Archive for March, 2009
cardiology question. can you become a cardiologist and just diagnoise and not perform surgery?
Sunday, March 29th, 2009sharewic1 asked:
my science teacher said he was going into cardiology to just diagnose. where would i find information about possible interest in this.
Sylvia
my science teacher said he was going into cardiology to just diagnose. where would i find information about possible interest in this.
Sylvia
Doctor Joins Comprehensive Alternative Medicine Center
Saturday, March 21st, 2009Daljit kaur asked:
LifeWorks Wellness Center announces the addition of Dr. Dean Silver, a board certified specialist in internal medicine and cardiology who will be a new doctor on the LifeWorks medical team. Adding Dr. Silver’s expertise in many different alternative and complementary modalities, including anti-aging medicine, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and natural hormone replacement, helps LifeWorks remain one of the most advanced, cutting-edge alternative health care clinics in the country.
Clearwater, FL August 2, 2004 — LifeWorks Wellness Center announces the addition of Dr. Dean Silver, a board certified specialist in internal medicine and cardiology who will be a new doctor on the LifeWorks medical team. Adding Dr. Silver’s expertise in many different alternative and complementary modalities, including anti-aging medicine, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and natural hormone replacement, helps LifeWorks remain one of the most advanced, cutting-edge alternative health care clinics in the country.
Patients arrive from all over the country to benefit from LifeWorks’ comprehensive set of powerful diagnostic tools and therapies. The comprehensive grouping of therapies removes the hassle patients often have of running around from clinic to clinic, or of being referred or sent from one place to another, sometimes with contradictory philosophies and advice.
At LifeWorks, patients are able to received integrated care in one place. The fundamental strategy for treating illness at LifeWorks is to correct all body systems that are not functioning or which are performing poorly. As the body’s systems are all brought into optimal condition, the body can naturally heal itself. Dr. Silver oversees all the different modalities/therapies and coordinates them effectively for optimal treatment.
One of the many diagnostic tools available at LifeWorks is “Genetic Testing.” This diagnostic examines your DNA to see if any poor health genes have the possibility of expressing themselves later on, perhaps leading to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or some other illness. Then using specific physiological, biochemical, and environmental treatments and strategies, Dr. Silver helps patients avoid the illness.
Dr. Silver is particularly interested in taking on tough cases, and those “unsolvable” health problems that patients have been unable to remedy elsewhere. His many successes in this area have made him highly regarded in both conventional and alternative medical fields.
After earning his doctorate in medicine from the Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Silver completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at Albert Einstein Medical Center. He also completed a fellowship in cardiology at the Deborah Heart and Lung Center.
Dr. Silver has received further training in Anti-Aging and Nutritional Medicine, Complementary Cancer Therapy and Insulin Potentiation Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Detoxification, Chelation Therapy, Hormone Balance, Thermographic Imaging, and much more.
Lloyd
LifeWorks Wellness Center announces the addition of Dr. Dean Silver, a board certified specialist in internal medicine and cardiology who will be a new doctor on the LifeWorks medical team. Adding Dr. Silver’s expertise in many different alternative and complementary modalities, including anti-aging medicine, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and natural hormone replacement, helps LifeWorks remain one of the most advanced, cutting-edge alternative health care clinics in the country.
Clearwater, FL August 2, 2004 — LifeWorks Wellness Center announces the addition of Dr. Dean Silver, a board certified specialist in internal medicine and cardiology who will be a new doctor on the LifeWorks medical team. Adding Dr. Silver’s expertise in many different alternative and complementary modalities, including anti-aging medicine, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and natural hormone replacement, helps LifeWorks remain one of the most advanced, cutting-edge alternative health care clinics in the country.
Patients arrive from all over the country to benefit from LifeWorks’ comprehensive set of powerful diagnostic tools and therapies. The comprehensive grouping of therapies removes the hassle patients often have of running around from clinic to clinic, or of being referred or sent from one place to another, sometimes with contradictory philosophies and advice.
At LifeWorks, patients are able to received integrated care in one place. The fundamental strategy for treating illness at LifeWorks is to correct all body systems that are not functioning or which are performing poorly. As the body’s systems are all brought into optimal condition, the body can naturally heal itself. Dr. Silver oversees all the different modalities/therapies and coordinates them effectively for optimal treatment.
One of the many diagnostic tools available at LifeWorks is “Genetic Testing.” This diagnostic examines your DNA to see if any poor health genes have the possibility of expressing themselves later on, perhaps leading to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or some other illness. Then using specific physiological, biochemical, and environmental treatments and strategies, Dr. Silver helps patients avoid the illness.
Dr. Silver is particularly interested in taking on tough cases, and those “unsolvable” health problems that patients have been unable to remedy elsewhere. His many successes in this area have made him highly regarded in both conventional and alternative medical fields.
After earning his doctorate in medicine from the Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Silver completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at Albert Einstein Medical Center. He also completed a fellowship in cardiology at the Deborah Heart and Lung Center.
Dr. Silver has received further training in Anti-Aging and Nutritional Medicine, Complementary Cancer Therapy and Insulin Potentiation Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Detoxification, Chelation Therapy, Hormone Balance, Thermographic Imaging, and much more.
Lloyd
What is the best medical school for the specialization of cardiology?
