Heart Attack

A heart attack is a life-threatening event and demands immediate emergency attention.

A heart attack occurs when the blood and oxygen supply to an area of heart muscle is blocked, usually by a clot in a coronary artery. Often, this blockage leads to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat or rhythm) that cause a severe decrease in the pumping function of the heart and may bring about sudden death.

"Early control of high blood pressure may drastically reduce the number of individuals who die each year from hypertension-related illnesses, according to the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC VII)."

National air quality maps and a summary by AirNow tell you whether the air in your area is good, unhealthy, unhealthy for sensitive people, hazardous, etc. Ozone and particulate levels are given for specific cities.

According to an article in the Globe and Mail, "Trans fats are formed when oil is partially hydrogenated -- a process by which liquid oil is made into semi-solid fats like shortening and hard margarine. Partially hydrogenated oils are used in processed foods to increase shelf life and improve taste."

Everyone pays an $88.50 premium per month for Medicare Part B. In 2007, it is expected to rise to $99.50, and a new provision inserted as part of the prescription drug bill will start. This will be a surcharge to make up for budget deficits and the growing cost of health care.

Most heart attacks come as a result of prolonged hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) that direct blood into the heart. While blood flow to the heart is usually restricted by atherosclerosis, it can also be caused by blood clots and by spasms of the coronary arteries.

Although job-related stress has been linked with heart disease for a long time, the exact nature of this link was never clear. A recent study provides new evidence that strengthens this intuitive yet

The term metabolic syndome is used to describe a group of symptoms that greatly increase a person's risk for developing certain diseases - heart disease, diabetes, and others.

Side Effects and Warnings
Most people taking niacin experience skin flushing and a warm sensation, especially of the face, neck and ears, when they begin treatment or increase dose. This reaction is usually mild, but has been intolerable enough to cause up to half of participants in studies to stop therapy. Dry skin and itching is also commonly experienced. Taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Naprosyn®), or indomethacin (Indocin®) can reduce the flushing. Use of an antihistamine 15 minutes prior to a niacin dose may also be helpful. Slow-release niacin products may have less skin flushing than regular release niacin preparations or may simply delay the appearance of flushing. The flushing response often decreases on its own after 1 to 2 weeks of therapy. Mild stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea also may occur when beginning niacin therapy, and usually resolve with continued use.