeine and alcohol have also been associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS.) Hypoxia is where the body or part of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen. Iron deficiency anemia is where there is a lack of iron. Iron is an important part of hemoglobin that carries oxygen in the blood. A lack of oxygen is again, hypoxia. In pregnancy there is almost a 50% increase in blood for the baby. Many times there is not enough iron available to keep up with this increased need and therefore approximately 20% of women end up with anemia. Anemia equals hypoxia.

There is also an association between obesity and hypoxia although it is not well understood.  Do I need to tell you that smoking can cause hypoxia?  Iron deficiency anemia is also more common with hypothyroidism.  Kidney disease and patients on dialysis are also carefully evaluated for, you guessed it anemia. Did you know that the use of coffee and tea (caffeine) reduces the non heme iron absorption of a meal by approximately 50% and thereby once again causes anemia.  Alcohol in addition to being associated with anemia can cause clumping up of erythrocytes (red blood cells.) As the blood vessel get smaller and smaller the red blood cells can clog up and thereby cause a diminished oxygen delivery to the cells (hypoxia.)  Well, we have looked at several conditions or factors that can cause anemia and thereby cause hypoxia. Is there any scientific literature to more directly to support the issue of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and hypoxia. An article entitled “Outcome of restless legs severity after continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) treatment in patients affected by the association of RLS and obstructive sleep apneas” from Sleep Medicine April 2006 concludes: Our findings suggest that not only fatigue and sleepiness but also the severity of RLS show a favorable response to CPAP in the group of patients with OSAS and RLS.  CPAP stands for continuous passive air pressure and OSAS stands for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Although a CPAP machine does not produce oxygen enriched air, it does produce more oxygen than not getting enough air of any kind at all as in the case of sleep apnea. Here RLS is seen more frequently with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD (HYPOXIA?) A Sleep Medicine November 2008 article entitled “Increased frequency of restless legs syndrome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients” concludes: RLS is a frequent cause of disabling sleep disturbance in patients with COPD and should be specifically investigated in these patients. This time from the Canadian journal of neurological science July 2008. Conclusion: we conclude that RLS is frequent in COPD, particularly in patients with severe hypoxemia/hypercapnia and in late stages of the disease. Hypoxemia is low oxygen in the blood. One more time! Sleep Medicine November 2008.  Conclusions: RLS is a frequent cause of disabling sleep disturbance in patients with COPD and should be specifically investigated in these patients. How about lung transplant patients do you suppose they might be oxygen deficient? Journal of Heart Lung Transplant January 2007. Conclusion: There was a very high prevalence of RLS in our lung transplant population and most patients had moderate or severe symptoms. Although the exact cause of restless legs syndrome (RLS has not been found I think the above has made the case for at best an association between hypoxia and restless legs syndrome (RLS.) In my office we attempt to address all neurologic conditions with our Neuron Fuel Program, which includes supporting the nervous system with oxygen.   He has additional sub-specialty training in electro diagnosis, vestibular disorders and CNBD. He is one of the few chiropractors in the country board certified in both chiropractic neurology and chiropractic orthopedics. In 1989 he was one af 11 doctors out of 60,000 chosen by the American Chiropractic Association to start the first Chiropractic Neurology Board.  For information regarding the oxygen concentrator that Dr. Mane recommends visit www.neuronfuel.com. To learn more about Dr. Mane, D.C., P.A. and his practice go to www.manecenter.com

Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome - What To Look For

Since restless leg syndrome affects up to only ten percent of the population, a person would often not know that they have it. Restless leg syndrome is actually a disease where you experience an uncomfortable feeling in your legs. This can range from a mild to a painful feeling.Here are some symptoms to watch out for that could possibly be ruled as a restless leg syndrome.
Do you feel the urge to move your legs when you lie down or sit? Chances are you have restless leg syndrome. Most people that have this disease have this feeling to move their legs since they would experience an uncomfortable feeling in it. The feeling would usually disappear once the legs are moved.
Does your leg move involuntarily even when you are awake? People with restless leg syndrome often do not have control of their leg movements. It has become an involuntary action due to the brain already conditioned to move your legs whenever it gets an irritating feeling.
Are you unable to sleep at night due to your constant leg movement? Restless leg syndrome is more evident at night when a person is at rest. During this time a person with this disease would constantly move their legs as soon as they feel something irritating. This would often keep you awake all throughout the night.
Do you feel drowsiness during the day? People with restless leg syndrome often have little sleep at night since this disease strikes the most when you are at rest. In the morning, you would often feel sleepy due to lack of rest.
Does your medical checkup show nothing? Restless leg syndrome is often not detected easily by the doctor. When you go to have a check up the symptoms would strangely not appear thus a doctor cannot  immediately conclude that you have a restless leg syndrome.
If you answered yes to most of these questions then chances are you have restless leg syndrome.

The Dancing Doberman Disease Syndrome

 Dancing Doberman disease (DDD or Distal Polyneuropathy) - also known as Dancing Doberman Syndrome - is a disease only seen in Doberman dogs, primarily affects their gastrocnemius muscle. A simple description of DDD is one of a progressive disease, usually first involving the holding up of one rear leg while the dog is standing. Over several months the condition advances with a wasting of the rear leg muscles and a more constant shifting of weight on the rear legs that resembles a dog "dancing". Frequently these dogs will knuckle over with their rear paws and ultimately prefer to sit or lie down rather than stand. No known cause of this disease and the presumption that genetics must play a role in this syndrome.  The disease is similar to hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies in humans. In some cases, there is a sensation of burning soles or discomfort with pressure on the feet. A similar sensation might cause constant lifting of the feet in dogs with Dancing Doberman Disease.Dancing Doberman Disease symptoms normally appear when the dog is 6-7 months old, but the age of onset can vary from just 4 months to up to 10 years. Both males and females are affected. Most affected dogs have normal findings on other tests, including blood counts, biochemistry, x-ray, and thyroid function. When the dog is standing, one of its rear legs will suddenly flex. Over the course of the following months, the problem will usually start affecting the other hind leg as well. A dog with Dancing Doberman Disease can end up alternatively flexing and extending each rear leg and this behaviour is the reason behind the name of this health problem. Many dogs will start knuckling over their rear paws and some dogs will eventually avoid standing all together; they will prefer to lie or sit. They can however still be perfectly capable of running around. There is no signs of pain associated with Dancing Doberman Disease.  Dancing Doberman Disease can mimic many other conditions such as lumbosacral disc disease, cervical vertebral instability (CVI), inflammation of the spinal cord, spinal arthritis, cauda equina syndrome, some nervous system maladies, and spinal tumors. Hyperactive tendon and muscle reflexes with gastrocnemius muscle atrophy are early clinical signs, followed by more extensive pelvic limb muscle atrophy as the disease progresses. Proprioceptive deficits are seen occasionally. It is likely the condition is more prevalent than previously recognized because there is a general lack of awareness on the part of veterinarians and breeders, and therefore, the condition is often overlooked as a diagnosis. On different diagnosis, lumbosacral stenosis, intervertebral disc disease, and discospondylitis of the lower lumbar spine are usually painful. Also neoplasia of the lumbar spinal cord or nerve roots progresses more rapidly and can be painful. At the moment, there is no know cure or treatment for Dancing Doberman Disease. On the positive side, most dogs with DDD live to be as old as any other Doberman and the condition appears to be completely painless for the dog. A majority of the affected dogs can still walk. Dancing Doberman Disease is however a progressing disease that will cause increasingly weak legs and muscle atrophy.

What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome - Things To Know

 If you constantly move your feet around to get rid of that irritating feeling that occurs most of the time then chances are you have restless leg syndrome. This disease has been known for quite some time now but its cause is still not clear. It was thought that certain abnormalities in a persons blood or nerves that controlled the legs caused this disease but was soon found to be untrue. There is an ongoing research right now linking abnormalities in a persons neurotransmitters to this disease but no conclusive evidence is yet available.There are however some underlying factors that may cause a person to have restless leg syndrome.

Lack of vitamins : When a person lacks vitamins such as iron and folic acid the chances of getting restless leg syndrome increases. Pregnancy : Pregnant women usually need lots of iron than they normally would have needed. Because of this most pregnant women develop restless leg syndrome during their third trimester.Hereditary: If you come from a line of family that suffers from restless leg syndrome then your chances of getting it increase as well.Damage to nerves: Certain conditions arise that leads to restless leg syndrome when your leg nerves are damaged.Kidney Failure: This condition may trigger restless leg syndrome in a person.Arthritis: When the joints in your legs have arthritis there is a great chance that it can trigger restless leg syndrome as well.Parkinson's disease: This is a serious condition where a person's muscles move involuntarily.These are just some of the causes known to trigger restless leg syndrome. Since scientists are still finding the exact reason it is best that we gather all information we can get regarding the cause of this disease. Although this is no a life threatening condition it can seriously affect a persons way of life.

Requip Can Treat Disorders Like Parkinson's Disease And Restless Leg Syndrome

Parkinson's disease or PD is a disorder where there is degeneration of the central nervous system that damages the patient's motor skills, speech and various other actions. It belongs to a particular group of ailments called the 'movement disorders' and is often typified by inflexibility of the muscles, tremor and slow movements of the limbs. The Restless Leg Syndrome or RLS is another disorder which is characterized by the urge to move one's body to arrest uneasy and strange feelings. It generally affects the legs but can also affect the arms and torso too. Making some sort of movement of some part of the body offers stop-gap relief to the sufferer.Requip that is manufactured by the pharmaceutical giants Glaxo Smith Kline is said to be one of the most efficient drugs to treat both these disorders. It is in a class called the dopamine agonists. This medication that contains Ropinirole hydrochloride is a drug that is available only by prescription is said to enhance the amount of dopamine in the brain to make the nerves in the nerves believe that there is more dopamine in the brain than there really is, so that they function better. This aids in reducing the symptoms of both PD and RLS.Requip is generally available in the form of tablets that are taken three times daily for Parkinson's disease and once daily for Rest Leg Syndrome. It is advisable to take this medication along with some meal so as to reduce the feeling of queasiness. Taking the drug as per the prescription will produce the best results.Most of the patients who have been on Requip have adjusted well to it though there have been cases of side effects like giddiness, tightening in your chest, tremors, hallucinations etc. If any of these symptoms persist ensure that the patient sees the doctor. It would be a good idea to refrain form consuming alcohol when you are on Requip.Requip is a well known drug and at the same time it is widely considered as the best option for most of the strange diseases that you might come along. It is always advised to buy these drugs at a Canadian pharmacy, as you can save a lot of time and money.

