Celebrity Heart Attack Survivors

For American Heart Month, we look at some famous figures who have overcome a heart attack, as well as tips for heart disease prevention.

Heart disease is a preventable and controllable disease, yet it is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to statistics from the American Heart Association. It can cause serious complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and heart attack – and worst of all, it does not discriminate. This means that people of different ages, sexes and socio-economic backgrounds are susceptible to the disease.

Many famous celebrities and political figures have suffered from heart-related health issues. Some of them have even used their personal experiences with heart attack as motivation to make drastic lifestyle changes and to create awareness.

Television and radio host Larry King suffered a heart attack in the late 80s, at the age of 53, and admitted that a subsequent bypass surgery served as a wake-up call. Shortly after his experience, the TV veteran established the Larry King Cardiac Foundation, which helps fund heart bypass operations for people who are unable to cover the medical expenses themselves.

Comedian Rosie O’Donnell experienced a minor heart episode last August. When she learned that her coronary artery was 99 percent blocked and that she needed to get a stent put in, O’Donnell decided it was time to start making lifestyle changes, beginning with a healthier diet. She is now also dedicated to helping other women learn about heart attack symptoms and dangers.

Former president Bill Clinton is perhaps one of the most important figures to talk about heart disease and heart attack prevention. Clinton underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2004 and had two stents placed a few years later. In 2011, he switched to a mostly vegan diet and has been healthy every since. Clinton regularly speaks about his experience keeping his heart disease under control; and he helps raise awareness of cardiovascular health through the Clinton Foundation.

What can I do to prevent a heart attack from occurring?

Heart disease can significantly increase the risk of heart attack, but it can be prevented in many cases by maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise. Below are a few other recommendations suggested by major heart health organizations nationwide:

Limit alcohol intake. It can increase blood pressure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drink a day for women.
Don’t smoke. It can damage the blood vessels, putting more pressure on the heart to work harder and increasing heart rate and blood pressure along the way.
Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol. The CDC recommends getting cholesterol levels tested at least once every five years by a physician. Meanwhile, blood pressure can be checked by a doctor, at home, or at a pharmacy.
Reduce and manage stress. It can raise blood-sugar and blood pressure levels and can potentially lead to a heart attack over time.

In some cases, seemingly-healthy people can suffer heart attack, often due to genetic factors. If you think you are experiencing a heart attack, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of heart attack can include pain or discomfort in the chest, jaw, neck, arms, or shoulder; shortness of breath; dizziness or light-headedness; and nausea or indigestion.

EKG Tests Could Prevent Student-Athlete Deaths

Student-athlete fatalities from cardiac arrhythmia brought on by an enlarged heart may be prevented with an EKG test. Each year, one in 200,000 student athletes die from this condition. 8.9 percent of student athletes have an enlarged heart, and .0005 of them will die because of it.

Although the risk is rare, the majority of people with an enlarged heart are unaware that they suffer from the condition. Physicians are now stating that school physicals should include an EKG test in order to pick up these conditions.

Cardiomegaly is the medical condition when a person has an enlarged heart. The condition causes irregular beating that can stop the heart and lead to cardiac arrest. Exercise can induce the condition, and a person could even die from excessive physical activity.

In October 2012, high school senior Ronald Rouse died on the football field during his homecoming game due to his unknown enlarged heart. He had suffered a sudden irregular heartbeat brought on by the condition.

An electrocardiogram test, or an EKG, is a quick test that determines whether or not a person has an enlarged heart. These are not included in regular physicals, which are required before every sports season to ensure that the athlete is healthy enough to play the sport. However, these regular physicals cannot detect certain more-intense conditions, such as an enlarged heart. EKG tests will pick up such a condition, and from these students can figure out the best option for them to continue.

High schools are not required to use an EKG test within the sports physical. Cardiovascular specialist Northwest Florida explain that these tests are not required because the heart condition is so rare. The rarity makes it so that an EKG test for every study would not be cost effective.

If a parent is interested in getting their child tested, they may have to pay for the EKG, whether it be a New York or Panama City EKG, on their own. Depending on the health insurance plan, the test can cost anywhere between $20 and $100.

