Information and facts on Heart Attack

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Heart Attack is called a myocardial infarction in medical terms. Referring to the formation of infarcts local tissue decay in the myocardium heart muscle. This occurs when the blood supply to an area of the heart is cut-off, usually as the result of a blood clot that blocks a narrowed coronary artery. The damage to the heart may be irreparable. Diet and poor nutrition is a factor.

When the flow of blood to the human heart is reduced or shut off, the heart is deprived of required oxygen. If blood flow is not restored within minutes, parts of the heart muscle will start to die, causing permanent damage to the heart muscle. This process is called  myocardial infarction, and more commonly called a heart attack. Because this happens when the coronary arteries cannot provide the heart with needed oxygen, doctors also call a heart attack a "coronary." With the beginning of a heart attack, the primary symptom is a consistent deep, often severe sharp pain in the chest that can spread to the left arm, jaw, neck, and the region between the shoulder blades. The pain may last for up to 12 hours.

Many persons who have had heart attacks describe it as a heavy, substernal pressure that makes it feel as if the chest is being squeezed. Other symptoms include: breath shortness, sweating, nausea, and vomiting. Also, a heart attack can cause abnormal heartbeat rhythms which are known as arrhythmias. Arrhythmias cause in over 500,000 deaths in the USA every year and that number is rising, in spite of improved cardiac resuscitative techniques. There are three basic scenarios that can produce a heart attack. The first, and the most common, is partial or complete blockage of one of the arteries that supply the heart with oxygen, very often by a blood clot. Normally the arteries have been narrowed by years of coronary artery disease where plaque, which is composed of cholesterol rich fatty deposits, proteins, and excess smooth muscle cells, builds upon the arterial walls. The arterial walls then thicken, slowing and reducing the flow of blood to the heart muscle. The roughening of arterial walls by deposits of plaque not only narrows the arteries, but also makes it much easier for blood clots to form on the inner surfaces.

When a clot grows, or detaches from its place of origin and travels through the blood vessels, the clot may block a coronary artery entirely thus causing a heart attack. In the second heart attack scenario, an arrhythmia may set in, so that the heart is no longer pumping enough blood to ensure a proper supply. In the third, a weak spot in a blood vessel, called an aneurysm, may break or rupture, causing internal bleeding and disrupting normal blood flow. Anything that puts extra stress on the heart and/or blood vessels an emotional crisis, a heavy meal, over-exertion from exercise or heavy lifting may serve as a trigger for a heart attack, but such factors are not the underlying cause Persons considered to be at greater than normal risk of heart attack are those with a family history of heart disease; those who smoke and/or abuse drugs; people with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels; sedentary people "couch potato", and those who are under stress and/or who have "type A" personalities

Over 30% of all heart attacks occur without any warning at all. The remainder are preceded by months or even years of symptoms, most commonly angina pectoris chest pain that is typically aggravated by stress or physical exertion and relieved by rest Like a heart attack, angina is caused by a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle, but the amount of oxygen deprivation is not enough to actually damage the heart tissue Many people complain of intermittent angina, shortness of breath, and/or unusual fatigue in the days or weeks leading up to a heart attack. A constant sensation of heartburn that persists for days and from which antacids provide no relief can be a sign of an impending heart attack The lifestyle changes listed on this webpage and dietary supplements can help prevent heart problems and also provide good health overall.

 

Nutrient / Supplement Importance
( 1 - 10 )
Helpful notes
l-Carnitine 10 helps in the transporting of long chain fatty acids which aides in prevention of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular disease. Great when combined with a omega fatty acid and flax seed.
Coenzyme Q10 10 increases oxygenation to the heart and has been shown to prevent recurrences in people who have had a heart attack. ( See Cardio-Essentials link below for a complete cardio supplement)
vitamin E 10 powerful antioxidant that aids with circulation, natural blood thinner, and helps to reduce chances of clots.
Selenium 10 low intake of this mineral has been linked to heart disease, heart attacks,  and cardiovascular problems a good source for selenium is a natural multi-vitamin with complete mineral supplementation.
Garlic 9 garlic has been shown to help lower high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease problems.
Magnesium 8 low intake of magnesium has been linked to high blood pressure and a good source of magnesium is a quality multi-vitamin & mineral supplement especially one with calcium, zinc, and garlic.
Calcium 7 important for proper functioning of the cardiac (heart) muscle which can be damaged in heart attack and is a companion to magnesium ( see it above)
Omega fatty acids 9 important for reducing blood pressure and also increasing blood circulation as well as preventative aid on general heart health. Fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish and flax and borage seed oils from plants.
Arginine 8 important amino acid for cardiovascular health
Hawthorn 9 herb that helps heart and general cardiovascular system
Ginger 8 herb helps to strengthen the heart and may also help with chest pain
Guggul 8 herb from India that lowers cholesterol levels and protects against the development of hardening of the arteries. 
vitamin C 8 vitamin C helps high blood pressure, hypertension, heart, and cardio-vascular problems by improving adrenal function. Can be taken in a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement.
Multi-vitamin & Mineral supplement 8 vitamin B complex, inositol, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E which all serve to help lower blood pressure and reduce its effects on the body. A daily supplement provides nutrients required for good general health and well being.
Potassium 7 needed for electrolyte balance especially if you take blood pressure medication.

 

Other Changes To Make

  • drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or filtered water a day

  • eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)

  • nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good

  • juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)

  • do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods

  • carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack

  • a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)

  • do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks

  • do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...

  • use stress relief like going for walks in the park (or the 10/90 rule - see Stress)

  • brown rice is good to eat

  • avoid red meat and animal fats

  • reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others

  • fast a few days a month

  • get at least 8 hours of sleep 

  • exercise light to moderate amounts

  • avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet

  • do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke

  • do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal

  • do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry

  • do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.
Symmetry herbal and nutritional products for Women, Children, and Men includes vitamins, herb supplements, skin care, weight loss, water filters, sport's nutrition, and health maintenance. Giving you and your family an alternative natural way for prevention and healing treatment of disease - also to aid in well being of mind, body, and spirit.

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........Symmetry herbal and nutritional products for Women, Children, and Men includes vitamins, herb supplements, skin care, weight loss, water filters, sport's nutrition, and health maintenance. Giving you and your family an alternative natural way for prevention and healing treatment of disease - also to aid in well being of mind, body, and spirit.