Archive for April 2008

 
 

Eibstein Syndrome

b8.jpgEbstein’s anomaly is an irregularity in the tricuspid valve. The tricuspid valve is the one that separates the right atrium from the right ventricle. If the pressure within the right atrium turn out to be very high because of the excessive backflow into it, there is a communication which connects the right atrium and left atrium, known as the foramen ovale, that remains open. This link is allowing the  unoxygenated (“blue”) blood to run from the right atrium, which at the same time is bypassing the lungs and going directly to the body. Additionally, a lot of patients with Ebstein’s abnormality have an accessory conduction pathway in the heart which leads to episodes of abnormal fast heart rate. 

Medicines Does Not Cure

b7.jpgComes with a healthy lifestyle, doctors are also prescribing medicines to help lower the cholesterol. Drug treatments help to regulate but does not “cure” high blood cholesterol. As a result, one must maintain taking medicine to keep the cholesterol level in the suggested range. When trying to keep your cholesterol level low, it is important to pursue a treatment for other conditions that you may have. While taking all the medicines that the doctors prescribes, try to check on other factors as well such as quitting smoking and losing weight. In the long run, these combinations will work best .

Cholesterol Lowering

b6.jpgThe main goal of lowering the cholesterol is to drop the  low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level sufficient to reduce the risk of having a heart attack or diseases which is caused by strengthening of the arteries. As a whole, the higher the LDL level, the more risk factors you have and greater probability of developing heart disease or heart attack.

 The two main ways to lower the cholesterol are namely:(1)   Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC)

(2)   Drug Treatment

 Your diet has effect also so better limit the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol you eat. Eating only enough calories in order to achieve a healthy weight.

Amiodarone

b5.jpgIf there is one medicine that is least to be in the prescription it would be Amiodarone.  These tablets are used to treat heart arrhythmias, particularly when other drugs prescribed are useless. This medicine can help in treating paroxysmal, nodal, and ventricular tachycardias, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular fibrillation.

 This prescription drug is generally initiated and under the supervision of a physician. The common side effects when taking this drug are nausea, vomiting, liver problems, sleeping disorder and lung problems. Amiodarone has a long half-life and when taken the potential for drug interactions occurs after several weeks of treatment.

Global Warming Effects

b2.jpgIn the midst of Global Warming, environmentalist and doctors are worried. According to recent research and studies, Global Warming has a big impact on our heart. Physicians are giving warning that due to climate change, it can produce heart problems eventually. We all know that whenever the temperature rises, heart problems are always detected. Heat waves can produce death and it can even be worsened as a result of extreme heat. In this time, the heart rate rises and the blood pressure goes down. This can be very risky or unsafe to older people and those with weak cardiovascular system.

How Does Cardiac Rehab Works?

b1.jpgRehabilitation has two major parts, first is the exercise training and the counseling itself. In order to strengthen the muscles and improve the stamina, physicians are recommending having a daily exercise regimen. The exercise plan given is based on one’s individuality, ability, and interest. This may vary so before hitting the gym, consult your cardiologist about this. On the other hand, counseling will help you understand your heart condition. It will also help you be trained in coping with stress and adjusting to a new lifestyle so you have better perception on how to deal with your fears in the future.