Types of Heart Attacks (Acute Coronary Syndrome Classification)

In medical terminology Heart Attack is referred as "Acute Coronary Syndrome". It is a life threatening condition in which immediate medical attention in necessary. During a heart attack the artery taking blood to the heart muscles is blocked due to some reason. Most common symptom of a Heart Attack in discomfort in chest. You might feel pressure on chest, heaviness, tightness or fullness on chest. Some people may feel irregular heart beats.

Severeness of Heart Attack depends upon two factors

• Location of blockage.
• How long does it remain blocked

Medical science has classified Acute Coronary Syndrome into different types. In other words you can say that there are different types of Heart Attack. These types of heart attack also classify the severity of Heart Attack.

Types of Heart Attack

• Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI)
• ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)

NSTEMI

In this type of Heart Attack, the ECG may remain perfectly normal but the chemical markers can show some damage to the muscles of heart. In this case the blockage is temporary and damage is minimal.

STEMI

In this type of Heart Attack the blockage is for longer period and larger part of heart muscles are damaged. It is visible in the ECG and in blood levels of key chemical markers.

Some Other terms related to Heart Attack:

Myocardial Infarction (MI): Sometime Heart Attack is called Myocardial Infarction (MI) in medical terminology as both types of Heart Attack have this term common.

Stunned Myocardium: Stunned Myocardium are those heart muscles which can't function properly for a period of few days after heart attack. Its caused due to lack of blood supply to these muscles during heart attack. They start functioning normally after few days.

Hibernating Myocardium: Some heart areas or muscles don't work after a heart attack. Medication is used to return the blood supply to those regions of heart. In this case some muscles remain in resting state for a longer duration. These muscles are called Hibernating Myocardium. Such muscles may return to normal function in a few weeks or months. 

Read More

Heart Attack vs Heart Failure : Which is more Critical ?

Usually we think that Heart Attack and Heart Failure is same thing. But these two are different diseases. However if any of these occur to a person, he/she is at risk of another. Both of these diseases have different symptoms and different treatments. At the end of this article you will automatically know the answer that which one is more critical and life-threatening.

Heart Attack vs Heart Failure

Heart Attack is caused when the arteries supplying blood to the heart gets blocked. When this happens heart don't receive energy to work and it stops working. These arteries can get blocked due to several reasons. It may be due to some clotting inside arteries or inflammation inside arteries. If its diagnosed in time then there are several medicines to dissolve the clot and remove the inflammation. So its important to notice the early symptoms of a heart attack.

Heart Failure is different from Heart Attack. Heart Failure is a condition when the capacity of Heart to pump the blood decreases due to some reasons. It may happen due to continuous high blood pressure of some problem in Heart Valves. Heart Failure is a condition that can remain from a few months to years. It gradually makes the heart weak and may result in complete failure. Its symptoms should be noticed and treated early else it starts to affect other organs due to poor blood supply.

Some times Heart Attack may lead to Heart Failure. When some artery supplying blood to heart is narrowed or blocked then the heart muscles can't  get proper energy to work properly and these muscles are weakened with time and gradually their ability to pump the blood is decreased. Thus Heart Attack leads to Heart Failure.

Which is more Critical - Heart Attack or Hear Failure ?

Immediate attention and medical treatment is necessary in case of a heart attack. Else it may result in death with first 24 hours. The patient may need help of a pacemaker to regulate the pumping function of heart. As you read in the beginning that heart failure can take some days to be noticed but symptoms of heart attack are immediate. None of these diseases should be taken lightly but Heart Attack is more critical.

Read More

How to make your Immune System Strong and Healthy

Health of our immune system tells how long can we live and if that life will be healthy or not. Usually we don't take care of our immune system and only care for it when we are suffering from some disease. Its a strange fact but true that "We notice our body only when its unhealthy". When we are healthy we don't notice it. You might have not looked at the fingers of your foot from a long time, as if they were not there. However they worked continuously for you. We only notice them if they are hurt or wounded.
To be frank, its not a bad thing. Its a sign of a healthy body that we don't notice it. Because our mind is made to notice it only when its in pain. So don't get into more philosophy and make your immune system better so that it can keep your body free from diseases and painless.

