Why you shouldn't let your Vitamin D levels drop!

There are some people we aren’t allowed to forget about, who we take for granted, who are important for our existence, who we welcome with open arms and who’s periodic absence funnily enough we accept as a norm. Vitamin D is one such “people”!! 

In the customary yearly medical checks Vitamin D has found a consequential place and hence the evaluation is most always done. Lower than the reference results are tolerated as if it were meant to be and the just sufficient “marks” are met with a definite measure of victory! 

Supplementation is mobilized for a short period and then it is supposed that the Vitamin D that is so susceptible to drop will consent to it’s presence in adequate amounts for the rest of the year or even until the next test reveals another story.
The way Vitamin D and it’s supplementation is viewed in India needs to change. A few sachets in the year will do nothing to assist the critical role Vitamin D plays to maintain life processes and optimal health.
Let’s Start at the Start. Why is Vitamin D deficiency susceptible to drop.
Sunlight is the major source of vitamin D. As a cult, especially in urban pockets, life is more exciting indoors. In fact, life happens indoors. But lets also not fool ourselves, even if we were to spend some time as a rule in the sun daily, I suspect no marked change in the levels. The pollution and smog cover is so high, it is reported that the UV index has dropped not allowing for enough infiltration of rays for our skin to produce adequate amounts of Vitamin D.
And thus vitamin D deficiency has become a new age disease.  

Why isn’t Vitamin D deficiency just a nutritional deficiency?
It isn’t. It’s a malady, a syndrome by sheer recognition of it’s importance in the prevention of a host of disease and body conditions. It is critical in more ways than we can think of

• In the heath of bones and absorption of calcium.
• For reduced risk of diabetes by better regulation of insulin.
• In the health of infants, especially for the prevention of asthma & eczema.
• For a healthy pregnancy – those with adequate amounts of Vitamin D have reduced risk to preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and bacterial vaginosis. Maintaining the right levels of vitamin D during pregnancy also has been associated with reduced the risk of food allergies in the child until age 2!!
• Immunity – Vitamin D plays a significant role in the body’s immunity levels. In the prevention of infection and as well as in auto immune disorders.
• Prevention of cancer – Vitamin D’s role in prevention and slowing progression of cancer is being well researched.
• It’s role in preventing Alzheimer’s, hypertension, cardio vascular disease and autism is being fervently researched but is yet to be proven. What information we have today definitely points to the possibility of a strong association

So what’s the solution?

• The right supplementation schedules. Sit with your medical practitioner/nutritionist and determine not just a periodic but a yearly supplementation program along with a timely method of validation.

This may involve 2-3 months of high dose supplementation and a maintenance schedule for the rest of the year. The maintenance schedule is mostly ignored but is important for us to maintain sufficient Vitamin D levels always. Like we need air always, we need Vitamin D always!

• Sufficient levels aren’t the criteria, optimal levels are. You probably need 50-60% more than the adequate levels on the blood reference range.
• But just supplementation through artificial methods isn’t enough. Expose yourself to the sun without a sunscreen and minimum clothing for at least 20-30minutes in the day.
• Making sure you are taking enough magnesium rich foods like spinach, whole wheat grains, nuts, black beans, dark chocolate, yoghurt and edamame. Magnesium helps the utilization of Vitamin D in the body.
• Stay within your BMI, obesity exposes one to consistently poor Vitamin D levels.
• Fish, liver, beef, egg yolks, fortified cereals and cheese can also though minimally contribute towards your Vitamin D reservoir!
• Omega 3 (cod liver oil) supplementation is another strong source of Vitamin D, 1 tbsp providing 1360 IU

There’s no problem without a solution and a problem that is everyone’s doesn’t cease to be a problem! It has to be combated. Such is the story of Vitamin D. It’s deficiency is an epidemic, and is treated almost as normal as everyone suffers from it. But that is not an excuse to not treat the condition actively. Step up to your health, step up to to Vitamin D.

