Syphilis makes a comeback

For a long time people thought that syphilis had practically been eliminated in Europe – but for a number of years now the number of reported cases of infection has dramatically increased. In Germany too there has been an alarming upswing in the infection rate. Current statistics from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) show a huge increase in infection, particularly among men who have sex with men. On the other hand, a great many gay men seem to have no awareness of this infection which is mainly transmitted through sex or tend to downplay its seriousness and the risk of infection through contacts on the gay scene or in the private sphere. On the up side syphilis is relatively easy to treat. But if you wait around before getting treatment it can lead to very serious consequences for own health and generally means that you will pass on the infection to your own sex partners.

We’ve collected the main points you should know about syphilis in the question and answer format below.

How can I catch syphilis?
The short answer is – very simply sorry to say. Getting infected with the syphilis bacterium is a lot easier than getting infected with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). Syphilis is transmitted through contact of the bacterium with the skin or mucous membranes (linings) of the genital area, mouth or anus. No kind of sex is syphilis-safe but transmission via the mucous membranes is a lot easier than transmission through unbroken skin. This is why most infections in gay men appear on the glans (tip) of the penis or on the penis shaft, in the anus or rectal passage and in the mouth or throat and much less seldom on the fingers or the hand – though such cases are also known to occur.

Syphilis is also known as the “great imitator” because its early symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases. In addition, the first symptoms disappear without any treatment within the first few weeks which means that many cases are simply not recognized or recognized too late when the infection is in an advanced stage and risks becoming chronic. Protection against this is offered with treatment with suitable antibiotics.

How do I recognize the first syphilis symptoms?
About three weeks after the time of infection a moist ulcer the size of a ten cent coin may appear on the place of infection. Although it may appear, it must not necessarily appear! When it does this ulcer is completely painless yet highly infectious – this is the period when syphilis can be transmitted through simple contact or rubbing. Generally the ulcer clears up without any need for treatment. Because of its small size and the fact that it generally appears on parts of the body that are awkward or impossible to see, it often goes completely unnoticed. In the first stage of the disease the appearance of the ulcer - or what the medical experts call the “primary effect” - can be accompanied by swollen lymph glands.

What are the further stages?
If the primary stage goes untreated, within around two to six months after the time of infection the secondary stage develops with general symptoms like an attack of flu. You feel sick, get a mild fever and have pains in your joints. You can also get a brown rash all over your body and your lymph glands become so swollen they can be felt. At the same time a rash of brown, wart-like sores (“papules”) may appear in the mouth, and on the cock and ass. This rash will disappear after a few weeks without any treatment, but it can reappear at any time, particularly on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Sometimes it leaves discolored patches of skin behind. It's often associated with patchy loss of hair. In this stage all bodily fluids can be infectious.

When this secondary stage is over, the syphilis may lapse into a latent stage without any symptoms which can last for years or even decades.

The earliest tertiary stage is about two years after the time of infection. In this third stage syphilis damages the inner organs like the heart, blood vessels and nervous system. About one third of people who have had untreated secondary syphilis go on to develop the complications of third stage syphilis. This stage is characterised by the appearance of inflamed cancerous growths called “gumma” which can appear anywhere in the body – in the skin, in bones, in internal organs, in blood vessels or the central nervous system. As they destroy the body tissue in the place where they appear, they can lead to a wide variety of complications. They can also result in cardiac complications, including heart attacks and chronic arterial diseases.

The fourth and final stage of syphilis mainly occurs after ten to twenty years when the disease starts to damage the brain and the nervous system. The symptoms in this final stage include progressive paralysis, acute pain, blindness and disorientation, and mental illness resulting in death.

All the symptoms associated with the various stages of the disease can appear but must not necessarily do so! Single stages can go by completely unnoticed or can even be “skipped”. Because the progress of syphilis varies enormously from person to person. And this particularly true of people with HIV (see below).

I'm not sure if I've got syphilis. What should I do?
The best thing to do is to go to your doctor or a healthcare center and ask for a syphilis test. A simple blood sample is all they need for diagnosis. The diagnosis can also distinguish between a fresh infection and one that's considerably older.

The rate of syphilis infection among urban gay men has shown a remarkable increase (in some areas over 40% up!) so it's really advisable for men with one of two sex partners a month to take a syphilis test every three months. All other sexually active men should take a test every six months or at least once a year.

What kind of treatment will I get?
If syphilis is diagnosed early on, treatment is simple. In the primary stage treatment involves a course of penicillin injections in the buttocks which usually lasts from two to three weeks. Later stages can also be treated with penicillin but the treatment is much longer and a stay in hospital for a course of infusions will also be necessary. Plus complications to inner organs caused by the disease cannot be reversed. So it's obviously better to start treatment as soon as possible!

How can I protect myself and others from syphilis?
Avoid any kind of contact with open cuts and wounds! Condoms and rubber gloves can reduce the risk of infection but cannot completely eliminate it. Dildos and other sex toys should either be used by one person alone or should be thoroughly disinfected before being used with another partner.

Information, awareness and early, full and proper treatment are the three factors that can lead to a sharp drop in the rate of new infections. If you find you're infected, it's absolutely vital that you inform all your sex partners so they can take a test and get early treatment if necessary. And until the treatment course is really finished and you get a clean bill of health from your doctor or healthcare provider, you really should abstain from sex.

Does syphilis increase the risks of infection with HIV?
Yes it does! If you're HIV positive and also have syphilis, then it's much easier to transmit HIV to your sex partners via the syphilis sores. If your sex partner has syphilis (or another sexual transmitted disease) then it's much easier for him to get HIV than via unbroken skin or mucous membranes. Protecting yourself – and others – from the risk of HIV infection is another reason why it's vital to get treatment for your syphilis very early on.

If I'm HIV positive what special things should I watch out for in connection with syphilis?
Blood samples from HIV positive people don't always show a clear syphilis antibody diagnosis. So it's important that you get the test carried out by a competent doctor or healthcare provider who is specialised in HIV and syphilis. What's more, the course of syphilis can run much quicker with people who have an HIV immune system deficiency and the third or tertiary stage (see above) can happen much more rapidly. Plus there are also special precautions to be taken in treating syphilis in someone who's HIV positive. That's another reason why it's so important for people who are HIV positive to seek out a doctor who is specialised in both HIV and syphilis.

