“POPPING THE QUESTION” – round one

Our bodies are pretty complex. More goes on in them then we can really imagine. And most probably don’t understand. Oh, some of what goes on, we think we’ve heard about. The words are vaguely familiar. Vaguely being an understatement. So, this month we’re going to see what we can do to fill you in. We won’t just ask the questions; we’ll try to give you answers you can understand. And without question, getting them is pretty important. So here goes….

WHAT IS PLAQUE?

“WELL…UMMM…I THINK MAYBE…”

GO WITH THE FLOW

Surely everyone knows that arteries are blood vessels. At least we can hope so. These blood vessels carry blood that’s rich in oxygen throughout your body. They go to your brain as well as to the tip of your toes. Healthy arteries have smooth inner walls which lets the blood flow through them easily. As you go about your day, you probably don’t think much about the organ that makes the whole “living” thing possible: your heart. It’s your hardest working muscle, pumping for you all day long. In fact, it pumps about 1 million barrels of blood during an average lifetime. Enough to fill up more than 3 supertankers. Every minute, it pumps about five quarts of blood through a system of blood vessels that’s over 60,000 miles long according to the Cleveland Clinic. This system consists of a network of blood vessels, arteries being a critical one. When arteries are healthy and the blood is flowing smoothly, your body gets what it needs to keep everything healthy and working the way it’s supposed to. “O.K., glad to know this.”

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY BUZZ KILL

Some people, however develop clogged arteries which result from a buildup of a substance called plaque on the inner walls of the arteries. Arterial plaque as it is referred to, can reduce blood flow or, in some instances, block it altogether. Clogged arteries increase the likelihood of heart attack, stroke and even death. And it can happen at any age. Heart disease isn’t only the number one killer of men, it’s also the top killer for women. Your heart doesn’t care if you’re male or female, young or old, even if you’re from Mars or Venus. The heart does what the heart wants. (And we’re not talking love or lust here.)

HARD TO TAKE

Plaque that accumulates on the inner walls of your arteries is made from various substances that circulate in your blood. These include calcium, fat, cholesterol, cellular waste, and fibrin, a material involved in blood clotting. In response to plaque buildup, cells in your artery walls multiply and secrete additional substances that can worsen the state of clogged arteries.

As plaque deposits grow, a condition called atherosclerosis results. (Don’t worry about it popping up in any spelling bee.)  Arteriosclerosis is a general term for the thickening and hardening of the arteries. Although experts don’t know for sure what starts atherosclerosis, the process seems to stem from damage to the arterial wall. This damage, which enables the deposition of plaque, may result from:

• High ”bad” cholesterol and low ”good” cholesterol: high levels of ”bad” cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL), are major contributors to arterial plaque formation. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Everyone also has ”good” cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL), circulating in the blood. HDL is believed to remove some of the bad cholesterol from plaque in clogged arteries and transport it back to the liver, where it is eliminated.
• High blood pressure: having high blood pressure increases the rate at which arterial plaque builds up. It also hastens the hardening of clogged arteries.
• Cigarette smoke: cigarette smoke seems to increase the rate of atherosclerosis in the arteries of the heart, legs, and the aorta — the largest artery in the body.
• Diabetes, or elevated circulating blood sugar is also a major culprit. Even people who have elevated sugars not yet at the level of diabetes, such as seen in the metabolic syndrome, also have increased risk of plaque formation.

UNCLOG THE DRAIN

Having plaque doesn’t mean you have to be stuck with it. Yes, surgery is often called for if the problem is severe enough. But there are things you can do on your own starting right now. Lots of things. And some of them are actually fun. And easy. So no excuses. (Maybe you should print this part out and pin it on the fridge!)

Stop smoking

No ifs, ands, or butts.

This nasty habit is one of the top controllable risk factors for heart disease. The AMA, AHA, NIH, and more than likely your mom recommend stubbing out this addiction to make a huge difference in your overall health.

Focus on the middle

Your middle, that is. You don’t have to be super-thin to reap the benefits of a smaller waistline, but according to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, carrying too much weight around the middle raises blood pressure, affects blood lipids (and not in a good way), and does other damage to the heart. Abdominal exercises are good, but remember: it’s calories in (what you eat) and calories out (how you exercise) that will make a difference.

Play between the sheets

…or on top of the sheets, or in the kitchen, or wherever! Yep, having sex can be heart healthy. A number of studies show that sexual activity adds more than pleasure to your life. It can actually lower your blood pressure and your risk for developing heart. (Maybe we should have put this at the top of the list. Maybe it should be listed more than once. That would do the heart good.)