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009karamelswtheart asked:
I am trying to make a decision on which medical school I should apply to (I dont want to apply to every medical, cuz it’ll take time and lots of money)
Brian
I am trying to make a decision on which medical school I should apply to (I dont want to apply to every medical, cuz it’ll take time and lots of money)
Brian
Cardiology Heart Disease in Men & Its Prevention
Monday, March 16th, 2009Cardiology Journal asked:
Cardiology Heart Disease ranks second after cancer as the major cause of death in America. For men in general, cardiology heart disease is more likely than women. This is because men apparently, acquire cardiovascular disorders 10 to 15 years earlier than women do. Men are more likely to die at their prime age. Heart-disease-related deaths often come to men in ages 35 to 65.
Cardiology heart disease prevention has 1 secret
The combined approach of making healthier lifestyle choices, one that treats all facets of physical and emotional health. It is highly important as well, to get appropriate treatment for other conditions that can increase risk of coronary artery disease, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
One must also eat foods based on metabolic type to determine whether the diet that’s right for a person is one of low-fat, high-fat, or other diet plans. Regular intense exercise is also recommended. One must also address stress and emotional issues in order to maintain a healthy heart and prevent cardiology heart diseases.
The most common cardiology heart diseases or ailments are:
1. Coronary Artery Disease/Myocardial Infarction
2. Valvular Heart Disease
3. Valvular Heart Disease and Endocarditis
4. Mitral Valve Prolapse
5. Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome
6. Heart Failure
7. Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
8. Atrial Fibrillation
9. Supraventricular Tachycardia
10. AV Nodal Re-entrant Tachycardia
With a growing number of heart-failure patients, the care and prevention of the most vital organ of the body, the heart, is most needed.
Cardiology Journal is a helpful online journal for people who want the best of their cardio health. Cardiology Journal features the latest breakthroughs in Cardiology, research, medical tips, plus stories straight from heart surgery survivors.
Anita
Cardiology Heart Disease ranks second after cancer as the major cause of death in America. For men in general, cardiology heart disease is more likely than women. This is because men apparently, acquire cardiovascular disorders 10 to 15 years earlier than women do. Men are more likely to die at their prime age. Heart-disease-related deaths often come to men in ages 35 to 65.
Cardiology heart disease prevention has 1 secret
The combined approach of making healthier lifestyle choices, one that treats all facets of physical and emotional health. It is highly important as well, to get appropriate treatment for other conditions that can increase risk of coronary artery disease, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
One must also eat foods based on metabolic type to determine whether the diet that’s right for a person is one of low-fat, high-fat, or other diet plans. Regular intense exercise is also recommended. One must also address stress and emotional issues in order to maintain a healthy heart and prevent cardiology heart diseases.
The most common cardiology heart diseases or ailments are:
1. Coronary Artery Disease/Myocardial Infarction
2. Valvular Heart Disease
3. Valvular Heart Disease and Endocarditis
4. Mitral Valve Prolapse
5. Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome
6. Heart Failure
7. Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
8. Atrial Fibrillation
9. Supraventricular Tachycardia
10. AV Nodal Re-entrant Tachycardia
With a growing number of heart-failure patients, the care and prevention of the most vital organ of the body, the heart, is most needed.
Cardiology Journal is a helpful online journal for people who want the best of their cardio health. Cardiology Journal features the latest breakthroughs in Cardiology, research, medical tips, plus stories straight from heart surgery survivors.
Anita
Basic Medical Knowledge And Specialties
Saturday, March 14th, 2009Daniel Millions asked:
Within medicine, there are a number of specialties and subspecialties one can concentrate in. Before a doctor decides on a focus, they must learn the basic sciences of medicine. Basic knowledge is essential when moving forward in one’s studies, which is why doctors must attend four years of medical school before advancing to a specialty.
There are sixteen topics of introductory medical science. Anatomy, a subject often associated with doctors, is the study of the physical structures of humans. Histology is similar to anatomy, except with tissue instead of larger parts. Biochemistry and biostatistics are the applications of chemistry and statistics in a biological sense.
The study of individual cells is cytology, and genetics is studying the genes within cells. The nervous system has its own field called neuroscience, which comprises knowledge of the brain and spinal cord. Pharmacology and toxicology are both studies of drugs, except pharmacology focuses on the benefits of them while toxicology is about negative effects.
Other basic sciences include embryology, epidemiology, immunology, microbiology, nutrition, pathology, and physiology. General physicians need to have a background in all of these fields so they can appropriately refer patients to specialists.
Two broad categories exist in medicine; internal medicine and surgery. Internal medicine involves non-operative treatment of diseases and disorders through drugs and therapy. Surgery requires operative action, and is usually used in conjunction with some kind of internal medicine. Specialties branch out from both categories, while some are completely unrelated to either, such as radiology.
Cardiology is a specialty within internal medicine in which physicians concentrate on disorders related to the cardiovascular system. Subspecialties of cardiology focus on specific diseases, like coronary artery disease. In fact, most subspecialties of larger topics are dedicated to one disease.
Intensive care medicine is used with patients who are in immediate need of care or are in a life-threatening situation. Hepatology is concerned with the liver, and nephrology is concerned with the kidneys. Rheumatology involves treating joint problems, such as arthritis.
In addition to internal medicine specialties, several surgical specialties exist. Otolaryngology is surgery which comprises of head, neck, face, and certain cosmetic procedures. Surgical oncology is the use of surgery to combat cancer.
Vascular surgery involves peripheral blood vessels and the central nervous system, and cardiovascular surgery includes the heart and surrounding arteries. Transplantation is an important specialty, in which dysfunctional organs are replaced with optimal ones.