PLEASE REMEMBER: People with HIV/AIDS need special kinds of syphilis treatment and if syphilis is not treated it will make much quicker progress than in people without HIV/AIDS. If you are diagnosed with syphilis and you don't know your HIV status, it makes sound sense to take an HIV test. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about this.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) and answers about Syphilis
Q: Penicillin is freely available in Germany – hasn't that taken care of syphilis?
A: Sad to say, it hasn't. The infection rates for syphilis have risen dramatically in the past few years and show no sign of abating – especially in urban centers like Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, Hamburg and so on. It's a sad fact but it's getting much easier to catch syphilis than many people realise. Obviously the risk is at its most intense in places where a lot of sex takes place – like darkrooms, saunas, porno cinemas, and sex parties.

Q: I know all my sex partners personally because I meet them on the Internet, and I never have sex in darkrooms or saunas. So aren't I really minimizing the risks of catching a sexually transmitted disease?
A: No you're not! Just because you know your sex partners doesn't mean that they couldn't have syphilis or some other STD. And even if you ask your partner if he's got an STD doesn't mean to say that what he tells you is really up-to-date.

Q: If I get syphilis then won't I be sure to notice it?
A: That ain't necessarily so! The symptoms of syphilis can be blatant or latent or might not show themselves at all. That's why, if you're sexually active with changing partners (at least two a month), it's important to take a syphilis test once every three months.

Q: Syphilis isn't as serious as breaking your leg is it?
A: True enough! Even so, syphilis still remains a serious infectious disease that will lead to life-threatening consequences if it's not treated early on.

Q: Nowadays nobody talks about sexual transmitted diseases any more – are they really as widespread as all that?
A: The simple answer is yes they are! It's a sad fact but many people are still reluctant to talk about STD's because they feel embarrassed or ashamed of them. But feeling sorry for yourself or wasting your time with useless self-recrimination won't help one bit. One the contrary you should feel downright glad when your sex partner tells you he has syphilis, because he's given you the opportunity to do something about it straight away. And likewise you should get in touch with all your sex partners immediately if you're diagnosed with an STD. It's the only way to work quickly and effectively to curb the new infection rate of syphilis and other STD's –and to keep the fun and pleasure in sex! 





http://www.nhs.uk/news/2007/January08/Pages/Syphilismakesacomeback.aspx

Hepatitis - Know your ABC!

Men with multiple sex partners run a relatively high risk of infecting themselves with a hepatitis virus that can lead to serious health complications depending on the type of hepatitis virus involved. What kind of risk situations there are and how you can best protect yourself are briefly explained below.

What is "Hepatitis"?
Hepatitis is a disease of the liver (= "hepar" in Greek) which is the organ responsible for the exchange and transformation of substances in the body. A number of liver diseases are caused by viruses which explicitly target the liver. There are a number of types of these viruses: Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and so on. We will focus here on Hepatitis A, B and C because they are the most frequent types and are also sexually transmissible.

Hepatitis A
Type of transmission: mainly fecal-oral - i.e. transmission of hepatitis A virus through contaminated water in areas with poor sanitary conditions and through oral-anal sexual contact (rimming/ass licking).

Symptoms: often there are no symptoms or only slight ones similar to flu (fever, tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite). In a few cases there may be jaundice symptoms (yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine and light coloration of the stool/shit). Symptoms usually last around 4 weeks.

Treatment: No specific therapy available. Keep off alcohol, medicines that affect the liver, and drugs.

Protection: Excellent protection with Hepatitis A vaccination (can be combined with Hepatitis B vaccination).

Hepatitis B
Type of transmission: mainly through sexual contact and through blood.

Symptoms: in the acute phase often with no symptoms or flu-like symptoms (fever, tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite) and abdominal pain. In approx. one third of all cases jaundice symptoms (yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine and light coloration of stool/shit). Chronic infection occurs in around 5% of all cases (or 25% of those infected with HIV). Symptoms usually last from 4-6 weeks.

Treatment: no specific therapy in the acute phase. Keep off alcohol, medicines that affect the liver and drugs. If you have chronic hepatitis you may need a course of therapy.

Protection: Excellent protection with Hepatitis B vaccination (can be combined with Hepatitis A vaccination). Using condoms minimizes risk of transmission.

Hepatitis C
Type of transmission: through blood and blood contact (also from injecting drug use); transmission also possible through sexual contact. People with an immunodeficiency syndrome (e.g. people with HIV) are more liable to infection.

Symptoms: In 50-80% of cases acute hepatitis C has no symptoms. In 10-20% of cases flu-like symptoms appear and in 10% of cases jaundice symptoms occur (yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine, light coloration of stool/shit). 50-80% of cases involve chronic hepatitis C which can result in serious liver damage after several years. Otherwise symptoms last up to 6 months. Chronic hepatitis C in conjunction with a HIV infection can result in quicker liver damage and complications.

Treatment: drug-based therapy.

Protection: Condoms reduce the risk of transmission during sexual contact. Avoid coming into contact with blood (use rubber gloves especially for fist fucking); do not share syringes and needles for IV drug use. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Vaccination against Hepatitis A and B
You can protect yourself by getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. There is no vaccination against hepatitis C! The Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe recommends vaccination against hepatitis A and B. However, if you've already had hepatitis A or B (and possibly haven't even noticed it!) you will be immune to renewed infection. That's why before getting vaccinated you should always get a check-up with your doctor to see whether you already have hepatitis A/B antigens (or to see if you still are immunized from an earlier vaccination!). There's no need to put an unnecessary burden on your immune system, especially if you are already HIV positive.

There is a difference between “active” and “passive” forms of vaccination. In an active vaccination harmless virus fragments (inactivated or “dead” vaccine) stimulate the body to produce its own antigens. The incubation period for these antigens lasts around one month and they generally offer a ten year period of immunity. In a passive vaccination antigens are directly injected into the body. Immunity is immediate but the period of immunity only lasts from one to three months.

Vaccination and HIV
An HIV positive status is no hindrance to getting vaccinated. But the success of the vaccination will depend on the state of your immune system. About 30% of HIV positive people show an insufficient reaction to a hepatitis B vaccination. If the vaccination is not effective, repeat vaccination with higher doses in several stages is recommended. Thus it is vital that when you have been vaccinated you should always get a check-up to see that the vaccination has been successful. Vaccination should always be carried out by an experienced doctor.

Vaccination: What it Costs
The Robert Koch Institute and the World Health Organization recommend that people who are at higher risk of infection should be vaccinated against Hepatitis B. This includes people who inject drugs, people who are sexually active with different sex partners, and dialysis patients. You do not have to tell your doctor about your sexual orientation, it's enough to say that you may be at risk. Often your health insurance scheme will cover the costs. If your risk of infection is higher because of your job (e.g. hospital personnel) perhaps your employer will pay the costs for you.

