8.5% of the women who drank two or more diet drinks a day experienced one or more interventions over the course of the study. This compares to 6.9% in the five-to-seven diet drinks per week group, 6.8% in the one-to-four drinks per week group, and 7.2% in the zero-to-three per month group.

Women in the 2 or more a day group were significantly younger and had higher BMIs than women in the other groups, meaning that the diet soda was causing health issues in these women at an accelerated rate. They were also more likely to suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure.

Although the study unearthed some very alarming information, no official conclusion has been made by the research team.

“Based on these and other findings we have a responsibility to do more research to see what is going on and further define the relationship,” Vyas explained. “This could have major public health implications.”

Similar Studies

In 2012, University of Miami and Columbia University researchers followed 2,500 New Yorkers over the age of 40 for 10 years. All the participants had never experienced a stroke prior to the study (2).

Like the Iowa study, participants were instructed to write down their soda drinking habits. They also had to report health problems, hospitalizations, and new medication once a year during a phone interview.

Researchers found that diet soda drinkers were more likely to have had a stroke or heart attack, or to have died from vascular disease over the course of the study. They were also more likely to be former smokers and to suffer from high blood pressure. They even had, on average, higher blood sugar and larger waistlines than their regular soda-drinking counterparts.

Those who drank it every day were 36% more likely to develop metabolic syndrome and had a 67% higher risk of developing diabetes.

In comparison, participants who drank regular soda were more likely to smoke and eat more carbohydrates. However, they were less likely to have diabetes or high cholesterol.

Researchers concluded that soda consumption, both diet and regular, were equally linked to cardiovascular disease risk factors.

In a similar study, researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden examined the effect of daily non-diet soda consumption (3).

After examining 42,400 men over 12 years, they found that men who drank two or more 200ml servings had a 23 percent higher risk of developing heart failure.

They also proved that in 3 604 cases, soda consumption was a direct factor in the development of heart failure. Of these cases, 509 died as a result of the condition.

Not So Sweet

Some of the medical conditions mentioned above are partially caused by aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose, which are artificial sweeteners used in diet products (4).

These sweeteners have a more intense flavor than natural sugars. Hence, over time, they may diminish your ability to taste sweetness.

They also have the same detrimental effects as regular sugar, including insulin resistance, weight gain, high blood pressure, elevated glucose levels, and raised cholesterol. These conditionsput you at risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

So next time you reach you reach for a diet soda, trade it for some organic fruit juice or healthy tea.

The original article can be found here: https://dailyhealthpost.com/diet-soda-heart-disease/2/

 

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Heart disease is the nation’s leading killer of women. But paying attention to risk factors and living a healthy lifestyle can help keep heart disease at bay.

“It’s an equal opportunity killer,” said Dr. Jennifer Mieres, a professor of cardiology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in New York. “Women in mid-life are definitely at the highest risk. It’s a volatile time for women, as the menopause transition is marked by changes in body composition, fat distribution and an increase in cholesterol levels.”

Among women, 90% have one or more risk factors for heart disease at some point in their lives, according to American Heart Association statistics. Yet 80% of cardiovascular diseases are preventable.

Get annual checkups

It’s important to get annual checkups to assess heart-health risk and take action, Mieres said. Prepare for the appointment, much as you would when gathering documents to meet with a financial adviser.

“You go to your accountant at tax time, and you don’t show up empty-handed,” she said. Be prepared to discuss any family history of heart disease or other concerns. “You should not be passive. You should have a conversation.”

Become knowledgeable of your key health numbers, such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. For example, blood pressure of less than 120/80 is considered normal.

Know the symptoms of a heart attack

Women’s heart attack symptoms may cover a wider spectrum compared with symptoms in men. Women may experience the “classic” heart attack symptoms of chest pressure, chest discomfort or shortness of breath, just as men do.

“But women also may have symptoms such as back pain, usually on the left side; shoulder pain; a fullness in the stomach; or nausea as signs of an impending heart attack,” cautioned Mieres.

