Daytime napping lowers risk of heart attack

Taking a nap during daytime can not only refresh you but also lower the risk of heart attack or stroke if taken once or twice in a week, found a new study.

The impact of napping on heart health has been hotly contested since many of the  published studies on the topic have failed to consider napping frequency, or focused purely on cardiovasccular disease deaths, or compared regular nappers with those not opting for a mini siesta.

In the study, researchers looked at the association between napping frequency and average nap duration and the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease events, such as heart attack, stroke or heart failure, among 3462 randomly selected residents of Switzerland.

Each participant was aged between 35 and 75 when recruited between 2003 and 2006 to the study.

The 1st check-up took place between 2009 and 2012 when information on their sleep and nap patterns in the previous week was collected and their health was then subsequently monitored for an average of 5 years.

Over half ( 58% 2014) of the participants said they didn't nap during the previous week; around one in five ( 19%, 667) said they took 1-2 naps; around one in ten ( 12%, 411) said they took 3-5; while a similar proportion ( 11 %, 379) said they took 6-7.

Frequent nappers ( 3-7 naps a week) tended to be older, male, smokers, weigh more and to sleep for longer at night than those who said they didn't nap during the day.

And they reported more daytime sleepiness and more severe obstructive sleep apnoea-a condition in which the walls of the throat relax and narrow during sleep, interrupting normal breathing.

During the monitoring period, there were 155 fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events.

Occasional napping once to twice weekly, was associated with an almost halving in attack/ stroke / heart failure risk ( 48% ) compared with those who didn't nap at all.

This association held true after taking account of potentially influential factors, such as age, and nighttime sleep duration, as well as other cardiovascular disease risks, such as high blood pressure/ cholesterol.

And it didn't change after factoring in excessive daytime sleepiness, depression and regularly sleeping for at least 6 hours a night. Only older age ( 65+) and severe sleep apnoea affected it.

But the 67 % heightened cardiovascular risk initially observed for frequent papers virtually 
disappeared after taking account of potentially influential factors. And no associations with cardiovascular disease 'events' were found for nap length ( from 5 minutes to 1 hour +).

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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.

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Diabetes Experts' Tips on Foot Care

The lifetime risk that a person with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer may be as high as 

25%. To lower your chances of having this happen and to keep your feet in tiptop shape, 

Dr. recommends taking these steps.

Take care. Wash feet daily with warm water and soap, dry well, then soften with lotion, 

cream, or petroleum jelly, avoiding the areas between toes. Trim or file toenails into a 

shape that's almost square but with no corner points to break skin or cause ingrown 

toenails.

Be sure the shoe fits. Indoors or out, wear properly fitting, closed-toe shoes to protect 

feet from stubs and bangs. After age 40, when feet get wider, consider prescription 

orthopedic footwear for better balance and stability. Never go barefoot.

Wear socks. Clean, light-colored, and lightly padded socks will show blood or draining 

wounds so you can easily spot problems. Avoid slow-drying, 100% cotton socks in favor 

of synthetic blends that wick moisture away and discourage fungus.

Fight fungus. Fungus, which thrives in moisture, can lead to infection. Where can you 

pick up fungus? From carpet, showers, and gym floors. To help kill it, use medicated foot 

powders like Tinactin or Micatin, and spray Lysol inside your athletic shoes.

Inspect daily. Take a good look at your feet every day. A recent study of male veterans 

with diabetes found that more than half couldn't see or reach the bottom of their feet. If 

you aren't flexible enough to see your soles, ask someone to help or use a magnifying 

mirror to scout trouble spots like redness, bruises, and tiny punctures.

Shake things up. Give your shoes a good shake regularly. Seemingly harmless debris 

like coins and pebbles can fall unnoticed into shoes, injuring feet.

Don't go to extremes. Insensitivity to temperature means you could accidentally 

damage your feet, so avoid becoming too hot or too cold.

Heat can cause feet to swell and can burn skin, so don't soak your feet in hot water -- 

and stay away from hot-water bottles, heaters, and fireplaces, too. Wear insulated boots 

and socks in very cold weather to help prevent frostbite.

