Heart of heart: what you need to know
I. Anatomy and Physiology of the Heart: Fundamentals of the Cardiovascular System
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The structure of the heart:
- Heart chambers: The heart consists of four cameras: two atrium (right and left) and two ventricles (right and left). The atrium takes blood from the veins, and the ventricles push blood into the arteries.
- Heart valves: Four valves provide a unidirectional flow of blood through the heart: a trinutinated valve (between the right atrium and the right ventricle), the pulmonary artery valve (between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery), the mitral valve (between the left atrium and the left ventricle) and the aortic valve (between the left ventricular and the aorta).
- Wall of the heart: The wall of the heart consists of three layers: Epicarda (outer layer), myocardial (muscle layer) and endocardium (inner layer). The myocardium is responsible for reducing the heart.
- Conducting heart system: Specialized cells forming a syno) node (natural rhythm driver), atrioventricular (AV) node, a bundle of GIS and Purkinya fiber, provide a coordinated heart contraction.
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Circulation:
- Large circle of blood circulation (system): The left ventricle pushes blood into the aorta, from where it spreads throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues. Then the blood, saturated with carbon dioxide and metabolism products, is returned to the right atrium through the upper and lower hollow veins.
- Small circulation of blood circulation (pulmonary): The right ventricle pushes blood into the pulmonary artery, which carries blood to the lungs, where gas exchange occurs: blood gives carbon dioxide and is saturated with oxygen. Then the blood returns to the left atrium through the pulmonary veins.
- Coronary blood circulation: Coronary arteries departing from the aorta provide blood supply to the heart itself. The blocking of these arteries can lead to coronary heart disease (coronary heart disease) and myocardial infarction.
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Cardiac cycle:
- Systole: The phase of the abbreviation of the ventricles, when the blood is thrown into the aorta and the pulmonary artery.
- Diastola: The phase of relaxation of ventricles, when they are filled with blood from the atria.
- Cardon output: The volume of blood, thrown out by the heart for one contraction (shock volume), multiplied by the heart rate (pulse).
- Regulation of cardiac activity: Cardiac activity is regulated by the nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic), hormones (adrenaline, norepinephrine) and local factors.
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Functions of the cardiovascular system:
- Transport of oxygen and nutrients: Delivery of oxygen and nutrients to all cells of the body.
- Removing carbon dioxide and metabolism: Removal of cells of cells.
- Hormone transport: Delivery of hormones to target organs.
- Body temperature regulation: Redistribution of heat.
- Maintaining water-electrolyte balance: Regulation of blood volume and electrolyte concentration.
- Immune defense: Transport of immune cells.
II. Risk factors of cardiovascular disease
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Modified risk factors:
- High blood pressure (hypertension): Chronically increased blood pressure exerts an additional load on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of IBS, stroke, heart failure and kidney diseases. The target values of blood pressure can vary depending on age and concomitant diseases, but usually strive for values below 130/80 mm Hg.
- High cholesterol level: The high level of LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries, narrowing the lumen of blood vessels and increasing the risk of emergency IBS. A high level of triglycerides is also a risk factor. The target values of LDL cholesterol depend on the individual risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, increases blood pressure, reduces the level of HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) and increases the risk of blood clots. Refusal of smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Diabetes (diabetes): Diabetes damage blood vessels and increases the risk of IBS, stroke, kidney diseases and blindness. Monitoring the level of glucose in the blood is crucial for reducing the risk of diabetes complications.
- Obesity and overweight: Obesity increases the risk of hypertension, high level of cholesterol, diabetes and coronary heart disease. Maintaining a healthy weight (body mass index (BMI) in the range of 18.5-24.9 kg/m²) is important for the health of the heart.
- Insufficient physical activity (hypodynamia): Low physical activity increases the risk of developing hypertension, high level of cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of intensive aerobic activity per week are recommended.
- Inal meals: A high content of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium and sugar increases the risk of hypertension, high level of cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. A healthy diet should include many fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, low -fat protein and healthy fats (unsaturated fats).
