Time and again, medical professionals have warned against the health hazards brought about by smoking. While there are some who heed this warning, there are those who are not yet aware of how smoking can not only damage your lungs but also increase your risk for cardiac diseases. In fact, in the US alone, smoking has been one of the causes for more than 400,000 deaths.

What does smoking do to your heart?

Smoking has been shown to cause the narrowing of the blood vessels. This takes place when you inhale the carbon monoxide released by your cigarette. This carbon monoxide causes the red blood cells to take in lesser amount of oxygen. Apart from this, the carbon monoxide also promotes build up of cholesterol along the lining of the blood vessels which, in turn, leads to your heart having to work twice as much.

Nicotine, a major ingredient in any cigarette, on the other hand, is known for increasing blood pressure as well as narrowing of the blood vessels. What makes nicotine even more toxic is the fact that it can stay in your blood stream for around 6 to 8 hours (and even more!) depending on how much you smoke each day.

Not many people may know it but another ingredient that can be found in the cigarette is Arsenic. Primarily used in order to preserve wood, arsenic in the human body can cause not only cancer but a number of heart diseases, including ischemic heart disease.

Cadmium can also be found in cigarettes. Commercially, cadmium are used in batteries. When taken in, it can hamper the repair of DNA. Aide from this, studies have shown that cadmium can also damage the lining of the arteries leading to what is known as aneurysm. According to statistics, around 30,000 people in the US alone suffer from ruptured aneurysm, so much so that about one aneurysm ruptures every 18 minutes.

As a whole, smoking has also been shown to deplete the amount of good cholesterol in the body. At the same time, it raises your blood pressure, albeit temporarily, and causes your blood to clot. Now, you might say that blood clotting is important in wound management. However, this is not the case when there’s no would in the first place. A blood clot along your blood vessels can cause aneurysm which, in turn, can lead to cardiac arrest.

How do I stop smoking?

There is no one-size-fits-all manner when it comes to stopping your addiction with cigarettes. While the cold turkey solution might work for some, it might not be the best idea for you especially if you have been a long-time smoker. Keep in mind that, in some, quitting smoking can cause a number of withdrawal symptoms. If you think cold turkey is not the way for you, you might want to consider using nicotine patch, vaping, or slowly decreasing the number of sticks you consume each day. All of these allow your body to get used to lesser and lesser amount of nicotine.

Since smoking increases the likelihood of heart diseases, it would be a good idea to make sure that you have an AED unit on hand just in case you, or someone you know, suffers from cardiac arrest.

Time and again, it has been said that heart diseases and conditions such as Sudden Cardiac Arrest is one of the top reasons for mortality here in the US. What makes it even more deadly is the fact that very few people, even more so women, really take the time to determine whether they are at a risk. If you are one of those who would like to know more about the risk factors that come with certain heart conditions in women, you might need to keep in mind the following:

1. Age

If you are a female of at least 55 years of age, you are at a higher risk for heart attack as well as other heart conditions. This is because, at this age, there could already be a solid build up of fatty deposits on your blood vessels that is keeping the oxygen-rich blood from circulating smoothly.

2. Smoking

Whether you like tobacco or cigarette, smoking, as well as long-term exposure to it,increases the chances of you suffering from heart attack. Aside from being a threat to your blood cells, the chemicals you release when smoking can also weaken your blood vessels.

3. High level of LDL

LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is also known as the “bad cholesterol”. A number of studies have proven that a high level of LDL can cause your blood vessels to narrow. The same is true for high levels of triglycerides.

4. Personal disposition

Although many equate a woman’s ease in expressing emotions as catharsis, thereby removing stress from the heart, mental stress and depression, whether expressed or not, is still one of the factors that increase a woman’s risk for heart diseases. More than anything else, having a gloomy or negative disposition gives rise to an unhealthy lifestyle. For example, if you are depressed, there is a higher chance that you would increase your alcohol intake as well as eat food that are rich in calories. You would also most likely avoid physical activities.

5. Estrogen Level

Women who have lower levels of estrogen tend to have higher risks for certain heart conditions. This could also be one of the reasons why female of 50 years or more of age, considered to be the menopausal age, tend to be more susceptible to cardiac arrest.

