A new study published last month in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that soda drinkers have a higher risk of heart disease than those who do not drink sweetened beverages. [Source: JACC]

Sugar has a bad reputation when it comes to health. Sugar occurs naturally in all foods that contain carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy products. Consuming these foods is completely fine.

However, problem comes when you consume too much added sugar or artificial sweeteners. This is something food manufacturers add to products to increase flavor or extend shelf life. Added sugar is also present in items that you may not think of as sweetened like readymade soups, cured meats, ketchup, etc.

How added sugar can hurt your heart

There is no mechanism that explains how added sugars might hurt your heart directly. The association between sugar consumption and heart disease risk is not new. As a person’s sugar intake increases, so does their risk of cardiovascular disease. Those who consume too much added sugars in their diet are more likely to be overweight, which certainly contributes to heart disease risks.

Further even when you are not overweight, a diet high in sugar can raise your triglyceride levels, which may lead to fatty deposits in the liver. In a study published in 2014 in JAMA Internal Medicine it says,

“Over the course of the 15-year study, people who got 17% to 21% of their calories from added sugar had a 38% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared with those who consumed 8% of their calories as added sugar.”

Another connection – artificial sweeteners hurt your health

Sugar-sweetened beverages such as sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks are by far the biggest sources of added sugar. Other sources include foods like cookies, cakes, pastries, fruit drinks, ice cream and ready-to-eat meals.

Artificial sweeteners may change the makeup of our gut microbiome in ways that promote weight gain or diabetes. Sugar delivers “empty calories” — calories unaccompanied by fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Too much added sugar can crowd healthier foods from a person’s diet.

Could it be possible that sugar isn’t the true bad guy increasing your heart disease risk, but that it’s the lack of healthy lifestyle and heart-healthy foods? Apparently not. Studies have found that regardless of healthy eating, people who ate more sugar still had higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.

How much is okay? And how to minimize consumption of added sugar?

Its hard to say since sugar is not a required nutrient in our diet. However, the American Heart Association suggests that men consume no more than 150 calories (about 9 teaspoons or 36 grams) of added sugar per day.

If you wish to reduce the consumption of added sugar, reading food labels is one of the best ways to monitor your intake of added sugar. Also cut back on the frequency of food consumption that has added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Afterall, cutting back on all extra sugar is not at all a bad idea.

Wrapping Up…

Believe it or not, if you can’t take out all the added sugars, just by reducing the intake, you will see the benefits. You will also struggle a little, as sugar can truly mess with your brain and act like an addictive substance. If you’re going to have something sweet, have a fruit-based dessert. That way, at least you’re getting something good out of it.

Pacemakers and ICDs generally last 8 to 10 years or longer, depending on usage and the type of device. In most cases, patient can live a normal and healthy life with a pacemaker or ICD implanted.

Technological advances have reduced the chances that machines, like microwave, could interfere your device. Even though you should take certain precautions if you have an implanted device.

What precautions should I take with my pacemaker or ICD?

It is generally safe to go through airport security scan with the ICD & CRT implantation and won’t damage the device. But you need to tell the security about the pacemaker or ICD. Also remind the security, not to hold the hand-held metal-detecting wand over the pacemaker for more than a second or two. This is because the magnet inside the wand may temporarily change the operating mode of your device.

Most current pacemakers and ICD companies now make devices that can go through an MRI after a waiting for at least 6 weeks after implant. But some older devices may not be. Check if it is OK to get an MRI with your type of device.

Stay away from certain high voltage or radar machines such as TV transmitters, radio, high tension wires, etc.

Don’t carry your cellphone in your breast pocket and keep them at least 6 inches away from your device.

Some surgery or even dental operations require that your ICD be temporarily turned off or set to a special mode. So tell them in prior.

Therapeutic radiation used for cancer treatments can damage the circuits in your device. The risk increases with increased radiation doses. Take precautions.

Can I do regular daily activities with a pacemaker or ICD?

Once the device has been implanted, you are allowed to do the same activities everyone else of your age group is doing. You may be limited with activities while the incision is healing.

