dance cardio workout

It’s essential to organize a Home Team before you go in for heart surgery
even if you have little time before your surgery to plan it. On the other hand
if you have just gotten home from the hospital
don’t worry it’s not too late. A Home Team is a group of friends and family who are willing to assist you in your recovery following your surgery. Make a list of up to fifteen people
family and friends (but not your primary caregiver) who would be glad – even honored – to be called to help out. Pick a leader among these friends and engage her or him to contact the others about the tasks ahead. Set up a revolving schedule of assignments for your first three to four weeks at home.

Your Primary Caregiver Has The Most Important Role

Who will your primary caregiver be; your spouse
your partner
a friend
or another family member? In my new book
The Open Heart Companion: Preparation and Guidance for Open-Heart Surgery Recovery the following scenario is explained to help you better understand their importance: Suddenly your caregiver
your close personal ally
has the extended responsibility for all previously shared arrangements – nursing aid
household tasks
transportation
medical and social plan coordination. It can become overwhelming and too much for one person. That is why it is essential that you line up a supportive Home Team to pitch in. Your primary caregiver needs assistance and taking care of too. Once you are home and recovering
he or she is now “on” 24/7. He or she also needs continuing acknowledgment
appreciation and love from you. Plan to regularly express your gratitude. Find out how your loved one is feeling – every day. Though sometimes you won’t feel like it
remember to smile
and show you care and appreciate all that is being done for you.

Five basic tasks to assign to your Home Team

1. Dinner nightly
Some friends will like to prepare a home cooked meal for both patient and caregiver
while others can pick up a heart healthy take-out meal. Since the reality of landing back home means the primary caregiver has antenna focused on you continuously
your caregiver loved one will appreciate the sit-down break at dinner time.

2. Buddy system
During the many hours and days of convalescence
neither patient nor primary caregiver wants to feel isolated at home. Anticipate a buddy system in advance. Is there a friend who has been though open-heart surgery who will agree to check in with the patient regularly? Is there someone that the heart patient can call spontaneously? Many basic questions can be answered this way
by a friend or family member. Naturally
any substantial recovery question requires picking up the phone and calling your designated medical professional. Maybe you know
or know of
a former heart patient who also is a medical professional? Arrange chat times (perhaps twice weekly) with him or her. Primary caregiver and patient should also plan regular phone time with a best friend independently
to be free to let their hair down to tell it like it is.

3. Running errands
Who – friend or neighbor – would be willing to be counted on to run to the pharmacy or to deposit or pick up laundry or dry cleaning? How about someone who will shop for staples at the supermarket or buy a box of thank-you notes? Recruit a list of volunteers beforehand. It’s critical to have this in place to enable you to focus on getting well.

4. Housekeeping
In the hospital take-home instructions
there are very specific physical directives that must be honored while the sternum (breastbone) is healing. You are not to lift more than five to ten pounds for four to six weeks. As well
you are to avoid pushing/pulling activities with your arms
and also avoid heavy one-armed lifting for three months. This eliminates carrying groceries
carrying a toddler
vacuuming
shoveling snow
mowing the lawn
raking leaves – even wiping up a kitchen counter with a sponge can be challenging in the first couple of weeks. It is best to schedule others for regular housekeeping duties for at least four to six weeks and/or consider hiring a house cleaner for the short term.

5. Chauffeuring
An open-heart patient may not resume driving for six to eight weeks – until the sternum is fully healed. Because you don’t want to risk re-injuring the sternum should a passenger airbag need to be deployed
you might be advised to ride in the back seat using the shoulder seat belt. That said
you can ride in a car as soon as you’re home – to a medical appointment
to the store
to eat out. However
all these outings become a lot of driving for the primary caregiver
so line up chauffeur volunteers.

Recovering from heart surgery can be challenging
but with these tips and more tips on planning ahead found in The Open Heart Companion you can ensure that your recovery will go smoothly.

The heart is a tough operating mechanism which moves blood around the body through a very advanced system called arteries and capillaries; the blood is then carried back to the heart by means of veins. Blood pressure is the thrust of this blood in the body pushing up against the inside walls of the arteries as the heart is pumping.

As the heart compresses it will drive this blood into the arteries which makes an increase in pressure. This increase in pressure is noted as systolic pressure.

When the heart decompresses and fills with blood
the pressure in the arteries then declines which is noted as the diastolic pressure. When the blood pressure is evaluated in the arm
it is both of these pressures which are evaluated.

Blood pressure is always applied as a systolic and diastolic pressure number
and is an important measurement. The measurements are always written one preceding or before the other number
such as 120/80 and always stated in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

The systolic pressure is the 1st or top side number
and the diastolic pressure is the 2nd or lowermost number (for example
120
so if your blood pressure is 120/80
it is translating to 120 over 80.

Blood pressure will have a wide range with a varity of people. For example
the top reading which is when the heart contracts (systolic) can change from 90 to 240 mmHg and the bottom pressure which is when the heart relaxes (diastolic) can often change from 40 to 160 mmHg.

Blood pressure can also vary significantly depending on what you are doing during the day. The lowest blood pressures usually happen when you are sleeping or if resting all the muscles. Standing for periods of time
or if you're performing any form of exercise
any anxiety and problems
or nerviness can also create increases in blood pressure.

That means in one day the blood pressure could change by up to a 30 to 40 mmHg systolic reading with like changes in the diastolic pressure. This is why it's so crucial to have the blood pressure taken under the same conditions each time.

For the bulk of the waking hours
the blood pressure remains about the same whether you are sitting or standing still
so ideally
the blood pressure should be 120/80 or lower when the body is rested.

If the blood pressure is steady and remains high at 140/90 or higher
this may indicate a disease called Hypertension which essentially means high blood pressure. When the blood pressure is high
the heart has to work more to get the blood through your arteries. These then take a beating from having the blood pressured into them
and the danger of a stroke
heart attack
or even kidney troubles then become that much of a greater risk.

High blood pressure is a serious disease because it has the heart working much harder. If the heart has to work harder for extended periods
it will become large. If the heart is slightly enlarged
it can and should still work alright
but if it becomes greatly enlarged it won't work alright. High blood pressure can also cause damage to the arteries which can lead to arterial disease.

The higher the blood pressure is the more risk you have of acquiring heart disease and stroke. This means somebody with a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg is at greater risk than someone with a blood pressure of 120/70 mmHg. And is the reason it is so important for all to lead a wholesome lifestyle to make sure their blood pressure is as low and as healthy as it can be.

If you put up with Hypertension
it can be treated. Modest cases of Hypertension can usually be treated through lifestyle changes such as the diet
or increasing the workout levels. Some find dropping weight is all that is needed to lower their high blood pressure.

Severe cases of Hypertension will need prescription medications such as diuretics and beta blockers. Diuretics aid the body in getting rid of any excess fluids and salt. But
from individual experience
keep course of the body's potassium levels also. Beta blockers will lower the heart rate and the heart's output of blood. These then lower the risk of developing heart and brain problems.

According to the American Heart Association
heart disease is responsible for almost 1 million deaths annually in the United States
half of which are women. The good news is that many of the risk factors that lead to heart disease - obesity
smoking and a sedentary lifestyle
to name just a few - can be remedied.

"Simple changes such as watching what you eat and exercising are two powerful steps in helping to reduce your risk of heart disease
said Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, a cardiologist at New York's Beth Israel Medical Center.

Here are some simple tips to help reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

* Add heart-smart foods. Living a heart-healthy lifestyle does not mean giving up delicious foods. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are heart-healthy winners. Include Minute Maid Premium Heart Wise, the only orange juice proven to help lower your cholesterol level.

* Get a move on. Physical activity is essential for a healthy heart. Start small. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, squeeze in a 15-minute walk during your day or park your car in the farthest parking spot at the grocery store.

* Weigh your options. Being overweight puts your heart at risk. If you are overweight, losing as little as 5 percent to 10 percent of your current weight can help reduce your risk for heart disease. Healthy eating and physical activity can help you reach your healthy weight goals.

* Know your numbers. Learn about your own risks for heart disease. Keep tabs on your health and pay attention to any abnormal signs and symptoms. Visit your health care professional and have your cholesterol checked regularly.

Minute Maid has partnered with WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease to help educate women about heart disease and improve the quality of life for those living with the disease.

As part of this awareness campaign, people are invited to take the Minute Maid Premium Heart Wise 8-Week Challenge for Health and Wellness, a program that encourages people to commit to a healthier lifestyle, including drinking two 8-fluid-ounce servings of Minute Maid Premium Heart Wise orange juice daily with meals.

High blood pressure is known as a silent killer. And probably most don’t even think about their blood pressure. However
high blood pressure can be quite fatal. There are some symptoms that can indicate that you have high blood pressure
and can prevent you from having a stroke. So continue reading as it might save your life or the life of someone you know.

Some of the typical signs of high blood pressure are headaches
dizziness
pounding in the ears and a bloody nose. But some people experience a small pain in the back of their head or have an increase in urination.

Though an increase in urination could mean your blood sugar is really high
if you are diabetic. That’s why it’s hard to see the signs. But if you are diabetic and you are experiencing an increase in urination and headaches
then just check your blood sugar and see if that is the cause. If it is not then you can rule out high blood sugar
and find out if you have high blood pressure.

