Saturday, April 16, 2011

Suffering From Heart Ailments? – Take A Look At These Foods That You Need To Avoid!

Are you suffering from deadly heart ailments? Or you just want to live a healthy life? Bear in mind that aside from exercise and religiously taking your medications, you also need to choose the right types of food that you eat to control if not eliminate your existing heart condition.  If you have a heart condition eating properly can make a huge difference.  However, if it's too late and you experience a sudden cardiac arrest you need to use an aed pads and aed battery in conjunction with a defibrillator.

It is very basic and traditional to avoid foods high in saturated fat like pork belly, prime cut ribs, fried meals as well as sodium rich goodies like instant noodles, canned goods, condiments and all others. However, aside from this list, you also need to keep an eye from other “faux” healthy foods that can aggravate your condition or bring further heart complications. If you want to be healthy in and out, take a look at this list below and say FINAL goodbye to unhealthy foods. Remember that these foods should be avoided in order to live a healthy, complication free or even diseases free life!

1.       Soups – we are pertaining to heavily creamed soups may it be a home cooked meal or an instant goodie. For soups to be richer and tastier, most of the time they are cooked using heavy creams and artificial flavourings making them a silently dangerous meal. It is best to prepare your own soup instead of buying one from the grocery and use natural herbs and spices to make it flavoursome yet healthy.
2.       Meats – you can still indulge over meats but make sure to choose lean cuts. Bear in mind that meats are high in protein making them a healthy diet ingredient but careful selection is required to achieve a low-fat high in protein meal. If your budget permits, go for extra lean cuts and selections.
3.       Fish – almost all of us will buy any type of fish thinking they are all healthy and fat free. However, there are certain fish varieties that entail high LDL content which is obviously bad for our health. As much as possible avoid bass, bluefish, butterfish, deviled crab, eel, herring, mackerel, pompano, shad and trout. Go for those that are rich in omega 3 like tuna, salmon, milkfish and other saltwater fishes.
4.       Poultry – chicken is always healthy as long as you remove the skin but duck and goose are not. Duck and goose have a layer of fat just beneath their skin and some on the inner meat making them unfit for a healthy diet.
5.       Dairy products – majority of dairy products should be avoided if you want to protect your heart but there are some substitute stuffs that you can still enjoy. For whole milk use non fat or lite milk, instead of creamed cottage go for cheddar cheese, butter can be replaced with margarine, use soy bean yoghurt instead of whole milk based yogurts. Instead of using full/whole cream cheese, parmesan and spreads, look for lite or non-fat counterparts.
6.       Breads – say goodbye to hotcakes, waffles, pancakes, coffee cakes, muffins, doughnuts, sweet rolls and Danish pastries. These breads are filled with lard, butter and egg yolk making them unsuitable for a healthy heart diet. Go for whole grain and wheat breads instead and make a healthy choice by increasing your fiber intake.

Remember that in every food you eat, you must consider not just your hungry stomach but your sensitive heart as well. You also need to be very careful when using artificial seasonings and flavourings as they are also rich in sodium making healthy foods miserably unhealthy.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Understanding Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Defined as sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness, SCA or Sudden Cardiac Arrest is indeed dangerous. If not rescued immediately, SCA can cause permanent heart damage, brain damage and even irreversible death. Early resuscitation like providing high quality CPR, the use of AEDs or Automated External Defibrillators and giving medications are all crucial to prevent the deadly effects of SCA. 

However, as the saying goes, tons of prevention is better than pounds of cure. Why focus on treatment when preventing the condition is much easier? With this article, learn the most common risk factors of SCA and avoid developing this fatal heart condition before it starts to kick in.

Familial history of SCA and Coronary Artery Disease genetic plays an important role in this life threatening condition, if your parents or grandparents have it, the more likely you will develop SCA. Aside from genetics, CAD or Coronary Artery Disease more commonly known as Atherosclerosis which is the accumulation of plaque deposition within the arterial walls of the heart is also considered to be one of the greatest risk factors that may lead to SCA.

Smoking is also considered a risk factor in SCA, this is due to the fact that cigarette contain high amounts of nicotine. Nicotine is known to be a notorious a vasoconstrictor meaning it constricts the blood vessels of the body resulting to high blood pressure and increase turbulence of the blood.

High blood cholesterol – hyperlipidemia or increase cholesterol in the blood can also subject you to SCA. Collection of lipids in the blood especially harmful ones like low density lipoprotein which can be found on oily foods, saturated fats, sodium rich meals and fatty dishes are known to increase exposure towards SCA.

Sedentary lifestyle or lack of exercise, increased intake of fatty foods together with drinking too much alcohol are all linked with Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Aside from SCA, sedentary lifestyle is also known to put you on other heart diseases such as heart attack, hypertension, CAD and all others.

Age also plays an important role in developing this fatal condition, studies have shown that men after 45 years of age and age 55 for women are more prone to develop Sudden Cardiac Arrest than those lower in age.