Tell your doctor if you had a pregnancy complication

Recent research has focused on heart disease linked to pregnancy-related complications. Diabetes and hypertension during pregnancy as well as early delivery have been linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk years later.

“Pregnancy is a stress test” for the body, a possible marker for heart disease later in life, said Mieres.

Get enough sleep

Lack of sleep – getting less than six or seven hours a night – is connected to heart disease, research has shown. Poor sleep has been linked to high blood pressure, can make it difficult to lose weight and may make you less likely to want to exercise.

Tame stress

Chronic stress is another area of concern for women. It can lead to behaviors and factors that impact heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inactivity and overeating.

To cope with stress, eat healthy foods, exercise and get plenty of sleep. Consider talking to others about your stress, including a friend, parent, doctor or counselor.

Find a health partner

In all heart-healthy efforts, it helps to have a partner in the endeavor, Mieres said.

Work with a health care provider to find a customized treatment plan that fits your daily life and medical needs. A friend, family member or co-worker also can be a good partner for getting physically active and sticking with a healthy eating plan.

“It’s OK if you fall off the wagon. You have that person to help you get back on track,” said Mieres. “There is strength in numbers.”

Original article can be found here:

https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/10/04/6-things-every-woman-should-know-about-heart-health

 

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“Listening to music could be […] a preventive measure in favor of cardiovascular health in situations of intense stress, such as driving during rush hour. “Prof. Vitor Engrácia Valenti.

Driving can be very stressful, particularly if you are stuck in heavy traffic or are an inexperienced driver, and this stress will eventually take its toll on the heart. However, researchers now confirm that there is a simple fix for this problem: listening to the right music while driving.

Past research has shown that experiencing frequent psychological stress can be a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, a condition that affects almost half of those aged 20 years and older in the United States.

One source of frequent stress is driving, either due to the stressors associated with heavy traffic or the anxiety that often accompanies inexperienced drivers.

Does this mean, though, that people who drive on a daily basis are set to develop heart problems, or is there a simple way of easing the stress of driving?

According to a new study by researchers from São Paulo State University in Marília, Brazil, Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom, and the University of Parma in Italy, there is.

In a study paper that features in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine, the researchers report the encouraging results of a study involving inexperienced drivers, noting that listening to music while driving helps relieve the stress that affects heart health.

“We found that cardiac stress in the participants in our experiment was reduced by listening to music while they were driving,” says principal investigator Prof. Vitor Engrácia Valenti.

Music may lower cardiovascular stress

For their study, the researchers recruited five female volunteers between the ages of 18 and 23 years who were in good health, were not habitual drivers — they drove no more than twice a week — and had received their driver’s license 1–7 years before the start of the study.

“We opted to assess women who were not habitual drivers because people who drive frequently and have had a license for a long time are better adapted to stressful situations in traffic,” explains Prof. Valenti.

The researchers asked the volunteers to take part in two different experiments. On one day, the participants had to drive for 20 minutes during rush hour on a 3 kilometer route in one of the busiest parts of the city of Marília. On this day, the participants did not play any music in the car as they were driving.

On another day, the volunteers had to go through the same motions, with one exception: This time, they listened to instrumental music while driving.

In both instances, the participants drove cars that were not their own. This measure was necessary, the investigators explain, to make sure that there was no reduction in stress due to the volunteers being familiar with the cars.

“To increase the degree of traffic stress, we asked them to drive a car they did not own. Driving their own car might help,” says Prof. Valenti.

To measure the effect of stress on the heart in each experimental condition, the investigators asked the participants to wear heart rate monitors able to record heart rate variability in real time.

The activity of two key systems — the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system — influences heart rate variability. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for regulating the flight or flight response, which is the automatic bodily reaction to stressful, anxiety-inducing situations. Meanwhile, the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for “rest and digest” processes.

“Elevated sympathetic nervous system activity reduces heart rate variability, whereas more intense parasympathetic nervous system activity increases it,” explains the lead investigator.

