Article by Hazel Blackthorne

The biggest and most infamous serial killer in America is not a clinical psychopath, it is heart disease. Heart disease has been steadily increasing since the 1950′s and seen a marked increase in the last 20 years. At one time or another someone’s life will be directly or indirectly affected by heart disease.

Below are 5 shocking facts that you should know about heart disease:

Fact One

In America alone there are over sixty million people who have one or more forms of heart disease. It we break that down into a ratio that is nearly one out of every four people with heart disease.

Fact Two

One out of every two deaths in America can be linked or directly caused by heart disease and stroke. These two diseases together have caused more deaths that all the other diseases combined together.

Fact Three

Many people think that driving can be dangerous however, you are ten times more likely to be killed by heart disease than being killed in a car accident. Although AIDS is a horrific you are thirty times less likely to die of it than you are with heart disease.

Fact Four

Heart disease is not fussy killer. Whether you are male or female heart disease does not discriminate. It also makes no difference to the color of your skin as heart disease is the biggest killer of both male and females in all ethnic and racial groups in America.

Fact Five

As well being the biggest cause of deaths heart disease costs a fortune. It is estimated that the average cost related to heart disease in America is approximately 300 billion dollars.

Even though heart disease is responsible for causing many deaths it is a preventable disease. The rise of heart disease has a lot to do with the life style that many people live today. More and more people are taking less exercise, they are eating too much and the food that they are eating is very unhealthy.The rise of the fast food culture has increased the levels of obesity in America to a stage that is soon becoming epidemic. People who are overweight or obese or at a much greater risk at developing and dying from heart disease.

As pointed out in many cases heart disease is preventable. If you are overweight or obese then you should seek help and begin to change your lifestyle. You can begin by cutting down on foods that are high in saturated fats. Eat a diet that is high in fresh vegetables and fruit and lean meats. A healthy diet should also be taken in conjunction with regular exercise. If you do this regularly you will help to reduce your risk of getting heart disease.

About the Author

Hazel Blackthorne has been writing articles for over 2 years on subjects he cares greatly about. Check out her new website at http://www.mosesbasketcovers.net / which provides information relating to moses basket fitted sheets and accessories.

Article by johnson peter

Nicely there may be, nevertheless it’s not a weight-reduction plan in a way of diet you and tens of millions of others know as a diet.

Weight loss plan just isn’t food regimen that can assist you to to lose weight. Food plan is just a method you present vitamin to your body.

I really don’t perceive why individuals share with others concerning the diets they’re on! “I’m on low carb food regimen, Cindy!” And pal will say: “Congratulation, Amy! Hope you will make it this time!”

It is really funny. But hey, wake up! Each person on this planet is on diet. Do you drink coke, well you’re on Coke diet. Do you eat apple, wow, you’re on apple diet. Oh yes, you love cabbage so you should be on a cabbage soup diet.

See how stupid it sounds?

So do not rely on some quick weight reduction diets rip-off that can make you eat much less, drastically lower your calorie etc…

You would possibly lose like 7 kilos per week by starving your self, however for the way lengthy? A month? Half a 12 months? Two years?

Common! Why individuals getting on these quick weight loss diets after which going again to their normal consuming habits, gaining all weight proper back on! Yes, congratulation, you’ve gotten lost unbelievable quantities of weight. But for what value? Did you lose relationship as a result of you weren’t capable of be round folks anymore? Did you get any well being problems?

You see, once you add the apples and pears, you weren’t getting any advantages by being on these quick weight loss diets. So why even hassle?

You can simply start learning about foods, what they do to your body and selected the ones you really like. Then it’s worthwhile to begin interested by performing some exercises. They will build muscle tissues and pace up your metabolism. Eventually you will burn fat every time you eat. And I promise you will never go on any hyped diets out there.

As an expert health consultant and vitamin coach I do know that your physique needs every group of food available. Proteins, carbs and fibers are all very needed by your body. The issue is that you’re skipping breakfast, consuming fast food or buying canned or processed ingredients. You could stop that.