You may still be able to do the following:

• Regular exercise on your cardiologist’s advice
• Drive your car if cleared by your doctor
• Go to office
• Do the sports and recreational activities
• Take shower and baths
• Continue sexual relationships

Symptoms of anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

After ICD implantation, you may feel anxious or depressed. This is not uncommon for ICD recipients, especially in the first months or year after implantation. Unfortunately, it is uncommon for patients to seek help for their anxiety and depression. If you experience these feelings, or even anticipate them, consult with your doctor or healthcare team and get help.

More about the ICD & CRT Implantations. For any consultation, contact us.

Learning to thrive after a sudden cardiac arrest can be challenging. Most survivors face not only changes in their health and behavior.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is not a heart attack

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the electrical system to the heart malfunctions and suddenly becomes very irregular. The heart beats dangerously fast. The heart stops beating properly. Hence the name – arrest.

The term “heart attack” is often mistakenly used to describe cardiac arrest. While a heart attack may cause cardiac arrest, the two terms don’t mean the same thing.

Did you suffer a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)? Did your heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating for seconds?

You survived a sudden cardiac arrest. Someone saved your life, someone helped you with hands only CPR immediately or used a defibrillator to shock your heart back to a normal rhythm, after you collapsed.

Now learning to thrive after a sudden cardiac arrest can be a challenging journey. Remember you are not alone in this who had SCA. Most of the survivors faces changes in their health along with some other ways of thinking about life after SCA. For example:

Depression – many patients feel frightened and depressed after their cardiac arrest incident.
Phobia – gets the biggest fear that it might happen again. In reality it could happen. If you got one, you are at risk of getting another one.
Physical limitations – some patients may feel movement disorder due to pain even after weeks following SCA.

Don’t wait for the second cardiac arrest

Despite all these challenges mentioned, SCA survivors often return to their normal life. Of course, first few weeks are most critical as you are filled up with the thoughts like when you will get back to the work, when you can start exercising and what is safe and not safe to do, etc.

There are no rules to answer all these questions because time taken to recover from SCA depends on many factors of the survivor. But yes, the experience which was a little near-to-death, will make you realize now is the time to play an important role in your health.

Medications

Survivors are sent back home with some prescriptions that includes medications to prevent blood clots, protecting your heart from stress and can prevent future cardiac arrest. Some medications are to reduce the damage received by the heart. So it is important that you take these medications exactly as prescribed.

Regular Follow-ups

Discuss any signs that feel suspicious with your doctor or cardiologist regularly. Don’t just wait or do it by yourself.

Exercise and Fitness

You should start exercising that is safe for your health conditions. The intensity and duration depend on severity of your heart disease. Better you consult your cardiologist for better explanations.

SEE ALSO: In Japan, it’s a must to Exercise while at Work

Joining a survivor support group

Finding other people who’ve been through a similar experience will help you adjust, both emotionally and physically, to your new life as a survivor.

Reduce the risk factors

Quit smoking, treating high blood pressure & high cholesterol, eat right and healthy to manage your weight and cutting down the alcohol intake. These are the most known risk factors for a sudden cardiac arrest.

Apart from these you will have to manage your stress as well. Do not underestimate the stress, it can kill. The excess of stress hormones such as adrenaline into the bloodstream can increase blood pressure and encourage clotting in the arteries. This in turn cause blood clot and cardiac arrest.

Life gave you the best gift ever – a gift called “tomorrow”. Use it wisely. Now you are not a sudden cardiac arrest victim, you are a survivor. Take care of your heart and say #IAmHeartHealthy.

Heart disease doesn’t happen just to older adults. It is happening to younger adults more and more often. The reality is that heart problems can begin at any age.

“A study found that the rate of heart attacks in younger people (aged 35-64 years) increased from 27% to 32%.”

Heart disease—and the conditions that lead to it—can happen at any age. High rates of obesity and high blood pressure among younger people are putting them at risk for heart disease earlier in life.

Since we know irrespective of age, heart disease can occur to anybody, it is important to talk to your cardiologist or doctorsabout your heart health. There are several routine checkups your primary care physician can take to make sure your heart is healthy, such as:

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Listening to your heart and lungs

In addition to above checkups, your doctor can order several other tests including blood sugar, cholesterol and sodium, to determine whether you might be at the risk of heart diseases. These are the basic diagnostic tests.

