Brush your teeth for a healthy heart

Brushing teeth daily not only helps in maintaining good dental health but is also beneficial for the heart, says a recent study.

Brushing teeth frequently linked with lower risks of atrial fibrillation and heart failure, according to a study published recently.

Previous research suggests that poor oral hygiene lead to bacteria in the blood, causing inflammation in the body. Inflammation increases the risks of atrial fibrillation ( irregular heartbeat) and heart failure ( the heart's ability to pump blood or relax and fill with blood is impaired).

This study examined the connection between oral hygiene and the occurrence of these 2 conditions.
The retrospective cohort study enrolled 161,286 participants of the Korean National Health Insurance System aged 40-79 with no history of atrial fibrillation or heart failure.

Participants underwent a routine medical examination between 2003 and 2004. Information was collected on height, weight, laboratory tests, illnesses, lifestyle, oral health and oral hygiene behaviours.

During a median follow-up of 10.5 years, 4,911 ( 3 %) participants developed atrial fibrillation and 7,971 ( 4.9%) developed heart failure.

Tooth brushing 3 or more times a day was associated with a 10 % lower risk of atrial fibrillation and a 12 % lower risk of heart failure during 10.5 year follow-up.

The findings were independent of a number of factors including age, sex, socioeconomic status, regular exercise, alcohol consumption, body mass index, and comorbidities such as hypertension.
While the study did not investigate mechanisms, one possibility is that frequent tooth brushing reduces bacteria in the subgingical biofilm ( bacteria living in the pocket between teeth and gums), thereby preventing translocation to the bloodstream.

Senior author noted that the analysis was limited to one country and as an observational study does not prove causation. But he added that, we studied a large group over a long period, which adds strength to our findings.

It is certainly too early to recommend tooth brushing for the prevention of atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. While the role of inflammation in the occurrence of cardiovascular disease is becoming more and more evident, intervention studies are needed to define strategies of public health importance, stated an accompanying editorial.

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Ears can be used for ECG to predict heart rhythm

Researchers have developed a novel electrocardiogram (ECG) method that uses signals from the ear to check heart rhythm, making it easy for drivers, athletes and persons in the military to scan their own heart beat.

This is the first study to show that the ear can be used for ECG signal detection, said researchers.

"Mobile ECG devices present a major opportunity to detect atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder, and thereby prevent strokes and reduce hospitalisations," said a researcher.

"All available portable ECG devices require both hands, but what if symptoms happen while driving?" he asked.

The study included 32 consecutive healthy volunteers (cardiology students and nurses). An ECG was first performed by the standard method, which uses the index and middle finger of each hand.

A second ECG was conducted using the index and middle finger of the left hand and a clip attached to the left ear.

All ECGs were printed and analysed by the device and by two cardiologists who were blinded to which method had been used. No differences were detected in the ECG results obtained by the two methods, the researchers said.

"We have shown how the ear can be used as an innovative anatomical site for ECG signal detection in healthy adults. We are now conducting further studies to validate this method in patients with cardiac arrhythmias," he said.

The authors said findings will pave the way for a new kind of single lead ECG wearable device, which leaves one hand free, making it easier to use.

Besides detecting previously undiagnosed atrial fibrillation, the device would be used to evaluate physical performance during exercise, prevent fainting and check the heart during symptoms including dizziness and breathlessness.

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Stroke prevention drugs may help reduce dementia risk for atrial fibrillation patients

Patients with atrial fibrillation could reduce the risk of dementia by taking stroke prevention medications, according to recommendations published online today.
 
Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), as well as some procedures undertaken to treat them, can increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The international consensus document was written for doctors specialising in arrhythmias and aims to raise awareness of the risks of cognitive impairment and dementia and how to reduce them.

The document states that atrial fibrillation is associated with a higher risk for cognitive impairment and dementia, even in the absence of apparent stroke. This may be because atrial fibrillation is linked with a more than two-fold risk of silent strokes. The accumulation of silent strokes and the associated brain injuries over time may contribute to cognitive impairment.