IN SHORT
The best protection against hepatitis A and B is vaccination. To date the best protection against hepatitis C is safer sex and safer use

• Fuck with a condom
• Don't get sperm in your mouth
• Use rubber gloves for fist fucking
• If you use drugs use your own sterilized equipment (not only sterilized syringes and needles for IV drug users but also sterilized notes, tubes etc for drug sniffing).

http://technorati.com/lifestyle/article/know-your-hepatitis-abcs1/

What is AIDS and HIV?

The red ribbon
stands for loss, mourning, sadness, pain, fear and illness – but also for kindness, compassion, understanding and countless acts of positive practical support. People who display the red ribbon show they are aware of the social problems connected with AIDS.

What is AIDS and HIV?
Aids is the English acronym for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (a “syndrome” = a complex of various different symptoms). The immune system is there to protect you against the various infections – like bacteria, fungi and viruses – that can get into your body.

Aids is caused by an infection with HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV-1 was discovered in 1983/84 followed a little later by HIV-2. Both types of virus and their subgroups (subtypes) show special features and appear with degrees of frequency that vary from continent to continent. But whatever type the virus might be, the selfsame ways of protecting yourself against it still apply. Aids refers to the stage of HIV infection where the body can develop certain life-threatening infectious diseases and tumors.

How does HIV weaken the Immune System?
HIV infects the white blood cells (also known as CD4 cells or T4 cells) and uses them to make new copies of HIV. The white blood cells are important because it is they that set the immune system in motion when the body is invaded by organisms like bacteria and viruses.

When HIV infects a body, the white blood cells mount a defense against it. But the antibodies produced by the defense mechanism cannot rid the body of HIV. A small number of infected CD4 cells are directly destroyed by the virus while many more have their indirect mechanisms damaged by the virus so that the defense they provide is inadequate or faulty. In this way the number of healthy CD4 cells is greatly reduced. And as the number of CD4 cells decline this means that the body is less and less able to defend itself against infection. In an advanced stage of immunodeficiency life-threatening diseases or “opportunistic infections”, allergies and various cancerous growths can occur.

What is the course of an HIV infection and what symptoms are there?
The course of an HIV infection can vary widely from person to person and each single case generally shows a wide degree of fluctuation. Symptoms can – but must not necessarily – appear. And between the various stages of the illness there are often long periods when no symptoms at all appear. A fully developed immunodeficiency can even occur without there being any signs of sickness (= symptoms) until the outbreak of very serious illness.

Measuring the “virus load” (= the number of viruses per milliliter of blood) is a way of showing how far the virus has reproduced itself and damaged the immune system. The greater the virus load is, the quicker the body’s immune system will be destroyed. But also counting the number of white blood cells per milliliter of blood tells us about the condition of the immune system – the fewer CD4 cells there are, the more the immune system is damaged.

The First Weeks
Shortly after infecting a body the HIV virus begins to reproduce itself heavily. In this period the risk of infecting someone else is particularly high! Usually in the first weeks after infection flu-like symptoms appear (“primary effects”) which then disappear by themselves after one to two weeks. Many people hardly notice these symptoms or take them to be signs of an ordinary cold or flu. But in each case where there is an HIV infection the body reacts by producing antibodies. And these can usually be reliably diagnosed by an HIV antibody test [Link] about 12 weeks after the initial infection.

Symptom-free Phase
The HIV infection then enters into a discreet phase – in other words there are no noticeable symptoms. This phase can last a few months or a few years. But the virus still continues to reproduce and damage the immune system.

Phase with General Symptoms
At some point symptoms can occur. They are usually general symptoms like prolonged lymph node swellings at various points of the body (under the armpits, around the top of the legs), heavy night sweats and prolonged periods of diarrhea. The symptoms which appear with an HIV infection are all non-specific – in other words they can equally occur with many other forms of illness. This is why only doctors who are experienced in this field are able to tell whether the immune system has been damaged or not.

Chronic Immunodeficiency
If certain opportunistic infections occur in a person whose immune system has been badly damaged by HIV we speak of “Aids”. These opportunistic infections include pneumocistis carinii pneumonia (PCP), a rare form of pneumonia, and infections of body organs like the gullet with the fungus candida albicans. Viruses like herpes simplex and herpes zoster can also cause serious infections. The most common tumors occurring in connection with AIDS are virus-caused forms of cancer like kaposi sarcoma, cervical cancer and lymphomas (malignant immune system tumors). Because HIV also infects the central nervous system, during the course of an HIV infection this can also lead to nerve damage and brain damage which usually begin slowly and without any symptoms.

How is HIV NOT transmitted?
HIV is one the infections which is very difficult to transmit. The virus itself is sensitive and cannot live long outside the human body under normal conditions. Standard hygiene at home and in hospital is enough to make it ineffective. Even so, the virus can still survive for several days in blood smears in used injecting needles!

Although HIV has been detected in urine, shit, spit, sweat and tears, it has been in such very small quantities that there is generally no danger of transmission. This means that there is no danger of transmission through shaking hands, hugging, play and sport, coughing and sneezing or using the same plates, cutlery or glasses. Equally there is no danger of transmission from using the same toilet, towel, bed linen, using the same swimming pool or sauna or working and living with people with HIV/Aids. Nor is there any danger of HIV transmission with kissing (so long as there are no cuts on the lips or in the mouth). And insects like mosquitoes and animals cannot transmit HIV either.

How can HIV be transmitted?
HIV can only be transmitted when a sufficient quantity of it enters into the bloodstream or comes into contact with a mucous membrane. Infection is possible with blood – including menstrual blood – sperm, vaginal fluid and breast milk – all of which can hold high concentrations of the virus. The risk of infecting yourself and others with HIV is also much greater if you already have a sexually transmitted infection like syphilis, gonorrhea or herpes. This is why it is very important to recognize these infections at an early stage and get them treated!

The HIV Test
An HIV test tells you for sure whether you have an HIV infection (“positive” test result) or not (“negative” test result). Knowing that you have an HIV infection enables you to start an early course of treatment which will stop or slow down serious damage to the immune system and the resultant chronic opportunistic infections.

