Recommended Physical Activity

 Physical activity recommended

The previous recommendation was 20 to 60 minutes moderate to high intensity endurance exercise three or more times per week. But recent recommendations differ from the earlier report. It is now recommended that adult should accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate –intensity physical activity on most, preferably all days of the week. Adults who engage in moderate-intensity physical activity-ie, enough to expend approximately 200 calories, per day, can expect many of the health benefits. To expend these calories, about 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity should be accumulated during the course of the day. One way to meet this standard is to walk 2 miles briskly.

Intermittent activity also confers substantial benefits. Therefore, the recommended 30 minutes of activity can be accumulated in short bouts of activity : walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator, walking instead of driving short distances, pedaling a stationary cycle while watching television. Those who perform lower-intensity activities should do them more often, for longer periods of times or both. People who prefer more formal exercise may choose to walk or participate in more vigorous activities, such as jogging, swimming or cycling for 30 minutes daily. Sports and recreational activities, such as tennis of golf, can also be applied to the daily total.

Most adults do not need to see their physicians before starting a moderate-intensity physical activity program. However, men older than 40 years and women older than 50 years who plan a vigorous program or who have either chronic disease or risk factors of cardiovascular disease should consult their physician to design a safe, effective program.

Multidetector CT

MDCT (Multidetector CT)

Coronary artery blockage now can be diagnosed by non invasive method without doing coronary angiogram by using Multidetector CT scan. Recent Developments in computed tomography enable for the first time to perform dedicated examinations of the heart using helical CT. The applications of MDCT in cardiology are multiple: assessment of coronary calcification, assessment of the coronary arteries and arteriosclerotic changes, direct visualization of intracardiac thrombi and pericardial effusion.

"X" Syndrome

What is Syndrome “X”?

If the medical scientists can not dig out the cause of any disease or fail to solve any other medical problem they use the term “X”. In reality X means cause is not known. Some people get angina or angina like chest pain without any blockage in their coronary artery. This is called syndrome “X”. Their rest ECG is usually normal. In 20% of cases their stress test may be positive for heart pain. These patients complain of chest pain but their coronary angiogram is normal without any block. Now question is that why these people get angina like chest pain though does not have any block. There are certain explanations; in coronary angiography we can only see the large arteries but we can not see smaller arteries so there is possibility that these patients are having disease in these small vessels which can not be seen in angiogram. Second possibility is that these patients may have abnormal vasodilator reserve which means that can not dilate and constrict their coronary arteries like normal people. This type of chest pain with normal ECG and normal coronary angiogram is frequently found in women. This can lead to multiple medical consultations and be responsible for a great deal of anxiety. Some researchers have found that 66% of patients with chest pain simulating heart pain with normal coronary artery have some psychiatric (mental) disorders. Their long term prognosis is very good. They usually do not develop heart attack. These patients require assurance and proper antagonist group of drugs like nifedipine, diltiazem, amlodipine work excellently in this situation. Tricyclic antidepressant may be effective in some patients. Behavioral therapy may teach the patient with pain how to function more effectively.

Myocardial infarction symptoms

How is the pain of Myocardial infarction symptoms 

The pain of heart attack is similar in location, radiation and character, but is far more severe and prolonged. Such pain may be described  by patients as crushing in intensity or a feeling as “ if someone were sitting on my chest”. Although usually described as a squeezing, choking, or heavy pain, it may also be characterized as a stabbing, knifelike, boring, or burning discomfort. The pain is usually located in the central chest and may spread frequently to both sides of the chest, with predilection for the left side. Often the pain radiates down the inner aspect of the left arm, producing a tingling sensation in the left wrist, hand, and even fingers. Some patients note only a dull aching pain or feeling of uneasiness of the wrists in association with severe central chest pain. In addition to the pain, other symptoms are usually present in a heart attack. Heart attack pain may be accompanied by breathlessness. Patient feels difficulty in breathing. Pain may be associated with profuse sweating. Patient may develop vomiting or nausea (vomiting tendency). The victim commonly becomes very pale or ashen in color and may feel faint on standing up. You should suspect a heart attack with moderate to severe pain lasting beyond 15-20 minutes and in the absence of a specific cause. This requires immediate medical attention.