Talk to your cardiologist about symptoms

It’s always better to talk to your cardiologist for any symptoms that you might thought of related to your heart. There are some common symptoms, more commonly seen in men, and that includes:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Sensation of pressure or squeezing around the heart

In women the signs and symptoms can be quite different. In addition to above mentioned symptoms, women may also experience:

• Pressure in the upper back
• Pressure in the upper abdomen
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

In children and teenagers, chest pain rarely involve as symptoms. Below could be symptoms in them:

• Shortness of breath when keeping up with peers
• Inability to physically keep up with peers
• Dizziness with physical activity
• Heart palpitations
• Fainting
• Turning blue around the gums

You could be at risk

Many of the conditions and behaviors that put people at risk for heart disease are appearing at younger ages:

Smoking

Smoking damages the blood vessels and can cause heart disease.

Obesity

Carrying extra weight puts stress on the heart.

Diabetes

Diabetes causes sugar to build up in the blood. This can damage blood vessels and nerves that help control the heart muscle.

Physical inactivity

Staying physically active helps keep the heart and blood vessels healthy.

Unhealthy eating patterns

Diet high in trans-fat, saturated fat, and added sugar increases the risk factor for heart disease.

Take Control of Your Heart Health

You’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to your heart. Here are some tips to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk factors for heart disease:

• Make heart-healthy eating changes. This includes lot of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. Limit your consumption of sugar, salt, and fats, especially saturated fat.
• Stay active. Exercise regularly –a 30-minute walk during the day can keep your heart muscle healthy.
• Don’t smoke
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid drug use, including marijuana

It is never too early to start paying attention to heart health. Take care of your heart and always say #IAmHeartHealthy.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a broad term, which is used to describe several cardiac defects that may be found at birth. Congenital means that you’re born with the defect. Some congenital heart defects might not cause any problems. Complex defects, however, can cause life-threatening complications.

CHD is the most prevalent inborn disorder found in new-born babies. It is estimated that CHD may occur in up to as many as 13 in every 1000 live births.

Some Risk Factors Associated with CHD

Several factors have been implicated in the development of CHD. One such risk factor is having a positive family history. There are also certain environmental factors that play a role in the development of congenital heart disease.

Your genes. Congenital heart disease appears to run in families (inherited) and is associated with many genetic syndromes.

Rubella (German Measles). Having rubella during pregnancy may affect how the baby’s heart develops while in the womb.

Diabetes. Having type 1 or type 2 diabetes during pregnancy also may affect a baby’s heart development.

Alcohol & Smoking. A mother may also put her unborn child at risk by consuming alcohol and/or smoking during pregnancy.

SEE ALSO: Heart Conditions & Pregnancy – Risks You Should Know About

Certain Medications. Taking certain medications while pregnant can cause congenital heart disease and other birth defects. Keep your doctor informed about the medications you take.

Signs and Symptoms

Some congenital heart diseases cause no signs or symptoms. For some people, signs or symptoms occur later in life. In some cases, the infant may have fast heartbeat with a corresponding fast rate of breathing.

In some swelling around the eyes, abdomen, or legs can be observed. Common congenital heart disease symptoms in adults include:

• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• A bluish tint to the skin, lips and fingernails (cyanosis)
• Shortness of breath
• Tiring quickly upon exertion
• Swelling of body tissue or organs (edema)

Adult congenital heart disease and pregnancy

Women with mild congenital heart disease can have a successful pregnancy. However, some women with complex congenital heart defects are advised against pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are thinking about pregnancy.

Management & Treatment of Congenital Heart Disease

Not all CHDs are life threatening. Some may be mild and heal of their own. For example, eptal defects may close spontaneously over time and in rare case require specialized surgical intervention.

More importantly, CHDs are managed according to the type and severity of the defect. CHDs if caught early and referred to tertiary care without delay, one can achieve normal cardiac functions.

We all know the current time is defined as Unlock 1.0 with many of the work and marketing getting ease of operating. Slowly people are getting back to the normal work life in spite of increasing cases around. But we all know that we need to go to work with great precautions.

We all know that these days we all are following healthy lifestyle when it comes to our diet and other activities. But still people with heart disease needs to take extra care. In this blog we will discuss a few factors that any heart condition patients should strictly consider with this new phase of lockdown or Unlock 1.0. We will be using below terms in our blog:

Self-isolation: the most effective way of spreading the infection
Shielding Yourself: is similar to self-isolation but for a longer period, especially for those who have heart conditions and other critical health conditions.