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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Atrial fibrillation: When your heart doesn’t beat in the right rhythm

Your heartbeat is the first sign that you are alive. According to the American Heart Association, the normal heart rate for adults should range between 60 to 100 beats per minute. However, if it is as fast as 300 times per minute, you are suffering from a condition called atrial fibrillation (AF) which means your heart’s electrical impulses have lost coordination. Atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) can be the cause behind heart failure, blood clots, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. For all those suffering from this condition, a new study has come with significant findings. So far, the surgical procedure to treat atrial fibrillation, known as catheter ablation, was considered to be superior to the available drug therapies. But the new study states that both these options are equally effective. However, the quality of life is better and the need for hospitalization is lower after a surgical procedure compared to the drug therapy.

NEW RAYS OF HOPE FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Apart from this new research, there have been a few other significant developments in terms of  the AF diagnosis and treatment. Researchers identified two biomarkers known as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) that can help in better diagnosis of irregular heartbeat. BNP is a hormone that is secreted by the heart and FGF-23 is a protein that helps in the regulation of phosphate (an ion).  Elevated levels of these blood markers reveal that a person has irregular heartbeat which needs urgent and targeted treatment.

 Also, an updated study has revealed that a new type of blood-thinning medication known as non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) can potentially reduce the risk of stroke due to AF. During atrial fibrillation, irregular heartbeat results in blood clot in the atria (heart chamber). This clot may reach your brain through blood, causing blockage in the blood vessels of your brain, which may result in stroke. The new medications are anticoagulants that can prevent blood clot.

HOW DOES YOUR HEART BEAT, ACTUALLY?

The upper right chamber of your heart, known as the right atrium, hosts a natural pacemaker (sinus node), which produces the electrical impulses responsible for your heartbeat. The electrical impulses pass through the atrioventricular (AV) node, the connecting pathway between the upper and lower chambers of heart. As the signal is produced from the sinus node, it reaches the two upper chambers, known as the atria, which contract to pump blood into your ventricles, the two lower chambers of your heart. Similarly, the ventricles contract to pump blood to your body. This is  when the electrical impulses pass through the AV node to the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart).

DECODING ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Atrial fibrillation is a condition where your heart beats at an irregular pace. When you suffer from this cardiac ailment, the upper two chambers of your heart experience chaotic electrical impulses and start beating rapidly which is not in sync with the lower two chambers. As a result, the AV node is bombarded with impulses which, it tries to pass on to the ventricles. However, all of them cannot get through. Due to this rapid movement of impulses, the ventricles also start beating fast but not as fast as atria. This results in an irregular heart rhythm, ranging from 100 to 175 beats per minute.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

There are various probable reasons behind atrial fibrillation including high blood pressure, abnormal heart valves, heart attack, coronary artery disease, an overactive thyroid gland, metabolic imbalance, exposure to stimulants like caffeine, tobacco or alcohol, lung diseases, etc. In some cases, however, the causes are unknown where the patients haven’t been diagnosed with any heart damage. But experts have identified a few factors that increase your chance of suffering from irregular heartbeat. They include sleep apnoea, obesity, family history, high blood pressure, and any other chronic condition. According to experts in the field, older people are at a greater risk of developing AF. Additionally, a study has revealed that working for long hours can potentially increase your risk of developing a heart rhythm disorder. Also, another research has found that too much job pressure is linked with 48 per cent higher risk of atrial fibrillation. If you are suffering from this condition, you are likely to experience symptoms like racing heart, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain and shortness of breath.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

You need to make sure your heart is healthy in order to reduce the risk of atrial. Here are few tips for a healthy heart.
Make healthy food choices: Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, green vegetables, whole grains, and limited saturated fats. Also, minimize your caffeine and salt intake and avoid processed foods. Opt for salmon, nuts and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Healthy fats from dark chocolates and olive oil can also potentially protect you from AF.
Quit smoking: According to a study  smoking may boost your risk of developing heart rhythm disorder.
Indulge in daily exercise: Daily workout can make your muscles strong and help in proper blood flow. It is advised to do light exercises like walking and jogging to prevent AF.
Keep your weight in check: Obesity is a potential risk factor for various heart conditions including AF. Therefore, prevent obesity by cutting back on sugar, processed food, simple carbohydrates and unhealthy fats.  Working out regularly is also equally important.