Whether you take an HIV test or not is your own decision to make. An HIV test should never be made without your knowledge and consent, and nobody should force anyone to take a test. What is truly vital is that you should be given enough information about the test and feel that you have been adequately counseled. A counselor should also inform you about the possible social and legal disadvantages that could result from the test or a possible positive test result. If you want to know for sure about your HIV status you should take the test three months after the last HIV risk situation at the earliest. But the HIV test is not a preventive measure. You can only protect yourself against HIV by practicing Safer Sex and sticking to the Safer Sex guidelines.

Costs/Anonymity (Germany)
To find out the place to take the test that’s best suited to your own circumstances, you should consult with your local charity or trust specialized in helping people with HIV / Aids.
As a general rule, though, public health agencies usually offer the test for free or for a small charge (around € 10-15). The big advantage here is that the test is made anonymously – in other words your name is not mentioned and the result is not “documented”. If the test is made for instance at a GP’s, it will indicate your name – in other words the test and its result will be documented and this can have all kinds of consequences (for instance for your insurance). If you have reason to believe that you have been infected, your health insurance scheme will bear the costs of the test.

Reasons for taking an HIV Test
To be certain after being in a situation where a risk of transmission was involved.
You’re not sure whether you’re infected with HIV because you’ve been in a situation where a transmission risk was present – and you want to know for sure.

The “Stock-taking Test” / “Engagement Test”
You are in a closed relationship and want to do away with using condoms. And you want to be certain that neither of you is HIV positive.

Symptoms/ Starting Therapy
You have symptoms that could indicate a HIV infection and/or want to start early treatment. The HIV test has a high therapeutic significance.

Taking out a Health Insurance Policy
Some insurance companies require you to take an HIV test or present the result of a recent test before you can take out a policy.

Safer Sex protects against HIV and lowers the risk of catching another sexually transmitted infection (STI). We’ve put together some info about risks and tips on how to protect yourself in the most common forms of sex.

Oral Sex
Aka cock sucking. Stimulating a cock with your mouth or tongue is seen as low-risk provided no blood comes into play. What’s important is not to get sperm in your mouth or on any cuts, on mucous membranes or in your eyes. If you do get cum in your mouth, don’t swallow it but spit it out quickly and wash out your mouth – ideally with alcohol. If you get cum in your eyes, wash them out quickly under water. To be completely safe, use a condom for oral sex – this will also eliminate the chances of picking up oral gonorrhea.

Penetration with Fingers
Fingering the ass is also seen as low-risk, even if the skin has cuts (but make sure your finger nails are well clipped!).

Anal Sex
The risk here of picking up HIV or some other sexually transmitted infection is particularly great. The arse is well supplied with blood and its mucous membranes can very easily be torn. The “active” partner too – that’s the one who introduces his cock in the arse – can also become infected. This is because the sensitive glans (penis head) and meatus (opening of the urethra or “piss pipe”) can also come into contact with the virus. Condoms used together with a non-fatty lubricant provide good protection for anal sex.

Fisting
Whether it’s anal or vaginal, fisting is a low-risk sexual practice as long as no blood-with-blood or blood-with- mucous membrane contact occurs. Rubber gloves give good protection (keep those finger nails well clipped!). If you use a fatty lubricant (like Crisco), anal or vaginal intercourse after fisting is high risk as the fat damages most condoms and removes their protective function.

S/M (Sado-Maso)
S/M rituals are no-risk as far as HIV is concerned – but only provided there are no cuts on the skin where blood or sperm can get in or no blood or sperm comes into contact with the eyes, mucous membranes or the mouth. S/M toys are safe too – as long as no blood comes into play. If your toys have been used by or on other people, always give them a good cleaning with soap and water before using them again.

Games with Sex Toys
As far as HIV is concerned, dildos, vibrators and other sex toys are safe if they are only used by or on the same person. If they are going to be used by or on other people, slip a new condom on them or wash them properly with soap and water.

Other Sex Practices
Practices involving piss (golden showers) and shit (scat) like arse licking (rimming) involve no risk of HIV infection (provided always no blood is in play). Even so, you can still infect yourself with other STIs like hepatitis. You can get yourself vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
Deep kissing, mutual masturbation and massage, rubbing yourself against your partner and other such practices all carry no risk of HIV infection so long as no blood or cum comes in contact with your mouth, eyes, mucous membranes or with any cuts.

Bi-Sex: Sex with Women
No, that’s not a misprint! In general I want to pack every woman-related topic in this section and not have ‘em scattered throughout the text. I’ll just touch on the main issues and refer you to the links for more in-depth information. If I put this info under all the separate headings, there’d be complaints!

The same rule applies here too – using condoms for anal or vaginal sex offers the best protection. Licking female genitals is seen as low-risk except during menstruation (if you want to be completely risk-free, place a cut-open condom or a sheet of food wrap between your mouth and the clitoris). Penetration of the vagina with fingers is also low-risk, but during menstruation finger caps, condoms or rubber gloves should be used.




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV/AIDS

Top 10 food for a healthy ticker

Thwart cardiovascular disease with heart-protecting fruits, vegetables, grains, fish and healthy fat.

By Joan Teotico

FEBRUARY 2013

It’s possible to achieve a healthy heart one bite at a time: A new Canadian study published December last year in the American Heart Association (AHA) journal Circulation, reports that eating more fruits, vegetables and fish may help prevent heart attack and stroke from recurring in adults with cardiovascular disease. Researchers discovered that consuming plenty of heart-healthy foods reduced the risk of cardiovascular death by 35 percent; congestive heart failure, 28 percent; stroke,19 percent; and the risk of new heart attacks by 14 percent.

In the Philippines, cardiac disease is the top cause of mortality in the country, based on statistics from the Department of Health. Cases of heart disease continue to rise, and food consumption may possibly be one of the reasons.

The way to a healthy heart begins with what we put on our plate. Here are the 10 expert-approved foods that deliver cardiovascular-protective benefits:

Oatmeal – Perla Esguerra, R.N.D., chief dietitian of the Division of Nutrition and Dietetics in the Philippine Heart Center, says soluble fiber found in oats and oat bran may help lower total blood cholesterol levels by lowering low density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol levels. Omega-3 fatty acids, also found in oatmeal, may play a role in reducing inflammation in the blood vessels and joints, adds Daryl Estrella, R.N.D., clinical dietitian of the Nutrition Management Services in The Medical City, who recommends eating oatmeal three times in a week.

Olive oil – Estrella says this type of oil, a source of monounsaturated fat, helps in lowering LDL cholesterol, clearing arteries and normalizing blood pressure and blood clotting. Estrella suggests a moderate consumption of two to three teaspoons three times in a week.