The Solution

Now, when it comes to dealing with the risks for heart diseases, gender does not play much of a role. After all, both sexes need to keep in mind the following:

1. If you have not started smoking yet, don’t. If, on the other hand, you are already a smoker, it would be to your advantage if you would keep it to a minimum. Smoking a pack a day might not be the best for your heart.

2. Keep away from a sedentary life. That means, you would need to make sure that you exercise at least 30 minutes a day, or around 60 minutes if you are trying to lose weight. Of course, you need to consider what the ideal weight is for your height, and make sure that you keep to those figures.

3. Eat a balanced diet. This means having vegetables, fruits, and some protein and carbohydrates on your plate.

To be sure that you know what to do should someone around you suffer from cardiac arrest, make sure that you undergo a CPR training program. It would also help if you have an AED unit nearby.

Although most people equate taking care of the heart with proper exercise and limiting the kind of food you eat, it does not mean that you cannot enjoy a nice plate of your favorite food every now and then. In fact, a number of studies have shown promising results when it comes to some of your favorite food:

1. Coffee

While most people associate drinking coffee with higher sugar level, this is not actually the case. A number of studies have shown that drinking coffee especially in women, regardless whether it is decaf or regular coffee, has been shown to significantly decrease risk for heart problem. This was primarily because coffee slows down digestion which allows for healthier blood sugar level. It has also been known to increase good cholesterol.

2. Dark Chocolate

If you have a sweet tooth, eating dark chocolate is the best way to go if you also want to take care of your heart. A German study has shown that eating dark chocolate results to healthier blood vessels. This is as a result of the chemical Flavanoids that is inherent to the cocoa used in making chocolates.

3. Popcorn

It’s not just popcorn, actually. According to studies, eating whole grained cereal and foods can be likened to eating a healthy serving of fruits and vegetables. This is because both contain polyphenols which has been known to be an antioxidant. Polyphenol can also be found in red wine.

4. Oatmeal

Whether you eat it with nothing on or fill it with your favorite fruit, a bowl of oatmeal is one of the best ways to start your day, and to make sure that you have a healthy heart. This is because, oatmeal tends to have omega-3 fatty acids which has been proven, along with folate and potassium, to prevent plaque buildup along the walls of your blood vessels as well as ensure that bad cholesterol is kept to a minimum.

5. Salmon and Other Fishes

If you think oatmeal is the only great source of Omega-3, think again. Salmon is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. That being the case, at least two servings a week can already lessen your chances of suffering from a heart attack by about a third. Aside from this, Salmon is also known to be a good source of carotenoid astaxanthin, a very powerful antioxidant. Of course, you need to make sure that you go for wild salmon as they have lesser probability of containing chemicals. Other fish types that you might want to consider woould include Mackerel, Sardines, Herring, and Tuna.

6. Nuts and Berries

Yes, nuts are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. They are also great for aiding in digestion as they contain fiber. Berries, on the other hand, are great for anti-inflammation which results to lower risk for heart diseases. As a plus, berries are also known for lowering the chances of developing cancer. Almonds, blueberries, and blackberries are just some of the more popular choices among health freaks.

Now, although most of these food types are great to have, the kind of lifestyle that you have can still have an impact on your health. That being the case, if you or someone in your family is at high risk for heart attack, make sure that you have an AED unit ready.

According to medical studies, heart diseases remain to be one of the top reasons for death in the US. Some of the most common form of heart diseases among adults include build up of plaque along the arterial walls, irregular heart beat, and congenital heart diseases. No matter what your heart’s condition is, however, you need to keep in mind the following:

1. Heart diseases in women is more prevalent than heart diseases in men.

Although most people think that men tend to suffer from since they bottle up their feelings more often then women, this is not the case. In fact, there seems to be more recorded cases of women suffering from a number of different heart conditions compared to men. Furthermore, there is a significantly higher number of women who die from heart attacks compared to men.

2. Your overall health has an impact on your risk for heart problems.

While some individuals might have been born with certain heart conditions, not taking care of your body can also lead to heart problems. For example, smoking on a regular basis can cause plaque to start building up along the walls of your blood vessels. This, in turn, could cause less oxygen-rich blood to reach various vital organs on your body. Similar to this, living a sedentary life could increase the chances of your blood vessels getting blocked by plaque. By engaging in physical activities, you are actually helping your blood to circulate more effectively. Studies have also shown that certain physical activities can help ensure that your joints are well-lubricated.

