Symptoms of Cerebrovascular Conditions:

• Slurred speech
• Changes in vision
• Balance problems
• Difficulties in reading and writing
• Difficulty in speaking
• Tingling sensations
• Numbness
• Mood changes like depression.
• Fatigue
• Sleepiness
• Paralysis in face and limbs
• Drooling
• Memory problems
• Weakness
• Changes in personality
• Uncontrollable eye movements
• Changes in the state of consciousness
• Severe headache

Smokers, elderly people, diabetics and hyper tension patients are at increased risk of developing these conditions.

Depending on the types, symptoms of cerebrovascular conditions change. Some types of these conditions are:

What is Cerebral Thrombosis?

It is a condition where the brain nerves get damaged. As a result, the blood in the form of a clot obstructs the flow of liquid blood to the brain. It is followed by the dreadful stroke.

What is Cerebral Embolism?

The word embolus means any foreign substance like air, fat or any other material which manages to enter into the blood stream. Even here the flow of blood to the brain is stopped resulting in stroke.

What is Cerebral Hemorrhage?

It is a condition where damage is caused to the tissues of brain well within it. Experiencing tremendous pressure within the skull of the brain is one of the signs of this fatal condition. It is two times more prevalent in Afro0American people.

A technique called CT scan is used to diagnose symptoms of cerebrovascular conditions. Blood is brighter than the tissues clearly. These tissues develop pass like thing called edema in the nerve cell. These tissues appear darker in the CT scan. There are some prescribed medicines used along with surgery which provide an effective treatment option. .

Knowledge Gained from Research on Good Cholesterol HDL:

• HDL levels lower than 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women respectively is considered to be risky.
• This form of cholesterol is expected to be in high levels as it removes cell debris called plaque from the path ways of heart, reducing risk of heart ailments. Hence the name good cholesterol for it.
• The study found that incidences of heart disease in diabetic men and women increased when their HDL level was found to be less than 47.5mg /dL.
• As the level of HDL increased the risk of heart ailments decreased as expected in both men and women suffering from diabetes.
• But in diabetic women with excess levels of HDL, the risk increased to a large extent (above 80 mg/dL).
• Though researchers are unable to explain the mechanism behind this fact, they have concluded that too much of good cholesterol is harmful for women, especially if they suffer from type 1 diabetes.

What Research Studies Have to Say on the Relation Between Good Cholesterol HDL and Diabetes?

It was in December 2008, that researchers from the University of Chicago found that HDL in people suffering from chronic diseases like arthritis, kidney disease and diabetes, is different from HDL in normal healthy people. This result of dysfunctional HDL in chronic disease patients was published in December 2008 issue of the journal FASEB.

In December 2009, researchers at the University Hospital Zurich and the Medical School of Hannover in Germany and Switzerland found that the protective action of HDL against heart ailments is impaired in type 2 diabetic patients. Results of their findings were published in Circulation, which is the journal of American Heart Association.

There are four types of this pain. They are: stable, unstable, variant and microvascular types.

Stable Type: It happens when the heart works harder than usual. It indicates towards a possible risk of heart attack in future. It goes away with rest or on taking medicine. It follows a stable pattern which allows a person to predict it.

Unstable Type: It is the most dangerous of all the types. It follows no pattern, does not go away with rest or medication and is a sure indicator of heart attack.

Variant Type: It is a rare and severe pain which occurs mostly between midnight and early morning. It occurs when the person rests and goes away with the intake of medicine.

Microvascular Type: It is the most severe type lasting for a longer period of time. Relief is not provided medication.

Causes of Angina:

Smoking, high blood pressure, high blood sugar level and high cholesterol lead to developing of hard cell debris called plaque in the pathways of the arteries and veins of heart. This reduces the flow of oxygen rich blood to and from the heart. It causes the pain.

Smoking, heavy meals and emotional stress cause stable type of this pain. The unstable type is caused by totally or partly blocked blood clots in the pathways of heart. Smoking, cocaine use, exposure to cold, intake of medicines which narrow the blood vessels and emotional stress cause variant type. Damaged or diseased artery walls, plaques and spasms in the arteries reduce the flow of blood to the heart causing microvascular type of this pain.