Try to get nice 3 meals a day and 3 snacks a day that will preserve your physique in fat burning zone fairly then fats storing mode. More ceaselessly you add food to your stomach, more burning warmth will consume your fat. It’s like more wooden you will add into hearth, more warmth it should produce.

A fast weight reduction diet plan is rare to find. Whereas there isn’t any such a factor as shedding weight overnight, there are weight loss plan plans that may truly assist you lose just a few pounds quick within a week or up to three weeks depending on a couple of factors about yourself. Most people who are in search of a fast method to reduce weight fast really do need a food regimen that works and is wholesome in the first place. A fast weight reduction weight-reduction plan program isn’t principally based mostly on starvation in an effort to do away with weight. Starving yourself to shed pounds is unhealthy. Keep studying to search out the best weight reduction weight loss program I recommend.

Greatest Online Quick Weight Loss Weight loss plan Program

Fat Loss 4 Idiots: This is one of the hottest downloaded weight-reduction plan program on the internet. Previously few years, fats loss four idiots has been dominating on line within the weight reduction industry as top-of-the-line weight-reduction plan plans for quick weight loss. Many individuals have used this program and lost weight and that’s probably one of many reasons why fats loss four idiots is popular. So what is this program all about? Fat loss 4 idiots relies on an idea of “Calorie Shifting” relatively that consuming low carb, low fats or low calories. Calorie shifting just isn’t about starving yourself either. It means to vary the ratio of meals like proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Fat loss four idiots is just not a low calorie low carb weight loss plan nevertheless it has a portion management part that controls the calories and carbs you devour so that you just simply do not eat something you need anyways.

The principle reasons for shifting energy is to permit metabolism to adjust to your food regimen and likewise not to get bored eating similar meals all the time. Once you use the shifting calorie technique such as the one discovered on this fast weight reduction weight loss program program, you pace up your metabolism and maintain it excessive all the time. The end results might be burning more energy than you think. Fat loss 4 idiots also has an on line meal generator which lets you choose the foods you like from the listing that has all kinds of healthy foods. This fast weight loss online program may be very easy to observe and the strategies that are outlined inside this system itself are confirmed to work. Fats loss 4 idiots is worthy making an attempt and my solely criticism is that it would not emphasize exercising. This program can assist you drop some weight quick but it will be a lot better if combined with a fundamental health program. Fat loss four Idiots claims that you may lose 9 pounds in 11 days which might be unrealistic to most people.

Strip That Fat Eating regimen Plan: This can be a new weight loss program that I will only say it solves what fats loss for idiots hasn’t solved. It makes use of a “calorie shifting methodology” similar to this system reviewed above and It allows you to personalize your diets the way in which you need too. Strip That Fats Program is easy to use and easy to follow. This is a consumer friendly program that can clear up your weight reduction problems. Using this fast weight loss weight-reduction plan plan, you may create your very personal diets using It’s tool referred to as STF weight-reduction plan tool. It has over forty,000 totally different week food regimen combinations you could create. It claims that within 2 weeks, you may lose as much as 10 pounds. This claim is extra life like than fats loss 4 idiots claim where you can lose 9 kilos in eleven days. The fast weight loss techniques contained in Strip That Fat weight-reduction plan plan are practical and easy to implement. They’ll assist you lose weight fast and they’re relevant for long term weight loss. Pay attention if in case you have been starving your self for the sake of shedding weight, With this program, you possibly can eat as much wholesome foods from it’s menu as you want while you’re losing weight.

Are fast weight loss diets actually wholesome? It is extremely simple to get sucked into advertisements that claim you possibly can lose an excessive quantity of weight in a week, weeks, or a month, and most of us have tried at the very least one in every of them. The question just isn’t a lot if these plans are really efficient, but if they are health on our bodies internally.

Let’s face the truth here. Most people go on diets only with their exterior appearances in mind. We all wish to look better for a special occasion, to impress someone we are inquisitive about dating, or simply to strut our stuff down the beach on vacation. We deal with how effectively our jeans fit fairly than stopping to think about how we really really feel and the way healthy we are.

