The Immune System is probably the most important system in your body. It was designed by nature, millions of years ago, to aid the body in recovering from injuries and illness. In other words “a natural built in healing system”.
Your blood is composed mainly of red and white cells, the red ones carry the oxygen and nutrition to all parts of the body, the white ones are the defenders and scavengers of your body, during infection, they are immediately called upon to fight the infection and clean up afterwards.
These billions of cells work very hard and consequently they have quite a short lifespan, usually, only a few days.
Originally the Immune System did not face as many problems, as it does in this day and age, now it has to cope with pollution, poisons, toxins, pesticides, herbicides and chemicals, in the air that we breathe, the food that we eat and the water that we drink. As you will understand, the immune system is fighting a huge battle, just trying to cope with all these attacks that are happening every day. Luckily for us, these cells can be generated very quickly, so with the correct nutrition, it will not take the immune system much time, to get back up to full strength.
When you have a vaccination, your immune system is given a copy of a specific disease, so that if the system comes across the disease again, the memory cells in the immune system, will know exactly what action to take, likewise, if you have had a disease before, they know what to do in the event of reinvasion.
The cells involved in your immune system, have what is called “cellular communication”, this means that the cells all talk to each other, they ask each other if they are OK, if one says it is unwell, the others will all help it to heal, if it is beyond help, the other cells will exterminate it and then eliminate it completely from the body.
Sometimes the immune system will go astray and start attacking the good healthy cells, then problems occur which are known as auto immune system diseases, which can cause cells to mutate with all sorts of consequences. Auto Immune System diseases are increasing all the time, and is one of the most serious threats to good health.
There is a natural slow decline in the efficiency of the body’s immune system, which partly comes with age; you tend to absorb some nutrients less efficiently.
There is evidence that suggests a nutrient dense diet, may slow this decline, slow the aging process, improve your immune system and energy by giving it a boost or modulating the cellular communication process.
One of the Natural Healing products that are available through our website, is a natural nutrient, that has been used for over a thousand years and it is known as the most “Nutritionally Dense” food in the world.
Your immune system needs help to function at the highest capacity. Without an efficiently functioning immune system, you are not going to maintain good health.
Health is you’re your most valuable asset, even though you might not realize this now, when it begins to deteriorate, it could just possibly be to late to do much about the consequences of ill health. Possible help for the Immune System is a healthy diet, with lots of natural sources of Vitamins A, C and E, Zinc, Iron, Folate, Vitamin B6. Check out the website for more information.
Have you ever wondered whether you always need to work (and sweat) hard to feel a rush of energy?
Of course for many people this is the method by which they always achieve an increase in energy and it is certainly a valid one.
However what about those people who don’t want to (or can’t) spend forty-five minutes or more working up a sweat the ‘traditional’ way? What about the older person who isn’t physically able to generate a sweat by running, using a cross trainer, or riding a bike?
More importantly, do they need to?
I would argue that they do not. Not everything revolves around impactive exercises for forty-five minutes to an hour. The physical aspect is only part of the equation anyway. Many people forget that what you think about can create massive changes in how you feel.
For the older person looking to increase their energy and health they often cannot handle what some might term a normal exercise regime and require a different approach.
What might this different approach involve though?
Have a look below at the following little used ideas that can increase energy without breaking a sweat!
- When you rise in the morning do something physical straight away. Do some leg raises, swing your arms in big circles past your ears, breathe deeply near an open window, the list could go on! Believe me, you will want to go forward into your day with energy and purpose having done this.
- When your day offers you the opportunity (lunch, and fifteen minute, breaks for instance) use it to get your body moving and your energy levels pumped up once more. A brisk ten-minute walk with an emphasis on deep breathing can elevate energy levels without you having to spend an hour training. Remember though, to create and have energy you have to use it as well! Break (or any spare) time does not have to be spent sat on your behind!
- Relax! Pointless everyday tension wastes massive amounts of energy. Want to increase yours? Then as you go through your day use only the minimum amount of energy for tasks like opening doors, cleaning teeth, driving your car and while writing, typing and pretty much any activity you routinely perform each day.
