February is “American Heart Month”.
Triggers
The center for disease control gives specific well-known triggers for heart illnesses from hereditary, diet, lifestyle, etc.
Still, some are less noticeable to the general public, despite their major contribution to the problem.
But what are these other underlying forces that may increase risks of heart troubles?
- Visit an Integrative doctor at 4801 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC or call 202- 244-6661 to find out what these factors may be.
What are these unknown mechanisms that we are missing?
Bacterial and viral infections.
Infectious agents, viruses and bacteria, directly or indirectly trigger the cascade of biological and biochemical reactions leading to inflammation, atherosclerosis, and vascular thrombotic events.
- Chlamydia pneumoniae or C. pneumonia, a human pathogenis less understood but is a major factor for heart diseases. It can trigger the formation of vulnerable plaque, causing heart illnesses. All ages are at risk, but more common in school-age children. In the United States, about 50% of adults have evidence of past infection by age 20. Reinfection throughout life appears to be common. In that case, antibiotics may act as a preventive agent.
- Helicobacter pylori may be an independent risk factor for acute myocardial infarction.
Cardiac tamponade is when too much fluid collects in the pericardium. Excess fluid puts pressure on the heart and doesn't allow it to fill properly. This means that less blood leaves the heart, which causes a dramatic drop in blood pressure. If left untreated, cardiac tamponade can be fatal.
Prescribed medications.
Fluid retention raises blood pressure, accelerates atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, thereby increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Many medications that can cause fluid retention, increases the risk of heart.
- Vioxx and Bextra used for arthritis pain problems and Avandia, an anti-diabetic medication have been withdrawn because of severe complications associated with use.
- Several older anti-diabetic medications cause fluid retention, including insulin and sulfonylureas. Also included are: glyburide, glipizide and glimerperide.
- Other medications like the COX-2 inhibitor Celebrex(r), non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, known as Advil(r), Motrin(r)) and some anti-seizure medications as Neurontin(r), Lyrica(r), and Tegretol(r)) also cause fluid retention therefore increasing risks of heart damages.
- Rosiglitazone is a medication for treating Type 2 diabetes. Since 2007 Complications and other problems, such as congestive or massive heart problems associated with it have been well documented. However as of 2011 this deadly prescribed medication is still in circulation.
- Combined oral contraceptive pills have shown a modest increase in the risk of myocardial infarction.
- COPD inhalants like Advair, a well-advertised prescribed medication, also carries side effects. However this is not well known or understood by the general public.Triggers of viral respiratory infections like pneumonia and cardiovascular hazards are common leading to tachycardia, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction and increase high blood pressure.
- Unidentified factors can lead to fatal reactions, interactions or contaminations: both with legal (such as prescribed or over-the-counter medications), herbal supplements and illicit drugs.
The information provided on this site should not be interpreted as personal medical advice.
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