Obesity

Obesity is a top priority issue in today's fast paced life. Obesity is considered to be a health issue that is characterized by the body having extremely high extra body fat content. Obesity is one of the common problems that can affect a person at any stage of life. Overweight people are not necessarily obese, but they have higher chances to be one eventually. Obesity effects on the heart are diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, and sudden heart attacks.

So if you weigh heavier than normal then you will have higher bodily needs, especially in terms of blood supply. This means that your heart is given the task of pumping more blood all over the body so that nutrients can effectively flow through. Although the heart has the capacity to do this, it would eventually become weaker. Because of the increased pressure needed by your body, your heart overworks itself and so the muscles in your heart tend to become thicker.

Being short of breath is very common to persons with an obese heart. This is because they tend to have large abdomens. This condition restricts the lungs from having enough room to fill with air when a person breathes. If a person is suffering from hypertension, then he/she is at risk of developing other heart problems such as stenosis, regurgitation, endocarditis, arteriosclerosis and other similar diseases. And the moment any one of these develops, heart arrests are likely to happen.

An important step toward insuring a healthy heart for anyone is maintaining an appropriate body weight. Adopting an effective diet and staying active will keep you and your heart in pink of health.

High Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in the bloodstream and every cell in the body. It is important to note that cholesterol is normal. Some cholesterol is always required by your body to produce cell membranes and various hormones. But when the body has high levels of one type of cholesterol then blockages are formed in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

LDL and HDL are the two types of cholesterols � LDL and HDL. Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) is also known as �bad� cholesterol. When too much of this kind of cholesterol circulates through the blood, it can clog the arteries. High-density Lipoproteins (HDL) is also known as �good� cholesterol. Many experts also believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol in the arteries. This slows the formation of blockages in the arteries.

Unhealthy foods like saturated fats (for e.g.: beef, pork, whole milk, ice cream, cheeses, and egg yolks) and transfatty acids (mostly present in margarines, processed and fried foods and in commercial baked goods) are most likely to raise the LDL levels in the blood. With regard to diet and cholesterol, those suffering from high cholesterol levels should be eating plenty of fibre, especially soluble fibre usually found in beans, oats, fruits and vegetables.

Lack of exercise is one of the major causes of high cholesterol. A stressful lifestyle plays quite an important role in determining the blood cholesterol levels to rise, and exposes the individual to the increased risk of heart disease. People, who are overweight, do not have enough HDL, and their triglycerides and LDL levels are usually too high. So, a moderate lifestyle change from a chaotic to a more relaxed pace, along with a good diet and including regular exercises in one's daily routine is considered as part of the treatment for those suffering from high levels of cholesterol.

Smoking and alcohol intake are harmful to the patients suffering from high cholesterol levels. To quit smoking and to cut down on alcohol intake will be a smart decision for the sufferers and the high risk group people.

Age also plays an important role in the maintenance of body cholesterol levels. As both men and women grow older, their cholesterol levels also tend to rise. Heredity, along with age and gender, is a part of the uncontrollable factors that cause cholesterol levels in the blood to rise. Genetics also play a huge role in determining the blood cholesterol levels of an individual.

High blood cholesterol comes with no warning signs. So people diagnosed with high blood cholesterol levels should take the illness seriously, and are required to take appropriate treatment to prevent future complications.

Diabetes

Statistics Say That�

• People with diabetes also tend to develop heart disease or have strokes at an earlier age than other people
• People with diabetes who have already had one heart attack run an even greater risk of having a second one
• Diabetics are two to four times as likely to have a heart attack or stroke as is someone without diabetes

During a heart attack, one may experience�

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Pain or discomfort in your arms, back, jaw, neck, or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Light-headedness

These symptoms may come and go. Nerve damage caused by diabetes may result in lack of pain during a heart attack. Women may not have chest pain but may be more likely to have shortness of breath, nausea, or back and jaw pain. Early treatment can prevent permanent damage to the heart. Treatment is most effective if given within an hour of a heart attack.

Always Remember�

• Make sure that your diet is healthy. Meet with a registered dietician to plan an appropriate diet
• Exercise regularly. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise program
• Monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels as these levels play a vital role in deciding the line of treatment
• Taking prescribed medications and periodic assessment of your health condition by your doctor is very essential
• If you have already had a heart attack, taking care of yourself can help prevent future health problems
• If you have any warning signs of a heart attack, get medical care immediately - don't delay
• Early treatment of heart attack and stroke in a hospital emergency room can reduce damage to your heart and brain