- Have you ever tried programming yourself just before sleep to feel energised when you wake in the morning? I would suggest you try it. Tell yourself you will wake up full of purpose and energy. Give yourself a goal to wake up for no matter how small and this will help you on your way to increases in energy also.
- While performing everyday movements try adding just a little more vigour into the mix. Walking is an obvious example. Swing your arms that little bit more, breathe a little deeper, push off your feet a little more firmly. Such small easy to implement actions can elevate the pulse rate a little more than normal and act as a great natural energiser.
Keep these points in mind if your goal is generation (and conservation) of energy levels without having to sweat your way there.
Remember without energy life cannot be lived to its fullest so follow these points if you feel you are over-training and need time to recharge or if you simply wish to add some energy into a currently sedentary existence.
andcopy; Tim Webb 2005
Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient is one of the most difficult things you can do. It involves a lot of energy, time and patience. It can be very frustrating. People with Alzheimer’s may refuse help from caregivers. This is a sign that they are actually trying to communicate with you. Refusal to accept care is a sign that something is missing or not right. It’s up to the caregiver to assess the situation.
If your loved one refuses to take her bath or shower, this might be a clue that something is bothering her. It may be embarrassment. Remember that your loved one used to do all these things alone before she had Alzheimer’s and now she has to depend on another person. It is very frustrating. You may have to limit bath time. Approach the situation one step at a time in a non-threatening manner. While you help your loved one undress, use a smooth calming voice. As you bathe her, you can talk about old memories you used to share. It will make the process more enjoyable and pleasant for both of you.
If this does not work and your loved one still resists your help, then you might need try again later. When people with Alzheimer’s do not like to bathe, it often stems from fear. Make sure the lighting in the bathroom is adequate for your loved one to see. If she cannot see well, her fear will increase. Let the shower or bath run for a while to warm up the room. It will make it more comfortable. No one likes to undress in a cold room. If your loved one is using a shower, you might want to put a chair in it so she can sit down. You can purchase one of those at a medical supply store or drug store. Use a hand held shower head. This will take the water up to her level and will be less threatening.
Music is a good way to help as well. It can be good therapy. Studies have shown that some Alzheimer’s patients react very well to music. They may feel less stress. Music can decrease emotions of agitation or aggressive behavior. You can play soft music; add some fragrance in the bathroom. It will make it more inviting. You can try to use the same rituals your loved one used before when taking a bath or a shower. Routine is extremely important for persons with Alzheimer’s.
If you feel there is still tension and resistance, you can always choose another option. You can hire some professional help just for the bathing time. If you decide to get someone to help you, make sure that person has experience with Alzheimer’s disease and knows how to handle patients with dementia. You can hire someone on your own or go through an agency. They have qualified people and will be able to assist you in this situation. Sometimes, the individual with dementia will respond better to a third party rather than a family member. Put yourself in her shoes, it can be really embarrassing having someone from your family bathe you. A disinterested, but gentle, third party may help greatly.
The main thing is to handle bath time in a loving manner. Your loved one will appreciate it and it will lower her stress level, as well as yours.
(NC)-With approximately 42,000 mosquitoes for every person in Ontario, most of us spend a great deal of our summers swatting away these pesky insects. Protecting yourself against mosquitoes will not only make your summer more enjoyable, it will help prevent you and your family from getting annoying and sometimes dangerous bug bites.
As a family physician, I recommend that my patients take the following personal protection measures to prevent insect bites.
Stay Scent-Free. Avoid using scented soaps, lotions and shampoos.
Gear Up. Cover your skin as completely as possible. This may be challenging by the beach, but when possible wear long sleeves, pants and socks.
Be Colour Conscious. Mosquitoes are attracted to blue, so avoid this colour and stick to neutral colours.
Use Repellent. Repellents containing DEET are most effective for areas with heavy mosquito or tick infestation.
Alternative Repellents. When applied frequently, citronella-based repellents can provide the same bug protection as products containing low concentrations of DEET. I recommend Natrapel, which contains 10 percent citronella to ward off bugs for up to two hours.
Meal Time. Be alert to the time of day when certain insects are most active such as dawn and twilight.
