Heart Disease | The Truth about C Reactive Protein and Cholesterol Lowering Drugs

By : Enggar Sulistya

Some of you may disagree with me, but hear me out on this ...

The drug companies know what they want you to think. They want you to think that the only reliable predictor for heart disease is low high-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, and the best way to reduce your risk of taking a "statin" drugs like Zocor and Lipitor. Cholesterol-reducing drugs are the most successful pharmaceutical products before, so the drug companies want you to lead them to drugs. Heart disease is not caused by high LDL cholesterol levels as the sole predictor. It's not even the best predictor of the honor that goes to a little known test that looks for elevated levels of C-reactive protein.

What is C-reactive protein?

C-reactive protein is produced by the body during times of inflammation. Doctors are not exactly sure why some people have elevated C reactive protein and others have normal levels, but they do know that high C reactive protein is linked to higher rates of heart disease, stroke, heart attack, and sudden cardiac death.

Traditional doctors agree that a test for C-reactive protein is a better measure of a person's risk for heart disease than cholesterol. The New England Journal of Medicine reported in November of 2002 that elevated C reactive protein predicts cardiovascular problems better than elevated LDL-cholesterol. The American Heart Association agrees.

Heart Disease http://www.cornerheartclinic.blogspot.com

Heart Disease | Heart Attack: Are You At Risk?

By : Enggar Sulistya

Some of the things that touched you notice, If you're male and you lead an inactive lifestyle you probably have at least 3 risk factors associated with heart disease.

I know, I know, you feel good but so are most people before they have a heart attack. Unfortunately, most people know they have heart disease the day they are hospitalized, and they are lucky!

Ladies, do not think this is just something for men to worry about (as it has in the past). Women, and men are more likely to die from heart disease than from all types of cancer.

Modernization has changed our lifestyle. We work longer hours, so we eat fast food, and no time for exercise and sports. Even worse, a machine that takes 'work' out of work. We are less active and it's killing us!

If you’re male and you lead an inactive lifestyle you probably have at least 3 risk factors associated with heart disease.

So what are the risk factors for heart disease?

Firstly, there are two types of risk factors: those that can be changed, and those that can’t be changed. It’s important to know that you only need to have 3 of these to be at risk. Each extra risk factor that you have increases your chance of having a heart attack substantially.

Risk factors that can’t be changed:

Heredity: You are at greater risk if your parents, grandparents, brothers, or sisters, have heart disease.

Gender: Men are at greater risk than women, though the risk for women increases after menopause.

Age: As you increase in age, so do your chances of having a heart attack. Once you reach 40 you should have regular check-ups.

Risk factors that can be changed:

Smoking: A smoker is twice as likely than a non-smoker to have a heart attack. It not only places extra strain on the heart and lungs but also makes blood cholesterol stickier, making it easier to block arteries.

High Blood Cholesterol: Cholesterol is produced naturally by the body and is essential to our health. The problem comes when we consume too much in our diet.

High Blood Pressure: Just like with high cholesterol there are no early symptoms. The first most people learn they have this is when it’s at a dangerous level.

Physical Inactivity: If you are inactive, you are more likely to have a heart attack. Even a 10 minute walk each day can make all the difference.

Obesity: If you are obese, you are placing your heart under a great deal of strain even at rest.

Heart Disease http://www.cornerheartclinic,blogspot

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