Childhood heart repairs may not last - Heart health- msnbc.com… cardiologist at Childrens National Medical Center in Washington, who recently helped open one of the nations few specialty clinics for adults with congenital heart disease.

… appearing like a knot has developed beneath the nail. Clubbing can be a sign of many lung/cardiac problems inside the body, including (but not limited to) congenital heart disease …Mani-cures: What nails say about your health - Health - MSNBC.com

MedlinePlus: Congenital Heart DefectsFeeding Your Infant with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) (American Heart Association) Return to top; Disease Management. Congenital Heart Disease: How to Care for Your Baby and Yourself …

Interactive forums, resources, and internet links for families, adults with CHD, nurses, and other health care professionals with an interest in pediatric cardiology.Congenital Heart Disease Information and Resources

Few cardiologists are trained to treat adults with congenital heart disease, much less when pregnancy puts extra strain on their vulnerable hearts.

… appearing like a knot has developed beneath the nail. Clubbing can be a sign of many lung/cardiac problems inside the body, including (but not limited to) congenital heart disease …

The report said Trigs condition was discovered during the second trimester, Palin followed the recommended prenatal care and Trig was born without congenital heart disease or …

Fish or Fish Oil Capsules for Heart Disease? by Emilia Klapp, R.D., B.S.

A lot has been said, and written, about fish, fish oil capsules, and Omega-3 fats when it comes to heart disease. However, the never ending questions are: what is better for my heart, fish or fish oil capsules? Can I replace fish with fish oil capsules and obtain the same health benefits? Well, here is the answer.

The American Heart Association and several other groups recommend Omega-3s, the main fat found in fish and fish oil capsules, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, there has been little research on whether the body processes fats from fish oil capsules and fish in the same way. To investigate the matter, Dr. Harris, from the University of South Dakota and his team had a group of 11 women eat two servings of tuna or salmon each week, while another group of 12 women took the same amount of omega-3s, an estimated 485 milligrams daily, in capsule form.

After 16 weeks, the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the red blood cells of women in both groups had risen by 40 percent to 50 percent, while omega-3s in the plasma, the liquid portion of the blood, had risen by 60 percent to 80 percent.

We went into the project assuming that fish would be better, based on some previous literature from other studies, Dr. Harris indicated. Based on the current findings, it doesn’t make any difference whether we get our omega 3 fatty acids from a concentrate in a fish oil capsule or in fish — they have the same effect as far as enriching our tissues with omega 3s.”

Nevertheless, Dr. Harris emphasized that he would encourage people to eat fish rather than relying on fish oil capsules. Fish contributes proteins, vitamins, and minerals to our diet that the fish oil capsules don’t bring.

Benefits of Omega-3s for the Heart

Improved heart rhythms
Uncontrolled heart rhythms are responsible for nearly half of all cardiac mortality. By affecting the electrical activity of the heart, Omega-3s from fish help maintain stable heart rhythms.

Improved heart rate
Heart rate is the number of beats your heart pumps per minute at rest. Heart rate is lower in people who are physically fit and higher in the obese. Normal heart rate is between 60 and 80 beats per minute and usually increases with age. Consumption of marine omega-3s is associated with lowering heart rate, a condition that lowers the chance of heart attacks.

Reduced blood clotting
Some blood clotting is essential for life, but an excessive tendency towards clotting increases the risk of blocked arteries. These can be fatal when a clot completely closes a blood vessel in the heart, lungs, or brain. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish or marine plants reduce platelet clumping, improve blood flow, and make red blood cells more flexible so they pass through small blood vessels more easily. Omega-3s do not pose a serious risk to blood clotting unless a person consumes very large amounts of them (roughly 10 grams a day) or is already taking blood thinners (anti-coagulants) and consuming large amounts of omega-3s

Less inflammation
Although we can not notice it, low-level inflammation of the blood vessels is linked to heart disease and impaired blood vessel function. High levels of the protein CRP in the blood are linked to the inflammation observed in heart disease. Some studies have reported that consumption of omega-3s reduces CRP in people with heart disease. Omega-3s are well known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Final thoughts
Remember that although fish and fish oil capsules can provide the same benefit as far as Omega-3 fats is concerned, eating fish will contribute to much more than just Omega-3s. Fish, whether fresh, frozen or canned, will provide you with iron, needed to prevent anemia; phosphorus, needed for the brain; iodine for the thyroid; as well as good quality protein. Best source of Omega-3s from fish: salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, and trout. If you do not have a heart condition, 2 or 3 portions of fish a week will contribute with the needed omega-3s, 2 grams a week.

If you already have had a cardiovascular episode, you can add some capsules of fish oil to your diet. Do not exceed 1 gram a day of Omega-3s.

Emilia Klapp has a bachelor in Nutrition Science. She is certified as a Registered Dietitian by the American Dietetic Association and the author of the book Your Heart Needs the Mediterranean Diet. The book is a must in the prevention of Heart Disease and Diabetes. For more information about the author and the book and to get a FREE list of the 10 Top Mediterranean Curative Foods, go to: http://www.MediterraneanHeart.com

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Heart Disease Dangers For Women by James Hunt

Heart disease is the main cause of death for women, causing four out of every ten deaths. If you are a woman you are eight times more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than from breast cancer. More women pass away from heart disease than from all types of cancer combined. Roughly as many women die from heart disease and stroke each year as men.

