Eat fruits, yoghurt daily to reduce stroke risk

Different types of food are linked to risks of different types of stroke, say researchers, adding that higher intakes of fruit, vegetables and dairy products is linked to a lower risk of ischaemic stroke.

For the study, published in the European Heart Journal, the researchers picked over 4,18,000 people in nine European countries and investigated ischaemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke separately.
The study found that while higher intakes of fruit, vegetables, fibre, milk, cheese or yoghurt were each linked to a lower risk of ischaemic stroke, there was no significant association with a lower risk of haemorrhagic stroke.

However, greater consumption of eggs was associated with a higher risk of haemorrhagic stroke, but not with ischaemic stroke, the researchers said.

"Our study also highlights the importance of examining stroke subtypes separately, as the dietary associations differ for ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke, and is consistent with other evidence, which shows that other risk factors, such as cholesterol levels or obesity, also influence the two stroke subtypes differently," said study first author Tammy Tong from University of Oxford in the UK.

Ischaemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain or forms somewhere else in the body and travels to the brain where it blocks blood flow.

Haemorrhagic stroke occurs when there is bleeding in the brain that damages nearby cells. About 85 per cent of strokes are ischaemic and 15 per cent are haemorrhagic. Stroke is the second leading cause of deaths worldwide.

For the findings, the research team analysed data from 418,329 men and women in nine countries (Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the UK) who were recruited to the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study between 1992 and 2000.

The participants completed questionnaires asking about diet, lifestyle, medical history and socio-demographic factors, and were followed up for an average of 12.7 years.

During this time, there were 4,281 cases of ischaemic stroke and 1,430 cases of haemorrhagic stroke.

The total amount of fibre (including fibre from fruit, vegetables, cereal, legumes, nuts and seeds) that people ate was associated with the greatest potential reduction in the risk of ischaemic stroke, the researchers said.

Every 10g more intake of fibre a day was associated with a 23 per cent lower risk, which is equivalent to around two fewer cases per 1,000 of the population over 10 years, they added.

Fruit and vegetables alone were associated with a 13 per cent lower risk for every 200g eaten a day, which is equivalent to one less case per 1,000 of the population over 10 years.

No foods were linked to a statistically significant higher risk of ischaemic stroke.

The researchers found that for every extra 20g of eggs consumed a day there was a 25 per cent higher risk of haemorrhagic stroke.

The researchers said the associations they found between different foods and ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke might be explained partly by the effects on blood pressure and cholesterol.

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Artery-clogging saturated fat myth debunked

Among doctors and the public alike, there is a popular belief that dietary saturated fat clogs up the arteries and results in coronary heart disease. A new editorial published says that this notion of saturated fat clogging a pipe is "just plain wrong." 

The team cited reviews that show no association between intake of saturated fat and a greater risk of heart disease, in order to support their argument against the existence of artery-clogging saturated fat.
"It is time to shift the public health message in the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease away from measuring serum lipids and reducing dietary saturated fat," say the authors. 

Instead of focusing on lowering blood fats and cutting out dietary saturated fats, the importance of eating "real food," partaking in regular physical activity, and minimizing stress, should all be emphasized. 

According to doctors, the current approach to managing heart disease echoes the practice of plumbing, but the notion of improving the condition by "unclogging a pipe" has been invalidated by a series of clinical trials. The trials found that when a stent was inserted to widen narrowed arteries, the risk of heart attack or death was not lessened.
 
"Decades of emphasis on the primacy of lowering plasma cholesterol, as if this was an end in itself and driving a market of 'proven to lower cholesterol' and 'low fat' foods and medications, has been misguided," the panel contends. These misconceptions may stem from "selective reporting of data," they suggest. 

Coronary artery heart disease is the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. The chronic inflammatory condition responds positively to a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in the anti-inflammatory compounds often found in extra virgin olive oil, vegetables, oily fish, and nuts, the researchers note. 

Coronary heart disease reduced with regular exercise, eating 'real' food
The best predictor of heart disease risk involves a high total cholesterol (TC) to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio, not low-density lipoprotein. Dietary changes, such as substituting refined carbohydrates with healthful high-fat foods including olive oil and nuts, can significantly reduce the high TC to HDL ratio, the experts explain. 