The researchers then analyzed the measurements that they had collected through the heart rate monitors on the two occasions. They found that when the participants had listened to music while driving under stressful conditions, they had higher heart rate variability than when they had driven under stressful conditions without any music.

“Listening to music attenuated the moderate stress overload the volunteers experienced as they drove,” says Prof. Valenti.

To readers who may be wondering why the researchers turned specifically to female participants in their study, the lead investigators explain that, at this stage, they wanted to be able to rule out the potential influence of sex-specific hormones.

“If men, as well as women, had participated, and we had found a significant difference between the two groups, female sex hormones might have been considered responsible,” notes Prof. Valenti.

The results of the small-scale experiments, the researchers argue, suggest that listening to relaxing music could, indeed, be an easy way of preventing stress levels from escalating and affecting the heart when someone finds themselves stuck in traffic.

Original article can be found here:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327016#Music-may-lower-cardiovascular-stress

 

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Heart disease is the leading cause of disability and death worldwide. About 2,200 people in the U.S. die per day due to cardiovascular problems, or one every 40 seconds.

With that in mind, if you knew that you could help keep your heart healthy by eating just a little bit less every day — about six standard-size Oreos’ worth of calories — would you?

Researchers have found evidence that just a modest reduction in our daily caloric intake could have protective benefits for our hearts, according to a paper published this week in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.

The paper drew on data from the Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE) study. That landmark project, supported by the National Institutes of Health, was one of the most in-depth efforts to measure the long-term impacts of caloric restriction in humans. Researchers have published numerous analyses drawing on data from the two-year study, examining various factors associated with life expectancy and longevity.

This paper, the latest to draw from the data, primarily examines how moderate caloric restriction impacts heart health and how it may potentially prevent aging-related decline.

The experiment began with 218 participants, all of whom were normal weight or just slightly overweight and between ages 21 and 50. Researchers started 143 participants on a diet that reduced their caloric intake by 25%; 75 others were assigned to a normal diet. In the end, 188 participants completed the study — 117 with caloric restriction and 71 without.

For the first four weeks of the study, people in the calorie-cutting group were fed in-house at one of three clinical centers. During this time, they were instructed on how to reduce their caloric intake and gradually fell into one of six eating plans based on their own preferences.

Over the first six months, most people stuck pretty well to their diets. On average, they cut back on calories by about 20%. But they didn’t fare as well over two years: Overall, they trimmed their caloric intake by an average of about 12% — or about 300 fewer calories per person per day.

Even so, this relatively modest reduction in calories had significant effects on the participants who ate less: They lost about 16.5 pounds on average and saw improvements, including lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, on all six primary factors associated with risks to heart health. They also saw improved insulin resistance and metabolic rates.

“We expected there to be [some] improvement on cardiometabolic factors because of weight loss,” says William Kraus, the study’s lead author and a distinguished professor of cardiovascular genomics at Duke University. “But … we didn’t expect the degree of improvement we saw.”

And though the weight loss was relatively impressive, it wasn’t responsible for a majority of the heart benefits. After conducting further analysis, researchers determined that at most, weight loss accounted for only 25% of the improved measurements in heart health. The researchers say their findings suggest that caloric restriction can have health benefits above and beyond those normally associated with weight loss.

David Sinclair, a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School, says the findings provide further evidence that caloric restriction can be beneficial to staving off the negative effects of aging.

But, he says, the study also demonstrates a significant problem with using caloric restriction to improve human health: It’s really hard to maintain, even for motivated people. Of the 143 participants who originally began the restricted diet, 26 dropped out before the two years were up. (Small sample size was a limitation of the study.) Many others were screened out from the initial study pool because of concerns about their physical or mental health.

“You can’t expect the elderly or frail to do this severe dietary regimen,” says Sinclair, who was not involved in the study. “We need alternatives, be they intermittent fasting or medicines that mimic calorie restriction.” He is working to understand how caloric restriction works on a molecular level so that he and others can come up with medications that confer the same benefits without the pain and difficulty.

