If you think that cancer is the number one killer, you would be right. Certainly, there is a lot of information in the media about this devastating disease. You may be surprised to learn, though, that cancer has only recently made it to the top of the list of causes of death. Heart disease was the reigning number one killer for a many years, and is still a very serious health concern. What is Heart Disease? Heart disease is not a single medical condition, but rather a term that describes several conditions that have a negative effect on the heart muscle and how it functions. Factors that Contribute to Heart Disease A number of factors have a hand in your likelihood of developing heart disease. Genetics You have absolutely no control over your family history, but it is a major heart...

Heartmart editors primarily focus on heart diseases – causes, prevention, and treatment. If you have been reading our blog then you know this already. It’s somewhat of a tangent, but we have set up a health and fitness jobs list, which is full of employment opportunities. The board is updated every day and includes openings for dietitians, nutritionists, fitness instructors, strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers, and so forth. Obviously, some positions require a great deal of training, advanced degrees, or perhaps certifications. But if you’re someone who has been struggling to get healthy then perhaps finding a part-time or full-time at a health club could prove helpful. Health clubs give their employees free or substantially discounted facility access. Be...

We need to have some salt in our diet in order to stay healthy. Unfortunately, a diet high in processed food contains far more than the recommended 5 grams that should be ingested each day. If you want to reduce your risk of heart disease, you need to train yourself to reach for the salt shaker less often. Chances are that you are getting enough salt from the food that you eat, and you don’t need to add any more. Instead, use herbs and spices to give the flavor of your food a boost. Have some fun and experiment with different combinations to see which ones you like best. ...

Scientists have known for some time that the risk of developing early onset heart disease (under the age of 40) had a hereditary link, but did not which genetic marker was responsible for it. New research into the gene believed responsible for heart disease has now revealed that a variation of the protein neuropeptide Y (NPY) is the likely culprit. It’s probably no coincidence that this protein has been linked to the ability to control appetite. When researchers conducted a study involving 1,000 families, they found that a link exists between people who carry this variation of the gene and people who have heart disease or a family history of the disorder. ...

Researchers at Harvard and Johns Hopkins have released the results of a 14-year study on women with symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and heart disease. The results were very interesting, to say the least: Women who had at least five symptoms of PTSD were at an increased risk for developing heart disease. The risk factor increased by 300 percent. PTSD falls under the category of anxiety disorders, which affect approximately 10 percent of the general population. Both children and adults can develop symptoms, which can be so severe that they interfere with normal living. After being involved in a traumatic event, such as an accident, natural disaster, combat, or being the victim of a crime, the individual may start to experience flashbacks or nightmares. In the second phase o...

Your mother probably told you to eat oatmeal because she wanted you to start off the day with a hot breakfast. Oatmeal has other health benefits, though: eating this food on a regular basis can help to lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes (Type 2 variety). To get the maximum benefit from the oatmeal, buy the plain variety. The prepackaged type is loaded with sugar, which you don’t need if you are trying to stay true to your heart healthy diet. Instead, choose steel cut oats and add some fruit if you want to sweeten it. Your heart will thank you for making this choice. ...

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when an individual has excessive amounts of sugar in his or her blood stream. An inadequate amount of insulin production or insulin resistance can cause the condition. There are three types of diabetes that a person can be diagnosed with, and each one has its own set of symptoms. Type 1 Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes usually presents in children, and occurs when the body either doesn’t produce insulin at all or doesn’t produce sufficient insulin. The youngster will need to have insulin injected on a daily basis, and will need to monitor his or her blood sugar regularly. Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes is actually the more common variety of this disorder. It accounts for more then 90 percent of cases, although it is usually diagnosed in adults...

You may have heard that cardiovascular exercise is one way to help prevent heart disease, but do you know how much you need to stay healthy? New Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, published at the end of 2008 suggest the following levels of exercise for adults (18-64 years of age): 2.5 hours of moderate exercise (walking or participating in an exercise class) 1.25 hours of vigorous exercise (jogging, cycling, or swimming) This doesn’t seem like such a daunting task, does it? Getting active means that you will increase your life expectancy by between three and seven years, on average. If it means you will be around longer, it’s well worth the effort. ...

More municipalities banning smoking in public places has been directly linked to lower heart attack rates. The results of a study published in the Morbidity and Mortality Week Report published by the Centers for Disease Control on January 2, 2009 confirmed this fact. The goal of passing non-smoking legislation is to protect non-smokers from the negative health effects associated with second-hand smoke. Even inhaling a small amount puts the non-smoker at an increased risk of developing heart disease. Perhaps not being able to smoke in public places will encourage more smokers to give up the habit. ...

John Travolta and Kelly Preston’s 16-year-old son, Jett, died on January 2, 2009. He apparently had a seizure and struck his head in the bathtub. Jett Travolta had been diagnosed with Kawasaki Syndrome. Symptoms of the disease include a rash, swelling in the extremities, and swollen neck glands. Kawasaki Syndrome also causes acquired heart disease in children. This is a rare disorder that affects less than 20 out of every 100,000 children. Treatment involves giving the child purified antibodies intravenously. Aspirin may also be given as a way to reduce the likelihood of problems with the child’s heart. ...