More About Eschemic Stroke

The main symptom of ischemic stroke is an immediate or sub-acute occurrence of neurological deficits following prodromal symptoms. This kind of stroke usually attacks when the patient wakes up in the morning or when the person has no physical activity.

Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked and blood flow is stopped. The blockage may be from a blood clot. A clot that forms in artery is called a thrombus. A thrombus usually does not occur in healthy brain artery, but tends to form at or adjacent to an area of a vessel damaged by atherosclerosis. A stroke caused by thrombus in brain artery is called cerebral atherothrombosis or atherothrombotic stroke.

A clot that forms in the heart or a blood vessel leading to the brain is called an embolus. This vessel may be the carotid artery in the front of the brain or the vertebral or basilar artery in the back of the brain. A stroke caused by embolus is called an embolic stroke. An embolus tends to form in the heart because of some diseases, e.g. atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat), atrial septal defect (small hole in the heart chamber wall), and acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). An embolus occurs in the carotid artery because the vessel was narrowed.

The third form of ischemic stroke is called a lacunar stroke. This stroke results from occlusion of arterioles (small arteries) that penetrate deep into the brain. The small size of the vessel sometime makes lacunar stroke more difficult to diagnose than two types above.

High Blood Pressure!

Did you know that if you are over the age of 20, you could be part of the 65 million Americans who suffer from high blood pressure? That is about one in three adults in the United States. Why should we be concerned? Each year, high blood pressure, also called hypertension, takes the lives of almost 60,000 Americans. Sadly, the rate of death from high blood pressure increased nearly 30 percent in the last decade alone. This 'silent killer' has become an epidemic among nearly all ethnicities, genders and age groups. If you or a loved one suffers this devastating disease please continue to educate yourself and take action TODAY!

High Blood Pressure... What is it?

What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is basically the force pushing on the arteries by your blood as it passes through them. Someone with high blood pressure has blood that is putting higher than normal pressure on the arteries. This puts more stress on the body. Hence, the heart has to work so hard to get the blood pumped through those arteries that it can actually enlarge and damage the heart, eventually causing a heart attack, stroke, aneurysm and other heart problems if left untreated. High blood pressure can be deadly if left untreated.

How is Blood Pressure Scored?

Testing your blood pressure is extremely quick and simple. The actual measuring of blood pressure is done with the help of a blood pressure cuff, which most people are familiar with. It is highly recommended that you get your blood pressure checked immediately if you think you suffer from high blood pressure. Unfortunately, there are no symptoms for high blood pressure, hence the name 'silent killer'. Once tested you will receive two numbers.

Simply put, your blood pressure is measured as one number "over" another number, such as 120/80. The top number is your systolic pressure or the measure of the blood pressure while the heart is beating. The bottom number is your diastolic pressure or the pressure when the heart is at rest.

What is considered High Blood Pressure?

Here are the numbers for what is usually considered "normal," as well as prehypertension and hypertension.

Systolic Pressure over Diastolic Pressure

Normal (less than 120 over less than 80)

Prehypertension (120-139 over 80-89)

Stage One (140-159 over 90-99)

Stage Two (160 or higher over 100 or higher)

If your blood pressure does not clearly fall into one of these categories, the higher number is the decisive number to look at. For example, Bill's systolic blood pressure is 125 but his diastolic is 75. Bill would still be considered prehypertension. And Bill should continue reading!

Is there a cure for high blood pressure?

Fortunately, there is a 'natural way' to lower your high blood pressure. It is also highly recommended to seek medical advice if you suffer from hypertension. Naturally curing hypertension with doctors' advice will always provide the best results. Unfortunately, many high blood pressure medications (Diuretics, Beta Blockers, ACE Inhibitors, Alpha Blockers and Vasodilators) have very unpleasant side effects. For information on this please check out our link below.

Start naturally treating your High Blood Pressure Today with these twelve tips!

1. Exercise for 30 minutes at least 4 times a week! Exercise equals a strong, efficient heart.

2. Loss that extra 15! This appears impossible... however, you would be surprised what will happen if you eat smaller portions and keep exercising!

3. Pass on the salt! Sodium reduction is a key to your high blood pressure treatment!

4. Grains are great, fruits are fabulous, and vegetables are vivacious!

5. Reduce your intake of alcohol.

6. Pack the potassium. Potassium is essential for lowering your blood pressure. Eat bananas, citrus fruits, low-fat milk and some vegetables.

7. More Magnesium! Potassium and magnesium usually go hand-in-hand for lowering blood pressure. Eat whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables and most nuts.

8. Calcium is King! This mineral will be a god-send to hypertension sufferers. Consider low-fat dairy products and calcium supplements.

9. Garlic has become a popular supplement! It is no wonder; it has great benefits to help your high blood pressure.

10. How about Hawthorn? No, not the writer... the herb! Sprinkle this herb on any dish and watch those blood pressure numbers plummet.

11. Multi-vitamins are loaded with vitamins that benefit your health and lower your blood pressure.

12. Relax! I know it sounds simple, but you would be surprised how many people forget about this.

Recent Studies Prove the Importance of Oral Health and How it Affects Overall Physical Health

by Jayden Adams

Gum disease and cavities often contribute to many serious conditions, including respiratory diseases, diabetes, and heart disease. It is now known that premature and low weight babies can be caused by the mother's lack of dental health. Untreated cavities can also be painful and lead to serious infections.

Maintaining good oral health consists of keeping teeth free from cavities and preventing gum disease and affects your ability to chew and digest food properly. Good nutrition is vital to building strong teeth and gums that resist disease and promote healing.

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, stresses that oral health needs to be a priority throughout all stages of life. "I have found that to be important, especially since older adults and seniors are keeping their teeth longer than ever before. Some older people have a harder time getting to the dentist, because they rely on others to drive them around or they have lower incomes or they no longer have insurance."

It has been found that seniors living in long-term care facilities are at particular risk of complications from poor oral health because of frailty, poor health and increased dependence on others for personal care. In many cases, oral health problems in residents go undetected until there are acute symptoms, such as pain or infection.

Dr. Maddahi explains, "We all know that bad teeth can lead to discomfort and pain. But also poor dental health can contribute to quite a few serious health issues." Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums, which may also affect the bone supporting the teeth. Plaque is a sticky colorless film of bacteria that constantly builds up, thickens and hardens on the teeth. If it is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, this plaque can harden into tartar and may contribute to infections in the gums.

When left untreated, gum disease can lead to the loss of teeth and an increased risk of more serious diseases, including heart disease and stroke. The bacteria in plaque can travel from the mouth into the bloodstream, and has been linked to the clogging of arteries and damage to heart valves. The same bacteria can also travel to the lungs, causing infection or aggravating existing lung conditions. There has been found a link between diabetes and gum disease. People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, and it can put them at greater risk of diabetic complications.

Dental care is most important for pregnant women. Studies show that pregnant women with gum disease might be at a higher risk of delivering pre-term, low birth weight babies than women without gum disease. Babies who are pre-term or low birth weight have a higher risk of developmental complications, asthma, ear infections, birth abnormalities and a higher risk of infant death.

Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles and superior dental health for 20 years and is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797.

About the Author

For more information on this article, go to:

Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist

or

Smile Makeovers


Article written by Jean Ritter Dale

Published by Jayden Adams Studio98