Check Point. Upon returning indoors, check your children and yourself for bites.
Treatment. Sunburn and bite treatment products should be included in every outdoor adventurer’s travel kit.
Dr. Brian Aw is a general practitioner specializing in travel medicine.
For more tips on bug bite prevention and product information visit: www.tendercorp.com/canada.
Editors: These articles are for use in Ontario only
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Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few months, you’ve heard the buzz: bird flu, avian flu, pandemic. Heck, even Ted Koppel admitted he’s been doing outside reading on the Flu’s origin. What does it all mean? Is it really cause for concern? As always it’s best to educate yourself on the state of affairs, then decide what you can do.
What we know: President Bush has outlined a 7 billion dollar program to prepare the US for the outbreak of the avian flu virus. Thanks much, but studies also report that even with this large number there could be a shortage if we reach a full blown pandemic (Never mind the question, where-o-where will we find the 7 billion?).
Therefore, before we become panic stricken, let’s first note the facts beginning with the query: Why is this flu such a concern?
What we know: The particular strain of influenza H5N1 has shown up in birds first in Hong Kong and moved throughout Asia. The cases of human casualty have all been with persons in contact with the virus (I could only find one exception to this). Thus, the majority of deaths (somewhere around 60) have resulted from contact with an infected bird. From this we conclude, in all likelihood H5N1 in its current form does not spread from person to person.
The fear: The virus mutates to form a hybrid version that can become airborne and spread from human to human at an alarming rate. This frightens researchers because humans have not developed immunity to one particular protein in the strain. In all likelihood? The mutation could simply lead to a less severe version of the original. The absolute worst case scenario: The virus becomes self evolving creating a rapidly spreading pandemic.
What we know: Immunologists seem in agreement that most humans build an immunity to a variety of influenza strains and a strong immune system can be the first responder to a flu attack. Although several prototype vaccines are currently being developed, there is no guarantee that they will be able to conquer a mutated virus, and while two antiviral drugs “Tamiflu” and “Relenza” are believed to reduce the severity of H5N1, they must be given within a 24-48 hour period after infection. Yet the same mutation disclaimer could also apply. The shot then, while always a good idea for special populations and children, does not offer a magic bullet as far as this scientist can speculate .
Are we all sitting ducks then, waiting to be swallowed up by such devastation? I say: a resounding “No!” What we should be publicizing is: There is much you can do to arm yourself. First, have hope. Next, learn to build your immune system. Exercise, proper nutrition, sound sleep and meditation are all things you can do on a daily basis that will stimulate the immune system and build your force field against dangerous pathogens. It’s not just me saying so, either. This is the prescription given by researchers at Columbia University’s School of Public Health.
And finally, As much as I believe it is important to be well informed about the state of the world at large, take a break from the negativity, and forget about natural selection. While Darwin may be looking down and wringing his hands from above, God knows we’ve all got better things to do.
For more info visit: www.pandemicflu.gov
Resources:
USA Today
Associated Press
Much to many parents dismay, baby acne is very common. The hormones that are transferred from mother to baby at birth and with breastfeeding can sometimes cause this annoying but painless condition. Baby acne usually appears as small whiteheads on the infant’s cheeks, chin and forehead. It may be present at birth, or it may show up after the baby is a few weeks old. If you think your baby has acne, read on to learn more about this condition and what you can do about it.
What Is Acne?
Acne is usually associated with teenagers, as it is often caused by the sex hormones that are released with puberty. But it can affect babies as well. The scientific name for the condition is acne vulgaris because acne usually strikes in plainly visible locations such as the face, neck, chest and back. It occurs when an oil gland becomes blocked.
As excess oil is not allowed to exit, the gland swells and may even become infected.
Does My Baby Have Acne?
If your baby’s skin is irritated, it could be due to a number of conditions. Baby acne usually occurs on the baby’s cheeks, forehead, chin, and even the back. The pimples are actually small whiteheads that are surrounded by red, irritated and maybe even inflamed skin. Baby acne may become more pronounced when your baby is hot or fussy, or if his skin is irritated. Common irritants include saliva, spit-up milk, soap, and clothing that has been washed in strong chemical detergent.