Adding salt to your diet can also inflate your risk of having blood pressure. Having too much salt in your diet can increase your blood pressure. Talk to your doctor if need to cut down on your salt intake.

But if you have to cut down on the salt
you can use many other herbs instead of salt. Garlic
chives
and onions are good alternatives. Cutting down on the slat is not so bad
just think of the alternative.

You shouldn’t ignore high blood pressure; it can be very fatal if unchecked. The result could be you having a stroke. A stroke can be very deadly and limit your movements. So go to the doctor and see if you have high blood pressure.

Heart attacks are a very serious heart condition that 'attack' suddenly. They can be characterized by a spectrum of chest pains and discomfort as well as sweating
vomiting and nausia. Sometimes these symptoms can even result in a complete loss of consciousness. Heart attacks occur when the blood supply to a part of the heart is interrupted. This interuption causes both death and scarring of the tissue in the local area of the heart.

Due to the fact that the interuption can vary in size
as can the area that is affected. Large or small
heart attacks are serious and often life-threatening. Deemed as such they are a medical emergency which needs immediate attention from an emergency medical service. Staying on top of heart attack symptoms as well as the combination of complete medical history
blood tests and ECG findings are what make up the diagnosis for heart attacks.

In recovery the most important thing is restoring the flow of blood back to the area of the heart that has been interrupted. This is acheived through thrombolysis and/or angioplasty. Thrombolysis is a procedure in which the clot is dissolved in the artery enymatically. Angioplasty is the procedure in which a balloon is used to push open the artery.

Great importance is placed on monitoring for various complications
that could prevent a secondy heart attack. Through this monitoring work is done to help eliminate any risk factors that may exist
which helps to reduce the odds of further heart attacks.

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of the arteries each time your heart beats. Your blood pressure is highest each time the heart beats
pumping blood into the arteries. This is called systolic pressure
and is the high number in your reading. The diastolic pressure measures the pressure in between beats
when your heart is at rest. Your blood pressure is lowest while sleeping and although it varies some during the day
it remains close to the same. Normal blood pressure is 120/80. If your systolic pressure rises to 140 or above
or if your diastolic pressure rises to 90 or above
this is considered high blood pressure.

According to the American Heart Association
an estimated one in three U.S. adults have high blood pressure
also known as hypertension
and an alarming one-third of those don't even know they have it. It's no wonder this condition has long been called "the silent killer". High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke
heart attack
heart failure and kidney failure. And when it exists with obesity
smoking
high blood cholesterol or diabetes
the risk of heart attack or stroke increases several times. If you don't have high blood pressure by age 55
your chance of developing it at some point in your life is 90 percent
according to the National Heart
Lung
and Blood Institute.

Although high blood pressure can occur in both children and adults
it is most common in those over age 35
and is most prevalent in African Americans
middle-aged and elderly people
obese people
heavy drinkers and women taking birth control pills. Although many people get high blood pressure as they get older
it is not part of the aging process! Proper diet
exercise and lifestyle changes can help in prevention and lowering of blood pressure.

Commonly Prescribed Medication for High Blood Pressure

In 90–95 percent of cases
research scientists don't know what causes high blood pressure
but fortunately they know enough to have developed both drug and non-drug products to treat it effectively.

A wide variety of medications are available to medical professionals for treating high blood pressure. Although other classes of medications are sometimes prescribed
the most commonly prescribed can be broken down into five different classes of medications that work in different ways to lower pressure.

•Diuretics (water pills) work in the kidney to get rid of excess water and sodium.
•Beta-Blockers reduce nerve impulses to the heart and blood vessels to cause the heart to beat more slowly and with less force.
•Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors prevent the formation of a hormone called angiotensin II
which would otherwise cause vessels to narrow.
•Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB) block the action of angiotensin II.
•Calcium Channel Blockers prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels
causing blood vessels to relax.

As of June
2005
there didn't appear to be much global agreement among medical experts worldwide in terms of recommended first-line therapy for treating high blood pressure. It is important to note that in June
2006
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and the British Hypertension Society have come to an agreement within the UK
and have issued new guidelines
including important changes to help guide primary care physicians in determining first-line therapy. A major change is that Beta-Blockers
which have been shown to be less effective in preventing strokes and more likely to cause diabetes
are no longer recommended as routine treatment for the majority of people with high blood pressure. Instead
ACE Inhibitors (or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers if there are side effects) are now recommended in the UK for most people
with some exceptions
before trying other classes of medication for hypertension.

As with any medication
there may be side effects from taking ACE Inhibitors
and some should not use them at all
including black people of any age. According to the Mayo Clinic
a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine
also in June
2006
indicated an increased risk of birth defects in children whose mothers took ACE inhibitors during the first trimester
adding to the known risks during the second and third trimesters. While most people can tolerate ACE Inhibitors
some may experience side effects such as cough
elevated blood potassium levels
low blood pressure
dizziness
headache
drowsiness
weakness
abnormal taste (metallic or salty taste)
and rash. Rare
but more serious side effects include kidney failure
allergic reactions
a decrease in white blood cells
and swelling of tissues (angioedema).

Very similar to ACE Inhibitors are ARB medications
and depending on the individual's particular health issues
a doctor may switch between the two
and may sometimes prescribe both. The most common side effects with ARBs are cough
elevated potassium levels
low blood pressure
dizziness
headache
drowsiness
diarrhea
abnormal taste sensation (metallic or salty taste)
and rash. Compared to ACE inhibitors
cough occurs less often with ARBs. The most serious
but rare
side effects are kidney failure
liver failure
allergic reactions
a decrease in white blood cells
and swelling of tissues (angioedema).

On January 19
2007
Rush University Medical Center reported findings that ACE Inhibitors and ARBs prevent people from getting diabetes
and that diuretics and beta-blockers increase the chance that a person becomes diabetic. The authors pointed out that more studies are required to determine whether new-onset diabetes leads to as many heart attacks
strokes or death
as long-standing diabetes. However
their data suggests that the differences between antihypertensive drugs regarding the risk for new-onset diabetes are real and are significant.

Melaleuca offers a natural high blood pressure remedy called ProStolic which interacts with a natural body enzyme much like the ACE Inhibitors and ARB medications to relax blood vessels and allow healthy blood flow. As a comparison
it might be helpful to understand how the ACE and ARB class of drugs react
as well as how the non-drug hypertension remedy ProStolic™ reacts with the body.

In Part 2 of our Blood Pressure Research Report we will discuss the ACE Inhibitors and Angiotension Receptor Blockers
Natural Therapy for Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure and benefits of Bioactive Casein Hydrolysate Tripeptides VPP and IPP.

What exactly is high blood pressure and why isn't there global agreement among the medical industry of for the best treatment? Learn more about the dangers of high blood pressure and commonly prescribed medications for hypertension in part 1 of our blood pressure report.

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of the arteries each time your heart beats. Your blood pressure is highest each time the heart beats
pumping blood into the arteries. This is called systolic pressure
and is the high number in your reading. The diastolic pressure measures the pressure in between beats
when your heart is at rest. Your blood pressure is lowest while sleeping and although it varies some during the day
it remains close to the same. Normal blood pressure is 120/80. If your systolic pressure rises to 140 or above
or if your diastolic pressure rises to 90 or above
this is considered high blood pressure..

According to the American Heart Association
an estimated one in three U.S. adults have high blood pressure
also known as hypertension
and an alarming one-third of those don't even know they have it. It's no wonder this condition has long been called "the silent killer".

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke
heart attack
heart failure and kidney failure. And when it exists with obesity
smoking
high blood cholesterol or diabetes
the risk of heart attack or stroke increases several times. If you don't have high blood pressure by age 55
your chance of developing it at some point in your life is 90 percent
according to the National Heart
Lung
and Blood Institute.

Although high blood pressure can occur in both children and adults
it is most common in those over age 35
and is most prevalent in African Americans
middle-aged and elderly people
obese people
heavy drinkers and women taking birth control pills. Although many people get high blood pressure as they get older
it is not part of the aging process! Proper diet
exercise and lifestyle changes can help in prevention and lowering of blood pressure.
Commonly Prescribed Medication for High Blood Pressure

In 90-95 percent of cases
research scientists don't know what causes high blood pressure
but fortunately they know enough to have developed both drug and non-drug products to treat it effectively.

A wide variety of medications are available to medical professionals for treating high blood pressure. Although other classes of medications are sometimes prescribed
the most commonly prescribed can be broken down into five different classes of medications that work in different ways to lower pressure.

Diuretics (water pills) work in the kidney to get rid of excess water and sodium.

Beta-Blockers reduce nerve impulses to the heart and blood vessels to cause the heart to beat more slowly and with less force.

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors prevent the formation of a hormone called angiotensin II
which would otherwise cause vessels to narrow.

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB) block the action of angiotensin II.

Calcium Channel Blockers prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels
causing blood vessels to relax.

As of June
2005
there didn't appear to be much global agreement among medical experts worldwide in terms of recommended first-line therapy for treating high blood pressure. It is important to note that in June
2006
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and the British Hypertension Society have come to an agreement within the UK
and have issued new guidelines
including important changes to help guide primary care physicians in determining first-line therapy. A major change is that Beta-Blockers
which have been shown to be less effective in preventing strokes and more likely to cause diabetes
are no longer recommended as routine treatment for the majority of people with high blood pressure. Instead
ACE Inhibitors (or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers if there are side effects) are now recommended in the UK for most people
with some exceptions
before trying other classes of medication for hypertension.

