Today many are concerned about high cholesterol numbers. However, cholesterol is necessary for brain function, hormone production, mineral assimilation, bone function, metabolism, energy production and a healthy immune system. It is the building block of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Every cell membrane is made up of cholesterol (and saturated fats) which… Read more »
We all know what our heart loves. We’ve heard it a million times…optimal weight, regular exercise and a heart-healthy diet. In an effort to achieve these goals and continue improving our well-being, most of us have probably given up some of our favorite things this time of year. But we are human, and sometimes that… Read more »
According to Jennifer Mieres, M.D., American Heart Association (AHA), “to get heart-healthy benefits, you need to get your heart rate up.” Whether it is a structured exercise program or just part of your daily routine, all physical activity adds up to a healthier heart. Our desert, especially this time of year, provides a large variety… Read more »
Advances in technology over the past 30 years have allowed clinicians to diagnose and treat patients using less invasive and more accurate methods. The introduction of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) changed the way physicians “looked inside” a body to see if there was an abnormality. Over the… Read more »
Cholesterol is historically thought to be the biggest predictor for heart disease, and therefore not something we want in high quantities in our bodies. But, an emerging new paradigm in the medical community suggests it may not be the most important determinant for cardiovascular disease. So if cholesterol doesn’t cause heart disease, what does? A… Read more »
Heart disease is the general term used to describe any medical condition of the heart, blood vessels, and arteries. The type of heart disease that affects most Americans is coronary artery disease, or a blockage of plaques in the cardiovascular system which often leads to heart attacks. The most common health advice given to reduce… Read more »
Blood clots are part of our natural healing process. Yet they can also negatively affect our bodies leading to serious health conditions and even death. Over 100,000 Americans die from blood clots each year.1 Blood clots occur when there is an accumulation of particles in the blood that stick inside the blood vessel. This accumulation… Read more »
Atrial fibrillation (A-tre-al fi-bri-LA-shun), or “A-Fib,” is a problem with the heart’s electrical system which causes the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm. While many may consider their fluttering heart a strange but passing sensation, heart palpitations, coupled with dizziness and shortness of breath, are cause for concern. By… Read more »
Numerous studies in recent years reveal a strong correlation between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where breathing stops while you are sleeping, and atrial fibrillation or “A-Fib”, a leading cause of stroke (see “A-Fib” page 3). Two primary conclusions of these studies are: Those with obstructive sleep apnea are at greater risk of atrial fibrillation1,2 A-Fib… Read more »
Nutritional deficiencies are very common in the general population and may be even more prevalent in people who suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular disease. Optimal nutrition–including vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, coupled with weight loss, increased exercise, smoking cessation and moderate restriction of alcohol and caffeine–can help prevent and control nutritional deficiencies in… Read more »
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the US. Growing scientific evidence supports plant-based, or vegan, diets in halting and even reversing cardiovascular disease. There is also increasing interest among the public about the purported health benefits of vegan diets, in part due to many celebrities who have publicly gone vegan. With… Read more »
Coronary artery disease is the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque within the walls of the arteries that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients. This disease is the leading cause of death for men and women worldwide (especially postmenopausal women). When plaque ruptures in a coronary artery it can lead to a heart attack. Plaque is… Read more »
Statins are the most widely prescribed class of drugs in the United States, with over 255 million prescriptions per year. Lipitor (atorvasatin) is the best-selling drug in the category, with sales of $7.2 billion annually. Crestor (rosuvastatin) has $3.8 billion in annual sales and is the 8th best-selling drug in the category. Zocor (simvastatin) has… Read more »
Approximately 1 in 6 adult Americans has high cholesterol–a major risk factor for heart disease. High cholesterol levels can result from poor diet choices, limited exercise, high stress, or genetic predisposition. Heart disease, including heart attacks and clogged arteries, also results from inflammation in the cardiovascular system stemming from the same lifestyle choices. Therefore treating… Read more »
How many times in your life have you stopped, looked at the life choices you were making and thought, “I need to do better.” Maybe you thought you should change your diet, exercise more, stop smoking, or be more careful about blood pressure or cholesterol. You had the best intentions, but never quite carried through… Read more »