Don't be callous. Don't attempt any kind of "surgery" by cutting your calluses yourself. 

You risk getting ulcers or infections, so call your doctor for help.

Mark the calendar. Schedule regular foot exams with your doctor -- every few months, 

or at least once a year -- to avoid emergencies later.

Managing Stress and Diabetes

Another critical aspect of diabetes management is staying stress-free. A little bit of 

stress can send your blood sugar out of control. 

Exercise. "It's a great stress management tool. Walk on a treadmill or get out and hoof it 

in the fresh air."

Talk with a loved one. "Don't bottle it up inside. Find someone who will be sympathetic."

Get enough sleep. "You can't cope with stress very well if you're overtired. Get checked 

if you think you have sleep apnea, which causes snoring and abnormal breathing during 

snooze time." 

Don't overeat. "Many times, people who are stressed like to eat because it's a comfort 

for them. But overeating can cause high blood sugar, so if you must, snack on carrots or 

rice cakes."

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

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Pulmonary Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension is a rare lung disorder in which the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs become narrowed, making it difficult for blood to flow through the vessels. As a result, the blood pressure in these arteries -- called pulmonary arteries -- rises far above normal levels. This abnormally high pressure strains the right ventricle of the heart, causing it to expand in size. Overworked and enlarged, the right ventricle gradually becomes weaker and loses its ability to pump enough blood to the lungs. This could lead to the development of right heart failure.

Pulmonary hypertension occurs in individuals of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds although it is much more common in young adults and is approximately twice as common in women as in men.

Cause for the pulmonary arteries narrow

Scientists believe that the process starts with injury to the layer of cells that line the small blood vessels of the lungs. This injury, which occurs for unknown reasons, may cause changes in the way these cells interact with the smooth muscle cells in the vessel wall. As a result, the smooth muscle contracts more than normal and narrows the vessel.

The symptoms of pulmonary hypertension-

Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension do not usually occur until the condition has progressed. The first symptom of pulmonary hypertension is usually shortness of breath with everyday activities, such as climbing stairs. Fatigue, dizziness, and fainting spells also can be symptoms. Swelling in the ankles, abdomen or legs; bluish lips and skin, and chest pain may occur as strain on the heart increases. Symptoms range in severity and a given patient may not have all of the symptoms.

In more advanced stages of the disease, even minimal activity will produce some of the symptoms. Additional symptoms include irregular heart beat (palpitations or strong, throbbing sensation), racing pulse, passing out or dizziness, progressive shortness of breath during exercise or activity, and difficulty breathing at rest. Eventually, it may become difficult to carry out any activities as the disease worsens.

Causes pulmonary hypertension-

Pulmonary hypertension also can occur as a result of other medical conditions, such as chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis; rheumatic disorders such as scleroderma or systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus); and lung conditions including tumors, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis.

Heart diseases including aortic valve disease, left heart failure, mitral valve disease, and congenital heart disease can also cause pulmonary hypertension.

A blood clot in a large pulmonary artery can result in the development of pulmonary hypertension.

Low-oxygen conditions. High altitude living, obesity, and sleep apnea can also lead to the development of pulmonary hypertension.

Genetic predisposition. Pulmonary hypertension is inherited in a small number of cases. Knowing that someone in the family had or has pulmonary hypertension should prompt you to seek early evaluation should symptoms occur.

Pulmonary hypertension may also be caused by other conditions, and in some cases, the cause is unknown.

Diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension -

Because pulmonary hypertension may be caused by many medical conditions, a complete medical history, physical exam, and description of your symptoms are necessary to rule out other diseases and make the correct diagnosis. During the physical exam, your health care provider will:

• listen for abnormal heart sounds such as a loud pulmonic valve sound, a systolic murmur of tricuspid regurgitation, or a gallop due to ventricular failure.
• examine the jugular vein in the neck for engorgement.
• examine the abdomen, legs, and ankles for fluid retention.
• examine nail beds for bluish tint.
• look for signs of other underlying diseases that might be causing pulmonary hypertension.