It turns out that the real way to get skinny and look fabulous is to get wholesome from the within out. Diet plans that simply strip off some kilos on the size by dumping water weight out of your system may help your abdomen look flat on the seashore for a couple weeks, but what’s it going to do in your physique long run? What’s going to that abdomen appear like after vacation if you end up back dwelling and consuming as usual?

That is the problem with most fast weight loss diets. They’re so strict that they’re impossible to follow long term. They’re appropriate for fast slim downs once you simply need to look great for a special event or a brief vacation, however these outcomes can’t be anticipated to final after that special occasion is over and you discover the restraints of the eating regimen too troublesome to dwell with forever.

About the Author

You see there are over tens of 1000′s diets on the market, but over 65% of individuals in US are affected and different elements of the world are getting very close. Nearly 2 out of three people could be categorised as Quick Weight Loss Diets. So what do you think? In these hundreds of quick weight reduction diets there may be none that may work?

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Article by Buddy Shearer

Unlike other websites where you will see scrap or junk content when searching for “Arthritis” related keywords such as “Alkaline Diet For Rhuematoid Arthritis”, “Arthritis Causes” or even “Herbal Arthritis Cure”, the following writing and many others on this site are filled with very helpful, instructive and also educative information about “Arthritis” in general.

You should be aware that even pets could also suffer from the horrible arthritis. If you have a pet in your home suffering from pains, ensure that you have it checked for it could be arthritis. What everyone should know is that it’s not only humans that suffer from arthritis. Animals do too.. For a general healthy living, your diet and exercise can help greatly. If you want to be free from arthritis pain and other kinds of health problems, try regular exercises and work vigorously on your diet. Healthy life begins with a functional body through good diet and good exercise.

Exercise could do a lot in relieving a rheumatoid arthritis patient from pain. Even people who aren’t suffering from any kind of arthritis, the importance of exercise can’t be overstated. For better management of rheumatoid arthritis, regular exercise is recommended. Keep your body in shape and free from rheumatoid arthritis with the right kinds of exercise, especially with the approval of your doctor.

According to research, women fall more victims of arthritis than men. Lots of cases of arthritis all over the world show more women having it than men. It is now a fact that unlike men, women are more prone to arthritis. The ratio of women is high against men where arthritis is concerned. So, if you are a female, you should pay much more information to learning about arthritis and how to effectively handle it, whether you presently suffer from it or not.

I’m very sure now that you have read to the half part of this article you have discovered that there is more to learn with regards to “Arthritis” than meets the eyes, right? If yes, then the remaining part of this writing will show you a lot more that can make you an expert with regards to the topic.

Don’t forget that arthritis is a chronic disease that can wreak havoc of pains on you for many years, if you don’t know what to do about it. There is no specific period for arthritis as it can attack when it feels like and stays as long as it pleases. But thanks to medical breakthroughs, we can kick it out when we feel like as well. What’s important is to acquaint yourself with the right kinds of information about arthritis, including knowing the right kinds of arthritis medication to take. As you know – information is wealth any day and any time.

Have you ever heard of Ankylosing spondylitis? If you haven’t, then listen up. Ankylosing spondylitis is a kind of arthritis that usually affects the joints of the spine. It can be a very deadly type of arthritis if you don’t do something about it fast. Besides affecting the spine and the hip, ankylosing spondylitis sometimes causes inflammation of the eyes, chest wall, heart and lungs.

http://arthritis-issues.com

About the Author

Buddy Shearer is not a sought-after Internet marketer but rather a regular guy trying to make a living. He can be found building up his business at Marketing with Buddy Shearer and other useful information.

Article by Safron Jeen

Blood cholesterol is one of the most important constituents of the blood/body. It has varied bodily functions, and it builds up healthy cells. It is an essential constituent of the cell wall (membrane), and if the level of blood cholesterol falls below normal, the walls of the red blood cells (RBC) are likely to rupture, thus causing a severe fall in haemoglobin (Hb).