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/                                                                                                                                                         FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           

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10 superfoods that strengthen your heart

The festive season is also sadly the time, when many elderly suffer heart attacks. Hence, the time is when we ought to carefully choose heart healthy foods to stay healthy. Make sure that elder persons don't get too excited or depressed over minor things during this time. Good luck to all with good health and loads of happiness.

You have heard that certain foods can raise your risk for heart disease. But a healthy lifestyle, including eating heart-healthy foods and exercising regularly, can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and keep your ticker beating for decades to come.

What’s even more exciting is that eating a heart-healthy diet can be good for your overall health as well as your waistline.

There is a variety of fruits and vegetables that are good for your heart. So instead of gorging on unhealthy stuff, opt for foods that are rich in nutrients, fibre, and healthy fats and in their natural form.

Here’s a list of foods that are good for your heart:
Dark beans
Dark beans, such as kidney or black beans, are high in fibre, B-vitamins, minerals and other good things that are good for your heart.
Fish
Salmon and other fatty fish like sardines and mackerel packed with omega-3 fatty acids, shown to lower the risk of arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) and atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the arteries) and decrease triglycerides in studies.
Nuts
Eating a handful of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, will not only satisfy your hunger, it will also help your heart. Nuts are loaded with heart-healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Flaxseeds
If you are looking to reduce your risk for heart disease, adding flaxseeds to your diet is an excellent idea. Flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and phytoestrogens that boost heart health.
Berries
Berries are considered as a superfood owing to its special health benefits, including lowering your risk of heart disease.
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate contains substances that protect your heart. Eating dark chocolate can help lower your blood pressure naturally, reducing the risk factors that can lead to heart disease and diabetes.
Oatmeal
Oats are loaded with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidant plant compounds. Studies have shown that oatmeal offers many health benefits, including weight loss, lowered blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Citrus fruits
Oranges, cantaloupes and papaya are rich in beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium and fibre, all of which are good for your heart.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are low in calories, but high in fibre and have many nutrients that are good for your overall health, including lycopene, vitamin A, B, C and E and potassium.
Carrots
Carrots are packed with carotenoids, fibre and vitamins that can help your heart. Several studies have linked beta-carotene levels with a reduced risk of heart attack and that of heart disease.

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/                                                                                                                                                                             FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                                                             https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                                       FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com   

Health Benefits Of Grapefruit

Grapefruit can seem like an acquired taste. Their bulbous size; bitter pith (the white stuff that surrounds the fruit); and tart taste can be off-putting to those who are more accustomed to their sweeter citrus cousins, like the orange. But consider adding this super-food to your regular rotation of healthy foods. Considered to be one of the  best foods to have for breakfast, you don't actually have to limit your intake to the early morning hours. 

Grapefruit can inhibit an enzyme in the intestines called CYP3A4, (although some other fruits may do the same, grapefruit is the most documented) which plays a key role in breaking down certain medications in the body. The fruit, particularly the juice, has been shown to result in extra-high, even potentially dangerous levels of certain drugs in the body when consumed at the same time. 

Benefits of Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a tropical citrus fruit known for its sweet and somewhat sour taste.
It's rich in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber, making it one of the healthiest citrus fruits you can eat.
Research shows that it may have some powerful health benefits, including weight loss and a reduced risk of heart disease.

1. Low in calories , high in nutrients
Grapefruit is an incredibly healthy food to include in your diet. That's because it's high in nutrients, but low in calories. In fact, it's one of the lowest-calorie fruits.
It provides a decent amount of fiber, in addition to more than 15 beneficial vitamins and minerals. Grapefruit is low in calories and also provides a significant amount of fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

2. Benefits Immune system

Eating grapefruit regularly may be beneficial for your immune system.
It's prized for its high content of vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties known to protect your cells from harmful bacteria and viruses .
Additionally, several studies have shown Vitamin C to be beneficial for helping people recover more quickly from the common cold .
Many other vitamins and minerals found in grapefruit are known to benefit immunity, including vitamin A, which has been shown to help protect against inflammation and several infectious diseases.
Grapefruit also provides small amounts of B vitamins, zinc, copper and iron, which all work together in the body to promote immune system function. They also help maintain the integrity of your skin, which acts as a protective barrier to infection.

