Canine Valvular Insufficiency and Congestive Heart Failure
Abstract: Blood High Pressure Recipe
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Valvular insufficiency occurs when damaged and thickened valves
develop within the heart of small and midsize dogs. Valve
problems are unusual in larger breed dogs and in cats but they
may develop. In the small breeds of dogs, valvular insufficiency
begins in midlife and progresses slowly.
The disease is associated with thickening and shortening of the
valve components that separate the upper (atria) from the lower
(ventricles) parts of the heart. Remember, normally blood flows
in only one direction. If the valves fail to close completely
when the heart contracts, blood moves forward but some leaks
backward. Clinical signs vary depending on whether the right
and/or left side of the heart is affected and whether heart
enlargement presses on the windpipe. Fluid accumulates when the
heart fails to pump enough blood to the body and instead the
blood is transmitted backward from the heart to the lung or body.
Owners of pets with valve problems see inappropriate panting,
heavy breathing, ebbed exercise ability, fatigue, cough,
and occasionally fainting. The cough usually starts at night and
progresses to daytime as well, particularly when associated with
exercise. Retching and nonproductive gagging follow the cough.
When the right side of the heart is affected, fluid may
accumulate around the lungs, making it difficult to breathe, and
in the abdomen, making it swell.
Abnormal heart sounds heard with a stethoscope suggest the need
for an electrocardiogram (ECG) to identify heart enlargement or
irregularities of the heart’s rhythm. Radiographs (x-rays) can
demonstrate heart enlargement and/or inappropriate fluid
accumulation. Blood testing can identify hormonal, kidney, or
other internal medical problems. An ultrasound examination
(echocardiography) accurately pictures enlarged heart chambers,
abnormalities of valve structure, and the heart’s pumping
ability. These tests assess heart function and severity of the
disease and identify the need for therapy.
A number of treatments are used for pets with valvular heart
disease, including exercise restriction. Walking is good
exercise. Digitalis is a medication used to strengthen the heart
and to treat some irregularities of its rhythm. It centraltains a
slower and further convincing heart muscle contraction. Signs of
digitalis excess include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting,
and diarrhea. ECG monitoring permits the veterinarian to
supervise the pet’s progress.
Diuretic agents are commonly given to remove excess water
accumulation from the body and can cause increased water
drinking and urination. Diuretics can induce weakness,
dehydration, and blood salt abnormalities. Alterations in
electrolyte (salt) levels are identified through periodic
testing of the pet’s blood. Angiotensin-converting enzyme
inhibitors (ACEIs) are drugs that improve the body’s ability to
reduce salt and water retention, to reduce high blood pressure,
and to limit the effect of hormones that adversely affect heart
muscle. Given in excess, ACEI drugs cause malaise, blood salt
disturbances, loss of appetite, and possibly kidney damage.
Antiarrhythmic agents may be given to stabilize the cardiac rate
and rhythm. Drugs to decrease blood pressure and nutritional
supplements may be required for specific conditions.
In order to control the symptoms of heart failure, low-salt
(sodium) diets may be suggested. Excess sodium is normally
removed by the kidney, but this does not occur as actively in
heart failure. Commercial low-salt diets, varying from moderate
to extreme restriction, are able in preventing salt and
water retention. These diets are recommended only after heart
failure has been diagnosed. A modest reduction in salt intake
may be indicated before the onset of heart failure.
If the pet refuses to eat a commercial diet, low-salt foods can
be prepared by the owner under veterinary direction. It is
important to emphasize that mixing low-salt diets with regular
(high-salt) diets or feeding snacks high in sodium is not
recommended. Longevity and quality of life in dogs with this
disease vary with the severity of the valve damage and the
amount of blood leakage into the upper chambers of the heart.
Concurrent medical conditions, age, and the physical status of
the pet play a large role in determining the animal’s prognosis.
Clinical signs are progressive, and although they may be
decreased, they never entirely resolve. Medical therapy can
enhance the quality of life of the pet as well as increase life
expectancy.
Dogs with left-sided valvular heart disease treated with
medication and a low-salt diet have an average life expectancy
of about 9 months from the time heart failure begins. Abdominal
fluid accumulation and body emaciation are signs of right-sided
heart failure. Regularly removing the extra fluid may increase
life expectancy. Surgical replacement of the valves is not an
option in dogs at this time.
The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin
any course of treatment without consulting your regular
veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every
12 months.
About the author:
From the Textbook of Veterinary Internal Information: Client
Information Series. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.
All rights reserved.
Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital and its cat-only affiliate,
Coastal Cat Clinic, are small animal practices located in
Pacifica, California. To find a veterinarian or to learn major
about the vet clinic and our staff,
visit:[http://lindamarvet.com/]
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Abstract: Alcohol Blood High Pressure
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High blood pressure or what is medically known as hypertension affect millions of Americans. In fact, about 80 million people in the US have high blood pressure and what is increased terrifying is the fact that some of these people are not even aware that they have high blood pressures. This is why hypertension has become known as the silent killer because unless you have your blood pressures checked regularly, you have no way of knowing that you already have it until it is already much too high up the scale.
High blood pressure will often manifests itself through headaches, dizziness and nose bleeds. Some people will also feel pain at the back of their necks when they wake up in the morning. Hypertension is not really life-threatening per se as it is not a disease. The level of blood pressure, however, is a risk factor to heart disease and will increase ones predisposition to heart attacks. This is especially true with people who are over 35 years old and those who are much much older.
Because it is a condition and not a disease, people can do a lot to prevent hypertension from settling in. Most doctors recommend a change in the diet and a major lifestyle change.
