Tips to Getting Motivated to Exercise for your Heart and AHA CPR Classes in Nashville

There are days when people have trouble getting motivated to exercise even when one is aware it’s smart for the heart. It can be mentally tough to keep moving especially during the first three or four months of a new exercise program which can be attributed to the fact that you’re still shaping the exercise habit. It becomes easier to stick with it when you begin to see results that benefit your ticker that includes loss of weight around the waist and a feeling of strength. It develops the confidence and so develops the motivation and interest to keep moving.

Cardiovascular disease increases the risk of occurrence of life-threatening cardiac emergencies like a cardiac arrest or heart attack. A victim would require immediate treatment for survival. The most appropriate form of treatment is proper application of the life-saving CPR procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths. Make sure to select a certified training center for acquiring training such as the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee. Become certified at the end of an American Heart Association CPR class Nashville. There are courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers.

Tips to Staying Motivated:

1.      Every individual has a different reason for wanting to exercise that often goes beyond the usual goals of “losing weight” or “lowering blood pressure”. It is advisable that you envision your specific long-term reason for exercising and what it can do for you. Just note it down on a sticky note or index card which you can post on your washroom mirror, atop your gym shoes or anywhere else where you can readily see it. You can also create a regular reminder for your mobile and laptop as well.

2.      Motivation, for some people lies in knowing that exercise ameliorates key heart-health numbers. Track and record your blood pressure, weight or waist circumference to stay inspired to keep moving.

3.      Some people are motivated by a challenge, if you are one of them consider setting goals that you can use to compete against yourself or another person. For instance, getting a fitness tracker device and working up to a goal of 10000 steps a day is a great self-challenge.

4.      Motivation to exercise for some people is higher when sports are involved, as opposed to just working out alone. In this regard, you can look out for an intramural or recreation league like basketball, soccer, etc. in your community.

5.      Something about the setup may be getting in your way if it’s really difficult to get motivated to exercise. Perhaps you would have a better track record if you were to start getting into your gym clothes and working out first thing in the morning prior to any distractions hitting you. You can also purchase some hand weights or resistance bands for your home or can choose an activity that doesn’t necessitate special equipment if it’s tough for you to get to the gym to use weight machines.

Contribute towards the safety of cardiac arrest victims in out-of-hospital cases by signing up for a CPR course today. For more information, contact CPR Nashville on 615-397-9316.

Link between Cardiac Embolism and Stroke and AHA CPR Classes in Nashville

A cardiac embolism is an obstruction that travels from the heart to lodge in the blood vessel. An embolus can either be built up of fatty material or can be a blood clot. Before everything else, let’s discuss what’s embolism is. Advance buildup of material in the vessel wall can block the blood vessels which is how plaque (atherosclerosis) creates blockages. An embolism is when plaque or another substance like a blood clot travels through the blood stream and becomes wedged in a blood vessel because of small diameter of the vessel. In atherosclerosis, buildup of plaques made of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls can restrict the blood flow through the arteries thus putting stress on the heart. Eventually, the plaque may rupture which can send materials traveling through the body that can lodge elsewhere, creating a clot which can cause serious problems anywhere in the body, especially when they form in the carotid arteries or in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Before furthering, read to know about the life-saving CPR classes.

If you are looking forward to signing up for an American Heart Association CPR class Nashville, make sure to choose a certified training center such as the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee. Get to learn the life-saving procedures that comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application can revive the life of a victim involved in a cardiac emergency. The course fees vary for different programs as there are courses for healthcare providers as well as general public.

Carotid Artery Blockage- Blood vessels in the neck that carry oxygen-rich blood to the brain (the carotid arteries) can become blocked with plaque causing carotid artery blockage which is a serious condition as the blockages disrupts blood flow to the brain tissue or may encourage a blood clot that may embolize causing an ischemic stroke by cutting off total blood flow. Reduce the risk of stroke by quickly identifying and treating carotid artery disease.

Left Atrial Appendage Blood Clots- Blood sometimes accumulate in a portion of the ticker namely left atrial appendage in individuals with Atrial Fibrillation. The accumulated blood over a period of time can clot which if travels to the brain can give rise to ischemic stroke.