- Chronic stress: Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, cholesterol and the risk of blood clots. It is important to learn how to cope with stress healthy ways, such as physical exercises, meditation, yoga or communication with friends and family.
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Unmodified risk factors:
- Age: The risk of cardiovascular diseases increases with age.
- Floor: Men, as a rule, are at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases at an earlier age than women. However, after menopause, the risk of women increases.
- Family history (heredity): The presence of cardiovascular diseases in close relatives (parents, brothers, sisters) increases the risk of developing these diseases.
- Race/ethnicity: Some races and ethnic groups, such as African Americans, are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
III. Basic cardiovascular diseases: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
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Corny heart (coronary heart disease):
- Reasons: The narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis (the formation of atherosclerotic plaques).
- Symptoms: Angina pectoris (chest pain), shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness.
- Diagnosis: Electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), stress test (ECG with physical activity), coronarography (angiography).
- Treatment: Change in lifestyle (diet, physical exercises, smoking rejection), drug therapy (statins, antipassia, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors), angioplasty (expansion of the narrowed arteries using a cylinder and stent), aorticronary bypassing (aksh).
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Myocardial infarction (heart attack):
- Reasons: A complete or almost complete blockage of the coronary artery with a thrombus leading to the death of a section of the heart muscle.
- Symptoms: Intensive chest in the chest (can give in the left hand, jaw, back), shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of consciousness.
- Diagnosis: ECG, blood test for heart enzymes (Troponin, KFK-MW).
- Treatment: Immediate hospitalization, thrombolytic therapy (thrombus dissolution), angioplasty (blood flow restoration in the arteries), drug therapy (anti-agents, anticoagulants, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors).
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Heart failure:
- Reasons: IBS, hypertension, cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), heart defects, arrhythmias.
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, swelling of the legs and ankles, fatigue, weakness, rapid heartbeat, night cough.
- Diagnosis: Echocardiography, ECG, chest x-ray, blood test on NT-PROBNP.
- Treatment: Change in lifestyle (restriction of fluid and salt consumption), drug therapy (diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, aldosterone antagonists, SGLT2 inhibitors), implantable devices (cardiover-defibrillator, resinchronizing therapy), heart transplantation (in severe cases).
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Arrhythmias (heart rhythm disturbances):
- Reasons: IBS, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, heart defects, electrolyte disorders, use of caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, stress.
- Symptoms: Far heartbeat (tachycardia), slow heartbeat (bradycardia), irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain.
- Diagnosis: ECG, Holter monitoring (long -term ECG recording), electrophysiological examination (Efi).
- Treatment: Drug therapy (antiarrhythmic drugs), cardioversion (restoration of normal rhythm using an electric discharge), ablation (destruction of the focus of arrhythmias), implantation of a pacemaker (for bradycardia), implantation of a cardioverter-defibrlator (for ventricular tachycardias).
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Heart defects:
- Reasons: Congenital defects (present at birth) acquired (developing throughout life due to rheumatic fever, infections, degenerative changes).
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, cyanosis (bluishness of the skin and mucous membranes), swelling, noise in the heart.
- Diagnosis: Echocardiography, ECG, chest x -ray, heart catheterization.
- Treatment: Drug therapy (to relieve symptoms), surgical treatment (restoration or replacement of valves, closing defects).
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Stroke:
- Reasons: Blocking the artery that feeds the brain (ischemic stroke), or hemorrhage in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Stroke risk factors are similar to the risk factors of coronary heart disease.
- Symptoms: Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arms or legs (especially on one side of the body), difficult speech, visual impairment, dizziness, loss of balance, severe headache.
- Diagnosis: Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain.
- Treatment: Thrombolytic therapy (with ischemic stroke), surgical treatment (with hemorrhagic stroke), rehabilitation.
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Diseases of the peripheral arteries (ZPA):
- Reasons: Atherosclerosis of arteries that feed the legs and other parts of the body.
- Symptoms: Pain in the legs when walking (intermittent chroma), numbness or cooling of the legs, ulcers on the legs, gangrene.