Besides the two main categories of internal medicine and surgery, a third class called diagnostic specialties exist. This type concerns itself not with curing diseases, but examining them. All laboratory sciences fall under diagnostic specialties. Cellular pathology is the study of diagnosing illnesses by utilizing samples of tissue or cells taken from patients.
Clinical microbiology involves in vitro diagnosis of diseases cause by fungi, viruses, parasites, and bacteria. Radiology is a widely known diagnostic specialty, which uses imaging technologies to diagnose and treat ailments.
Neurological disorders, which are not completely physical, require a different treatment approach than traditional diseases. Rehabilitation falls under neurology, as it is concerned with physical and mental healing after an injury or illness. Any disorder that involves the nervous system is neurological.
Therefore, all degenerative brain diseases, like Alzheimer’s, are dealt with in neurology. Neurologists can specialize in specific conditions, like stroke or sleep problems, after they have completed general neurology training.
Beth
Within medicine, there are a number of specialties and subspecialties one can concentrate in. Before a doctor decides on a focus, they must learn the basic sciences of medicine. Basic knowledge is essential when moving forward in one’s studies, which is why doctors must attend four years of medical school before advancing to a specialty.
There are sixteen topics of introductory medical science. Anatomy, a subject often associated with doctors, is the study of the physical structures of humans. Histology is similar to anatomy, except with tissue instead of larger parts. Biochemistry and biostatistics are the applications of chemistry and statistics in a biological sense.
The study of individual cells is cytology, and genetics is studying the genes within cells. The nervous system has its own field called neuroscience, which comprises knowledge of the brain and spinal cord. Pharmacology and toxicology are both studies of drugs, except pharmacology focuses on the benefits of them while toxicology is about negative effects.
Other basic sciences include embryology, epidemiology, immunology, microbiology, nutrition, pathology, and physiology. General physicians need to have a background in all of these fields so they can appropriately refer patients to specialists.
Two broad categories exist in medicine; internal medicine and surgery. Internal medicine involves non-operative treatment of diseases and disorders through drugs and therapy. Surgery requires operative action, and is usually used in conjunction with some kind of internal medicine. Specialties branch out from both categories, while some are completely unrelated to either, such as radiology.
Cardiology is a specialty within internal medicine in which physicians concentrate on disorders related to the cardiovascular system. Subspecialties of cardiology focus on specific diseases, like coronary artery disease. In fact, most subspecialties of larger topics are dedicated to one disease.
Intensive care medicine is used with patients who are in immediate need of care or are in a life-threatening situation. Hepatology is concerned with the liver, and nephrology is concerned with the kidneys. Rheumatology involves treating joint problems, such as arthritis.
In addition to internal medicine specialties, several surgical specialties exist. Otolaryngology is surgery which comprises of head, neck, face, and certain cosmetic procedures. Surgical oncology is the use of surgery to combat cancer.
Vascular surgery involves peripheral blood vessels and the central nervous system, and cardiovascular surgery includes the heart and surrounding arteries. Transplantation is an important specialty, in which dysfunctional organs are replaced with optimal ones.
Besides the two main categories of internal medicine and surgery, a third class called diagnostic specialties exist. This type concerns itself not with curing diseases, but examining them. All laboratory sciences fall under diagnostic specialties. Cellular pathology is the study of diagnosing illnesses by utilizing samples of tissue or cells taken from patients.
Clinical microbiology involves in vitro diagnosis of diseases cause by fungi, viruses, parasites, and bacteria. Radiology is a widely known diagnostic specialty, which uses imaging technologies to diagnose and treat ailments.
Neurological disorders, which are not completely physical, require a different treatment approach than traditional diseases. Rehabilitation falls under neurology, as it is concerned with physical and mental healing after an injury or illness. Any disorder that involves the nervous system is neurological.
Therefore, all degenerative brain diseases, like Alzheimer’s, are dealt with in neurology. Neurologists can specialize in specific conditions, like stroke or sleep problems, after they have completed general neurology training.
Beth
Chocolate Tea and Cardiovascular Health
Friday, March 13th, 2009Kevin Agrawal asked:
Heart disease is recognized worldwide as the leading cause of death. High cholesterol, hardening of the arteries, and damaging of blood vessels due to high blood pressure are all factors related to cardiovascular health.
Medical experts and nutritionists recommend a heart healthy diet and plenty of exercise to combat heart disease. Research also suggests that antioxidants could play a vital role in helping to support cardiovascular health.
Epigallocatechin gallate, ECGC in Green Tea, procyanidins & epicatechins in pure Cocoa and the powerful antioxidant resveratrol have been studied extensively for their antioxidant value, particularly for their benefit to heart health. Along with a heart healthy diet and exercise, research indicates these flavonoids, if included regularly in your diet, may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Their potency is dependent on their antioxidant value. Antioxidant value is measured in ORAC (Total Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). Raw cocoa in its purest form has the highest ORAC value of 26,000 units and dark chocolate with an ORAC of 13,120. Green Tea is marked at 1,220 ORAC and red grapes which contain resveratrol have an ORAC of 750.
Heart Healthy Antioxidants from Green Tea, Chocolate and Resveratrol
Epidemiological studies show that these antioxidants help to improve heart health in a number of ways. They basically work in the same way to support cardio-protective health. 1,2
Atherosclerosis
Studies show that flavonoids can help to dilate the brachial artery by 3.9% after the first 30 minutes from the time of ingestion.3 It is believed that Resveratrol and antioxidants found in Green Tea, Chocolate and Resveratrol help to stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which in turns helps to relax the blood vessels, increasing its dilation. This results in improved flow and circulation. Poor flow and circulation is the main reason for the progression of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the heart arteries.
