Understanding Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when one of the heart's coronary arteries is blocked suddenly, usually by a tiny blood clot (thrombus). The blood clot typically forms inside a coronary artery that already has been narrowed by atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits (plaques) build up along the inside walls of blood vessels. A heart attack also is called a myocardial infarction or coronary thrombosis.

Each coronary artery supplies blood to a specific part of the heart's muscular wall, so a blocked artery causes pain and malfunction in the area it supplies. Depending on the location and amount of heart muscle involved, this malfunction can seriously interfere with the heart's ability to pump blood. Also, some of the coronary arteries supply areas of the heart that regulate heartbeat, so a blockage sometimes causes potentially fatal abnormal heartbeats, called cardiac arrhythmias. The pattern of symptoms that develops with each heart attack and the chances of survival are linked to the location and extent of the coronary artery blockage.

Cardiac arrhythmias

Most heart attacks result from atherosclerosis, the risk factors for heart attack and atherosclerosis are basically the same: 

• An abnormally high level of blood cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) 
• An abnormally low level of HDL (high-density lipoprotein), commonly called "good cholesterol" 
• High blood pressure (hypertension) 
• Diabetes 
• Family history of coronary artery disease at an early age 
• Cigarette smoking 
• Obesity 
• Physical inactivity (too little regular exercise) 

Obesity is one of the factor

In early middle age, men have a greater risk of heart attack than women. However, a woman's risk increases once she begins menopause. This could be the result of a menopause-related decrease in levels of estrogen, a female sex hormone that may offer some protection against atherosclerosis.

Too much fast food

Although most heart attacks are caused by atherosclerosis, there are rarer cases in which heart attacks result from other medical conditions. These include congenital abnormalities of the coronary arteries, hypercoagulability (an abnormally increased tendency to form blood clots), a collagen vascular disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, or lupus), cocaine abuse, a spasm of the coronary artery, or an embolus (small traveling blood clot), which floats into a coronary artery and lodges there.

Symptoms of Heart Attack

The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain, usually described as crushing, squeezing, pressing, heavy, or occasionally, stabbing or burning. Chest pain tends to be focused either in the center of the chest or just below the center of the rib cage, and it can spread to the arms, abdomen, neck, lower jaw or neck. Other symptoms can include sudden weakness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, breathlessness, or lightheadedness. Sometimes, when a heart attack causes burning chest pain, nausea and vomiting, a patient may mistake his or her heart symptoms for indigestion.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask you to describe your chest pain and any other symptoms. Ideally, a family member or close friend should accompany you when you go for medical treatment. This person can help to provide your doctor with valuable information about your symptoms and medical history if you are unable to do so. It is also important to give your doctor a list of the names and dosages of the prescription and nonprescription medications that you are taking. If you don't have a list already prepared, just scoop the medicines into a nearby bag or purse and bring them with you to the hospital.

Your doctor will suspect that you are having a heart attack based on your symptoms, your medical history and your risk factors for cardiovascular disease. To confirm the diagnosis, he or she will do: 

• An electrocardiogram (ECG) 








• A physical examination, with special attention to your heart and blood pressure 







• Blood tests for serum cardiac markers — chemicals that are released into the blood when the heart muscle is damaged 

Additional tests may be needed, including: 

• An echocardiogram — A painless test that uses sound waves to look at the heart muscle and heart valves. 
• Radionuclide imaging — Scans that use special radioactive isotopes to detect areas of poor blood flow in the heart 





A Simple Test can use for early diagnosis

Expected Duration of Heart Attack

How long heart attack symptoms last varies from person to person. In about 15% of cases, the patient never reaches a hospital for treatment and dies quickly after symptoms begin.

Some may have no early symptoms

Prevention is Better Than Cure

You can help to prevent a heart attack by: 

• Exercising regularly 
• Eating healthfully 
• Maintaining a healthy weight 
• Not using tobacco products 
• Controlling your blood pressure 
• Lowering your LDL cholesterol. 

Maintain a healthy diet

When To Call A Professional

Seek emergency help immediately if you have chest pain, even if you think it is just indigestion or that you are too young to be having a heart attack. Prompt treatment increases your chance of limiting heart muscle damage, because reperfusion measures work best if they are started within 30 minutes after symptoms start.

Seek doctors advise for your symptoms

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Know When a Woman Should See a Gynecologist

Many women fear a trip to the gynecologist. Visiting a gynecologist can be uncomfortable, and certain procedures to treat problems may be painful. However, it is something every woman has to do.