Treating Cardiac Embolism:

With cardiac embolism, the main objective is to prevent blood clot formation. Consult with a healthcare provider on the matter who may prescribe blood-thinner medications known as anticoagulants to individuals with risk for blood clots. If the blood clot risk is because of a specific condition like atrial fibrillation, medications may be prescribed to regulate the pace of heartbeat. There are medical procedures available to reduce the occurrence of AFib episodes if there is no improvement in condition with the medications or the side-effects have got unbearable. Some therapies include

Catheter Ablation- A healthcare provider, in this procedure, destroys small amounts of heart tissue that are sending the irregular electrical signals causing AFib.

Left atrial appendage closure- This procedure is minimally invasive which seals off LAA to prevent accumulation of blood, and perhaps clotting.

Last, but not the least electrical cardioversion where the ticker is treated with an electric shock to restore its normal sinus rhythm.

Contribute towards the safety of cardiac arrest victims by joining a CPR program today at CPR Nashville. You can either register online or call on 615-397-9316 to sign up. 

Information on Considerations for Physical Activity and Nashville CPR Classes

For good health especially good heart health, what is important is a healthy lifestyle inclusive of healthy diet and regular exercise. Physical activity is not without risk, but for most people the benefits outweigh the risks. Some people like individuals with congestive heart failure, older adults, and people with limited mobility — are at higher risk of complications relating to physical activity.

A healthy lifestyle will ensure good heart health which will keep cardiovascular disease at bay. The reasons behind most cardiac emergencies is cardiovascular disease with the two most life-threatening emergencies being a cardiac arrest or heart attack. The best way to deal with such emergencies is by signing up for an American Heart Association CPR class Nashville. If you are a resident of the Nashville region, you can sign up for a program at the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee. There are courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers. Become certified at the end of a training program after successfully passing a skills test and written exam.

Always consult a doctor prior to going ahead with an exercise routine. If you get clearance from the doctor and follow these guidelines, you are good to go:

Guidelines for people with CHF:

1.      People with congestive heart failure may be able to increase their physical activity provided the doctor gives the go-ahead. As per research, exercise improves the exercise capacity, overall function, and quality of life of people with CHF. In addition to that, physical activity may help prevent the development of CHF if you don’t already have it.

2.      People whose heart failure is related to valve disease may not be able to participate in some forms of exercise, especially the vigorous ones. You need to know the right and the most appropriate types of exercise for you.

3.      Also, inquire whether you are eligible for a cardiac rehabilitation program which includes a carefully monitored exercise program for your safety.

Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults:

1.      Perform exercises that improve balance if you are prone to falling.

2.      Perform as much physical activity as you can if you are unable to reach the recommended amount of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

3.      Find a companion to exercise with you which will encourage you, motivate you. Moreover, you’ll enjoy the process.

4.      It is advisable to adjust the intensity of your physical activity according to your fitness level.

5.      Start your activity at a low intensity and progress gradually with warm up being an important aspect.

Guidelines for people with limited mobility:

1.      Learn how to be more physically active within your limitations. Consult a doctor to find out which activities are safe for you.

2.      Ask your spouse to join you as you should not exercise alone for safety reasons.

3.      You can try stretching, lifting hand weights (or even household items like water bottles or cans of food), swimming, bicycling, rowing, yoga, walking or dancing, if you are able. You should perform activity that can get you moving for 10 minutes or more and get your heart rate up.

Hope, you find this information to be useful.

Sign up for a course at CPR Nashville and gain the benefits. You can either register online or call on 615-397-9316 for the same.

Effect of Performance Enhancing Drugs on the Heart and CPR Nashville

Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) are quite widespread in high schools, colleges and gyms across United States. The drugs are very popular among the youngsters which they see as an easy means to achieve what they want which involves improving their competitive performance, losing weight or for improving their body image. Doping increases the risk for a number of serious health problems like heart-related death and long-term cardiovascular damage.

Before going ahead with our discussion about the effect of PEDs on heart, read to know more about the CPR classes. The CPR procedures comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application of the techniques can lead to the survival of a victim involved in a cardiac emergency which can either be a cardiac arrest or heart attack. It is advisable to choose an accredited training center for acquiring training such as the AHA certified CPR Nashville. Both theoretical and practical training are imparted at the center. At the end of an American Heart Association CPR class Nashville, a student will be eligible for a certification after successfully passing a skills test and written exam.