To prevent development of SCA it is advised to submit yourself to annual checkups if you are healthy, monthly checkups if you have underlying heart conditions and bi annual check up for older individuals. It is also wise to religiously take your medications as this stops further development of your existing medical condition. Smoking cessation, healthy lifestyle, exercising twice a week, intake of nutritious foods should also be practiced utmost to prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

The best treatment of Sudden Cardiac Arrest is to use a defibrillator within 5 minutes of the patient collapsing.  If you are going to use your defibrillator in a plane you should use an FDA approved battery similar to the 989803136291 or if you're not going to be in a plane than the M5070A is a perfect choice. 

Monday, March 7, 2011

Risk Factors of Sudden Cardiac Arrest – Know These Things before You Get Affected

Defined as sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness, SCA or Sudden Cardiac Arrest is indeed dangerous. If not rescued immediately, SCA can cause permanent heart damage, brain damage and even irreversible death. Early resuscitation like providing high quality CPR, the use of AEDs or Automated External Defibrillators and giving medications are all crucial to prevent the deadly effects of SCA. 

However, as the saying goes, tons of prevention is better than pounds of cure. Why focus on treatment when preventing the condition is much easier? With this article, learn the most common risk factors of SCA and avoid developing this fatal heart condition before it starts to kick in.

1.       Familial history of SCA and Coronary Artery Disease – genetic plays an important role in this life threatening condition, if your parents or grandparents have it, the more likely you will develop SCA. Aside from genetics, CAD or Coronary Artery Disease more commonly known as Atherosclerosis which is the accumulation of plaque deposition within the arterial walls of the heart is also considered to be one of the greatest risk factors that may lead to SCA.

2.       Smoking – as for every disease, smoking is also considered a risk factor in SCA, this is due to the fact that cigarette contain high amounts of nicotine. Nicotine is known to be a notorious a vasoconstrictor meaning it constricts the blood vessels of the body resulting to high blood pressure and increase turbulence of the blood.

3.       High blood cholesterol – hyperlipidemia or increase cholesterol in the blood can also subject you to SCA. Collection of lipids in the blood especially harmful ones like low density lipoprotein which can be found on oily foods, saturated fats, sodium rich meals and fatty dishes are known to increase exposure towards SCA.

4.       Sedentary lifestyle – lack of exercise, increase intake of fatty foods together with drinking too much alcohol are all linked with Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Aside from SCA, sedentary lifestyle is also known to put you on other heart diseases such as heart attack, hypertension, CAD and all others.

5.       Age – age also plays an important role in developing this fatal condition, studies have shown that men after 45 years of age and age 55 for women are more prone to develop Sudden Cardiac Arrest than those lower in age.

To prevent development of SCA it is advised to submit yourself to annual checkups if you are healthy, monthly checkups if you have underlying heart conditions and bi annual check up for older individuals. It is also wise to religiously take your medications as this stops further development of your existing medical condition. Smoking cessation, healthy lifestyle, exercising twice a week, intake of nutritious foods should also be practiced utmost to prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

SCA is preventable; you just need to have a good self discipline and tons of knowledge to fight this lethal heart condition. Remember that if one suffers from SCA, don’t hesitate to help him or her. What you need to do to save his life are the following but not limited to:
-          Calling for help
-         Performing CPR following the new sequence C-A-B or chest compression, airway and breathing
-          Using Automated External Defibrillators present on site

Alway check your Philips Defibrillator Battery and especially model number M5070A. Stop the spread of SCA! Live a healthy life and don’t forget to submit yourself to medical checkups to ensure best health and wellness.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Eating Healthy to Maintain Your Heart

Everyone always talks about the best way to stay healthy is diet and exercise.  But what does that really mean.  In this blog entry we'll explore some specific foods that can contribute to a healthy heart.

One of the best known foods for maintaining a healthy heart is seafood.  Fish has a high content of omega-3 oils that are proven to lower blood pressure and reduce the strain on your heart.  But not all fish meat is equal.  Some fish are better than others for health.  For example, darker meat fish like catfish are not good for your health while white fish such as halibut can rich in anti-oxidants and omega-3 which contribute to a healthy heart.


Mother said always eat your vegetables.  Just like everything else Mom said this turns out to be true.  Vegetables are high in anti-oxidants and iron which prevent blood clots.  A good rule of thumb is to try to eat 3 servings a day or fruits and vegetables.

Nuts... No not what you're going through but the hard shell type.  Walnuts especially are considered a good source of protein and have shown in studies to reduce triglycerides.  Again, before adding anything new to your diet you should always consult your doctor.

Ethnic spices have shown to have a positive affect on fighting heart disease.  Cayenne, ginger, horseradish, and carob all have shown in studies to fight high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.  You should always consult a nutritionists to determine which of these spices are right for you.

If you believe that you are at high risk for heart disease it's highly recommend that you seek the advice of a doctor. Modern technology has provided us prescriptions that can lower high blood pressure, prevent arterial plaque, and lower cholesterol.