These particular antioxidants also help to protect the arteries by reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which leads to plaque formation in the arteries. 4-7
Myocardial Infarction
ECGC in Green Tea, Procyanidin in Chocolate and Resveratrol are believed to help block a protein in the blood that is responsible for inflammatory damage to the heart after a myocardial infarction. These antioxidants help to reduce the death of heart muscle cells by reducing the damage to the cells caused by oxidation. In addition, green tea is also believed to accelerate the recovery of patients who have suffered myocardial infarction. 8-15
Coronary Artery Disease
Studies indicate that regularly including these antioxidants in your diet may offer cardio-protective results. ECGC in Green Tea, Epicatechin and Procyanidin in Chocolate and Resveratrol are all believed to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by supporting good blood flow and circulation in the heart, helping to reduce oxidative damage caused by free radical activity. 16-18, 20-22, 26
Belinda Linden, head of medical information at the British Heart Foundation said: “Green tea has, in the past, been associated with a reduced risk of coronary artery disease, with claims that its high antioxidant properties may cut the amount of cholesterol in the artery wall.”
These antioxidants are also believed to have anti-thrombotic properties. This means it helps to reduce the clotting of blood, or thrombosis which can lead to a stroke or heart attack.19, 23-25
Blood Pressure
Reseveratrol and antioxidants found in Green Tea and Chocolate help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. According to the Internal Medicine Archives (July 2004), there is a 46% reduced risk of developing high blood pressure for people who drank ½ to 2 ½ cups of green tea a day for one year. The risk was 65% lower for people who drank more than 2 ½ cups a day. 27-30
Lowering Bad Cholesterol
Studies show that these antioxidants increase the liver’s LDL receptors. These receptors bind LDL, the bad cholesterol, and expel it through the digestive system without synthesizing it. This helps to support the regulation of normal cholesterol levels. 31-34
Chocolate Tea
The combination of Cocoa, Green Tea and Resveratrol produces a powerful drink that supports heart health. CocoPure contains all three ingredients with absolutely no fat, no milk or sugars. It has an ORAC value of 5,250 for every 7.4 grams.
References:
Evidence that the antioxidant flavonoids in tea and cocoa are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2002 Feb;13(1):41-9
Effects of cocoa flavanols on risk factors for cardiovascular disease, Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:284-7. PMID: 18296357
Atherosclerosis
Green Tea
The acute effect of green tea consumption on endothelial function in healthy individuals. European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation, 2008; 15 (3): 300 DOI: 10.1097/HJR.0b013e3282f4832f
Tea catechins inhibit cholesterol oxidation accompanying oxidation of low density lipoprotein in vitro. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol. 2001 Feb;128(2):153-64.
Tea catechin consumption reduces circulating oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Int Heart J. 2007 Nov;48(6):725-32.
Chocolate
Proximate, Mineral and Procyanidin Content of Certain Foods and Beverages Consumed by the Kuna Amerinds of Panama J Food Cmpstn & Anal 2001;14:553-563.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol, a Polyphenolic Phytoalexin Present in Red Wine, Enhances Expression and Activity of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase, Circulation. 2002;106:1652-1658, American Heart Association, Inc.
Myocardial Infarction
Green Tea
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits STAT-1 activation and protects cardiac myocytes from ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis. FASEB J. 2004 Oct;18(13):1621-3. Epub 2004 Aug 19.
Possible contribution of green tea drinking habits to the prevention of stroke. Tohoku J Exp Med. 1989 Apr;157(4):337-43.
Protective effects of green tea catechins on cerebral ischemic damage. Med Sci Monit. 2004 Jun;10(6):BR166-74. Epub 2004 Jun 1.
Neuroprotective effects of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate following hypoxia-ischemia-induced brain damage: novel mechanisms of action. FASEB J. 2005 Feb;19(2):258-60. Epub 2004 Nov.
Chocolate
Antioxidants in chocolate. Lancet 1996;348:834.
Red wine, chocolate and vascular health: developing the evidence base, Heart 2008;94:821-823; doi:10.1136/hrt.2008.143909, British Cardiovascular Society
Resveratrol
Cardioprotective effect of resveratrol, a natural antioxidant derived from grapes, Cardiovascular Research 2000 47(3):549-555; doi:10.1016/S0008-6363(00)00102-4, European Society of Cardiology
Mechanism of cardioprotection by resveratrol, a phenolic antioxidant present in red wine, Int J Mol Med. 2001 Jul;8(1):3-17. PMID: 11408943.
Coronary Artery Disease
Green Tea
Effects of green tea intake on the development of coronary artery disease. Circ J. 2004 Jul;68(7):665-70.
Relation between green tea consumption and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis among Japanese men and women. Ann Epidemiol. 2000 Aug;10(6):401-8.
The green tea, a good choice for cardiovascular disease prevention? Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2004 Dec;54(4):380-94.
Antithrombotic activities of green tea catechins and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate. Thromb Res. 1999 Nov 1;96(3):229-37.
Chocolate
Flavonoid intake and coronary mortality in Finland: a cohort study. Brit Med J 1996;312:478-81. Hertog M, Kromhout D, Aravanis C, et al.
Dietary antioxidant flavonoids and risk of coronary heart disease: the Zutphen Elderly Study. Lancet 1993;342:1007-11. Hollman PC, Hertog MGL, Katan MB.
