Corrielus Cardiology

Your heartbeat is controlled by a network of nodes, cells, and signals called the cardiac conduction system. Each time your heart beats, electrical signals go through your heart. These impulses induce various cardiac regions to enlarge and constrict. The heart's expansion and contraction regulate the body's blood flow.

Have you heard that high blood pressure (BP) is the most common manageable risk factor for Heart Stroke?

High blood pressure can damage your arteries by making them less elastic, which decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart and leads to heart disease.

So, let's make BP management the talk of the shop by letting everyone know that some pain relievers may elevate their numbers.

Do the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) lead you to have a hard time staying hydrated? Even in healthy individuals, diarrhea can result in dehydration, and it can be more problematic when IBD produces persistent diarrhea.The large intestine may be partially or completely removed during surgery to treat Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and other gastrointestinal conditions. Most water is absorbed through the large intestine, therefore if all or part of it is missing, the body may absorb less water overall. For those who have an ileostomy and have undergone j-pouch surgery, hydration is a particular area of concern (ileal pouch-anal anastomosis or IPAA). After ileostomy surgery, dehydration is a key factor in readmissions to the hospital.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: What Is It?

Ulcerative colitis (UC)  and Crohn's disease are two illnesses that fall under the general term "inflammatory bowel disease" (IBD) (CD). Although they both have similar symptoms, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease affect different parts of the body.

While CD can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation through all of its layers, UC is restricted to the colon and primarily affects the mucosa, which is the colon's superficial lining.

What typical IBD symptoms are there?

IBDs like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis frequently exhibit the following symptoms:

Diarrhea Cramping or discomfort in the abdomen Fatigue Stool with blood Loss of weight

What's the connection between IBD and dehydration?

Dehydration results from IBD's impact on the gut and colon's capacity to absorb water, which causes inflammation and disturbance of the colon mucosa. Along with electrolyte imbalance, IBD patients frequently have deficits in sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Some IBD patients may require surgery to remove a portion of the intestine in more extreme circumstances, necessitating ostomies, which can further impair the absorption of water and electrolytes.

Serious dehydration can also result from persistent diarrhea, one of the most pervasive symptoms of an IBD flare-up, as well as vomiting.

Oral rehydration therapy: what is it? The original purpose of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) was to treat mild to moderate dehydration in cholera patients. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) activates electrolyte pumps in the stomach that improve the process of water absorption by combining the proper quantity of sodium and glucose (sugar). Bowel inflammation in IBD patients makes it difficult for them to absorb water. The body's hydration system will benefit from ORT. How can people with IBD avoid becoming dehydrated? Patients with IBD must drink plenty of water to be healthy. Patients with IBD should replace what they are losing by keeping track of how often they urinate and when they vomit. Since nausea and vomiting are frequent symptoms, taking small sips of liquids may help to keep you hydrated. The most typical dehydration signs, such as dry mouth, dark urine, weariness, headaches, etc., should be recognized. Tips for Hydration There are other actions you can take to prevent hydration: Consider a probiotic. Your body will be able to take in more water thanks to it. When the weather is cold, drink more water. When the temperature drops, the air is drier and your body loses water more quickly. You can see the moisture exiting your body when you breathe. When it's extremely hot outside, stay inside. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the sun's rays are at their most intense. Protect yourself if you must venture outside amid the day. To prevent becoming too hot: To keep your head cool, put on a hat. To prevent sunburn, wear sunscreen. Dress loosely and in light colors. When you need to chill off, mist yourself.

A word from the doctor

Electrolytes are essential for good hydration because they help various organs absorb water.

Water absorption is determined by sodium levels in the gut. Besides absorption of water, the colon exchanges electrolytes, such as 4 potassium and chloride, to help remove waste products.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease should take electrolyte solutions to prevent electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.

To know more about your heart health, contact Corrielus Cardiology today!

Did this ever happen to you? As you get out of bed or get up from a chair, you suddenly feel faint or dizzy. When you get up, your head may spin since your blood pressure immediately falls. You can experience tunnel vision, your eyesight might be blurry or faint. You might also feel confused and lightheaded, which would only make this already terrifying experience worse. Less frequently, you can experience a dull ache on the backs of your shoulders and neck. Rarely, you might faint or lose consciousness. These are signs of orthostatic hypotension, a disorder that develops when blood pressure decreases significantly as a result of a  shift in position.