Salmon – “Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that protect your heart by reducing both inflammation and the risk of blood clots. These fats also work to
keep your cholesterol levels healthy,” Esguerra explains. The AHA recommends eating two servings of fatty fish—salmon, mackerel, sardines and albacore tuna, among others—at least twice a week.

Tuna – Esguerra says the omega-3 fatty acids in tuna are responsible for a long list of cardiovascular benefits “by aiding in the prevention of irregular heart rhythms, making blood clots less likely, and improving the ratio of good HDL cholesterol to potentially harmful LDL cholesterol.” She recommends eating two to three servings per week to help reduce the risk of contracting heart diseases.

Sweet potato – The humble root vegetable can play an important role in protecting our heart. “High in potassium, sweet potatoes can help prevent the onset of heart attack and stroke. Potassium also helps to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, which is important for stabilizing blood pressure and regulating heart function,” says Esguerra who recommends eating sweet potatoes three to four times a week.

Broccoli – Carotenoids such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene are heart-protective antioxidants that are found in many colorful fruits and vegetables, Esguerra says. And the lutein in this calciferous vegetable may slow down or prevent the thickening of arteries in the human body, while vitamin B6 and folate also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke, she elaborates. Aim to eat at least five servings per week.

Apple – According to Esguerra, quercetin, a phytochemical found in this fruit, acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent that may help prevent blood clots. A tennis-ball sized piece counts as one serving, Estrella says. Aim to eat between four to five servings per week.

Berries – Fresh or dried, these potent fruits are packed with antioxidants that keep our ticker healthy. “Berries reduce heart disease and the chances of developing diseases related to inflammation of the cells,” Estrella notes. The dietary fiber in them, she adds, also helps lower blood cholesterol and may prevent certain types of cancers. Estrella recommends eating berries three times a week.

Legumes – Beans, peas and lentils are examples of legumes, and Estrella says their protein content helps reduce the need to consume animal proteins, which contain saturated fat. Meanwhile, their calcium content helps decrease blood pressure. These pulses also contain cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber, fatigue-fighting iron and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Consume three times per week.

Avocado – Estrella enumerates the nutritional and cardiovascular benefits this fruit delivers: The antioxidant vitamin E protects cells from free radical damage and may also help prevent blood clot formation, which could lead to heart attack or venous thromboembolism; monounsaturated fat helps lower bad cholesterol; and folate aids in decreasing atherosclerosis risk and reducing heart defects. Moderate consumption—only thrice a week—is advised.

Get tips on how to incorporate these foods into your daily menu in the February issue of HealthToday, out now in newsstands and bookstores.

 

 Source:http://www.healthtoday.net/Feature/2013/02Feb/Top10foodsforahealthyticker.aspx

Baby steps, big heart

The road to a healthy heart is paved with tiny pebbles.

By Ivan Olegario, M.D.

FEBRUARY 2013

Like Rome, heart attacks aren’t built in a day. The fragile, high-pressure blood clots that cause them take years—sometimes decades—of possessing a multitude of risk factors, each contributing a small portion to the overall heart disease risk. These risk factors include smoking; high "bad" blood cholesterol; low "good" blood cholesterol; high blood pressure or hypertension; physical inactivity; obesity; uncontrolled diabetes; and uncontrolled stress and anger. Each day of exposure to any of these factors builds up risk for the heart, which over time creates significant danger that can ultimately lead to an instantaneous “bubble bursting” heart attack.

Unfortunately, there’s no medicine to date that can clean up your arteries the way a drain cleaner dissolves gunk in your pipes. Keeping your cardiac plumbing clear is a matter of day-to-day prevention to either eliminate or lower the tiny but incremental risk that each factor piles on your heart every day.

But this puts us lazy, normal folks in a favorable position. You cannot and should not try to lower your heart risk in one go by starving yourself or running a marathon. Instead, you can take small steps, done consistently from day to day, to reduce your heart risk. Here’s how:

Quit smoking

Cold turkey has always been the method of smoking cessation that reaps the most benefit for your heart and lungs. But for some people, the resulting cravings can be too intense. Try to quit smoking by doing progressive reduction. Lessen the number of cigarettes you smoke a stick a day—or week if your addiction is strong. Sooner or later, you’ll be able to reduce your consumption and eventually quit for good. If you want to fast-track your progress, throw away your cigarette when it’s only half-smoked.

Reducing your bad cholesterol

The simplest thing you can do to lower your bad cholesterol is to follow your doctor’s orders and pop your prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication faithfully. If you haven’t been given a prescription, try the following instead:

• Take an omega-3 supplement, with your doctor’s approval.

• Substitute one red meat dish with fish twice a week.

• Switch to a non-stick pan to reduce your usage of cooking oil. And switch to linseed oil, olive oil or canola oil. Better yet, avoid frying your food—steam, boil, or invest in an air fryer that cooks without oil.

• Add fiber to your meals. Substitute your usual oily breakfast with oatmeal.

• Switch junk food with healthy nuts rich in good cholesterol, such as roasted walnuts, almonds or peanuts; or high-fiber fruits such as apples, pears and bananas.

Managing diabetes symptoms

Diabetes is a serious disease that requires medical attention. As with cholesterol, taking your prescribed anti-diabetes medications daily is the single small thing you can do to control your diabetes. Other tips include:

• Substitute soda with water, or a less drastic alternative—diet soda.

• Use artificial sweetener instead of sugar, but still in moderation, and with your doctor’s approval.

• Drink herbal ampalaya tea. Some studies have found ampalaya effective in helping control diabetes—but keep in mind that it’s meant to supplement, not substitute, your prescribed anti-diabetes medications. Inform your doctor before taking it.

Lower your blood pressure

In addition to taking your medications, you can lower your blood pressure by quitting smoking and eating healthily; exercising and controlling stress and anger; and lowering your sodium intake by:

• Eliminating processed foods, the major source of sodium in our meals.

• Substituting salt, soy sauce, liquid seasoning, ketchup or fish sauce with low-sodium seasonings such as vinegar, black or red pepper, ginger and lime or kalamansi.

Minimizing anger and stress

Toxic emotions can hurt—not just your heart—but also your quality of life and peace of mind. Combat stress and anger in a snap with these simple tricks:

• Breathe deeply. Slow, deep breathing effectively soothes away stress and anger.

• Hydrate with water. The refreshing effect helps calm your nerves and clears your mind.

