Friday, April 03, 2009

Health Tips for April 3

Health Tip: About Heart Arrhythmia

A healthy heart beats at a steady, regular pace to keep blood flowing throughout the body. But sometimes, the heart can beat too quickly, too slowly or irregularly. This condition, when serious, often requires prompt treatment.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these common risk factors for heart arrhythmia:

  • Having had a previous heart attack.
  • Problems with your endocrine system.
  • A decline in the heart's general health.
  • Blood chemistry abnormalities.
  • Consuming caffeine.
  • Cocaine use.
  • Use of certain drugs, such as amphetamines, beta blockers, psychotropics or sympathomimetics.

Health Tip: Health Tip: Wine Could Benefit the Heart

Excessive drinking offers no benefits whatsoever, but having a single glass of red wine each day could help the heart, the U.S. Library of Medicine says.

The flavonoids found in red wine (also in grapes and grape juice) are thought to be the heart-healthy components.

Women, however, should consume no more than one drink each day, and no more than two drinks each day for men, says the NLM, which equates a drink of wine to four ounces' worth.

Other ways to help boost heart health include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining a proper body weight.

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