Michael Byrd asked:




Fish oil for heart health is a hot topic. And for good reason.

You can't pick up a newspaper or magazine without research news about the amazing health benefits of fish oil for heart health. Doctors recommend it. Nutritionists recommend it. Trainers and exercise buffs recommend it. Even my vet recently recommended fish oil capsules for the heart health of my chocolate lab, Phyto.

Although most people have heard of the outstanding cardiovascular health benefits from omega 3 fish oil, few know about all of the exciting scientific studies of proven results behind the fish oil for heart health craze.

A report published in Circulation, the official journal of the American Heart Association, gives a thorough rundown on how omega 3 fatty acids from fish improves circulation and why fish oil works so well for the health of your heart and cardiovascular system in numerous ways.

This study shows that fish oil fatty acids help your heart by lowering cholesterol, preventing irregular heartbeat and reducing blood clots. It also decreases blood pressure, lowers triglycerides, balances HDL and LDL, relaxes the arterial walls and prevents the formation of new plaque and inflammation, vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation and much more. [Vol. 106:2747]

Wow! Some scientists even indicate that, since omega 3 fish oil helps people overcome depression, it can heal a broken heart.

One group of doctors published a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association about all of the many positive effects that higher fish oil consumption has on lowering a man's risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, since more women die of heart disease than any other cause, the scientists wanted to find out if fish oil offers the same health benefits for women as they do for men.

After following 84,688 women for 16 years, these doctors concluded that women who eat 5 or more servings of fish a week have much less risk of CHD or dying from a heart attack than women who eat less fish. [Vol. 287, No. 14]

If you ask me, it doesn't get any clearer than this. Fish oil for heart health is vitally important. But how much do you need? Most recommendations suggest 5 or more servings of oily, cold water fish a week. This is great and will certainly help improve heart health, but it may not be enough. Many studies recommend 1 to 3 grams of fish oil daily for a healthy cardiovascular system.

The only way you can get this much is by supplementing your diet with pure omega 3 fish oil capsules that preferably give you a balance of all eight naturally occurring omega 3 fatty acids.

You can see why everyone's recommending fish oil for heart health. The question now is are you going to do something about it? It doesn't take much to improve your health and, honestly, it's well worth the effort. Wouldn't it be nice to have a pain free, happy, healthy life, as you grow older?

Sure it would! And it can start right now, if you follow this advice.

Eugene Goh asked:




Like any muscle, your heart grows stronger with exercise and proper nutrition. Unfortunately, most modern diets lack the essential nutrients your heart needs to remain effective day after day. If you've been experiencing shortness of breath, tiredness, fatigue, or an increased heart rate, your heart may be nutritionally starved and exhausted.

Because your heart uses so much energy it needs the right nutrients in the right amounts everyday so it can keep working for you complaint free. You will need a a proprietary blend of ingredients to support healthy heart function, blood flow, and nourishes heart tissue, mainly:

* Coenzyme Q 10 (coq10) plays an important role in the production of energy within each cell of the human body. CoQ10 also plays a critical role in the respiratory chain. This biochemical process occurs in the mitochondria, also known as the power-plants of the cell-converting oxygen and fuel to energy. CoQ10 serves as an essential carrier of electrons in this process. The heart muscle is very dependent on this process for its adequate energy production. Users of statins have a need for extra supplementation, because statins deplete the body of CoQ10.

* Taurine is an amino acid that is abundantly present in the heart muscle. Studies have shown that people with congestive heart failure benefit from taurine supplementation, because it alters calcium transport in the heart muscle, which is beneficial for the contraction mechanism.

* Carnithine is an amino acid that serves as a key to open the walls of the mitochondria to let free fatty acids in. These Fatty acids serve as fuel for the power plants of the heart muscle cells.

* Hawthorn Berries have a long history in heart health. Hawthorn increases the force of contraction of the heart muscle, and thereby the coronary blood flow, and cardiac output. Also, hawthorn has anti-arrhythmic activity.