Role of dietary flavonoids in protection against cancer and coronary heart disease. Biochem Soc Transact 1996;24:785-9. 5 Rein D, Paglieroni TG, Wun T, Pearson DA, Schmitz HH, Gosselin R, and Keen CL.
Cocoa inhibits platelet activation and function Am J Clin Nutr 2000;72:30-5.
Dark Chocolate Improves Coronary Vasomotion and Reduces Platelet Reactivity, Circulation. 2007;116:2376-2382, American Heart Association, Inc
Cocoa inhibits platelet activation and function, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 72, No. 1, 30-35, July 2000, American Society for Clinical Nutrition
Resveratrol
Resveratrol attenuates TNF- -induced activation of coronary arterial endothelial cells: role of NF- B inhibition, Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 291: H1694-H1699, 2006.
Blood Pressure
Green Tea
Epigallocatechin gallate, a green tea polyphenol, mediates NO-dependent vasodilation using signaling pathways in vascular endothelium requiring reactive oxygen species and Fyn. J Biol Chem. 2007 May 4;282(18):13736-45. Epub 2007 Mar 15.
Prevention of hypertension, cardiovascular damage and endothelial dysfunction with green tea extracts. Am J Hypertens. 2007 Dec;20(12):1321-8.
The protective effect of habitual tea consumption on hypertension. Arch Intern Med. 2004 Jul 26;164(14):1534-40.
Chocolate
Cocoa Reduces Blood Pressure and Insulin Resistance and Improves Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Hypertensives, Hypertension. 2005;46:398-405, American Heart Association, Inc.
Lowering Bad Cholesterol
Green Tea
Relation of green tea consumption to serum lipids and lipoproteins in Japanese men. J Epidemiol. 1996 Sep;6(3):128-33.
Cholesterol-lowering effect of a theaflavin-enriched green tea extract: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Intern Med. 2003 Jun 23;163(12):1448-53.
Effectiveness of moderate green tea consumption on antioxidative status and plasma lipid profile in humans. J Nutr Biochem. 2005 Mar;16(3):144-9.
Chocolate
Penn State (2001, October 24). Cocoa And Dark Chocolate Show Positive Effects On Ldls – But Don’t Shun Veggies. ScienceDaily.
Teresa
Heart disease is recognized worldwide as the leading cause of death. High cholesterol, hardening of the arteries, and damaging of blood vessels due to high blood pressure are all factors related to cardiovascular health.
Medical experts and nutritionists recommend a heart healthy diet and plenty of exercise to combat heart disease. Research also suggests that antioxidants could play a vital role in helping to support cardiovascular health.
Epigallocatechin gallate, ECGC in Green Tea, procyanidins & epicatechins in pure Cocoa and the powerful antioxidant resveratrol have been studied extensively for their antioxidant value, particularly for their benefit to heart health. Along with a heart healthy diet and exercise, research indicates these flavonoids, if included regularly in your diet, may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Their potency is dependent on their antioxidant value. Antioxidant value is measured in ORAC (Total Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity). Raw cocoa in its purest form has the highest ORAC value of 26,000 units and dark chocolate with an ORAC of 13,120. Green Tea is marked at 1,220 ORAC and red grapes which contain resveratrol have an ORAC of 750.
Heart Healthy Antioxidants from Green Tea, Chocolate and Resveratrol
Epidemiological studies show that these antioxidants help to improve heart health in a number of ways. They basically work in the same way to support cardio-protective health. 1,2
Atherosclerosis
Studies show that flavonoids can help to dilate the brachial artery by 3.9% after the first 30 minutes from the time of ingestion.3 It is believed that Resveratrol and antioxidants found in Green Tea, Chocolate and Resveratrol help to stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which in turns helps to relax the blood vessels, increasing its dilation. This results in improved flow and circulation. Poor flow and circulation is the main reason for the progression of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the heart arteries.
These particular antioxidants also help to protect the arteries by reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which leads to plaque formation in the arteries. 4-7
Myocardial Infarction
ECGC in Green Tea, Procyanidin in Chocolate and Resveratrol are believed to help block a protein in the blood that is responsible for inflammatory damage to the heart after a myocardial infarction. These antioxidants help to reduce the death of heart muscle cells by reducing the damage to the cells caused by oxidation. In addition, green tea is also believed to accelerate the recovery of patients who have suffered myocardial infarction. 8-15
Coronary Artery Disease
Studies indicate that regularly including these antioxidants in your diet may offer cardio-protective results. ECGC in Green Tea, Epicatechin and Procyanidin in Chocolate and Resveratrol are all believed to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by supporting good blood flow and circulation in the heart, helping to reduce oxidative damage caused by free radical activity. 16-18, 20-22, 26
Belinda Linden, head of medical information at the British Heart Foundation said: “Green tea has, in the past, been associated with a reduced risk of coronary artery disease, with claims that its high antioxidant properties may cut the amount of cholesterol in the artery wall.”
These antioxidants are also believed to have anti-thrombotic properties. This means it helps to reduce the clotting of blood, or thrombosis which can lead to a stroke or heart attack.19, 23-25
Blood Pressure
Reseveratrol and antioxidants found in Green Tea and Chocolate help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure. According to the Internal Medicine Archives (July 2004), there is a 46% reduced risk of developing high blood pressure for people who drank ½ to 2 ½ cups of green tea a day for one year. The risk was 65% lower for people who drank more than 2 ½ cups a day. 27-30
Lowering Bad Cholesterol
Studies show that these antioxidants increase the liver’s LDL receptors. These receptors bind LDL, the bad cholesterol, and expel it through the digestive system without synthesizing it. This helps to support the regulation of normal cholesterol levels. 31-34
Chocolate Tea
The combination of Cocoa, Green Tea and Resveratrol produces a powerful drink that supports heart health. CocoPure contains all three ingredients with absolutely no fat, no milk or sugars. It has an ORAC value of 5,250 for every 7.4 grams.
