Heart health and doctor talk

There is often much confusion about some of the terms that doctors use to talk about health. Often people use these terms but do not really understand what they mean. Heart problems are of increasing concern around the world and it is important to know what the doctor is telling you when he speaks about these issues. Often people feel rushed or embarrassed to ask, so here is a list that may help you decipher exactly what your doctor is talking about when he speaks to you about your heart health.

• Angina is a severe pain in the chest that happens spasmodically and happens when there is insufficient blood to the heart.

• Arteriosclerosis is when fat in the blood sticks to the inside of the arteries and this makes the artery narrow and the blood flows slower. This means there is too much fat in the blood and too much fat in your diet.

• Atherosclerosis happens when fat builds up in the arteries and they thicken and harden and the walls lose their elasticity so the blood flows less. Again there is too much fat in your diet.

• Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle.

• Congestive heart failure is when the pumping power of the heart decreases and this leads to fluid building up in the body. It usually takes a few years to occur so check out what is causing your body to become puffy and take steps to bring your fluid levels down.

• Hyperlipidaemia is high levels of fat in the blood.

• Hypertension is high blood pressure over a period of time of 140/90. It is a good idea to drink at least 2 litres of water daily and eat the right foods to bring your blood pressure down. There are also natural supplements you can take to assist and work with your doctor and natural therapist to lower blood pressure.

• Ischaemic heart disease is a reduced flow of blood to the tissues due to a lack of oxygen reaching the tissues and is usually caused by atherosclerosis.

• Myocardial infraction is a heart attack and happens from permanent damage to part of the heart muscle. The blood to the area is interrupted as there are narrow or blocked blood vessels.

• Peripheral vascular disease is a disease of the large blood vessels of the arms, legs and feet which happens when the blood vessels are blocked and they don’t get enough blood.

• Stroke is a disease caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain. It can cause a person to not be able to speak or move certain parts of the body. It usually affects one side of the body.

You will notice on this list that there is a pattern in Health of people eating too much fat, not drinking enough water and not getting enough oxygen in the blood. Vitamins A, C and E are good antioxidants and will help with the PH balance of acid/alkaline in your blood. A good antioxidant is goji juice but there are many others out there on the market.

As a general rule, to stay healthy watch your fat and sugar intake, drink lots of water, take a multivitamin every day, take an antioxidant and balance your lifestyle with exercise at least three times a week.

If your doctor tells you there is something happening with your heart, remember that there are many natural ways to assist his treatment of you. See a natural therapist, who will be able to work with your doctor in treating you; soon you will be feeling better. If you have serious heart problems, remember also to follow your doctor’s advice. You only have one heart in there and you need to keep it pumping to stay alive. Serious heart disease needs a mix of good nutrition and proper medical care.