1. Cutting Edge Solutions for Heart Problems
It is common knowledge that heart diseases account for a significant amount of deaths and
limitation of the quality of life. Since the advent of effective treatment strategies for heart attack
in the 1970’s, research into the causative factors of heart conditions and ways to refine the
treatment options have been proceeding at a very rapid pace.
Along with the knowledge about the pathological process leading to the heart attack (In French
attaque cardiaque)came the information about the risk factors – primarily diabetes,
hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and smoking. Consequently, due to effective drugs and
control of the risk factors, a decrease in the load of heart diseases was expected. Surprisingly, this
has not been achieved. Analysis of this apparent paradox has revealed that this is primarily due to
better diagnostic techniques, which would have been missed a few decades earlier. In other
words, the earlier data revealed only the part of the case load.
A lot of effort is invested on methods which detect risk factors, disease of the coronary (heart)
arteries, abnormal heart muscle functioning, all at a very early stage and in a non-invasive
manner. Thus we hear about 64 slice and now 128 slice CT scans, SPECT (single positron emission
CT), combination of the two processes, and use of different materials for radio-labeling. With the
use of these techniques, even a very small obstruction to blood flow or minimally altered heart
muscle function can be detected. Thus, conditions leading to heart failure (In French
insuffisance cardiaque) are picked up at a very early stage and adequate corrective actions are
undertaken.
Further, there is constant refinement of the therapeutic modalities, especially angioplasty
techniques involving stets, which helps prevent cell death. There is a lot of interest in the role of
stem cells in the repair of dead heart muscle cells. And finally in conditions where the heart
problem is such that a lot of heart tissue is dead and not functioning, new devices which help the
heart contract better are being invented and undergoing trials.
A natural consequence of detection and treatment early in the course of heart problems along
with newer and better treatment options for advanced diseases is that the final outcome is much
better and the burden of heart diseases on the society is reduced.

2. Easy Ways to Keep Your Heart in Good Health
Keeping your heart healthy is very simple provided you are prepared to make a lifelong
commitment to the cause. The first order of business to ensure good health is to switch to a
healthier lifestyle.
Starting today, join that health club like you’ve been meaning to or else take up the habit of going
for a relaxing stroll either early in the morning or in the evenings after work. Ask your friend,
partner, child and/or an aging parent to join you in your new ‘get fit’ regime. Having a companion
not only makes things more interesting, it also gives those involved a committed partner who can
help them from flagging after the first few days.
Take a hard look at your family’s diet and be prepared to make some drastic changes in the long
run. Do not try to make a sudden switch as many times, people end up back-sliding after only a
couple of days. It’s therefore best to give yourself and your family the time to get used to the
changes in your diet. Start by adding more fresh fruits and vegetables; to health prevent heart
failure. Gradually switch from full-fat foods to more healthy options. Be sure to check your salt
intake levels to ensure they are within the acceptable limits.
Finally, try to reduce your overall stress levels as much as possible. Try taking up yoga and/or
meditation and start a new relaxing hobby. Leisure activities like gardening, weaving, biking etc
are proven stress reducers and also contribute to your overall good health. If you still feel
stressed out then you may have to re-evaluate your work and/or relationships.
To conclude, an active, stress free lifestyle is the best antidote for heart attack. Most people pay
very little attention to their heart’s health until they grow older and/or either fall victim to an
attack themselves or see someone in their circle do so. Don’t make the same mistake; switch to a
healthier lifestyle today!