Cholesterol mainly comes from the diet, i.e. from butter, ghee (saturated fat), egg-yolk, non-vegetarian food. Sea food/fish contains a low content of saturated fat. However, polyunsaturated fats like safflower, corn, sunflower, soybean, and cotton seed oils, etc do not give rise to serum cholesterol levels in the blood. These are recommended both for prevention and treatment of high blood cholesterol.

Cholesterol is also synthesized/made in the body. It has got limited excretion. Some is passed in faeces/bile, but is mostly retained in the body. The level of blood cholesterol rises as soon as the person eats.

The normal blood cholesterol level should be between 150-199 mg/ dl, and if it is more than 240 mg/ dl, it is considered a high level of blood cholesterol. Patients having a blood cholesterol level between 200-239 mg/ dl are borderline cases. Both in high and borderline cases, repeated check-ups of blood cholesterol are required.

However, those with a normal level of blood cholesterol must get their blood it checked-up, at least every five years, especially after the age of 40. In general, all persons above the age of 20 must get their blood tested to exclude high levels of cholesterol.

In children above 2 years of age, blood may be tested for cholesterol levels in case they have a family history of high blood.cholesterol/ coronary artery disease / stroke.

Blood cholesterol level may increase when a woman is on oral contraceptives or is pregnant. The level tends to decrease after the pregnancy is over, or after oral contraceptives are stopped. It may take even 5-6 months to come to normal levels. Screening for high blood cholesterol must be carried out through medical camps/house-to-house surveys to locate patients suffering from this malady, as they require immediate treatment. Significant importance is now being given to the levels of cholesterol among the general population. It is very important to know the level of blood cholesterol in a person at an early age

Blood cholesterol can be tested at any biochemical laboratory, after recommendation from the physician. One must talk to one’s physician about the testing of blood cholesterol. The cholesterol level should be checked while fasting in the morning, and if a person takes alcohol, he should avoid it for at least 48 hours before the test. Above all,.the test must be carried out by an experienced biochemist. If the blood cholesterol level is high, it is advisable that a lipidogram be done.

High levels of blood cholesterol are dangerous for the body. They cause narrowing, and even blockage of the coronary arteries (blood vessels supplying the heart) and blood vessels supplying the brain, leading to heart attacks and strokes (paralysis, etc.) respectively. The chances of developing these diseases become higher if one has, in addition, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. The risk also increases if one has a family history of high blood cholesterol/heart attack. The danger is also greater in persons who are addicted to heavy smoking/tobacco chewing, and have sedentary habits. In females the risk is much more after menopause.

High levels of cholesterol may lead to gallstones, and may even be responsible for cancers.

About the Author

Author sites: Home Remedies, Self Health Tips and Self Help Articles

Article by Liam Wiltshire

Arthritis Tips – 5 Common Misconceptions about Arthritis

Do you have painful swollen joints? Do you have persistent aching in your hands, knees or shoulders? If so, you may have arthritis. What? You’re not that old? Around the world 1 out of 4 people, suffer from some form of this painful joint disease. Because it is so very common, a lot of myths and misconceptions have developed around this disease. This article seeks to explore some of them.

“But what actually is arthritis?”

There are over 100 distinct, incurable diseases, currently grouped under the umbrella term “arthritis”. Arthritis covers a variety of problems effecting the bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

However it is most readily known for its effects on the joints in the body which allow us to move. Common signs are pain, stiffness, inflammation or swelling in joints and bones. Arthritis can also cause extensive damage to the cartilage, bones and inter parts of your joints.

Arthritis Misconception 1 – “It’s a disease for the old”

Myth! Millions of middle-aged men and women, children and young adults suffer from this painful aching condition. Anyone can have arthritis. Arthritis has no respect for age or gender.

Arthritis Misconception 2 – “It’s a disease caused by damp, cold environments”

Myth! Doctors and well- meaning individuals have encouraged arthritis sufferers to move to warmer climates as a “cure”. Warmer climates do lessen the feeling of pain and discomfort due to arthritis, but only to a point. Doesn’t everyone love being under a warm sun?