As with any medication
there may be side effects from taking ACE Inhibitors
and some should not use them at all
including black people of any age. According to the Mayo Clinic
a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine
also in June
2006
indicated an increased risk of birth defects in children whose mothers took ACE inhibitors during the first trimester
adding to the known risks during the second and third trimesters. While most people can tolerate ACE Inhibitors
some may experience side effects such as cough
elevated blood potassium levels
low blood pressure
dizziness
headache
drowsiness
weakness
abnormal taste (metallic or salty taste)
and rash. Rare
but more serious side effects include kidney failure
allergic reactions
a decrease in white blood cells
and swelling of tissues (angioedema).

Very similar to ACE Inhibitors are ARB medications
and depending on the individual’s particular health issues
a doctor may switch between the two
and may sometimes prescribe both. The most common side effects with ARBs are cough
elevated potassium levels
low blood pressure
dizziness
headache
drowsiness
diarrhea
abnormal taste sensation (metallic or salty taste)
and rash. Compared to ACE inhibitors
cough occurs less often with ARBs. The most serious
but rare
side effects are kidney failure
liver failure
allergic reactions
a decrease in white blood cells
and swelling of tissues (angioedema) .

On January 19
2007
Rush University Medical Center reported findings that ACE Inhibitors and ARBs prevent people from getting diabetes
and that diuretics and beta-blockers increase the chance that a person becomes diabetic. The authors pointed out that more studies are required to determine whether new-onset diabetes leads to as many heart attacks
strokes or death
as long-standing diabetes. However
their data suggests that the differences between antihypertensive drugs regarding the risk for new-onset diabetes are real and are significant.

Melaleuca offers a natural high blood pressure remedycalled ProStolic which interacts with a natural body enzyme much like the ACE Inhibitors and ARB medications to relax blood vessels and allow healthy blood flow. As a comparison
it might be helpful to understand how the ACE and ARB class of drugs react
as well as how the non-drug hypertension remedy ProStolic formula reacts with the body.

In Part 2 of our Blood Pressure Research Report we will discuss the ACE Inhibitors and Angiotension Receptor Blockers
Natural Therapy for Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure and benefits of Bioactive Casein Hydrolysate Tripeptides VPP and IPP.

A month ago
I received news that a former colleague of mine collapsed in his office
and had a sudden massive heart attack and did not survive the night to see his family. He was in his early fifties.

This incident motivated another former colleague to have his blood checked for cholesterol. The cardiologist recommended immediate hospitalisation and he was operated on for a triple coronary bypass within days. Without that bypass
this friend would likely encounter a fatal massive coronary heart attack.

These two ghastly incidents jarred me into researching ways to bring down my own level of cholesterol
and to read medical books on cholesterol.

In my research
what amazed me was there were safe and effective ways to lower blood cholesterol and hence reduce the probability of a heart attack.

I was encouraged that it was possible to cut the risk of heart attack by more than half by limiting the amount of cholesterol produced by the body
and increase the amount of cholesterol eliminated by the body.

I discovered a fascinating diet of oatbran and a vitamin called Naicin that was being used by hundreds of concerned individuals throughout the world
popularized by the medical writer Robert E. Kowalski in his program and best-seller "The 8-Week Cholesterol Cure".

Oatbran contains soluble fibre that encourages the liver to produce bile acids. The more oatbran that is consumed
the more bile acids are produced
and excreted from the body. These bile acids draw the cholesterol from the blood
and therefore remove the cholesterol from the body when they are excreted. This means the chances for a congested artery is much reduced.

I was encouraged by the numbers. A study showed that six males who ate a high-fibre diet containing 50 grams of oat bran daily were able to maintain a 23.5 % decrease from their original cholesterol levels.

To me this was a convenient and natural strategy to reduce my personal cholesterol. It was a matter of getting down to the supermarket and to buy a packet of 500 grams oatbran.

By taking half a cup of oatbran a day
which is equivalent to some 50 gram of oatbran
a single packet of 500 grams will last me for around 2 weeks.

Now
I am not a great baker
and so I did not start by making oatbran muffins which is actually a great way to consume the oatbran. Instead
I mix the oatbran in a hot chocolate drink
consuming 25 grams of oatbran twice a day to get the 50 grams of oatbran.

As for the vitamin Naicin
I was encouraged that as far back as in 1975 the United States Coronary Drug Project singled out Naicin as being responsible for a 29 percent reduction in nonfatal heart attacks.

I have Naicin in the multivitamins I consume daily
and so I am not opting for single larger intake of this vitamin
and will prefer to let the soluble fibre of the oatbran to do its work.

It took one fatal case of a heart attack and a triple coronary bypass on another friend of mine to jolt me into serious action to take control of my cholesterol.

It is time to take some action to lower your cholesterol if you have been postponing this. Of course
you may opt for exercise and a balanced diet as well. It is never too late to begin a structured personal program to take control of your cholesterol.

Despite many advances in heart disease
it continues to be a large public health threat in the United States.

More than 70 million Americans have heart disease. One American dies from heart disease every 34 seconds. Nearly half of the population will suffer a heart attack or stroke in his or her lifetime. As the American population ages
the number of people with heart disease will likely increase.

But
there is good news in all of these numbers. The way doctors treat heart disease is starting to change. For example
we now know that heart disease most often occurs because of a number of risk factors. Doctors are starting to look at the cardiovascular system as a whole
in an effort to prevent heart disease
rather than treating one risk factor at a time.

And patients can play a big role
too. You have to ask the right questions
provide the correct information and work with your health care professional to make sure that you understand what the information means to you personally.

Think of risk factors as pieces of a puzzle. When put together
the pieces can help show you your chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke in the future. Each person's risk factor puzzle fits together differently.

In addition to the factors related to family history and behavior
recent research suggests there may be other risk factors to consider
such as C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP
a protein made by the liver
is a marker of inflammation in the body. Though the role of CRP in heart disease is still unclear
recent data suggest levels of CRP may predict risk for heart attack. If you have several risk factors for heart disease
your doctor may recommend a test to check your CRP level.

It's important to keep track of your risk factors and know what they might mean for you. The more risk factors you have
the greater your chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

Take control of your own unique health puzzle. Ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk
making lifestyle changes and taking medication if needed-particularly if you have one or more risk factors. You may be able to prevent heart disease before it strikes.

But
what IS aerobic exercise??
According to the definition from the Global Healing Centers website
“Aerobic exercise is a type of movement such as running or cycling that gets your heart pumping faster and increases your oxygen intake.”
Fine examples of aerobic exercise are; running
dynamic yoga
cycling
fast walking
circuit training
skiing and rollerblading.

Ok
so we are all told we need to partake in aerobic exercise to obtain many benefits
such as
weight loss
better skin and muscle tone. But that’s not all! There are psychological benefits of aerobic exercise too!
So
what are the psychological benefits of aerobic exercise?

In short
the benefits are; improved mood
reduces anxiety
reduces depression and acts as a buffer against stress.
But lets go into a little more detail…

The Psychological Payoffs

Mood Enhancer

When we exercise aerobically
our bodies produces little chemical called endorphins
which
scientifically speaking
are polypeptides
which are able to bind to the neuron-receptors in the brain to give relief from pain. Endorphins are not just produced from exercise; they are also triggered by deep-breathing
meditation
eating spicy food and deep laughter. Just don’t do all five at once…
Endorphins are believed to produce four key effects on the body; they relieve pain
they reduce stress
they enhance the immune system and they postpone the aging process.
It may be worth your while to stock up on some fitness equipment
they might make things easier for you. I prefer to exercise outside but I do have an indoor stationary bike
that way
if it’s raining
I have no excuse not to exercise.

Reduces Anxiety and Depression

Depression and Anxiety can lead to a feeling of isolation. Partaking in aerobic sports
one can choose to join a running club
swimming club
gym or any other sports club. It’s an excellent way to gain the psychological benefits of aerobic activity
because it gets you out an about and can put you in positions where you HAVE to speak to people.
Aerobic exercise offers a distraction. For an hour or so each day
you can put yourself in a position where you are too busy worrying about the prospect of having to run another two miles before you can stop.
Burning excess fat and toning up can boost anyone’s confidence. Clothes fit better
and you receive compliments from friends. Which often is enough to begin to lift the heavy cloud of a mild depression.

Stress Reduction

Do you feel like the whole world is collapsing on top of you? I think everyone does at one stage or another. If you keep positive
it will pass. Aerobic exercise is a great way to keep positive. When you are stressed
it is important to get enough sleep. Exercisers actually go to sleep faster
are more refreshed and have sharper memories. Exercise increases the blood flow to the brain
bringing extra sugar and oxygen
which can help when concentrating. And once again
the little endorphins can make you happier
making you feel like maybe it will all be ok after all.

So
in conclusion
exercise! There are too many benefits that you will be missing out on if you don’t.