What is our Immune System ?

Our Immune system a mechanism in our body to fight against diseases and any any foreign element. Our blood contain Lymphocytes (White Blood Cells) which fight the micro-organisms that can harm our body. These Lymphocytes die themselves after doing their job or after a certain expiry time. Scientists known the minimum amount of Lymphocytes that should be present in our body, but their optimum number is not yet known. According to some researches our body automatically generates more Lymphocytes when there is a urgent need for them.

You can't say that only Lymphocytes are Immune system. Our Bone marrow generates blood and Lymphocytes are created there so it is also a part of our our immune system. Our Kidney filters our blood and its also a part of immune system. Our Nostrils also filters the air that we inhale and the dust and other micro-organisms stick to the moist surface, thus defending our body. Similarly tear glands in our eyes keeps wetting our eyes so that our eyelids can wipe-off the dust from surface of eyes, it not only keep our eyes clean but also protect us from several micro-organisms. All these things create our immune system.
Taking care of only one thing can't keep our entire immune system strong. All systems in our body are interconnected. We need to strengthen our entire body to make our immune system healthy.

How to make your immune system strong and healthy

Exercise Regularly

Its not necessary to do power lifting or workout in a gym. Exercises like running, jogging, swimming and aerobics can also keep you fit. It increases your blood circulation make you sweat. Sweating is also necessary for a healthy immune system. You may also opt for some sports activity if you don't want to exercise.

Have a balanced diet full of minerals, vitamins and proteins

There is nothing new in this. Healthy diet is must for a healthy body. Deficiency of any vitamin or mineral can make you sick. You also need to have protein, carbohydrate and fat in the right amount.

Try to live a stress free life

Stress is the worst disease as it kills you from inside. Here inside means that it damages your ability to think properly and affect your day-to-day activities. It may also affect your sleep.

Don’t Smoke 

Smoking is like ingesting gaseous poison yourselves. Its the worst bad habit for health.  

Don't be Alcoholic

Mild amount of Alcohol is not harmful but being alcoholic is harmful. Consumption of alcohol reduces your ability to think properly and increases your reaction time. It means that your reflex-actions are delayed.

Use Medication only when its Necessary

Unnecessary medication reduces the natural ability of your body to fight against diseases. In other terms it makes your immune system weak. Medication should be used as a supporting hand to your immune system, not as a replacement of immune system.

Avoid High Dosage of Medicines

High dosage of medicines make the micro-organisms to adapt and becoming more powerful. Thus making you more prone to getting sick. Especially antibiotics should be taken in mild amount.

Maintain your weight

Weight plays an important role in your health. Being overweight means that your immune system in weakening. It also make you prone to High Blood Pressure and Diabetes.

Keep your Blood pressure Controlled

After the age of 40 you should get you blood pressure checked regularly. High or low blood pressure for longer durations can impact all systems of your body.

Sleep like a Child

Sleeping like a child means sleeping stress-free. You can have a deep sleep only if its stress free. A good sleep is necessary for your body to repair itself. It also saves you from a number of psychological disorders.

Meditation

Last but no the least "Meditation". Meditation is known to have a number of positive impacts on body. Some people believe that your chances of getting ill are highly reduced if you practice meditation regularly.

Read More

Feeling Sleepy after Lunch ? How to Avoid it (especially in Office)

Have you ever felt sleep in your office especially after Lunch ? I felt it several times. Sometime i sip a cup of coffee to feel awake. I often wondered if i was the only one feeling sleepy or there is some one else also. Sometimes i found some of my colleagues saying the same thing. Then i found that its a common thing to feel sleepy after having lunch. But what causes it. Because if you know the reason of feeling sleepy after lunch then you can avoid that thing especially in office, because its really awkward to yawn at your office desk.