Go Fish

Studies have shown that including fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (i.e. salmon, herring, sardines, and tuna) into your diet can reduce the risk of heart disease by a third or more. To those concerned about the mercury content or other contaminants in fish, the Mayo Clinic states that the heart healthy benefits outweigh the possible risks of exposure to toxic elements.

LOL

Not in an email, not on Twitter or Facebook, but really: laugh out loud. Whether you like watching Amy Schumer, following Kayne’s tweets, or binging old Seinfeld reruns, if it gets you chuckling, it’s good for your heart. Research from the University of Maryland Medical Center shows that laughter helps relieve the stress that damages the endothelium,(another one of those words that won’t come up in party conversation.) the tissue that forms the inner lining of blood vessels and helps your blood flow. It also promotes the healthy function of blood vessels.

Stretch it out

Practicing yoga makes you more limber and helps you relax, which combats stress. However, according to recent research from the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, it also positively affects the heart rate variability (HRV), which is an indicator for heart health.

Have a fit

We say it over and over. Because it’s really true, true, true. Exercise can result in weight loss, which triggers a healthier trend by lowering your LDL (yeah!) cholesterol and increasing your HDL (pooh!) cholesterol levels. Get 30 to 60 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. You can break your exercise sessions up into 10 minute intervals, which is also beneficial. You can start slowly by increasing your physical activity, such as walking more frequently or using the stairs, and increase your exercise level as you become more fit. Regular exercise improves your circulation and promotes the creation of new blood vessels that bypass plaque-obstructed vessels.

Move to the music

Do chores, bowl, walk, lift some weights (or even cans of peaches or peas), include yourself in “Dancing with the Stars” in your living room. Aim for your own silver ball. Just keep moving and have fun; every little bit adds up, clears your head, lowers your stress. The American Heart Association gives strength training a thumbs-up for lowering the risk of heart disease.

Raise a glass

Moderate consumption of alcohol can raise your HDL (good cholesterol) levels, reduce blood clot formation, and help prevent artery damage. Some studies say red wine offers more benefits than other alcoholic beverages. Other studies conflict with this. The answer is moderation.

Shun the salt

Overwhelming research in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that if the entire US population reduced its salt intake to just a half teaspoon a day, we would significantly reduce the number of new cases of coronary heart disease. The studies also concluded that salt is one of the leading culprits in fueling the rise in healthcare costs in America. Most of our high salt intake comes from processed food and restaurant-prepared food. Think twice before filling up on your favorite fast-food fix. (C’mon, stop whining…there are great alternatives.)

Eat chocolate

No guilt required. Rich, dark chocolate not only tastes delicious, the flavonoids it contains can help stave off heart disease according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Preliminary research by Johns Hopkins also suggests that chocolate can positively affect blood clotting.(No, you’re not dreaming.)

Go nuts

Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and other tree nuts deliver a powerful punch for lowering your risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease. The American Heart Association suggests that substituting foods high in saturated fats with nuts helps reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol.

Cut the fat

Slicing your fat intake to no more than 30 percent of your daily calories will help cut your risk for heart disease, according to the USDA. If you don’t normally read labels or count calories, think twice before you savor, and get your flavor fix somewhere else.

Brew a healthy heart potion

No magic is needed when you sip green or black tea. Studies from Harvard University and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that focus on black and green varieties show that drinking tea can improve arterial function.

Smile at this one

Good dental hygiene does more than keep your pearly whites glistening. It may affect your overall health. Research from Harvard suggests that several types of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, may be connected to oral health. Brush, floss…get in the habit. Even if you come in after a rough night out, ready to just plop into bed.

Woof and meow

Owning a cat can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by more than a third, researchers found. Your dog may make you less likely to get heart disease. Why? Dog owners walk more and have lower blood pressure than people who don’t have dogs. Heart attack survivors and people with serious abnormal heart rhythms who own dogs live longer than people with the same heart problems who don’t have pets, studies show. Time to find your own Fido. And let the licks fly.

WHAT IS CARPEL TUNNEL?

“Pretty sure it’s…gee, let’s see…”

HAND JIVE

Most people think it’s pain you get from typing. Or doing the same thing over and over. And over. Well, you’re close.

You’re working at your desk, trying to ignore the tingling or numbness you’ve had for months in your hand and wrist. Suddenly, a sharp, piercing pain shoots through the wrist and up your arm.  Wait, which side goes crazy when you’re having a heart attack???

Forget the heart attack. So what then?  Just a passing cramp? More likely you have carpal tunnel syndrome.  Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (although not the little finger as that’s effected by a different nerve), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allows the fingers and thumb to move. The carpal tunnel (yes, it’s actually a tunnel) – a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand – houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. The result may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm.