Symptoms of Angina:

• Pain in the chest
• Discomfort
• Burning
• Squeezing
• Pressure in the chest
• Tightness
• Pain in shoulders, arms, throat, neck and back
• Pain from indigestion
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Light headedness

Electrocardiogram, X-ray of chest, stress testing, blood test, coronary Angiography and cardiac Catheterization are some of the techniques which can diagnose this pain.

Treatment of Angina:

Mild symptoms can be treated by life style changes and medicines. Severe signs are dealt with medical procedures and cardiac rehabilitation. Unstable type of this disease is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

What are Triglycerides?

They are main source of energy to the cells for carrying out routine functions of the body. When compared to nutrients like carbohydrates and proteins, these substances provide double the amount of energy.

The triglycerides are produced and stored in the liver. As the body requires energy, it sends signals through a hormone glucagon to break these substances to fatty acids. The brain cannot directly use the fatty acids. That is why, there is a component in triglycerides called the glycerol. It converts this form of cholesterol to glucose, which can readily be utilized by the brain as its fuel. This process is technically called gluconeogenesis.

Fat cells are also the reserves of triglycerides, which can be broken down to energy molecules of meeting the requirements of body and brain.

What are the Guidelines of Triglycerides Levels?

According to the American Heart Association, the recommended levels are:

The mentioned levels are relevant when a patient carries out the test after fasting for 8-12 hours.

Facts about Triglycerides Levels:

• Consumption of diet with carbohydrate accounting for 60 percent of it, can risk the levels of triglycerides.
• Carbohydrate consumption can rise the triglyceride levels in women and make them prone to heart diseases more than men.
• Blockage of arteries and veins and stroke are related to high levels of this component in blood. But there are no indicators of the negative impact high levels of triglycerides have on the body, when compared to LDL and HDL.
• Drinking alcohol in moderate levels and regular exercise are good practices.
• In the United States, it is recommended to take up to 3 grams of flax seed oil and fish for omega-3 fatty acids to reduce high levels of triglycerides.

Why LDL Cholesterol is called the Bad Cholesterol?

LDL is known to be bad cholesterol as it is associated with the formation of hard cell debris in the walls of the heart called plaque. It increases the risk of heart diseases and stroke. The actual reason cited for LDL to be bad cholesterol is not correct always. The term is a misnomer.

The lipoprotein carriers which transport LDL to the cells are the same which carry other forms of this substance in the blood. But the mechanism, location where this cholesterol is transported and the amount which account for the adverse effects.

What are the Recommended Levels of LDL Cholesterol?

In the United States, this cholesterol is measured in terms of milligrams per deciliter (dL) of blood. The recommended level and its meaning are:

A technique called the nuclear magnetic resonance or NMR can directly measure LDL cholesterol. This technique has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Cardiology in the year 2008.

Facts about LDL Cholesterol:

• Smoking, obesity, family history of heart diseases and high blood pressure are the risk factors of form of cholesterol.
• Regular exercise, lowering intake of white bread, bleached processed flour, sweet breakfast foods, corn syrups and consumption of alcohol in moderate level are good practices.
• Total cholesterol levels are to be checked as per government health guidelines for every five years once an individual crosses 20 years of age.

What is HDL Cholesterol?

Heart is an organ which passes oxygen rich blood to all the cells of the body. It also receives used up blood from different parts of the body for purification. In this way, blood flows to and fro from the heart through its pathways known as arteries and veins.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in blood. When within its pre-defined limits, it performs some essential tasks of the body. There are three types of this substance. They are HDL, LDL and triglycerides. Irrespective of the types, cholesterol requires carriers called lipoproteins to travel in the blood stream. It is because the major component of blood is water and cholesterol is slightly insoluble in it.

Why HDL is called as the Good Cholesterol?

As the name suggests, HDL cholesterol is known to be highly dense with protein. This molecule nourishes all cell types of the body. Some cell debris called plaques block the pathways of heart because of the rise in another cholesterol form, the LDL (or the bad cholesterol).

In such state, the HDL removes the plaques and transports the LDL cholesterol to the liver, where it is produced. Depending upon the requirement of the body, the liver either stores this LDL for re-utilization or ensures that it is excreted out of the body.