Feeling Sleepy after Lunch

There are several reasons behind feeling sleepiness after lunch. But most common is heavy lunch.
Most Common Reasons:

• If you are having heavy lunch then your digestive system demands more blood, so that it can get energy to digest the food. If causes lack of blood supply to your brain, which causes feeling sleepy after lunch.
• Insufficient Sleep: Insufficient sleep during night can also make you sleepy after lunch. Some of us watch late night TV shows and need to wake up early to go to work. If you are in 20's and have a healthy body then it is the most common reason for feeling sleepy.

There may be some other reasons as well. Some of them are related to what you are eating and some of them are related to some diseases.

• Sugary Food: Sugary Food increases the blood sugar levels. It makes your pancreas to release insulin to control blood sugar. Insulin triggers tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which makes you feeling sleepy. So avoid sugary food in lunch.
• If you are feeling excessive sleepiness after lunch then you may be suffering from medical conditions. It may include iron deficiency, mineral deficiency, insulin resistance or Diabetes, hypoglycemia or some other disease. Doctor can tell it better. So if its excessive sleepiness then consult a doctor.

How you can avoid feeling sleepiness after Lunch

• Avoid Overeating
• Avoid Food rich in sugar
• Avoid Fast Food, as its rich in sugar, fat and carbohydrate. Try to have protein rich diet.
• Exercise regularly in the morning
• Have a good breakfast, so that you can eat less during lunch and maintain energy level
• Consult a doctor if you are feeling that you are feeling excessive sleepiness.

Read More

Running Facts and Myths that Everybody should know

Running is considered as one of the best exercises. And surely it is one of best natural ways to your body fit and live a longer and healthy life. But there are some facts and myths about running that you should be aware of. Knowing these facts will not only make you a better runner but also make your body healthy. So here are some facts and myths about running.

Running Facts and Myths

Myth: Runners don't need to go to Gym.
Fact: Power training at Gym don't make any bad effect on Running performance. Instead its found that those who visit a Gym on regular basis are less prone to running injuries.

Myth: Its better to stretch before Running
Fact: Stretching does't improve your running performance. Some researches have proved the stretching reduces the running performance a little bit.

Myth: You should eat Carbohydrates before running.
Fact: This myth only works if you are going to run a Marathon. If you are preparing for a marathon then you should add extra carbs in your dinner. This carb will get stored in your muscles and in the end provides you energy when you run longer. But for a normal runner there is no benefit. Instead extra carbohydrate will get stored as fat.

Myth: Running on Treadmill is different from running Outside.
Fact: Its just a belief of our mind that there is difference in treadmill running and outside running. Some researches have proved that both are same. But the health of treadmill also matters. If the stiffness of belt  and surface of treadmill is not correct the your running will be affected. But if you are running outside then there is nothing to worry about as everything is natural there.

Myth: Running barefoot will be faster
Fact: It might be true if you are a barefoot runners since beginning. It its not true for all types of surfaces. You might run faster barefoot on grass, but you can't repeat the same performance on a running track. Instead running barefoot is prone to injuries.

Myth: Running is bad for knees
Fact: A number of studies are done on knees of runners and non-runners. The results were perfectly normal. Running doesn't harm your knees instead it helps your complete body to be healthier.

Myth: Dehydration can cause Muscle Cramping during running
Fact: This isn't true. according to a research Muscle cramping is neither caused due to dehydration nor due to electrolyte loss. Instead its caused if you try to run too fast than what your body can handle. If you want to improve your running speed then do it in correct manner. It takes a few weeks to improve you running speed and stamina. So don't drink too much water if your muscles start cramping.

Myth: Only Young and Fit people should run.
Fact: There is no age for running. Even you are not banned by your doctor to run, then you can run. So don't think, just start running. It you can't run continuously then you can use Run-walk-run method. Its the best way for beginners.

If you know some more myths and facts about running then you are welcome to comments section. Your word of advice might help others.

Read More

Coffee Keep You Awake at Night: True or False

You might have used coffee to keep you awake at night. Several night shift employees use coffee to keep themselves awake at night. But have you ever tried to know if coffee really works in this case. We will try to find if this fact is true or false.