The goal of any caloric restriction research, he says, is the reduction — and maybe elimination — of aging-related diseases.

“Aging isn’t considered a medical condition — it’s just too common. Hopefully, in the near future, we won’t accept it,” he says. “That’s what calorie restriction offers: It compresses the period of sickness. People one day will hopefully live into their 90s in a healthy way and pass away more quickly and [less] painfully than we do now.”

 

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Eating a cup of blueberries a day reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease – according to new research led by the University of East Anglia, in collaboration with colleagues from Harvard and across the UK.

New findings published today in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition show that eating 150g of blueberries daily reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 15 per cent.

The research team from UEA’s Department of Nutrition and Preventive Medicine, Norwich Medical School, say that blueberries and other berries should be included in dietary strategies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease – particularly among at risk groups.

The team set out to see whether eating blueberries had any effect on Metabolic Syndrome – a condition, affecting 1/3 of westernised adults, which comprises at least three of the following risk factors: high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, low levels of ‘good cholesterol’ and high levels of triglycerides.

Lead researcher Prof Aedin Cassidy, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “Having Metabolic syndrome significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes and often statins and other medications are prescribed to help control this risk.

“It’s widely recognised that lifestyle changes, including making simple changes to food choices, can also help.

“Previous studies have indicated that people who regularly eat blueberries have a reduced risk of developing conditions including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This may be because blueberries are high in naturally occurring compounds called anthocyanins, which are the flavonoids responsible for the red and blue colour in fruits.

“We wanted to find out whether eating blueberries could help people who have already been identified as being at risk of developing these sort of conditions.”

The team investigated the effects of eating blueberries daily in 138 overweight and obese people, aged between 50 and 75, with Metabolic Syndrome. The six-month study was the longest trial of its kind.

They looked at the benefits of eating 150 gram portions (one cup) compared to 75 gram portions (half a cup). The participants consumed the blueberries in freeze-dried form and a placebo group was given a purple-coloured alternative made of artificial colours and flavourings.

Co-lead, Dr Peter Curtis, also from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “We found that eating one cup of blueberries per day resulted in sustained improvements in vascular function and arterial stiffness – making enough of a difference to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by between 12 and 15 per cent.

“The simple and attainable message is to consume one cup of blueberries daily to improve cardiovascular health.

“Unexpectedly, we found no benefit of a smaller 75 gram (half cup) daily intake of blueberries in this at-risk group. It is possible that higher daily intakes may be needed for heart health benefits in obese, at-risk populations, compared with the general population.”

The research was led by the University of East Anglia in collaboration with The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the University of Southampton, the University of Surrey, and the University of Cambridge. It was funded by the US Highbush Blueberry Council and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Original article can be found here: https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/-/eating-blueberries-every-day-improves-heart-health

 

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If you’re ready to get serious about adopting a healthy heart diet, you don’t need to deprive yourself, and you don’t need the latest fad.

Eating wholesome foods is a simple lifestyle change that can make a huge difference to your heart. Eat any of these foods instead of high-calorie, high-added-sugar foods or drinks, and you’re well on your way to a healthy heart diet.

1. Salmon

Along with other fatty fish, salmon contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week. Use a low-sodium marinade and grill or pan-roast your fish. Serve with fresh vegetables or over a salad or pasta.

2. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is high in fiber, which can help lower cholesterol. When you’re choosing oatmeal, head for the old-fashioned oats or quick-cooking oats — steel-cut is even better. Avoid instant oatmeal. Top your oatmeal with fresh berries for a heart-healthy breakfast.

3. Legumes

Beans, lentils and peas are excellent sources of protein without a lot of fat. Studies over the years have documented legumes’ benefits for the heart. One study found that people who ate legumes at least four times a week had a 22% lower risk of heart disease compared with those who ate them less than once a week. Legumes also may help control blood sugar for those living with diabetes. Add legumes to soups, stews, chili, salads and pastas, or serve as a side dish to any meal.