If you believe your at risk for heart related symptoms and not just heart disease, but perhaps cardiac arrest than it's important that you maintain your Philips HeartStart Battery model number M5070A so that it's ready when it's needed.


Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Important Tips to Know when Performing CPR

In 2010, the American Heart Association released a new set of guidelines replacing it’s well known method of Airway, Breathing, Chest Compressions.    The new and improved method is now CAB, or Chest, Airway, Breathing.  Understanding the basics of CPR is clearly not enough to save lives; there are many other important steps necessary to perform a successful resuscitation.

First, you need to place your hands on the patient’s chest above the sternum.  Always remember to put your hands an inch above the xiphoid process (the bony protrusion at the end of the sternum) or for a quicker yet definite hand position, follow the nipple line.

Secondly, make sure your compressions are deep and fast enough.  Each compression should be at least 1 ½” deep and at about 90-100 compressions per minute.  A good way to determine if you’re don’t chest compression fast enough is to sing a fast paced song while performing CPR.  This will help you maintain a solid pace.  When providing chest compressions, make sure your elbows are in an angle that allows you to press firmly down on the chest.  When your elbows are at an angle your thrust power is often loss in your elbows.

Next, perform full breath mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.  Many of us are resistant to performing mouth-to-mouth for medical concerns, but you can use a shirt or other barrier that allows air to transfer to protect yourself from germs.

Last and most importantly, the first thing you should do after accessing the patient’s status is to call for emergency services to arrive on the scene. Do not forget to call for help and use existing medical equipment’s like AEDs – aside from performing CPR in the correct way, calling for help will ensure high survival rates via paramedics. AEDs should also be used prior to performing CPR as this life saving device will tell you what to do next. AEDs are also essential to deliver the right amount of electrical impulse needed for the heart to function once again.

Using these life saving tips will help you save a life of maybe someone you know.  Besides performing CPR, the next best device you can use is a Philips Onsite AED along with aed pads and aed batteries. 

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Conditions That Lead to Heart Disease

The average human’s heart will beat over 100,000 between the time we are born and when we die.  The muscle contracts and beats subconsciously and it something most of us don’t’ take into considering during our normal life.  However, many people are walking around with heart disease that can lead to eventual death.  There are many conditions that can contribute to heart disease.  We’ll explore some of those potential causes.
1.    Diabetes
2.    High Blood Pressure
3.    Metabolism
4.    Blood Pumping Disorder
First, people with diabetes generally have other contributing factors like high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and high cholesterol.  Often these conditions are a result of either diet or genetics.  People with diabetes have cells store fat and collect lipids.  The lipids harden into arterial plaque which blocks the normal flow of blood pumping through the arteries.
Secondly, high blood pressure is often associated with heart disease.  Hypertension also is prominent is certain races more than others.  This is an example of where genetics is more of a result than diet. Since the presence of hypertension is difficult to detect by doctors, it's often considered the silent killer of adults.
Another issue doctors have discovered in your metabolism.  Doctors have named this “Metabolic Syndrome” which affects over 50 million Americans.  Metabolism Syndrome typically includes the following conditions:
  • Tryglycerides level above 150
  • Blood Pressure of 130/85 or more
  • Blood Sugar of 100 or more
  • Patient's weight

Lastly, blood flow to the heart can become irregular and is often associated with congestive heart failure.  This condition occurs any time when the heart does not receive oxygenated blood.  This can be brought on by an arrhythmia in the arterial or ventricle parts of the heart.
These are just a few of the conditions that contribute to heart disease.  Heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest should not be taken lightly.  Those with a family history or heart disease should see a doctor and have their cholesterol tested.  However, sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone even with perfect cholesterol or family history.  That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a portable defibrillator and make sure your FR2 AED Infant Child pads model number M3870A are ready and have not expired.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Philips Adult SMART Pads Cartridge Model M5071A

The Philips Adult HeartStart Onsite pads have a two year shelf life and when they have expired you must immediately purchase new pads.   If you own a defibrillator you should regularly check our device to verify that it’s functioning properly and the pads are within their expiration date.  If the pads have expired, or are near expiration replace them immediately.  If you should need to reorder pads just ask for model M5071A pads and your authorized Philips retailer will be able to assist you and get you the pads that will work with your AED.


Congratulations on owning the Philips HeartStart Onsite defibrillator; one of the most advanced portable defibrillator on the market today.  The Philips Onsite works best when paired with the HeartStart Adult SMART Pads.  The pads are very easy to use but during an emergency situation the care giver can often forget their training or become frantic.  If you remember the easy steps in this article you will be able to install the pads and deliver a shock if necessary.

The pads are located on the front of the defibrillator.  To access the pads there is a PULL handle at the top.  Pulling the pad from the Onsite will automatically turn the defibrillator on and set it into motion.  The care giver will being receiving audible instructions by first letting you know the pads have been properly placed on the patient and the device is receiving data.

The information contained in these topics is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, it is provided for educational purposes only.  You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.  Nothing contained in these topics is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.