Our bodies can only use these elements efficiently when taken in the right amounts.

For instance, studies demonstrate that CoQ10 is effective at daily intakes of 100 mg but most supplements contain only small amounts of CoQ10 and probably not containing effective amounts of L-carnitine, L-taurine, and hawthorn berries to work synergistically.

With the right amount and the most effective heart strengthening ingredients in one proprietary formula, these ingredients not only help with strengthening the heart muscle but also increase its recovery from exertion. When taken with regular aerobic exercise it can super-charge the effects of your workout.

Jim Kesel asked:




I recently talked with a friend of mine who is also a doctor specializing in cardiology here in Florida. I was asking him about heartburn heart health, specifically the difference between symptoms associated with heartburn and those associated with a heart attack. After outlining the differences he made what I found to be a profound statement. He basically said that the people who experience heartburn and those who have heart disease share a common trait. They both have poor eating habits that either cause or contribute to their condition. Granted genetics can be a predisposing factor in both, but the individual increases his or her risk by eating a poor diet. Heartburn heart health is a serious matter not to be ignored. You need talk to your doctor and learn the difference between having a heart attack or heartburn, it may save your life.

The basic symptom of heartburn is a burning pain behind the sternum or breastbone that develops after a heavy meal or eating or drinking an antagonist that initiate heartburn or acid reflux. Many people who experience heartburn on a regular basis can feel valve between the stomach and esophagus begin to leak acid into the esophagus. As this takes place the burning pain begins.

Symptoms of a heart attack are similar but also have some distinct differences. In general someone suffering from a heart attack may experience.

1. Pain or discomfort in the upper body including the arms, left shoulder, back, neck, jaw or stomach.

2. What is commonly called Angina, defined as chest pain or discomfort in the center of the chest; as described as a heaviness, tightness, pressure, aching, burning, numbness, fullness or squeezing feeling that lasts for more than 5 minutes or that goes away and comes back.

3. These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for heartburn or indigestion.

4. Difficulty Breathing or shortness of breath

5. Sweating or what is called "cold sweat"

6. Fullness, indigestion, choking or gagging feeling (may feel like "heartburn")

7. Nausea or vomiting

8. Light-headedness or dizziness

9. Extreme weakness or anxiety, rapid or irregular heart beats.

As you can clearly see it is very important that you know the difference between heartburn and heart attack symptoms. If there is any doubt you need to call 911 immediately. Only a doctor can determine if you are really having a heart attack.

As we have continued our research into heartburn and acid reflux disease, it has become very apparent that about 95% of the problem is curable. The remedies that really work depend on the patient eating the proper foods in small to moderate proportions. In fact if you would eat 5 smaller meals a day instead of the normal 3, you would reduce the risk of heartburn. Our Heartburn Handbook goes into this in greater detail. Heartburn heart health is a serious matter. Eating correctly and eating a good diet will reduce your risk of heart disease and heartburn.

Remember if you have been diagnosed with heart diseases you should discuss your symptoms with your physician, never make a self diagnosis, if you are wrong it could cost you your life.

Patsy Hamilton asked:




Hawthorne berries extract is an old herbal remedy for heart conditions. Today, Hawthorne berry tea is packaged and sold as a natural health supplement and the extract is an ingredient in some products designed to promote heart health.

Legends, historical evidence and scientific evaluation surround hawthorne berries extract. One Christian legend holds that the “Crown of Thorns” was made from the hawthorne tree or bush, which originally grew in Europe, Asia, Northern Africa and much of the Mediterranean region. Today, the shrub grows in many other areas of the world and the berries are believed by some to have miraculous healing properties.

Archeologists have found evidence that appears to indicate that ancient Chinese people used the berries to make a fermented beverage. Remnants of hawthorne berries extract have been found in pottery jars dating to pre-Christian times, around 7000 B.C. It is believed that these beverages were medically or religiously significant, even then.