References:
Evidence that the antioxidant flavonoids in tea and cocoa are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2002 Feb;13(1):41-9
Effects of cocoa flavanols on risk factors for cardiovascular disease, Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:284-7. PMID: 18296357
Atherosclerosis
Green Tea
The acute effect of green tea consumption on endothelial function in healthy individuals. European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation, 2008; 15 (3): 300 DOI: 10.1097/HJR.0b013e3282f4832f
Tea catechins inhibit cholesterol oxidation accompanying oxidation of low density lipoprotein in vitro. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol. 2001 Feb;128(2):153-64.
Tea catechin consumption reduces circulating oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Int Heart J. 2007 Nov;48(6):725-32.
Chocolate
Proximate, Mineral and Procyanidin Content of Certain Foods and Beverages Consumed by the Kuna Amerinds of Panama J Food Cmpstn & Anal 2001;14:553-563.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol, a Polyphenolic Phytoalexin Present in Red Wine, Enhances Expression and Activity of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase, Circulation. 2002;106:1652-1658, American Heart Association, Inc.
Myocardial Infarction
Green Tea
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits STAT-1 activation and protects cardiac myocytes from ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis. FASEB J. 2004 Oct;18(13):1621-3. Epub 2004 Aug 19.
Possible contribution of green tea drinking habits to the prevention of stroke. Tohoku J Exp Med. 1989 Apr;157(4):337-43.
Protective effects of green tea catechins on cerebral ischemic damage. Med Sci Monit. 2004 Jun;10(6):BR166-74. Epub 2004 Jun 1.
Neuroprotective effects of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate following hypoxia-ischemia-induced brain damage: novel mechanisms of action. FASEB J. 2005 Feb;19(2):258-60. Epub 2004 Nov.
Chocolate
Antioxidants in chocolate. Lancet 1996;348:834.
Red wine, chocolate and vascular health: developing the evidence base, Heart 2008;94:821-823; doi:10.1136/hrt.2008.143909, British Cardiovascular Society
Resveratrol
Cardioprotective effect of resveratrol, a natural antioxidant derived from grapes, Cardiovascular Research 2000 47(3):549-555; doi:10.1016/S0008-6363(00)00102-4, European Society of Cardiology
Mechanism of cardioprotection by resveratrol, a phenolic antioxidant present in red wine, Int J Mol Med. 2001 Jul;8(1):3-17. PMID: 11408943.
Coronary Artery Disease
Green Tea
Effects of green tea intake on the development of coronary artery disease. Circ J. 2004 Jul;68(7):665-70.
Relation between green tea consumption and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis among Japanese men and women. Ann Epidemiol. 2000 Aug;10(6):401-8.
The green tea, a good choice for cardiovascular disease prevention? Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2004 Dec;54(4):380-94.
Antithrombotic activities of green tea catechins and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate. Thromb Res. 1999 Nov 1;96(3):229-37.
Chocolate
Flavonoid intake and coronary mortality in Finland: a cohort study. Brit Med J 1996;312:478-81. Hertog M, Kromhout D, Aravanis C, et al.
Dietary antioxidant flavonoids and risk of coronary heart disease: the Zutphen Elderly Study. Lancet 1993;342:1007-11. Hollman PC, Hertog MGL, Katan MB.
Role of dietary flavonoids in protection against cancer and coronary heart disease. Biochem Soc Transact 1996;24:785-9. 5 Rein D, Paglieroni TG, Wun T, Pearson DA, Schmitz HH, Gosselin R, and Keen CL.
Cocoa inhibits platelet activation and function Am J Clin Nutr 2000;72:30-5.
Dark Chocolate Improves Coronary Vasomotion and Reduces Platelet Reactivity, Circulation. 2007;116:2376-2382, American Heart Association, Inc
Cocoa inhibits platelet activation and function, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 72, No. 1, 30-35, July 2000, American Society for Clinical Nutrition
Resveratrol
Resveratrol attenuates TNF- -induced activation of coronary arterial endothelial cells: role of NF- B inhibition, Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 291: H1694-H1699, 2006.
Blood Pressure
Green Tea
Epigallocatechin gallate, a green tea polyphenol, mediates NO-dependent vasodilation using signaling pathways in vascular endothelium requiring reactive oxygen species and Fyn. J Biol Chem. 2007 May 4;282(18):13736-45. Epub 2007 Mar 15.
Prevention of hypertension, cardiovascular damage and endothelial dysfunction with green tea extracts. Am J Hypertens. 2007 Dec;20(12):1321-8.
The protective effect of habitual tea consumption on hypertension. Arch Intern Med. 2004 Jul 26;164(14):1534-40.
Chocolate
Cocoa Reduces Blood Pressure and Insulin Resistance and Improves Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation in Hypertensives, Hypertension. 2005;46:398-405, American Heart Association, Inc.
Lowering Bad Cholesterol
Green Tea
Relation of green tea consumption to serum lipids and lipoproteins in Japanese men. J Epidemiol. 1996 Sep;6(3):128-33.
Cholesterol-lowering effect of a theaflavin-enriched green tea extract: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Intern Med. 2003 Jun 23;163(12):1448-53.