PAD Disease Just One of a Handful of Serious Vascular Diseases

Vascular diseases cause blockages in blood vessels and/or cause plaque buildup on the sides of the blood vessels. These blockages and plaque buildup restrict blood flow to the heart and brain causing heart attack, stroke, and even death. Let's take a look at the different types of vascular diseases.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Peripheral arterial disease, also known as PAD, is being recognized by more and more cardiac professionals. It afflicts as many as 10 to 12 million Americans and is a condition of the peripheral arteries, the blood vessels outside of the heart. Plaque from fat and cholesterol accumulate on the vessel walls, in turn narrowing the passage through the artery and significantly slowing down blood flow. Symptoms are often reported as leg pain, toe pain, tiredness in the legs, color or temperature changes in the lower legs, ulcers, numbness, and sores.
To screen for PAD, a simple test called ABI (ankle-brachial index) is performed. The test measures blood pressure in the arm and ankle while resting and then again after exercise. The ABI can determine if blood pressure is lower in the legs which can indicate PAD as well as risk for other vascular diseases.
Venous Disease  Comprised of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), venous disease occurs when the valves inside the veins become damaged and do not open and close properly. The result is pooling blood or swelling in the veins which can slow down blood flow and cause blood clots.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) DVT is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. Symptoms are often swelling in one leg, pain or tenderness in one leg, increased warmth in one leg, or changes in skin color in one leg. DVT is considered an acute medical condition as opposed to a chronic one. Acute medical conditions appear and change or worsen rapidly. With DVT a blood clot can travel to the heart, brain, or lungs causing a heart attack, stroke or pulmonary embolism. DVT is caused by extended sedentary positions including long plane flights or extended hospital stays. The best prevention against DVT is to minimize risk factors for developing the blood clot in the first place.
Minimize Risk Factors for Vascular Disease You can reduce your risk of vascular disease on your own through healthy changes in your lifestyle. These changes include stopping tobacco use, controlling your blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reducing saturated fat consumption, along with weight-bearing and cardiovascular exercise.

PAD Are You at Risk for Peripheral Arterial Disease

You walk a block, then clutch your leg with what feels like a charley horse. You stop, and the pain does too. The discomfort may be a warning of a common yet serious condition called peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

In PAD, the same fatty material that can clog heart arteries builds up in the arteries of the legs, blocking blood flow. The risk for death from heart attack or stroke is six to seven times greater in people with PAD is equivalent to the risk of someone who has had a heart attack or stroke. Without prompt treatment, one in four people with the condition will suffer a heart attack, stroke or amputation or die within five years.

PAD is most often recognized when it causes claudication and fatigue, cramps, tiredness or pain in the leg or buttock muscles that goes away when you stop walking. Less frequently, it can cause ulcers or slow-healing wounds on the feet or toes, or pain in the feet or toes that disturbs sleep. However, as many as half to two thirds of those with the condition have no symptoms.

As with coronary heart disease, key risk factors for PAD are having diabetes, smoking or having smoked, and being over age 50. "If you have no other risk factors, age alone will increase risk and yet risk rapidly increases even in younger people who smoke or have diabetes," says Alan T. Hirsch, M.D., professor of epidemiology at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health in Minneapolis. "We want people to recognize that if you are over 50 and have any other risk factor, you have a one in four chance of having this disease."

Also at risk are African Americans and anyone with chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or a personal or family history of vascular disease, heart attack or stroke. An estimated 8 to 12 million people in this country have PAD.

If you have risk factors, talk to your doctor, whether or not you have symptoms. The PAD Coalition, a consortium of health organizations and government agencies, recommends that those at risk get a quick, painless, accurate and inexpensive diagnostic test called an ABI (ankle-brachial index).

The good news: PAD is both preventable and is very treatable. "PAD is a common and serious disease, which merits immediate and lifelong attention," says Dr. Hirsch. "Become informed and take actions to protect your health." Arms for Legs While exercise is helpful for people with PAD, walking is a typical workout for sufferers but can also be painful. Diane Treat-Jacobson, R.N., Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, has done studies on the effects of exercise on people with this disease.

She recently discovered that supervised training using aerobic arm exercise was as beneficial as treadmill walking in improving walking distance. Treat-Jacobson notes that while results are preliminary, arm exercise might be a pain-free option that can "help break the cycle of disability or enable patients to start exercising sooner after a surgical procedure."

Remember that peripheral arterial disease is both preventable and very treatable, but it is a a common and serious disease which merits your attention if you have any of the symptoms addressed in this article.

It is up to you to become informed about this disease and take active action to protect your health.      

Mirapex 1 mg Can Treat Restless Leg Syndrome and Parkinson Disease

Mirapex 1 mg Can Treat Restless Leg Syndrome and Parkinson DiseaseMirapex 1 mg is a drug formulated to treat the Restless Legs Syndrome or RLS and Parkinson Disease. The generic name of this drug is Pramipexole Dihydrochloride and it has been manufactured by some pharmaceutical corporations such as, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Janssen-Ortho. The generic version of Mirapex is Pramipexole and is available worldwide, marketed by various pharmaceutical firms. The use of this drug can be combined with another medication for Parkinson such as Eldepryl or Sinemet. Basically, it is categorized into anti-dopamine medications which have the counter acting capacity of the production of dopamine. Mirapex 1 mg’s FunctionMirapex 1 mg is used in treating Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome. It improves the patient’s ability to move and also decrease the tremors, shakiness, stiffness, and the unsteadiness of the leg. Besides, it also helps decrease the number of the occurrence of on-off syndrome of the ability to move. Mirapex also has beneficial effects of facilitating better sleep. Other than these primary diseases, the drug will also work to treat cluster headache, depression, and some common sleep disorders. Since it can restore imbalances in the brain, by countering dopamine, Mirapex is also effective in treating Parkinson disease, when used in combination with other treatment. Using Mirapex in Proper MannerMirapex can be taken before or after meals but taking it after meals reduces the occurrence of nausea. The dosages must be decided by the physician based on the patient’s condition and the stage of progression in the case of PD. The initial dosage will start at 1mg and later increased if need be, once the body adjusts to the medication and the after effects wear off. Mirapex, similar to any other drug, has its own set of side effects. Some of the individuals will experience mild reactions while few may encounter allergic reactions which will need discontinuation of the drug and seeking medical assistance. Some of the common side effects that usually occur after you take this medication include Falling asleep during normal daily activities.The lowering of blood pressure when you are standing up too quickly (e.g. dizziness, sweating, fainting and nausea)Hallucinations.The side effects that appear after the consuming Mirapex can also vary as per the kind of syndrome or disease that is being treated. For restless legs syndrome treatment, sleepiness and nausea are the most common effects. If being treated for Parkingson Disease, patients may experience hallucinations, weakening of muscles, and dizziness. The drug is not cleared for usage within physician’s instructions during pregnancy and it can also secrete through breast milk, hence to be avoided by nursing mothers. Patients who are already on PD drugs such as levodopa or a carbidopa/levodopa combination, will need to inform the physician, so that they may reduce the dosages of those drugs, once the Mirapex treatment is initiated. Mirapex has proven effectiveness in treating a number of diseases such as RLS, Parkingson Disease and also light insomnia. The drug which is available in both branded and generic form can be readily accessible and can be used noncommittally with other treatment drugs of PD with minimum or no interactions.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Diagnosis and Treatment of Various Diseases

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Using this technique, the doctors are able to visualize detailed internal structure of the human body. MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. In this imaging technique, ionizing radiation is not used.

Detailed images produced by this technique help doctors to determine the presence of certain diseases that may not be assessed properly with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging produces much greater contrast between the different soft tissues of the body as compared to computed tomography, thereby making it extremely useful in neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and oncological imaging.

MR imaging of the body is performed to evaluate breasts, blood vessels, organs of the chest and abdomen and pelvic organs. Doctors can evaluate the heart, liver, biliary tract, kidneys, spleen, bowel, pancreas, adrenal glands and reproductive organs including prostate and testicles in male and uterus, cervix and ovaries in females.

Doctors using MRI imaging technique to diagnose or monitor treatment for conditions such as:


Tumors of the chest, abdomen or pelvis
Heart problems
Blockages or enlargements of blood vessels, including the aorta, renal arteries, and arteries in the legs
Diseases of the liver, such as cirrhosis, and that of other abdominal organs, including the bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreatic ducts
Diseases of the small intestine, colon, and rectum
Cysts and solid tumors in the kidneys and other parts of the urinary tract
Tumors and other abnormalities of the reproductive organs
Causes of pelvic pain in women
Suspected uterine congenital abnormalities in women undergoing evaluation for infertility
Breast cancer and implants


Although MRI is an expensive imaging technique and takes more time to perform as compared to  other imaging modalities, the high quality images produced makes it an extremely accurate method for detection of various diseases.