If your baby has tiny bumps on his face at birth this may also be milia. These little bumps are unrelated to acne and they will disappear on their own within a few weeks. Cradle cap is another condition that may be irritating your baby’s skin. However, this condition looks scalier than acne and it usually occurs at other points on the body like the top of the head and behind the ears. If your baby’s breakout looks more like a rash, it may be eczema.
What Causes Baby Acne?
There are a number of factors that may cause baby acne. As with adolescent acne, the condition can be caused by a skin irritation, certain medications, or by a hormonal change. Contact with an oil substances such as petroleum oil or mineral oil can cause baby acne. And if you are taking certain medications while nursing, or if your baby is taking some medications, this may cause a breakout. The maternal hormones that are passed from you to the baby at the end of the pregnancy could also be the cause of your baby’s acne.
Does Baby Acne Hurt?
More often than not, you will be more affected by your baby’s acne than she is. Baby acne does not itch, sting, or hurt in any way. And she is too young to notice her unsightly appearance. So it is more likely that baby acne will bother you, than your baby. However, with severe cases of baby acne, the blemishes may become so swollen and inflamed that they cause or add to your baby’s fussiness. See your health care provider if you think your baby’s acne is causing her aggravation.
How long Does Baby Acne Last?
Baby acne usually clears up within a few weeks. But it may come and go until your baby is six months old. See your health care professional if your baby’s acne is particularly severe, or if it persists into your child’s toddler years.
How Can I Treat My Baby’s Acne?
Treating baby acne is more about what you should not do rather than what you should do. Do not scrub or vigorously wash your baby’s skin. This will only cause further irritation to the sensitive skin. Wash your baby’s face with water and some mild baby soap once a day. If she has particularly sensitive skin, wash with warm water only.
Avoid putting any creams, lotions or oils on your baby’s skin. These products can also irritate acne. Use a natural fabric detergent that is made for sensitive skin to wash your baby’s clothes.
Can I Cover My Baby’s Acne With Make Up?
While it is possible to reduce the appearance of baby acne with make up, it is not advisable. Your baby’s skin is very sensitive and make up only adds irritation to this sensitive area. However, there may be special occasions when you choose to use make up to conceal your baby’s acne. A photo shoot or special family event may warrant such treatment. Be sure to purchase a organic, chemical free concealer that is made for sensitive skin and use a product that matches your baby’s delicate skin tone.
For more information on acne remedies go to http://www.acne-answers.org.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos related cancer, you may want to seek legal advice. Typical legal settelements can reach five million dollars.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.
What is the mesothelium?
The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.
The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.
How common is mesothelioma?
Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age.
What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?
Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.
Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person’s risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.
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Lately we’ve all been receiving a lot of spam emails. It’s amazing how many of them are promising quick weight loss without any effort! One of them even promises that their new ’super tonic’ is the new Fountain of Youth…..just take their product and watch the years fade away. If you’ll excuse the expression, that’s all just a bunch of baloney. The radio advertisements promise “weight loss without diet or exercise” and the infomercials brag about the newest and greatest pill that will magically make the fat melt away…..baloney!
We’d like to ask those advertisers just a few questions: If your “magic-weight-loss-potion-miracle-in-a-bottle” is the real deal, then why hasn’t the media picked up on the story? If your product is indeed the Fountain of Youth, why didn’t our doctor recommend it? Why isn’t it being featured on CNN and all the major news networks?
The reason why the media, and the entire world, isn’t going ga-ga over these new ‘miracle’ cures is that they’re not real miracle cures.
However, we do have some BIG NEWS for you! Against all odds, after careful research and years of painstaking effort, WE HAVE DISCOVERED THE REAL FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH!!!
The only real Fountain of Youth (at least, the closest thing we’ve found) is EXERCISE! There, now you’re in on the secret too! It turns out that our doctor was right, the Surgeon General was right, the American Medical Association was right, and your old coach was right too…..the best way to help keep the body young and healthy is through regular exercise!