SHIELDING

We term this word to protect those who are at greater risk of COVID-19 infection due to critical health conditions. Here’re certain FAQs.

SEE ALSO: CVD and COVID-19: Take Care of Your Heart

STAYING AT HOME

Now with the new rules, people are visiting family and friends, but must remember to stay at least two metres away from them, wash your hands regularly, and avoid touching shared surfaces.

But those with any recent heart surgeries of heart related conditions still should avoid going out unless necessary.

As you age, heart disease risks rises. But for a women symptoms can become more evident after the onset of menopause. Also making healthy choices during any decade of life increases the chances of staying healthy as you age.

QUICK FACT:
Menopause does not cause cardiovascular diseases in women. Actually certain risk factors increase around the time of menopause due to high-fat diet, smoking or any other unhealthy lifestyle habits.

Women who approach menopause need to really take stock of their health. More than one in three female adults has some form of cardiovascular disease. An overall increase in heart attacks among women is seen about 10 years after menopause.

Strive for Healthy Heart

Women in midlife transitioning to menopause may be able to lower their risk of developing heart disease and diabetes by exercising more or eating a lower calorie diet.

Eliminate all unhealthy habits like smoking which increase the risk of blood clots, decrease the flexibility of arteries and lower the levels of HDL cholesterol. Also smoking may contribute to early menopause.

American Heart Association recommends eating a dietary pattern that emphasizes:

• fruits, vegetables,
• whole grains,
• low-fat dairy products,
• poultry, fish and nuts,
• while limiting red meat and sugary foods and beverages.

Women with menopause should aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. Walking, cycling, dancing or swimming are some activities that use larger muscles at low resistance could be considered as some good aerobic exercises.

Wrapping Up…

Dr. Tejas Patel, Cardiologist in Ahmedabad, says “we often focus on researches on risk factors for heart diseases in older women and think they have the highest risks. But we should know that the risk factors are modifiable factors like physical activity, healthy lifestyle, low calorie diet, etc.”

So we could design preventive strategies for women of any age. Modifying diet and increasing exercise during midlife can help women ward off heart diseases.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is just like other underlying health conditions that poses the risk of getting infected by the new coronavirus COVID-19. People of all ages can be infected by COVID-19, especially over the age of 60 and those we have underlying medical conditions:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Chronic Respiratory Disease
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Cancer

CVD Patients – Take Care of Your Heart

Being a CVD patient if you experience any of these symptom, call your doctor or hospital immediately:

• shortness of breath
• fever
• coughing

Being in self-quarantine can lead people to adopt unhealthy eating habits. It is extremely important to avoid any stress and exhaustion during this unprecedented lockdown. Make sure you follow a daily schedule and maintain a healthy lifestyle, though being at home. Here are few tips that can help you living a heart healthy life during this situation.

• Continue doing exercise, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated and getting adequate sleep.
• Maintain your social network remotely – communicate with your friends and family on a regular basis.
• Limit the news and information you consume if that is making you more stressed. More importantly trust only reliable sources like WHO.
• Avoid consuming alcohol or smoking during this situation as this makes you more vulnerable to get infected.

WHO recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or a combination of both. These recommendations can still be achieved even at home:

• Take short active breaks during the day.
• Follow an online exercise class.
• Walk, stand up and relax!

The bottom line…

Typically considered a threat to the lungs, COVID-19 also presents a significant threat to heart health, according to recently published research. Experts say it’s important for those with cardiovascular disease to be isolated from people with COVID-19 symptoms.

Warm weather is finally here! And if you’re spending time outside, sunburn shouldn’t be your only concern: it’s important to think about heart health during the heat and humidity, too.

Your body rids itself of excess heat in two ways: by radiating warmth and by sweating. Both tactics demand extra energy from your heart!

HEART DISEASE IN THE SUMMER

For people who already have a weakened heart or have been diagnosed or treated for heart disease, that extra pumping of your heart can cause stress on the cardiovascular system. Heat exhaustion occurs when a person’s body fails to cool itself, causing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, headache, dizziness, muscle twitching, etc. If those symptoms progress, they can lead to heat stroke.

Another factor that happens during heat exhaustion is, blood pressure drops, which can be dangerous because it can cause people to become unsteady and even to fall or faint.

