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The Importance of Exercise for Vascular Health

April 29, 2016

Most people are aware that exercise is a key component to support an overall healthy lifestyle. Exercise helps to strengthen and tone our bodies and maintain a healthy bodyweight. It’s even beneficial to our vascular health, promoting blood flow and circulation. Exercise and vascular health After the age of 55, the risk for vascular conditions like heart attack, stroke, hypertension, peripheral artery disease, and high cholesterol significantly increases. People who live a sedentary lifestyle are at an even greater risk for developing these conditions, especially those who are obese. To combat the development of these conditions, there are many exercises
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National Heart Month: Ways to Improve Heart Health

February 19, 2016

With February being National Heart Month, it’s important to reevaluate what you can be doing each day to improve your heart health. Many Americans don’t take their heart health seriously, which can lead to devastating consequences. In fact, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. To reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease, and to help your heart perform at its best, there are a few easy ways to improve your heart health. Eat dark chocolate Researchers have found an association between dark chocolate and lowered blood
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The Connection Between Stress and Heart Disease

February 8, 2016

Stress is a normal part of life, and stressful situations can often leave you feeling tense, anxious, irritable or overwhelmed. But if you have chronic stress, or aren’t managing your stress in a healthy way, it can have negative effects and contribute to serious conditions like heart disease. How stress affects your heart When you experience stress, your body releases the hormone adrenaline. Adrenaline temporarily boosts your circulation, blood pressure, heart rate, and carbohydrate metabolism to prepare your muscles for exertion, or the “fight or flight” response to a stressful circumstance, which is quite normal. Chronic stress, however, continually exposes
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The Most Effective Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

January 27, 2016

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension), you are not alone. As many as three million Americans suffer from high blood pressure every year. High blood pressure is defined as the systolic pressure (top number) reading 140 or above, or a diastolic pressure (bottom number) reading 90 or above. If you have recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it’s important to try other solutions to lower your blood pressure levels prior to exploring medical solutions. Below are a few things you can start doing today. Consume healthy, low-salt diet Consuming a healthy, low-salt diet rich in
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What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

December 23, 2015

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur when you have diabetes. It affects mostly the feet and legs first, but can also affect the hands and arms. If left untreated, diabetic neuropathy can develop serious complications, including limb loss, hypoglycemia, low blood pressure and joint deterioration. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy The most common form of diabetic neuropathy is called peripheral neuropathy. Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are worse at night and may include: Numbness or temperature changes Tingling or burning sensations in the extremities Sharp pains or cramps in the extremities Increased and extreme sensitivity
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What is Atrial Fibrillation?

November 30, 2015

Affecting more than three million Americans every year, atrial fibrillation (also called afib) is a common form of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) that can significantly affect many areas of your body, including your blood vessels and circulatory system. Atrial fibrillation occurs when the two upper chambers of the heart (the atria) fail to beat in sync with the two lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart, causing an irregular heartbeat. As a result, this irregularity can pose a major risk for stroke and heart failure. Atrial fibrillation comes in three different forms: Occasional – The symptoms of occasional afib can come
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Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting

November 12, 2015

Peripheral angioplasty is a nonsurgical procedure used to widen or reopen narrowed or obstructed peripheral arteries or veins. Some of these angioplasty procedures will utilize stent (a small, wire mesh tube) placement as a supplemental treatment option that can be done during angioplasty. Benefits of angioplasty and stenting Peripheral angioplasty and stenting are procedures that can significantly reduce the risks associated with plaque buildup in the arteries and veins, especially in severe cases of atherosclerosis. These benefits can include: Decreasing signs and symptoms of blocked arteries and veins Significantly reducing chances of death or damage to the valves as the
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