Most women I know are pretty in tune with their body and can tell when something isn’t quite right…but I’m noticing a trend of women too busy to take care of themselves and letting some things slide. Ladies, you can’t let things slide. Please take care of yourself and let your healthcare provider know if you start experiencing any of these symptoms.
1)Shortness of breath – feel like it’s becoming a little more challenging to get oxygen in? Walking from your car to work, or up the stairs causes pressure on your chest? Please don’t blow it off as being overweight or out-of-shape. You could be anemic, have thyroid problems, sleep apnea, a heart murmur, or asthma. Yes, I realize you may be overweight but if you have been overweight for awhile and the shortness of breath is new or worsening, talk with your doctor!
2)Worsening Fatigue – okay, yes you may have two little ones at home and work a full-time job while balancing the acts of being a mother, wife, and professional. What if your fatigue is due to something fixable, like anemia? Or thyroid problems? What if your fatigue is a heart problem, sleep problem, or hormone problem? Wouldn’t you want to do something about it so that you feel energetic again? Talk with your provider about getting a full work-up.
3)Heart Palpitations – you know that little flutter you may feel from time-to-time in your chest? It’s like your heart wasn’t entirely paying attention for a second and had to do a few double beats to catch up. The occasional palpitation could be normal; our heart does beat about 100,000 times a day so the minor mishap is bound to occur. However, if you are noticing an increase in flutters, prolonged flutters, flutters that cause you to lose your breath or creates some chest pain – see your healthcare provider. Normal things cause palpitations such as stress or anxious feelings, but it could be a vitamin/mineral deficiency or a heart problem.
4)Chest Pain – seems like a no-brainer but you multi-tasking busy women still manage to push this one under the rug and “hope” it goes away. True, it could be due to stress and anxiety, but what if it’s not? Do heart problems or diabetes run in your family? Get yourself to your doctor.
5)Dizziness – you stand up and the world turns without you - problem or low blood pressure? Low salt? Adrenals? Heart? Thyroid? Post-infection ear problem? Dizziness is a problem I’m hearing more about from women and it’s worthwhile to get it checked out especially if you find that it’s worsening, causing you to black out longer than a few seconds, or occurs randomly.
Women, listen to your bodies and take care of yourself! Please put yourself first every once in awhile and get these symptoms checked out.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Top 5 Reasons for CoQ10
This hot little nutrient is so important for all women and yet many only associate it with cholesterol drugs. Why do we need it on a regular basis? Let me count the ways…
1) It’s critically important in our electron transport chain. This is the energy making process of our body. Our body goes through a whole process to make ATP which is for energy and requires CoQ10. See the more detailed explanation below.
2) It can improve the strength and function of your heart because of the ATP it produces thereby reducing your chances of heart failure.
3) Some studies are showing an improvement in blood pressure. This is important to note if you are already on a blood pressure medication. Track your numbers as your health care practitioner may need to adjust your drug dose.
4) Other research links CoQ10 with improvement in migraine sufferers.
5) It is an antioxidant and therefore is important to your immune system and keeping you healthy from free-radical damage.
The electron transport chain (to bring you back to biochemistry) occurs in your mitochondria which are known as your ‘energy powerhouses.’ Sound familiar? There are four complexes that electrons must go through. In order to get from complex one to complex three or from complex two to complex three, the electron must get cozy with CoQ10 which then shuttles it right on to where it needs to be. Without CoQ10, a common side effect is fatigue and muscle pain.
If you are on a statin drug, you should really consider supplementing yourself with good quality CoQ10. The purpose of a statin is to be a HMG-CoA inhibitor which lowers cholesterol. The problem is that it also lowers CoQ10 which may end up causing cardiovascular problems.
Most CoQ10 supplements range from 100-300mg and should be taken with dietary fat if it is not already in an oil based capsule. Side effects are few however some experience some GI upset if taken on an empty stomach or diarrhea. CoQ10 does have some blood sugar lowering abilities, therefore if you are on a glucose lowering drug, consult your healthcare practitioner and monitor your numbers.
1) It’s critically important in our electron transport chain. This is the energy making process of our body. Our body goes through a whole process to make ATP which is for energy and requires CoQ10. See the more detailed explanation below.
2) It can improve the strength and function of your heart because of the ATP it produces thereby reducing your chances of heart failure.
3) Some studies are showing an improvement in blood pressure. This is important to note if you are already on a blood pressure medication. Track your numbers as your health care practitioner may need to adjust your drug dose.
