February 2009

Heart Disease Specials

February 27, 2009

A Low Carb Cholesterol Diet Can Help Your Cholesterol Reading

by Adrian Fletcher

Regardless of the generally held view that cholesterol is bad for the body, it is actually vital to the functioning of many parts of the body. In fact, without cholesterol, we would be in serious trouble. Cholesterol is also present in many foods that we eat and this is where the problem occurs. If we eat too many cholesterol high foods or foods that promote the natural production of cholesterol in the body, then problems can arise. Cholesterol consists of two types, HDL, the so-called good cholesterol and LDL or the bad cholesterol. However, since the body produces all the cholesterol it requires, too much cholesterol is unhealthy. The best way to control this is by eating a low carb cholesterol diet.

With a low carb cholesterol diet, the types of foods that will increase body fat are eliminated or reduced. This is the main reason why a low carb cholesterol diet will work in most cases. Insulin and sugar levels, along with body fat, are increased by foods that are high in carbohydrates, like starchy foods and foods high in sugar. The danger with consuming too much of these types of food is that cholesterol levels are raised, which can lead to heart problems and other health issues.

Cholesterol is present in a number of foods, especially those containing saturated or trans-fats. A low carb cholesterol diet that reduces sweets and saturated and trans-fats will result in a lowering of both body fat and bad cholesterol levels. Most overweight patients have elevated cholesterol levels and would benefit from implementing a low carb low cholesterol diet.

By considerably decreasing the body’s insulin level, low carb cholesterol diet foods trigger the use of excess fat and sugars already available in your body. This will consequently cause you to lose weight at a much faster rate than possible with ordinary diets. Losing weight is a key component to lowering cholesterol and reducing the probability of developing other conditions like diabetes.

When you are on a low carb cholesterol diet you can eat most of the foods you like. You will need to read the labels to check if the amount of carbohydrates is low enough and how much sugar it has. It is extremely important that you teach yourself and know about the food products that have too many carbs and too much cholesterol. You can stay away from them or offset these high carb foods with foods that have fewer carbs. Simple carbs are the things to avoid. These are easy to breakdown by the body so no energy is used to process them. Look to complex carbs to fill the carb component of any diet you go on.

You may be surprised at the variety of foods that can be eaten on a low carb cholesterol diet. With greater awareness of the benefits of reducing cholesterol, more products are now available at the supermarket that are geared for improving heart health. Even previously forbidden foods such as pasta now have low carb varieties which can be eaten on this plan.

If you want to lose weight, feel healthier, have more energy and get faster results on your cholesterol levels, exercise is an important key factor. Double check with your doctor before you begin any new eating plan, including a low carb cholesterol diet, to be absolutely certain this is the right choice for you. If you are pregnant or nursing, or if you already have a medical condition that might limit you, it is extremely important for you to get the go-ahead from your doctor.

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Filed under Heart Disease by Adrian Hardmann

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February 24, 2009

CPAP Supplies: Simple Tricks to Buy Online, Safely

by Pam McKee

Being on CPAP therapy is easier to live with if you regularly replace your CPAP cushions, hoses, filters and other supplies. Patients should consider the advantages to replacing their CPAP supplies through an online distributor. Buying online has great advantages as long as you avoid the risks outlined in this article.

Why do you want to regularly replace your CPAP supplies? First, using CPAP will be easier. Having fresh supplies means fewer air leaks and greater comfort. Second, you decrease the chances of respiratory infection. Because even if you regularly clean your equipment, tiny microscopic scratches and cracks eventually form that become perfect hiding spots for bacteria.

Some people complain that using CPAP regularly is a hassle. The good news is that with clean, fresh CPAP supplies you will more likely use CPAP regularly, which means lowering your risk of diabetes, stroke, cardiac arrest, heart disease, or hypertension. Besides, the added benefit of getting a good nights sleep.

Clearly it is a health risk to not refresh your CPAP supplies. For most of us, now is the time to save money but when it comes to preventing a stroke or diabetes you will find yourself pennywise and pound foolish. Think about the medical bills and lost wages if you develop a lung infection from not using CPAP regularly with fresh supplies.

It’s amazing that some people continue to live in discomfort with their CPAP because they are unaware that cushions and pillows need to be replaced regularly. (In general, a cushion or pillow needs to be replaced avery 2-3 weeks, filters every 2-4 weeks, hoses at least every month, and the entire mask every 3-6 months.)

A small investment in CPAP will save your health. It costs the same as a daily cup of coffee to wake up feeling refreshed from a comfortable and deep night’s sleep morning after morning.