• Smile! If you don’t feel like smiling, fake it. Studies show that emotions improve even when the smile is artificial. One effective way is to grin while biting a stick. This forces your facial muscles to a smiling position.

Aside from these lifestyle tweaks, studies show that as little as 180 minutes of exercise in a week—equivalent to around 26 minutes a day—can lower the risk of heart disease. See how plyometric exercises can help you achieve that in the February issue of HealthToday magazine, out now in bookstores and newsstands.

 

 

Source:http://www.healthtoday.net/Feature/2013/02Feb/Babystepsbigheart.aspx

Exercise and the Flu

Can exercise really help us avoid the flu? Or will it only worsen our symptoms when we are already sick? Read on to find out more.

You have been hitting the gym regularly of late. Lunges, push-ups, squats, crunches – you name it – are now a part of your daily routine. But just as you are beginning to see the hard-earned fruits of your labour, you are suddenly hit with a bout of the flu – nose runny, throat sore, eyes watery, head pounding and you can even feel a fever on the way.

So, what should you do? Do you continue on with your daily workout sessions, determined not to let the flu throw you off your routine? Can exercise help you recover more quickly? Or should you just take a break and wait till your flu tides over before hitting the treadmill once more?


Can exercise keep the flu away?

Yes, it can! Moderate exercise when carried out on a near daily basis will help the body fight off infections more effectively. Recent studies have found that exercising causes white blood cells (the cells responsible for defending us from infections) to travel throughout the body more rapidly, resulting in a stronger immune system. Swimming, jogging or cycling for a minimum of 30 minutes per day are among the moderate exercises necessary for keeping you fit and healthy.

However, remember that it takes more than just exercise to keep your immune system strong and going. Eating a well-balanced diet, sufficient sleep at night (7- 8 hours) and avoiding stress are a few of the steps to better well-being.


When down with the flu: To exercise or not?

It all boils down to how serious your symptoms are. If you are running a fever – however slight – abstain from exercising as it may exert added stress on your body, leaving you more dehydrated than you already are. Hence, not only will your symptoms worsen, but your body will also need a longer time to recover.

The same goes for coughing. If you have a cough and chest ache, put your workout sessions temporarily on hold as the tissue in your lungs could be inflamed. Physical activity will only aggravate your condition.

However, if you are experiencing ‘above-the-neck’ symptoms such as sneezing, sniffling, watery eyes or a sore throat, you have the green light to hit the gym as these symptoms are not as serious as ‘below-the-neck’ symptoms like fever and coughing. Just remember to go easy on yourself: opt for a walk instead of running or lifting weights.


Dos & don’ts when exercising

After a few days of rest, you may be all geared up for some muscle-toning and calorie-busting. But before you hit the gym, here are some tips on how to avoid spreading your germs to your fellow gym rats.

• Do wash your hands regularly. Remember to wash your hands on a regular basis, especially after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose. Scrub your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds – the time it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice – before rinsing them under running water and drying them on a clean towel.

• Do use a hand sanitiser. If you are unable to get your hands on soap and water immediately after a workout, use a hand sanitiser. Opt for alcohol-based ones which contain a minimum of 60% alcohol. Remember to lather the both sides of your hands with generous amounts of sanitiser until dry. Also, go beyond sanitising your hands – sanitise the gym equipment which you have used, like exercise mats and dumbbells, as they may be carrying your germs.

• Don’t blow your nose constantly. Abstain from blowing your nose – especially in public areas. This helps reduce the risk of others being infected by your germs.

Source: http://www.healthtoday.net/malaysia/BodysBest/2013/02Feb/ExerciseandtheFlu.aspx

Mandarin Oranges for Prosperity – and Health!

Mandarin oranges may be a staple during Chinese New Year celebrations – but you just might want to include these citrus fruits in your daily diet! Here’s why.

 

Think Chinese New Year – and a certain citrus fruit comes to mind. Aside from delicacies such as pineapple tarts, nian gao (a type of glutinous rice cake) and love letters, the mandarin orange is also a staple treat during the Chinese New Year festivities. Its sweet taste and sumptuous pulpy flesh are much enjoyed by young and old alike, but ‘yumminess’ aside, the mandarin orange is also high in nutritional value – offering those who regularly include it in their diet numerous health benefits.

Reducing the risk of cancer

Like its fellow members of the citrus family, mandarin oranges have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. A Japanese study found that chronic viral hepatitis patients who drank mandarin orange juice daily for a year not only showed no signs of liver cancer – a possible complication of chronic hepatitis – but also experienced a significant reduction in liver cancer risk. In contrast, 8.9% of those who did not consume the beverage daily developed liver cancer during that one year-period.

There have also been other studies suggesting that hesperidin and tangeritin – components abundantly found in mandarin oranges – could inhibit the growth of cancers of the breast, blood and prostate. However, more evidence is required.

Protecting your heart

Mandarin oranges are rich sources of antioxidants like naringenin, which has been shown to significantly decrease triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the blood.

This, in turn, lowers your risk of heart disease, leading to a marked reduction of heart-related complications such as stroke, high blood pressure and heart attack.

Boosting skin health

The older we get, the weaker our skin’s structural support becomes. This occurs because the skin’s collagen – the protein responsible for making our skin smooth and supple – begins to degrade at a faster rate as we age.

But with a diet high in vitamin C and flavonoids (pigments which give vegetables and fruits their colours) – two ingredients which are abundantly present in mandarin oranges – this degradation process can be slowed down while enabling healthy collagen formation to take place.

Preserving vision

Beta-carotene is the substance that gives mandarin oranges their signature deep orange colour. When consumed, it can be converted into retinol – a type of vitamin A – which is necessary for good vision.

Meanwhile, other antioxidants found in mandarin oranges, like lutein, can protect the eyes from diseases like macular degeneration, which impairs vision.

Good source of dietary fibre

A single cup of mandarin orange pieces contains as much as 1.8g of dietary fibre, which is just below 10% of your daily recommended intake. Not only can sufficient quantities of fibre in the body decrease the risk of gastrointestinal complications like irritable bowel syndrome and constipation, they also contribute to a healthy balance of blood sugar levels.

So, don’t just indulge in mandarin oranges during the Chinese New Year festivities – incorporate their juicy, pulpy goodness into your daily diet! Whether eating them plain, tossing them in a salad or incorporating them into a dessert recipe, mandarin oranges are bound to boost your health while pleasing your taste buds.