- Diagnosis: Measurement of ankle-breed index (LPI), ultrasound examination of arteries, angiography.
- Treatment: Change in lifestyle (refusal of smoking, physical exercises), drug therapy (anti -agents, statins), angioplasty, shunting.
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Pulmonary artery thromboembolism (fatla):
- Reasons: A thrombus, breaking away from the wall of the vein (most often in the legs), and entered the pulmonary artery, blocking the blood flow in the lungs.
- Symptoms: Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, blood cough, heart heartbeat, fainting.
- Diagnosis: Computed tomography (CT) of the pulmonary arteries, angiography of the pulmonary arteries.
- Treatment: Anticoagulants, thrombolytic therapy, surgical removal of a thrombus.
IV. Diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases: methods and interpretation of the results
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Electrocardiogram (ECG): Record of the electrical activity of the heart, which allows to identify rhythm disturbances, myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, ventricular hypertrophy and other pathologies.
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Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart): An ultrasound examination of the heart, which allows to evaluate the size of the heart chambers, wall thickness, valves function, myocardial contractility and the presence of liquid in the pericardial.
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Stress test (ECG with physical exertion): The ECG recorded during physical exertion (on a treadmill or a bicycle ergometer), which allows you to identify myocardial ischemia, which may not manifest itself alone.
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Holter monitoring ECG: Long (usually 24-48 hours) ECG recording, which allows you to identify rhythm disturbances that may not occur constantly.
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Monitoring of blood pressure (FMA): Long -term (usually 24 hours) measurement of blood pressure using a portable device, which allows to evaluate the daily fluctuations in the pressure and detect hypertension, which may not be determined during one -time measurements.
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Coronarography (angiography): X -ray examination of the coronary arteries using a contrast matter, which allows to detect narrowing or blockage of arteries.
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Computed tomography (CT) of the heart: X -ray examination of the heart using computer processing of images, allowing to evaluate the anatomy of the heart, the presence of calcification in coronary arteries and other pathologies.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart: Study of the heart using a magnetic field and radio waves, which allows you to obtain detailed images of the heart and evaluate the function of myocardium, the presence of scars and other pathologies.
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Blood tests:
- Lipidogram: Determination of LDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides.
- Glucose in the blood: Determining the level of glucose in the blood to detect diabetes.
- Heart enzymes (Troponin, KFK-MW): Determination of the level of enzymes secreted by the damaged myocardium for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction.
- NT-proBNP: Determination of the level of the sodium -reuretic peptide, which increases with heart failure.
- Coagulogram: Assessment of a blood coagulation system.
- General blood test: Assessment of the general state of health.
V. Prevention of cardiovascular diseases: a healthy lifestyle and regular examinations
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Healthy nutrition:
- Reducing the consumption of saturated and trans fats: Avoid fatty meat, fried foods, fast food, pastries, margarine.
- Increased consumption of unsaturated fats: Include olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines) in the diet.
- Increase in fiber consumption: Consume a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grain products (oatmeal, buckwheat, brown rice).
- Sodium (salt) consumption restriction: Avoid processed products, pickles, canned food, sauces.
- Sugar consumption restriction: Avoid sweet drinks, sweets, pastries, desserts.
- Moderate alcohol consumption: No more than 1 serving per day for women and no more than 2 servings per day for men. 1 portion of alcohol corresponds to 350 ml of beer, 150 ml of wine or 45 ml of strong drinks.
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Regular physical activity:
- Aerobic exercises: Walking, running, swimming, cycling, dancing. At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of intensive aerobic activity per week are recommended.
- Power training: Exercises with weights or resistance aimed at strengthening muscles. Recommended 2 times a week.
- Flexibility and balance: Exercises for stretching and improving equilibrium, such as yoga or tai-chi.
- Warm up and hitch: It is important to warm up before training and a hitch after training to prevent injuries.
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Refusal of smoking:
- Crowding smoking is the most effective way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Seek the doctor for help or use nicotin -replacement therapy (patch, chewing gum, sprays) to facilitate tidying smoking.