Regular visits to a gynecologist are important for all women, regardless of whether they are sexually active. 

A gynecologist is a doctor who focuses on women’s reproductive health. They check your body to make sure that your reproductive system is healthy and help you avoid problems in the future. Visiting a gynecologist means you are taking responsibility of your body in new ways.

Pregnancy is the number one reason that prompts a woman to see her gynecologist. However, there are many other issues that women may face that need to be checked by their gynecologist.

Here are some of the reasons why a woman should see her gynecologist.

1. Irregular Periods

Skipping your period once in a while is fine but if you skip your period frequently, it is important to see a gynecologist. It could be one of the first indications of an issue with your reproductive system.

Occasional missed periods are often linked to issues like excessive weight loss or gain, eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, anemia, a strenuous exercise routine, breastfeeding, emotional stress, some kind of illness, too much traveling, use of unsuitable birth control medication and illegal drugs, even asthma and hay fever.

However, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, menopause, or hormonal imbalances can also trigger this problem. So, do see your gynecologist to find out the exact cause.

At your appointment, your gynecologist will first rule out the possibility of pregnancy. If the pregnancy report is negative, other tests will be done. Depending upon the cause, treatment will be planned to correct the problem and prevent it from recurring.

2. Urinary Issues

If you are making trips to the bathroom more often than normal, pay your gynecologist a visit. It can be a sign of a urinary tract infection.

In addition to a strong, persistent urge to urinate, other signs and symptoms of UTI include passing frequent but small amounts of urine, pain or burning sensation during urination, pelvic pain, and cloudy and strong-smelling urine.

Whatever the cause may be for frequent bathroom trips, when diagnosed timely there is plenty you and your gynecologist can do to counteract the problem.

3. Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

It is common for women to experience slight vaginal discharge (from clear to a milky white color) between menstrual cycles. It is part of the body’s process of cleaning out the vagina and cervix. Vaginal discharge increases when you are ovulating, breastfeeding or sexually aroused.

However, if you notice changes in the color, odor and quantity of vaginal discharge, see your gynecologist. Some of the causes of abnormal vaginal discharge are bacterial or yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections, side effects of birth control pills, cervical cancer, and menopause.

Abnormal vaginal discharge can cause a lot of discomfort. There are medicines as well as home remedies to treat this problem. See your gynecologist to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

4. Bleeding between Periods

If you notice spotting or slight bleeding that is not associated with your period or ovulation, get yourself checked by a gynecologist right away.

Bleeding during or after intercourse can be due to an injury to the uterine lining, inflammation of the cervix, or some other problem.

Irregular vaginal bleeding can also be a sign of uterine polyps, fibroids, infection of the pelvic organs, cervical or uterine cancer. If you experience any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, you must consult your doctor immediately.

5. Unusually Heavy Periods

If you suddenly experience unusually painful and heavy or prolonged bleeding, do not ignore it. Menstrual bleeding is considered heavy when you have to change sanitary napkins or tampons more often than once every 2 hours.

Some of the causes of heavy periods are a hormonal imbalance, fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, thyroid disease and liver or kidney disease. Blood loss due to a heavy period can lead to anemia, fatigue, shortness of breath and many other complications.

Follow the advice of your gynecologist. If appropriate for your condition, you can try blackstrap molasses to help regulate the amount of blood lost during menstruation.

6. Lumps in the Breasts

You must not ignore any unusual lumps in your breasts or underarm area. They can be a sign of breast cancer, the most common form of cancer among women.

So, get a lump thoroughly checked by a gynecologist, especially if it lasts for 3 weeks or more.

Middle-aged and older women must do monthly breast self-examinations. During the examination, look and feel for any visible lumps, swelling, redness, rashes and any discharge from the nipples. In addition, a health care provider should do a complete breast examination every three years.

7. Vaginal Odor

Strong vaginal odor is a very common problem that prompts a woman to visit her gynecologist. Slight vaginal odor is normal, but a strong odor like a ‘fishy’ smell may indicate a problem. In addition, strong vaginal odor can be very embarrassing.

Vaginal odor can be due to bacterial growth, yeast infections, poor hygiene, hormonal changes and sexually transmitted diseases. If it is due to an infection, you may also experience symptoms like redness, itching, burning and irritation in the vaginal area.