4. Nuts

Varieties such as almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts and pistachios contain good-for-your-heart fiber and vitamin E, which help lower bad cholesterol. Some nuts, like walnuts, are also high in omega-3 fatty acids. Look for varieties without a lot of added salt.

5. Blueberries

Eating a cup of blueberries a day reduces risk of cardiovascular disease by 12% to 15%, according to a recent study led by the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom. The study found that eating one cup of blueberries per day resulted in sustained improvements in vascular function and arterial stiffness. Eat blueberries in cereal, with oatmeal, in a salad, with yogurt or just as a healthy snack.

6. Green vegetables

Your mother always told you to eat your vegetables — and she was right. Green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale and other leafy greens are packed with vitamins, iron and folic acid. Steam broccoli and add a squeeze of lemon juice or olive oil for a heart-healthy side dish. Give greens a quick sauté with lemon or orange juice or make soup by puréeing them with a little low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and white beans.

7. Sweet potatoes

Antioxidants found in sweet potatoes help shield our hearts, and sweet potatoes also contain vitamins C and E, potassium, calcium and fiber. Try roasting them and topping with a little brown sugar for a satisfying side dish or mash them as a replacement for white potatoes.

8. Asparagus

Asparagus is low in calories and contains heart-healthy anti-inflammatory nutrients such as folate and vitamins C and D. Grill or steam and drizzle with olive oil and lemon for a pretty side dish. Add leftovers to a salad for the lunch the next day.

9. Oranges

Oranges and other citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, provide flavonoids (an antioxidant), which can help lower your risk for ischemic stroke. Citrus fruits are also high in vitamin C, which has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Grapefruits are a great heart-healthy breakfast choice, and oranges are a satisfying afternoon snack.

10. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are high in heart-healthy potassium and are a good source of the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid that may help reduce “bad” cholesterol, keep blood vessels open and lower heart attack risk. Tomatoes are easy to add to your diet — think salads, soups, pizza, sandwiches, pasta, breakfast and more.

Original article can be found here: https://nortonhealthcare.com/news/heart-diet/

 

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What DASH Can Do for You

The DASH Diet can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which is good for your heart. In fact, DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or high blood pressure. Even if you don’t have high blood pressure, the DASH Diet is worth a look. It may help you lose weight because it’s a healthier way of eating. You won’t feel deprived. You’ll have lots of vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy products while cutting back on fats, cholesterol, and sweets.

Cut the Salt

Too much salt causes fluids to build up in your body. This puts extra pressure on your heart. On DASH, you’ll lower your sodium to either 2,300 or 1,500 milligrams a day, depending on your health, age, race, and any medical conditions. Here are some ways to cut back:

• Choose low- or no-sodium foods and condiments.
• Watch foods that are cured, smoked, or pickled.
• Limit processed foods. They’re often high in sodium.

Get Your Grains

Eating whole grains like whole wheat breads, brown rice, whole grain cereals, oatmeal, whole wheat pasta, and popcorn is a good way to get fiber. Some fiber helps lower your cholesterol and also keeps you feeling full longer. For a diet of 2,000 calories per day: Eat six to eight servings a day. One serving is a slice of bread, 1 ounce of dry cereal, or ½ cup of cooked whole wheat pasta, rice, or oatmeal (about the size of half a baseball).

Load Your Plate With Vegetables

Vegetables give you fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They don’t have a lot of calories or fat — a good recipe for controlling blood pressure. Have four to five servings of vegetables a day. That’s 1/2 cup of cooked or raw vegetables, 1 cup of raw leafy vegetables, or 1/2 cup of vegetable juice for each serving. Iffy about veggies? Start by adding a salad at lunch and dinner.

Don’t Forget Fruit

Fruits offer lots of fiber and vitamins that are good for your heart. Many also have potassium and magnesium, which help lower blood pressure. Eat four to five servings of fruit every day. One serving is a medium apple or orange, or 1/2 cup of frozen, fresh, or canned fruit. One-half cup of fruit juice or 1/4 cup of dried fruit also counts as a serving. Try adding bananas or berries to your breakfast cereal or have fruit for dessert.