Of course, many people like to buy their CPAP supplies online because it is convenient. Some websites, including MySleepMask.com, will let you set-up a calendar for getting new supplies. Theres no way to beat the convenience of getting supplies online.

For patients of CPAP that have little or no health insurance, buying CPAP supplies online is a no brainer because that is where you get the real value. You should expect for your CPAP supplies to cost 30-50% less that your local durable medical equipment company.

You will want to scam proof your online shopping for CPAP supplies. Shop around to compare the prices. Soon you’ll realize that you can’t rely on the biggest online vendor for the best prices. Be on the look out for over-charges and hidden fees that add up.

Here are 4 tips for buying online:

1. Look for the leading brands; ResMed, F&P, Respironics. Avoid the websites that sell cheap supplies from other brands. The cheap supplies require more time from customer care to trouble shoot the problems. If the website is selling knock-offs then you can be sure that they don’t offer customer support to help you when there is a problem.

2. Only consider online dealers that are authorized by one of the leading manufacturers. This is your assurance that the website will provide customer care support and be able to honor the manufacturer’s warranty on equipment. Not sure where to look? The National Apnea Association provides a list of dealers with good reputations that meet their standards for customer care. The list includes MySleepMask.com.

3. You must buy from a website that offers the CPAP mask-exchange program. There is no financial risk when considering an upgrade or different size mask with a website that has this exchange service. MySleepMask.com offers this service to all of their customers and you can google CPAP mask exchange to locate other dealers that provide this great program.

4. Only buy from a website that has respiratory therapists or certified CPAP coaches that are trained to solve problems or concerns that could arise with your therapy. Since many reputable sites offer this for free don’t waste your money on a website that offers this as an added service (extra-hidden-charge of up to $160). The coaching is necessary during therapy and will help decrease your visits to the doctor’s office. Search online for CPAP coaching to find a reputable website.

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Filed under Heart Disease by Pam McKee

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A Low Carb Cholesterol Diet Can Help Your Cholesterol Reading

by Adrian Fletcher

It would be easy to think that cholesterol is a bad thing for the body as it only ever receives bad press, so to speak, when it comes to health matters. However it is a naturally occurring substance that serves many vital roles in the body. Indeed, for our body to function properly we need cholesterol. Cholesterol helps to form certain cell membranes and hormones. Two types of cholesterol exist, HDL and LDL, and our body produces both of these in the amounts required. Supplementation is not needed which is why excess cholesterol can be harmful. The best way to control this is by eating a low carb cholesterol diet.

With a low carb cholesterol diet, the types of foods that will increase body fat are eliminated or reduced. This is the main reason why a low carb cholesterol diet will work in most cases. Insulin and sugar levels, along with body fat, are increased by foods that are high in carbohydrates, like starchy foods and foods high in sugar. The danger with consuming too much of these types of food is that cholesterol levels are raised, which can lead to heart problems and other health issues.

The majority of people who suffer from obesity also experience high cholesterol levels. Sugary foods as well as food with a high content of trans and/or saturated fats usually lead to excess weight gain. Thus, when people start a low carb cholesterol diet program with the purpose of lowering their body fat and losing weight, they also achieve a reduction of their bad cholesterol levels.

By considerably decreasing the body’s insulin level, low carb cholesterol diet foods trigger the use of excess fat and sugars already available in your body. This will consequently cause you to lose weight at a much faster rate than possible with ordinary diets. Losing weight is a key component to lowering cholesterol and reducing the probability of developing other conditions like diabetes.

If you decide to try a low carb cholesterol diet, you should know that you can eat almost anything, provided you stick with foods that are low in carbohydrates and sugars. You should do a little research into finding out what foods contain high levels of carbs and cholesterol and you’ll be better prepared to avoid them or replace them with healthier options. As some carbs needs to be taken to get energy, you should concentrate on getting complex rather than simple carbs. Complex carbs require more energy to metabolize which is better for the body.

Thanks to increased awareness regarding cholesterol and heart health, there are a lot of foods readily available that can be used in a low carb cholesterol diet. Foods that are usually high in starch like pasta are now available with reduced carbohydrates. This allows people who care about their health and weight to take pleasure in eating these products and decrease their cholesterol at the same time.

If you want to lose weight, feel healthier, have more energy and get faster results on your cholesterol levels, exercise is an important key factor. Double check with your doctor before you begin any new eating plan, including a low carb cholesterol diet, to be absolutely certain this is the right choice for you. If you are pregnant or nursing, or if you already have a medical condition that might limit you, it is extremely important for you to get the go-ahead from your doctor.