Stroke prevention with oral anticoagulant drugs is the main priority in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation. The consensus document says that oral anticoagulation may reduce the risk of dementia.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle may also reduce the risk of cognitive decline in patients with atrial fibrillation. This includes not smoking and preventing or controlling hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and sleep apnoea.

"Patients with atrial fibrillation may be able to reduce their risk of cognitive impairment and dementia by taking their oral anticoagulation medication and having a healthy lifestyle," said the  lead author and consultant.

The document also reviews the association between other arrhythmias and cognitive dysfunction, including post-cardiac arrest, in patients with cardiac implantable devices such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers, and ablation procedures.

Treatment of atrial fibrillation with catheter ablation can itself lead to silent strokes and cognitive impairment. To reduce the risk, physicians should follow recommendations for performing ablation and for the management of patients before and after the procedure.

The consensus document notes that physicians may suspect cognitive impairment if a patient's appearance or behaviour changes—for example, if appointments are missed. Family members should be asked for collateral information. If suspicions are confirmed, the consensus document recommends tools to conduct an objective assessment of cognitive function.

The paper highlights gaps in knowledge and areas for further research. These include, for instance, how to identify atrial fibrillation patients at increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, the effect of rhythm control on cognitive function, and the impact of cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) on cognitive function.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/   

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Holiday heart syndrome

This is once again the time of year when the number of people being rushed to the emergency room for heart attacks, irregular heartbeats and even sudden cardiac arrest goes up. This is due to the so-called “Holiday Heart Syndrome” or HHS.

This used to be considered a mere coincidence during the holiday season, but the problem has been reported in scientific journals and is now a real medical condition that everyone, especially those with known heart problems, has to be wary about.

The last thing we want is for a member of the family to spend the rest of the season in a hospital, or worse, for the family to grieve over the sudden death of a loved one. Yes, it can be a one-time, big-time heart complication with no second chances.

Merrymaking is a hallmark of the Christmas holiday, but when the wine, beer and other booze exceed healthy limits for drinking—aggravated by a high-fat diet, lack of sleep, stress over the traffic and last-minute shopping, plus of course, the cold chill this time of year—the toll on one’s cardiovascular health can be too much.

There appears to be a “conspiracy” of all adverse risk factors during the holiday season. These factors trigger an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation or AF, which can lead to heart failure, heart attack, stroke and other serious complications.

Mounting stress
Many underestimate the impact of mounting stress during the holiday season as we go from one Christmas party to another. Add to that the stress of making sure one has gifts for everyone, and the elevated adrenaline in our system fuels the engine of a cardiovascular catastrophe.

It’s good if one survives a heart attack or a stroke. Many are not that fortunate and succumb before reaching the hospital, or before they even swallow the chunk of crispy pata they sliced from the buffet table.

So, for people with risk factors like smoking, overweight, hypertension, cholesterol problems and diabetes, have a checkup with your family physician, and take the necessary preventive medicines and lifestyle measures to avoid being a victim of HHS.

Family physicians generally try to identify patients who are at high risk to develop HHS, so that they can be forewarned to take the necessary precautions. Someone who’s forewarned is better prepared to prevent whatever catastrophe HHS may cause.

Medicines may be adjusted, or some medicines may be added, but the best preventive measure is avoidance of all the risk factors mentioned.