What are the Recommended Levels of HDL Cholesterol?

According to the American Heart Association, National Institutes of Health and the National Cholesterol Education Program, the following are the ranges and their meaning of HDL cholesterol levels:

Facts about HDL Cholesterol:

• It constitutes 30 percent of total cholesterol in the blood.
• Low HDL level in late middle age is found to be related to memory loss.
• Men are found to possess low HDL levels than women, which is responsible for the higher rate of heart diseases in them.
• Physical exercises, quitting smoking, losing weight, moderate intake of alcohol are some of the good practices to ensure that HDL levels remain intact in spite of ageing.
• As the health care professional recommend, cholesterol level is to be tested for every five years once an individual is above 20 years.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance present in our blood. Well within a pre-defined range, it performs some vital functions. Only when there is abnormality or irregularity in the production of this substance, risk of heart diseases arise.

Nearly 25 percent of the cholesterol is produced in liver. The intestines and the reproductive organs are the other areas where it is produced. Acetoacetyl-CoA and acetyl CoA are the two molecules which are required for the initiation of cholesterol production. Two scientists Feodor Lynen and Konrad Bloch were awarded the 1964 Nobel prize for medicine as they explained how the body produces this substance.

When the Body Requires Cholesterol Synthesis?

The food that we eat produces ample amount of this substance. The body maintains an inherent balance between the production and usage of cholesterol. However, the mechanism behind this balance is not understood yet. Production is initiated only when there is very low level of this substance.

Why the Body Requires Cholesterol Synthesis?

When cholesterol level is below 200 mg/dL, it is considered to be well within its normal range. Remaining at this level, it performs the following tasks in the body:

• The internal and external surfaces of cells are built and maintained by it.
• It is involved in the processing of signals to and from the cells to the brain.
• It helps in the carrying of substances present inside the cell from one location to another.
• It plays an important role in the communication of two cells through signaling.
• It starts the production of bile acids, Vitamin D and several hormones in the body.
• According to the findings of some of the research carried out on it, it is found that cholesterol has antioxidant properties too.

A human heart works tirelessly to circulate blood throughout the body and the modern sedentary lifestyle coupled with habits such as smoking and drinking reduces the lifespan of the heart. Modifying ones lifestyle and diet can help battle heart disease even in a person with a family history of heart attacks, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke.

Top 10 tips to a healthy heart are given below:

1. Diet: Consuming a diet which is considered ‘heart-healthy’ is the easiest and best method in which one can combat cardiac problems. One should go easy on food rich in fats, sugar and salt. Organic food rich in vitamins, omega acids, and antioxidants such as beta carotene, helps reduce cholesterol and increases the level of high density lipoprotein or good cholesterol. Prevention is always better than cure and including such foods helps avert heart problems.
2. Avoid Smoking: People who smoke are at a far greater risk of having heart attacks than non-smokers. People who have quit smoking have found that they feel much healthier and less out of breath within the first one year of quitting. Giving up cigarettes is a small price to pay in order to avoid cardiac problems.
3. Avoid Alcohol: Excessive drinking too weakens heart muscles. It leads to weight gain and increases blood pressure. One must carefully monitor alcohol intake to reduce risk.
4. Regular Exercise: Regular exercise enhances oxygen intake and stalls clogging of the cardio-vascular system. Half an hour of cardio exercises such as walking, swimming, jogging and bicycling are excellent ways to a healthy heart.
5. Avoid Dieting: Although it is true that losing weight and coming sown to ones optimum weight is mandatory to amplify overall health, however, excessive dieting can cause more damage to ones heart. Bingeing on processed foods such as chips, etc and dieting excessively can cause an imbalance in the electrolyte levels in the body. This slackens heart muscles causing harm in the long run.
6. Heart supplements: Cardio boosting supplements work towards strengthening the heart and reduce swelling of the arterial wall. These supplements are beneficial for people with hectic schedules who might not be able to exercise everyday.
7. Checking Family History: Checking family history helps recognize early signs of cardiac problems and helps one take preventive measures.
8. Manage Stress Levels: In a stress filled world one must take strong steps to manage stress levels. Meditation, Yoga and simple breathing exercises will help reduce stress and keep heart problems at bay.
9. Monitoring Weight: Excessive weight or obesity is one of the major causes of heart disease in the world. Excess weight can cause life threatening conditions and is detrimental for people who already have a heart problem. One can control weight by exercising regularly and eating small meals frequently.
10. Regular Visits to the Doctor: Regular visits to the doctor to get blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked can help prevent heart disease.