What is Orthostatic Hypotension An excessive drop in blood pressure (BP) when in an upright position is known as orthostatic (postural) hypotension. A decline of more than 20 mm Hg systolic, more than 10 mm Hg diastolic, or both meet the mainstream definition. Within a few seconds to a few minutes of standing, fainting, light-headedness, dizziness, confusion, or blurred vision symptoms appear, and they  disappear quickly upon lying down. Patients occasionally have generalized seizures, syncope, or even falls. A strenuous workout or a large lunch may make symptoms worse. The majority of additional symptoms and indicators are related to the reason. Orthostatic hypotension is not a particular ailment but rather a symptom of poor BP regulation brought on by some circumstances. More and more evidence points to a link between postural hemodynamic control problems and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause death.

Pathophysiology of Orthostatic Hypotension Blood (12 to 1 L) typically pools in the veins of the legs and trunk as a result of the gravitational tension of rapidly standing up. The consequent brief reduction in venous return lowers cardiac output and subsequently blood pressure. Autonomic reflexes are triggered as a result, and the aortic arch and carotid sinus baroreceptors quickly restore normal blood pressure.

The sympathetic nervous system raises the heart rate and contractility as well as the capacitance vessels' vasomotor tone. Heart rate is also raised by simultaneous parasympathetic (vagal) suppression. When people stand up, their blood pressure and heart rate fluctuate very little, and they usually don't experience any symptoms. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathway becomes activated with prolonged standing, and vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone [ADH]) release results in sodium and water retention as well as an increase in blood volume.

Pathogenesis of Orthostatic Hypotension

If the afferent, central, or efferent portions of the autonomic reflex arc are compromised by diseases or medications, if myocardial contractility or vascular responsiveness is inhibited, if hypovolemia is present, or if hormonal reactions are flawed, homeostatic mechanisms may not be sufficient to restore low blood pressure. Depending on whether symptoms are sudden or gradual, different causes apply. Acute orthostatic hypotension's most frequent causes include a.) Drugs b.) Hypovolemia c.) Prolonged bed rest Chronic orthostatic hypotension's most typical causes include a.) BP regulation alterations brought on by aging b.) Drugs c.) impaired autonomic function Orthostatic hypotension following a meal is also typical. Blood pooling in the gastrointestinal system and the insulin response to high-carbohydrate meals are potential causes; alcohol use makes these conditions worse. Orthostatic Hypotension Evaluation When systolic blood pressure drops by 20 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure drops by 10 mm Hg within 3 minutes of standing, orthostatic hypotension is suspected. A reason must be found after orthostatic hypotension has been identified.

A word from the team Simply waiting a minute before getting out of bed will drastically cut down on orthostatic hypotension episodes since it gives your heart time to acclimatize. When you've been sleeping and wake up in the middle of the night, this is very important. So, be mindful of your posture and any symptoms, and look after your heart. Contact Us right away if you want to learn more about heart health.

Cardiac Rehabilitation is a Comprehensive Therapy

Cardiac Rehabilitation is a comprehensive therapy combining prescribed exercise training, cardiac risk factor modification, education on heart health, diet and nutrition counseling, and so on after you’ve had surgery or medical treatment for a heart issue, such as a heart attack.

Healthcare providers such as doctors, nurses, clinical exercise physiologists, counselors, and dietitians offer expertise and guidance throughout your personalized center-based cardiac rehab program, which typically takes at least three months.

Children with heart conditions are more likely to have frequent cavities, toothaches, or bleeding gums, according to a new study from the CDC.

If oral bacteria travel into the bloodstream, children with heart disease could be prone to get other conditions such as infective endocarditis, the researchers said. The rare condition leads to inflammation in the inner lining of the heart and can be life-threatening.

All About Heart Cancer

Heart cancer (malignant primary cardiac tumor) is extremely rare. Primary heart tumors are abnormal growths in your heart. According to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), they’re found in less than 1 out of every 2000 autopsies.

Primary heart tumors can be either noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Malignant tumors grow into nearby structures or spread to other parts of the body (metastasize), but benign tumors don’t. Most primary heart tumors are benign. The ESC reports only 25 percent are malignant.

Watch the full video to know more about heart cancer.

Craving a substantial meal or an endless supply of your preferred snack is one thing. It's another thing to be so hungry that you snap at the slightest inconvenience. This distinguishes between hunger and "hangry," a clever mashup of "hungry" and "angry." Whether you've personally gone through it or not, you probably know someone who has. But is it a physiological phenomenon, or is it simply a more sophisticated form of weeping for your bottle?