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Filed under Heart Disease by Adrian Fletcher

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February 21, 2009

Heart Disease Symptoms: Knowledge is Life

by Allie Hart

The signs of common heart problems are not always easily recognized. Some symptoms of coronary heart disease need immediate attention. Other symptoms may not even be related to the heart. How can you tell the difference?

Always discuss what you feel may be symptoms of heart disease with your doctor. You might not have one of any number of common heart problems, but if you are not sure, check it out before you end up with a heart attack. Let your doctor tell you if your symptoms are serious.

Do you ever feel so tired that you can’t even seem to finish small jobs? Have you had a feeling of bloat in your stomach? Nausea? How about finding it difficult at times to get a breath, or to breathe easily, even if you have not exerted yourself in any way? All of these may very well be symptoms of heart disease and you will want to report them to your doctor. Pronto.

Other common heart problem danger signals: Chest pains (especially if they ease up when you rest). Irregular heart beats or palpitations. A heart that seems to speed up or race. All of these are symptoms that indicate you should check for coronary heart disease.

If you are having any of these symptoms, or particularly if you are having multiple symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately. This is even more crucial if you are in a high risk category: smokers, excessive drinkers, substance abusers, or individuals with a genetic background of heart disease are all in a higher risk group. If you cannot reach your doctor, you should have a family member or friend drive you to the emergency room.

Call 911 or if you must, have someone take you to the hospital without any delay if you have an excruciating chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, sudden weakness or profuse sweating. If you experience a severe shortness of breath along with an accelerated heart rate, you should also seek immediate medical attention. Weakness or loss of the ability to move, sudden excruciating headache, fainting or loss of consciousness are all symptoms requiring prompt treatment.

Before your symptoms turn into a full blown heart attack, call your doctor even if you don’t think you are in immediate danger. If you are having the severe signs, go to the hospital or call 911. It might save your life.

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February 20, 2009

Eating A Low Carb Cholesterol Diet For A Healthy Lifestyle

by Adrian Fletcher

It would be easy to think that cholesterol is a bad thing for the body as it only ever receives bad press, so to speak, when it comes to health matters. However it is a naturally occurring substance that serves many vital roles in the body. Indeed, for our body to function properly we need cholesterol. Cholesterol helps to form certain cell membranes and hormones. Two types of cholesterol exist, HDL and LDL, and our body produces both of these in the amounts required. Supplementation is not needed which is why excess cholesterol can be harmful. The best way to control this is by eating a low carb cholesterol diet.

With a low carb cholesterol diet, the types of foods that will increase body fat are eliminated or reduced. This is the main reason why a low carb cholesterol diet will work in most cases. Insulin and sugar levels, along with body fat, are increased by foods that are high in carbohydrates, like starchy foods and foods high in sugar. The danger with consuming too much of these types of food is that cholesterol levels are raised, which can lead to heart problems and other health issues.

Cholesterol is found in many foods, particularly those that contain trans fats and/or saturated fats. Most people who are overweight or obese have high cholesterol levels in their body. One can decrease body fat and bad cholesterol by choosing a low carb cholesterol diet that will provide necessary nutrients for the body without adding additional sugars and starches.

By considerably decreasing the body’s insulin level, low carb cholesterol diet foods trigger the use of excess fat and sugars already available in your body. This will consequently cause you to lose weight at a much faster rate than possible with ordinary diets. Losing weight is a key component to lowering cholesterol and reducing the probability of developing other conditions like diabetes.

When you are on a low carb cholesterol diet you can eat most of the foods you like. You will need to read the labels to check if the amount of carbohydrates is low enough and how much sugar it has. It is extremely important that you teach yourself and know about the food products that have too many carbs and too much cholesterol. You can stay away from them or offset these high carb foods with foods that have fewer carbs. Simple carbs are the things to avoid. These are easy to breakdown by the body so no energy is used to process them. Look to complex carbs to fill the carb component of any diet you go on.

Nowadays, there are a wide variety of foods that cater to a low carb cholesterol diet. You can even purchase foods that are normally high in starch, like pastas, that have been made with less carbs so those who want to lower their cholesterol or are trying to maintain their health and weight can still enjoy their favorite foods.

The addition of exercise can speed up your results with a low carb cholesterol diet, making you feel healthy and energized at the same time. Of course you should speak to a doctor before embarking on any low carb cholesterol diet. The diet may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions. The same may be true of nursing and pregnant women.

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