Pheochromocytoma is an important cause of secondary Hypertension. We have adnenal gland located at upper portion of each kidney. It is divided into adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of Adrenal Medulla. Normal function of adrenal medulla is to produce epinephrine or adrenaline. Which is responsible for controlling blood pressure and to help cope with stressful situations.
So majority of symptoms of pheochromocytoma are due to excess secretion of adrenaline from adrenal medulla. Most patients of pheochromocytoma have recurrent episodes of headache
sweating and a feeling of high anxiety. The following symptoms are listed from the most common to the least common
Headaches (severe)
sweating Episodes (generalized)
heart palpitations (tachycardia and palpitations)
Anxiety
nervousness (feelings of impending death)
tremors
Pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen
Nausea (with or without nausea)
Weight loss
Heat intolerance

These symptoms may come by situations which causes pressure over tumor like physical activity
exercise
defecation
anesthesia
or change in body position.

Who should be examined for Pheochromocytoma
Those who have uncontrolled hypertension
Those who have age between 40 and 60
Those who are already taking 4 antihypertensive drugs but blood pressure is not controllable.
Those who have episodes of above symptoms

Cause of pheochromocytoma is unknown
however some forms of this tumor runs in families like

a-Multiple endocrine neoplasia
type II (MEN-II). In addition to a pheochromocytoma
people with MEN-II also have thyroid cancer. Other forms of MEN-II include pheochromocytoma with thyroid cancer and hyperparathyroidism (MEN-IIA)
and pheochromocytoma with thyroid cancer and tumors of nerves in the eyes lips
mouth and digestive tract (MEN-IIB).
b-Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). Pheochromocytomas can occur in a small percentage of people with NF1
a syndrome that includes multiple tumors in the skin (neurofibromas)
pigmented skin spots
tumors of the optic nerve of the eye
and bone diseases.
c-Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. People with this rare multi system disorder are at high risk of pheochromocytoma brain eye and kidney tumors.

Most pheochromocytomas are benign tumors and they don't spread to other parts of body however some forms do show metastasis (spread) to other parts of body like lungs
bones and brains. Usually only one gland is involved however this tumor can be present in both adrenal glands.

Investigations:
Blood and Urine tests: We perform blood and urine tests to diagnose pheochromocytoma. 24 hr urine collection is tested for epinephrine
norepinephrine and dopamine. This test is called VMA. Idea is just to check level of epinephrine and its metabolites in urine. If these are detected in urine in excess quantity
then tumor is diagnosed.

Abdominal scan.
Now you have diagnosed tumor by blood and urine tests
after that to find out location of tumor
do Ultrasound
CT scan of abdomen.

Complications:
If high blood pressure remained uncontrolled it may lead to complications of heart failure
infarction
cerebrovascular accident
vision damage and kidney failure.

Treatment:
First treatment is to control high blood pressure with medication like Alpha Blockers and Beta Blockers. When epinephrine is secreted by this tumor it acts on alpha and beta receptors present on heart and blood vessels
result is vasoconstriction and increase heart rate. Now if if we take drugs like alpha blocker and beta blocker
epinephrine will be blocked by these drugs to act on these receptors so result is vasodilation and slow heart rate. Common Alpha blockers are Prazosin (Minipress)
Terazosin (Hytrin) Phenoxybenzamine( Dibenzaline). Common Beta Blockers are Atenolol(Tenormin)
Carvedilol(Carveda)
Metoprolol(Mepressor)
Inderal.

Treatment of choice for this tumor is Surgery. After removal of this gland by surgery
blood pressure becomes normal with a day. There are two types of surgeries. General and Laproscopic surgery. However Surgery is not an option for those tumors which show metastasis to other parts of body. For that we use chemotherapy and radiations.

Whenever you have high blood pressure with any symptom
don't ignore it
you may be the patient of Pheochromocytoma. Always contact your Doctor.

If you want to know more about Pheochromocytoma
visit our site highbloodpressuremed.com

You are now home from the hospital
and while the healing process is well underway
or you would not have been discharged
there are miles to go. There seem to be so many instructions to remember. You simply will not be up to much in the first few weeks
and in some cases
for several more. I won’t understate this. Yes
an upbeat approach by the hospital medical staff may have sent you waltzing home and it’s thrilling to be leaving the hospital
where you haven’t been permitted to sleep through the night. Yet you are returning home greatly fatigued
with a medications schedule to manage
possibly a tank of oxygen
and perhaps recurrent irregular heartbeats or other complications that remain unresolved. Now is the time to dedicate yourself to the hard work of recovery. Alternating rest and exercise
and above all patience with the physical and emotional trials ahead
is your assignment for the next several weeks.

You and your caregiver will mostly be on your own unless your particular situation requires a treatment plan that includes post-op visits from a home health care nurse. Even if that’s the case
now is the time to review any guidelines your hospital medical team has given you about what to be aware of.

If you have purchased the paperback or downloaded the e-book version of The Open Heart Companion: Preparation and Guidance for Open-Heart Surgery Recovery
from my website http://www.openheartcoach.com
it’s time to reread Chapter 5
“The Challenges You May Face.” This chapter provides detailed information not only on challenges that may arise in your recovery
but it also supplies solutions as well. For example
on the subject of feeling isolated: “This is the time to find other open-heart surgery survivors and their caregivers to talk to. Swap stories
share information
hear what other families have gone through. Just knowing that you are not alone as you go through your rehabilitation can lift the veil of isolation. There can be a tendency to hold one’s surgery and recovery experiences too privately
but not reaching out to others will only deprive you of receiving compassionate support. If you are feeling isolated
do yourself a favor: reach out to friends and family
and look for a heart surgery support group locally or online.” However
whenever in doubt about what you may be experiencing specifically
contact your designated medical liaison for professional diagnosis or medical attention. No question or concern is too trivial.

For most of us
there is a difficult recovery challenge from the time we leave the hospital until we are healed and strong enough to enroll in a local rehab program. That’s one of the reasons for my book
to bridge this gap as so little medical attention is focused on the recuperation period that lasts anywhere from four to eight weeks. We thought getting through surgery was the biggest hurdle. However
the hurdle is greater when we are home on our own with not much progress to report fast enough -- and without all those experts in the hospital to lean on.

Every recovery is different. If you’ve been told to expect improvement “two days forward
one day back
” you might be disappointed to experience instead only one good day (a period of energetic spunk) followed by two
three
or even four days of just plain feeling lousy. Even to meet the assignment of increasing your walking time from five minutes to ten minutes a day may feel like an insurmountable task at first. You may also be swinging in and out of temporary depression. (In my case
I wished the discharge nursing staff had emphasized the psychological challenges of recovery
not just the physical stresses.) Or
you may feel “off
” and think you might be coming down with a virus. That might be the case
but feeling off can be due to other things as well: you may have become anemic (as I did); you may be having an allergic reaction; sleep deprivation may have caught up with you—there are many possibilities. Know that everyone goes through discouragement
yet those who are informed to expect ups and downs will fare far better.

Recovery after surgery takes time. There’s often a feeling of “being all alone.” Because I
and dozens of patients and caregivers who were interviewed for The Open Heart Companion
have gone through open-heart surgery recovery ourselves
I offer the help you need via a free monthly phone support group
a newsletter specifically on recovery
a highly informational paperback (also available as an e-book)
and general practical tips. Stop by my site at http://www.openheartcoach.com to see how we can help you recover faster.

Heart disease is the leading killer of Americans. According to the American Heart Association
more than 13 million Americans are affected and
when diagnosing heart disease
using the best medical imaging technology available is crucial.

Until recently
diagnosing heart disease was difficult without a costly and invasive surgical procedure
especially for patients with little or no history of a heart condition.

But now
new medical imaging technology has vastly improved the area of computed tomography or CT scanning
which renders 3-D images of internal parts of the body
including the heart
brain and other organs
to make noninvasive diagnoses of heart disease and even stroke faster and more accurate.

As with most medical imaging procedures
image quality is key. If the scanned image does not clearly represent all the minute details
the diagnosis may not be as accurate. And today's latest CT technology allows doctors to not only see things they've never seen before
meaning patients are getting the most accurate diagnosis possible
but also conduct faster exams on critically ill patients who might find it difficult to remain still for long periods of time.

For instance
the new Toshiba Aquilion 32 CFX multislice CT system is currently the industry's finest resolution scanner available for cardiovascular imaging
producing 32 slices of detailed images as thin as .5 millimeters.

Using this new equipment
a detailed three-dimensional image is produced to allow doctors to see the heart from virtually any angle
which results in greater confidence in diagnosing heart diseases and abnormalities.

Inevitably
better diagnosis leads to better treatment. As we become more aware of the dangers of heart disease
we should also be aware of the medical technology available to our doctors. If you have the option of seeing a doctor with access to the latest medical imaging technology versus another doctor with access to dated technology
which one would you prefer?

You can be a better-informed patient. Ask your doctor about the quality of the imaging equipment on which you will be scanned.

Today
high blood pressure treatment emphasizes lifestyle as much as medicine. Approaches to lowering blood pressure may also involve using alternative medicines to supplement traditional medication.

In other words
sole reliance on drugs is now being replaced by more comprehensive methods of disease management.

One of the centerpieces of this approach is replacing a sedentary lifestyle with a more active one. Physical activity is very helpful in reducing hypertension.

Increasing levels of physical fitness has many benefits including bringing blood pressure closer to normal levels. Of course
taking up an exercise regimen should be done under medical supervision
particularly if the patient has been leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Exercise also cuts down on excess weight
which is another factor that pushes up blood pressure above normal levels. There is a strong correlation between obesity and hypertension and the latter can often be controlled by taking care of the former.

