Arterial Disease

High blood pressure contributes to arteriosclerosis, a general term for thickening and hardening of the arteries. As we grow older, it is normal to develop some thickening of the arteries. However, if it is advanced arteriosclerosis, heart disease is possible.

One specific type of arteriosclerosis that contributes to heart disease is atherosclerosis, which is derived from the Greek words athero (meaning gruel or paste) and sclerosis (meaning hardness). Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease characterized by the buildup of plaque in arteries. Plaque is made up of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste, calcium, and fibrin. Plaque can partially or totally block blood flow through arteries. Two things can happen: bleeding into the plaque, or formation of clots on the surface of the plaque. If any of these occur and obstruct the arteries, heart attack or stroke may occur.

Several factors contribute to the development of atherosclerosis are high blood pressure, cigarette smoke, and high cholesterol levels. Learn more about atherosclerosis.

Healthy Lifestyle With the Food Pyramid

 Healthy Lifestyle With the Food Pyramid

• Building on the foundation of your daily meal plans with 6 to 11 servings of the Group Bread, Cereal, Rice & Pasta.

• Select an item from the plant at least 3 to 5 times per day.

• It is a treat to enjoy 2 to 4 servings of fruit group as part of your daily diet.

• Limit your selection of Milk, Yogurt & Cheese for only 2 to 3 items per day.

• Get protein from Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs & Nuts through 2 to 3 servings every day.

• Top of your daily eating plan with the Fats, Oils & Sweets, but only in small quantities.

Heart Healthy With Reduced Appetite

If you want to have a healthy heart, you have to learn how to eat a heart healthy diet. All the food you eat affect your heart health. Learn the foods that are heart smart and try to include it as a regular part of your diet.

Consult your doctor for an eating plan that is best suited to your dietary needs. If you are the average health, you may be able to follow the Food Pyramid eating plan.



No matter which meal plan you follow, the following guidelines are recommended:

• Total fat intake should be less than 30 per cent of total daily calories.

• Aspan polyunsaturated fatty acids should be no more that 10 per cent of total daily calories.

• Monounsaturated fatty acids make up the rest of total fat intake, about 10 to 15 per cent of total daily calories.

• Cholesterol intake should be no more than 300 milligrams per day.

• Sodium intake should be no more than 3000 milligrams per day.

• Be careful with the chemicals in your food such as caffeine, MSG, and other food additives.

Writing Exercise Guidelines

Proceed with caution. Anyone starting the exercise regimen should begin slowly. Allow yourself to get used to the strain of physical activity. As your body adjusts, you will be able to increase the duration and intensity of your program. If you feel uncomfortable, stop exercising and consult your physician.

Dress comfortably in loose clothing. Wear appropriate footwear. Consider the weather. If the temperature and humidity extremes, either too high or too low, physical activity may be harmful.

Start with the session "warm up". Stretch the muscle slowly to avoid injury during the actual workout. Get your respiration, circulation, and body temperature increased earlier with some low-impact workout. Your warm up should last about three to five minutes.

Session ended with a "quiet". Spend a few minutes walking slowly to let your body gradually decrease itself. Just like you need to gradually start exercising, you need to gradually begin to relax.

Plans for the next training session. Commit to it. In order for exercise to be truly effective, must be part of your routine. Cardiovascular fitness should be maintained.

Types of Physical Exercise

Types of Physical Exercise

A successful exercise program involves frequent physical activity is rhythmic, repetitive, challenges the circulatory system, and use the large muscles. Exercise program must significantly increase blood flow to the muscles for an extended period of time, promoting cardiovascular fitness. Such exercises are called isotonic, dynamic, or aerobic. If you want to have a healthy heart, you need to do aerobic exercise.

Aerobic activities really "get the blood pumping." As the heart beats faster, blood circulates more quickly, providing additional oxygen to the muscles. This will build strength, or cardiovascular fitness. Some recommended aerobic activity is running, hiking, jogging, cycling, swimming, jumping rope, and roller skating. Some forms of exercise, like weightlifting, can build muscle strength without building cardiovascular fitness.

Physical Exercises for Maintaining Healthy Heart

Physical Exercises for Maintaining Healthy Heart

The hardest part of your exercise routine is getting started. Once you establish a regular pattern of exercise, you will find yourself follow. So, how do you start? Well, first of all, consult with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a specific type of exercise for your own individual needs. Generally, however, these guidelines should get you going.

First, the exercise will only become a habit if it's fun! Choose something that you would enjoy doing. If you want to be with a group of people, try a team sport like basketball or football. You do not need to be a super athlete. Anyone can exercise. Social activities like dancing and mall-walking is also good. If you are more of a loner, try bicycling or swimming.

Do not kid yourself. Be honest?? About what you think you can realistically do. If you always hated to climb stairs, step aerobics may not be for you. Maybe the way around the house would be more fun. Many people as they walked toward the gym.

Consider your current state of physical fitness. If you have not exercised in years, you'll want to start with some simple activities. As you can customizable, you can increase your activity.

Consider your schedule. Are you a morning person? Then plan to workout in the morning. If you are addicted to the snooze button you plan to exercise at night. Start with just a small block of time, maybe fifteen minutes. When you get into your routine, you probably will not mind increased to twenty, then thirty, minutes. To be effective, you must repeat your exercise routine 3 or 4 times per week.

Do you exercise at home or at the gym? Choosing a gym can be a challenge, but you may find the motivation support. Do you need special equipment? A variety of sports equipment is available for purchase today can be overwhelming. Be sure to buy proper equipment.

Finally, take it easy. Make sure that you exercise intelligently and carefully. Follow some guidelines for beginners. Exercise should improve your health, do not take that risk.

If you are still making excuses, at least try some of the Healthy Heart Tips for today. This simple activity that can realistically be a first step toward a healthier tomorrow.

Everyday Tips for Heart Health

Everyday Tips for Heart Health

The heart is a vital tool in human organs. Imagine if we had not worked with a healthy heart, the blood flow we will not be normal. The heart works every day in our body by the bloodstream.

If you are unsure about the need to develop an exercise program for your life, you can at least try to follow some tips in your daily routine. Take advantage of every opportunity to exercise. Try this a few days.

•  Take the stairs instead of elevator or escalator at school or the mall. Just start with one flight. Soon, you will be ready for two people.
• Park your car at the end of the parking lot. Short trips to and from the store or school helps your heart.
• If you take the bus or the subway, down stops before your destination. Walking in the rest of the way.
• If you can, spend a few minutes of your lunch break take a walk around the campus field. This will help you stay awake after lunch.
• Think of housework as an extra opportunity for exercise. Dust can quickly become a real workout.
• Cut the grass, pulling weeds, and raking the yard is a task that can be taken alone as an opportunity to exercise.
• If you have a dog, consider a dog as an exercise machine with fur. Brisk walk with the dogs that are good for both your hearts. Make it part of your daily routine.
• If you have a family, schedule a walk after dinner. Make it quality time.