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.

Link between Stress and Heart Disease and CPR Training in Nashville

As per the American Heart Association, there is no direct link between stress and heart disease. But stress, particularly constant (chronic) stress, can negatively affect your health and can cause issues relating to your ticker. It is important to keep the heart in good shape or else one may be at the receiving end of a cardiac emergency like a cardiac arrest or heart attack.

Undergoing CPR training Nashville can equip individuals in efficiently dealing with cardiac emergency scenarios. Choose an accredited training center like the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee for acquiring training. Choose a course as per your requirements and professional background as there are courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers. Become AHA certified at the end of a training program.

Stress releases adrenaline that leads to rise in blood pressure and heart rate- The body reacts to stress by releasing a hormone, adrenaline, which causes the breathing and heart rate to speed up and your blood pressure to rise.

Artery Walls Damage- Chronic stress can be dangerous which causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure that may damage the artery walls. Chronic stress does not cause high blood pressure with some of the contributing factors to HBP being obesity, eating too much sodium (salt), lack of physical activity and excess alcohol consumption. Apart from that, chronic stress can take a physical toll on you as well, can cause weakening of the immune system and cause uncomfortable physical symptoms like headache and stomach problems.

Avoid feelings of anger, hostility- You should avoid negative feelings as much as possible. Your mind should be brimming with positivity which will ensure a long shelf-life on your part. Doctors generally use the term “Type A” personality or behavior which describes a person who is always in a hurry, impatient, often irritated, angry or hostile, and who strives for perfection and Type A traits linked to cardiovascular disease include anger and hostility. The body, during anger or hostility, releases stress hormones into the blood that increases the heart rate and blood pressure temporarily thus making your ticker work harder.

Effective Stress Management- Medicines can cure anything but are not helpful as much for managing or reducing stress. What works in managing stress is through relaxation or stress management techniques. Be careful not to confuse stress with anxiety. If you suffer from severe anxiety, speak with your doctor about whether you need medication.

Yoga is another effective way to manage stress. The ancient practice of yoga may be a way to boost your ticker health. It is designed to bring about increased physical, mental and emotional well-being. Yoga can help lower blood pressure, increase lung capacity, improve respiratory function and ticker rate and boost circulation and muscle tone. It can also improve your overall well-being while offering strength-building benefits.

Hope, this information proves to be useful for you. For more information or to join a CPR program at CPR Nashville, call on 615-397-9316.

Facts about Sleep and Heart Disease and AHA CPR Classes in Nashville

Sleep, apart from exercise and eating nutritious foods, is an extremely important factor that can help increase heart health. The better night’s sleep you get, the healthier your heart will be. As per the American Heart Association, poor sleep quality is linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, a potential cause of heart disease. 

It is a heart disease that leads to life-threatening cardiac emergencies like a cardiac arrest or heart attack. Such a victim would require immediate treatment for survival. Each and every individual should sign up for an American Heart association CPR class Nashville for learning the valuable life-saving procedures. The techniques comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application can increase the survival rates among cardiac arrest victims. Make sure to select a certified training center for acquiring training such as the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee.

The biggest risk factors of cardiovascular disease include high blood pressure and high cholesterol. As per a study, poor quality sleep puts individuals at significantly increased risk of developing high blood pressure.

Amount of Sleep Recommended- The amount of sleep required by an individual varies from person to person. But most people need at least seven hours of sleep per night. Youngsters need more than that compared to older adults who may need less. As per the American Heart Association, most people need six to eight hours of sleep each day and that too little or too much can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Positive Effects- People who get seven to eight hours of sleep have more alertness and better focus. They have less depression and anxiety. Getting a good night’s sleep has a positive impact on the metabolism and also provides weight loss benefits. 

Negative Effects of Lack of Sleep- Lack of sleep impacts the ticker in a big way. Individuals who are sleep deprived have slower metabolism and face more difficulty losing weight.

Effect of Sleep on Menopausal Women- Sometimes the sleep gets affected in women especially the ones who go through menopause which can often be attributed to hot flashes and night sweats which again can be due to their activity level and metabolism.

Ways to improve sleep habits:

1.      Avoid Excess Caffeine- Avoid excess stimulants, such as caffeine, particularly before bed as they may keep you awake.

2.      Physical Activity- You need to get adequate exercise. Any form of physical activity would do. As per the AHA’s exercise standards, it is important to schedule in 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise at least three to four times per week.

3.      Develop a Proper Evening Routine- Develop an effective evening routine of preparing for bed that includes turning off electronic devices and having soothing activities such as a hot shower or bath. Some other things that can be helpful in inducing sleep are drinking chamomile or herbal sleepy-time tea, reading, praying or meditating.

4.      Say ‘no’ to Sleep Medications- Sleep medications can be harmful, even if used infrequently. As per a latest study, those using prescription sleeping pills as few as 18 times per year—less than twice a month—were more than three times more likely to die. It is advisable that you take sleeping medications only with medical supervision as clearly indicated. Your doctor should know about all your medications.

At CPR Nashville, you can either register for a class online or call on 615-397-9316 for the same.