The New York Medical Journal first published a report concerning the use of hawthorne berries extract in the treatment of heart disease in October 1896. A Dr. Green of Ennis, Ireland had developed a reputation for “curing” heart disease, but refused to share his secret with colleagues. After his death, his daughter revealed the name of the remedy used by her father. The name was Crataegus Oxycantha, the older botanical name for the Common Hawthorn. The official designation is now Crataegus monogyna, but the older name is often used. According to his notes, the doctor did not use hawthorne berry tea per se, but a kind of concentrate.

Clinical trials and research continued on the medicinal value of hawthorne berries extract throughout the early 1900’s and is still going on today. Scientific evaluation of the benefits of hawthorne berry tea to human health has only been partially completed. It is believed that antioxidants, flavonoids or other compounds such as epicatechin, quercetin and rutin, are responsible for the beneficial effects of hawthorne berries extract. It is sometimes added to health supplements designed to promote heart health, reduce blood pressure and correct unhealthy cholesterol levels.

The most recent studies of the medicinal value of hawthorn berries extract are related to its affect on the liver, the digestive system, the cardiovascular system and as an anti-inflammatory. Numerous studies have been completed. These studies do not use hawthorne berry tea, but a concentrated extract.

The hawthorne berries extract used by scientists has natural anti-inflammatory action. Chronic inflammation has been associated with numerous life threatening conditions including cancer and heart disease, but use of the known anti-inflammatory drugs does not reduce the risk of developing these conditions. In fact, NSAIDs increase blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease and can be damaging to other organs of the body, as well.

On the other hand, it is believed that natural anti-inflammatories, such as those found in hawthorne berry tea, but also present in other fruits and vegetables can reduce cancer risks and the risk of heart disease. These natural compounds can also lower blood pressure and reduce blood cholesterol levels, two major risk factors for heart disease.

Hawthorne berries extract has been shown to reduce ulcerative colitis, probably due, once again, to its anti-inflammatory activity. Ulcerative colitis is one of the inflammatory bowel diseases. While not life threatening, it is difficult to live with and the best known treatment for many years was surgical removal of the affected parts of the bowel and colon. Some herbalists recommend hawthorne berry tea for people suffering from ulcerative colitis and other digestive problems.

Hawthorne berries extract has been shown to protect the liver from damage usually associated with cardiac events in laboratory animals. After a heart attack, liver function is impaired. The exact reasons for the beneficial affects of hawthorn berries extract on the liver are unknown.

In the vascular system, hawthorne berries extract has been shown to reduce calcification. It is calcification of arterial plaques that leads to atherosclerosis, which is commonly referred to as a hardening or narrowing of the arteries leading to the heart. Calcification of arterial plaques can also cause blood clots, leading to strokes and heart attacks. It is unknown if consuming hawthorne berry tea can provide the same benefits to the hearts of humans, since scientific studies have only been performed using lab animals and extracts.

Even though some health care professionals have recognized the medicinal value of hawthorne berries extract for over 100 years, research related to them is still considered preliminary. Most scientific research is funded by pharmaceutical companies and pharmaceutical companies cannot patent naturally occurring substances. So, hawthorne berry tea and other natural remedies are of little interest to them.

To learn more about health supplements containing hawthorne berries extract and other natural ingredients that may protect the health of your heart, please visit Heart Health Diet Tips.com

David Bloom asked:




Women's heart health is an important issue, as heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States. As such, it is crucial that you find out how to reduce your risk of cardiovascular problems, and ensure that you live a long, healthy life.

According to the latest estimates, one in every two women will eventually die of heart disease or stroke, an alarming figure especially when compared to the number who will die of breast cancer, 1 in 27. So you can see why heart health should be a priority for women...unfortunately most women are unaware just how great the risk is, and how they can reduce their chances of future heart issues.

As women reach menopause, their risk of cardiovascular disease jumps dramatically, although it is something to be on top of throughout your life. Research shows that you have the power to improve your heart health significantly by incorporating a heart healthy diet and exercise regimen and avoiding those things that can lead to cardiovascular complications down the road.