Have Some Yogurt

Low- and no-fat dairy foods are good sources of calcium and protein, which can help maintain a healthy blood pressure. Try to get three servings of dairy every day. Choose skim or 1% milk and low- or no-fat cheeses and yogurt. Frozen low-fat yogurt is OK, too. One serving equals 1 cup of yogurt or milk, or 1 1/2 ounces of cheese — about the size of three dice.

Go for Lean Meats and Fish

You can still eat meat. Just make sure it’s lean. Meats are good sources of protein and magnesium. Skinless chicken and fish are also on the menu. Limit your servings to six or fewer a day. A serving is 1 ounce of cooked meat, fish, or poultry, or one egg. A good rule is to have no more than 3 ounces of meat at a meal — the size of an iPhone.

Add Nuts and Legumes

Nuts, legumes, and seeds are rich in magnesium, protein, and fiber. Walnuts are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which may help lower your risk of heart disease. Enjoy as many as five servings of these foods each week. That’s 1/3 cup of nuts, 2 tablespoons of seeds, or a 1/2 cup of cooked dried beans or peas in each serving. Grab a handful of seeds or nuts as a snack. Or add beans to your salads or soups.

Cut Back on Fats and Oils

Eating too many fats can cause high cholesterol and heart disease. With DASH, you’ll limit fats and oils to two to three servings a day. A serving is 1 teaspoon of margarine or vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, or 2 tablespoons of low-fat salad dressing. When cooking, use vegetable oils like olive or canola instead of butter.

Watch the Sweets

You don’t have to skip all sweets. But you should try to have five or fewer servings a week. That’s 1 tablespoon of sugar or jam, 1 cup of lemonade, or 1/2 cup of sorbet at a time. Choose sweets that are low in fat, such as gelatin, hard candy, or maple syrup. Instead of high-fat desserts, try having fresh fruit over low-fat ice cream.

Get Enough Potassium

Potassium is another important part of the DASH diet. Getting enough of this mineral may help lower your blood pressure. It’s best to get potassium from food instead of supplements. Aim for 4,700 milligrams (mg) a day. Try these potassium-rich foods:

• Potato: 610 mg
• Sweet potato: 542 mg
• Banana: 422 mg
• Avocado (1/2): 487 mg
• Cooked spinach (1/2 cup): 419 mg

Getting Started on DASH

DASH isn’t hard to follow, but you’ll have to make some changes. Start by keeping a food diary for a few days and see how your diet stacks up. Then start making changes. You’ll aim for around 2,000 calories a day. It may vary some depending on your body and how active you are. Ask your doctor for advice.

original post can be found: https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/your-heart-health-20/slideshow-dash-diet

 

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Dr. Stanley Bach, one of the top doctors at Harvard Medical Institute has recently figured out a way to predict and prevent heart attacks.

Watch the video below or read the article if you prefer.

Most people think they’re just nervous or anxious BUT they must be moments away from a fatal heart attack

Dr. Stanley Bach M.D.

If you have any of the following, pay close attention as you’re at higher risk for a stroke or heart attack.

• Females over 45 are more likely to have symptom-free heart attacks.
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Excess belly fat
• or a family history of health problems

Dr. Bach helped create a new device that detects this “Silent Surge” We call it “heart attack proof” smartwatch or HealtWatch.

Dr. Stanley Bach M.D.

Did you know that 80% of all Heart Attacks happen while you’re asleep?

Most seniors wake up in sheer agony. They die of pain or shock before anyone can reach them, often alone in the dark… But now we can predict one coming 20 min prior.

Dr. Stanley Bach M.D.

He developed the HealthWatch that will alert you of the “Silent Surge” so you can immediately call 911.

This beautiful and affordable HealthWatch uses advanced technology to detect these silent surges by tracking specific heartbeat patterns.