3. Helps to control appetite
Grapefruit contains a decent amount of fibre — 2 grams in half of a medium-sized fruit .
Research shows that a diet high in fiber-rich fruits is beneficial for inducing feelings of fullness. This is because fiber slows the rate at which your stomach empties, increasing digestion time .
Thus, consuming adequate amounts of fiber may automatically help you eat fewer calories throughout the day by keeping your appetite at bay.

4. Aids weight loss

Grapefruit has several properties linked to weight loss, especially its fiber content, which helps promote fullness and reduce calorie intake .
Additionally, grapefruit contains few calories but lots of water, which is another characteristic known to help with weight loss.
One study in 91 obese subjects found that those who consumed half of a fresh grapefruit before meals lost significantly more weight than those who didn't .
In fact, those in the group that ate fresh grapefruit lost an average of 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) over 12 weeks, while the participants in the group that didn't eat grapefruit lost less than 1 pound (0.3 kg), on average .
Other studies have found similar weight-reducing effects. For instance, one study found that participants experienced a reduced waist size when they consumed grapefruit daily with their meals .
This isn't to say that grapefruit will produce weight loss on its own, but adding it to an already healthy diet may prove to be beneficial.

5. May help prevent insulin resistance and diabetes

Eating grapefruit regularly may have the potential to prevent insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes.
Insulin resistance occurs when your cells stop responding to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates many processes in your body. For example, it's involved in many aspects of your metabolism, but it's most commonly known for its role in blood sugar control.
Insulin resistance ultimately leads to higher insulin and blood sugar levels, two primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes .
Eating grapefruit may help control insulin levels and thus have the ability to reduce your likelihood of becoming insulin resistant .
In one study, subjects who ate half of a fresh grapefruit before meals experienced a significant reduction in both insulin levels and insulin resistance, compared to the group that didn't eat grapefruit.
Furthermore, eating fruit as a whole is generally associated with better blood sugar control and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes .

6. Improves heart health

Regularly consuming grapefruit is thought to improve heart health by reducing risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.
In one study, people who ate grapefruit three times daily for six weeks experienced significant reductions in blood pressure over the course of the study. They also showed improvements in total cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol levels.
These effects are likely due to the important nutrients that grapefruit contains, which play a role in keeping your heart functioning properly.
First, grapefruit is fairly high in potassium, a mineral responsible for many aspects of heart health. Half a grapefruit provides about 5% of your daily potassium needs .
Adequate potassium intake is associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure. Additionally, it has been shown to lower the risk of death from heart disease .
Second, the fiber in grapefruit may also boost heart health, given that a high fiber intake is associated with lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels .

7. High in antioxidants

Grapefruit contains a few different antioxidants that provide various health benefits, including a reduced risk of several diseases.
Antioxidants protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that may cause harmful reactions in your body .
Here's an overview of the most important antioxidants in grapefruit: 

Vitamin C: A powerful, water-soluble antioxidant that is present in high amounts in grapefruit. It may protect cells from damage that often leads to heart disease and cancer . 
Beta-carotene: It's converted into vitamin A in the body and thought to help reduce the risk of some chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer and eye-related disorders like macular degeneration . 
Lycopene: Known for its potential ability to prevent the development of certain types of cancer, especially prostate cancer. May also help slow the growth of tumors and decrease the side effects of common cancer treatments . 
Flavanones: Their anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease .

8. May reduce the risk of Kidney stones

Consuming grapefruit may reduce your risk of developing kidney stones, which result from a buildup of waste materials in the kidneys.
These waste materials are products of metabolism that are normally filtered through the kidneys and removed from the body in urine.
However, when they crystallize in the kidneys, they become stones. Larger kidney stones may cause a blockage in the urinary system, which can be incredibly painful.
The most common type of kidney stones is calcium oxalate stones. Citric acid, an organic acid found in grapefruit, may be effective at preventing them by binding with calcium in the kidneys and flushing it out of the body .
Also, citric acid has the ability to increase the volume and pH of your urine, producing an environment that is less favorable to the formation of kidney stones .

9. Very hydrating

Grapefruit contains a lot of water and is, therefore, very hydrating. In fact, water makes up most of the fruit's weight.
There are almost 4 ounces (118 ml) of water in half of a medium grapefruit, which accounts for about 88% of its total weight .
While drinking lots of water is the best way to stay hydrated, eating water-rich foods can also help. 

10. May speed wound healing 

Vitamin C helps form healthy scar tissue and new blood vessels, both of which help return your body to a healthy state. A grapefruit contains about 72 mg of vitamin C, which is 120% of the daily value.
"Vitamin C speeds up wound healing post surgically," says a Dr. "I tell people to take 500 milligrams of vitamin C before they go into surgery."
Always ask your doctor before adding vitamins, minerals, or any herbal supplements to your daily regimen, especially if you're about to have surgery.  In this case, that goes for grapefruit too, given its ability to affect the metabolism of certain drugs.

11.May even help prevent cancer 

A large study conducted in Japan found that people who ate citrus (including grapefruit) throughout the week had a lower risk of developing cancer, especially prostate and pancreatic, compared with the total group of participants.

The effect was amplified among those who also drank a lot green tea.
The authors speculate that compounds in citrus fruits reduce inflammation and stop cancer cells from multiplying. They may also help repair damaged DNA, which contributes to the development of tumors.
The fiber in grapefruit may also help prevent colorectal cancer while fruits high in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which is in pink and red grapefruit, may lower the risk of esophageal cancer.

Caution- Grapefruit may not be for all

There are a few reasons why some people may need to avoid eating grapefruit.

Medication Interactions

For some people, consuming grapefruit and its juice may lead to medication interactions .
This is because it contains substances that inhibit cytochrome P450, an enzyme your body uses to metabolize certain medications.
If you eat grapefruit while taking these medications, your body may not be able to break them down, which could cause an overdose and other adverse effects .
The medications most likely to interact with grapefruit include :
Immunosuppressants                          Benzodiazepines  
Most calcium channel blockers         Indinavir                      Carbamazepine                                  Some statins

If you are taking any of these medications, talk with your doctor before adding grapefruit to your diet.

Tooth Enamel Erosion

In some instances, eating grapefruit may lead to tooth enamel erosion.
Citric acid, which is found in citrus fruits, is a common cause of enamel erosion, especially if you consume it in excess .
If you have particularly sensitive teeth, you may need to avoid acidic fruits. However, there are some things you can do to preserve your tooth enamel while still enjoying grapefruit:
Never suck on grapefruit or other acidic fruits and avoid putting them directly against your teeth.
Rinse your mouth with water after eating the fruit and wait 30 minutes to brush your teeth.
Eat cheese with the fruit. This helps neutralize the acidity in your mouth and increase saliva production.

SUM UP

Grapefruit is one of the healthiest fruits on the planet. It's rich in important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
On the whole, grapefruit is delicious and incredibly easy to add to your diet.

Color of the grapefruit matters

All the grapefruit colors are packed with goodness, vitamins, and nutrients but the red and pink ones come with a little extra.
"They have a higher antioxidant level, specifically beta carotene," says an expert. "They also have lycopene, another antioxidant."
Lycopene is one of a group of carotenoids or pigments that gives hued grapefruit (and other fruits and vegetables) their color. Eating diets rich in carotenoids may lower the risk of heart diseases and some cancers.

Antioxidants in general may play a key role in preventing cancer. 

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/                                                                                                                                                                             FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                                                             https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                                       FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

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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