The human body can fail in a staggering number of ways. Yet most problems develop gradually over months, years or decades. That leaves plenty of time for action. Doctors can help, but studies show that at least 70 percent of healthy aging depends on decisions each person makes about diet, exercise, smoking and other lifestyle choices (Source: St. Petersburg physician Timothy Carlson).
Did you catch that? Let’s read it again: At least 70 percent of healthy aging depends on decisions each person makes about diet, exercise, smoking and other lifestyle choices! Now that’s what we call the Fountain of Youth!
Unfortunately, the vast majority of people make poor decisions. “Only 18% of patients are at goal,” meaning that their body weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and so on are normal (Source: St. Petersburg physician Timothy Carlson).
Guess what? Regular exercise improves body weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and so much more! People who engage in regular exercise are much more likely to be in the 18% group…..the 18% who are at their goal.
So what are we waiting for? Let’s go exercise!
Ayurveda - Principles and Practice
Ayurveda which has been evolved around 600 BC, apart from treating ailments concentrated more in its prevention. This was followed by the Aryans and Dravidians who were inhabiting India and has been practiced ever since. In the 21st century, Ayurveda has become an indispensable branch of medicine due to its naturalistic approach, that depends on the diagnosis of ones physical base ie Vata, pitta and kabha, and to maintain a right balance.
One of the important principle of Ayurveda treatment is that , treatment is given not only to the ailments or the affected part, but to the person as a whole. This creates an enviornment for purifying your body naturally, which eliminates all toxic imbalances from your body, enabling you to regain natural resistance from diseases and attain good health.
Kerala’s equable climate, natural abundance of forests, which caters to the demand for herbs and medicinal plants, and the cool monsoon season (June-November) are best suited for Ayurveda’s curative and restorative packages. In fact, today, Kerala is the only State in India which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication.
Every object-plant, animal or human - according to the Panchabhootha Philosophy (5 elements of philosophy), is constituted of Vata, Pitta, Kapha.
The concentration of these elements vary in each individual and therefore the time, place, duration and kind of treatment required to restore the balance also needs to change. This is why Ayurveda have a separate system of diagnosis and treatment for each patient. And a season for undergoing Ayurvedic programmes - the monsoon. The atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.
Rejuvenative Programmes
The following are the major rejuvenational therapies practacied in Ayurveda.
Rasayana chikitsa
Tones up the skin and rejuvenates and strengthens all the tissues so as to achieve ideal health and longevity. Increases Ojas (primary vitality) and improves Sattva (mental clarity) and thereby increases the resistance of the body. Includes head and face creams, body massage with herbal oil or powder by hand and foot intake of rejuvenative medicines and medicated steam bath. Herbal baths are also used.
Kayakalpa Chikitsa
Prime treatment for retarding the ageing process, arresting the degeneration of body cells and immunization of the system. Includes intake of Rasayana (special Ayurvedic medicines and diet) and comprehensive body care programmes. Most effective for either sex if undertaken before the age of 50.
Sweda Karma
Medicine steam baths eliminate impurities from the body, improve the tone and complexion of the skin, reduce fat and are recommended for certain rheumatic diseases, particularly for pain. Precious herbs and herbal leaves are boiled and the steam is passed over the entire body for 10 to 20 minutes daily.
Hand massage with herbal oils or herbal powder improves blood circulation and tones up the muscles.
Meditation and Yoga
Mental and physical exercises meant to isolate the ego from the body and mind-designed to home your concentration, improve health and help attain peace of mind through 8 stages of training.
Disciplined behaviour yama Self purification niyama Bodily postures such as the lotus position asana.
Control of breathing Pranayama Control of the senses Pratyahara, fixing of the mind on a chosen object dharsana. Meditation dhyana and Samadhi - a state of being where you experience absolute tranquility and well being.
Beauty care
Herbal face pack, herbal oil massage, intake of herbal tea etc. improves complexion and beautifulness of the body.
Body Slimming
Medicated herbal powder and medicated herbal oil massages, and Ayurvedic diet of herbal juices etc. are part of the programme.
Overal Fitness
Panchakarma Treatment
A five fold treatment for mental and physical well being tunes the body, organs, mind, breath, nerves and purifies the blood.