Lower Extremity Ulcers of the Legs, Ankles, and Feet

An ulcer is a sore on the skin or a mucous membrane often associated with the disintegration of tissue and the formation of pus. Ulcers can result in the complete loss of the epidermis, the dermis, and in more advanced cases subcutaneous fat. Ulcers that appear in the skin are distinguished by inflamed tissue with an area of reddened skin. Skin ulcers are most often associated with diabetes, but have numerous other causes including exposure to heat or cold, irritation, and problems with blood circulation.
Lower extremity ulcers and amputations are an increasing problem among individuals with diabetes. Data from the 1983-90 National Hospital Discharge Surveys (NHDS) indicate that 6% of hospitalizations listing diabetes on the discharge record also listed a lower extremity ulcer condition. In hospitalizations that listed diabetes, chronic ulcers were present in 2.7% of the patients. The average length of stay for diabetes discharges with ulcer conditions was 59% longer than for diabetes discharges without ulcers. Recent data suggest that foot ulcers precede approximately 85% of nontraumatic lower extremity amputations (LEAs) in individuals with diabetes.
More than half of lower limb amputations in the United States occur in people with diagnosed diabetes. NHDS data also indicate that there were  about 54,000 diabetic individuals who underwent  nontraumatic LEAs in 1990. Lower extremity amputations are more common in individuals with diabetes than without diabetes.
Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effect of patient education on reducing LEAs. A randomized trial showed that patient self-care was helpful in preventing serious foot lesions. Several amputation prevention programs have reported striking pre- and post-intervention differences in amputation frequency after instituting comprehensive, multidisciplinary foot care programs. Part of the hospital care and self care program should be the administration of a topical growth factor gel to the wound.
What are the types and symptoms of ulcers? Ulcers may or may not be painful. The patient generally has a swollen leg and may feel burning or itching. There may also be a rash, redness, brown discoloration or dry, scaly skin. The three most common types of leg and foot ulcers are:
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Venous stasis ulcers
Arterial (ischemic ulcers)
Neurotrophic (diabetic ulcers)
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Ulcers are typically defined by the appearance of the ulcer, the ulcer location, and the way the borders and surrounding skin of the ulcer look as defined below:
1. Venous stasis ulcers
Venous ulcers are located below the knee and are primarily found on the inner part of the leg, just above the ankle. The base of a venous ulcer is usually red and may also be covered with yellow fibrous tissue, or there may be a green or yellow discharge if the ulcer is infected. Fluid drainage can be significant with this type of ulcer.
The borders of a venous ulcer are usually irregularly shaped and the surrounding skin is often discolored and swollen. It may even feel warm or hot. With edema (swelling) the skin may appear shiny and tight. The skin of the lower leg may also have brown or purple discoloration known as "stasis skin changes."
Venous stasis ulcers are common in patients who have a history of leg swelling, long standing varicose veins, or a history of blood clots in either the superficial or the deep veins of the legs. Ulcers may affect one or both legs.
Venous ulcers affect 500,000 to 600,000 people in the United States every year and account for 80 to 90% of all leg ulcers.
2. Arterial (ischemic)
Arterial ulcers are usually located on the feet and often occur on the heels, tips of toes, between the toes where the toes rub against one another or anywhere the bones may protrude and rub against bed sheets, socks or shoes. Arterial ulcers also commonly occur in the nail bed if the toenail cuts into the skin or if the patient has had recent aggressive toe nail trimming or an ingrown toenail removed.
The base of an arterial or ischemic ulcer usually does not bleed. It has a yellow, brown, gray, or blackened color. The borders and surrounding skin usually appear as though they have been punched out. If irritation or infection are present, there may or may not be swelling and redness around the ulcer base. There may also be redness on the entire foot when the leg is dangled; this redness often turns to a pale white/yellow color when the leg is elevated.
Arterial ulcers are usually very painful, especially at night. The patient may instinctively dangle their foot over the side of the bed to relieve the pain. Patients usually have prior knowledge of poor circulation in their legs and may have an accompanying disorder.
3. Neurotrophic (diabetic)
Neurotrophic ulcers are usually located at increased pressure points on the bottom of the feet. However, neurotrophic ulcers related to trauma can occur anywhere on the foot. These types of ulcers occur primarily in people with diabetes although anyone who has impaired sensation of the feet can be affected.
The base of the ulcer is variable, depending on the patient's circulation and may appear pink/red or brown/black. The borders of the ulcer are punched out and the surrounding skin is typically calloused.
Neuropathy and peripheral artery disease are often co-morbid in people who have diabetes. Nerve damage (neuropathy) in the feet often results in a loss of foot sensation and changes in the sweat-producing glands. Thus, a person may not feel the development of foot calluses or cracks, increasing the risk of injury or infection. Symptoms of neuropathy include tingling, numbness, and burning or pain.
What causes leg ulcers? Leg ulcers may be caused by:
Poor circulation, often caused by arteriosclerosis
Diabetes
Venous insufficiency (a failure of the valves in the veins of the leg that causes congestion and slowing of blood circulation in the veins)
Other disorders of clotting and circulation that may or may not be related to atherosclerosis
Renal (kidney) failure
Hypertension (treated or untreated)
Lymphedema (a buildup of fluid that causes swelling in the legs or feet)
Inflammatory diseases including vasculitis, lupus, scleroderma or other rheumatological conditions
Other medical conditions such as high cholesterol, heart disease, high blood pressure, sickle cell anemia, bowel disorders
History of smoking (either current or past)
Pressure caused by lying in one position for too long
Genetics (they may be hereditary)
A malignancy (tumor or cancerous mass)
Infections
Certain medications
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How are leg ulcers diagnosed and treated?
First, the patient's medical history is evaluated. A wound specialist will examine the wound thoroughly and may perform tests such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans and noninvasive vascular studies to help develop a treatment plan. The goals of treatment are to relieve pain, speed recovery, and heal the wound. Each patient's treatment plan should be individualized based on the patient's health, medical condition, and ability to care for the wound.
Treatment options for all ulcers may include:
Antibiotics, if an infection is present
Anti-platelet or anti-clotting medications to prevent a blood clot
Topical wound care therapies (including topical growth factors)
Compression garments
Prosthetics or orthotics, available to restore or enhance normal lifestyle function
Venous ulcers are treated somewhat differently with compression of the leg to minimize edema or swelling. Compression treatments may include wearing compression stockings, multilayer compression wraps, or wrapping an ACE bandage or dressing from the toes or foot to the area below the knee. The type of compression treatment prescribed is determined by the physician based on the characteristics of the ulcer base and amount of drainage from the ulcer.
The type of dressing prescribed for ulcers is determined by the type of ulcer and the appearance at the base of the ulcer. Types of dressings include:
Moist to moist dressings
Hydrogels/hydrocolloids
Alginate dressings
Collagen wound dressings
Debriding agents
Antimicrobial dressings
Composite dressings
Synthetic skin substitutes
Growth factor ointment
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Treatments of arterial ulcer vary, depending on the severity of the arterial disease. Non-invasive vascular tests provide the physician with the diagnostic tools to assess the potential for wound healing. Depending on the patient's condition, the physician may recommend invasive testing, endovascular therapy or bypass surgery to restore circulation to the affected leg. The goals for arterial ulcer treatment include:
Providing adequate protection of the surface of the skin
Preventing new ulcers
Removing contact irritation to the existing ulcer
Monitoring for signs and symptoms of infection that may involve the soft tissues or bone.
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Neurotrophic ulcers are treated are treated by avoiding pressure and weight-bearing on the affected leg until the ulcer has started to heal. Regular debridement (the removal of infected tissue) is usually necessary before a neurotrophic ulcer can heal. Frequently, special shoes or orthotic devices must be worn.
Wound Care at Home
As stated in the aforementioned section, a proper wound care program including home wound care by the patient is critical to the healing process. Patients should be given careful instructions to care for their wounds at home. These instructions include:
Keeping the wound clean
Changing the dressing as directed
Taking prescribed medications as directed
Applying topical growth factors as directed
Drinking plenty of fluids
Following a healthy diet, as recommended, including plenty of fruits and vegetables
Exercising regularly, as directed by a physician
Wearing appropriate shoes
Wearing compression wraps, if appropriate, as directed
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The treatment of all ulcers begins with careful skin and foot care. Inspection of the feet and skin by the patient is very important, especially for people with diabetes. Detecting and treating foot and skin sores early can help prevent infection and prevent the sore from becoming worse. Here are some guidelines:
Gently wash the affected area on your leg and your feet every day with mild soap and lukewarm water. Washing helps loosen and remove dead skin and other debris or drainage from the ulcer. Gently and thoroughly dry your skin and feet, including between the toes. Do not rub your skin or area between the toes.
Every day, examine your legs as well as the tops and bottoms of your feet and the areas between your toes. Look for any blisters, cuts, cracks, scratches or other sores. Also check for redness, increased warmth, ingrown toenails, corns and calluses. Use a mirror to view the leg or foot if necessary, or have a family member look at the area for you.
Once or twice a day, apply a lanolin-based cream to your legs and soles and top of your feet to prevent dry skin and cracking. Do not apply lotion between your toes or on areas where there is an open sore or cut. If the skin is extremely dry, use the moisturizing cream more often.
Care for your toenails regularly. Cut your toenails after bathing, when they are soft. Cut toenails straight across and smooth with an emery board.
Do not self-treat corns, calluses or other foot problems. Go to a podiatrist to treat these conditions.
Don't wait to treat a minor foot or skin problem. Follow your physcian's guidelines.
Ask your physician about using a growth factor ointment on the open sore area.
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How can ulcers be prevented? Controlling risk factors can help you prevent ulcers from developing or becoming worse. Here are some ways to reduce your risk factors:
Quit smoking
Manage your blood pressure
Control your blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels by making dietary changes and taking medications as prescribed
Limit your intake of sodium (salt)
Manage your diabetes and other health conditions, if applicable
Exercise — start a walking program after speaking with your physcian
Lose weight if you are overweight
Ask your physcian about aspirin therapy to prevent blood clots