Best foods for a healthy heart

A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that eating more legumes (such as beans, chickpeas, and lentils) improved blood sugar control and slashed heart disease risk for patients with type 2 diabetes.

In the study, adults who followed a low-glycemic index diet that included at least a cup of legumes daily for a month exhibited better blood sugar and insulin regulation and a greater reduction in blood pressure than those whose diet was supplemented with whole-wheat products.

But beans aren’t the only food that are good for promoting cardiovascular health, below is a list of 25 heart-healthy foods compiled by the Cleveland Clinic and the American Dietetic Association.

Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids.
Grill salmon with a yummy rub or marinade. Save a chunk to chop for a pasta or salad later on.

Flaxseed (ground)
Omega-3 fatty acids; fiber, phytoestrogens.
Ground flaxseed hides easily in all sorts of foods — yogurt parfaits, morning cereal, homemade muffins, or cookies.

Oatmeal
Omega-3 fatty acids; magnesium; potassium; folate; niacin; calcium; soluble fiber.
Top hot oatmeal with fresh berries. Oatmeal-and-raisin cookies are a hearty treat.

Black or Kidney Beans
B-complex vitamins; niacin; folate; magnesium; omega-3 fatty acids; calcium; soluble fiber.
Give soup or salad a nutrient boost — stir in some beans.

Almonds
Plant omega-3 fatty acids; vitamin E; magnesium; fiber; heart-favorable mono- and polyunsaturated fats; phytosterols.
Mix a few almonds (and berries) into low-fat yogurt, trail mix, or fruit salads.

Walnuts
Plant omega-3 fatty acids; vitamin E; magnesium; folate; fiber; heart-favorable mono- and polyunsaturated fats; phytosterols.
Walnuts add flavorful crunch to salads, pastas, cookies, muffins, even pancakes.

Red wine
Catechins and reservatrol (flavonoids).
Toast your good health! A glass of red wine could improve “good” HDL cholesterol.

Tuna
Omega-3 fatty acids; folate; niacin.
Here’s lunch: Salad greens, fresh fruit, canned tuna. Keep “Salad Spritzer” – a light dressing — in your office fridge.

Tofu
Niacin; folate; calcium; magnesium; potassium.
Tasty tofu is easy: Thinly slice “firm” tofu, marinate several hours, grill or stir-fry.

Brown rice
B-complex vitamins; fiber; niacin; magnesium, fiber.
Microwavable brown rice makes a quick lunch. Stir in a few chopped veggies (broccoli, carrots, spinach).

Soy milk
Isoflavones (a flavonoid); B-complex vitamins; niacin; folate, calcium; magnesium; potassium; phytoestrogens.
Soy milk is great over oatmeal or whole-grain cereal. Or, make a smoothie with soy milk.

Blueberries
Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); anthocyanin (a flavonoid); ellagic acid (a polyphenol); vitamin C; folate; calcium, magnesium; potassium; fiber.
Cranberries, strawberries, raspberries are potent, too — for trail mixes, muffins, salads!

Carrots
Alpha-carotene (a carotenoid); fiber.
Baby carrots are sweet for lunch. Sneak shredded carrots into spaghetti sauce or muffin batter.

Spinach
Lutein (a carotenoid); B-complex vitamins; folate; magnesium; potassium; calcium; fiber.
Pick spinach (not lettuce) for nutrient-packed salads and sandwiches.

Broccoli
Beta-carotene (a carotenoid); Vitamins C and E; potassium; folate; calcium; fiber.
Chop fresh broccoli into store-bought soup. For a veggie dip, try hummus (chickpeas).

Sweet potato
Beta-carotene (a carotenoid); vitamins A, C, E; fiber.
Microwave in a zip-lock baggie for lunch. Eat au naturale, or with pineapple bits.

Red bell peppers
Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex vitamins; folate; potassium; fiber.
Rub with olive oil, and grill or oven-roast until tender. Delicious in wraps, salads, sandwiches.