The following apply to womens heart health as well as mens, so anyone can benefit from these tips:

1. Start out by visiting your doctor and getting the proper blood tests to see where you stand. The major healthy heart indicators are cholesterol, triglycerides, homocysteine and C Reactive Protein, or CRP. Check your levels of all (4) of these risk indicators to get a complete picture of your heart health.

2. Watch what you eat...simple dietary changes can have an enormous beneficial effect. Cut out fried foods, trans fats, hydrogenated oils, sodas and sweets as much as possible. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Specifically, Omega 3 fatty oils found in fish are an important part of a healthy heart diet, and garlic and extra virgin olive oil can reduce cholesterol levels.

3. Exercise can improve a womans heart health by strengthening the cardiovascular system, and facilitating the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells and tissues. It also helps relieve stress and boosts immune function, which can help ward off heart disease and other health complications.

4. Make a few lifestyle changes. Smoking is one of the leading causes of heart disease, so if you do smoke quit as soon as possible...you'd be amazed at how well your body can repair itself once you stop. If you are overweight, try to lose those excess pounds as fat can really put stress on your cardiovascular system. Don't consume excessive alcohol and try to reduce stress as much as possible.

This is just a basic overview of things that can improve men and womens heart health, but it gives you a starting point. You can learn more about all four of these tips on our site, from a specific healthy heart diet to exercises to small changes that can have a significant effect on your heart.

Nicholas Webb asked:




Wouldn’t it be wonderful if chocolate and heart health went hand in hand. However, there is so much information lately about the health benefits of chocolate that it is only natural that people get a little confused.

It is true, that if people only ate pure cocoa, then there might be heart health benefits. The problem is that most people eat unhealthy processed chocolate bars containing sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, dairy cream not to mention other “baddies” contained in some of those tasty fillings. Some of these added ingredients can clog up arteries and create havoc to your waistline and lead to obesity.

That said, you might be surprised to find out that chocolate isn’t all that bad. The fat content in chocolate, contained in premium grade dark chocolate, is comprised of equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are forms of saturated fat – not so good. Saturated fats are linked to increases in LDL-cholesterol and risk of developing heart disease.

Research indicates that stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol; neither raising nor lowering LDL-cholesterol levels. So far so good. Palmitic acid on the other hand, does affect cholesterol levels but only comprises one-third of the fat calories in chocolate. Therefore, if we base our chocolate eating habits on latest research, the fat issue isn’t so worrying.

Beware milk chocolate may not be so heart healthy

Like most things in life, there is a down-side to chocolate. When we eat milk chocolate or lower grade chocolate, a large part of the total fat content comes from milk fat or various other types of fat contained in the processed chocolate and fillings, and not from the pure cocoa, which do adversely affect cholesterol levels. This is especially true with a large slice of chocolate cake!

Despite all the good news on cocoa not raising LDL cholesterol, even dark chocolate is a very calorie-dense food, so while the fat content may not invite heart disease or clogging of the arteries, its regular consumption will add a lot of extra calories to someone's daily total. In fact, many chocolate bars list sugar as the number one ingredient. And as we all know lots of white refined sugar is not going to help you keep your waistline nice and slim. Remember obesity is a serious risk factor for developing heart disease.

Concerning cholesterol, new and yet-to-be-published studies are showing that some antioxidants contained in chocolate, in particular dark chocolate and cocoa powder, may actually increase "good" (HDL) cholesterol levels by as much as 10 percent.

In the studies, the selected people ate 22 grams of cocoa powder and 16 grams of dark chocolate every day The result: Their "bad" (LDL) cholesterol was less susceptible to oxidation, a process that normally leads to artery-clogging plaques. While many people take vitamins and other antioxidants to help prevent plaque development, the study shows that cocoa could help.

In summary, whether chocolate and heart health do walk hand in hand is still an open topic, however, in moderation it won’t do your heart any harm, however, watch those calories. Most of all, enjoy it cause it tastes so good!