How Poor Leg Circulation Is Detected

Poor leg circulation is a common disease that is unfortunately under-diagnosed in this country. Poor circulation contributes to foot wounds, gangrene, and is a direct cause of leg amputation. Early detection is key to preventing serious complications, and this article will discuss how that is done.The body requires the oxygen and nutrients in the blood stream in order for tissue to survive. All this is delivered through the blood stream by the arteries, and returned back to the heart by the veins. Unfortunately, arteries are susceptible to blockages that can limit or even cut off the supply of blood going to the feet. This can occur because of plaques that develop on the inner walls of the arteries (similar to heart disease), or due to calcium deposits in the muscle layer of the artery which limits it flexibility. Once the blockage occurs, it can gradually worsen. The body has an ability to re-route some blood through other channels to get to the feet, as there are numerous pathways to the feet in the legs. However, these alternate pathways are not infinite, and eventually the body runs out of options. People at risk for this disease include those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, obesity, advanced age, or those who smoke, amongst others. Early symptoms include thinner foot and leg skin, cooler foot skin temperature, and loss of foot hair. Later stages see the development of foot discoloration to a red, purple, or dark color, and calf or leg pain begins to develop after walking short distances. Severe disease causes painful wounds to develop, toes can turn black, and constant foot or leg pain appears as the tissues begin to die from lack of nutrients. All this can lead to amputation of the leg if the arteries are not repairable. New minimally invasive surgical techniques are available that can repair these artery blockages, in addition to the older techniques of bypassing the blocked segment. However, like all things, these techniques work best when the disease is not as severe. Early detection is the key to preventing severe disease from developing, and physicians have several options available to them to assist with this detection.Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)The ankle brachial index is an easy way to get a general picture of how well circulation is getting to the foot. It can be performed in any office, and only takes a few minutes. Blood pressure cuffs and a stethoscope or hand-held Doppler device are used to measure and listen to the blood pressure in the ankle and compare it to the arm, which generally should always have normal circulation. When they are equal, a ratio of 1 is calculated. When the pressure at the ankle is less than the arm, indicating poor leg circulation, the ratio will be less than one. Ratios of 0.6 to 0.9 indicate mild to moderate disease, and those less than 0.5 indicate more severe disease. The ABI is reliable, reproducible, and is a good indicator of leg circulation.

Segmental Pressures and Pulse Volume Recordings (PVR)This test requires some more specialized equipment, but is available in many physician's offices as it is portable and relatively inexpensive. Segmental pressures are essentially blood pressure measurements taken at various points over the leg, extending down to the ankle. These pressures function similarly to an ABI, but they can help to generally pinpoint where the actual disease is located along the leg, something an ABI cannot do. PVR is used visually graph the pulsation of the blood in the arteries. A normal graph should have a large incline followed by a steep decline, with a slight leveling of the decline in the middle. When blood flow is poor, the incline and decline flattens out, and in serious artery disease the graph appears to have a nearly flat line. These measurements are taken at the same areas that the segmental pressures are taken, giving the physician a picture into where the flow may be blocked.Arterial DopplerDoppler technology uses sound waves bounced off the artery surface to obtain information on how well the circulation is flowing in the leg. The doppler can create several different types of information. Firstly, the doppler creates a distinct audible sound that can be heard as well as graphed visually on a monitor or on paper. Secondly, more sophisticated instruments can create a visual image of the artery, much like an ultrasound for a pregnancy, where blood flow speed can be seen and measured, and color can be added to show the flow direction of the blood more distinctly.AngiographyStill considered the gold standard for the detection and direct visualization of leg artery blockages, the angiogram is essentially an extended x-ray image of the legs in which radioactive dye is pumped through the leg arteries. Since blood vessels cannot be seen on x-ray, the dye is used to highlight where the blood is going. Where there is blockage, the artery 'tube' that the dye illuminates will appear thinner, or even crimp off. This technology can show exactly where the blockage is, and can guide treatment which may even be performed right there during the testing. Unfortunately, the dye can be toxic to the kidneys, and those with kidney disease cannot tolerate this test. It also requires puncturing an artery to insert the dye, which can have complications if there is an issue with clotting or if one is on powerful blood thinners.Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)CT is an advanced x-ray that uses several x-ray exposures to create a three dimensional image of the body's tissue with the help of computer software. Soft tissue is better seen on a CT than on a regular x-ray, and the image can be rotated and moved to get a better look at various aspects of the body. Unlike regular angiography, the dye used does not have to be placed in an artery. It is injected into a vein, which is safer than an artery. The dye can still cause kidney damage in those with kidney disease, and radiation is still used to obtain the images like an x-ray or standard angiogram. However, the amount of detail obtained by this study is impressive, and can show the leg blood vessel system in its entirety.Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)MRAs are an artery specific form of MRI. In this study, the body is subjected to a quick change in its magnetic field. This releases energy that is read by a computer that produces an image of the body's tissues based on the energy release. The body is not subjected to radiation like in angiography or CTA. A contrast solution is placed in the body through a vein to help the arteries stand out, but this material has less toxicity to the kidney than dye. The image produced is not as defined as CTA, but it is safer for the body overall.The above studies are a vital part of early prevention of PAD, and regular monitoring of at-risk individuals with at least an annual ABI and PVR or Doppler can help prevent the eventual amputation many serious cases of PAD lead to. If one has a concern for their leg circulation, they should speak promptly with their family doctor, internist, podiatrist, or cardiologist for a more in-depth examination.      

Heart Diseases--- Symptoms of Heart Diseases

Beside cancer, heart disease kills more than 2,000 Americans everyday. Approximately 60 million Americans have heart disease. There are many causes of heart disease. Anything that serves to damage the inner lining of blood vessels and impedes the transportation of oxygen and nutrition to the heart can be defined as a risk of heart disease. Here are some early indication of heart disease symptoms:1. Leg cramps during walkingLeg cramps during exercise might be caused by dehydration. It is important to drink a lot of fluid during exercise. Leg cramps occur when the muscle suddenly and forcefully contracts. The most common muscles to contract in this manner are muscles that cross two joints. Leg cramps during walking might be an indication of heart disease caused by arteries in your leg being clogged up by cholesterol in result of not enough oxygen being delivered to the cells in your leg. If this symptom persists, please consult with your doctor.2. Chest painChest pain is caused by blood vessels in the heart temporarily being blocked up. It is also caused by inadequate oxygen supply to the heart muscle or coronary . The persistence of chest pain would be an early indication of heart diseases.


tness of breath are four times more likely to die from a heart disease related cause than individuals without any symptoms.4. HeadachesPeople see sparkling zigzag lines or loss of vision before a migraine attack may be at particular risk of future cardiovascular problems. Generally headaches do not cause heart diseases but a sudden, explosive onset of great pain might be.5. DizzinessDizziness can have many causes including low blood count, low iron in the blood stream and other blood disorders, dehydration, and viral illnesses. Since there are many different conditions that can produce these symptoms, anybody experiencing episodes of severe headaches or dizziness ought to be checked by your doctor.6. PalpitationsPalpitations is an extremely common symptom of heart disease. Palpitations are skips in the heart beats and irregular heart beats.7. Loss of consciousnessIt is a common symptom, most people pass out at least once in their lives. However, sometimes loss of consciousness indicates a dangerous or even life-threatening condition such as heart disease so when loss of consciousness occurs it is important to figure out the cause.There are many more symptoms such as fatigue, memory defects, and changes in skin tone and temperature. If you have any of the above symptoms please check with your doctor. For more information, please visit my home page at:
Kyle J. Nortonhttp://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.comhttp://heartdiseases01.blogspot.com/  