4) Other research links CoQ10 with improvement in migraine sufferers.
5) It is an antioxidant and therefore is important to your immune system and keeping you healthy from free-radical damage.
The electron transport chain (to bring you back to biochemistry) occurs in your mitochondria which are known as your ‘energy powerhouses.’ Sound familiar? There are four complexes that electrons must go through. In order to get from complex one to complex three or from complex two to complex three, the electron must get cozy with CoQ10 which then shuttles it right on to where it needs to be. Without CoQ10, a common side effect is fatigue and muscle pain.
If you are on a statin drug, you should really consider supplementing yourself with good quality CoQ10. The purpose of a statin is to be a HMG-CoA inhibitor which lowers cholesterol. The problem is that it also lowers CoQ10 which may end up causing cardiovascular problems.
Most CoQ10 supplements range from 100-300mg and should be taken with dietary fat if it is not already in an oil based capsule. Side effects are few however some experience some GI upset if taken on an empty stomach or diarrhea. CoQ10 does have some blood sugar lowering abilities, therefore if you are on a glucose lowering drug, consult your healthcare practitioner and monitor your numbers.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Carotid Artery Screening: Serious Test or Serious Scam?
I received a flyer in the mail last week about a stroke/carotid artery screening (plus several other heart tests) for the low price of $139. I didn’t pay too much attention to it until two patients brought in the same exact flyer wanting to know if they should do it and get the screening.
Your carotid arteries are the main blood supplier to your brain, head, and neck and are therefore very important to your well-being! Most people recognize the carotid arteries as the place you take your pulse on your neck – just under the curve in your jaw. Over time, these arteries can develop atherosclerosis where they become narrowed by plaques of cholesterol, calcium, and fibrous tissue. This causes a decreased blood supply and oxygen up into your brain.
If the artery becomes completely blocked, or if a piece of the plaque breaks off and floats up into your brain, you are at serious risk for a stroke.
According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in Americans and the leading cause of adult disability. They also report that up to 80% of strokes are preventable!
A stroke occurs when an artery or vessel is blocked (ie. from plaque) which stops blood supply to an area of the brain. This causes brain cell death and brain damage. The damage outcome depends on which area of the brain is affected such as the area for speech or for walking.
There may be earlier signs that your carotid arteries are narrowing before having a stroke. For example, you may lose vision in one eye, not be able to control the movement in one arm or leg, not be able to control speech, or feel weak/numb/tingling on one side of your body. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
The test to check your carotid arteries involves the use of an ultrasound in order to assess blood flow through the vessels. It is a quick, painless, non-invasive test where a technician holds the ultrasound probe to your neck and watches your blood movement on a screen. If things are flowing freely and smoothly, you are at little risk. If the blood appears constricted and not able to flow easily, you are at a high risk and additional tests may be necessary.
I told both patients to spend the money and get the work-up as they both had several other cardiovascular markers such as abdominal fat, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol that we were trying to correct. This screening test will assess their stroke risk and help us continue on the prevention path.
References:
www.vascularweb.org
www.stroke.org
Your carotid arteries are the main blood supplier to your brain, head, and neck and are therefore very important to your well-being! Most people recognize the carotid arteries as the place you take your pulse on your neck – just under the curve in your jaw. Over time, these arteries can develop atherosclerosis where they become narrowed by plaques of cholesterol, calcium, and fibrous tissue. This causes a decreased blood supply and oxygen up into your brain.
If the artery becomes completely blocked, or if a piece of the plaque breaks off and floats up into your brain, you are at serious risk for a stroke.
According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in Americans and the leading cause of adult disability. They also report that up to 80% of strokes are preventable!
A stroke occurs when an artery or vessel is blocked (ie. from plaque) which stops blood supply to an area of the brain. This causes brain cell death and brain damage. The damage outcome depends on which area of the brain is affected such as the area for speech or for walking.
There may be earlier signs that your carotid arteries are narrowing before having a stroke. For example, you may lose vision in one eye, not be able to control the movement in one arm or leg, not be able to control speech, or feel weak/numb/tingling on one side of your body. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
The test to check your carotid arteries involves the use of an ultrasound in order to assess blood flow through the vessels. It is a quick, painless, non-invasive test where a technician holds the ultrasound probe to your neck and watches your blood movement on a screen. If things are flowing freely and smoothly, you are at little risk. If the blood appears constricted and not able to flow easily, you are at a high risk and additional tests may be necessary.
