1) Give yourself a good scare. Just to get it to race.
2) Donate your blood. Not only it helps others but at the same time it reduces the level of iron in your body and helps oxidize the fats.
3) Drink soya milk. It helps lowers LDL, repairs artery walls and promotes fat breakdowns.
4) Eat breakfast everyday.
5) Eat beans to lower your cholesterol.
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What are the tests for heart disease?
1. Blood tests - This analyses cholesterol levels, kidney and liver function and diabetes mellitus. It can also confirm if you are having a heart attack if you are experiencing chest pain
2. Electrocardiogram (ECG) - Identifies abnormal heart rhythm and evaluates if symptoms of chest discomfort are due to heart disease.
The patient will be asked to lie on a bed and electrodes will be placed on his chest, arms and legs. These electrodes help to detect the electrical activity of the heart. Patient can breathe normally during the procedure, but should avoid moving or talking to prevent distortion of test results. This test takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Chest x-ray - Diagnoses abnormalities in cardiovascular and pulmonary systems - heart, lungs and blood vessels.
4. Exercise Stress Test - This assesses the response of the heart to increased workload and demand for blood supply during exercise or exertion (pictured above).
Electrodes are placed on the patient's chest for ECG monitoring before the test. The patient's ECG and blood pressure will be taken at rest. Patient will then be asked to walk on the treadmill machine. The speed and gradient of the slope will increase every 3 minutes to stress the heart gradually.
During the test, patient's blood pressure, heart rate, ECG and general condition will be monitored closely. Patient should inform the doctor to stop the test at any time if they are feeling tired, unwell or unable to continue. The procedure takes up to 1 hour, inclusive of preparation time.
5. Calcium Score on CT scan - Detects the amount of calcification in the coronary arteries. This test detects coronary artery disease at an early stage when there are no symptoms and helps to determine its severity.
The technologist begins by positioning you on the computed tomography (CT) examination table, usually flat on your back. Straps and pillows may be used to help you maintain the correct position and to hold still during the scan.
Electrodes for ECG will be attached to your chest to monitor your heart beats. This makes it possible to record CT scans when the heart is not actively contracting.
Patients are asked to hold their breath for a period of 10 to 15 seconds while images are recorded. You may also feel a little warm upon injection of the contrast, which should subside after a short while.
Heart screening is recommended for people around 40 - 45 years of age. However for people who have family related problems, they should start earlier at around 35 years of age.http://www.asiaone.com/Health/Women%2527s%2BMatters/Heart%2BMatters/Story/A1Story20100304-202375.html
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How to prevent heart diseases?
1) Stop smoking
2) Lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels
3) Raise HDL
4) Lower high blood pressure
5) Prevent diabetes, if not, control it
6) Maintain a healthy body weight
7) Eat healthy food
8) Exercise
http://www.asiaone.com/Health/Women%2527s%2BMatters/Heart%2BMatters/Story/A1Story20100302-201930.html
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