• Doppler echo-cardiogram: Uses sound waves to show the function of the right ventricle, to measure blood flow through the heart valves, and then calculate the systolic pulmonary artery pressure.

• Chest X-ray: Shows an enlarged right ventricle and enlarged pulmonary arteries.
• 6 minute walk test: Determines exercise tolerance level and blood oxygen saturation level during exercise.
• Pulmonary function tests: Evaluates for other lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis among others.
• Polysomnogram or overnight oximetry: Screens for sleep apnea (results in low oxygen levels at night).
• Right heart catheterization: Measures various heart pressures (ie, inside the pulmonary arteries, coming from the left side of the heart), the rate at which the heart is able to pump blood, and finds any leaks between the right and left sides of the heart.
• Ventilation perfusion scan (V/Q scan): Looks for evidence of blood clots along the pathway to the lungs.
• Pulmonary angiogram: Looks for blood clot blockages in the pulmonary arteries.
• Chest CT scan: Looks for blood clots and other lung conditions that may be contributing to or worsening pulmonary hypertension.

Treatment for pulmonary hypertension-

Appropriate diagnosis and analysis of the problem is necessary before starting any treatment. Treatment varies per individual based on the different underlying causes but generally includes taking medications; making lifestyle and dietary changes; having surgery, if necessary; and seeing your doctor regularly. 

Medications

Many different types of medications are available to treat pulmonary hypertension. Treatment choices, depend on the severity of pulmonary hypertension, the likelihood of progression, and individual drug tolerance.

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SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

Look for these suspicious symptoms

According to researchers, struggling with two or more of these symptoms is a tip-off that you could be struggling with depression and not even know it:

• Persistent fatigue or sluggishness
• Vague aches and pains that never seem to go away
• Frequent cravings for sweets or starches -- even when you’re full
• Difficulty controlling your eating
• Fuzzy or unfocused thinking Anxiety or trouble coping with day-to-day stresses
• Afternoon drowsiness, even if you’re getting enough sleep at night
• Frequent bouts of irritability, tension or anger
• Trouble finding the energy or ambition to tackle daily to-dos
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

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POWER NAPS ARE GOOD FOR HEALTH

Naps help recharge, especially if she takes them right after lunch. To combat fatigue and 

stay on top of things at work and at home, power naps helps greatly.

Naps and Sleep Deprivation

Daytime naps can be one way to treat sleep deprivation, according to a sleep expert. "You 

can get incredible benefits from 15 to 20 minutes of napping," she says. "You reset the 

system and get a burst of alertness and increased motor performance. That's what most 

people really need to stave off sleepiness and get an energy boost."

The length of your nap and the type of sleep you get help determine the brain-boosting 

benefits. The 20-minute power nap -- sometimes called the stage 2 nap -- is good for 

alertness and motor learning skills like typing and playing the piano.

What happens if you nap for more than 20 minutes? Research shows longer naps help boost 

memory and enhance creativity. Slow-wave sleep -- napping for approximately 30 to 60 

minutes -- is good for decision-making skills, such as memorizing vocabulary or recalling 

directions. Getting rapid eye movement or REM sleep, usually 60 to 90 minutes of napping, 

plays a key role in making new connections in the brain and solving creative problems.

Naps Versus Coffee

Is taking a catnap better than reaching for a cup of coffee? Yes, because caffeine can 

decrease memory performance. So you may feel more wired, but you are also prone to 

making more mistakes.

Napping Tips

Research has found that napping regularly may reduce stress and even decrease your risk 

of heart disease. To get the most out of a power snooze, follow these quick tips :

Be consistent. Keep a regular nap schedule. Prime napping time falls in the middle of the 

day, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Make it quick. Set your cell phone alarm for 30 minutes or less if you don't want to wake up 

groggy.

Go dark. Nap in a dark room or wear an eye mask. Blocking out light helps you fall asleep 

faster.

Stay warm. Stash a blanket nearby to put over you because your body temperature drops 

while you snooze.







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

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I've not given details about designs, but those interested are free to mail me for the same.