• Women may be more likely to experience uncharacteristic warning signs such as indistinct chest discomfort

• Some risk factors such as hormones and diabetes can considerably add to the risk of heart attack amongst women.

• Some diagnostic tests and treatments for heart attack may not work as well on women.

• In the past, heart disease among women was not treated as aggressively as men and fewer women were referred for treatments such as bypass surgery and balloon angioplasty following a heart attack.

Recognize the warning signs and take action fast!

Learn the indication of heart disease. Learn the signs of heart attack. They are different.

Early warning signs of heart disease in women include:

• Pain or discomfort in the chest that comes on with physical activity and goes away with rest

• Shortness of breath, breathlessness, or unusual tiredness with physical activity

• Physical activities that used to be easy or normal have become difficult

If you experience any of these feelings, seek medical advice.

Warning signs of heart attack in women

• Vague chest tightness, discomfort, pain or a crushing radiating chest pain

• Heaviness, pressure, squeezing, fullness, burning or pain that may begin in the center of the chest and spread to the neck, jaws, and shoulder

• Unusual pain that spreads down one or both arms

• Shortness of breath, paleness, sweating or weakness

• Nausea, vomiting and/or indigestion

• Feelings of extreme anxiety, fear and/or denial

If you experience any of these feelings, tell someone right away or call for emergency help.

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest.
Read more at www.heart-disease-central.info
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How To Live With Heart Disease

10th June 2008

Author: Cindy

Heart disease is not a just single condition or disorder. It has many forms and conditions. Hence, the term ‘heart disease’ refers to any disorder pertaining to the heart and the supporting blood circulatory system.

The Causes of Heart Disease

Some heart diseases are unpreventable. Typical examples are congenital and hereditary heart disease, which are due to defects existing at birth and due to genes respectively. There are other heart diseases, which are acquired due to lifestyle.

For the acquired types, it is possible to prevent them by living healthily, including doing physical exercise regularly, eating a balanced diet, not smoking and drink excessively.

There is a connection between heart diseases and diabetes. In fact, diabetic are up to 4 times more likely to suffer from a heart attack.

Prevention of Heart Disease

As mentioned, living healthily is the best prevention. Other preventive measures are maintaining a healthy weight, keeping your cholesterol levels within healthy ranges, controlling your blood sugar if you have diabetes, controlling your blood pressure, and make sure that you eat a balance diet that is rich in both fruits and vegetables as well as whole grain and nuts.

By doing these, you will not only be able to prevent heart disease but also prevent many other ailments as well. Staying healthy enable your body to withstand damages caused by disease. Hence, even if stricken by illnesses, you are likely to recover faster.

Testing for Heart Disease

Doctors will check for heart diseases when there are related family history and or high risk factors. The risk factors are hypertension or high blood pressure, breathlessness, heavy smoking or drinking, obesity, high cholesterol level, sedentary lifestyle and diabetes.

Treatment for Heart Disease

On first diagnosis of heart disease, a patient will very likely be advised to adopt a healthier lifestyle. For example, doing frequent exercise, eating a balance diet, quit alcohol and smoking. This is the first step in treatment. The next step will be medications and or surgery. There are many varieties of treatments for different problems of the heart.

If the prescribed medication does not seem to be effective or if the patient’s condition deteriorates, the next recourse will be surgery. There are also wide ranges of surgeries that can be performed and many of them are minimally invasive. Hence recovery time is quicker.

About Living with Heart Disease

The first thing to consider when it comes to living with heart disease is the actual condition of the disease. Are you just being cautious because of high risk factors? Or, do you have a serious heart condition? If you have only a mild form of heart disease, you probably have medication to control the problem.

Another aspect of living with heart disease is physical exercises. If your heart disease is serious, you should not exert yourself too much. A good form of exercise would be to take daily walks.

One of the more difficult aspects of living with heart disease is forgoing the fatty and unhealthy food such as fast food. Some discipline is really important here. If you want to prolong your life, it is a fair trade. However, nowadays, healthy foods are just as delicious.

The best approach to heart disease prevention is not a single course of action. In addition to exercise and diet, losing weight, keeping blood sugar level low are also important.

Good heart disease prevention also means having low cholesterol level. This may be achieved by making changes to diet and by taking prescription medications if so recommended by the doctor.

Consuming dietary supplements such as antioxidants, vitamin B and folic acid is helpful to heart disease prevention. Mangosteen is a very good source of all three. It is rich in antioxidants, which help to destroy free radicals. It is rich in vitamin B and folic acid that helps keep homocysteine low, which will otherwise will lead to arteriosclerotic disease.

Thus, with the help of a few changes to diet, lifestyle and also keeping blood pressure, LDL cholesterol low one can get the most out of heart disease prevention measures and ensure a longer life.