Effectiveness of moderate green tea consumption on antioxidative status and plasma lipid profile in humans. J Nutr Biochem. 2005 Mar;16(3):144-9.
Chocolate
Penn State (2001, October 24). Cocoa And Dark Chocolate Show Positive Effects On Ldls – But Don’t Shun Veggies. ScienceDaily.
Teresa
Blood Thinner’s Effectiveness May be Affected by Heart Drugs
Wednesday, March 11th, 2009Katie Kelley asked:
Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley
A study released in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology recently found that calcium channel blocker drugs that are often given as a method of treatment for heart conditions, may reduce the effects of blood thinning drugs such as Plavix and other similar blood thinners.
What is a Blood Thinner?
The Texas Heart Institute explains that a blood thinner is a prescription drug that is used to decrease the following:
* heart attack
* stroke
* blockages in arteries
* clumps of blood (blood clots) that are forming, growing
Blood thinners are described as anticoagulants, which, despite that they are called blood thinners, actually do not thin the blood, but rather “decrease the blood?s ability to clot and decreased clotting keeps fewer harmful blood clots from forming and from blocking blood vessels,” according to the Texas Heart Institute?s Heart Information Center.
Candidates for blood thinners are usually individuals who have had the following conditions:
* heart valve replacement
* atrial fibrillation
* phlebitis
* congestive heart failure
* obesity
There is a lengthy list of potential harmful interactions that can threaten an individual?s health while taking blood thinners. The following are a list of medications that should be discussed prior to consuming a blood thinner or prior to beginning a blood thinner prescription.
* acetaminophens
* aspirin
* antacids
* corticosteroids
* antidepressants
* antihistamines
* sleeping pills
* ibuprofen
* naproxen
* ketoprofen
* antiarrhythmics
* calcium and vitamin K supplements
* certain antifungal medicines
* overactive thyroid medicines
* convulsion medicines
* certain antibiotics
While calcium and additional vitamin K supplements have been know to interact mildly with blood thinners, according to the study from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the combination can be deadly inactivating the “enzyme essential for the activity” of a blood thinner.
During the study, Plavix, a type of blood thinner, was used during testing, but there are an array of blood thinners available on the market today, some of which include the following, according to WebMD:
* Heparin
* Lovenox
* Fragmin
* Plavix
* Coumadin
Of these types of blood thinners, is the rather controversial Heparin, also known as heparin sodium, which was released in 1972 from Baxter Healthcare Corporation.
Americans consuming the drug began to report allergic reactions in 2007; reactions allegedly caused by the drug. It was later discovered that a tainted batch of Heparin had been shipped to the United States by a Chinese manufacturing company, which became the center of an international investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
While the injectable drug was being used in thousands of surgical procedures, including dialysis and heart surgery, patients were becoming sick with the following reactions:
* vomiting
* excessive sweating
* rapidly falling blood pressure
* nausea
* difficulty breathing
* shock
* death
Blood Thinner Side Effects
It is imperative that patients, as well as family and friends of a Baxter Heparin patient, contact a medical professional immediately upon signs and symptoms of the tainted Baxter Heparin.
Individuals who consumed Heparin prior to sales being halted and those who were affected negatively by the tainted batch of the drug should consider developing litigation to retrieve monetary compensation that may assist in paying for medical bills associated with Heparin side effects. It may be necessary to speak with an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer who can provide assistance on a potential Baxter Heparin class action lawsuit.
Martha
Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley
A study released in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology recently found that calcium channel blocker drugs that are often given as a method of treatment for heart conditions, may reduce the effects of blood thinning drugs such as Plavix and other similar blood thinners.
What is a Blood Thinner?
The Texas Heart Institute explains that a blood thinner is a prescription drug that is used to decrease the following:
* heart attack
* stroke
* blockages in arteries
* clumps of blood (blood clots) that are forming, growing
Blood thinners are described as anticoagulants, which, despite that they are called blood thinners, actually do not thin the blood, but rather “decrease the blood?s ability to clot and decreased clotting keeps fewer harmful blood clots from forming and from blocking blood vessels,” according to the Texas Heart Institute?s Heart Information Center.
Candidates for blood thinners are usually individuals who have had the following conditions:
* heart valve replacement
* atrial fibrillation
* phlebitis
* congestive heart failure
* obesity
There is a lengthy list of potential harmful interactions that can threaten an individual?s health while taking blood thinners. The following are a list of medications that should be discussed prior to consuming a blood thinner or prior to beginning a blood thinner prescription.
* acetaminophens
* aspirin
* antacids
* corticosteroids
* antidepressants
* antihistamines
* sleeping pills
* ibuprofen
* naproxen
* ketoprofen
* antiarrhythmics
* calcium and vitamin K supplements
* certain antifungal medicines
* overactive thyroid medicines
* convulsion medicines
* certain antibiotics
While calcium and additional vitamin K supplements have been know to interact mildly with blood thinners, according to the study from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the combination can be deadly inactivating the “enzyme essential for the activity” of a blood thinner.
During the study, Plavix, a type of blood thinner, was used during testing, but there are an array of blood thinners available on the market today, some of which include the following, according to WebMD:
* Heparin
* Lovenox
* Fragmin
* Plavix
* Coumadin
Of these types of blood thinners, is the rather controversial Heparin, also known as heparin sodium, which was released in 1972 from Baxter Healthcare Corporation.