Arthritis Misconception 3 – “You get arthritis from eating a bad diet”

Yet another one bites the dust…to date there has been no research that connects poor eating habits to arthritis, with the exception of uric acid and gout. But maintaining as healthy a bodyweight as possible eases joint aches and lessens swelling.

Arthritis Misconception 4 – “Arthritis can be cured”

I wish I could say this was true! However, at this point in time, there is no cure for this painful disease. You need to be aware of the hundreds of quack cures or treatments that drain your wallet but don’t stop the pain. Every year scientific research is being done to find ways to control the damage and ease the pain that arthritis causes. Check with your health provider for the latest in treatments.

Arthritis Misconception 5 – “Arthritis causes only minor aches and pains”

Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Arthritis is a debilitating disease and can change a person’s entire lifestyle. Pain from joint damage can be severe and as the joint destruction and deformities mount, arthritis patients can experience inflammation, chronic pain and fatigue therefore leading to depression and other health problems. You don’t need to suffer in silence when there is help.

Once you know about the five most common misconceptions of arthritis, you can start looking at ways to help treat the symptoms of arthritis. For more information about ways to relieve the pain of arthritis, visit gin-raisins-arthritis.net

About the Author

Liam Wiltshire is an arthritis sufferer who uses his own methods and remedies to enable him to play American Football for the UK Premiership Bristol Aztecs. Liam also maintains the website http://gin-raisins-arthritis.net

Cancer is a lethal disease but it does not give any signs of being in your body unless it reaches an advanced stage and then it might be too late to cure it. In this article we will discuss some facts and bust some myths related to cancer.

What is Cancer?

When the normal cells in the body start growing in an abnormal pattern, we call it cancer. Cancer cells multiply abnormally and form a tumor. There might also be other lump like growths in the body which are totally harmless. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can grow and spread to other parts of the body, even jeopardizing the vital body systems.

Is Cancer Contagious?

Cancer is not caused by a germ or virus or bacteria. So it cannot be transmitted from one person to another by touch or physical proximity. But some people have a higher risk of developing cancer. Some cancers like breast cancer, ovarian cancer and colon cancer are genetic and have identifiable genetic markers. So you need to be very cautious if there have been cases of cancer in your family members who are related by blood.

Is Cancer a Blood Disease?

Cancer cells travel to other parts of the body through the blood system but cancer is not a blood disease. Some tissues which form the blood cells might get affected by cancer.

Is Cancer a Single Disease?

All malignant tumors are cancer. Cancer can be of more than a hundred types and all tumors are different in appearance and respond differently to treatment.

What are The Symptoms of Cancer?

There are no precise symptoms of cancer and this is the reason why it is very difficult to determine if you have the disease. When in initial stages, the signs are the same as a number of non cancerous health problems. The best way to be safe is to have regular checkups. Routine checkups are recommended especially if you have cancer running in the family. If you notice any lump in any part of the body, a biopsy must be done to rule out cancer.

What Causes Cancer?

There may not be a definite cause of cancer, but there are certain triggers. Carcinogens are substances that increase your chances of getting cancer and these include tobacco, arsenic, asbestos and UV rays.

Is Food Related to Cancer?

Food cannot be connected to cancer, either to cause or cure it, though red meat and heavy fried food are linked to cancer without much evidence. Cabbage and green vegetables are said to help fight some types of cancer.

Is Cancer Incurable?

Cancer can be cured completely if it is detected in early stages. The only way to be safe is to exercise caution. Surgery, chemotherapy and hormone therapy are all successful treatments for cancer, depending on how early it is detected and what type of cancer it is.

Can Cancer Come Back?

Even when a person is completely cured of cancer, there exists a possibility that it might return. Cancerous tumors might form at the same place or in any other part of the body. So even if you have been cured of cancer completely, you still need annual check ups.

About the Author

Alex White is a free lance writer and a health & fitness expert who has been associated with several health care providers across various specialties. Through his articles, Alex wishes to inform and educate public about cancer specialists which will benefit those who are looking for resourceful information regarding health.