ROCK, TINGLE AND ROLL

Symptoms usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers. Some carpal tunnel sufferers say their fingers feel useless and swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. The symptoms often first appear in one or both hands during the night, since many people sleep with flexed wrists. A person with carpal tunnel syndrome may wake up feeling the need to “shake out” the hand or wrist. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day. Decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks. In chronic and/or untreated cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away. Some people are unable to tell between hot and cold by touch.

BOY, THE NERVE OF IT

Carpal tunnel syndrome is often the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself. Most likely the disorder is due to a congenital predisposition – the carpal tunnel is simply smaller in some people than in others. (O.K. women, you’re not going to like this one: the smaller carpel tunnel means you’re three times more likely than men to develop it.) Other contributing factors include trauma or injury to the wrist that cause swelling, such as sprain or fracture, over-activity of the pituitary gland; hypothyroidism; rheumatoid arthritis; mechanical problems in the wrist joint; work stress; repeated use of vibrating hand tools; fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause; or the development of a cyst or tumor in the canal.  In some cases, no cause can be identified.

There is little clinical data to prove whether repetitive and forceful movements of the hand and wrist during work or leisure activities can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Other disorders such as bursitis and tendonitis have been associated with repeated motions performed in the course of normal work or other activities. Writer’s cramp may also be brought on by repetitive activity. (But you don’t necessarily have to give up on that award-winning novel you’re penning.)

WHAT A PAIN

In reality, no one can sit Zen-like with their arms resting upward on their crossed legs, humming mantras all day long. We live. We work. We use our hands for everything. Of every kind. All day. Even in our sleep as we get our zzzz’s with our hands tucked tightly under our heads or pillows.

But there are things to help with the pain.

Drugs – In special circumstances, various drugs can ease the pain and swelling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonprescription pain relievers, may ease symptoms that have been present for a short time or have been caused by strenuous activity. Orally administered diuretics (“water pills”) can decrease swelling. Corticosteroids (such as prednisone) or the drug lidocaine can be injected directly into the wrist or taken by mouth (in the case of prednisone) to relieve pressure on the median nerve and provide immediate, temporary relief to persons with mild or intermittent symptoms. Additionally, some studies show that vitamin B⁶ (pyridoxine) supplements may ease the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Exercise – Stretching and strengthening exercises can be helpful in people whose symptoms have abated. These exercises may be supervised by a physical therapist, who is trained to use exercises to treat physical impairments, or an occupational therapist, who is trained in evaluating people with physical impairments and helping them build skills to improve their health and well-being.

Alternative therapies – Acupuncture and chiropractic care have benefited some patients but their effectiveness remains unproved. An exception is yoga, which has been shown to reduce pain and improve grip strength among patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. And it never hurts to stop what you’re doing for a few minutes, take a little walk and stretch out those hands and fingers. Anyone can do that.

WHAT ARE FREE RADICALS?

“Not really sure I’ve ever heard of them…”

IT’S RADICAL, MAN…

Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes.

Free radicals may form spontaneously or they may be the result of exposure to heat, light or something in the environment. Sometimes the body’s immune system creates them on purpose to neutralize viruses and bacteria. In the human body, we have a vast array of molecules that are more susceptible to free radical attacks than others. These include fats, DNA, RNA, cellular membranes, proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates.
Unfortunately, oxygen is very susceptible to free radical formation, and with aerobic organisms (these guys need oxygen to function), this can be lethal. Oxygen free radicals are blamed for the overall aging process and are responsible for cancer and inflammation in the skin. Not to mention lines, wrinkles and dreaded brown spots women spend millions on to get rid of.

ANTIOXIDANTS TO THE RESCUE

To prevent free radical damage, the body has a defense system of antioxidants. (Yeah, you’ve heard of these and know that somehow they’re good for you.)

Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. Although there are several enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals, the principle micronutrient (vitamin) antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Additionally, selenium, a trace metal that is required for proper function of one of the body’s antioxidant enzyme systems, is sometimes included in this category. The body cannot manufacture these micronutrients so they must be supplied in the diet.

EAT THIS UP

Whopping amounts of food loaded with antioxidants can help scourge scary stuff like cancer and heart disease, protect cells from damage, lower inflammations and strengthen our immune system. Go for foods high in nutrients like vitamins C, E, and A and also magnesium and potassium. Try blueberries, dark chocolate, pecans, artichokes, grapes, cranberries and kidney beans. Broccoli, spinach, kale and collard greens, leeks, lettuce, and the hot new tuber squeezing its way onto menus and into chips and other products–sweet potatoes. And this is just the short list.

WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?

“Oh…yawn…it’s…give me a minute…”

WHEN SHUT EYE’S AN EYE OPENER

You’re exhausted. You can’t wait to plop onto your 1000 thread-count sheets and be out light a light. O.K., you’re in la-la land in minutes. But for a lot of people, their dreams could be interrupted without them ever realizing it. They’ve got sleep apnea. Sleep apnea affects more than 18 million American adults.