3. Your hormones play a role in your heart disease risk.

Not many people are aware of it but the presence of estrogen in the body provides the hart some sort of protection up until the woman experiences menopause. In the same line, women who regularly take birth control pills tend to have a higher chance of developing certain heart conditions.

4. Your family history can affect you.

If you have had a long history of heart problems in your family, then you also have a high chance of developing or suffering from a heart problem. That means, you need to make sure that you take extra care of your body if you have someone in your family who has already suffered from a heart attack or any other heart condition, including hypertension.

5. There is a correlation between your waistline and your heart

A waistline of more than 35 inches for women and more than 40 inches for men has been shown to be a good indicator of higher risk for a heart attack. Keep in mind that your waistline measurement is closely related to your Body Mass Index (BMI). If you find yourself at risk, you need to make sure that you watch what you eat. In most cases, eating food that are rich in carbohydrate can cause your waistline to increase in size. It can also cause an increase in your blood sugar level which, in turn, can increase the risk for a heart problem.

To make sure that you are safe even in the event of a heart attack, have the people around you undergo CPR training. It would also be to your advantage if you can have an AED unit on standby.

Atrial Fibrillation is one of the most critical medical condition that anyone can have. The field of medical science is yet to pinpoint an exact cause for why a person develops atrial fibrillation, although studies have already shown the correlation between certain medical conditions and the risk for atrial fibrillation. Having said that, most medical professionals are one in saying that proper monitoring and management of these medical conditions is the best way to lessen the risk for atrial fibrillation. One proven way to managing atrial fibrillation is by watching what you eat:

1. Lessen your salt intake.

If you have an existing heart condition or if you are at risk for one, you would need to cut down your salt intake. Too much salt in your diet can lead to high blood pressure which, in turn, can aggravate your atrial fibrillation. Now, this does not just include putting salt on your steak. This would also mean reading food labels in order to ensure that you limit your salt intake to less than 2,400 milligrams per day.

2. Increase portions of fish in your plate.

A number of previous studies have proven that unsaturated fat reduces the risk for heart diseases as well as helps in making sure that it keeps to a regular pattern. Fish is considered to be one o the best sources of unsaturated fat. Increasing the portions of it during each meal can help significantly lower your risks for developing or suffering from atrial fibrillation. While you’re at it, you might want to consider grilling or broiling your fish instead of having it fried.

3. Use the rule of thirds

When eating, you need to make sure that your plat is composed of two-thirds fruits, vegetables, whole grain, and beans. Food items that are rich in protein should occupy only a third of your plate, especially if they happen to be meat and dairy products. These food items typically have a higher percentage of saturated fat which, as mentioned earlier, can lead to higher risks for a number of heart conditions including atrial fibrillation.

4. Keep your cup of coffee to a minimum.

Although certain studies have  shown that drinking coffee to have a youthful effect on the skin, most medical professionals still recommend keeping to about a cup or two, especially if you have a heart condition. This is because coffee, as well as any other drink that has caffeine in it, is considered as a stimulant.

5. Stay away from booze.

A study on how alcohol affects the body has revealed that heavy drinking can trigger the symptoms of atrial fibrillation. This is what most doctors refer to as “holiday heart syndrome”. Now, although moderate drinking does not have that much effect on the heart, it could still trigger fibrillation.

If you are suffering from Atrial Fibrillation, one of the things that you would need to have on a regular basis is a certain dosage of blood thinner, such as Coumadin, in order to lessen the risk of said heart condition. That being the case, most people might tell you to keep away from Vitamin K as it can interfere with the efficacy of your medication. In truth, however, doctors can adjust your dosage in order to ensure that you still get the Vitamin K that you need.

Of course, if you are suffering from Atrial Fibrillation, you need to make sure that you have an AED unit with you.

A good sign that your heart is functioning well is if it is able to maintain a normal beating pattern. In some people though, this is not the case. They have what medical professionals call as Atrial Fibrillation.

What Is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial Fibrillation takes place when the electrical activity that typically comes only from the Sino-Atrial Node starts coming from other parts of the atria. These electrical activities cause the heart to beat at a rapid and irregular rate. Because of this, the amount of blood pumped by the heart is reduced which, in turn, would mean lesser amount of oxygen being sent to the different organs.