Heart Diseases- Causes, Symptoms,types, Prevention & Treatment of Heart Diseases

Beside cancer, heart disease kills more than 2,000 Americans everyday. Approximately 60 million Americans have heart disease.I. Causes of Heart DiseasesThere are many causes of heart diseases. Most of heart diseases are caused by high blood pressure contributes to hardening of the arteries. High levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) build up in the arteries as a result of uncontrolled diet with high levels of saturated fat and trans fat. All these add to the formation of atherosclerosis lesions and eventually arterial blockage or anything that serves to damage the inner lining of blood vessels and impedes the transportation of oxygen and nutrition to the heart can be defined as a risk of heart disease.II Symptoms of Heart diseasesBeside cancer, heart disease kills more than 2,000 Americans everyday. Approximately 60 million Americans have heart disease. There are many causes of heart disease. Anything that serves to damage the inner lining of blood vessels and impedes the transportation of oxygen and nutrition to the heart can be defined as a risk of heart disease. Here are some early indication of heart disease symptoms:1. Leg cramps during walkingLeg cramps during exercise might be caused by dehydration. It is important to drink a lot of fluid during exercise. Leg cramps occur when the muscle suddenly and forcefully contracts. The most common muscles to contract in this manner are muscles that cross two joints. Leg cramps during walking might be an indication of heart disease caused by arteries in your leg being clogged up by cholesterol in result of not enough oxygen being delivered to the cells in your leg. If this symptom persists, please consult with your doctor.2. Chest painChest pain is caused by blood vessels in the heart temporarily being blocked up. It is also caused by inadequate oxygen supply to the heart muscle or coronary . The persistence of chest pain would be an early indication of heart diseases.3. Shortness of breathShortness of breath (dyspnea) is the major symptom of the left ventricular insufficiency. People with shortness of breath are four times more likely to die from a heart disease related cause than individuals without any symptoms.4. HeadachesPeople see sparkling zigzag lines or loss of vision before a migraine attack may be at particular risk of future cardiovascular problems. Generally headaches do not cause heart diseases but a sudden, explosive onset of great pain might be.5. DizzinessDizziness can have many causes including low blood count, low iron in the blood stream and other blood disorders, dehydration, and viral illnesses. Since there are many different conditions that can produce these symptoms, anybody experiencing episodes of severe headaches or dizziness ought to be checked by your doctor.6. PalpitationsPalpitations is an extremely common symptom of heart disease. Palpitations are skips in the heart beats and irregular heart beats.7. Loss of consciousnessIt is a common symptom, most people pass out at least once in their lives. However, sometimes loss of consciousness indicates a dangerous or even life-threatening condition such as heart disease so when loss of consciousness occurs it is important to figure out the cause.There are many more symptoms such as fatigue, memory defects, and changes in skin tone and temperature.III. Types of Heart DiseasesThe heart is a four chambered, hollow muscle and double acting pump that is located in the chest between the lungs. Heart diseases caused by high blood pressure contributes to hardening of the arteries. High levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) build up in the arteries as a result of uncontrolled diet with high levels of saturated fat and trans fat. All these add to the formation of atherosclerosis lesions and eventually arterial blockage.There are some major types of heart diseases:1. Type of heart disease affecting heart chambersAs we mention in the previous article, the heart is a four chambered hollow muscle and double acting pump that is located in the chest between the lungs. Heart diseases caused by high blood pressure contributes to hardening of the arteries. High levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) build up in the arteries as a result of uncontrolled diet with high levels of saturated fat and trans fat. All these add to the formation of atherosclerosis lesions and eventually arterial blockage.In this article, we will discuss heart disease affecting the heart chambers.Heart failure is caused by the heart not pumping as much blood as it should and so the body does not get as much blood and oxygen that it needs. The malfunctioning of the heart chambers are due to damage caused by narrowed or blocked arteries leading to the muscle of your heart.There are 4 heart chambers as follow: * The right atrium * The left atrium * The right ventricle * The left ventricle.Heart diseases affect the heart chambers include:A. Congestive heart failureHeart failure is caused by the heart not pumping as much blood as it should and so the body does not get as much blood and oxygen that it needs. The malfunctioning of the heart chambers are due to damage caused by narrowed or blocked arteries leading to the muscle of your heart.a) Diastolic dysfunction:The contraction function is normal but there's impaired relaxation of the heart, impairing its ability to fill with blood causing the blood returning to the heart to accumulate in the lungs or veins.b) Systolic dysfunction:The relaxing function is normal but there's impaired contraction of the heart causing the heart to not pump out as much blood that is returned to it as it normally does as a result of more blood remaining in the lower chambers of the heart.B. Pulmonary heart diseasePulmonary heart disease is caused by an enlarged right ventricle. It is known as heart disease resulting from a lung disorder where the blood flowing into the lungs is slowed or blocked causing increased lung pressure. The right side of the heart has to pump harder to push against the increased pressure and this can lead to enlargement of the right ventricle.2. Heart Disease affecting heart musclesIn the case of heart diseases affecting heart muscles, the heart muscles are stiff, increasing the amount of pressure required to expand for blood to flow into the heart or the narrowing of the passage as a result of obstructing blood flow out of the heart.Heart diseases affecting heart muscles include:1. CardiomyopathyHeart muscle becomes inflamed and doesn't work as well as it should. There may be multiple causes such as high blood pressure, heart valve disease, artery diseases or congenital heart defects.a) Dilated cardiomyopathyThe heart cavity is enlarged and stretched. Blood flows more slowly through an enlarged heart, causing formation of blood clots as a result of clots sticking to the inner lining of the heart, breaking off the right ventricle into the pulmonary circulation in the lung or being dislodged and carried into the body's circulation to form emboli .b) Hypertrophic cardiomyopathyThe wall between the two ventricles becomes enlarged, obstructing the blood flow from the left ventricle. Sometimes the thickened wall distorts one leaflet of the mitral valve, causing it to leak. The symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting and angina pectoris.c) Restrictive cardiomyopathyThe ventricles becomes excessively rigid, so it's harder for the ventricles to fill with blood between heartbeats. The symptoms of restrictive cardiomyopathy include shortness of breath, swollen hands and feet.2. Myocarditis Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscles or the weaken of the heart muscles. The symptoms of myocarditis include fever, chest pains, congestive heart failure and palpitation.3. Heart disease affecting heart valvesHeart diseases affecting heart valves occur when the mitral valve in the heart narrows, causing the heart to work harder to pump blood from the left atrium into the ventricle.Here are some types of heart disease affecting heart valves:1. Mitral StenosisMitral Stenosis is a heart valve disorder that involves a narrowing or blockage of the opening of the mitral valve causing the volume and pressure of blood in the left atrium increases.2. Mitral valves regurgitationMitral regurgitation is the heart disease in which your heart's mitral valve doesn't close tightly causing the blood to be unable to move through the heart efficiently. Symptoms of mitral valve regurgitation are fatigue and shortness of breath.3. Mitral valves prolapseIn mitral valve prolapse, one or both leaflets of the valve are too large resulting in uneven closure of the valve during each heartbeat. Symptoms of mitral valves prolapse are palpitation, shortness of breath, dizzy, fatigue and chest pains.4. Aortic StenosisWith aging, protein collagen of the valve leaflets are destroyed and calcium is deposited on the leaflets causing scarring, thickening, and stenosis of the valve therefore increasing the wear and tear on the valve leaflets resulting in the symptoms and heart problems of aortic stenosis.5. Aortic regurgitationAortic regurgitation is the leaking of the aortic valve of the heart that causes blood to flow in the reverse direction during ventricular diastole, from the aorta into the left ventricle. Symptoms of aortic regurgitation include fatigue or weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitation and irregular heart beats.6. Tricuspid stenosisTricuspid stenosis is the narrowing of the orifice of the tricuspid valve of the heart causing increased resistance to blood flow through the valve. Symptoms of tricuspid stenosis include fatigue, enlarged liver, abdominal swelling, neck discomfort and leg and ankle swelling.7. Tricuspid regurgitation.Tricuspid regurgitation is the failure of the right ventricular causing blood to leak back through the tricuspid valve from the right ventricle into the right atrium of the heart. Symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation include leg and ankle swelling and swelling in the abdomen.4. Heart disease affecting coronary arteries and coronary veinsHeart disease affecting coronary arteries and coronary veins:The malfunctioning of the heart may be due to damage caused by narrowed or blocked arteries leading to the muscle of your heart as well as blood backing up in the veins. Types of heart disease that affect the coronary arteries and veins include:A. Angina pectorisAngina pectoris occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get as much blood oxygen as it needs. Here are 3 types of angina pectoris:a) Stable anginaStable angina is chest pain or discomfort that typically occurs with activity or stress due to oxygen deficiency in the blood muscles and usually follows a predictable pattern. Symptom of stable angina include chest pain, tightness, pressure, indigestion feeling and pain in the upper neck and arm.b) Unstable anginaUnstable angina is caused by blockage of the blood flow to the heart. Without blood and the oxygen, part of the heart starts to die. Symptoms of unstable angina include pain spread down the left shoulder and arm to the back, jaw, neck, or right arm, discomfort of chest and chest pressure.c) Variant angina also known as coronary artery spasmCaused by the narrowing of the coronary arteries. This is caused by the contraction of the smooth muscle tissue in the vessel walls. Symptoms of variant angina include increasing of heart rate, pressure and chest pain.B. Heart attacks known as myocardial infarction or MIHeart attacks caused by plaque rupture with thrombus formation in a coronary vessel, resulting in an acute reduction of blood supply to a portion of the myocardium. Symptoms of MI include a squeezing sensation of the chest, sweating, nausea and vomiting, upper back pain and arm pain.C. Heart disease also known as coronary artery disease or coronary heart diseaseCaused by arteries hardening and narrowing, cutting off blood flow to the heart muscle and resulting in heart attack. Symptoms of heart disease include shortness of breath, chest pains on exertion, palpitation, dizziness and fainting.D. Atherosclerosis or hardening of arteriesArteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and to other parts of your body. Atherosclerosis is caused by plaques that rupture in result of blood clots that block blood flow or break off and travel to another part of the body. Atherosclerosis has no symptom or warning sign.E. Silent ischemia.Ischemia is a condition in which the blood flow is restricted to a part of the body caused by narrowing of heart arteries. Silent ischemia means people have ischemia without pain. There is also no warning sign before heart attack.5. Heart disease affecting heart liningRheumatic heart disease results from inflammation of the heart lining when too much fluid builds up in the lungs leading to pulmonary congestion. It is due to failure of the heart to remove fluid from the lung circulation resulting in shortness of breath, coughing up blood, pale skin and excessive sweating. Heart disease resulting from inflammation of either the endocardium or pericardium is called heart disease affecting heart lining.Endocardium is the inner layer of the heart. It consists of epithelial tissue and connective tissue. Pericardium is the fluid filled sac that surrounds the heart and the proximal ends of the aorta, vena vava and the pulmonary artery.1. EndocarditisEndocarditis, which is an inflammation of the endocardium is caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream and settling on the inside of the heart, usually on the heart valves that consists of epithelial tissue and connective tissue. It is the most common heart disease in people who have a damaged, diseased, or artificial heart valve. Symptoms of endocarditis include fever, chilling, fatigue, aching joint muscles, night sweats, shortness of breath, change in temperature and a persistent cough.2. PericardiumPericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium. It is caused by infection of the pericardium which is the thin, tough bag-like membrane surrounding the heart. The pericardium also prevents the heart from over expanding when blood volume increases. Symptoms of pericarditis include chest pain, mild fever, weakness, fatigue, coughing, hiccups, and muscle aches.6. Heart disease affecting electrical systemThe electrical system within the heart is responsible for ensuring the heart beats correctly so that blood can be transported to the cells throughout our body. Any malfunction of the electrical system in the heart causes a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat. The electrical system within the heart is responsible for ensuring that the heart beats correctly so that blood can be transported throughout our the body. Any malfunction of the electrical system in the heart malfunction can cause a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat.Types of heart disease that affect the electrical system are known as arrhythmias. They can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. These types of heart disease include:a. Sinus tachycardiaSinus tachycardia occurs when the sinus rhythm is faster than 100 beats per minute therefore it increases myocardial oxygen demand and reduces coronary blood flow, thus precipitating an ischemia heart or valvular disease.b. Sinus bradycardiaSinus bradycardia occurs when a decrease of cardiac output results in regular but unusually slow heart beat less than 60 beats per minute. Symptoms of sinus bradycardia includes a feeling of weightlessness of the head, dizziness, low blood pressure, vertigo, and syncope.c. Atrial fibrillationAtrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that starts in the upper parts (atria) of the heart causing irregular beating between the atria and the lower parts (ventricles) of the heart. The lower parts may beat fast and without a regular rhythm. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include dizziness, light-headedness, shortness of breath, chest pain and irregular heart beat.d. Atrial flutterAtrial flutter is an abnormal heart rhythm that occurs in the atria of the heart causing abnormalities and diseases of the heart. Symptoms of atrial flutter includes shortness of breath, chest pains, anxiety and palpitation.e. Supraventricular tachycardiaSupraventricular tachycardia is described as rapid heart rate originating above the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart causing a rapid pulse of 140-250 beats per minute. Symptoms of supraventricular tachycardia include palpitations, light-headedness, and chest pains.f. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardiaParoxysmal supraventricular tachycardia is described as an occasional rapid heart rate. Symptoms can come on suddenly and may go away without treatment. They can last a few minutes or 1-2 days.g. Ventricular tachycardiaVentricular tachycardia is described as a fast heart rhythm that originates in one of the ventricles of the heart . This is a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia because it may lead to ventricular fibrillation and/or sudden death. Symptoms of ventricular tachycardia include light headedness, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath and chest pains.h.Ventricular fibrillationVentricular fibrillation is a condition in which the heart's electrical activity becomes disordered causing the heart's lower chambers to contract in a rapid, unsynchronized way resulting in little heart pumps or no blood at all, resulting in death if left untreated after in 5 minutes.There are many heart diseases affecting electrical system such as premature arterial contractions, wolf parkinson, etc.      <!--INFOLINKS_OFF-->
     