Stress is a big factor in most people's lives these days. And stress can contribute significantly to hypertension. Therefore contemporary treatment for hypertension includes making patients aware of the factors that contribute to stress levels.

They are also taught to manage these stress factors better. That includes managing the stress-causing situations better as well as managing the patients' internal reactions to the stress. The latter can include
among other things
yoga
meditation and relaxation exercises.

Many stressors cannot be eliminated
but may be successfully reduced. Both work and home related stress needs to be managed to help control high blood pressure.

A healthy diet is
of course
essential for hypertensive patients. They are advised to avoid excessive intake of dairy products and salt. Blood pressure can be controlled much more easily when diet is managed well.

Alcohol consumption needs to be moderated or eliminated. Now
there is some evidence that alcohol in small quantities can actually be beneficial to the body. However
continued excess consumption of alcohol puts considerable strain on many organs of the body including the heart. Part of the problem arises from the sheer bulk of alcohol
particularly if beer is consumed.

Foods like garlic and onions as well as some herbs have been found to contribute to lower blood pressure. Herbs that contain an amino acid called L-arginine are said to be useful for this purpose. Utilizing alternate medicine should be done only under adequate supervision.

There are also newer drugs to control high blood pressure
including calcium channel blockers. Some of these drugs effectively counteract side effects caused by medication.

High blood pressure treatment has evolved into a well-rounded approach that relies on more than just medication to handle the condition.

One of the more common treatments for high blood pressure are ACE inhibitors. When your kidneys detect low blood pressure
they release an enzyme called renin
which stimulates the formation of a protein called angiotensin I. Angiotensin I is then converted by the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the lungs to a very potent chemical called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a powerful blood vessel constrictor that causes muscles surrounding the blood vessels to contract
resulting in narrowing of the blood vessels. This narrowing of the vessels increases pressure in the vessels and can result in high blood pressure .

The ACE Inhibitors block the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme in the lungs so that angiotensin I is not converted into angiotensin II. This allows blood vessels to remain widened
which results in lowering of the blood pressure. ARBs block the action of angiotensin II itself
so that vessels dilate
making it easier for the heart to pump blood
and results in lower blood pressure .

The natural bioactive casein hydrolysate tripeptides in Melaleuca's ProStolic™ act as a natural blocker to the formation of angiotensin II. Also included in this proprietary blend is pomegranate juice powder
which inhibits activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme as well. A third ingredient is passionflower extract. Although researchers don't know exactly how passionflower works
they believe that flavonoid and alkaloid compounds in the plant regulate the neurotransmitters in your nervous system that reduce anxiety. One of these flavonoids in particular
chrysin
helps to calm your central nervous system and lower your blood pressure.

Combined with the proprietary blend of tripeptides
pomegranate juice powder and passion flower extract
ProStolic™ also contains potassium and calcium to provide a well-rounded natural remedy to help promote healthy blood flow and naturally maintain healthy blood pressure
but without the side effects so common with medications.

Tripeptides are formed when milk casein is broken down into smaller pieces. Several different peptides have been studied
but a significant amount of research has determined that the tripeptides Isoleucine-Proline-Proline (IPP) and Valine-Proline-Proline (VPP) have the most supportive evidence for their efficacy
safety and bioavailability The natural bioactive hydrolyzed casein (a combination of tripeptides IPP and VPP) is an active ingredient included in the proprietary blend in Melaleuca's ProStolic™. These tripeptides are derived from nonfat milk casein
and have been clinically proven to help maintain healthy blood pressure. Most studies show that blood pressure is lower after 2 weeks of daily consumption of IPP and VPP
and reach a stable level after 4-6 weeks.

Like the mechanism of action of the commonly prescribed ACE Inhibitors
the natural action of tripeptides block the formation of Angiotensin II
which normally causes the blood vessels to narrow. But that's where the similarity ends. Studies show that IPP and VPP tripeptides accomplish the blockage of Angiotensin II without the side effects so common in ACE and ARB medications. In 2001
an 8-week placebo-controlled
double-blind study was conducted on 30 people with mild or moderate hypertension. Results of the study showed a significant decrease in blood pressure of IPP and VPP test subjects
but no change was seen in the placebo group. In addition
no adverse reactions such as dry cough
digestive tract symptoms or abnormal changes were observed.

Over 20 human clinical trials have been conducted with the IPP and VPP peptides over the past 10 years and more than 10 double-blind clinical studies have been conducted on the particular formulation of tripeptides used in Melaleuca's proprietary blend. A 1996 placebo-controlled study on the blood pressure of 30 elderly hypertensive patients
most of whom were taking antihypertensive medication
showed a significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure after 4 and 8 weeks
but no significant changes were observed in the placebo group.

A British Journal of Nutrition article reported a single blinded
placebo controlled study of 131 people with high-normal blood pressure or mild hypertension to determine the efficacy of hydrolyzed casein containing IPP and VPP in reducing blood pressure. The authors concluded that these peptides could assist in the prevention of hypertension in people with blood pressure that is above normal.

Melaleuca's Prostolic also contains other natural hypertension treatments including pomegranate juice
passion flower
potassium and calcium. All the benefits of these natural ingredients will be discussed in Natural Therapy for Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure Part 3.

Mitral Valve allows blood to flow in one direction from the atrium (upper chamber) to the ventricle (lower chamber). It is one of the four valves separating different chambers of the heart. Mitral valve causes problem if it doesn’t open and close as per its functionality.

It causes blood to leak backwards into the upper chamber of the heart
leading to a 'heart murmur'. This is called as Mitral Valve Prolapse. The functioning of your heart is normal at this point of time. This does not worsen over a period of time
but is one of the main reasons for cardiac problems.

Mitral valve prolapse is very common among women although men are targeted too. It can strike in early adulthood. It is considered to be a hereditary problem. Mitral Valve Prolapse syndrome is also called as dysautonomia.

One of the main reasons which cause an increase in mitral valve prolapse syndrome is stress. The cause of stress can be due to childbirth
drastic events
and life turning experiences and day to day stress in life. Nearly 60% of the patients with MVP do not show symptoms. The other 40% does show some sign
which you should be aware of.

Some Signs and Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome

-Irregular Heartbeat
-Fatigue
-Chest Pain
-Racing Heart
-Dizziness
-Headaches
-Shortness of Breath
-Palpitation
-Anxiety

Causes of Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome

-Hereditary
-Stress
-Caffeine
-Stimulants
-Sweets
-Alcohol
-Smoking
-Menopause
-Skipping Meals
-Dehydration

Measures to be taken

Complications in this condition are very less. Attributable to the fact
that it does not affect much of your health. But people who suffer from this condition have to take extreme care. You may have to cut down on your physical activity
have a surgery and may be put you on medications - beta blockers.

You may have to follow a strict diet routine. Do not have any stimulants in your diet like coffee
tea
colas and even chocolates. Intake of sugar should come down. Have high-protein snack for afternoons. Drink as much water as you want. Fresh fruit juice is also good.

Regular exercise is good to maintain good health. Do not exert yourself. You should consult your doctor before doing any physical activity. Being aware about your condition would help you from any bacterial infection from any kind of surgery. Inform your doctors in advance about your condition
to avoid complication.

Home Care

Cinnamon helps in reducing high cholesterol and triglycerides. These can be used in your daily diet.

Flax seed oil contributes with good amounts of omega 3 fatty acids. This helps your cardiovascular system by reducing bad cholesterol including lowering blood pressure.

Hawthorn Berries helps with a clean and clear cardiovascular system. It is very good for your heart.

When the pressure of the blood that is exerted against the walls of the blood vessels after and during every heart beat is lower than normal
you have low blood pressure. This can result in insufficient blood flow to the important body organs like the heart and the brain. And this can lead to various low blood pressure symptoms.

You may detect low blood pressure symptoms during the use of various drugs such as those used for surgery
anti-anxiety agents
treatment for high blood pressure
diuretics
heart medicines
antidepressants
narcotics
alcohol
and other types of drugs. You may notice the low blood pressure symptoms also because of dehydration
heart failure
or heart attack
anaphylaxis
shock
diabetes (especially in advanced stage)
etc.

The most common low blood pressure symptoms are dizziness and lightheartedness. But there are other low blood pressure symptoms
and they are: a tendency to faint
black or maroon stools
chest pain
wheezing
irregular heart beat
consistent high fever
head ache
back pain
or stiff neck. If you happen to spot any of the low blood pressure symptoms
it is recommended that you consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Because of low blood pressure not enough blood reaches to all parts of the body and thus the cells do not receive the correct amount of oxygen and nutrients. Therefore
the waste products in the blood are not removed.

Don’t overlook the risk of low blood pressure if you cough with phlegm or if you are suffering from prolonged diarrhea
or if you are unable to eat or drink
or if you experience burning urinary symptoms or even if you are taking new medicines
because all these are low blood pressure symptoms.

When you start experiencing low blood pressure symptoms remember that the brain is the first organ to malfunction in such situations because it’s located at the top of the body and as a result you will experience dizziness or even fainting. You should be aware that if you don’t treat low blood pressure seriously it might lead to brain damage.

When you have low blood pressure
blood is not adequately supplied to the heart muscles and therefore breathlessness and chest tightness forms one of the common low blood pressure symptoms. When you have prolonged low blood pressure all organs start malfunctioning and this leads to shock.