Source:http://www.healthtoday.net/malaysia/Nutriwise/2013/02Feb/MandarinOrangesforProsperityandHealth.aspx

Safeguard your Home while Away

Ensure your home is safe and sound this holiday season.

Balik kampung is one of the most exciting parts of the festive season – good food, catching up with friends and family, and exchanging gifts. However, it also means you will probably have to leave your home unattended for long periods. With the ever-increasing number of house break-ins reported, it’s easy to get paranoid about who might be ‘visiting’ your home when you are not there.

Taking some cautionary steps before you leave will ensure not just the safety of your residence, but also your peace of mind.

Tip 1: Home Lockdown

Securing your home is one of the best ways to keep it burglar-free. Make sure all doors and windows are locked and that all locks are in good condition. Try to get this done early as the last thing you want as you are leaving is to discover that your window locks are spoilt.


Tip 2: Ring the alarm

If you wince at the cost of installing a burglar alarm, think again. You will be kicking yourself when you get home from a trip and realise the amount you lost to a burglar. This will burn a bigger hole in your pocket than a security alarm would have cost!


Tip 3: Be wise

If you have large amounts of cash and jewellery, deposit them in the bank.


Tip 4: Fake it

Leave a radio on and install timers to ensure your house is lit up at night. There is nothing more indicative of an empty home than one dark house in a row of 10 bright ones.


Tip 5: Hide the signs

Another important thing to do is to cancel newspaper subscriptions when you are away, as newspapers lying around are a sure sign that no one is home. It is advisable to get someone to collect your mail for you.


Tip 6: Limit access

Put away all ladders or other objects that might help a burglar gain access to your house. This includes cutting down tree branches that are close to windows and trimming overgrown bushes where someone could hide behind.


Tip 7: Meet and greet

Make sure you get to know all your neighbours. In this day and age, our busy lives tend to get in the way of good neighbourliness. If you keep an eye on your neighbours’ homes while they are away, they will be happy to do the same for you.


Tip 8: Safety in numbers

Organising a ‘Street Watch’ or Rukun Tetangga will keep neighbours alert to suspicious characters loitering around. Members of a ‘Street Watch’ should have each other’s telephone numbers in the case of an emergency.


Tip 9: Call a friend

Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour or friend so that he or she can enter your house every few days to ensure all is in order. Give them a call every few days and leave your contact number. 

Source:http://www.healthtoday.net/malaysia/HealthyLiving/2013/02Feb/SafeguardyourHomewhileAway.aspx

Coping with Prostate Cancer

Living with prostate cancer is not easy, but there are several steps you can take to help you cope better as you manage your condition.

“You have prostate cancer”. It is not easy hearing your doctor say these words, however hard you try to brace yourself for the news. First comes that feeling of disbelief. You wonder how it can possibly be you of all people. Then, just as the realisation slowly sinks in, other emotions begin to rush through you – anger, grief, fear, worry. It can truly be overwhelming when you first learn of your cancer diagnosis – and it is normal to feel that way.

However, that does not mean you have to spend the rest of your life plagued by despair and hopelessness. Being diagnosed with prostate cancer is not a death sentence. Although your life will not be exactly the same as before, you can still make the most out of it by effectively coping with whatever comes your way.

Here are a few suggestions which may be helpful in your management of prostate cancer.


Have a good doctor-patient relationship

Effective communication with your doctor is the first step in gaining a clearer understanding of your condition, the available treatment options and the effective ways of coping with your cancer. It may be helpful to prepare a list of questions which you would like to ask your doctor before your appointment. Also, do not hesitate to ask your doctor to clarify any medical jargon or instructions that you are unsure of. Your doctor is there to address your concerns.


Join a cancer support group

Cancer support groups are able to offer you an environment of encouragement and understanding from people who are going through similar experiences as yourself – something which cannot be obtained from family and friends, even though their support is also an indispensable factor in helping you cope with your condition. The National Cancer Council Malaysia (MAKNA) is one example of institutions which offer cancer support group services.


Set realistic goals

As prostate cancer treatment can take its toll on your body, causing you to tire more easily, learn to set realistic goals for yourself. For example, instead of pushing yourself to complete five errands in a day, try cutting them down to two. Even the slightest feeling of having accomplished something works wonders for your self-motivation.


Maintain intimacy with your partner

Don’t let prostate cancer come between you and your partner! Although you may experience erectile dysfunction as the cancer progresses, you and your partner can still share intimate moments. Hugging, caressing and touching are good alternative forms of expression.


Eat well

A good, well-balanced diet provides you with the nutrition and energy that you will need during your battle with prostate cancer. Protein should be made an important part of your diet as it repairs damaged and aging body tissue. Protein-rich foods include fish, legumes, eggs and meat. Also, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated as cancer treatment might cause side-effects such as diarrhoea and vomiting. However, always consult your doctor before trying out anything new. Also, your doctor will be able to tailor a diet catering to your specific nutritional needs.


Exercise moderately

As fatigue is a common treatment side-effect, incorporating moderate exercise into your lifestyle can help keep you active and even increase your energy levels. Go for exercises which are less strenuous such as swimming and walking. However, always consult with your doctor before trying out any exercise programme.


Know your treatment costs

When deliberating over your treatment options, always consult your doctor and other healthcare staff for a clearer picture of the financial costs. Also, check with your insurance provider if your choice of treatment will be covered by your insurance policy. An unexpectedly hefty medical bill is the last thing you will want to see.

These suggestions are a guideline which, hopefully, you will find useful for coping with prostate cancer. Always keep in mind that just as each patient’s experience with prostate cancer is unique, so is his way of coping. Do not be disheartened if a particular strategy does not work for you. Take the opportunity to try other methods. In good time, you will surely find the coping strategy which suits you best. 

Source: http://www.healthtoday.net/malaysia/MonthlyFocus/2013/02Feb/CopingwithProstateCancer.aspx 

Skin shrinks

The science of psychodermatology.

By Liss Mariano, M.D.

FEBRUARY 2013

Psychodermatology is a subspecialty of dermatology which straddles the boundary between the mind and the skin. Among subspecialties, it’s fairly new, beginning only in the mid-1990s. According to psychodermatology.net, there are currently less than 10 psychodermatologists in Southeast Asia, none of whom are in the Philippines so far.

Connecting the two disciplines isn’t as odd as it first seems, if you think about psychiatry as the portion dealing with the inner disease and dermatology, with its external manifestations. In fact, research studies have found that 30 to 60 percent of visits to the dermatologist are related to skin problems that result from, or are worsened by, psychological factors, reports the website.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the skin conditions which have been found to be associated with psychological problems.