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A Story about Bill, Ted, Jack, Peggy Sue, and their friend the lemur, who get shrunken and eaten by a hoboman. Made for a project in my Physio class LYRICS WRITTEN BY LELA ROY: This is the story of Bill, Ted, and Peggy Sue And a kid named Jack and his friend the lemur too Well Jack and his friends were driving in his car The car had just been fixed and they hadn’t gotten far Jack said “guys I’ll turn the radio on I think,” But he pressed the wrong button and the car began to shrink -All around the engines sound The car began to spin around But looking out no one was found Of Jack and his friends -The were such a frightened clan And fell into a garbage can, Were eaten by a hobo-man Poor Jack and his friends! Inside the mouth Jack and his friends stayed seated While the hobo-man chewed, and saliva was secreated The enzyme amylase was released and they turned into a bolus, As they started down the pharynx shouting “Jack you really owe us!” They passed a flap of tissue called the epiglottis Which quickly closed the windpipe and forced them toward the esophagus The esophagus was fun, Ted asked “what are these actions?” “Peralisis,” said the lemur, “known as muscle contractions,” -Everywhere they watched and stared Peggy wet her underware (BILL) “Hey look guys what’s that up there?” (LEMUR) “It’s the sphincter you fool” – (SOMEONE) “I don’t like the look of this, The car smells just like Peggy’s piss (LEMUR) “We’ve passed the sphincter stomach’s next” Then Jack lost his cool …

Diets dieting is usually inspired by someone who wants to lose weight. The problem though is sometimes these ideas can form into bad habits that can be dangerous for the body. One example of this would be crash diets. This is where you would go through an extreme change in caloric intake to try to make your body lose weight quickly.

What actually happens is that your body begins to starve and literally freaks out. Instead of digesting food like it should, it takes everything you eat and converts it into fat. The body

Thanksgiving is meant to be the time of 12 months when we give thanks for all of the great issues we have in our lives, like our associates and family. Nevertheless, Thanksgiving also occurs to be the time of 12 months when we give thanks for a truck load of meals and stuff ourselves silly.

In case you are anxious about packing on the pounds this Thanksgiving season, this text has some great ideas for you on keeping the weight off and utilizing fats burners.

Many of us achieve weight during Thanksgiving as a result of we overeat for many days in a row and do not exercise. When we overeat in massive quantities, our bodies pack on the pounds and hold onto tons of energy and fat. To help scale back the amount of weight achieve you expertise, do not eat until you might be absolutely stuffed. As an alternative, stop once you feel satisfied.

It is common for some folks to make use of tons of butter or lard of their Thanksgiving meals. As an alternative of utilizing plenty of butter or lard, attempt utilizing vegetable oil in cooked meals and olive or avocado oil in cool foods. These oils are good for you and comprise extra wholesome fats than dangerous fats.

Pumpkin pie and different forms of pies are generally eaten at Thanksgiving. You can go ahead and keep this pie unhealthy, but it’s best to then make sure you eat solely a single serving of the pie, which is equal to a single slice.

Otherwise, you can also make your pie with much less sugar and can use a pure sweetener to make up for that. You can even use skimmed milks and make your personal cream for the pie. Since most individuals could have hassle curbing their cravings and controlling the amount of meals they devour through the vacation, taking an appetite management product could be an excellent idea.

Nevertheless, these products should not be used for prolonged intervals of time. While you take your appetite controller, make certain to take action no less than half an hour to an hour before you eat a meal. This may give the tablet a chance to take impact in your body. Also, never take more than the beneficial dose.

Taking extra tablets will not lead to further weight loss and it may also put your health in danger. To burn extra energy whilst you train, attempt fats burning products that comprise inexperienced tea extracts, caffeine, or different natural stimulants, like ginkgo biloba.

These products are designed to spice up your metabolism, which helps you burn off extra energy extra quickly. Nevertheless, for the most effective outcomes, you’ll need to train recurrently and eat good foods.

Additionally, they should not be taken everyday. If you don’t like the thought of taking diet pills and dietary supplements, you may need to attempt a fiber complement or increasing your intake of fiber rich meals, like entire grains. Fiber helps you feel full and stay full. It also helps you digest meals extra efficiently.