You must take precautionary measures to avoid the situation from getting worse when you have low blood pressure and you must take your doctor’s advice. You must try to be more physically active and must try to lose weight. You should also maintain a healthy diet and limit your alcohol intake. All these will help you to keep your low blood pressure symptoms under control.

In spite of all the harmful aspects of low blood pressure
researchers say that it is better than high blood pressure because people experiencing low blood pressure symptoms tend to live longer than people suffering from high blood pressure symptoms do.

If you suspect you are suffering with low blood pressure you should consult your primary care physician straight away.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart does not pump the blood through the body properly. When the blood is not properly pumped throughout the body
the oxygen that the blood carries is not appropriately dispersed to the muscles and other places that require oxygen. At this time in medical technology
Congestive Heart Failure is not curable. However there are medical treatments for the condition and adhering to these treatments helps patients with CHF to live as comfortably and as normally as possible. There are ways to cope with CHF.

First
when a patient is diagnosed with CHF
he or she needs to find a heart specialist that he or she goes to regularly. The patient also needs a regular practitioner to be able to keep on top of prescriptions and other things. Certain medications will be prescribed and one of the best things that a CHF patient can do is to take medications on time regularly and in the correct amounts. Another thing that will help your doctor determine the right combination of medications for you is to record when you take your medications and how you feel after taking your medications. If a certain medicine is causing side affects
your doctor might possibly be able to prescribe a substitute for that particular medication.

Another important aspect of keeping a relatively healthy and comfortable lifestyle is diet. Most patients are placed on a restrictive diet. Many are required to eat heart-healthy low-fat
low-sodium diet. In most cases
2
g of sodium is the daily limit. Excessive sodium in a diet may cause water retention
making it difficult to breathe. Since CHF already causes problems with water retention
it is helpful to retain as little water with diet as possible. Another thing that causes water retention is drinking excessive liquids. This is another thing the doctor may limit.

Besides medicine and adjusted diet
exercise is a way to cope with Congestive Heart Failure. Many people with CHF think that physical activity will harm them. However
though strenuous activity is not be appropriate
light to moderate activity can be healthy when done carefully.

Another way to cope and live comfortably with Congestive Heart Failure is to make sure you reduce stress as much as possible. Stress has a very negative effect on your heart and as a result
has a negative effect on the functions of your body. Any worry or burden that your family
friends
or caregivers can take from your shoulders is a positive action toward relieving your stress.

Obviously health risks such as smoking should be ceased. The use of nicotine uses up precious available oxygen in the system and therefore should be stopped to allow as much oxygen as possible to exist in the body.

One last thing to remember is to watch physical symptoms. Always record how you feel and make sure you tell your doctor of the slightest change in the way you feel. Listen to the signs your body is giving you in order to stay on top of your condition. Remember
CHF is a condition that can be coped with and treated
but you must alter your lifestyle to get the best quality out of your life.

When it comes to health and the dignostic instruments and tools that are required to service health
the factors of quality
precision and accuracy are of the highest priority.

For the medical doctor or nurse
nothing is more relevant and useful than the use of the stethoscope. Ask any doctor or health professional
and he would most likely be using a littman stethoscope.

It was in 1963 that the Harvard Medical School Professor David Littmann
a renowned cardiologist
invented a stethoscope which would revolutionize the world of medical auscultation.

Named after him
this invention continued to improve and develop
resulting in a highly acclaimed stethoscope named aptly
the 3M Littmann Cardiology Stethoscope.

This stethoscope is uniquely equipped to help the medical doctor pick up difficult-to-hear heart
lung and other body sounds admist distracting noises.

Using
the 3Mดs new Ambient Noise Reduction technology
it is possible to now reduce distracting room noise by an average of 75% (- 12 decibels) over the bell and diaphragm operating range. This is convincingly the most important feature of the littman stethoscope.

Apart from this
the new tunable diaphragm technology used in Littman Stethoscopes
allows the health practitioner to alter the pressure on the chest piece in order to change from bell mode to diaphragm mode and vice-versa. This makes it very versatile for adaptive use.

As a result
the technology has led to a whole new line of Littmann stethoscopes including the electronic Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope for infant
pediatric
and veterinary disciplines.

The Littmann stethoscopes are among the most popular stethoscopes for cardiologists where Littman stethoscopes like Littman cardiology III
Littmann cardiology STC
and Littmann Master classic II are used for both adult and pediatric auscultation.

One particular innovation is that the stethoscope carries a large side of the diaphragm and a small side diaphragm. The large side of the diaphragm is for adults and the small side is specially designed for sound with pediatric patients or extremely thin adult patients. This makes it a truly versatile tool for the doctor or nurse or cardiologist.

In addition to the standard adult size
Littman offers a one-inch pediatric bell and the infant bell.

As nurses form the bedrock of the health system and require stethoscopes
they are not left behind. There are active online nursing forum communities where nurses from around the world discuss and share information about the use of medical and nursing tools such as the nursing littmann stethoscope
and there is a nurses' kit including a littman stethoscope for members at special price.

The next time we see a doctor with a stethoscope
the chances are that he is using a littman stethoscope
and we can be grateful to the efforts of the brillant cardiologist Professor David Littmann.

You can protect yourself from stroke. That's just as well
considering every 45 seconds
someone in the U.S. has one. It kills about 160
0
people a year
mostly women; annually
about 40
0
more women than men have strokes and over 60 percent of all stroke deaths occur in women.

It's important to know the risk factors
some of which are preventable and controllable
and to recognize the symptoms so that many of the serious side effects can be avoided.

Blood Pressure: According to the American Heart Association
high blood pressure is the number one controllable risk factor for stroke. Family history and obesity factor in developing high blood pressure and women who take birth control pills or have reached menopause are at higher risk. A healthy lifestyle helps but for many
medications are required.

Cholesterol: High levels of "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol raise the risk of heart disease and stroke; high levels of "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol lower it. Studies show women's cholesterol is higher than men's from age 45 on and that low levels of HDL cholesterol seem to be a stronger risk factor for women.

Diabetes: Diabetes is associated with high blood pressure and interferes with the ability to break down clots
increasing the risk of ischemic stroke. Lifestyle modifications and medications can help.

Diet and Exercise: Thirty minutes a day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can help prevent heart and blood vessel disease and control blood cholesterol
diabetes and obesity
as well as lower blood pressure. People with excess body fat-especially around the waist-are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke. Eat healthy foods low in saturated fat
cholesterol and sodium.

Smoking and Drinking: Smokers and those exposed to smoke daily are at a greater risk for stroke. Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to high blood pressure.

Stroke Symptoms: It's vital to recognize the symptoms of stroke and to seek help immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to preventing debilitating and long-lasting effects. Symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness of the face
arm or leg
especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion
trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking
dizziness
loss of balance or coordination
or a sudden
severe headache with no known cause.

Lisa Chavis

We all know that keeping up with our heart health is an important thing to do. We all know that there are a wide variety of factors that cause heart problems
and we should know by now that there are some basic ways to help protect the health of our hearts. What many people do not realize
however
is that keys to their heart health may be different than keys to the heart health of others.

There are almost as many strategies and tips for having good heart health as there are people with hearts in the world. It is important that each person takes the time to learn about his or her own heart health and to learn about the possible methods of ensuring heart health for years to come.

One of the best ways for anyone to become familiar with the needs of their heart is to see a physician. Schedule a visit to see your doctor and plan to discuss your heart health with him or her. If you can think of any questions or concerns you have regarding your heart health
write them down and bring them along. It will also be very helpful if you have a record of your extended family's heart health history. It is likely that your physician will want to discuss more than just your own heart health. He or she will want to look for patterns or trends that have affected other people you're related to.

A physician can help you determine not only the current health of your heart
but also give you a better understanding of specific things you can do to help prevent heart attack or heart disease. For some people
the most significant factor in achieving and maintaining heart health is to change their diet. The foods we choose to put into our bodies affect our heart health in more ways than we know. Eating large amounts of sugar
carbohydrates or processed foods will eventually take their toll on our heart health. Your physician can set you up with a dietician who specializes in creating unique diet plans that promote heart health.

For other people
it is their exercise and physical fitness habits that a physician will address. Heart health can be significantly altered based upon a person's level of exercise. Your physician will be able to help you create a fitness plan that will be effective for you and your heart health needs.

It is never too late to take your heart health seriously. Make an appointment to see your physician today.

Before you start wasting hours upon hours on those boring treadmills
stationary bikes
and elliptical machines
let's examine if low-moderate intensity
long duration cardio exercise is really doing your body any good
or if it is mostly a waste of time. I hope you will concede upon finishing this article that there is a better way to get in great shape
and it doesn't have to involve endless hours on boring cardio machines.

It is common to hear fitness professionals and medical doctors prescribe low to moderate intensity aerobic training (cardio) to people who are trying to prevent heart disease or lose weight. Most often
the recommendations constitute something along the lines of "perform 30-60 minutes of steady pace cardio 3-5 times per week maintaining your heart rate at a moderate level". Before you just give in to this popular belief and become the "hamster on the wheel" doing endless hours of boring cardio
I'd like you to consider some recent scientific research that indicates that steady pace endurance cardio work may not be all it's cracked up to be.