Americans consuming the drug began to report allergic reactions in 2007; reactions allegedly caused by the drug. It was later discovered that a tainted batch of Heparin had been shipped to the United States by a Chinese manufacturing company, which became the center of an international investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
While the injectable drug was being used in thousands of surgical procedures, including dialysis and heart surgery, patients were becoming sick with the following reactions:
* vomiting
* excessive sweating
* rapidly falling blood pressure
* nausea
* difficulty breathing
* shock
* death
Blood Thinner Side Effects
It is imperative that patients, as well as family and friends of a Baxter Heparin patient, contact a medical professional immediately upon signs and symptoms of the tainted Baxter Heparin.
Individuals who consumed Heparin prior to sales being halted and those who were affected negatively by the tainted batch of the drug should consider developing litigation to retrieve monetary compensation that may assist in paying for medical bills associated with Heparin side effects. It may be necessary to speak with an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer who can provide assistance on a potential Baxter Heparin class action lawsuit.
Martha
Cervical Laminectomy Surgery in India - Modern Spine Procedure
Friday, March 6th, 2009julia asked:
India has become a global centre of excellence in cervical laminectomy surgery. It has achieved global recognition as a pioneer in spine surgery techniques to help patients who are often termed inoperable. These innovations have saved hundreds of lives across the globe. Besides the best hospitals available in India what attracts thousands of patients is the wide variety of tourist options available that they can visit during their recuperation from the surgery. It has a rich and unique cultural heritage, and has actively preserved its established traditions throughout history. The Taj Mahal in Agra is India’s most popular tourist destination. You can visit all these places and just pay a quarter of the amount of what you would pay for the getting the surgery in USA. Medical tourism is the term coined which covers patients traveling across the globe for tourism purposes clubbing their requirements for treatment of acute illness, elective surgeries such as cardiology, spine procedures like cervical laminectomy surgery in India.
Most neck pain is due to degenerative changes that occur in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine and the joints between each vertebra. The vast majority of patients who have neck pain will not require any type of operation. However, in some cases degenerative changes in the cervical spine can lead to a very serious condition where there is too much pressure on the spinal cord. When this condition occurs, the entire spinal cord is in danger. One surgical option is to remove the pressure on the spinal cord by opening the spinal canal from the back to make the spinal canal larger. This procedure is called a laminectomy. The spinal cord and nerve roots in the neck are surrounded and protected by the cervical vertebrae. These bones have an opening called the spinal canal through which the spinal cord passes. Ligaments and blood vessels are also present in the spinal canal. The nerve roots start at the spinal cord and pass through an opening between the vertebrae called the intervertebral foramen (or neural foramen). From there, they extend to other parts of the body.
The cost of surgery pales in comparison to the many advantages it offers. Millions and millions of spine surgeries have been performed in recent years with a phenomenal success rate being reported. The total cost will be very less in India, as there is only one hospitalization. The patient can go home by the 10th day after surgery. The government is taking serious initiatives in this regards and plans to start overseas marketing of the country as a medical tourism destination. The opinion is that by marketing the country as a global healthcare destination, it could capitalize on the low-cost, high-quality medical care available in the country. The price for cervical laminectomy surgery in India is very less. It costs only 25% of the price quoted in America.
Click here to know more about low cost spine procedures:
http://www.dheerajbojwani.com
Submit your case details:
contact@dheerajbojwani.com
Ruben
India has become a global centre of excellence in cervical laminectomy surgery. It has achieved global recognition as a pioneer in spine surgery techniques to help patients who are often termed inoperable. These innovations have saved hundreds of lives across the globe. Besides the best hospitals available in India what attracts thousands of patients is the wide variety of tourist options available that they can visit during their recuperation from the surgery. It has a rich and unique cultural heritage, and has actively preserved its established traditions throughout history. The Taj Mahal in Agra is India’s most popular tourist destination. You can visit all these places and just pay a quarter of the amount of what you would pay for the getting the surgery in USA. Medical tourism is the term coined which covers patients traveling across the globe for tourism purposes clubbing their requirements for treatment of acute illness, elective surgeries such as cardiology, spine procedures like cervical laminectomy surgery in India.
Most neck pain is due to degenerative changes that occur in the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine and the joints between each vertebra. The vast majority of patients who have neck pain will not require any type of operation. However, in some cases degenerative changes in the cervical spine can lead to a very serious condition where there is too much pressure on the spinal cord. When this condition occurs, the entire spinal cord is in danger. One surgical option is to remove the pressure on the spinal cord by opening the spinal canal from the back to make the spinal canal larger. This procedure is called a laminectomy. The spinal cord and nerve roots in the neck are surrounded and protected by the cervical vertebrae. These bones have an opening called the spinal canal through which the spinal cord passes. Ligaments and blood vessels are also present in the spinal canal. The nerve roots start at the spinal cord and pass through an opening between the vertebrae called the intervertebral foramen (or neural foramen). From there, they extend to other parts of the body.
The cost of surgery pales in comparison to the many advantages it offers. Millions and millions of spine surgeries have been performed in recent years with a phenomenal success rate being reported. The total cost will be very less in India, as there is only one hospitalization. The patient can go home by the 10th day after surgery. The government is taking serious initiatives in this regards and plans to start overseas marketing of the country as a medical tourism destination. The opinion is that by marketing the country as a global healthcare destination, it could capitalize on the low-cost, high-quality medical care available in the country. The price for cervical laminectomy surgery in India is very less. It costs only 25% of the price quoted in America.
Click here to know more about low cost spine procedures:
http://www.dheerajbojwani.com
Submit your case details:
contact@dheerajbojwani.com
Ruben