Does Coffee Keeps you awake at Night ?

Yes, Coffee can keep you awake at night. But its not the complete fact. Coffee will act as a drug. Initially it can keep you awake for 1 to 2 hours. But its effect decreases with time. Your body will build tolerance against caffeine. Its not a healthy practice to drink coffee daily.

How Does Coffee keeps you Awake ?

Caffeine blocks some sleep-inducing chemicals in the brain and also increases the adrenaline production. Its sufficient to keep you awake for at least an hour. However the exact time differs from person to person. It is better to avoid coffee several hours before you go to bed.

Does it harm your body, if you use coffee to avoid sleep on a regular basis?

Yes, if you are having coffee above the certain limit then you are prone to sleep disorders.

How much coffee should you drink per day?

This limit depends on person to person as several factors play an important role in deciding the maximum limit of caffeine. These factors are your age, gender and weight.  A healthy human being should not take more the 2 to 4 cups of brewed coffee, i.e. 200 to 300 mg of coffee powder.

What are the side effects of having too much coffee ?

Caffeine can cause several bad effects on health if you are taking it above the prescribed limit. It can make you nervous, irritable, have trouble sleeping or develop an upset stomach, irregular heart beat or tremors.

Tips for Coffee lovers

• You can drink coffee to get rid of sleep for 2 to 4 hours, but only if you are not a regular drinker of coffee. So don't make it a habit of drinking coffee daily, otherwise it will not work on your. Drinking too much coffee will make you an addict of it.
• If you are using coffee in morning to get rid of sleep then your are just masking your sleep and you are prone to sleep disorders.
• Its better to sleep and getup at the same time every day. It will keep you away from sleep disorders and make you biological clock healthy.

Read More

Low BP Symptoms, Causes and Treatment (Home Remedies)

Low BP

Low BP (Blood Pressure) is a condition in which pressure of blood on the walls of arteries is lower due to some reason. There may be several reason behind this condition. Here we will discuss the symptoms, causes and some home remedies (treatment) for Low BP. If you feel the symptoms of low BP then you should immediately get it checked and get its treatment.

How much BP is considered Low ?

There are two readings taken while measuring the BP. First is called Systolic, which means the pressure on arteries when heart pumps the blood. Second is Diastolic, which is pressure on arteries while heart relaxes. The normal BP is 120 / 80 for an average human being. Here 120 is Systolic and 80 is Diastolic. If it goes below 90 / 60 then its consider as Low BP. Even if any one of the reading goes below the mentioned limit then its considered as Low BP. For example if the BP is measured 115 / 50 then it is Low BP.  

Low BP Symptoms

Low BP symptoms are usually easily visible but we take them as usual tiredness and need to rest. Low BP symptoms are listed below, and if you notice them then either get it checked or measure your BP using a electronic BP Monitor. Here are some Low BP Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Lack of concentration
• Fainting (syncope)
• Cold, clammy, pale skin
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Rapid, shallow breathing

Low BP Causes

Low BP can be caused due to some medical conditions and some medications as well. We will mention both of these. 

Here are some medical conditions that can cause Low BP:

• Pregnancy: The expansion of circulatory system of mother due to presence of baby causes the BP to drop. It becomes normal after giving birth.
• Heart problems: Heart Attack, heart valve problems and some other heart problems can lower the BP.
• Endocrine problems: Some Thyroid conditions, adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and diabetes can cause Low BP.
• Dehydration: During Dehydration your body loses more water than it takes in. Even the water in the Blood is reduced leading to lower blood volume which leads to lower BP. It is called hypovolemic shock which can even cause death.
• Septic Shock: When an infection in body enters the blood stream (called Septicemia) then it can lower the BP to a life-threatening level called Septic Shock.
• Severe Allergic Reaction: Anaphylaxis ( a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction) can cause breathing problems, hives, itching, a swollen throat and a drop in blood pressure.
• Lack of nutrients in your diet: A lack of the vitamins B-12 and folate can cause decrease in umber of red blood cells resulting in anemia and causing Low BP.