First
realize that our bodies are designed to perform physical activity in bursts of exertion followed by recovery
or stop-and-go movement instead of steady state movement. Recent research is suggesting that physical variability is one of the most important aspects to consider in your training. This tendency can be seen throughout nature as all animals demonstrate stop-and-go motion instead of steady state motion. In fact
humans are the only creatures in nature that attempt to do "endurance" type physical activities.

Most competitive sports (with the exception of endurance running or cycling) are also based on stop-and-go movement or short bursts of exertion followed by recovery. To examine an example of the different effects of endurance or steady state training versus stop-and-go training
consider the physiques of marathoners versus sprinters. Most sprinters carry a physique that is very lean
muscular
and powerful looking
while the typical dedicated marathoner is more often emaciated and sickly looking. Now which would you rather resemble?

Another factor to keep in mind regarding the benefits of physical variability is the internal effect of various forms of exercise on our body. Scientists have known that excessive steady state endurance exercise (different for everyone
but sometimes defined as greater than 60 minutes per session most days of the week) increases free radical production in the body
can degenerate joints
reduces immune function
causes muscle wasting
and can cause a pro-inflammatory response in the body that can potentially lead to chronic diseases. On the other hand
highly variable cyclic training has been linked to increased anti-oxidant production in the body and an anti-inflammatory response
a more efficient nitric oxide response (which can encourage a healthy cardiovascular system)
and an increased metabolic rate response (which can assist with weight loss).

Furthermore
steady state endurance training only trains the heart at one specific heart rate range and doesn't train it to respond to various every day stressors. On the other hand
highly variable cyclic training teaches the heart to respond to and recover from a variety of demands making it less likely to fail when you need it. Think about it this way -- Exercise that trains your heart to rapidly increase and rapidly decrease will make your heart more capable of handling everyday stress. Stress can cause your blood pressure and heart rate to increase rapidly. Steady state jogging and other endurance training does not train your heart to be able to handle rapid changes in heart rate or blood pressure.

For example
lets say you jog trying to maintain the same pace for a good 45-minute run. As long as you didn't encounter any big hills along the way
you probably maintained approximately the same heart rate the entire time - let's say it was 135 beats/minute. Now
let's contrast that with a much more effective workout of doing 20 minutes of alternating all-out wind sprints with walking for a minute or two in between sprints to recover. With this more effective workout
you're rapidly changing your heart rate up and down on a much larger scale
forcing it to grow stronger to be able to handle varied demands. Your heart rate would probably alternate from 110-115 during the recovery walks all the way up to 160 bpm or more during the sprints. This doesn't mean that sprints are the only way to take advantage of this style of training. Any style of training that incorporates highly variable intensity will give you these improved results.

The important aspect of variable cyclic training that makes it superior over steady state cardio is the recovery period in between bursts of exertion. That recovery period is crucially important for the body to elicit a healthy response to an exercise stimulus. Another benefit of variable cyclic training is that it is much more interesting and has lower drop-out rates than long boring steady state cardio programs.

To summarize
some of the potential benefits of variable cyclic training compared to steady state endurance training are as follows: improved cardiovascular health
increased anti-oxidant protection
improved immune function
reduced risk for joint wear and tear
reduced muscle wasting
increased residual metabolic rate following exercise
and an increased capacity for the heart to handle life's every day stressors. There are many ways you can reap the benefits of stop-and-go or variable intensity physical training.

In addition to the previously mentioned wind sprints
most competitive sports such as football
basketball
racquetball
tennis
hockey
etc. are naturally comprised of highly variable stop-and-go motion. In addition
weight training naturally incorporates short bursts of exertion followed by recovery periods. High intensity interval training (varying between high and low intensity intervals on any piece of cardio equipment) is yet another training method that utilizes exertion and recovery periods. For example
an interval training session on the treadmill could look something like this:

Warm-up for 3-4 minutes at a fast walk or light jog;
Interval 1 - run at 8.0 mi/hr for 1 minute;
Interval 2 - walk at 4.0 mi/hr for 1.5 minutes;
Interval 3 - run at 10.0 mi/hr for 1 minute;
Interval 4 - walk at 4.0 mi/hr for 1.5 minutes;
Repeat those 4 intervals 4 times for a very intense 20-minute workout.

The take-away message from this article is to try to train your body at highly variable intensity rates for the majority of your workouts to get the most beneficial response in terms of heart health
fat loss
and a strong
lean body.

One of the most natural things that an individual does every day is to walk. For years
this single act has been linked to improving cardiovascular health. The reason is because
generally
walking is a safe movement that isn’t likely to cause injury. New studies have shown that walking is also a terrific way to improve your mood. The next time you are feeling a little blue
there may be a way to walk it off - literally.

A recent study paired individuals into groups
one of which spent 30 minutes on a treadmill and the other that participated in 30 minutes of rest. Each group’s progress was monitored throughout the treatment with a conclusion that both groups reported having less negative feelings at the end of the study
along with less stress and tension. The difference
however
was found when the group that spent 30 minutes walking also noted an overall improvement in well-being.

While the study further proves the theory that walking is good for mental health
as well as physical
it also lends credence to the theory that people who walk feel better overall. It also proves that an individual does not have to be outside in order to enjoy the benefits of walking. This simple exercise can be achieved with a treadmill or by simply walking in place while tuning into a favorite movie or television show.

Anyone who has been diagnosed as having clinical depression or other illnesses should not ignore
or disregard
his/her medical treatment program. Walking is simply a way to sometimes add further improvement to certain conditions. A simple 30 minute walk can benefit an individual’s mood
improve cardiovascular health and combat obesity all at the same time. In order to be effective
many people find that a daily walking schedule will help to keep them motivated and improve their spirits. In addition
a regular schedule will ensure that there is a time set aside for a walk. It’s very easy to think
“I’ll get around to it later
” but something more often than not will distract individuals away from exercise unless they have a certain schedule that is followed every day.

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as
or used in place of
medical advice or professional recommendations for an exercise regimen. Every individual should consult his/her physician prior to beginning any program consisting of diet and/or exercise.

Every minute
someone in the United States has a stroke. Of the 700
0
victims each year
one-third die
and another third suffer permanent paralysis
loss of speech or memory lapses.

The best way to minimize the effects of a stroke is to know the warning signs so the stroke victim can get immediate treatment. Warning signs include sudden weakness or numbness
specifically on one side of the body; dizziness or loss of coordination; sudden headache or nausea; confusion or difficulty speaking; and vision loss.

Are you at risk for a stroke? Making healthy lifestyle changes
like lowering blood pressure and not smoking
can help reduce your risk of stroke. Other risk factors include:

* Age. Chances of having a stroke more than doubles each decade after age 55.

* Gender. More women die of strokes than men.

* Race and heredity. Chances of stroke are greater with a family history of stroke. African-Americans and Hispanics are at higher risk for stroke than Caucasians.

* Sickle cell anemia. Sickled red blood cells are less able to carry oxygen to the body's tissues and organs. They also can stick to the walls of the blood vessels
which can block arteries to the brain
causing a stroke.

Upon experiencing stroke symptoms
individuals should immediately seek medical attention. Patients attended to within hours of a stroke have a much higher chance of effectively being diagnosed and treated.

Hospitals and trauma centers are equipped with sophisticated medical imaging equipment
like Toshiba's Aquilion line of computed tomography scanners and the new Vantage magnetic resonance imaging system
which can help to quickly and accurately diagnose a stroke and assist in the proper treatment plan.

With this new equipment
physicians are able to locate and view the blockage in the arteries and then determine whether the treatment should be invasive or noninvasive. Typically
the location of the blockage dictates the course of treatment.

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted on the arteries. Blood pressure can differ from person to person. When your blood pressure is measured it is expressed in two numbers such as 120/80.The figure on the top denotes the pressure when the heart is pumping blood and its muscle is contracted. If your blood pressure is measured as 140/90
then you are a patient of hypertension or high blood pressure and therefore you need to reduce your blood pressure level. However
you should be aware that blood pressure rises with age and so as you grow older you should keep a check on your blood pressure and reduce blood pressure if it is above the normal blood pressure level.

Reducing blood pressure to normal levels helps reduce the risk of serious health problems like heart or kidney disorders. You can reduce blood pressure in several ways. Firstly
if you are overweight
you should aim to reduce your weight to within the guidelines for your height
body structure
and age. BMI
or Body Mass Index
is the best way to decide what is the ideal weight for you. This measure takes into account your height and weight.

However
don’t start a crash diet
as this can create further problems for your body. Reduce your weight slowly through eating a sensible diet and doing some form of exercise. Exercise will help you shift unwanted pounds and will also plays a positive role in reducing high blood pressure. Try to incorporate exercise into your daily regime
start easily with walking and build up ton include more aerobic exercises.

To further reduce blood pressure
reduce your intake of salty foods and avoid or cut down on alcohol. Including foods rich in calcium and potassium
as well as fish oils and magnesium can help reduce high blood pressure.

You have to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to control your blood pressure. Some of the important and essential tips are following a healthy diet with low salt and sodium
maintaining healthy weight
and being active physically
limiting alcohol intake and putting a stop to smoking.