When your heart is beating irregularly and experiencing a silent surge, you can now get an alert and can react accordingly.

Click Here to Learn More

63-year old Jeff Roe took the watch and wore it everyday

I’ve had some health issues in the past, im a husky guy. I mostly just wore the watch to track the calories i burned… so i could have my extra piece of pizza

Jeff Roe

After hiking all day his watch told him he may be in danger…

Initially i brushed it off, then i remembered that you don’t always feel exact symptoms…

Jeff Roe

Jeff’s then told his wife. She called 911. A CareFlight helicopter was dispatched.

A minute before the helicopter landed, Jeff went into cardiac arrest. The paramedics were able to stabilized him and flew him to a hospital in Salt Lake.

The doctor looked at me and said “You had a 100% blockage”. You had a 50-50 chance of making it, had you waited another ten minutes you would be dead.

Without the HealthWatch I’m not sure I would not be here today, God Bless this incredible device.

Jeff Roe

We developed this technology to help monitor seniors around the clock, it signals you if there’s a heart attack threat.

Dr. Stanley Bach M.D.

HealthWatch helps protect seniors around the clock, catching early signs of heart problems. Easily measuring all your vital signals to keep you and your family living longer and happier.

It tracks your blood pressure and your heart rate while sleeping even blood oxygen levels.

When blood oxygen drops just a bit, you’r in danger of a fatal stroke or hear attack within 60-90 minutes.

This technology lets seniors push a button in the middle of the night to know if they’re safe or if they need to call a medic.

Its like having your own personal night nurse.

If you want to learn more about the HealthWatch and get one you can check it out by clicking here.

Its very affordable and some times you can get them in special deals for even less, so keep a watch for that!

 

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Stroke/Heart Attack prevention can start today. Protect yourself and avoid stroke, regardless of your age or family history.

What can you do to prevent stroke? Age makes us more susceptible to having a stroke, as does having a mother, father, or other close relative who has had a stroke.

You can’t reverse the years or change your family history, but there are many other stroke risk factors that you can control—provided that you’re aware of them. “Knowledge is power,” says Dr. Natalia Rost, associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and associate director of the Acute Stroke Service at Massachusetts General Hospital. “If you know that a particular risk factor is sabotaging your health and predisposing you to a higher risk of stroke, you can take steps to alleviate the effects of that risk.”

How to prevent stroke

Here are seven ways to start reining in your risks today to avoid stroke, before a stroke has the chance to strike.

1) Lower blood pressure

High blood pressure is a huge factor, doubling or even quadrupling your stroke risk if it is not controlled. “High blood pressure is the biggest contributor to the risk of stroke in both men and women,” Dr. Rost says. “Monitoring blood pressure and, if it is elevated, treating it, is probably the biggest difference people can make to their vascular health.”

Your ideal goal: Maintain a blood pressure of less than 135/85. But for some, a less aggressive goal (such as 140/90) may be more appropriate.

How to achieve it:

• Reduce the salt in your diet to no more than 1,500 milligrams a day (about a half teaspoon).
• Avoid high-cholesterol foods, such as burgers, cheese, and ice cream.
  Eat 4 to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables every day, one serving of fish two to three times a week, and several daily servings of whole grains and low-fat dairy.
• Get more exercise — at least 30 minutes of activity a day, and more, if possible.
• Quit smoking, if you smoke.

If needed, take blood pressure medicines.

2) Lose weight

Obesity, as well as the complications linked to it (including high blood pressure and diabetes), raises your odds of having a stroke. If you’re overweight, losing as little as 10 pounds can have a real impact on your stroke risk.

Your goal: While an ideal body mass index (BMI) is 25 or less, that may not be realistic for you. Work with your doctor to create a personal weight loss strategy.

How to achieve it:

• Try to eat no more than 1,500 to 2,000 calories a day (depending on your activity level and your current BMI).
• Increase the amount of exercise you do with activities like walking, golfing, or playing tennis, and by making activity part of every single day.

