SMS HOLISTIC CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE
14 Glen Cove Road
Roslyn Heights, N.Y. 11577
523 Townline Road
Hauppauge, N.Y. 111788

(516) 484-0776
SMS Holistic Chiropractic Office

Health Clue: Heart Concerns to Look For
© 2015 Health Realizations, Inc. Update

 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 26 percent of deaths each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Further, each year 785,000 Americans will have a first heart attack, while another 470,000 will have a second (or third, fourth, etc.) attack.

heart

Shortness of breath during exercise or activity (or even while at rest) is a common warning sign of heart disease.

Needless to say, a staggering number of people are being affected by this disease, to the tune of over $316 billion in costs for health care services, medications and lost productivity. Of course, if you suffer from heart disease or a heart attack, the impact on your life can take a toll that's much greater than that, in the form of serious disability or even death.

Knowing the warning signs for heart disease is essential for all Americans, as the sooner you notice there may be a problem, the sooner you can take steps to fix it.

3 EARLY Heart Disease Warnings Signs to be Aware Of

1. Erectile Dysfunction

In men, erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an early warning sign of heart disease. In fact, about two-thirds of men with erectile dysfunction will go on to develop heart disease, typically within two to three years. A heart attack or stroke can occur within three to five years of the onset of ED, according to a review in the International Journal of Clinical Practice.

Researcher Graham Jackson, MD, a cardiologist at London Bridge Hospital in London, told WebMD:

"Erectile dysfunction can be an early marker of coronary disease which is asymptomatic, so it could predict a cardiac event in the next two to five years. Erectile dysfunction may be associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and all the other risk factors for a coronary event [that] may not have been detected, but erectile dysfunction gives us a chance to find risk factors and treat before they become a major problem."

2. Diagonal Crease in Earlobe

A study by the National Institutes of Health found that this is linked to an increased risk of heart attack, as it may signal blocked circulation throughout your body. If you notice this sign, contact your doctor for a heart health checkup.

heart

Male pattern baldness and erectile dysfunction are two warning signs of potential heart disease. If you experience either of these conditions, talk to your doctor about receiving a heart health checkup right away.

3. Male Pattern Baldness

Hair loss in the crown of the head is associated with a higher risk of heart attack, chest pain and coronary artery problems, especially if high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are also present. This may be due to fluctuations in hormone levels or problems with circulation in both the hair follicles and heart.

16 Signs of More Imminent Heart Disease and Heart Attack

Often heart disease poses no warning signs whatsoever ... until a heart attack occurs. This is why it's really important to take steps to keep your heart healthy even if you don't have any signs or symptoms.

That said, in some cases heart disease does illicit warning signs, which can be quite varied depending on the type of heart disease present. These include:

  • Chest pain or pain that spreads to shoulders, neck, arms or jaw
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms
  • Irregular heartbeats that feel rapid, racing, pounding or fluttering
  • A slow heartbeat
  • Lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting or near fainting
  • Easily becoming short of breath during exercise or activity, or even at rest
  • Built-up fluid in the heart or lungs
  • Swelling in the hands, ankles or feet
  • Bloating (distention) of the abdomen with fluid
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Indigestion
  • Back pain

In the case of a heart attack, the pain may come on suddenly and severely, or it may be more mild and gradual. If you experience any of the following symptoms, even if they're mild, it's important to get help immediately, as you could be having a heart attack:

  • Chest discomfort (including pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain that may come and go)
  • Pain or discomfort in your arms (one or both), back, neck, jaw or stomach
  • Shortness of breath
  • Breaking out in a cold sweat
  • Nausea
  • Lightheadedness

The Best Route for Heart Disease Prevention

Remember, a heart attack is often the first "warning" sign of heart disease, so it's in your best interest to prevent the disease from occurring in the first place.

By now most of you probably know that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in unhealthy fats, like trans fats, will help protect your heart. But what you may not know is just how damaging seemingly innocuous foods like white bread, rice, pizza and other processed foods can be.

In reality, women who eat more carbohydrate-rich food like white bread and rice are more than twice as likely to develop heart disease than women who eat less of these items, according to Italian researchers.

These high-glycemic index carbs turn quickly into sugar in your body, which leads to unhealthy spikes in blood sugar. This is the same mechanism that, in time, can also lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, which a new study also found can double your risk of developing blood vessel diseases or suffering from a heart attack or stroke.

So if you want to keep your heart healthy, one of the best choices you can make is to replace processed foods in your diet with fresh, whole foods, and ideally raw foods.

Along with a diet that focuses on fresh, raw foods, you'll also want to be sure you're consuming plenty of omega-3 fats. The omega-3s found in fish and fish oils cut the risk of blood clots and thus lessen the chance of a heart attack.

Exercise and Stress Relief Also Important

Regular exercise, aiming for 30 minutes of exercise each day, is essential for a healthy heart. Ideally, include a range of activities in your routine, including aerobics, strength training and flexibility work.

To keep stress levels at bay look into various options like yoga and relaxation CDs. Such simple programs can help you to embark on a practice for transforming your stress into life-enhancing experiences.


Sources

International Journal of Clinical Practice;64(7):848-57.

WebMD.com

Archives of Internal Medicine;160:165-171.

MayoClinic.com Heart Disease Symptoms

American Heart Association

Rodale.com

CDC.gov Heart Disease Facts


Contact Us
Address : 14 Glen Cove Road
Roslyn Heights, N.Y. 11577

523 Townline Road
Hauppauge, N.Y. 111788

Phone : (516) 484-0776
Fax : 516-484-0795
Email Address(s) : Drsmsilverman@aol.com
Website : www.drstevensilverman.com
 
Please call today: (516) 484-0776 to make an appointment 
The information and statements contained in this eMagazine article by Health Realizations or any added comments herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The contents of this eMagazine article or additional comments are for informational purposes only are is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your reliance on any information provided by Health Realizations, its affiliates, content providers, member physicians or employees or comment contributors is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice or treatment, because of information contained in a Health Realizations eMagazine. Health Realizations does not, and cannot, recommend or endorse any specific products, treatments, procedures, tests, physicians or other information that may be mentioned in a Health Realizations eMagazine.

Processing...
Request for an Appointment
Confirmation