Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

Myocardial Infarction is a condition that occurs when the supply of blood bringing oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscles is cut off, resulting in tissue death (infarct).

Probable Causes

• Atherosclerosis

• Hypertension

• Abnormal blood clotting

• Spasms of the coronary arteries

• Infection of the membrane covering the heart

• Rheumatic heart disease

Probable Symptoms

• Shock

• Extreme thirst

• Nausea (See Vomiting)

Note: In shock, the water in blood vessels moves temporarily to the spaces between body tissues. As an area of the heart dies, enzyme cells leak out into the general circulation. Raised levels of serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine phospokinase (CPK) in the blood are often used in diagnosing heart attacks.

Helpful Dietary Management

• Offer nothing by mouth immediately after a heart attack until shock resolves.

• Give intravenous (IV) infusions (to be administered by a physician) to prevent dehydration if victim is still nauseated as shock resolves.

• Give a low-salt diet consisting of liquid or soft, bland foods in small frequent feedings several hours after shock.

• Serve foods neither too hot nor too cold.

• Adjust diet to include regular low fat and low-salt foods planned into 3 meals a day after about 5 to 10 days.

• Eat small frequent meals slowly if chest pain still persists.

• Do not exercise immediately after meals.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.48-49 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension is a condition which can result when the arterial diameter is reduced (as when cholesterol is deposited in the arterial lining) or when the blood volume flowing through the arteries is increased (as during intense activity). Increased pressure caused by reduced diameter of the arteries plays a greater role in hypertension.

(Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or ranges between 90/60 to 140/90. When higher than 140/90, blood pressure usually described as hypertension.)

Probable Causes

• High sodium intake. Sodium (salt) and other dietary factors have been studied to see whether they play a role in the development of hypertension. Studies have shown that even mild restriction of sodium can produce a modest but definite fall in blood pressure.

• Kidney disease (See Glumerulonephritis, Kidney Stone Formation, Renal Failure)

• Various hormonal imbalances

• Unknown, sometimes

Note: If hypertension goes unchecked, the result is heart failure which may lead to further problems such as stroke and kidney damage.

Probable Symptoms

• Breathlessness

• Nose bleeding with no apparent cause

• Severe headache localized in some part of the head, which occur in early morning hours, accompanied by nausea, and vision becoming progressively worse

• Dizziness when diastolic pressure is above 110

Note: In most cases, there are no signs or symptoms. Hence regular blood pressure check up is vital.

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat a low-salt diet, at the same time, low fat diet.

• Include foods high in potassium.

• Lose weight (for overweight). See Reducing Diet.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.46-47 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Hypercholesterolemia

Hypercholesterolemia is a condition where there is an excess of cholesterol in the blood. (A blood cholesterol of 200 mg/100 ml of blood or more is abnormal.)

We need cholesterol in the synthesis of some important metabolic substances such as the bile and some hormones. It also becomes an integral part of every cell. The body, through the liver, is able to produce its own cholesterol from raw materials such as carbohydrates, protein and fat. Aside from biosynthesized cholesterol, the body receives performed cholesterol from animal foods eaten.

From the liver to the different cells, cholesterol is transported by lipoproteins through the bloodstream. Along the way, cholesterol may be deposited in the artery wall. It is the deposit of cholesterol in arteries that creates conditions leading to stroke and heart attack.

Probable Causes

• Genetic Reasons

• Poor health habits such as:

• Overconsumption of fat

• Underactivity

• Poor coping with stress

• Overeating

Probable Symptoms

• Elevated total cholesterol level is equal to or greater than 200 mg/100 ml blood.

Note: Hypercholesterolemia often occurs along with other diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and renal disease.

Helpful dietary Management

• Eat a diet low in fat, low in cholesterol, high in fiber (fruits, vegetables and legumes).

• Increase physical activity. Lose excess weight. See Reducing Diet.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.45 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure is a syndrome wherein the heart cannot adequately pump blood through the circulatory system anymore, thus reducing the blood flow to the different body organs.

Reduced renal (kidney) blood flow signals the kidneys to retain water. The retained water increases the load on the heart and further weakens it. Since blood entering the heart from the veins cannot be pumped out effectively, edema (water retention) of the extremities, and sometimes even of the lungs, may result. The heart enlarges and begins to beat more rapidly as it tries to make up for its inefficiency to pump. Malnutrition can result due to a disrupted supply of nutrients and oxygen to the different body tissues brought about by inadequate pumping of blood.

Probable Causes

• Cardiovascular diseases

• Hypertension

• Kidney disease (See Kidney Stone Formation, Glumerulonephritis, Renal Failure)

Probable Symptoms

• Exhaustion even in simple activities such as eating

• Malnutrition

• Underweight

Note: Congestive heart failure may be left- or right-sided. It may also develop gradually or present suddenly with acute pulmonary (lung) edema.

Helpful Dietary Management

• Limit sodium and fluid intake. See Low-salt Diet.

• Lose weight if necessary to lighten the work of the heart. See Reducing (Weight Loss) Diet.

• Eat small frequent meals. Eat foods that are least likely to form gas.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.44 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the thickening and hardening of the arteries (blood vessels) brought about by accumulation of lipid (mostly cholesterol) plaques within the arterial wall. A reduced diameter of the arteries will raise the pressure of blood against the wall. Atherosclerosis is the most common type of coronary heart disease (disease affecting the arteries of the heart).

Over time an artery may be shut off completely thus blocking the flow of blood. The result is death of all tissues dependent on that artery for oxygen and nutrients. If blood supply to the heart muscle is cut off, a heart attack can result. When an artery supplying blood to the brain is involved, a stroke can result. Kidneys, lungs and arteries of the legs and arm can also be affected.

Probable Causes

• Smoking

• High serum cholesterol

• High blood pressure or hypertension

• Genetics

• Diabetes mellitus

• Emotional stress

• Decreased physical activity

Note: The first three are the major risk factors.

Probable Symptoms

• Hypertension (a risk factor and a symptom)

• Problems involving arteries of the kidneys, lungs, arms and legs

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat foods low in fat, low in cholesterol, low in salt, high in complex carbohydrates and in fiber.

Note: Make all attempts to control risk factors whenever possible. Prevention is the best cure for atherosclerosis. For example, if you are a diabetic and at the same time a hypercholesterolemic, then these two must be dealt with together to control your atherosclerosis.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.42-43 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6