Performance-enhancing Drugs:

Anabolic androgenic steroids are the most commonly used PEDs which builds and strengthens muscles alongside reducing body fat. Some of the other PEDs include

1.      Human Growth Hormone is used for improving performance and increasing muscle.

2.      Human chorionic gonadotropin

3.      Erythropoietin- it is mainly used by endurance athletes to increase the number of Red Blood Cells in the body. 

4.      Stimulants- Amphetamines – including attention deficit- hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications – can function as PEDs when they are used to enhance mental performance and physical functioning.

As per reports, athletes at less competitive levels – including high school and college-level sports – may feel pressured to dope to improve their chances of winning at their sport or being recruited which means doping is not only prevalent among professional athletes. Teenage girls resort to doping for losing weight whereas teenage boys use them for the purpose of building muscle in order to conform to a certain conventional body image.

Cardiovascular Risks- Use of anabolic steroids significantly increases the risk of potentially fatal conditions, including heart attack and heart rhythm problems. Not only that, the steroids can raise bad cholesterol while lowering good cholesterol levels which contributes to long-term cardiovascular disease. The risk is the highest for the young athletes who have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which is an inherited thickening of the heart muscle. The steroids have also been shown to thicken the main pumping chamber of the heart, could worsen hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. 

Warning signs of PEDs:

Physical Changes- A few of the drastic changes in appearance to look out for include big gains in muscle in boys or breast enlargement; increased acne in boys and girls; and quick weight loss, excess body hair growth, and a deepening voice in girls.

Too Much Concern with Performance in Sports- An individual who’s an athlete may show extreme pressures to win. He or she may make sudden gains in athletic performance that training alone can't quite explain.

Too Much Concern about Appearance- A teen or young adult expressing feelings of being too weak or overweight, accompanied by sudden physical changes can be a warning sign.

Emotional Changes- Anabolic steroids can cause emotional changes, including angry outbursts.

Join a CPR program today at CPR Nashville and contribute towards the safety of cardiac arrest victims in out-of-hospital cases. You can either register online or call on 615-397-9316 for the same.

Facts about Coronary Calcium Test and Nashville AHA CPR Certification

The biggest risk factors of cardiovascular disease include high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Managing the risk factors can significantly lower the risk for cardiovascular disease. It is important to go for regular health checkups to assess the risk of heart disease. As per the latest cholesterol guidelines, having a coronary artery calcium test when risk status for people 40 to 75 years old is uncertain can help to determine who can or will benefit from statins.

Let us throw some light on the life-saving CPR techniques. The cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application can contribute towards the safety of cardiac arrest victims. Make sure to join an American Heart Association CPR class Nashville for obtaining the best training like at the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee where classes for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers are conducted.

Coronary Calcium Test:

1.      The test involves a type of rapid X-ray called a CT scan which takes cross-sectional images of the vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle, to check for the buildup of calcified plaque, which is composed of fats, cholesterol, calcium and other substances in the blood. This calcium is different from the calcium in bones and isn't related to too much calcium in a diet. The measurement enables a doctor in identifying who is at risk for heart disease before a person has signs or symptoms.

2.      A CAC test also helps in making an informed decision about whether someone needs a medication to reduce their risk. The test isn't recommended universally for everyone but is most helpful for those whose risk falls in an intermediate zone.

3.      The guidelines help doctors in placing a patient in four classifications of risk: low, borderline, intermediate and high, using a calculated formula and taking several risk factors into consideration like diabetes, cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

4.      The test is a bit expensive which involves an equivalent amount of radiation exposure as a mammogram but is well worth it.

5.      As per the guidelines, healthcare providers should have an in-depth discussion about the potential benefits of statin drugs, considering all risk factors- this is for intermediate or some borderline patients. The CAC test can enable doctors in making better decisions and target those people who may need medication to reduce risk or identify people with a CAC score of 0 who may be able to avoid medication.

CAC testing can prove to be beneficial for:

1.      People hesitant in starting statin therapy and those who want to understand their risk and potential benefit more precisely.

2.      People concerned about restarting statin therapy after stopping treatment because of side effects.

3.      Men between 55 and 80 years of age or women between 60 and 80 with few risk factors who question whether they would benefit from statin therapy.

4.      People ages 40 to 55 with an estimated 10-year risk for developing heart disease between 5 percent and 7.5 percent, and risk factors that increase their chances of heart disease.

Sign up for a CPR course today at CPR Nashville and gain the benefits. Call on 615-397-9316 to know more.