Therapeutic Programmes
Treatment for chronic head-aches, insomnia, mental tension and cases of hysteria, hallucination and insanity.
Dhara: Herbal oils, medicated milk or buttermilk and decoctions are poured on the forehead/whole body in a special manner.
Variations include Oorhwanga Dhara (good for diseases of the eyes, ears and skin). Takra Dhara (for those suffering from memory loss, severe headache or insanity) and Sarvanga Dhara (for both head and body).
Treatment to alleviate osteoarthritis, leukemia etc.
Snehapanam: Medicated ghee is given internally in a gradually increased quality of specific periods.
Treatment for spondilosis, rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, nervous weakness and nervous disorders.
Pizhichil: Lukewarm herbal oil is applied with fresh linen all over the body by trained masseurs in a rhythmic manner for a period of 1 to 11/2 hours daily for 7 to 21 days.
Treatment for diseases like hemiplegia, paralysis, obsety and certain rheumatic ailments.
Udvarthanam: Therapeutic massage with herbal powders.
Treatment for musculoskeletal ailments due to trauma or accidents.
Marma Chiksta: Treatment that works on the extremely sensitive vital points of the body (the 107 marmas).
Treatment for nasal ailments:
Nasyam: Inhalation of medicated herbal preparations, decoction oils, ghee etx. to eliminate the morbid factors from the head and neck area.
Treatment for ear ailments
Karnapooranam: Medicated oils are applied to the ear for 5 to 10 minutes daily to clean as well as treat specific ailments.
Preventing cataract and strengthening vision:
Tharpanam: A treatment for the eyes effective in preventing cataract and strengthening the optic nerve.
Treatment for wasting of muscles, all types or rheumatism, sports injuries, pain in the joints, emaciation of the body or parts of the body and certain kinds of skin diseases.
Navarakizhi: The whole body is made to perspire by the external application of medicated rice packs in the form of blouses tied in muslin bags.
Treatment for dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches, facial paralysis and burning sensation in the head.
Sirovasti: Lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a leather cap fitted on the head for specific durations as per physician’s recommendation.
What is Atrial Fibrillation?
The heart is a muscle divided into four chambers: two atria at the top, and two ventricles at the bottom. Electrical impulses from the sino-atrial node in the right atrium cause the sequential contraction of atria then ventricles in order to squeeze blood through the heart and out to the body. This is known as sinus rhythm.
In Atrial Fibrillation (AF), faulty signals are generated from other areas in the heart, causing rapid, inefficient ‘quivering’ contractions of the atria at a rate of 300-600 beats per minute. These fibrillating contractions do not cause the ventricles to contract at the same rate, but the ventricles do pick up on more impulses than normal, causing an increased rate of contraction in order to try to pump blood to the body. This leads to a high heart rate - sometimes up to 180-200 beats per minute. A rate this high leads to inefficient emptying of the blood through the heart, causing it to pool in the chambers and increasing the risk of stroke. With a lower volume of blood circulating around the body, patients can feel lethargic, breathless and dizzy.
Signs and Symptoms
Atrial Fibrillation can be acute and life-threatening, paroxysmal (intermittent), or chronic, and its symptoms can range in severity from mild lethargy to stroke. Recent studies in the US have estimated a rate of 70,000 strokes per year as a result of AF. There are no known causes for Atrial Fibrillation, but incidence tends to increase with age, and affects more men than women. Symptoms can often go unnoticed, and some patients are only diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation when under investigation for some other medical reason; conversely, some patients are acutely aware of changes in their heart rhythm.
Symptoms can include:
Rapid, weak pulse
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Fainting
Feeling of an uncomfortable, ‘flopping’ heartbeat (this results from
Chest pain
Fatigue
Treatment
Treatment focuses on two main areas:
Restoring normal rhythm either by using particular drugs, or through a process called cardioversion, where an electrical impulse is shocked through the heart in order to override the fibrillation of the atria and restore normal rhythm.
Reduction and control of rate by use of specific medications such as digoxin, beta blockers and calcium antagonists.
If these methods do not work, doctors may consider inserting a mechanical pacemaker to regulate rhythm.
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