Although Atrial Fibrillation is currently gaining understanding, there are still some things that common people are not familiar with when it comes to the said condition:

• EKG is not always the answer.

Most people believe that EKG can detect atrial fibrillation. This is not always the case, though. Keep in mind that palpitations can stabilize every now and then, and might not be capture by a single instance of EKG. The best way to monitor atrial fibrillation is to monitor the heart over a long period of time.

• Atrial Fibrillation can be caused by a number of medical conditions.

Most medical professionals would tell you that very little is know about what causes atrial fibrillation; however, certain medical conditions could lead to or increase the risk for atrial fibrillation. This would include heart valve diseases, thyroid diseases, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.

• You can still live a normal life even if you have atrial fibrillation.

The best way to deal with atrial fibrillation is to make sure that you keep away from some its known triggers. This would include caffeine and alcohol, as well as other stimulants. It is also a good idea to make sure that you exercise on a regular basis. You might also need to stay away from over-the-counter medications and should follow religiously any medical appointments that you have with your doctor. As cliched as it may sound, proper diet and exercise can help keep your atrial fibrillation from flaring up. Keep in mind though, that there is no one cure-all solution for atrial fibrillation.

• There is a way to deal with Atrial Fibrillation.

While Atrial Fibrillation itself has no cure and very few ways of direct prevention, medical professionals are able to deal with it by working on the various factors that can increase the likelihood of suffering from atrial fibrillation. I some cases, though, medical professionals might make use of ablation in order to prevent atrial fibrillation. In an ablation, the parts of the heart that have shown to be the triggers of atrial fibrillation are cauterized.

Living a full life even when you have atrial fibrillation can also be made possible if you have an AED on hand. An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, can be used by anyone in order to help jumpstart and regulate the beating pattern of the heart, especially in the case of stroke or sudden cardiac arrest.

One of the most common reasons for Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is Arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is the term used by medical professionals to describe a problem concerning the heart’s beating pattern. This problem could come in the form of irregular beats, too fast, or too slow beats. One of the most common types of Arrhythmia is what is known as Atrial Fibrillation.

As the name implies, Atrial Fibrillation concerns the two upper chambers of the heart – the atria. In an AF,  the electrical signals become so disorganized that the atria is forced to pump rapidly and in an irregular manner. This causes the blood to stay in the atria which, in turn, adds stress to the heart causing the atria to have an uncoordinated pattern with the ventricles. Some of the most common medical conditions that can result to Atrial Fibrillation include hypertension and coronary heart disease. The risk for AF tend to go higher if you have any of the following conditions:

• cardiomyopathy
• congenital heart disease
• previous heart surgery
• hyperthyroidism
• sleep apnea

Signs and Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Some of the most common signs and symptoms that you might be suffering from Atrial Fibrillation include the following:

• heart palpitations, or what most people experience as fluttering
• chest pain or discomfort
• shortness of breath
• abdominal pain
• fatigue
• light-headedness

Depending on how advanced the case is, a person suffering from atrial fibrillation might experience the symptoms every now and then, with most lasting for only a few minutes. In the case of chronic atrial fibrillation, however, the patient may experience the signs all the time. You should also need to keep in mind that Atrial Fibrillation tends to occur more in older adults although there have been reported cases of AF in teens. Older adults who have AF tend to be more at risk when it comes to stroke as well as Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Keep in mind that SCA is typically brought about by a disruption in the normal beating pattern of the heart.

Treatment Plan

In most cases, a person suffering from Atrial Fibrillation would be given medication that could help control the beating pattern of the heart. These medication would include amiodarone, sotalol, and defetilide, among others. A pacemaker could also be put into place. If these do not remedy the situation, the patient might be made to undergo Radio Frequency Ablation or Electrical Cardioversion. In the former, a thin tube is inserted through the blood vessel from the groin area all the way to the heart. RF is then applied in order to burn the heart tissue that is keeping the heart from having a regular beating pattern. The latter, on the other hand, makes use of pads placed on the chest area. An electric current is made to go through this pads in order to jolt the heart into going back to its normal beating pattern. This is the same physics that is employed by an AED unit.

If you think you might be suffering from Atrial Fibrillation, or if you have someone who has a high risk for the said condition, you might want to consider having an AED unit around.