Vaginal odor can be treated or managed once diagnosed by a gynecologist. In the meantime, try to include yogurt in your diet to help fight off infection and restore the normal vaginal pH balance.

8. Excessive Sweating

If you are 40 years or older and you experience sudden excessive sweating without any known trigger, see a gynecologist. It can happen while you are awake or asleep.

Excessive sweating as well as hot flashes can be a sign of perimenopause, the period when a woman moves closer to menopause. Other accompanying signs and symptoms may include irregular periods, vaginal dryness, mood swings and sleep disturbances.

Seeing a gynecologist will help find the underlying cause and the best treatment options.

In addition, you can try apple cider vinegar as a healthy way to beat excessive sweating. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a little honey in a glass of water. Drink it twice daily to regulate hormones.

Some Dos and Don’ts for Your Visit to Your Gynecologist 

• Do look for a gynecologist in your area who you are comfortable talking to about your problem. 
• Do keep track of your monthly cycle and bring the information to your appointment. 
• Do come up with questions beforehand. 
• Do keep a diary with you about your medical history as well as family history. 
• Do remain relaxed before your appointment. 
• Don’t be shy talking about any problems with your gynecologist. 
• Don’t hide your social habits, sexual activity or any health information. 
• Don’t have sex the night before your appointment. 
• Don’t use yeast medications or douches 24 hours before your appointment.

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Alternative Therapies to Help You Stop Smoking

There are several things you can do to stop smoking that don’t involve nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications: Ask your doctor for a referral or see Resources and References below for help finding qualified professionals in each area. 

• Hypnosis – A popular option that has produced good results. Forget anything you may have seen from stage hypnotists, hypnosis works by getting you into a deeply relaxed state where you are open to suggestions that strengthen your resolve to quit smoking and increase your negative feelings toward cigarettes. 
• Acupuncture – One of the oldest known medical techniques, acupuncture is believed to work by triggering the release of endorphins (natural pain relievers) that allow the body to relax. As a smoking cessation aid, acupuncture can be helpful in managing smoking withdrawal symptoms. 
• Behavioral Therapy – Nicotine addiction is related to the habitual behaviors (the “rituals”) involved in smoking. Behavior therapy focuses on learning new coping skills and breaking those habits. 
• Motivational Therapies – Self-help books and websites can provide a number of ways to motivate yourself to quit smoking. One well known example is calculating the monetary savings. Some people have been able to find the motivation to quit just by calculating how much money they will save. It may be enough to pay for a summer vacation. 





Motivate yourself

What to do if you slip or relapse

Most people try to quit smoking several times before they kick the habit for good, so don't beat yourself up if you start smoking again. Turn the relapse into a rebound by learning from your mistake. Analyze what happened right before you started smoking again, identify the triggers or trouble spots you ran into, and make a new stop-smoking plan that eliminates them.

It's also important to emphasize the difference between a slip and a relapse. If you slip up and smoke a cigarette, it doesn't mean that you can't get back on the wagon. You can choose to learn from the slip and let it motivate you to try harder or you can use it as an excuse to go back to your smoking habit. But the choice is yours. A slip doesn't have to turn into a full-blown relapse.

You need a friend support

I started smoking again, now what?

Having a small setback doesn’t mean you’re a smoker again. Most people try to quit smoking several times before they kick the habit for good. Identify the triggers or trouble spots you ran into and learn from your mistakes. 

• You’re not a failure if you slip up. It doesn't mean you can't quit for good. 
• Don’t let a slip become a mudslide. Throw out the rest of the pack. It's important to get back on the non-smoking track now. 
• Look back at your quit log and feel good about the time you went without smoking. 
• Find the trigger. Exactly what was it that made you smoke again? Decide how you will cope with that issue the next time it comes up. 
• Learn from your experience. What has been most helpful? What didn’t work? 

Are you using a medicine to help you quit? Call your doctor if you start smoking again. Some medicines cannot be used if you are smoking at the same time.

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How to Quit Smoking: Coping with Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms

Once you stop smoking, you will experience a number of physical symptoms as your body withdraws from nicotine. Nicotine withdrawal begins quickly, usually starting within thirty minutes to an hour of the last cigarette and peaking about 2 to 3 days later. Withdrawal symptoms can last for a few days to several weeks and differ from person to person.

