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Understanding Vascular Resistance (TPR)

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Total Peripheral Resistance (TPR) is the sum of the resistance of all peripheral vasculatur in the systemic circulation.  This should not be confused with Pulmonary Vascular Resistance, which is the resistance in the pulmonary circulation.  Vascular resistance is a term used to define the resistance to flow that must be overcome to push blood through the circulatory system.  The resistance offered by the peripheral circulation is known as the systemic vascular resistance (SVR), while the resistance offered by the vasculature of the lungs is known as the pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR).  The systemic vascular resistance may also be referred to as the total peripheral resistance.  Vasoconstriction (i.e., decrease in blood vessel diameter) increases SVR, whereas vasodilation (increase in diameter) decreases SVR. Normal Range (0.327 - 0.937) Levels : If the vascular resistance readings are high, indicates a risk for strokes, heart attacks, heart failu...

Understanding your Blood Lipids

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Blood Lipids (or blood fats) are lipids in the blood, either free or bound to other molecules.  They are mostly transported in a protein capsule, and the density of the lipids and type of protein determines the fate of the particle and its influence on metabolism.  The concentration of blood lipids depends on intake and excretion from the intestine, and uptake and secretion from cells.  Blood lipids are mainly fatty acids and cholesterol.  Hyperlipidemia is the presence of elevated or abnormal levels of lipids and /or lipoproteins in the blood, and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Normal Range (0.481 - 1.043) Levels : If the blood lipids readings are high, it can indicate a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. If the blood lipids readings are low, there is a link with depression, cancer and cerebral hemorrhage. Management : Maintaining healthy blood lipids involves the same recommendations as indicated for cholesterol and blood vi...

Understanding your Cholesterol Crystals

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Cholesterol Crystals, as cholesterol builds up along the wall of an artery, it crystallizes from a liquid to a solid state and then expands.  When the cholesterol crystallizes, two things can happen.  If it’s a big pool of cholesterol, it will expand, causing the “cap’ of the deposit to tear off in the arterial wall.  Or the crystals, which are sharp needle-like structures, pole their way through the cap covering the cholesterol deposit.  The crystals then work their way into the bloodstream.  It is the presence of this material, as well as damage to an artery, that disrupts plaque and puts the body’s natural defense mechanism - clotting - into action, which can lead to dangerous, if not fatal clots.  Cholesterol in moderation is healthy and necessary for life. Normal Range (56.749 - 67.522) Levels : If the cholesterol crystal readings are high, it can indicate a higher risk for hypertension and stroke. If the cholesterol crystal readings are lo...

Understanding your Blood Viscosity

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Blood Viscosity is a measure of the resistance of blood to flow. It can also be described as the thickness and stickiness of blood.  The viscosity of health blood is low, permitting it to flow freely.  The condition of the blood is affected by excess cholesterol and fat, which, together with various waste products due mainly to wrong diet, circulate in the bloodstream like sludge and gradually deposit in the artery walls.  Fat causes the red cells to aggregate or clump together, seriously reducing their oxygen carrying capacity.  Tiny particles called platelets whose function is to clot the blood in the event of an injury, also stick together.  The effect of this clumping is to increase the blood viscosity; it becomes thick and sluggish and cannot flow freely, particularly in constricted vessels.  This often causes drowsiness after heavy meals or perhaps angina or heart attack.  Angina pain is frequently mistaken for indigestion.  When red cel...

5 Health benefits of Moringa leaves/seeds.

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Moringa, native to parts of Africa and Asia, is the sole genus in the flowering plant family Moringaceae. It contains 13 species from tropical and subtropical climates that range in size from tiny herbs to massive trees. Below are some of the health benefits of Moringa leaves/seeds. Lower blood sugar level According to a study published in 2014 moringa seeds may help lower levels of blood sugar that would provide therapeutic management of diabetes. Lower blood pressure Although there are several researches that show moringa can lower blood pressure level, however it is always advisable to consult your physician before you go for it. Aid sleep If you are struggling with sleep disorders, you can seek help from moringa leaves or seeds as both are equally nutritious as well effective in aiding sleep. Lower cholesterol level As you probably know that too much cholesterol in the blood has been linked to heart diseases. Consumption of moringa seeds on regular basis can hel...

Forgotten intervention that is equal to or more effective than modern high blood pressure drugs

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High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, may be the #1 risk factor for death in the world, as it is a risk factor for coronary artery disease, heart attacks, kidney disease, stroke, blindness and possibly Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly one in three adults suffers from high blood pressure, and by the time Americans reach 60, nearly half have high blood pressure. Is High Blood Pressure Inevitable? Meat and sugar increase uric acid levels, which are associated with an increased risk for high blood pressure. Salt intake and industrially-manufactured fructose (added sugars) may also be linked to high blood pressure. Interestingly, the fructose found in up to 20 servings of whole fruit daily does not appear to raise blood pressure. In one study of rural Kenyans, the traditional diet of whole grains, beans, vegetables, fruit, and dark green leafy vegetables resulted in not a single case of arteriosclerosis among 1,800 individuals. Among rural Chinese residents who adhered to a...

What can I do to avoid a heart attack or a stroke?

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A heart attack is when the flow of blood to a section of the heart becomes blocked and the heart can’t get oxygen. If blood flow is not restored quickly, that section of the heart begins to die. The level of damage depends on  how long blood supply is cut off. The result can be mild damage, or it could lead to severe, lifelong problems. WHO estimates that more than 17.5 million people died of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack or stroke in 2012. Contrary to popular belief, more than 3 out of 4 of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries, and men and women were equally affected. The good news, however, is that 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Healthy diet, regular physical activity, and not using tobacco products are the keys to prevention. Checking and controlling risk factors for heart disease and stroke such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar or diabetes is also very important. Eat a health...