Exercise plays an essential role in preventing heart disease and may increase life expectancy by 3.4 to 4.5 years. Just 30 minutes of moderate activity per day on more than three occasions each week has been shown to make a difference to risk factors for inactive adults. Furthermore, the researchers point out that regular brisk walking may be more effective at preventing coronary disease than running.
 
Chronic stress is a risk factor for coronary heart disease that "should not be overlooked," the team underline. Chronic stress puts the body's inflammatory response on a continuous state of high alert. Research has shown that environmental stress, such as childhood trauma, can decrease life expectancy by up to 20 years. The authors write:

"Combining a complete lifestyle approach of a healthful diet, regular movement, and stress reduction will improve quality of life, reduce cardiovascular, and all-cause mortality." 

The researchers add that spending just 22 minutes per day walking and eating healthful food can prevent coronary artery disease. However, "there is no business model or market to help spread this simple yet powerful intervention," the authors conclude. 

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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New heart valve does not require open surgery

Doctors in the US have implanted a newly approved aortic heart valve device in a patient that does not require open surgery.

The device, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is called the Medtronic CoreValve System.

On March 28, Loyola University Medical Centre became the first Illinois hospital to implant the device in a patient who was not part of a clinical trial.

The new device is deployed with a catheter, which is inserted in an artery in the groin and guided up to the heart.

Once in place, the artificial valve takes over the function of a diseased valve. The system is much less invasive than traditional open-heart surgery.

Loyola physicians also have implanted the device in patients participating in clinical trials, including a landmark trial.

The study found that patients who received the device had significantly lower mortality than heart valve patients who underwent open-heart surgery.

"This is a major breakthrough," said Fred Leya, co-principal investigator at the Loyola site, along with Mamdouh Bakhos.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, included 795 seriously ill heart-valve patients who were randomly assigned to receive the new device or to undergo open-heart surgery.

After one year, the mortality rate was 19.1 per cent in the group that underwent open-heart surgery, but only 14.2 per cent in the group that received the new device.

After 30 days, quality-of-life scores improved 19 points for patients who received the new device, compared with 3.7 points for open-surgery patients.

At the one-year mark, quality-of-life scores increased 23.2 points in the device group and 21.9 points in the open-heart surgery group.

Quality of life is measured on a 100-point scale, in which 5 points is considered important and 20 points is considered a very large improvement.

Aortic stenosis occurs when the heart's aortic valve is narrowed, restricting blood flow from the heart to the body. The valve doesn't open properly, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood.

Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, chest pain/pressure, heart murmur, shortness of breath during activity, heart palpitations and fainting.

Aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure and death, researchers said.

The FDA approved the device in January 2014 to treat patients with severe aortic stenosis who are too ill or frail to have their aortic valves replaced through open-heart surgery.

Such patients have a nearly 50 per cent risk of death at the one-year mark unless they are treated.

PS- 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-

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WALNUTS ARE GOOD FOR HEART

Enjoy 1/3 cup walnuts daily and you’ll cut your risk of a heart attack in half and add almost three healthy years to your life, say researchers. Turns out these crunchy treats are one of the richest natural sources of artery-healing monounsaturated fats. “I’ve been snacking on them for years,” says a Dr.  Walnuts are good for brain too, as they're shaped like it !







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Thrombotic stroke

The blockage of an artery in the brain by a clot (thrombosis) is the most common cause of a stroke. The part of the brain that is supplied by the clotted blood vessel is then deprived of blood and oxygen. As a result of the deprived blood and oxygen, the cells of that part of the brain die and the part of the body that it controls stops working. Typically, a cholesterol plaque in one of the brain's small blood vessels ruptures and starts the clotting process.

Risk factors for narrowed blood vessels in the brain are the same as those that cause narrowing blood vessels in the heart and heart  attack (myocardial infarction). These risk factors include:

• high blood pressure (hypertension),
• high cholesterol,
• diabetes, and
• smoking.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

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What is Carotid Sinus Syndrome?

Carotid Sinus syndrome is a result of dilation or widening of the internal carotid artery and is also known as a carotid bulb indicating the swelling of the artery at a particular point or collar syndrome as the carotid sinuses are located near the neck where ones collar would sit.

The Carotid Artery consists of many sensitive receptors and nerve endings which monitor pressure.