Some really suffered from withdrawal symptoms

Common nicotine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Cigarette cravings 
• Irritability, frustration, or anger 
• Anxiety or nervousness 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Restlessness 
• Increased appetite 
• Headaches 
• Insomnia 
• Tremors 
• Increased coughing 
• Fatigue 
• Constipation or upset stomach 
• Depression 
• Decreased heart rate 

Craving for smoke

Unpleasant as these withdrawal symptoms may be, they are only temporary. They will get better in a few weeks as the toxins are flushed from your body. In the meantime, let your friends and family know that you won't be your usual self and ask for their understanding.

How to Quit Smoking: Manage Cigarette Cravings

Avoiding smoking triggers will help reduce the urge to smoke, but you can't avoid cravings entirely. But cigarette cravings don't last long, so if you're tempted to light up, remember that the craving will pass and try to wait it out. It also helps to be prepared in advance. Having a plan to cope with cravings will help keep you from giving in.

• Distract yourself. Do the dishes, turn on the TV, take a shower, or call a friend. The activity doesn't matter as long as it gets your mind off of smoking. 
• Remind yourself why you quit. Focus on your reasons for quitting, including the health benefits, improved appearance, money you're saving, and enhanced self-esteem. 



Self Motivation

• Get out of a tempting situation. Where you are or what you're doing may be triggering the craving. If so, a change of scenery can make all the difference. 



Don't temp yourself

• Reward yourself. Reinforce your victories. Whenever you triumph over a craving, give yourself a reward to keep yourself motivated. 

Coping with Cigarette Cravings in the Moment 

Find an oral substitute 

Keep other things around to pop in your mouth when cravings hit. Good choices include mints, hard candy, carrot or celery sticks, gum, and sunflower seeds. 

Keep your mind busy 

Read a book or magazine, listen to some music you love, do a crossword or Sudoku puzzle, or play an online game. 

Keep your hands busy 

Squeeze balls, pencils, or paper clips are good substitutes to satisfy that need for tactile stimulation. 

Brush your teeth 

The just-brushed, clean feeling can help get rid of cigarette cravings. 

Drink water 

Slowly drink a large, cold glass of water. Not only will it help the craving pass, but staying hydrated helps minimize the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. 

Light something else 

Instead of lighting a cigarette, light a candle or some incense. 

Get active 

Go for a walk, do some jumping jacks or pushups, try some yoga stretches, or run around the block.

Try to relax 

Do something that calms you down, such as taking a warm bath, meditating, reading a book, or practicing deep breathing exercises. 

Medication and therapy to help you quit smoking

Meditation helps

There are many different methods that have successfully helped people to quit smoking, including: 

• Systematically decreasing the number of cigarettes you smoke. 
• Reducing your intake of nicotine gradually over time. 
• Using nicotine replacement therapy or non-nicotine medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms. 
• Utilizing nicotine support groups. 
• Trying hypnosis, acupuncture, or counseling using cognitive behavioral techniques. 

You may be successful with the first method you try. More likely, you’ll have to try a number of different methods or a combination of treatments to find the ones that work best for you.

Grab a hand of theirs, they need your support

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Here Is What Happens When You Drink Coffee On An Empty Stomach (This Can Be Serious)

Coffee is rich in antioxidants and can help in the prevention of serious health conditions such as colon cancer. Antioxidants found in coffee are part of chlorine genic acid which is found in many fruits that we eat every day. However, these antioxidant properties can cause adverse reaction in our body, particularly if we consume coffee before any meal has been eaten.

A Morning Coffee really make your day?

More specifically, one cup of black coffee on an empty stomach stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the digestive tract. This is especially felt by people who suffer from gastritis. Hydrochloric acid is used to decompose food in the stomach. The digestive problems caused by this may particularly be expressed in heavy meals which then are especially difficult to decompose proteins.

One cup of black coffee on an empty stomach stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid

Numerous health problems can be caused by the proteins that remain completely broken down in your body. These problems include irritation, bloating, inflammation of the intestines or even colon cancer.

You need a coffee every time when you wake up?

Most researchers claim that coffee should not be consumed immediately after waking up because in this case the level of cortisol in the body increases rapidly, so it takes time for the level to be stabilized. Therefore, you should consume coffee only after one hour after you have woken up and after at least one piece of bread has been eaten.

A slice of bread will do the magic

Cortisol controls the biological clock and wakefulness. Therefore, a cup of coffee on an empty stomach can caused increased level of the gastric acid, bloating, and even vomiting. If you don`t have time to have breakfast in the morning, or you cannot start your day without coffee, you should put a little milk or butter in your coffee to alleviate.