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Maintaining a healthy weight:
- Strive to maintain the body mass index (BMI) in the range of 18.5-24.9 kg/m². Use IMT calculator to calculate your body weight index.
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Control of blood pressure:
- Regularly measure blood pressure and control its level. Consult a doctor if you have high blood pressure.
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Cholesterol level control:
- Pass the blood test for the lipidogram regularly and control the cholesterol level. Consult a doctor if you have a high cholesterol level.
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Blood glucose control:
- Pass the blood test for glucose and control blood sugar. Consult a doctor if you have an increased glucose level.
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Stress management:
- Learn to cope with stress healthy ways, such as physical exercises, meditation, yoga or communication with friends and family.
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Regular medical examinations:
- Pass regular medical examinations, especially if you have risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Discuss with your doctor the need for screening studies such as ECG, echocardiography or stress tests.
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Dream:
- Get enough sleep (7-8 hours a day). Sleep disorders can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
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Vaccination:
- Regularly vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia. Infections can increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
VI. Modern methods of treating cardiovascular diseases: new technologies and prospects
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Transcate implantation of the aortic valve (TAVI): The mini -vinasial procedure for replacing the aortic valve through a catheter introduced through the femoral artery, without the need for an open heart surgery.
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Coronal coronary angioplasty (ChKA) with a medicinal coating: Angioplasty using stents coated with a drug substance, which prevents re -narrowing of the arteria (restenosis).
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Implanted cartiverters-defibrillators (ICD) with an subcutaneous electrode: ICD implanted under the skin without the introduction of electrodes in the heart, which reduces the risk of complications.
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Resinchronizing therapy (SRT) with multi -point stimulation: SRT using several electrodes to stimulate different sections of the left ventricle, which improves coordination of heart contractions.
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Cateter ablation of atrial fibrillation using radio frequency or cryoBlaces: Ablation of foci of arrhythmia in the atria using radio frequency energy or freezing.
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Mitraklip: Miniinazing procedure for treating mitral deficiency by fastening the mitral valve mitral valve.
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Stem cell therapy: A study of the possibility of using stem cells to restore the damaged myocardium after myocardial infarction or in heart failure.
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Gene therapy: A study of the possibility of using genetic therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypercholesterolemia and heart failure.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiology: The use of AI for the analysis of the ECG, echocardiography and other data for early diagnosis and forecasting of cardiovascular diseases.
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Wearable devices for monitoring heart activity: The use of smart watches and other wearable devices for continuous monitoring of the heart rhythm, blood pressure and other indicators, which allows revealing arrhythmias and other disorders in the early stages.
VII. Heart and women: Features of cardiovascular diseases in women
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A later age of development of cardiovascular diseases: Women, as a rule, get sick with cardiovascular diseases 10 years later than men, due to the protective effect of estrogen. However, after menopause, the risk of women increases.
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Atypical symptoms of coronary heart disease: Women are more often than men, experience atypical symptoms of coronary heart disease, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and pain in the back or jaw, and not classic chest pain. This can complicate the diagnosis and lead to a delay in treatment.
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Mikrovascular angina: Women more often than men suffer from microvascular angina pectoris, in which small coronary arteries that are not visible during coronarography are affected.
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Spontaneous dissection of the coronary artery (collaboration): A coloring is a rupture of the walls of the coronary artery, which is more common in women, especially during pregnancy or after childbirth.
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Specific risk factors: Women have specific risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as pregnancy, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature menopause and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCA).
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A higher risk of complications after myocardial infarction: Women who have suffered myocardial infarction have a higher risk of complications and mortality than men.
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The importance of a healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle (proper nutrition, regular physical activity, refusal of smoking) is especially important for women to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
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Regular medical examinations: Women are recommended to undergo regular medical examinations and discuss with their doctor the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and the need to conduct screening research.
VIII. Heart and children: congenital heart defects and acquired diseases
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Congenital heart defects (VPS):
- The most common VPS: The defect in the interventricular septum (DMZHP), an atrial partition defect (DMPP), open arterial duct (OAP), and the phallo notebook.