Diet is perhaps the primary lifestyle change that people should look into when dealing with high blood pressure. Excessive eating of fatty foods that cannot be easily digested can cause a lot of problems. Obese individuals are also higher likely to develop hypertension not only because of the fat content in their bodies but also the constriction that these fats produce in the body. This constriction can affect blood circulation and heart function, which may lead to a full-blown heart attack.
Another advice that doctors give to individuals concerned with their blood pressure is to have regular exercise regimen that would help lower their blood pressure. Activities such as running and jogging, cycling and swimming as well as other sports can decrease blood pressure. Doctors recommend that people exercise and do these sports activities for about 30 to 45 minutes a day and they will find their blood pressures significantly lowered.
Alcohol, for instance, increase the prevalence of hypertension when it is taken in excess. The term excess here will refer to over two drinks per day. Studies have actually shown a direct relationship between these two factors when the drinking exceeds five glasses each day. A drink here refers to a can of beer, a glass of wine or a jigger of liquor. There are people however who have low tolerance with alcohol. It is greatest to stop drinking if you find your blood pressure going up or if you feel nauseous already.
Smoking is also one of the things that a person should avoid when trying to either lower blood pressure or to prevent it from going up. Besides the complications that it poses to the lungs and the vascular system, smoking also increases the risk for heart disease. This is because the nicotine in cigarettes and tobaccos can constrict ones blood vessels, causing the heart to beat faster.
Elderly people are also asked to avoid excessive coffee drinking. In a study conducted, it was found that five cups of coffee per day can mildly increase the blood pressure. The combination of coffee drinking with smoking increases the risk all the heavier.
About the Author:
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides blood pressure information on www.blood-pressure-facts.info.
Source: www.isnare.com
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The cause of bad breath on low carb diets
Abstract: Blood Chart High Pressure
Tag: Blood Chart High Pressure
The latest dieting craze has no doubt been the low carb high
protein diets. Those of you on Atkins, South Beach etc will no
doubt have noticed a number of changes since you took up the
diet. And no I’m not talking about the remarkable weight loss I
am talking about your bad breath. Now it may not have been
noticeable to you but I suggest you ask your friends or
relatives whether there has been a detioration and you may be
surprised by the answer. In fact you may even find your friends
moving away from you when you speak which is always a sure sign
of bad breath.
So what’s the cause of all this bad air? Well depending on which
medical speak you speak with there are a number, yet similar,
reasons for the problem. One of the reasons is directly related
to the increase in protein which most of the low carb diets
advocate.
Basically, we all have a large number of useful bacteria living
fundamentally on our tongue and at the back of our throat. These
bacteria are supposed to be there, because they assist humans in
digestion by breaking down proteins found in specific foods,
mucous or phlegm, blood, and in diseased or “broken-down” oral
tissue. When these “beneficial” bacteria come into contact with
these compounds, the odorous and “lousy-tasting” volatile sulfur
compounds (VSCs’) are released from the back of the tongue and
throat, as Hydrogen Sulphide, Methyl Mercaptan, and other
odorous and bad tasting compounds.
Since the bacteria are meant to be in our mouth there is no way
we can remove them permanently. So, no amount of brushing or
tongue scraping will get rid of the VSCs’. The only
scientifically proven way of curing your bad breath (Halitosis)
is by attacking the bacteria’s ability to produce VSCs’ and by
converting the VSC into non-odorous and non-tasting organic
salts.
There are a number of ways in which the problem is worsened and
the most common way is with dry mouth. This generally occurs
while you are asleep and hence the reason you sometimes wake up
with “morning breath”.
Although some cases of dry mouth are naturally occurring, most
cases are caused by one of these factors: 1. Prescription
Medications (usually prescribed for high blood pressure or
depression) 2. Antihistamines 3. Adult Beverages 4. Mouthwashes
with alcohol in them
When your mouth is dryer, you have less Saliva. Saliva naturally
contains Oxygen, which keeps your mouth healthy and fresh. These
bacteria are anaerobic, which simply means that they will thrive
and make innumerable sulfur in the presence of little or no oxygen.
Thus if you have less Saliva, you have less oxygen, thereby
creating an anaerobic environment, perfect for the bacteria to
produce further of these odorous and sour/bitter compounds. Because
of the increase in higher protein foods, on an Atkins type diet,
especially dairy products, the amount of Volatile Sulfur
Compounds increases dramatically and as such your breath gets
worse accordingly. The only way to fight the problem is to try
and supply oxygen to the bacteria causing the problem and remove
as much of the VSCs’ as possible. This can be done in a number
of ways:
- Drink loads of water. This will help ensure your tongue and
throat are kept moist and supplying oxygen to the VSC producing
bacteria. - Always clean your tongue with a tongue cleaner
before brushing your teeth last thing at night and first thing
in morning. You should also try and do this after every meal
too. - Use a mouthwash which does not contain any alcohol as
alcohol can dry your mouth and make the problem worse. You can
also dramatically improve matters by using an oxygenating
mouthwash. You can find one by doing a Google on “oxygenating
mouthwash”. - Don’t chew gum, which contains sugar, to try and
mask the bad breath. This can make matters worse. Use a sugar
free gum instead.
The bottom line is that low carb diets will cause bad breath,
although for some it will be a lot worse than others. However,
help is at hand so if you want to shed the weight and not shed
any friends then make sure and heed the advice given above.
About the author:
A self confessed low carb food junkie Andrea Simpson has lost
over 40lbs on low”>http://www.eatinglowcarb.info>low carb eating.
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Chelation Can Cure: How to Reverse Heart Disease, Diabetes, Stroke, High Blood Pressure and Poor Circulation Without Drugs or Surgery
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