You shouldn't drink coffee on an empty stomach or face the wrath of coffee

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Stop Smoking Can Be the Hardest Thing to Do

Whether you’re a teen smoker or a lifetime pack–a–day smoker, quitting can be tough. But the more you learn about your options and prepare for quitting, the easier the process will be. With the right game plan tailored to your needs, you can break the addiction, manage your cravings, and join the millions of people who have kicked the habit for good.

Quit Smoking

Why quitting smoking can seem so hard Smoking tobacco is both a physical addiction and a psychological habit. The nicotine from cigarettes provides a temporary, and addictive, high. Eliminating that regular fix of nicotine will cause your body to experience physical withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Because of nicotine’s “feel good” effect on the brain, you may also have become accustomed to smoking as a way of coping with stress, depression, anxiety, or even boredom.

At the same time, the act of smoking is ingrained as a daily ritual. It may be an automatic response for you to smoke a cigarette with your morning coffee, while taking a break from work or school, or during your commute home at the end of a long day. Perhaps friends, family members, and colleagues smoke, and it has become part of the way you relate with them.

To successfully quit smoking, you’ll need to address both the addiction and the habits and routines that go along with it.

Stop Smoking can be the hardest thing to do

Start your stop smoking plan with START 

S = Set a quit date. 

Choose a date within the next 2 weeks, so you have enough time to prepare without losing your motivation to quit. If you mainly smoke at work, quit on the weekend, so you have a few days to adjust to the change. 

T = Tell family, friends, and co-workers that you plan to quit. 

Let your friends and family in on your plan to quit smoking and tell them you need their support and encouragement to stop. Look for a quit buddy who wants to stop smoking as well. You can help each other get through the rough times. 

A = Anticipate and plan for the challenges you'll face while quitting. 

Most people who begin smoking again do so within the first 3 months. You can help yourself make it through by preparing ahead for common challenges, such as nicotine withdrawal and cigarette cravings. 

R = Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your home, car, and work.

Throw away all of your cigarettes (no emergency pack!), lighters, ashtrays, and matches. Wash your clothes and freshen up anything that smells like smoke. Shampoo your car, clean your drapes and carpet, and steam your furniture. 

T = Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit. 

Your doctor can prescribe medication to help with withdrawal and suggest other alternatives. If you can't see a doctor, you can get many products over the counter at your local pharmacy or grocery store, including the nicotine patch, nicotine lozenges, and nicotine gum.

If the reason of Smoking can cause cancer also cannot stop you

Do you smoke to relieve unpleasant or overwhelming feelings? 
Managing unpleasant feelings such as stress, depression, loneliness, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common reasons why adults smoke. When you have a bad day, it can seem like cigarettes are your only friend. As much comfort as cigarettes provide, though, it's important to remember that there are healthier (and more effective) ways to keep unpleasant feelings in check. These may include exercising, meditating, using sensory relaxation strategies, and practicing simple breathing exercises.

For many people, an important aspect of quitting smoking is to find alternate ways to handle these difficult feelings without smoking. Even when cigarettes are no longer a part of your life, the painful and unpleasant feelings that may have prompted you to smoke in the past will still remain. So, it's worth spending some time thinking about the different ways you intend to deal with stressful situations and the daily irritations that would normally have you reaching for a cigarette.

Do you smoke because of bad mood?

Tips for Avoiding Common Smoking Triggers 

Alcohol. 
Many people have a habit of smoking when they drink.
TIP: switch to non-alcoholic drinks or drink only in places where smoking inside is prohibited. Alternatively, try snacking on nuts and chips, or chewing on a straw or cocktail stick. 

Other Smokers Influences. 
When friends, family, and co-workers smoke around you, it is doubly difficult to quit or avoid relapse.
TIP: Your social circles need to know that you are changing your habits so talk about your decision to quit. Let them know they won't be able to smoke when you're in the car with them or taking a coffee break together. In your workplace, don't take all your coffee breaks with smokers only, do something else instead, or find non-smokers to have your breaks with. 

End of a Meal. 
For some smokers, ending a meal means lighting up, and the prospect of giving that up may appear daunting. TIP: replace that moment after a meal with something such as a piece of fruit, a (healthy) dessert, a square of chocolate, or a stick of gum.

Say No To Tobacco

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