Just say ‘no’
Here are some suggestions to avoid HHS:
1) Shopping for gifts could be done before the holiday rush.
2) Appointments for get-togethers and other Christmas parties have to be scheduled in advance, and one just has to learn to say “no” to some invitations.
3) Trips have to be planned to avoid the stress-inducing traffic.
4) For important occasions, it’s best to have an early start than fidget in the car because one is already late for the occasion.
5) Alcohol should be taken in strict moderation, ideally not more than one drink for women per day, and not more than two drinks for men.
6) Caffeine in excess should also be avoided.
7) Having a good night’s rest should never be compromised, even if we’re the first to say goodbye to everyone.
I usually recommend my high-risk patients, especially those with previous heart attacks and those with significant blockages of their heart arteries, to wear watches which can monitor their heart rates. They are advised to determine their regular resting heart rate (preferably 55 to 70 beats per minute).
If it increases by 15 percent or more even while at rest, it’s fair warning that their heart is experiencing some stress and strain from whatever they’re doing. One should then desist from all alcohol and HHS triggers, and maybe it’s time to go home and rest.

For example, if one’s usual resting heart rate is 70 per minute, and it goes up to more than 80 per minute, the heart is already saying, “I’m working harder now to cope with the stress of everything you’re subjecting yourself to.”

If the increase in heart rate is accompanied by symptoms of chest tightness, shortness of breath, palpitations or sensation of pounding heartbeat, skipped beating of the heart or irregular heartbeat, it’s best to go to the nearest emergency room to prevent further strain or damage to the heart.

The holiday season is a season of cheer. Let’s keep it that way by making sure our loved ones who have heart problems are out of harm’s way.

Even if we don’t have heart problems, it’s still best to avoid all triggers for HHS. Remember, it can be a one-time, big-time catastrophe no one expects.

Here’s wishing everyone a joyous holiday season, and a healthy, successful and abundant New Year. God bless!

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How smog can affect your heart?

Some cities in Asia are troubled by high pollution, which during winter months, causes thick smog to settle down, as there is no breeze and the atmosphere is heavy. When the pollution levels are much higher than the prescribed limit by the WHO, then people suffer from severe respiratory and heart  problems.

Some of the most common symptoms of pollution include irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; phlegm; chest tightness; and shortness of breath. Those with heart problems can experience pain in the chest, palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Inhaling toxic air can also trigger cardiac arrhythmias and heart attacks. Here’s more on the symptoms of smog.

 Speaking about this, a Dr.  said, “Pollution levels are at an all-time high. This situation is particularly dangerous for those with existing heart problems and those susceptible to them. Breathing in high amounts of polluted air is linked to an increased risk of heart attack and strokes. If you are at a risk of heart failure, high levels of air pollution could make this worse. You might also feel the symptoms get worse if you have angina or atrial fibrillation.Continuous exposure to pollutants can also lead to plaque formation in the arteries thereby triggering heart attacks in patients at high risk. It is imperative to take certain precautionary measures while going out, especially in the wake of such pollution levels. While the government makes efforts to reduce pollution, one must also make efforts at an individual level.” Here’s more on how smog is affecting YOU!

Smog is a complex mixture formed by various pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and dust particles, which interact with sunlight to form ground-level ozone, leading to the build-up of haze that hangs in industrial cities. This is a high-alert situation for the city with children and older adults at high risk.

Adding further, Dr.  said, “High contents of particulate matter PM 2.5 air pollutants less than 2.5 micron in size can be absorbed and cause inflammation of the heart arteries. Exposure to pollutants also increases the risk of acute arterial vasoconstriction and atherosclerosis. Although nothing can prevent exposure to pollution in some way, some steps will ensure that this exposure is limited. This includes exercising in areas that are at least 200 meters away from roads, construction sites, and smoke-emitting industry, and not venturing out of the house when pollution levels are at their peak.” Here are simple ways you can lessen pollution.

 Some tips to cope with the increased pollution levels are as follows.
 Patients with asthma, and chronic bronchitis should get the dose of their medicine increased during smog days.
Avoid exertion in conditions of smog. It is better to avoid walking during smog hours.
Heart patients should stop their early morning walk during smog hours.
Remember to take the flu pneumonia vaccine.
Keep doors and windows shut particularly during the early morning hours.
It is better to wear protective masks if you must venture out.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.   

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