For more information on living with heart disease, consult your doctor or check out reputable websites.

Visit Cure For Heart Disease to learn more about heart disease prevention.

(ARA) - Anytime a baby is born healthy, it is to be celebrated.

Interactive forums, resources, and internet links for families, adults with CHD, nurses, and other health care professionals with an interest in pediatric cardiology.Congenital Heart Disease - Information and Resources

Definition Return to top. Congenital heart disease refers to a problem with the heart’s structure and function due to abnormal heart development before birth.MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Congenital heart disease

Congenital Heart DiseaseThe success of cardiac surgery in childhood has produced a large population of adults with congenital heart disease. These adults present a unique challenge for the cardiology …

To be moms, these women show brave hearts - Heart health- msnbc.comFew cardiologists are trained to treat adults with congenital heart disease, much less when pregnancy puts extra strain on their vulnerable hearts.

Associated Problems Of Heart Disease

 If you’re seriously interested in knowing about Heart Disease, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Heart Disease.

 To be told you have heart disease can strike fear into anyone hearing it for the first time, however it’s not as bad as it sounds.
 
In this article I am going to explain some of the terms, causes and remedies associated with heart disease.
 
Heart disease is a general term used to describe several different conditions, all of which are potentially fatal, but are also treatable and/or preventable.  
Heart disease is primarily a disease of lifestyle, and is largely preventable through risk factor awareness and modification. 
 
However it is a serious condition and if ignored it is a major cause for heart attacks (myocardial infarction), congestive heart failure, angina pectoris, stroke, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), and ischemia (reduced blood flow).  
The most common form of heart disease is coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease 
 
CORONARY
Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease, it is caused by a narrowing or clogging of the coronary arteries that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients.  
 
Coronary artery disease and the resulting reduced blood flow to the heart muscle can lead to other heart problems, such as chest pain (angina) and heart attacks myocardial infarction).  
 
The risk of coronary heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control those adverse factors that put people at greater risk for heart disease and heart attacks.
 
CHOLESTEROL
If you have too much cholesterol in your bloodstream, the excess is deposited in arteries, including the coronary arteries, where it contributes to the narrowing and blockages that cause the signs and symptoms of heart disease.
 
High levels of the wrong type of cholesterol (LDL) can be life threatening especially because this type of cholesterol has the capability to choke the arteries and thus cause a heart attack. 
 
What happens is that the levels of the lipoprotein, which is made in the liver and in cells lining blood vessels, rise with things that make heart disease more likely, like smoking, obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes. 
Conversely the levels fall when patients stop smoking, lose weight and get their cholesterol and diabetes under control.  
 
Cholesterol levels should be less than 5.5. If your cholesterol level is 6.5 mmol/L or greater your risk of heart disease is about 4 times greater than that of a person with a cholesterol level of 4 mmol/L.
 
The best defense against high cholesterol is simply controlling the risk factors that could lead to coronary artery disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, stress, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and being overweight. 
Regular aerobic activities have a good effect on blood vessels and cholesterol.  
 
Dietary aids to lowering cholesterol
1. reduce cheese intake and/or substitute low fat varieties

 Those of you not familiar with the latest on Heart Disease now have at least a basic understanding. But there’s more to come.

 2. choose reduced fat milks
3. substitute polyunsaturated margarine for butter
4. choose lean cuts of meat and remove all visible fat
5. eat skinless chicken, fish or beans
6. beware of pies, pasties, fish and chips and commercial cakes (hidden fat)
7. make cakes at home with polyunsaturated fat, cook chips with polyunsaturated or monounsaturated oil
8. lose weight if overweight.
 
High blood pressure also causes many other types of cardiovascular disease, such as stroke and heart failure.
 
ARTERIES
Coronary artery diseases are diseases of the arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood. 
If you suffer from CAD it generally means that blood flow through the coronary arteries has become obstructed, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.  
 
Like any muscle, the heart needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, which are carried to it by the blood in the coronary arteries.  
When the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged by cholesterol and fat deposits (atherosclerosis), the heart cannot get enough and the result is coronary heart disease (CHD).
 
STROKE
Other cardiovascular diseases include stroke, high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and rheumatic heart disease.  Smoking and uncontrolled high blood pressure are important risk factors for stroke.  
 
Although stroke is highly preventable, certain risk factors such as; family history, age, sex and race can’t be controlled.  
People with diabetes are also two to four times more likely to die of heart disease and experience stroke.
 
PREVENTION
Although heart disease is a serious condition that requires constant monitoring, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk for cardiovascular problems and live a full, active life, even if you should suffer a heart attack.
 
Study results indicate that heart disease is almost twice as likely to develop in inactive people as in those who exercise regularly. 
 
However studies have also shown that after five years of giving up smoking, the risk of developing heart disease is the same as for someone who never smoked.  
 
As well, if you exercise on a regular basis, the chance of your developing heart disease is about half that of people who do no exercise at all.
 Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of Heart Disease. Share your new understanding about Heart Disease with others. They’ll thank you for it.