Bonnie Jenkins asked:




Pressure Point

My husband and I have an ongoing dispute about salt - I say that a little goes a long way; he considers it a food group. The difference of opinion isn't really about salt per se. It's about salt's impact on blood pressure.

High blood pressure has become a serious health risk - so serious that it's been dubbed "the silent killer." If your systolic blood pressure (the top number, which measures the pressure of blood against artery walls when the heart contracts) is at or above 140 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), or your diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number, which measures the pressure against artery walls when the heart relaxes between beats) is at or above 90 mm Hg, it's time to make some changes.

Walk Away From Hypertension

Nothing beats a healthy lifestyle for keeping blood pressure in check. That means eating a diet rich in whole foods. Experts also stress the importance of exercising and maintaining a healthy weight. In one analysis of more than 20 clinical trials by investigators at Tulane University, people with normal blood pressure who increased their amount of aerobic exercise lowered their systolic blood pressure by more than 4 mm Hg. An earlier study revealed that overweight participants who lost up to 8 pounds lowered their systolic levels, too.

These studies suggest that if we could just lower the average systolic blood pressure among Americans by 5 mm Hg, we'd see a 14 percent drop in deaths from stroke, a 9 percent drop in heart disease deaths, and a 7 percent drop in overall mortality. In fact, a reduction as small as 2 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure could save more than 70,000 lives per year!

Here's the best part: you don't need to sign up for a spinning class or start training for a marathon to see these results. All you have to do is walk for 30 minutes or more most days of the week. You can even break it up if you don't have the time or stamina to make it for the whole 30 minutes. Try walking for 10 minutes three times a day instead. Just don't meander - try to walk as briskly as you can to get your heart pumping.

The Salt Debate

So what about salt? Is it really the big bad boogie man? Well, yes and no. We need salt to help our bodies regulate fluid levels - but too much can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, you shouldn't consume more than 2,300 mg, or about one teaspoon, of salt per day. But 95 percent of American men and 75 percent of women exceed that amount, often eating a heart-stopping 4,000 to 6,000 mg daily.

Processed foods pack the biggest sodium punch, so cut back by going natural and filling your plate with fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, nuts and lean meats. If you must use canned and packaged foods, read the nutritional label and choose only items that contain 5 percent (115 mg) or less of the maximum daily recommended intake per serving.

Want flavorful foods without added salt? Hit the spice aisle the next time you're at the supermarket. Along with blends designed to perk up food without salt, there are a number of individual herbs and spices that work well with specific foods. Meat and poultry benefit from basil, marjoram, onion, oregano or thyme. Fish becomes special with the addition of dill, lemon or Cajun seasoning. Beans benefit from cinnamon, cloves, cumin or nutmeg. And give vegetables some extra zing with curry powder, garlic, lemon, rosemary or sage.

The Promise of Potassium

Along with banishing the salt shaker, eating adequate amounts of potassium can also help keep blood pressure in check. The problem is, Americans' average potassium intake is shockingly low - barely one-third of the currently recommended 4,700 mg a day.

So how do we boost our potassium intake? One major food company wants you to start stocking your fridge with their new yogurt-based SuperShots with Potassium. Their promise - each 3.3-ounce shot provides a convenient way to add 350 mg of potassium to your diet. Easy, yes. Cheap? Not so much. Each shot costs about a dollar - ounce-for-ounce more than a Starbuck's latté - and only provides 7 percent of the recommended daily amount.

Instead of shelling out your hard-earned cash on the newest supermarket gimmick, reach for a potassium-rich banana. Other foods that can help you meet your potassium intake include apricots, cantaloupe, oranges, raisins, cabbage, potatoes, spinach and tomatoes.

The best way to increase your potassium levels is to eat several pieces of fruit, as well as liberal amounts of vegetables every day. The amount of potassium found in a healthy diet ranges from about 2.5 grams to about 5.8 grams per day. But, if your doctor discovers that you're severely deficient, ask about potassium supplements.