Asparagus
Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex vitamins; folate; fiber.
Grill or steam slightly, then dress with olive oil and lemon. It’s a pretty side dish.

Oranges
Beta-cryptoxanthin, beta- and alpha-carotene, lutein (carotenoids) and flavones (flavonoids); vitamin C; potassium; folate; fiber.
Got orange juice? Check out the new nutrient-packed blends.

Tomatoes
Beta- and alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein (carotenoids); vitamin C; potassium; folate; fiber.
For a flavor twist, try oil-packed tomatoes in sandwiches, salads, pastas, pizzas.

Acorn squash
Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex and C vitamins; folate; calcium; magnesium; potassium; fiber.
Baked squash is comfort food on a chilly day. Serve with sautÃ©ed spinach, pine nuts, raisins.

Cantaloupe
Alpha- and beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex and C vitamins; folate; potassium; fiber.
A fragrant ripe cantaloupe is perfect for breakfast, lunch, potluck dinners. Simply cut and enjoy!

Papaya
Beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein (carotenoids); Vitamins C and E; folate; calcium; magnesium; potassium.
Serve papaya salsa with salmon: Mix papaya, pineapple, scallions, garlic, fresh lime juice, salt and black pepper.

Dark chocolate
Reservatrol and cocoa phenols (flavonoids).
A truffle a day lowers blood pressure, but choose 70% or higher cocoa content.

Tea
Catechins and flavonols (flavonoids).
Make sun tea: Combine a clear glass jar, several tea bags, and hours of sunshine.

Harder, more intense exercise better for heart health than moderate workouts

New research says an exercise regimen that focuses on intensity rather than duration of activity can significantly lower the risk for the constellation of cardiovascular risk factors known as metabolic syndrome, Danish scientists reported online in BMJ Open.

Researchers found, fast-paced walking halved the risk that metabolic syndrome would develop over a 10-year period while leisurely walking, even for more than an hour each day, had no preventive effects.

Sherman Oaks cardiology experts were surprised by the findings and said they would implement the new information in how they handle future patients. Previous cross-sectional studies have suggested that physical activity can reduce the risks for components of metabolic syndrome such as obesity and insulin resistance, but longitudinal studies have had conflicting results.

Researchers found that the duration of walking did not appear to lower the risk, but acknowledged that spending more time walking, even if at a slower pace, could still have health benefits.

To take a closer a look at this discrepancy, the research team conducted a study that included both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses using data from the Copenhagen City Heart Study.

The study included nearly 14,000 patients evaluated between 1991-1994 and 2001-2003. Each participant reported on physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, and demographic factors.

Metabolic syndrome is defined as having at least three of the following: central obesity, high triglycerides, low levels of HDL cholesterol, hypertension, and elevated plasma glucose.

A total of 21 percent of women were classified as having metabolic syndrome at baseline, as were 27 percent of men. Significant differences were seen, however, in rates of metabolic syndrome according to the degree of physical activity.

In the cross-sectional analysis, participants who reported having higher levels of physical activity were younger, averaging 48 years old for men and 51 for women, and had an overall more favorable cardiovascular risk profile than those who were sedentary.

Heart health risks were reduced for jogging in men and women, but the adjusted risk for increased duration of walking was not significantly reduced. Differences in heart rate reflected greater cardiorespiratory fitness for active individuals, according to the researchers.

An additional 15 percent of participants had developed metabolic syndrome after 10 years. Among those who were sedentary, the incidence was 19% compared with 12% of those who reported moderate to high physical activity.

Doctors recommend routine cardiologist visits to catch and prevent serious heart illnesses. Epic Cardiology is a highly respected and well-regarded heart health institute for anyone looking for cardio help in Southern California.

Cardiology Patients Will Benefit From New, Simplified Benefits Summaries

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on Monday that starting September 23, health insurers must provide patients with a short, easy-to-understand Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC). The purpose of the summaries is to help patients understand their health plan’s benefits and to evaluate their health insurance choices.