As you can see, sleep apnea is a common, but for some, often chronic disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes. They may occur 30 times or more an hour, and can occur hundreds of times a night, jolting you out of your natural sleep rhythm.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax. These muscles support the soft palate, the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate the tonsils, the side walls of the throat and the tongue.

When the muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you breathe in, and you can’t get an adequate breath in. This may lower the level of oxygen in your blood.

Your brain senses this inability to breathe and briefly rouses you from sleep so that you can reopen your airway. This awakening is usually so brief that you don’t remember it.

A FEW ZZZZ’S MISSING

When sleep apnea causes your breathing to pause or becomes shallow, you’ll often move out of deep sleep and into light sleep. As a consequence, you spend more time in light sleep and less time in the deep, restorative sleep you need to be energetic, mentally sharp, and productive the next day. Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed. Doctors usually can’t detect the condition during routine office visits. Also, no blood test can help diagnose the condition. Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in people who are overweight, but it can affect anyone. For example, small children who have enlarged tonsil tissues in their throats may have obstructive sleep apnea.

IT’S A SNORE

It’s normal to snore occasionally – perhaps when you are suffering from a cold or after you’ve had a few drinks at a party before going to sleep.

Many people treat snoring as a joke or something they feel embarrassed about. But loud snoring—especially when accompanied by daytime fatigue—may be one of the most obvious signs of sleep apnea. The snoring usually is loudest when you sleep on your back; it might be less noisy when you turn on your side. You might not snore every night. Over time, however, the snoring can happen more often and get louder. Which is why a family member or bed partner might be the first to notice signs of sleep apnea. You’ll swear you weren’t snoring as you’ll have no memory of it, nor of the sleep apnea awakening. This can have a negative effect on your relationship with your bed partner, effecting both your moods. Pillows over the head, moving to another room or sleeping in the bathtub (yes, happens more than you’d believe) isn’t the answer.

Actually you should consider yourself fortunate to have someone able to bring the problem up to you as it could become serious. People who are on their own don’t have that advantage. (Doesn’t mean you should run to online dating.)

SLEEP LIKE A LIGHTER LOG

While the most obvious, snoring isn’t the only sign of sleep apnea. It could be accompanied by:

• Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning headache
• Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Attention problems
• Irritability
• Depression
• Impotence
• Forgetfulness

Untreated sleep apnea can even create serious physical health problems over time, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver problems, and weight gain.

Fortunately, there are remedies, simple ones you can do at home like sleeping on your side instead of your back or keeping bedroom air moist.

Losing weight, exercising and quitting smoking are the healthiest. There are even throat exercises which you can discuss with your doctor. The whole point is to make sure your 40 winks don’t turn out to be only 20 or so. Sweet dreams. 

WHAT IS A HORMONE IMBALANCE?

“I really want to understand”.

A HORMONAL IMBALANCE IS A MALFUNCTION OF ONE OR MORE HORMONES IN THE BODY. EACH HORMONE HAS A DIFFERENT EFFECT ON THE BODY, SO HORMONAL IMBALANCES ARE ALL DIFFERENT, DEPENDING ON THE HORMONE INVOLVED. A HORMONAL IMBALANCE MAY BE ASYMPTOMATIC OR INCONSEQUENTIAL. YOU MIGHT THINK WHAT’S BOTHERING YOU IS DUE TO A LIST OF OTHER THINGS. AND IGNORE IT. HOWEVER, IT CAN BE THE CAUSE OF MANY DISEASES, MILD OR SEVERE, SUCH AS THYROID DISORDERS, DIABETES, ACNE, OBESITY, OR INFERTILITY. THE TREATMENT IS TO RESTORE THE NORMAL REGULATION OF THESE HORMONES.

SO WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU DON’T FEEL YOUR BEST?

THE ANSWER IS TO SEE DR. STEPHEN A. GOLDSTEIN, M.D, F.A.C.S. AT DENVER HORMONE HEALTH. HIS EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE IN TREATING HORMONE IMBALANCES ARE BEYOND COMPARE. AFTER THOROUGHLY GOING THROUGH YOUR SYMPTOMS, SIMPLE TESTS CAN TELL HIM EXACTLY WHAT’S GOING ON. AT THAT POINT HE CREATES A UNIQUE TREATMENT PLAN FOR YOUR ISSUES THAT WILL REPLACE THE HORMONES YOU ARE MISSING. WHICH MEANS BEFORE LONG YOU WON’T HAVE TO MISS OUT ON FEELING YOUR BEST.

WHAT COULD BE BETTER?

CALL NOW FOR AN APPOINTMENT.