The amount allowed in supplements - 99 mg per tablet or capsule - is very low, considering that one banana can contain 500 mg. Don't try to raise your potassium levels by taking large numbers of potassium pills, since this concentrated form of potassium can irritate the stomach. One or two, taken with food, each day should supplement a healthy diet - not replace the fruits and vegetables you should be eating.

One Last Thing ...

The reason high blood pressure is often referred to as the silent killer is because many people don't realize they suffer from it until they have a stroke or a heart attack. Although no one dies from high blood pressure itself, the health issues it contributes to - stroke, heart attack, and heart and kidney failure - kill hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Along with cleaning up your diet and starting a regular exercise program, other lifestyle changes - like smoking cessation, limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, and getting a handle on stress - can make a huge difference. That's especially true for people with borderline to moderate high blood pressure, which constitutes the vast majority of cases. In fact, more than 160 studies comparing drug and non-drug therapies in the treatment of borderline to mild hypertension showed more favorable outcomes for the non-drug treatments, which included diet, exercise and stress-reduction techniques.

Relaxation techniques benefit the body, so be mindful of your breathing and its relationship to stress. Yogic breathing or belly breathing that employs your diaphragm can improve blood pressure. Conversely, shallow or chest breathing can lead to sodium retention in the body and raise blood pressure. Meditation, restorative yoga and the gentle art of saying no can all be therapeutic for your heart and spirit. The incidence of high blood pressure is indeed sobering, but the opportunity for healing can be empowering.

This Just in ...

If you're one of the 20.7 million adults suffering from osteoarthritis (OA), you've probably tried numerous remedies to alleviate the joint pain and stiffness. While the go-to drug of choice among doctors is acetaminophen, there is a safer and more natural approach.

A recent meta-analysis of three clinical trials shows that rosehip - the fruit of the rose plant, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties - may help reduce the pain of OA. The randomized, placebo-controlled trials included 287 participants, the majority of whom were women suffering from OA of the knee. All of the patients who took the rosehip supplement reported significantly less pain than those taking the placebo. In one of the studies, the relief was so pronounced that the rosehip group was able to reduce or eliminate the amount of acetaminophen they took.

If you want to give rose hips a try, look for a standardized supplement that offers 500 mg of rose hips. Because each of the studies used relatively high amounts of rose hips, you can safely take up to 5 capsules per day. But be patient, since it can take up to four months to experience less pain and stiffness.

Vaughn Early asked:




The Omega 3 fish oils are the hottest topic now in health and nutrition. They are also known as the Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's). They are critical for your good health and especially for your heart, but your body cannot make the EFA's. They must be added to your diet and taken regularly. They are so important to your heart health that the American Heart Association states that all Americans (adult and children) should supplement their diet daily with at least 1000mg of Omega 3's in the form of EDA and DHA. Many products tout a lot of Omega 3's, but the question is how much EPA and DHA do they have? The less expensive ones are noticeably lower.

When you very soon feel better, such as less aching in your joints, or improved mood, or improved heart function, you may be tempted to think that if a little is good, a lot would give quicker results. Do not go over 4,000mg a day. As you are aware, fish spoils quickly.

Even good oils can turn rancid in your body. To prevent this, you need to take, along with the Omega 3's, a good liquid anti-oxidant to prevent rancidity, because rancidity creates its own problems. Compliance has been a big problem with fish oils, especially when they are taken as an oil, because most people do not like the texture or the fishy taste. Even when the oil is in softgels, which are easier to take, if the oil is rancid inside you could be burping fish oil for several hours. People will not continue on with that. It is important to buy your EFA's from a good company that guarantees freshness, freedom from chemical contaminants, and no burping of fish. You should be able to chew a softgel in your mouth and get no fishy aftertaste. And it is available from good companies at about half of the price charged by the pharmaceutical companies for the same potency.

You will be amazed, when you make this health choice and keep taking the oil, at how much your health problems will improve, such as: inflammation of your joints, heart problems diminish, eye health improves, neurological problems improve, depression decreases, and your weight stabilizes. And you don't even have to take a drug!