The biological basis of hanger According to gastroenterologist Christine Lee, MD, "There is a physiological explanation why some people get angry when they're hungry." She says, "The level of sugar (glucose) in your blood falls after you haven't eaten for a while. When your blood sugar levels go too low, a series of hormones are released, including the stress hormone cortisol and the adrenaline (the fight-or-flight hormone). To increase and stabilize your blood sugar, these hormones are released into your system. So why do I feel so hungry all the time? According to Dr. Lee, the release of cortisol might make certain people aggressive. Low blood sugar may also affect higher brain functions, including those that aid in impulse control and the regulation of our instinctive drives and behavior. So, there is a medical reason for being agitated. It's a physiological response brought on by low blood sugar; it's not the same as getting cranky when you're exhausted, ill, or otherwise unwell. Why do some people become agitated when they are simply hungry? According to Dr. Lee, those who have difficulty with impulse control or anger management may be more prone to developing hunger. It is uncertain, though, whether having a personality feature issue and having frequent hangers are related. Doctors claim that hunger has more harmful effects than just anger. If hunger doesn't make you angry, it might make you experience one of the following:

a.) Fatigue. b.) Sleepiness. c.) Difficulties focusing. d.) A lack of cooperation

When hanger becomes an issue? According to Experts, getting so hungry that you become agitated is not always a sign of health problems. "You shouldn't worry about an occasional bout of extreme hunger if you're generally healthy." People with other health issues, however, should take precautions to avoid hangers. That covers people who are taking any medications, have health issues, and are underweight or malnourished. Experts say that those who have metabolic stressors such as diabetes, pancreas or liver problems, or adrenal insufficiency syndromes are especially vulnerable to complications or negative effects of low blood sugar because their bodies are unable to adequately counteract the stress. How do we relieve hanger? Take the following actions to manage or avoid being hangry if you are prone to it: a.)Regular exercise b.)Get lots of rest. c.)Remain hydrated. d.)Eat multiple small meals throughout the day, or make breakfast, lunch, and dinner satiating and nutritious. e.)Avoid junk food since it can lead to a second sugar crash after causing the initial sugar spike. f.)The finest foods are nutrient-dense, high in fiber, and prolong your sensation of fullness. g.)Have healthy snacks available. If you're concerned that a hanger might appear while you're away from home, a few quick snacks stashed in your desk, car, or purse might provide peace of mind. A word from the team — Even while we may not always be in control of when we become hangry, knowing why it occurs and what we can do to lessen it will help us regulate our irritability the next time our stomachs start rumbling. Get in touch with Corrielus Cardiology right away if you require additional assistance with your health and wellness.

You can give your heart a great gift by taking part in physical activity. Johns Hopkins research suggests that staying active, eating a Mediterranean-style diet, maintaining a normal weight, and quitting smoking should be part of a healthy lifestyle to avoid coronary artery disease and vascular disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that depression is a widespread condition throughout the world. 264 million people around the world are affected by it, and whether it's moderate or severe, it can become a serious health issue. Although both psychotherapy and medicine are useful for treating depression, exercise is a free and widely accessible alternative. According to integrative medicine specialist Irina Todorov, MD, exercise can not only help with depression but also lower blood pressure, enhance cholesterol profile, help control blood sugar, and cut the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and common malignancies. Of course, maintaining or achieving a healthy weight is possible with exercise. How exercising can improve your mood Food preferences, stress levels, and physical exercise all have a significant impact on mood and can lower your chances of developing anxiety and depression. Here are five reasons why exercising can improve your mood.

1. If you exercise, stress is less likely to result in depression. It's a terrible fact, but 4.7% of adults 18 and older have regular depression, according to CDC data published in 2019. Depression is frequently caused by high levels of stress in daily living. The mood is influential. Cell growth in the parts of the brain that regulate our moods can be damaged or prevented by the increased production of stress hormones. Therapy is beneficial. Antidepressants and psychotherapy both have benefits. However, only about a third of depressed persons use them. 2. Physical activity is an approved depression treatment. It's a done deal. The American Psychiatric Association suggests exercise as a depressive disorder treatment option. It works well both on its own and in combination with conventional therapies. It also works. The benefits of aerobic exercise (bike, walking, running) and resistance/strength training for those with depression are well supported by randomized trials. Keep going. Exercise for 150 minutes a week is advised by the CDC. Although it may seem like a lot of time, it isn't. Just divide it up into five sessions of 30 minutes each per week. The mist will clear. At the beginning of an exercise regimen, depression may start to fade after four weeks. 3.) You can create a fitness schedule that you like. Make efforts to improve your mood. Like to stroll? For the best health benefits, aim for 10,000 steps every day. Move your leg. Try a different workout class if you start to lose interest. Enroll in Zumba, Start your yoga practice, and Join pals on a bike ride. Or conserve time. Consult your doctor to see if bodyweight circuit exercise that is both quick and intense would be beneficial for you. You may perform it anyplace without any special tools.