- Reasons: Genetic factors, environmental factors (infections, drugs, alcohol during pregnancy).
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, cyanosis, fatigue, slow weight gain, noise in the heart.
- Diagnosis: Echocardiography, ECG, chest x -ray.
- Treatment: Drug therapy (to relieve symptoms), surgical treatment (closing defects).
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Acquired heart disease in children:
- Rheumatic fever: An inflammatory disease that can develop after a streptococcal infection (sore throat). It can lead to damage to the heart valves (rheumatic heart disease).
- Kavasaki disease: Inflammatory disease that affects blood vessels, including coronary arteries. The aneurysm of the coronary arteries can lead to the formation.
- Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle caused by infection or other factors.
- Cardiomyopathy: The disease of the heart muscle, leading to a violation of its function.
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Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in children:
- Obesity: An increase in the number of children with overweight and obesity.
- High cholesterol level: Associated with improper nutrition and heredity.
- High blood pressure: It may be associated with obesity, kidney diseases or other factors.
- Diabetes: An increase in the number of children with type 2 diabetes.
- Parents smoking: Passive smoking can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in children.
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Prevention of cardiovascular diseases in children:
- Healthy nutrition: Limiting the consumption of fats, sugar and salt. Increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Regular physical activity: At least 60 minutes of moderate or intensive physical activity per day.
- Maintaining a healthy weight:
- Refusal of smoking parents:
- Regular medical examinations:
IX. Alternative and additional methods of treating cardiovascular diseases: the role of diet, herbs and additives
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Diet:
- Mediterranean diet: A high content of olive oil, fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, fish and nuts high. Associated with a decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- DASH-диета (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension): A low sodium diet, saturated fats and cholesterol. Recommended to reduce blood pressure.
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Herbs and additives:
- Coenzim Q10 (COQ10): An antioxidant that can improve the function of the heart and reduce blood pressure.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Paul -saturated fatty acids contained in fatty fish. They can reduce the level of triglycerides, blood pressure and the risk of blood clots.
- Red yeast rice: Contains Monacoline K, which can reduce the level of LDL cholesterol. However, it can cause side effects similar to statins.
- Garlic: Can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Hawthorn: It can improve the function of the heart and reduce blood pressure.
- Magnesium: Can reduce blood pressure and risk of arrhythmias.
- Vitamin D: The low level of vitamin D is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
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Important warnings:
- Alternative and additional treatment methods should not replace the traditional treatment prescribed by a doctor.
- Before using herbs and additives, you need to consult a doctor, as they can interact with drugs.
- Some herbs and additives may have side effects.
- Not all additives presented in the market have proven efficiency and safety.
X. Life after a heart attack: rehabilitation and long -term care
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Cardiological rehabilitation:
- Exercise: The training program under the supervision of a doctor or physiotherapy instructor aimed at improving physical endurance and heart function.
- Education: Information about cardiovascular diseases, risk factors, a healthy lifestyle and drug therapy.
- Psychological support: Help in overcoming anxiety, depression and other emotional problems associated with a heart attack.
- Nutrition consultations: Development of an individual power plan aimed at reducing cholesterol, blood pressure and weight.
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Drug therapy:
- Antiplans: Aspirin, clopidogrel or ticagrelor to prevent blood clots.
- Beta blockers: To reduce blood pressure and heart rate.
- ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers: To reduce blood pressure and improve heart function.
- Statin: To reduce the level of LDL cholesterol.
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Life change change:
- Healthy nutrition: Compliance with a low content of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium and sugar.
- Regular physical activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of intensive aerobic activity per week.
- Refusal of smoking:
- Maintaining a healthy weight:
- Stress management:
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Regular medical examinations:
- Visiting a cardiologist: Regular examinations for assessing the function of the heart, monitoring drug therapy and identifying possible complications.
- ECG, echocardiography and other studies: For monitoring the state of the heart.
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Psychological support:
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