3) Use new technology

Technology is here to help. There are lots of gadgets to help us check out how our heart is and prevent a possible stroke.

Women specially are more likely to have symptom-free heart attacks, 80% of these come while you’re asleep… that’s where technology comes to help.

One of these wonderful gadgets is the HealthWatch a new smart watch that can help predict an heart attack coming up to 20 minutes prior.

Created with the help of Dr. Stanley Back one of the top doctors at Harvard Medical Institute this watch uses technology to detect these almost undetectable surges so you can call 911 up to 20 min prior to heart attack.

You can get your HealthWatch by clicking here its very affordable and they usually have limited special deals so keep a look for that!

4) Exercise more

Exercise contributes to losing weight and lowering blood pressure, but it also stands on its own as an independent stroke reducer.

Your goal: Exercise at a moderate intensity at least five days a week.

How to achieve it:

• Take a walk around your neighborhood every morning after breakfast.
• Start a fitness club with friends.
• When you exercise, reach the level at which you’re breathing hard, but you can still talk.
• Take the stairs instead of an elevator when you can.
• If you don’t have 30 consecutive minutes to exercise, break it up into 10- to 15-minute sessions a few times each day.

5) Drink in moderation

Drinking a little alcohol may decrease your risk of stroke. “Studies show that if you have about one drink per day, your risk may be lower,” says to Dr. Rost. “Once you start drinking more than two drinks per day, your risk goes up very sharply.”

Your goal: Don’t drink alcohol or do it in moderation.

How to achieve it:

• Have no more than one glass of alcohol a day.
• Make red wine your first choice, because it contains resveratrol, which is thought to protect the heart and brain.
• Watch your portion sizes. A standard-sized drink is a 5-ounce glass of wine, 12-ounce beer, or 1.5-ounce glass of hard liquor.

6) Treat atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a form of irregular heartbeat that causes clots to form in the heart. Those clots can then travel to the brain, producing a stroke. “Atrial fibrillation carries almost a fivefold risk of stroke, and should be taken seriously,” Dr. Rost says.

Your goal: If you have atrial fibrillation, get it treated.

How to achieve it:

• If you have symptoms such as heart palpitations or shortness of breath, see your doctor for an exam.
• You may need to take an anticoagulant drug (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin) or one of the newer direct-acting anticoagulant drugs to reduce your stroke risk from atrial fibrillation. Your doctors can guide you through this treatment.

7) Treat diabetes

Having high blood sugar damages blood vessels over time, making clots more likely to form inside them.

Your goal: Keep your blood sugar under control.

How to achieve it:

• Monitor your blood sugar as directed by your doctor.
• Use diet, exercise, and medicines to keep your blood sugar within the recommended range.

8) Quit smoking

Smoking accelerates clot formation in a couple of different ways. It thickens your blood, and it increases the amount of plaque buildup in the arteries. “Along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, smoking cessation is one of the most powerful lifestyle changes that will help you reduce your stroke risk significantly,” Dr. Rost says.

Your goal: Quit smoking.

How to achieve it:

• Ask your doctor for advice on the most appropriate way for you to quit.
• Use quit-smoking aids, such as nicotine pills or patches, counseling, or medicine.
• Don’t give up. Most smokers need several tries to quit. See each attempt as bringing you one step closer to successfully beating the habit.

Identify a stroke F-A-S-T

Too many people ignore the signs of stroke because they question whether their symptoms are real. “My recommendation is, don’t wait if you have any unusual symptoms,” Dr. Rost advises. Listen to your body and trust your instincts. If something is off, get professional help right away.”

The National Stroke Association has created an easy acronym to help you remember, and act on, the signs of a stroke.

Cut out this image and post it on your refrigerator for easy reference.

 

The post 8 things you can do to prevent a stroke or heart attack first appeared on Healthy Gab.

The post 8 things you can do to prevent a stroke or heart attack appeared first on Healthy Gab.