Some medications can also cause Low BP, so its better to keep checking you blood pressure if you are using any of these types of medication:

• Diuretics (water pills)
• Alpha and Beta blockers
• Some Drugs for Parkinson's disease
• Some antidepressants

Type of Low BP

Low BP is also called Hypotension. There are various types of Low BP which are described below. These types may also help you understand Low BP.

• Orthostatic or Postural Hypotension: Low BP on standing up from a lying position. It causes dizziness and blurred vision. Its due to lack of blood supply to brain as more blood flows towards legs due to gravity.
• Postprandial Hypotension: It is Low BP after eating. Higher amount of blood flows towards digestive system after eating. Usually heart rate increases after eating, but it doesn't in people suffering from Postprandial Hypotension.
• Multiple System Atrophy with Orthostatic Hypotension: It is Low BP due to nervous system damage.

Low BP Home Remedies

These home remedies can work if you are not a severe patient of Low BP. You may try it, but if you facing Low BP problem again and again then its better to consult a doctor and get it diagnosed.
Here are a few home remedies for Low BP:

• Salt Water: Sodium in Salt increases the BP.
• Coffee: Its a temporary treatment of Low BP but don't become habitual of it as there are some side effects of caffeine. 
• Raisins: Its an Ayurvedic treatment. Soak 30 to 40 Raisins in water overnight and take them in morning one by one. You may also drink the water in which raisins were soaked.
• Holy Basil: Holy Basil contain Vitamin C, Magnesium, Potassium, and Pantothenic Acid which are benefitial for Low BP patients. It also reduces stress and calms the mind.
• Licorice root: If your low BP is caused due to low level of Cortisol then Licorice Root can benefit you. You can prepare Licorice root tea by boiling one teaspoon of Licorice root (dried or powdered) in a cup water for five minutes.
• Almonds: Soak five almonds in water overnight, peel off them in morning. Make a paste of them and then boil it with a cup milk. Drink one-cup every day.
• Carrot Juice: Drinking one glass of carrot juice with two teaspoons of honey twice daily can improve your Low BP.

Read More

Relation between Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

Diabetes and High Blood Pressure are two most common diseases in the world. Every second patient over 35 years of age is suffering from any one of these diseases. Most of these patients are suffering from both of these diseases. Some of them are aware of this fact while some don't. If you are suffering from both of these then you should do your best to control it, else it may lead to some critical conditions.

Relation between Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

If you are suffering from Diabetes then it might lead to High Blood pressure if you don't take care of your diet. Sometimes Diabetes causes atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), and if its not treated on time then it can cause high blood pressure. You should keep checking your blood pressure if you are a patient of Diabetes. It should be less than 130/80 mmHg. If its above this limit then consult you doctor to lower it.

Results of Diabetes with High Blood Pressure

Diabetes with high blood pressure can lead to some critical conditions which are listed below.

• Diabetic Eye
• Kidney problems
• Coronary Artery Disease (heart disease)
• Strokes
• Peripheral Vascular Disease (narrowing of the arteries in the legs and feet)
• Heart failure

Diabetic Eye can even cause blindness. Its one of the worst effects of diabetes with high blood pressure. It damages the blood vessels in retina and also damages the optic nerve leading to complete blindness.

Kidney Problems are also common in such patients.

How High Blood Pressure can be treated in Diabetic Patients?

ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) inhibitors are used to treat high blood pressure in diabetic patients. These ACE medicines have also shown positive results to delay Kidney Diseases in diabetic patients.

Diuretics or Water Pills are also used to treat High Blood Pressure in Diabetic Patients.

How High Blood Pressure can be prevented in Diabetic Patients?

To prevent High Blood Pressure in Diabetic Patients they should practice the following things in their daily routine.

• Quit Smoking
• Eat a healthy diet
• Maintain a healthy body weight as per the BMI scale
• Exercise Regularly
• Eat less salt than normal person.

If you practice these things then you can avoid being a patient of High Blood pressure and live a healthy life with diabetes.

Read More