Acne on your mind

Have you ever noticed how those prone to acne seem to flaunt their pimples during times of stress and sleep loss? Contrary to popular belief, acne flares in teenagers are less likely to be related to falling in love and more likely to coincide with finals week. And while our elders recommend sunlight for its acne-healing properties, it doesn’t hurt that we usually get more exposed to the sun and have clearer skin during the summer holidays, when everyone takes a break from the stress of work and school. Statistically, 50 percent of acne flares have been found to be due to emotional triggers. And while the pink potions of dermatology undoubtedly work wonders for acne, wouldn’t it be more wonderful if you could stop it from taking over your face in the first place? If so, try meditation. Or at least learn to take deep breaths when you find yourself—or your boss—flagellating you.


Atopy entropy

Another dermatologic condition notorious for flaring up during times of stress is atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as skin asthma. It’s a form of eczema usually found in children characterized by dry skin and red, itchy plaques. Unfortunately, the exact cause of this skin disorder is still unknown, but stressful life events have been found to precede up to 70 percent of the cases. Of these life events, family conflict is especially significant. A study that appeared on the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry has found that children with atopic dermatitis whose mothers received counseling were found to get better faster than those whose mothers did not. Interesting, isn’t it? Counseling the mother leads to better skin for the child.


Rash hour

All sorts of rashes other than atopic dermatitis have also been linked to psychological problems. This may seem funny, but there is actually a phenomenon called “the ring-finger rash”, described by Diane Mapes in an article on msnbc.com as a rash suffered by a someone in an unhappy marriage.


Tress effects

While men experience receding hairlines as they age, there is another, less common form of baldness known as alopecia areata. This is characterized by patches of complete baldness—not just thinning hair—from any part of the body, usually the scalp. A relative consulted me one day with a worried look on his face. Sheepishly, he parted his still-thick hair and showed me a peso-sized area of smooth, shiny baldness. “Nag-alopecia na naman ako,” he pointed out. Prior to this, both he and his wife had been complaining about the stress of building their own house whilst working and taking care of their baby. I just advised him to take it slow. Unsurprisingly, by the time the house blessing had been done and they had settled in their house, the bald spot had vanished. No gugo required.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology’s Psychodermatology Fact Sheet, dermatological problems, in what seems to be a vicious cycle, are also related to the onset of psychological disorders. Find out more about this intriguing new link in the February issue of HealthToday, out now in newsstands and bookstores. 

Source: http://healthtoday.net/GreatLooks/2013/02Feb/Skinshrinks.aspx

Testing the heart

Sometimes, putting your heart to the challenge is the only way to discover its strength.

By Adrienne Dy, M.D.

  FEBRUARY 2013 

If you’ve ever gotten your heart broken, you know: The heart is stronger than we think. In a more literal and possibly less painful way, subjecting your heart to trials might be the best method to reveal its strength.


Cardiac challengers

No, we’re not asking you to date jerks to see how many heartbreaks you can withstand. But it will mean having regular dates with a generalist or internist—whether or not you feel any heartaches—just to be on the safe side.

Carmen Chungungco, M.D., a cardiologist at St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City, recommends yearly visits to a doctor, even when you don’t exhibit any symptoms. “A family history of heart disease, vices like smoking or excessive drinking, night shift work, or [being] overweight are risk factors that [warrant a consult] with even just an internist, not necessarily a specialist right away, who can recommend specific tests as necessary,” she elaborates.

We’ve compiled a list of some cardiac diagnostic modalities—or heart challengers, if you will—worth knowing about.

Beginner’s level: the easy G

A common test to investigate heart health is the electrocardiogram or ECG. It’s painless and over in a few minutes. Electrodes called “leads” are placed on the chest, arms and legs by suction or adhesives. A machine records the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity from the leads onto paper in what looks like squiggly lines for the physician to read and interpret. Easy enough, right? Just make sure you’re perfectly relaxed during the test so results stay accurate. Dr. Chungungco recommends a yearly ECG for those 40 years old and up, as part of an annual checkup.

Another quick test is the chest x-ray. It’s used to detect heart enlargement or problems with the aorta, the largest artery in the body.

Intermediate level: closer surveillance

The Holter monitor is basically a 24-hour ECG. A portable version of the machine is strapped to the body to continuously observe the heart for electrical or rhythm abnormalities. “[This] is for those with frequent palpitations, or syncope [fainting] at any time,” says Dr. Chungungco. The constant watch and wiring can be a hassle; plus, an activity or symptom diary must be kept in that time period. Despite these, the Holter is very useful in catching problems outside of clinic hours.

The echocardiogram or 2D-echo also takes a closer look at your heart. An ultrasound is used to gather information on the inner workings, or walls and valves, of the heart. Brave the probe and cold gel on your skin to find out just how effective your heart muscles are, and if all the tiny portals of your heart are opening and closing as they should.

Difficult level: pressure and penetration

The stress test is designed to uncover problems that only appear when the heart works extra hard. It involves an ECG while on an increasingly tilting and accelerating treadmill. For those who can’t exercise, drugs can be administered to quicken the heartbeat artificially. “[It] can diagnose ischemia [or blockage] in the heart’s arteries, find out if medications are working to control blood pressure, or see if arrhythmias can be induced,” explains Dr. Chungungco, who recommends it be done once between ages 40 and 50, and once when 50 and up, or more frequently if with risk factors.

Other tests go deeper. Transesophageal echocardiography gets the 2D-echo probe down the throat to take clearer images of your heart. It requires local anesthesia and may cause a bit of a sore throat.

The most invasive is cardiac catheterization or angiography, reserved for heart blockage patients. Warning: There will be blood, as a large needle will pave the way for a catheter or thin tube that will snake through an artery in the groin or arm to get to your heart. The arteries supplying blood to the muscles of your heart are visualized by injecting a dye, while real-time imaging reveals any blockage or narrowing. This sounds scary, especially since it can only be done in the OR or cath lab. The upside: Beyond diagnosis, it also offers treatment. In the same procedure, any constrictions can be dilated by a small balloon or stent.

An electrophysiologic study or EPS is also invasive. Wires are placed into chambers of the heart to find the areas causing abnormal rhythm. Like angiography, this can be used as treatment; while inside the heart, areas of arrhythmia can be ablated or burned, so they won’t cause problems again.

Source: http://healthtoday.net/HealthyLiving/2013/02Feb/Testingtheheart.aspx