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Home My WebLink AboutLakeshore Advance, 2012-02-08, Page 25• • • 24 Lakeshore Advance • Wednesday, February 9, 2011 • F!BRUIRy 18 HMIIT AND STROKE Tips for fading a Imaldger heart Ae1e7 iil1■r1i1a llgai sit iae r!t keit Cholesterol measurement is important for preventing heart attack, but it's not the last word. in fact, studies show that for nearly half of all heart attack victims, the cholesterol level was in the normal range. Health specialists suggest that in addition to blood cholesterol measurement, indi- viduals should also test for inflammation in the arteries. "inflammation can occur at any stage of heart disease and detecting it early can save your life," says Dr. Doug Tkachuk at LifeLahs, a leading diagnostic centre. If ignored, the inflamed artery walls can weaken and rupture letting plaque seep into the bloodstream. in an effort to mend this injury, your arteries send out sticky cytokines to capture the leaking blood cells. As they clump together however, a clot can form large enough to block the artery and cause a heart attack." Medical science can determine artery inflammation many ways and now with two diagnostic tests well established: 1. Measure the blood for the enzyme Lp-PLA, which is produced when inflammation begins; or 2. Measure the amount of vulnerable plaque with the Mi') test (my- eloperoxidase) to determine if, and when, the artery will rupture. Since this type of damage can occur with no symptoms at all, many doctors across Canada are adding these intlantntation tests to their patients' cholesterol screening. Heart attack awareness is heightened at this time of year as organizations remind us of best pre- ., vention practices. Current data indicates that heart disease and stroke arc two of the three leading causes of death in Canada. Indeed, there are more than 50,((x) strokes nationwide every year. Someone has a stroke every 10 minutes. Seniors are not the only demographic group who are advised to pay attention to good heart health. General aging puts us at risk and so do smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, and family history. In fact, as many as 90 percent of Canadians are shown to have at least one of these risk factors, "Annual checkups are a good start," Dr. Tkachuk continued, "and if you feel you may be at risk for developing heart disease, your doctor can determine which test will give the most informa- tion," www.newscanada.com .— AT• • TRADITION R'gix. (NC)—Gutting down on fatty foods is one measure to protect the heart, but health specialists say there's an equally good idea for even better results: A daily diet -and -exercise routine to furl ae body and keep the arteries healthy, clear, and strong. "Many risk factors contribute to the development of heart disease --and while monitoring your cholesterol level is important, so is monitoring inflammation in the arteries," says I)r. Doug Tkachuk at LifeLabs, a leading diagnostic centre. "Inflammation is involved at all stages of heart disease and if ignored, the inside wall of the artery may weaken and trigger a plaque rupture, leading to a potential blood clot and heart attack." Research studies demonstrate that about 50 per cent of heart attacks occur in people with normal cholesterol levels, so many doctors across Canada are now adding inflammation testing too. Gen- eral aging puts us at risk and so do smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, and family history. Plan of act Um Maintaining a healthy heart relies on a consistent plan of action with the right food and exercise. Follow, for example, the daily recommendations provided by Canada's Fcxxl Guide To Healthy Eating. In particular, select fools that are low in cholesterol and saturated fat, but high in fibre and nutrients to regulate and balance the blood stream. These choices include whole grain cere- als, breads, nuts, and seeds. Eat fish plus lean red meats, turkey and chicken plus lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Bottom line: put only beneficial nutrients and fuel into your body. A dedicated plan to increase physical activity every day is equally important. If you are start- ing from scratch, simply walk more, take the stairs at the office and shops, or cycle so you can leave the car at home. ideally, with doctor's clearance, everyone should aim for an accumulated 30 -minutes of moderate -intensity aerobic exercise on most days of the week to pump in oxygen, keep your heart muscles strong, and to reduce inflammation in the arteries. www.newscanada.com Ilitssamplingleirjuslobtalisitigelammehliskiltatimat 11 U1.1 1 1.11\1 111 1111 1 1 11' Iii .1 1'11: 1 1 1( 11 ). (WI \ 1 \ 1 1111111 11 \ NI 11 \1) 1h,11t11111,,..(.rf11.1.11u. I'1 ' a'- t:l l %1 N 11 .11.1111.1. 1.1r 111.1 IOW GRAND BEND DECORATING & FLOORING CENTRE 46 Ontario St., Grand Bend (519) 238-8603 FAX: (519) 238-5097 Hwy 21, Forest (519) 786-6761 FAX: (519) 786-63111 For All Your Paint, Flooring Decorating Needs! BerniCe & Clary 110.01..no,, n1,., a. DON JOHNSON kit"1"14 INSURANCE INC. Representing 1 ninbton Mutual ins. 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