I told both patients to spend the money and get the work-up as they both had several other cardiovascular markers such as abdominal fat, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol that we were trying to correct. This screening test will assess their stroke risk and help us continue on the prevention path.
References:
www.vascularweb.org
www.stroke.org
Monday, August 17, 2009
5 Heart Healthy Reasons for Fish Oil
More and more Americans are taking their fish oil and eating cold-water fish as part of a healthy diet. Fish oil is made up of fatty acids called EPA (eiosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) that are part of the polyunsaturated omega 3 anti-inflammatory pathways in your body. These two fatty acids are important to cell membranes which ultimately help heart electrical conduction and tone.
According the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death followed by cancer and accidents. It is also highly preventable and recent research shows that taking fish oil or eating fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, or anchovies can help fight heart disease by reducing the risk of:
1) atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
2) arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
3) heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI)
4) sudden cardiac death
5) heart failure
Omega 3 fatty acids are made by microalgae in the ocean which are then eaten by cold-water fish. The oil is deposited into their organs and stored in their fat tissue. When choosing your fish oil, make sure it is free of heavy metals, pesticides, and herbicides and that the manufacturer tests every batch for freshness. There are two forms of fish oil – the triglyceride form and the ester form. Studies lean towards the natural triglyceride form as being more digestible however the ester form is cheaper to produce.
If you puncture your fish oil pill and it smells rancid, then you have a bad batch. It should smell naturally like clean fish.
For the best heart benefits, take enough fish oil such that you are receiving at least 500mg of EPA and DHA. Your total “Omega 3” may read 1000mg or more, however it’s the actual EPA/DHA numbers you add up. When choosing to eat fish as part of your healthy diet, go for wild caught or farmed free of dyes and chemicals.
References:
1. Lavie, C. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Aug. 11, 2009; 54:585-594.
2. Lawson, L.D.; Hughes, B.G. (October 1988). "Absorption of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid from fish oil triacylglycerols or fish oil ethyl esters co-ingested with a high-fat meal". Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 156 (2): 960–963.
3. Beckermann, B.; Beneke, M.; Seitz, I. (June 1990). "Comparative bioavailability of eicosapentaenoic acid and docasahexaenoic acid from triglycerides, free fatty acids and ethyl esters in volunteers". Arzneimittel-Forschung 40 (6): 700–704.
4. www.americanheart.org
According the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death followed by cancer and accidents. It is also highly preventable and recent research shows that taking fish oil or eating fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, or anchovies can help fight heart disease by reducing the risk of:
1) atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
2) arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
3) heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI)
4) sudden cardiac death
5) heart failure
Omega 3 fatty acids are made by microalgae in the ocean which are then eaten by cold-water fish. The oil is deposited into their organs and stored in their fat tissue. When choosing your fish oil, make sure it is free of heavy metals, pesticides, and herbicides and that the manufacturer tests every batch for freshness. There are two forms of fish oil – the triglyceride form and the ester form. Studies lean towards the natural triglyceride form as being more digestible however the ester form is cheaper to produce.
If you puncture your fish oil pill and it smells rancid, then you have a bad batch. It should smell naturally like clean fish.
For the best heart benefits, take enough fish oil such that you are receiving at least 500mg of EPA and DHA. Your total “Omega 3” may read 1000mg or more, however it’s the actual EPA/DHA numbers you add up. When choosing to eat fish as part of your healthy diet, go for wild caught or farmed free of dyes and chemicals.
References:
1. Lavie, C. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Aug. 11, 2009; 54:585-594.
2. Lawson, L.D.; Hughes, B.G. (October 1988). "Absorption of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid from fish oil triacylglycerols or fish oil ethyl esters co-ingested with a high-fat meal". Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 156 (2): 960–963.
3. Beckermann, B.; Beneke, M.; Seitz, I. (June 1990). "Comparative bioavailability of eicosapentaenoic acid and docasahexaenoic acid from triglycerides, free fatty acids and ethyl esters in volunteers". Arzneimittel-Forschung 40 (6): 700–704.
4. www.americanheart.org
Monday, August 10, 2009
Heart Palpitations - more than a flutter?
Ever have that quick flutter feeling in your chest that lasted for a couple seconds and disappears? Maybe yours lasts a little longer, a little stronger, and causes you to cough? These are called heart palpitations and are very common in women. There are many reasons your heart chooses to beat strangely, and a lot of it is normal.
