Ancient Indian saints expressed that the body is the temple and the heart is the light of life. When the body is not kept clean and clear of ailments the heart doesn't go on. I always add to this by saying the body is the temple, the heart is the light, and the mind is the guide. When one can follow with the intellect that is provided by the mind and take care of the body and heart, one can reach the heights of joy and rewards that could come along with health. In other words, a healthy body leads to a healthy heart which leads to a tranquil mind which in turn leads to a healthy and happy long life. One doesn't work with out the other. When the body is neglected it weakens and cannot protect the heart and when the heart is not working well the mind goes through upheavals. It is a reciprocal theory.
Everything is interconnected. I came to realize this a little too late in life. I abused my body very much. I ate everything that was in sight, never exercised, never followed the rules of nature to discipline myself by going to bed early, and focusing on some spiritual guidance. Eventually, I ended up with various ailments and started taking care of myself. Sometimes it feels like it's too late but most of the times it feels like it isn't. Of all the three components of life the heart is the center point for survival and needs to be paid special attention to.
A human heart pumps five to six gallons of blood through the entire body each minute. It beats 100,000 times per day to circulate the blood. It is the power house of the body that is constantly working to keep one alive. And when it stops, life stops. Major functions of the heart include taking de-oxygenated blood through the veins from all parts of the body, adding oxygen from the lungs and then pumping it through the arteries to different parts. The heart has its own supply of blood and oxygen through coronary arteries and veins to keep its muscle healthy and strong.
When the heart vessels carrying blood supply to the heart muscle are corrupted with cholesterol, fat, calcium deposits, and plaques they narrow down in a condition called atherosceloris. Narrowed vessels reduce the oxygen supply from lowered blood flow causing the heart to work extra hard to pump blood, eventually giving up the muscle function. This results in a heart attack (myocardial infarction) and tissue death. Cardiac arrest results from the plaque build-up in the vessels which rupture and cause a blood clot and blockage. When these clots travel to the brain it results in strokes. When the demand for nutrients and oxygen is not met because of the blockage it results in angina and shortness of breath.
Heart attack is the number one killer in the United States and most other countries. Southeast Asian countries where western food and more sedentary lifestyles are becoming more common means they are catching up with this major health problem quickly. Diabetes is the major contributor in these countries that leads to coronary artery disease, while high blood pressure is the chief cause for this in the United States.
Major controllable risk factors for heart diseases include smoking, lack of exercise, high fat foods, foods high in sodium and sugars. Uncontrolled factors are heredity, diabetes, and hypertension.
Symptoms of heart attacks or angina include shortness of breath, dizziness, light-headedness, weakness at rest, irregular heartbeat, nausea, abdominal pain, pain between shoulder blades, and/or pain radiating from chest area to either arms. Pain in the chest area was believed to be usually on the left side but it could start in the right side of the chest too sometimes. For most women pain is not a symptom of heart attacks. Most women do not experience typical symptoms of heart attacks. Elderly people and people with diabetes do not typically experience symptoms of heart attacks except for weakness that could be overlooked. Most cases of heart burns are thought of as acid indigestion but are not recognized as potential heart problems.
There are several tests that determine cardiac activity and early signs of heart conditions:
EKG(electrocardiogram)- take a short period of time and measures electrical impulses of the heart. It is non-invasive and painless.
Stress EKG: done along with treadmill to measures the level of stress the heart can take and the oxygen uptake. Requires a physician's supervision.
ECG(electrocardiography): Uses sound waves with ultrasound to generate images that show heart function.
Cat Scan: Scans and produces images of the heart and blood vessels. Three-D images are available through the use of Electron Beam Tomography that shows detailed images of the heart functions. EBT is similar to CT but is not as popular as it costs more.
Cardiac Angiography: This is a procedure where the patient is administered a mild amount of sedative to keep in semiconscious state. A catheter that contains a scope is inserted usually in the groin area and passed into the heart. An iodine contrast solution is injected while images of the heart function are taken simultaneously under the cardiologist's supervision to reveal blockages.
Cardiolyte Stress Thallium Test: Taken in two stages. Thallium is injected into the artery while patient walks or runs on the treadmill and nuclear images are taken. The second test is done after several hours at resting phase with nuclear images. The images are than compared to determine the blockages of the heart. Cardiolyte test is the most accurate of all tests done to find blockages and is a precursor for angioplasty or bypass surgeries.
Treatment procedures include:
Coronary Angioplasty- also called balloon angioplasty.
Stent placements in blocked arteries.
Atherectomy- a drill-like device or laser that is used to cut away the plaque in the arteries.
Brachy Therapy- radiation is applied to the blockage to remove the plaque.
Medicines used for different cardiac conditions include: beta blockers, nitroglycerin, calcium blockers, ACE inhibitors, aspirin and statins to reduce lipids and plaque formation.
Whole grains, soy products, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, avocados, nuts, and fish products are some of the many nutritious foods that could help raise good cholesterol HDL and help maintain heart health. Reducing sugar, starch, and sodium adds to the benefits. Stopping to smoke adds years to the healthy heart. Alcohol in moderation will help in heart health. A minimum of a thirty minute workout a day along with common sense in choosing right foods along with proper medications will help us to keep the light in the temple to keep going because, "OUR LIFE MATTERS."