Heart Disease as a health problem is weighing on many people across the globe and by bringing about these dietary and lifestyle changes one can fight cardiac problems effectively.

The first bypass-heart surgery was performed on May 2nd,1960 at the Albert Einstein College of medicine-Bronx Municipal Hospital Center. The team that performed the surgery was led by Dr. Robert Goetz. and Dr. Michael Rohman with the help of Dr. Ronald Dee and Dr. Jordan Haller.

Why by pass heart surgery?
The coronary artery bypass surgery is a surgical procedure which is carried to relieve one from angina and relieve one from the risk of coronary heart disease

This clogging of arteries is a serious problem. Heart attacks can cause death also. When an artery gets clogged as mentioned earlier, it leads to heart attack. One procedure which is very common is to perform a heart surgery. Here a new piece of blood vessel is sewed as bridge, which is popularly known as bypass, over the blockage. The surgeon will not only fix the blocked artery, but will conduct similar surgery on other arteries that are likely to clog. In case, three arteries are repaired then it is called triple bypass surgery. In case four are repaired then it is known as quadruple bypass.  Five such surgeries are known as quintuple bypass.
The arteries or the veins are taken elsewhere from the body of the patient and are grafted to the coronary arteries to by-pass artherosclerotic narrowings and also improve the supply of blood towards the coronary circulation that supplies the heart muscle.

The blood vessel which is used for by-pass is taken from the leg or the chest. The body has several redundant vessels which can be removed.

Aftermath of bypass
One has to take care of one’s diet. One has to avoid fats and foods that are high in cholesterol. After the operation, walking or swimming is recommended for increasing one’s strength. The doctor may also recommend a person to join a program for cardiac rehabilitation. In case, one has an office job one can go back to work after 4 to 6 weeks. Those  have jobs that are physically demanding have to wait longer. In extreme cases one has to find a job which is not physically demanding. About 30% of bypass surgery patients require a second procedure after10 years.
Heart attacks need to be prevented by maintaining one’s stress levels. Diet and undertaking proper exercise. Obesity can kill you. Eat foods high in protein and less in fast and cholesterol. In case one develops heart disease such as coronary artery disease, one may be required to on in for heart surgery.

Artherosclerotic plaque (cholesterol as well as calcium deposits on the artery wall)

Stroke happens to be the third leading cause of death in the US. In the year 2002, stroke killed around 162,672 people, thus accounting for 1 out every 15 deaths in the US. Based upon the statistics provided by the American Heart Association nearly 700,000 people in the United States suffer from a stroke every year ( about 500,000 from first stroke and remaining 200,000 from recurrent stroke). About 4 million Americans living after a stroke suffer from impairments and 15 to 30 per cent are permanently disabled. The Association further states that that the stroke cost incurred is about $68 billion in both indirect and direct costs in 2005 in the United States.

Causes of a Stroke

• High blood pressure.
• Heart attack.
• Smoking.
• Diabetes.
• Too much alcohol intake.
• Family history.
• Trauma.
• Oral contraceptives.

One should be able to identify the signs and symptoms of a stroke in order to get immediate treatment. These are signs of strokes which can warn a person before the impending attack:

Signs and symptoms of stroke

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the arms, face and legs.
• Sudden confusion or unable to understand or communicate to others.
• Sudden trouble in seeing either in one eye or both the eyes.
• Sudden severe headaches with no known cause.
• Seizure, which is relatively rare.
• Paralysis or weakness on one side of the entire body.
• Sudden loss of coordination or balance.
• Vomiting.
• Walking becomes difficult.

Strokes can debilitate a person permanently or result in death. It is essential to seek medical help as soon one senses unusual discomfort physically.