During this syndrome the carotid sinus artery may become very sensitive to any form of stimulation and as a result can affect heart rate, amount of blood reaching the brain and blood pressure. This is known as CSH or Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity. In severe cases a loss of consciousness or convulsions and seizers may occur when a build up of pressure occurs in these arteries due to manual stimulation. When the Carotid Sinus artery is compressed no blood flows to the cerebellum resulting in brain damage and death if the artery is not opened within a specific period of time.

Carotid sinus syndrome is more prevalent in the elderly generation and predominantly affects those over the age of 50. Males are also more prone to developing this condition.

What is Carotid Sinus Reflex?

Blood pressure balance and homeostatic balance are the two major functions of the carotid sinus reflex found in the Carotid artery. When this artery is over stimulated due to massages or pressure in this area, impulses are sent which affects normal blood pressure levels and heart beat (bradycardia). Vasodilatation or the increasing in arterial circumference and light headedness, dizziness and disorientation may also occur.

It is for this reason that one who suffers with Carotid sinus hypersensitivity should be careful even during mild stimulation of the neck area.

What are the causes of Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity?

• Gender - Males are more likely to develop Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity
• A sudden feeling of dizziness or disorientation when one stands up quickly. This is known as orthostatic hypotension and is a result of low blood pressure at the particular time when one stands up from a sitting position.
• Age related - The chances of one developing this condition increase with age
• The presence of plague or coronary artery disease or heart disease can make one more susceptible to Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity.
• Tumours in the head or neck region
• The presence of high blood pressure
• Certain medications can make ones Carotid Sinus more sensitive. These include Beta-blockers and methyldopa

What are the symptoms of Carotid Sinus Syndrome?

• Frequent dizzy spells
• Low blood pressure
• A loss of muscle tone at times due to a decrease in heart beat and blood reaching the muscles.
• Excessive scarring in the neck region due to a trauma or the development of fibrosis and neck tumours in this area.
• Flat lining or having no heartbeat for a period of time.
• Forgetfulness or amnesia after an event which leaves one unconscious
• A slow heart beat or one that beats under 60 beats per minute
• Sudden falls which can result in injuries and fractures in elderly clients.
• Sudden death or strokes
• Carotid sinus reflex death is a result of vagus nerve impulses which may cause the heart to stop beating, i.e. cardiac arrest. This occurs during strangulation.

Please take note, in many cases a person may be completely symptom free or asymptomatic and still have CSH (Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity). 

Diagnosis of Carotid Sinus Syndrome or Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity

This condition is often diagnosed by a GP or Doctor when one experiences unexplained dizziness and disorientation.

The GP or Doctor can also use massage techniques in the neck region whilst monitoring any drop or fall in blood pressure. The possibility of Cardiac arrest should also be monitored. 

Treatments for Carotid Sinus Syndrome include-

• Denervation surgery is a procedure which helps prevent nerve impulse responsiveness and conductivity.
• Endarterectomy is a surgical procedure which helps remove plaque or plaque build-up in the arteries. If this plaque becomes dislodged it can get stuck in narrow arteries causing a blockage and prevention of blood flow in this area.
• Medications such as Heparin, Asprin and Plavix are recommended to prevent blood clotting and thickening of blood. These are known as anticoagulants. 

Tips for living with Carotid Sinus Syndrome of Carotid Sinus 
  Hypersensitivity

• Avoid massaging of the carotid sinus – This can be very dangerous as any massaging to this area can cause a thrombus or plaque to become dislodged resulting in it flowing freely through the arteries with a possibility of becoming lodged in a narrow artery and resulting in strokes and even death.
• Avoid wearing tight fitting collars.
• Try decrease the speed at which you turn your head
• Be extra gently when shaving over this artery as not to over stimulate it

FOODS WHICH HELP REDUCE BLOOD PRESSURE

Potatoes are packed with anthocyanins, which rev up one's body's artery-pampering defences.

Raisins- contain blood pressure friendly potassium, as well as fibre & beneficial compounds called poly-phenols which keep artery walls flexible.


Pumpkin seeds, cashew nuts & walnuts- contain magnesium that helps lower blood pressure down by balancing levels of sodium & calcium. Plus, the healthy fat in walnuts keeps inflammation out of your arteries & protects the level of nitric oxide.

Protein- yoghurt, roast chicken, smoked salmon will keep blood sugar lower & steadier.

Dark chocolate- flavonols packed into dark chocolate boost production of artery-relaxing nitric oxide. Pair a square with orange sections or your favourite fruit.