Hilary Basile asked:




Plant Sterols

Plant sterols are naturally occurring substances found in some fruits, vegetables and other foods known to lower cholesterol levels. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that plant sterols may offer additional benefits for heart health. When added to a reduced-calorie orange juice beverage, plant sterols lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) known to cause arterial inflammation which contributes to heart disease.

It is possible that plant sterols may reduce inflammatory signals to the liver resulting in a decreased secretion of CRP. Several food products available, such as salad dressings, margarines, yogurt and orange juice, are fortified with plant sterols. Plant sterols block dietary cholesterol from absorption in the intestines.

To benefit your heart, consume at least two grams of plant sterols per day. This is equivalent to two 8-ounce glasses of fortified juice or four teaspoons of fortified margarine. If you opt for non-fortified foods, this recommendation would be equivalent to 22 servings of brussels sprouts, 26 oranges, 44 apples, or 70 large carrots! Examples of fortified foods include Yoplait's Healthy Heart yogurt, Dannon's DanActive yogurt drink and Minute Maid Heart Wise products.

Walnuts

Research suggests that walnuts may be a key ingredient in being heart-healthy - even more so than olive oil. According to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, a handful of raw walnuts proved to be better at protecting arteries after a fatty meal than olive oil.

Both walnuts and olive oil decreased the sudden onset of inflammation and oxidation in arteries that typically occurs after eating foods rich in saturated fats, an effect that can lead to artherosclerosis. Walnuts also preserved the blood vessels' elasticity and flexibility to allow for better blood flow, while olive oil did not. This is because walnuts contain arginine, an amino acid the body uses to produce nitric oxide to keep arteries flexible. Walnuts also contain high levels of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid similar to those found in some fish.

The bottom line: Plant sterols and walnuts can't counteract unhealthy choices like smoking or a high-fat diet, so use them as part of a package of heart-healthy choices.

Alice Lane asked:




Out of the top 10 hospitals in Illinois Riverside Medical Centers Rush-Riverside Heart Center ranked number one in the state for clinical excellence in heart surgery. If you live in the Chicago area and you have a heart problem, you are not far away from excellence. Getting to the hospital at the first sign of distress is very important so if you have heart problems and don't know where the hospitals in Chicago area located then that is the first step toward good heart health. Find the closest one to you and know the routes or better yet, know that 911 may be the quickest route to your hospital. If you want to be proactive or if you have found out already that you have a heart problem then going to Rush-Riverside Heart Center may be a life saver for you. Once you know what needs to be done for good heart health then it is up to you to do it. If it is exercising and changing your diet, no one can do that for you. If it is having surgery, then it might be worth your while to check out the options available at Rush-Riverside Heart Center.

To understand what you have regarding issues with your heart and to get the diagnosis of what you can do about it the Rush-Riverside Heart Center offers HeartScan which will screen you to identify the potential of a heart attack. They also offer women's heart awareness and education program, CT scans, and electrophysiology diagnostics and management. The friendly staff at Rush-Riverside will be able to help you figure out what to do. They have atrial fibrillation management available for those who need it. Along with that they offer a full menu of surgeries. From heart bypass surgery to heart valve repair and ventricular remodeling the surgeons at Rush-Riverside offer it all. One of the latest offerings is robotic heart surgery that provides more control for the surgeon allowing for minimally invasive surgical techniques. It also results in smaller incisions resulting in the least amount of trauma to the body, less pain and scarring, faster healing and reduced risk of infection.

Once you are finished with your surgery, Rush-Riverside offers a cardiac rehabilitation program to help heart patients return to an active lifestyle. This program combines exercise and education so the patient gets a well rounded understanding of lifestyle changes and what a healthy heart is. Keeping up with their customer focus, they offer a variety of tracks to follow including inpatient, in-home and outpatient rehabilitation. No one wants to have heart problems but it is a fact that many people do or will have them. It is good to know that there are those that care about your heart care and they want to help you in all of the stages from identifying the issues to fixing them and getting on with a productive life.