The forms will, in no way, affect medical organizations’ healthcare revenue cycle processes. They will, however, help cardiology patients understand how different insurance providers cover certain treatments and procedures. This is particularly beneficial for patients who are deciding between renewing their existing coverage and enrolling in a new plan.

What will the new forms include?

SBCs, which are required under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), should include information about covered health benefits, out-of-pocket costs and network providers. They should also include:

A “coverage examples” tool comparing the benefits different health plans offer for patients who are having a baby (normal delivery), as well as what services are offered for patients with type 2 diabetes.
A uniform glossary document explaining commonly used health insurance and medical terms, such as “deductible,” “co-insurance” and “out-of-network co-payment.”

The biggest change, however, is that insurers must now use plain language to describe benefits and coverage, so that patients with no knowledge of health insurance can understand what they are getting into. In the past, insurance companies did not have to make it easy for patients to understand their policies – and in fact, many insurers even made the documents difficult to read.

The new rules for benefits summaries were developed by HHS and the Departments of Labor and Treasury. Insurance companies must provide patients with a copy of their SBC in writing and free of charge.

Maine Grandmother Acted as Surrogate for Daughter with Heart Defect

Maine resident Linda Sirois made headlines recently, after giving birth to her own grandson. Sirois, 49, acted as a surrogate for her daughter, Angel, and son-in-law, Brian, who used in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create baby Madden. Angel was unable to carry the child herself due to health reasons – she has a heart condition that could make going through a pregnancy quite risky.

Although Sirois carried the baby, he is still just her grandson. Angel and Brian’s eggs and sperm were used, and all grandma did was provide a uterus for baby Madden to develop in.
In order to conceive, Angel underwent in vitro fertilization to harvest healthy, mature eggs, which were then combined with her husband’s sperm. After a successful IVF treatment, the fertilized eggs were implanted in Angel’s mother. Sirois carried the baby for nine months and gave birth through caesarian section while the expectant parents looked on.

The story has gotten mixed reactions – some are applauding Sirois’ selfless action, while others are simply weirded out. “‘I just saw it as I was babysitting for a few months,’” Sirois told the New York Daily News. “‘It was their child all along. I was just a room for rent.’”

While surrogacy and IVF treatment are becoming more and more common, people aren’t quite used to hearing about a grandparent being the surrogate. Plus, news headlines don’t do anything to help the situation – in fact, they make it sound bizarre. Once people hear the story behind the “grandmother gives birth to her own grandson” headlines, however, they realize it isn’t all that strange.

Heart Disease Vaccine May Soon Be A Reality

Heart disease may soon go the way of typhoid, polio and hepatitis, if researchers at La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology have their way. The school recently published a study showing that we are closer than ever to stopping, once and for all, the cardiovascular disorders that develop throughout people’s lives.

The idea of a heart disease vaccine would be groundbreaking for cardiac center panama city FL. In the United States, cardiovascular diseases top the charts for leading causes of death. But soon there may be relief as La Jolla researchers from believe they be able to create a vaccine that can combat heart disease.

This will all be possible through the creation of a tolerogenic vaccine that will function by inducing tolerance in the body to halt any inflammatory attack may soon be conceivable. Researchers have singled out CD4 T-cells, which orchestrate the inflammatory attacks on the artery wall, and plan to direct the vaccine directly on their hazardous activity.

According to researchers, it wasn’t previously known that antigen-experienced T cells existed in the vessel wall. The experiment points some experts towards the possibility of building a vaccine for heart disease.

Yet health experts are warning that creating a vaccine is a time-consuming and difficult process that may take several years to develop. Regardless, the meer posibility of such a vaccine is exciting many with the possibility of saving more lives than ever imaginable.

Antigen is a conventional protein that the body detects as a foreign source, and consequently launches an immune system attack, resulting in inflammation in the arteries. According to researchers, the attacks is what causes the inflammation among the vessels in the wall persistent. The inflammation cells join the fat and cholesterol form artery-clogging plaque that eventually blocks the blood flow and triggers a heart attack.

If the researchers at La Jolla can target the source of these inflammation attacks, they might make heart attacks, like polio, a thing of the past.