Before you begin taking any sort of fats burners, like appetite controllers, it’s best to ask your doctor if they are protected for you. Individuals who have certain health points or take certain medicines and dietary dietary supplements will not be good candidates for weight-reduction plan pills.

Our suggestion is to use Phen375 fat burner, why? Because Phen375 is the best fat burner which is available on the market today, you can lose 3-6lbs a week by using Phen375. There are no other diet supplements, which can be so effective as Phen375.

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Reviews Phen375 – The Great of Success Tips To Loss Weight With Phen375. Check this one to lead you how to success lossing weight using Phen375.

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Coronary heart disease is the greatest single cause of death in Australia. Given its widespread nature, an astounding number of myths exist about the disease. Here are the facts.What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is an aspect of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which also includes stroke and blood vessel ailments. It accounts for around 38% of all deaths each year. Heart disease outcomes include heart attacks.Your doctor can help you measure if you are at risk of heart disease. Certain risk factors are:* Being aged over 65;* Smoking;* High blood pressure and cholesterol levels;* Diabetes;* A family history of Cardio Vascular Disease.However, there are still many unknowns. A person with no risk factors can develop the disease, while a less healthy person might live a long life.The National Heart Foundation’s website is a great source of information about reducing the risks.

A Range of MythsMyth #1: Heart Disease only affects Men

Heart disease is the biggest killer of women in Australia. Four times the number of women die of heart disease than breast cancer each year.* It is thought that the hormone oestrogen acts to protect the heart. After menopause oestrogen levels drop, therefore increasing the risk of heart problems.* Consequently, women tend to develop the disease much later than men, up to ten years or more, often with more serious consequences.Many women ignore the possibility of heart disease, even if they demonstrate risk factors.* Ongoing studies have shown that the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may increase risks of heart disease.* It is vital for post-menopausal women to be regularly checked for signs of heart disease.The Heart Foundation of Australia provides more information on the role of oestrogen in heart disease.Myth #2: Low Fat Diets and Exercise prevent Heart Disease

The US National Institutes of Health monitored 49,000 people over 8 years, and found that those on a high fibre, low fat diet were just as prone to heart disease as people with a more unhealthy diet.* The fats found in lean meat, dairy foods, oily fish, nuts and avocados are good for you.* Even saturated fats help the body to process ‘healthier’ fats.* Trans fats are to be avoided, and are usually found in snack foods like chips.* There is mounting concern that high protein/low carbohydrate diets may also increase the risks of heart disease, as the intake of grains and vegetables is limited.Exercise certainly helps lower cholesterol and increase fitness. Even a small amount of moderate activity each day can improve your mood, lower blood pressure and increase well-being.* However, no matter what shape you’re in, you can still be at risk of heart disease. Even thin people who exercise have heart attacks.Myth #3: Broken Hearts don’t Exist

Many cardiologists believe that our mental and emotional state affect our heart’s well-being. There have been several respected medical studies showing a direct link between a healthy emotional state and a healthy heart.* High stress levels, depression and social isolation may increase your risk of heart disease;* Increasing feelings of connectedness, community, loving and benevolence seem to profoundly reduce the risks.Myth #4: Heart Disease = Death

Heart disease is not a death sentence. It is never too late to quit smoking, start exercising or watch your diet. Even people who’ve had a heart attack can recover quickly, given the correct lifestyle adaptations.* A normal life, including sexual activity, is expected after recovery.* Around 35% of heart attack patients will never have another attack.The Most Dangerous Myth

The idea that a heart attack is easy to recognise is hazardous. Once symptoms become apparent, such as crushing chest pain, it can be too late. Many people with heart disease experience no symptoms at all, or confuse the symptoms with other illnesses.* Chest pain or bad indigestion may be signs that a heart attack is in progress, not on its way.* If you are in any doubt about symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

About the Author

Monica Davidson writes for Australian health insurance provider ahm. For more about leading a healthy lifestyle, health insurance andhealth cover, visit the website.