               
         
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7. Congenital heart diseaseThere are several heart diseases that people are born with. Congenital heart diseases are caused by a persistence in the fetal connection between arterial and venous circulation. Congenital heart diseases affect any part of the heart such as heart muscle, valves, and blood vessels. Congenital heart disease refers to a problem with the heart's structure and function due to abnormal heart development before birth.Every year over 30,000 babies are born with some type of congenital heart defect in US alone. Congenital heart disease is responsible for more deaths in the first year of life than any other birth defects. Some congenital heart diseases can be treated with medication alone, while others require one or more surgeries.The causes of congenital heart diseases of newborns at birth may be in result from poorly controlled blood sugar levels in women having diabetes during pregnancy, some hereditary factors that play a role in congenital heart disease, excessive intake of alcohol and side affects of some drugs during pregnancy.Congenital heart disease is often divided into two types: cyanotic which is caused by a lack of oxygen and non-cyanotic.A. CyanoticCyanosis is a blue coloration of the skin due to a lack of oxygen generated in blood vessels near the skin surface. It occurs when the oxygen level in the arterial blood falls below 85-90%.The below lists are the most common of cyanotic congenital heart diseases:a)Tetralogy of fallotTetralogy of fallot is a condition of several congenital defects that occur when the heart does not develop normally. It is the most common cynaotic heart defect and a common cause of blue baby syndrome.b)Transportation of the great vesselsTransportation of the great vessels is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease. Transposition of the great vessels is a congenital heart defect in which the 2 major vessels that carry blood away from the aorta and the pulmonary artery of the heart are switched. Symptoms of transportation of the great vessels include blueness of the skin, shortness of breath and poor feeding.c)Tricuspid atresiaIn tricuspid atresia there is no tricuspid valve so no blood can flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle. Symptoms of tricuspid atresia include blue tinge to the skin and lips, shortness of breath, slow growth and poor feeding.d)Total anomalous pulmonary venous returnTotal anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) is a rare congenital heart defect that causes cyanosis or blueness. Symptoms of total anomalous pulmonary venous return include poor feeding, poor growth, respiratory infections and blue skin.e)Truncus arteriosusTruncus arteriosus is characterized by a large ventricular septal defect over which a large, single great vessel arises. Symptoms of truncus arteriosus include blue coloring of the skin, poor feeding, poor growth and shortness of breath.There are many more types of cyanotic such as ebstein's anomaly, hypoplastic right heart, and hypoplastic left heart. If you need more information please consult with your doctor.B. Non-cyanoticNon-cyanotic heart defects are more common because of higher survival rates.The below lists are the most common of non-cyanotic congenital heart diseases:a)Ventricular septal defectVentricular septal defect is a hole in the wall between the right and left ventricles of the heart causing right and left ventricles to work harder, pumping a greater volume of blood than they normally would in result of failure of the left ventricle. Symptoms of ventricular septal defect include very fast heartbeats, sweating, poor feeding, poor weight gain and pallor.b)Atrial septal defectAtrial septal defect is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of your heart causing freshly oxygenated blood to flow from the left upper chamber of the heart into the right upper chamber of the heart. Symptoms of atrial septal defect include shortness of breath, fatigue and heart palpitations or skipped beats.c)Coarctation of aortaCoarctation of aorta is a narrowing of the aorta between the upper-body artery branches and the branches to the lower body causing your heart to pump harder to force blood through the narrow part of your aorta. Symptoms of coarctation of aorta include pale skin, shortness of breath and heavy sweating.There are many more types of non-cyanotic such as pulmonic stenosis, patent ductus arteriorus, and atrioventricular cana. These problems may occur alone or together. Most congenital heart diseases occur as an isolated defect and is not associated with other diseases.8. OtherTypes of Heart DiseasesIn this article, we will discuss other types of heart diseases that can affect any part of the heart including the following:*A cardiac tumor can be either malignant or benignA) Benign tumorsa. MyxomaMyxoma is a cardiac benign tumor. It is the most common tumor inside of cavities of the heart and most of them occur in the left atrium of the heart obstructing the normal flow of blood within the chambers of the heart. Symptoms of Myxoma include paroxysmal dyspnea, weight loss, feverhemoptysis, lightheadedness and sudden death.b. RhabdomyomasMost of rhabdomyomas occur in children or infants and are associated with tuberous sclerosis. It develops in the myocardium or the endocardium and accounts for about one out of every five tumors that originate in the heart causing obstruction of blood flow, valvular insufficiency, and cardiac arrhythmias. Symptoms of rhabdomyomas include palpitations, chest pains, shortness of breath, and nausea.c. FibromasFibromas develop in the myocardium or the endocardium. These tumors are composed of fibrous or connective tissue and tend to occur on the valves of the heart and may be related to inflammation. Other than seeing or feeling the fibroma, there are no usual symptoms.d. Teratomas of the pericardiumIt is often attached to the base of the great vessels, usually occuring in infants. They are rarer than cysts or lipomas, usually causes no symptoms.B) Malignant tumorsMalignant tumors that originated elsewhere in the body and spread to the heart are more common than ones that originate in the heart. Malignant heart tumors can originate from any heart tissue. They occur mostly in children.a. AngiosarcomasAngiosarcomas account for about a third of all malignant heart tumors and usually start on the right side of the heart. The cause of angiosarcomas is usually unknown and symptoms of angiosarcomas differ according to the location of the tumour. Often symptoms of the disease are not apparent until the tumour is well advanced.b. FibrosarcomasFibrosarcomas occur as a soft-tissue mass or as a primary or secondary bone tumor. The 2 main types of fibrosarcoma of bone arei) Primary fibrosarcoma is a fibroblastic malignancy that produces variable amounts of collagenii) Secondary fibrosarcoma of bone arises from a preexisting lesion or after radiotherapy to an area of bone or soft tissue. Symptoms of fibrosarcomas include broken bone, pain, swelling, lump found under skin or bone, frequent urination and urinary obstruction.c. RhabdomyosarcomasRhabdomyosarcomas are a cancer made up of cells that normally develop into skeletal muscles of the body and are also more common in children. They usually have some type of chromosome abnormality in the cells of the tumor, which are responsible for the tumor formation. Symptoms of rhabdomyosarcomas include bleeding from the nose, vagina, rectum, throat and tingling, numbness, and pain.d.) LiposarcomasLiposarcoma normally appears as a slowly enlarging, painless, nonulcerated submucosal mass in a middle-aged person. Symptoms include palpation, weakness, limitation of motion weight loss, fatigue, and lassitude.*Sudden cardiac deathThe victim may or may not have diagnosis of heart diseases, and the death is totally unexpected. Sudden cardiac death is a result from abrupt loss of heart function. The cause of sudden cardiac dealth might be a result of coronary heart disease.* Hypertensive heart diseaseHypertensive heart disease are caused by high blood pressure that increases the work load of the heart. Overtime the muscles of the heart become thick in result of an enlarged left ventricle and decreased blood pump from the heart. Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, swelling in the feet, ankles, or abdomen, fatigue, irregular pulse, nausea and frequent urination at night.IV. Heart Diseases- Prevention and TreatmentThere are many causes of heart disease. Anything that serves to damage the inner lining of blood vessels and impedes the transportation of oxygen and nutrition to the heart can be defined as a risk of heart disease. Most heart diseases are preventable with a change of life style and healthy diet.Unhealthy diet is a major cause of heart diseases resulting in the buildup of cholesterol and fat in the inner wall of arteries that narrows the arteries, impedes the circulation and eventually causes heart attacks.1. Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease with DietTo prevent heart diseases, your daily diet should contain:a) FiberFiber can be soluble or insoluble. As we mentioned in a previous article, soluble fiber can lower your LDL and raise your HDL cholesterol while insoluble fiber has no effect on cholesterol but promotes regular bowel movements. The intake of fatty foods causes the liver to release bile into the intestines to break down the fat. The soluble fiber will help eliminate the bile instead of returning it to the blood resulting in reduced amounts of cholesterol in the blood.b) Reduce intake of saturated fat and trans fatWe know that saturated and trans fat are toxins causing cholesterol to build up in the arteries damaging the arterial wall and narrows the arterial passage in result of poor circulation and oxygen transportation to our body in result of high blood pressure as the heart has to work harder than normal in order to provide enough nutrition to the body`s cells. Eventually, the heart will fail and result in heart diseases. It is recommended that you reduce the intake of animal fat and increase the intake of cold water fish which is the best sources of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that can help your cholesterol levels as well as lowering your blood pressure.c). Diet high in complex carbohydratesVegetables, fruits, some beans and grains contain high amounts of plant pigments known as flavonoids that provide healthy protection against heart diseases. Unfortunately study shows that diets high in complex carbohydrate may increase the release of too much insulin to respond to carbohydrates in the diet. The type and amount of carbohydrate foods may need individual monitoring. Please consult with your doctor if you wish to include high amounts of complex carbohydrates in your diet.d). Drink half of your body weight of water or juices in ouncesIf you weigh 160 pounds then you are require to drink 80 ounces of water or juices to prevent the cells in our body to become dehydrated. Maintaining normal function of our body's cells is a healthy way to normalize high blood pressure.2. Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease with FoodsIn order to lower the risk of heart diseases foods consumed in everyday diet become one of many important factors. Here are some foods that I have found can actually lower high blood pressure and levels of cholesterol resulting in lowering the risk of heart diseasesa) Fresh water algaeFresh water algae contains chlorophyII-rich foods that is a powerful antioxidant for protection of build up of free radicals and restoring DNA of damaged cells. It also contains high amounts of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that can help to maintain normal blood pressure as well as cholesterol levels. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids also inhibit blood clotting that causes the blockage of arteries and heart diseases.b) Onions and garlicGarlic and onions contain high amounts of sulfur compounds that not only help to improve circulation of blood but also help to keep your platelets from clumping together. Daily consumption of both garlic and onions help to keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels in healthy range. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you are taking any blood thinner medicines.c) Nuts and seedsNuts and seeds contain high amounts of unsaturated fat and vitamin E. Unsaturated fat helps to prevent clots of arteries and lower cholesterol levels. Vitamin E, and the antioxidants beta varotene on the other hand stops bad cholesterol LDL from building up in the arteries, decreasing the risk of heart attacks.d) Vegetables and fruitsVegetable and fruits contain high amounts vitamins A, E, C and B. Vitamin E, the antioxidants beta carotene and vitamin C help to strengthen your small blood vessels and thins your blood so it can flow smoothly in result of lowering the risk of heart disease and strokes. Plums, tomatoes, and watercress are the best choices.There are many more foods that can help to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels such as horsenut, grape juices, and apples. I hope this article will give you some ideas of choosing foods that help to restore your health and disease prevention.3. Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease with Nutritional SupplementsHeart diseases are caused by high blood pressure that contributes to hardening of the arteries. High levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) build up in the arteries as a result of uncontrolled diet with high levels of saturated fat and trans fat. Beside foods and herbs, nutritional supplements also play an important role in preventing heart diseases and stroke. Here are some nutritional supplements which have proven record in treating heart diseases:1. L-ArginineL-Arginine helps to increase the production of nitric oxide in our body, this has an anti-angina and anti-stress effect upon the arteries enabling the muscles in the arterial walls to relax. L-Arginine also helps to prevent the build up of plaque on the arterial walls. L- Arginne taken either orally or intravenously has been found to prevent and reverse atherosclerosis, improving the functional status of heart failure and increasing blood flow in heart disease patients.2. L- CarnitineL-Carnitine working with vitamin E will help the body to recover quickly from fatigue. L-Carnitine helps the body convert fatty acids into energy, which is used primarily for muscular activities throughout the body. When working with vitamin E, L-carnitine will help the body to recover quickly from fatigue and combat heart diseases.3. LecithinLecithin supplies the body with needed inositol, choline and phosphatidyl choline that help to maintain healthy arteries. Lecithin also helps to reduce plaque in the arteries, lower blood pressure and ameliorate angina pectoris.4. NiacinNiacin a B3 vitamin, helps decreases blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides which may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Niacin can only be taken under medical supervision because of it's side effects.5. SeleniumSelenium deficiency will cause increase in high blood pressure.6. TaurineTaurine is an amino acid that acts as an antioxidant helping to fortify cardiac contraction and enhance the outflow of blood from the heart. Intake of taurine will reduce the risk of congestive heart failure and arteriosclerosis.7. Calcium and potassiumCalcium and potassium deficiency may result in heart palpitation.8. MagnesiumMagnesium helps to improve blood circulation by permitting the muscles in the arterial wall to rest.9. LuteinLutein is one of the carotenoids, yellow and orange pigments found in many fruits and vegetables. Lutein supplementation has already been proven in helping prevent muscular degeneration, the most common cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly. Study shows that increased dietary intake of lutein may protect against the development of early atherosclerosis. It also helps explain why diets rich in fruits and vegetables are associated with reduced risk of heart diseases.4. Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease with HerbsThere are many causes of heart disease. Anything that serves to damage the inner lining of blood vessels and impedes the Transportation of oxygen and nutrition to the heart can be defined as a risk of heart disease. Besides aspirin, foods, and diet there are some herbs which have proven record and have been used over thousands of years in the history of mankind that would help to lower the risk of heart diseases as follow:1. Flax seedsFlax seeds contain high amounts of alpha-linoenic acid that helps to lower high blood pressure and the risk of stroke. Eating too much flax seeds will cause gas to build up if you are not used to it.2. Ginkgo bilobaGinkgo biloba helps to to make blood less sticky and prevents blood clotting and stroke. Unlike aspirin, Ginkgo biloba will not cause upset stomach and internal bleeding. Also, Ginkgo biloba can improve blood circulation. Be sure not to take Ginkgo seeds because they are toxic and can cause seizures.3. CayenneCayenne stimulates blood flow, and strengthens the heart's metabolism. It also helps to improve blood circulation as well as the digestive and immune systems. Cayenne contains high amounts of beta-carotene, cobalt, essential fatty acids, niacin and zinc that helps circulatory stimulation, blood purification, detoxification and fatigue.4. MistletoeMistletoe can stimulate the heartbeat and increase cardiac output. It can help to relieve heart strain, stimulate circulation, and lower blood pressure. Do not overdose and eat mistletoe berriea, because it is toxic.5. Hawthorn berryHawthorn berry contains high amount of flavonoids that help to provide direct nourishment to the heart as well as dilate the coronary arteries.6.BugleweedsBugleweeds help to alleviate heart palpitation and high blood pressure. Study shows that bugleweeds act chiefly on the blood vessels, and is especially useful in plethoric and inflammatory states, particularly internal inflammations, and cardiac diseases.7 MotherwortMotherwort can be used in secure cardiac electrical rhythm. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking motherwort supplements.8. TansyTansy is used to help heart palpitations and also helps to improve blood circulation.Remember that herbs help to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels will also help to prevent heart diseases and stroke.4. Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease with Chinese HerbsYou might have heard that "taking an aspirin a day will keep your heart attacks away". In fact Aspirin does help your heart, the salicyca acid in aspirin helps to keep blood cells from clumping together and sticking to the arterial wall. This reduces the risk of heart diseases. Besides aspirin, foods and herbs, in this article we will discuss what kinds of Chinese herbs traditional Chinese doctors use in treating heart diseases. Please note that Chinese medicines have been around for over 4,000 years well before the existence of western medicines.Here are some Chinese herbs that have been used for treating heart diseases:1. Nu zhen zi (privet fruit):Nu zhen zi is the ying kidney and liver tonic that is the significant immune enhancement agent. Nu zhen zi also helps ying deficiency such as dizziness, floater, weak knee and enhancing heart blood.2. Hong hua (safflower):Hong hua is one of the Chinese herbs that have been used to break up blood stagnation and improve blood circulation. It is also used to unblock uterine stagnation.3. Ru xiang (frankincense)Ru xiang is used for thousand of years in treating joint pain, alleviating chest pain as well as breaking up blood stagnation and improving blood flow to the heart.4. Mao yao (myzzh)Mao yao contain elements that help to break up stagnation of blood resulting in improved blood circulation in our body.5. Fu ling (poria)Fu ling is a fungus that helps to enhance the immune system's ability to fight off viruses. It is used in Chinese medication for heart calming and palpitation smoothing.6. Yin yang hou horney (goat weed)Goat weed helps to lower high blood pressure and heart calming.7. Du zhong (rubber tree bark)Du zhong is consider the primary herb used to increase the yang function in the body resulting in benefits of the heart.There are many more Chinese herbs that can help to lower bad cholesterol levels and high blood pressure as well as preventing and curing heart diseases such as xian fu, wu wei zhi, and da zhao.5. Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease with HerbsAs we mentioned in the previous articles, heart diseases are caused by high blood pressure that contributes to hardening and thinning of the arteries. High levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) builds up in the arteries as a result of uncontrolled diet with high levels of saturated fat and trans fat. In this article, we will discuss other types of heart diseases that can affect any part of the heart including the following:I. A cardiac tumor can be either malignant or benignA) Benign tumors1. MyxomaMyxoma is a cardiac benign tumor. It is the most common tumor inside of cavities of the heart and most of them occur in the left atrium of the heart obstructing the normal flow of blood within the chambers of the heart. Symptoms of Myxoma include paroxysmal dyspnea, weight loss, feverhemoptysis, lightheadedness and sudden death.2. RhabdomyomasMost of rhabdomyomas occur in children or infants and are associated with tuberous sclerosis. It develops in the myocardium or the endocardium and accounts for about one out of every five tumors that originate in the heart causing obstruction of blood flow, valvular insufficiency, and cardiac arrhythmias. Symptoms of rhabdomyomas include palpitations, chest pains, shortness of breath, and nausea.3. FibromasFibromas develop in the myocardium or the endocardium. These tumors are composed of fibrous or connective tissue and tend to occur on the valves of the heart and may be related to inflammation. Other than seeing or feeling the fibroma, there are no usual symptoms.4. Teratomas of the pericardiumIt is often attached to the base of the great vessels, usually occuring in infants. They are rarer than cysts or lipomas, usually causes no symptoms.B) Malignant tumorsMalignant tumors that originated elsewhere in the body and spread to the heart are more common than ones that originate in the heart. Malignant heart tumors can originate from any heart tissue. They occur mostly in children.1. AngiosarcomasAngiosarcomas account for about a third of all malignant heart tumors and usually start on the right side of the heart. The cause of angiosarcomas is usually unknown and symptoms of angiosarcomas differ according to the location of the tumour. Often symptoms of the disease are not apparent until the tumour is well advanced.2. FibrosarcomasFibrosarcomas occur as a soft-tissue mass or as a primary or secondary bone tumor. The 2 main types of fibrosarcoma of bone area) Primary fibrosarcoma is a fibroblastic malignancy that produces variable amounts of collagenb) Secondary fibrosarcoma of bone arises from a preexisting lesion or after radiotherapy to an area of bone or soft tissue. Symptoms of fibrosarcomas include broken bone, pain, swelling, lump found under skin or bone, frequent urination and urinary obstruction.3. RhabdomyosarcomasRhabdomyosarcomas are a cancer made up of cells that normally develop into skeletal muscles of the body and are also more common in children. They usually have some type of chromosome abnormality in the cells of the tumor, which are responsible for the tumor formation. Symptoms of rhabdomyosarcomas include bleeding from the nose, vagina, rectum, throat and tingling, numbness, and pain.4.) LiposarcomasLiposarcoma normally appears as a slowly enlarging, painless, nonulcerated submucosal mass in a middle-aged person. Symptoms include palpation, weakness, limitation of motion weight loss, fatigue, and lassitude.II. Sudden cardiac deathThe victim may or may not have diagnosis of heart diseases and the death is totally unexpected. Sudden cardiac death is a result from abrupt loss of heart function. The cause of sudden cardiac dealth might be a result of coronary heart disease.III. Hypertensive heart diseaseHypertensive heart disease are caused by high blood pressure that increases the work load of the heart. Overtime the muscles of the heart become thick in result of an enlarged left ventricle and decreased blood pump from the heart. Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, swelling in the feet, ankles, or abdomen, fatigue, irregular pulse, nausea and frequent urination at night.6. Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease - Aspirin: Friend or Foe ?Besides cancer, heart disease kills more than 2,000 Americans everyday. Approximately 60 million Americans have heart disease. There are many causes of heart disease. Anything that serves to damage the inner lining of blood vessels and impedes the transportation of oxygen and nutrition to the heart can be defined as a risk of heart disease. You might have heard "taking an Aspirin a day will keep your heart attacks away". In fact, Aspirin does help your heart. the salicyca acid in aspirin helps to keep bloods cells from clumping together and sticking to the arterial wall. This reduces the risk of heart diseases. Here are some reasons to be cautious about aspirin therapy.Before discussing the benefits and side effects of aspirin, there are some people who should not take aspirin. These include:a. Allergies to ASAb. last trimester of pregnancyc. prone to bleedingd. has an active peptic ulcere. taking blood thinner medication.1. Aspirin indeed helps your blood from clotting. If you suffer any bleeding, taking aspirin will make bleeding harder to stop. Study show that aspirin might increase the bleeding complication. If you are taking any blood thinner medication or you have an ulcer, please consult with your doctor before taking aspirin. For people suffering from hemorrhages (this is the loss of blood from the circulatory system or internal bleeding taking aspirin) they would do more harm than good.2. Aspirin increases the risk of bleeding and hemorrhagic strokes that are caused by blood vessels bursting in or around your brain. Therefore do not assume that taking an aspirin a day would do no harm. Please consult with with your doctor before starting aspirin therapy.3. Study shows that aspirin does not work well with people with high cholesterol levels. People with cholesterol levels over 220 respond poorly to aspirin therapy. Therefore, if your cholesterol level is over 220 you might need to find some other therapy to lower the risk of heart diseases.Aspirin also causes some side affects such as heartburn, indigestion and mild-to-moderate abdominal or stomach cramps.7. Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease- Fat : Friend Or FoeAs we discussed in previous articles, we know that heart disease kills more than 2,000 Americans everyday. Approximately 60 million Americans have heart disease. It is caused by uncontrolled diet that is high in saturated and trans fat resulting in arteries being clogged up by bad cholesterol LDL and the inner lining of blood vessels being damaged,impeding the transportation of oxygen and nutrition to the heart. The general public has always had a misunderstanding of the meaning of the word "fat". For them "fat" is bad for your health, causing things like heart diseases and making you overweight. In fact, fat plays an important role in your daily health, if you how to choose the right kind of fat to be included in your daily diets. In this article, we will discuss 4 types of fat and whether or not they are friend or foe.1. Saturated fatSaturated fats have a chemical makeup in which the carbon atoms are saturated with hydrogen atoms. Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature. Eating saturated fats will increase both low density lipoprotein LDL (bad cholesterol) and high density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) levels. Therefore eating more saturated fat will cause cholesterol to clog up arteries. Limit your daily intake of no more than 7% calories will lessen the chance of heart disease. In fact saying that animal fats is the same as saturated fats is very misleading, as many animal fats are actually more than 50% unsaturated, and chicken fat is actually 70% unsaturated. Foods containing high saturated fat include meats, butter, whole milk, cheese, and coconut oil.2. Trans fatTrans fats are found naturally in some animal-based foods, but are also formed when liquid oils are made into semi-solid fats like shortening and hard margarine. Study shows that dietary saturated and trans fats can increase your risk of developing heart disease. Trans fats raise LDL and lower HDL cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart diseases and stroke. Foods containing high amounts of trans fat include margarine and vegetable shortening.3. Monounsaturated fatMonounsaturated fat is the healthiest type of fat. It helps to lower the bad cholesterol LDL and increase good cholesterol HDL, in some cases cleanses the bad cholesterol in the arteries and blood vessels. Foods containing high amounts of monounsaturated fat include olive oil, peanut oil canola oil, and nuts.4. Polyunsaturated fatPolyunsaturated fats are typically liquid at room temperature and when chilled. Polyunsaturated fats can reduce both LDL and HDL cholesterol levels in your blood, lowering the risk of heart disease. Foods containing high amounts of polyunsaturated fat include vegetable oils, corn, and sunflower. Be aware that too much of polyunsaturated fat might increase the risk of cancer.By replacing your daily consumption of saturated and trans fat with monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat or eating less saturated and trans fat, you are ensuring yourself healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure in result of lowering the risk of heart diseases and strokes.7. Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease- Dairy Products: Friend Or FoeAs mentioned in the previous articles, we know that approximately 60 million Americans have heart disease. It is caused by uncontrolled diets high in saturated and trans fat resulting in arteries being clogged up by bad cholesterol LDL and the inner lining of blood vessels being damaged impeding the transportation of oxygen and nutrition to the heart. There are many opinions about pros and cons of dairy products in our diet. Would it also be the cause of cholesterol building up in the arteries, high blood pressure and heart diseases? In this article, we will discuss dairy products: friend or foe?Diary products which contain lactose are products made from milk including cheese, yogurt, and butter that have been part of the human diet for years. They play an important role in a healthy diet, both for nutritional value and personal enjoyment but also contains elements that can cause cholesterol to build up in the arteries and high blood pressure resulting in heart diseases.Study shows that milk drinkers are no more likely to die of a heart disease than non milk drinkers. In fact drinking less than 4 cups of milk a day actually lessens the chance of dying of any cause.Since milk contains high saturated fat, by selecting skim or low fat milk it not only helps to lessen the chance of heart attack but also benefits from the nutritional supplements and minerals contained in milk.Other dairy products that we would like to mention here are eggs. Eggs get a bad name for high cholesterol content. Study shows that eating one egg a day does not increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, unless you are diabetic. Eggs contain high amounts of B vitamins, vitamin A, D, and E that are vital for a healthy heart.Besides milk and eggs, there are other dairy products such as cheese and butter. Statistics show that North Americans eat nearly 3 times more cheese than they did 30 years ago. Cheese contains high amounts of calcium but also high amounts in saturated fat which is the main cause of cholesterol build up in the arteries, and high blood pressure resulting in heart diseases and stroke. In fact if you can cut the amount of cheese and butter consumed daily by half and replace them with low fat cheese you will limit your risk of heart attack. For best protection, be sure to limit your cheese intake to less than 2 ounces a week.By all means, choosing low fat and limiting your daily intake of dairy products will not only limit the risk of heart disease but also help your body to absorb the needed nutrition as result of better health.8. Heart Diseases---How to Treat Heart Diseases with Chelation TherapyAs we mentioned in the previous articles, heart diseases are caused by uncontrolled diets high in saturated and trans fats resulting in arteries being clogged up by bad cholesterol LDL and the inner lining of blood vessels being damaged impeding the transportation of oxygen and nutrition to the heart.People with heart diseases using this type of therapy must be carefully selected and approved by their doctors. The prime candidate is people at their 40's and people already suffering from advanced forms of heart disease such as angina and intermittent claudication, because the people in this age group will experience some form of heart disease caused by excessive cholesterol intake and build up of calcium, scar tissues and fat within the arteries.This form of chelation therapy includes the usage of an IV apparatus and EDTA that is a widely used abbreviation for the chemical compound ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. EDTA, the chelation agent, not only helps to clean the harmful substances such as lead, uranium, nickel and calcium deposited in the arterial wall but also improves circulation, enhances the immune system and inhibits the creation of free radical. With the slow flow of EDTA from the bottle through the IV and finally into the patient's vein and bloodstream results in turning back the clock for many potential heart disease victims. Chelation therapy is not only helpful as an attractive alternative to bypass surgery, but also has the ability to improve the function of the brain, since this form of therapy is especially helpful in treating arterial blockage in the upper body.Other benefits of chelation therapy include: reduction of liver-produced cholesterol, lowered cholesterol levels, reducing high blood pressure, and fewer excessive heart contractions.With all the success in chelation therapy, it also produces some side effects for some people such as headaches, diarrhea, fainting, fatigues, fever, and cramps. Be sure you understand all these problems before taking chelation therapy.I hope this information will help. If you need more information of the above subject, please visit my home page at:Kyle J. Norton http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com/http://healtharticles-heartdiseases.blogspot.com/All rights reserved. Any reproducing of this article must have all the links intact.