The heart is a fist-sized muscle in the left side of your chest that is responsible for pumping fresh blood out to your entire body and receiving blood to be put back through the lungs. Just before each heart beat, your heart chambers fill with blood until it is squeezed out in rhythm. You have four chambers with valves separating the two on the left and the two on the right.
When your heart contracts, it sends an electrical impulse from the SA node in your right atrium down to your AV node. The SA node is your built-in pacemaker and sets the tone of your heartbeats. Sometimes it can be sped up or slowed down which causes you to take notice.
Some common reasons you may experience palpitations are with exercise and overexertion, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, drugs, thyroid problems, anemia, valve problems, stress, panic and anxiety, and adrenaline rushes. If you experience palpitations, pay attention to the time of day, what you are doing, and what you just ate or drank. Many patients report heart symptoms with stress or anxious feelings. Others feel changes after a glass or two of wine or coffee.
Palpitations should not be ignored in case they are due to a bigger process such as thyroid or anemia problems or heart valve changes. Your doctor will listen to your heart and may recommend an ECG to monitor your heart rate. Sometimes you might wear a holter monitor for 24-hours. This nifty little device keeps track of your palpitations all day long. How often have we gone to the doctor with a symptom that happens all the time and suddenly it disappears? Using a monitor can help diagnose the reason.
If for any reason you experience abnormal heart beats along with chest pain, dizziness, light-headed, pain in your arm or jaw, the sensation of blacking out – please call 911. Do not wait to see if it passes.
Treatment, of course, depends on the reason. If you are amping yourself up on caffeine or stress, then it’s a lifestyle change. Review all of your medications and supplements with your doctor to see if any could be causing palpitations. Have your blood checked for anemia and thyroid disease. More severe problems could require surgery.
The heart is a fist-sized muscle in the left side of your chest that is responsible for pumping fresh blood out to your entire body and receiving blood to be put back through the lungs. Just before each heart beat, your heart chambers fill with blood until it is squeezed out in rhythm. You have four chambers with valves separating the two on the left and the two on the right.
When your heart contracts, it sends an electrical impulse from the SA node in your right atrium down to your AV node. The SA node is your built-in pacemaker and sets the tone of your heartbeats. Sometimes it can be sped up or slowed down which causes you to take notice.
Some common reasons you may experience palpitations are with exercise and overexertion, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, drugs, thyroid problems, anemia, valve problems, stress, panic and anxiety, and adrenaline rushes. If you experience palpitations, pay attention to the time of day, what you are doing, and what you just ate or drank. Many patients report heart symptoms with stress or anxious feelings. Others feel changes after a glass or two of wine or coffee.
Palpitations should not be ignored in case they are due to a bigger process such as thyroid or anemia problems or heart valve changes. Your doctor will listen to your heart and may recommend an ECG to monitor your heart rate. Sometimes you might wear a holter monitor for 24-hours. This nifty little device keeps track of your palpitations all day long. How often have we gone to the doctor with a symptom that happens all the time and suddenly it disappears? Using a monitor can help diagnose the reason.
If for any reason you experience abnormal heart beats along with chest pain, dizziness, light-headed, pain in your arm or jaw, the sensation of blacking out – please call 911. Do not wait to see if it passes.
Treatment, of course, depends on the reason. If you are amping yourself up on caffeine or stress, then it’s a lifestyle change. Review all of your medications and supplements with your doctor to see if any could be causing palpitations. Have your blood checked for anemia and thyroid disease. More severe problems could require surgery.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Chronic Pain? Look at Your Diet
More and more I am hearing from patients that they are experiencing chronic pain. Sometimes it’s in their joints, sometimes their muscles, and sometimes it’s all over their entire body. Chronic pain, no matter how large or small, can be debilitating because you live with it everyday. Whether it is from an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, a car accident, or fibromyalgia, try looking at your diet to reduce your inflammation.
I have talked before about the differences between food allergies and food intolerances. Many people know their allergies – it’s the food you eat and have an immediate reaction. Intolerances work differently and are considered ‘delayed response.’ However, if you eat the same food (or types of foods) everyday then that delayed response becomes chronic. Keep in mind that not all food reactions happen in your stomach or intestines. I know many people who experience joint pain, headaches, muscle fatigue, rashes, and more.
A good place to start is to eliminate the nightshade family. This includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers, and chili pepper. Many arthritis sufferers notice a difference in their inflammation.