It is very important to keep your blood pressure level normal or reduce blood pressure if it rises because high blood pressure can cause severe health problems and damage the body. One of the important revelations in regards to reducing blood pressure is intake of sesame oil. Using sesame oil instead of other edible oil helps in reducing blood pressure or lowering blood pressure. Sesame oil contains approximately 43 percent polyunsaturated fatty acids
which has an impact on the blood pressure and contributes to reducing blood pressure

Although lifestyle changes helps in reducing blood pressure they are not usually enough. It is important to continue taking any medication prescribed by your doctor. Therefore
a healthy lifestyle along with medications can reduce blood pressure.

If you are suffering with High Blood Pressure
you should first consult your primary care physician before taking other steps.

Jogging is not only one of the best ways to burn fat and lose weight; it also makes your heart and lungs stronger. You can jog almost anywhere and just about any time you want
making it very convenient to do. This is why there are so many people who do it.

The trouble that most people have in the beginning is not knowing how to get started properly and they usually end up doing it wrong. This has prompted scores of people to quit doing it before it has had enough time to do them any good.

Let’s take a look at some things that may make it a little easier to get started on a jogging routine without running yourself into the ground.

The first and probably the most common mistake people make when starting a jogging routine is that they start out too fast. They go out and pace themselves much to fast and end up huffing and puffing out of breath after 5 or 10 minutes. This is an instant recipe for failure and many people quit within a few days.

Some people who are a little more resilient may keep going for a while thinking that if they just stay with it long enough
it will start to get easier. Usually what happens is it gets harder because even though they might be getting in better condition
they continue to push harder along the way so it seems that there is no progress.

When you are about to set out on a jogging routine
the best thing you can do is buy a heart rate monitor before you ever jog your first step. With one of these
you can set up a pace that is comfortable for you and you can keep within that level throughout your jog. This means that you will not have to “guess” about the pace and you will not have to feel like your lungs are on fire when you are finished.

The key here is to always jog between 50% and 70% of your maximal heart rate. This is easy to do with a heart rate monitor because you can keep a close check on your heart rate as you go. You can speed your pace up if it goes a little low
and slow down if it goes a little high. You can even slow to a walking pace if your heart rate goes too high
and resume a jogging pace once it goes below 50%.

The way for you to know where your heart rate should be to be between 50% and 70% is by using this formula:

Subtract your age from 220. This will be your maximal heart rate. Now
simply multiply this by .50 and .70 and that will give you your targeted heart zone. Below is an example of this formula.

Say you are age 40

220 minus 40 equals 180

180 times .50 equals 90

180 times .70 equals 126

By looking at this example
you can see that if you are 40 years old
you would keep your heart rate between 90 and 126 while doing your jog.

The fact is
you do not need to go fast to get benefits from jogging
it is how long you are moving that counts. It is more beneficial to cover a mile in say
15
minutes than to cover it in 7 minutes and then be exhausted.

If you stay within the limits of your heart rate capabilities
you will begin to add more time and miles to your jog as you go and jogging will become something you look forward to instead of something you dread doing.

Stop smoking. Not only will this help keep your blood pressure in line
you'll also diminish your risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Smoking is main risk factor for atherosclerosis.Smoking injures blood vessel walls and speeds up the process of hardening of the arteries. So even though it does not cause high blood pressure
smoking is bad for anyone
especially those with high blood pressure. If you smoke
quit. If you don't smoke
don't start. Once you quit
your risk of having a heart attack is reduced after the first year. So you have a lot to gain by quitting.

Weight Reduction. Obese patients should lose weight.There's a direct link between being overweight and having high blood pressure. The more overweight you are
the greater the risk. Start by making small changes. Cut 200 to 300 calories from your diet each day — about the equivalent of saying "no" to two chocolate chip cookies.

Decrease salt intake. High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure. You should consume no more than 2
0
milligrams of sodium per day (about one teaspoon of salt). The average American consumes twice that
often through canned soups
frozen dinners
soy sauce
pickles
olives and processed cheeses
which are loaded with sodium. Read food labels and select reduced-sodium products. Try to select food with low salt.

Add more fruits
vegetables and low-fat dairy products to your plate. Eat one additional fruit or vegetable with every meal. Shrink the size of your daily meat intake to six ounces
and designate at least two dinners a week as meat-free. Fatty diets do not directly affect blood pressure. However
saturated fats and cholesterol in foods raise blood cholesterol
which increases the risk for heart disease. Foods high in fats also are high in calories
which must be reduced if you need to lose weight. Like smoking high cholestrol is also a major risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Limit alcohol consumption. Drink no more than one 12-ounce beer
one 5-ounce glass of wine or one swallow (1.5 ounces) of 80-proof whiskey if you’re a woman. Men can double these amounts. Anything more elevates blood pressure. You can reduce your blood pressure by 5-10 mmHg by just restricting Alcohol intake.

Exercise. First
get the green light from your physician. Then
slowly introduce aerobic exercise into your life
increasing the time and intensity at a pace that feels right
aiming for at least a 30-minute workout most days of the week. Young people should jog for 30 minutes three times per week and elderly patients should walk longer distances than usual.

Decrease Stress and Anxiety: Yes stress and anxiety also play role in high blood presure.If You want your blood pressure with in normal limits
try your self to get happy all times. Try extra curricular activities to make your mind stress free. Stress can make blood pressure go up for a while
and it has been thought to contribute to high blood pressure. But the long-term effects of stress are as yet unclear. Stress management techniques do not seem to prevent high blood pressure. However
such techniques may have other benefits
such as making you feel better or helping you to control over-eating.

Caffeine and Blood Pressure: Caffeine in coffee as well as in other drinks
such as tea and sodas
only raises blood pressure temporarily. So you should be able to continue to have drinks that contain caffeine
unless you are sensitive to it or have heart disease and your doctor tells you not to have any.

Eat adequate amounts of potassium-rich foods. Potassium
another mineral essential to good health
works in concert with sodium to regulate blood pressure. Studies have shown that people who consume more potassium have lower blood pressures than those who consume less. Rich sources of potassium include many fruits
such as cantaloupe
bananas
watermelon
oranges and orange juice
as well as potatoes
spinach
and zucchini. (Important note: if taking medication for high blood pressure
such as diuretics
consult a doctor before using salt substitutes that contain high amounts of potassium.

If you want to know more about Lowering High Blood Pressure naturally Visit our website.

There are many varieties and types of home blood pressure monitors (HBPM). Purchasing a blood pressure monitor is a great way to keep track of your blood pressure; however
choosing one can be confusing. The choice is personal and usually based on::Accuracy
Ease of use
Cost
Type of cuff
Memory and printing options. It is important to choose one you are comfortable with. This article will give you some tips and information to choose best BP monitor for you.

Home blood pressure monitors are basically of 3 types
Mercury column
aneroid and Digital Blood pressure monitors.

Mercury HBPMs:
Seen in Doctor's Office. They are the most accurate
yet most difficult to use. They use a stethoscope to detect the sounds in the arteries.

Aneroid HPBMs-
are the second most reliable. Aneroid monitors range in price from about $20 to $30. These also require using a stethoscope – which is included in this particular model. They are lightweight
portable
and affordable. Experts from the American Society of Hypertension recommend this type and say that these are the most inexpensive monitors and little can go wrong with them. Aneroid models can be difficult to use
and may require training by a doctor or health worker. Moreover
using these requires good hearing and eyesight and may not be the best choice for elderly or disabled persons. For these reasons
aneroid HBPMs are generally less popular than digital monitors.

Digital HBPMs:
These machines are less accurate
yet they are the easiest to use. They are a good option for people who are hard of hearing or have poor eyesight. If you use it properly
it is best choice for anyone.

Also it is important to consider cuff while purchasing HBPMs. Cuffs are of three types. Arm
wrist and finger cuffs. Arm cuffs are the most accurate. Finger and wrist cuffs are only recommended for those who cannot wear them on the arm. An improperly fitted arm cuff will give a false reading. This is the most frequent reason for incorrect blood pressure readings. To determine your cuff size
measure around the midpoint of your upper arm. If it is
Less than 31 cm (12.2 in)
buy a regular-size cuff
Between 31 and 40 cm (15.7 in)
buy a large-size cuff

Cuffs must be inflated to measure blood pressure- they include those that must be inflated manually
semi-automatic devices
or auto inflate devices.

Following are some tips when you purchase blood pressure monitor.

Display Size - Is a standard or an oversized LCD read-out needed. Try to take that with normal size.
Power Supply - Battery powered or AC adapter. If you travel the battery powered unit is your best choice.
Memory Features - Some models remember the last reading or multiple readings. There are also models that have a PC link. Better to choose that has a memory of atleast one month BP monitoring.
Printing options- Some monitors also have printing options to keep your record safe
Cuff Sizes - Large and small arm cuffs are available for some units. The size of the cuff on a blood pressure monitor may be the most important to get an accurate reading. So always use cuff which is not too small and not too large.
Cost - Cost may be the most important factor. Remember to do as much research as possible. The more expensive models may not always be as good as the cheaper ones
Accuracy - Readings on some wrist and finger units may not be as accurate as an arm unit depending on the individual.
Ease of Use - Depends on personal preference. People with certain disabilities may find one unit easier to use than another.
Length of Warranty - Warranties vary from one to three years. Check your unit regularly to make sure everything runs smoothly and accurately.

Dr Armughan
Author of this article
read more about choosing Home Blood Pressure monitor