4. Exercise of any kind can be beneficial. All is well. Don't give up if you're not exercising according to the rules. Even so, some exercise can help with depression. "Some are excellent, more is better," is Dr. Todorov's mantra. Greet each other. In-person or online fitness programs, interacting with other people might improve your attitude. Find a friend who will encourage and support you. 5. Appreciate advantages beyond the brain Have a more wholesome future. Regular exercise can enhance your cholesterol profile, lower blood pressure, and assist regulate blood sugar. Obtain stronger bones. Exercise helps to build stronger muscles, more flexible joints, better balance, and stronger bones.

Brugada syndrome is a disease that causes an abnormal heart rhythm in the heart's lower chambers. This irregular heartbeat can cause fainting and lead to sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Brugada syndrome is a rare genetic disease. Brugada syndrome is more common in males than females. In fact, men are 8 to 10 times more likely than women to have the condition.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a wide term for three kinds of coronary artery disease that attack countless people each year. These debilitating conditions take place when an obstruction sources blood flow to your heart to immediately moderate or come to an end.

People going through ACS can encounter unstable angina or a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Common signs involve unexpected chest pain or pressure (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), or tiredness.

Your heartbeat is controlled by a network of nodes, cells, and signals called the cardiac conduction system. Each time your heart beats, electrical signals go through your heart. These impulses induce various cardiac regions to enlarge and constrict. The heart's expansion and contraction regulate the body's blood flow. What is the heart's conduction system? The network of specialized cells, electrical signals, and nodes (groups of cells that can either be nerve or muscle tissue) in the heart's conduction system is what keeps your heart pumping. Your heartbeat is controlled by two varieties of cells: a.) The electric signals are carried via conducting cells. b.) Your heart's contractions are managed by muscle cells. The cardiac conduction system in your heart gives the signal to begin a heartbeat. Additionally, it transmits messages that instruct various heart muscle groups to rest and contract (squeeze). Your heart's ability to contract and relax regulates how much blood  flows through it and to the rest of your body. What steps make up the heart's conduction system? Your body's circulatory system is pumped by your heart. Electrical signals move via your heart's conduction channel with each  heartbeat. Your sinoatrial (SA) node generates an excitation signal to initiate it. This electrical signal resembles electricity  moving via cables to a home appliance.

The excitation signal travels to: a.)Your atria, the top heart chambers, get the excitation signal, which instructs them to contract. b.)The atrioventricular (AV) node delays the signal until the blood has completely left your atria. c.)The signal is carried to the Purkinje fibers through the His bundle, which is the central bundle of nerve fibers. d.)Your ventricles, which are the bottom chambers of your heart, contract as a result of the Purkinje fibers. Your heart muscle contracts fully after these actions. To keep your heart beating, your heart conduction system emits thousands of signals each day. How does the rest of your heart's electrical conduction function? Your heart's conduction system receives electrical signals that cause it to expand and contract. Your heart's contractions regulate the flow of blood. The electrical conduction system should maintain a constant, uniform heart rate. Additionally, it aids your heart's ability to slow down or speed up depending on whether you need more blood or oxygen. What illnesses and disorders influence your heart's electrical conduction? The electrical system in your heart can be impacted by a number of different circumstances. Your heart's rhythm is affected by these disorders. Typical cardiac rhythm problems include:

a.) Atrial fibrillation, that is a type of irregular heartbeat known as an arrhythmia (A fib). b.) A block in the Purkinje fibers on one side of your heart known as a bundle branch block might result in arrhythmia. c.) Heart block, which is defective electrical communication between the ventricles and atria of your heart. d.) Long Q-T syndrome (LQTS), that being our ventricles contract and release abnormally slowly, possibly leading to fainting (syncope) or abrupt cardiac arrest. e.) Early heartbeats or "skipped heartbeats" in your ventricles are known as premature ventricular contractions. f.) Sudden cardiac arrest. If your heart stops suddenly due to a serious rhythmic problem, you will die. How can I maintain the health of my heart's conduction system? Genetic factors play a large role in the causes of many heart rhythm issues. They could be caused by the design of your heart or by other elements. However, by leading a healthy lifestyle, you may try to maintain the health of your cardiac conduction system as well as your overall heart. You could:

a.) Obtain and keep a healthy weight. b.) Stop smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke. c.) Do not abuse substances or prescribed pharmaceuticals. d.) Limit your alcohol consumption. e.) Consume a balanced diet that is— rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. f.) Get at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week. g.) Utilize healthy coping mechanisms to reduce stress, such as talk therapy or meditation.

A word from the team The network of signals in your heart's conduction system preserves your heart. Your heart contracts or relaxes as a result of these electrical signals. As your heart contracts, blood flows through it.

Lifestyle changes such as managing stress and exercising regularly can help you keep your heart conduction system healthy. To know  more about your heart health, contact Corrielus Cardiology today!