Other common foods to consider are wheat/gluten, dairy, eggs, and soy. Consider putting yourself on a gluten free or dairy free diet for thirty days and see how you feel. Then challenge it back in and watch for a reaction (if any). Keep in mind that many people experience multiple intolerances and may be both gluten and soy intolerant or dairy and gluten intolerant.
We eat three meals a day so we might as well make them worth our while. Eliminate the junk that includes SUGAR and simple carbohydrates. Sugar tastes good but it can create a lot of inflammation in our body. This includes harmful sugars like high-fructose corn syrup, aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose. Keep your diet to vegetables (except nightshades), lean protein, and complex carbohydrates such as brown rice.
I have talked before about the differences between food allergies and food intolerances. Many people know their allergies – it’s the food you eat and have an immediate reaction. Intolerances work differently and are considered ‘delayed response.’ However, if you eat the same food (or types of foods) everyday then that delayed response becomes chronic. Keep in mind that not all food reactions happen in your stomach or intestines. I know many people who experience joint pain, headaches, muscle fatigue, rashes, and more.
A good place to start is to eliminate the nightshade family. This includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers, and chili pepper. Many arthritis sufferers notice a difference in their inflammation.
Other common foods to consider are wheat/gluten, dairy, eggs, and soy. Consider putting yourself on a gluten free or dairy free diet for thirty days and see how you feel. Then challenge it back in and watch for a reaction (if any). Keep in mind that many people experience multiple intolerances and may be both gluten and soy intolerant or dairy and gluten intolerant.
We eat three meals a day so we might as well make them worth our while. Eliminate the junk that includes SUGAR and simple carbohydrates. Sugar tastes good but it can create a lot of inflammation in our body. This includes harmful sugars like high-fructose corn syrup, aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose. Keep your diet to vegetables (except nightshades), lean protein, and complex carbohydrates such as brown rice.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Mammograms and Breast Cancer: Overdiagnosis?
In July, Danish researchers published a study in the British Medical Journal that 1 in 3 breast cancers diagnoses will not actually cause a problem. After examining breast cancer screening in five countries, they found that some breast cancers ‘may naturally disappear without treatment.’ They call it an ‘overdiagnosis rate of 35%.’
Talk about controversial! In my practice, there is a large split surrounding mammograms. Some women are incredibly diligent and go every year. Some go every few years and some absolutely refuse to go at all. There is the fear of radiation, squishing, mis-diagnosing, having to get a biopsy, and the idea that not knowing is better than knowing.
The problem lies in the diagnosis, of which the researchers readily admit. How does one tell between the lethal and the harmless cancers?
How do you know whether you have been overdiagnosed or properly diagnosed? And more importantly, are you willing to take that risk if you choose the former?
Patients always ask me what I would do and I tell them I believe in mammograms. I also believe in ultrasounds and thermography but at this time, there is no perfect imaging option. If stage I breast cancer is found by mammogram, there is a 95% 5-year survival rate. I want to be one of those odds if it were me. And if the mammogram finds something and if I have to endure a biopsy and if it turns out to be negative – then hallelujah!
As with anything, it’s ultimately your choice because they are your breasts. I repeat the paragraph above all the time because it’s my job as a doctor to inform and educate but not to force. There is a risk with anything and I recommend risking it for great odds.
Talk about controversial! In my practice, there is a large split surrounding mammograms. Some women are incredibly diligent and go every year. Some go every few years and some absolutely refuse to go at all. There is the fear of radiation, squishing, mis-diagnosing, having to get a biopsy, and the idea that not knowing is better than knowing.
The problem lies in the diagnosis, of which the researchers readily admit. How does one tell between the lethal and the harmless cancers?
How do you know whether you have been overdiagnosed or properly diagnosed? And more importantly, are you willing to take that risk if you choose the former?
Patients always ask me what I would do and I tell them I believe in mammograms. I also believe in ultrasounds and thermography but at this time, there is no perfect imaging option. If stage I breast cancer is found by mammogram, there is a 95% 5-year survival rate. I want to be one of those odds if it were me. And if the mammogram finds something and if I have to endure a biopsy and if it turns out to be negative – then hallelujah!
As with anything, it’s ultimately your choice because they are your breasts. I repeat the paragraph above all the time because it’s my job as a doctor to inform and educate but not to force. There is a risk with anything and I recommend risking it for great odds.
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