Don’t let the heat slow you down!

Here are some tips for how to safely stay active in the warm summer months:

STAY HYDRATED

Drink plenty of water throughout the day and before, during, and after any physical activities. Avoid consumption of caffeine products and alcohol as they can both increase dehydration. For some reasons, if you have been instructed to restrict your fluid intake, speak to your doctor.

SHAKE UP YOUR WORKOUT

Just because is summer, doesn’t mean you should not exercise. Change your workout timings like early morning or evenings, when the temperature is lower. You can also try cooler activities like swimming.

STAY INDOOR DURING PEAK SUN HOURS

Plan you daily routine, whether office work or personal work, so that you won’t have to sneak out when the sun is at the highest level of temperature. Spending too much time in extreme heat may lead to heat illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

DRESS FOR THE HEAT

Dress in light-colored, lightweight fabrics that ventilate easily and help to keep you cool.   Breathable fabrics like cotton allow heat to escape.

EAT YOUR WATER WITHOUT FAIL

Fruits and vegetables are cold, light, easy to digest, and packed with water!  Don’t overload your stomach with a heavy meal. Instead, eat small, plant-based meals. They provide you with some extra hydration.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THESE DANGEROUS SYMPTOMS

If any of these symptoms present themselves, it is important to get out of the heat:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Muscle twitches/cramps
• Fatigue
• Disorientation/confusion
• Cold, clammy skin
• Hot, dry skin
• Fainting

WRAPPING UP – TAKE IT EASY

Your heart has to work harder to dissipate the heat. Healthier people are better at adapting, but people with heart disease should go a little slower during the hot months with all your activities. Always be sure to ask your cardiologist about any concerns with your medications and how to cope with hot weather.

#IAmHeartHealthy – Prepare and protect yourself from the heat so you can stay heart healthy all summer long!

“Heart disease is often thought to be more of a problem for men. More than one in three women is living with some form of cardiovascular disease.”

We can change this because 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action. Fortunately, by learning more about the heart disease and their unique symptoms, women can begin to reduce their risks.

Heart attack symptoms in women

Some type of chest pain, pressure or discomfort – these are the common symptoms of heart attack in men and women. But chest pain is not most noticeable symptoms particularly in woman. And it’s possible to have a heart attack without chest pain. Below are some symptoms unrelated to chest pain:

• Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in one or both arms
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Unusual fatigue
• Indigestion

These symptoms may not be as noticeable as chest pain. Women tend to have symptoms more often while resting or when asleep than in men. Also, women don’t always recognize their symptoms as those of a heart attack, they tend to show up in emergency room after heart damage has been occurred.

If you or anyone you know, have above mentioned symptoms, call for emergency medical help immediately.

Heart disease risk factor for women

Several traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease — such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity — affect both women and men. But there are certain other factors that play a bigger role in developing heart diseases in women:

• Diabetes
• Mental stress and depression
• Smoking
• Physical inactivity
• Pregnancy complications
• Family history of early heart disease
• Inflammatory diseases

How women can reduce their risk of heart disease

We all know and that is simple to answer that is “living a healthy lifestyle can definitely help reduce the risk of heart diseases not only in women but in men as well. Try these #IAmHeartHealthy habits:

Quit Smoking & Alcohol. If you don’t smoke or drink, don’t start. Try to avoid even secondhand smoke, which is equally dangerous for blood vessels.

Exercise to reduce the risk. Of course this is general for all. Study recommends 30 minutes a day, five days a week. So start slowly and build up.

Manage your stress. Stress can cause your arteries to tighten, which can increase your risk of heart disease.

Maintain a healthy weight. Overweight and obesity are more common in women. If you’re overweight, losing even a few pounds can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of diabetes. Having a normal body mass index (BMI) is helpful.

Managing other health conditions. Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes under control.

SEE ALSO: Healthy Lifestyle Can Ease the Risk of Genetic Heart Disease

Is treatment for heart disease in women, different than in men?

In general, heart disease treatment in women and in men is similar. It can include medications, angioplasty and stenting, or coronary bypass surgery.

Angioplasty and stenting, commonly used treatments for heart attack, work for both men and women. But for coronary bypass surgery, women are more likely than men to have complications.

The more a woman knows about heart disease, better the chance she has to beat it.