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Bodytalk
Question: I'm confused about the different terms used to describe heart disease. Please define them individually, as this will enable me to better understand what I'm reading. Terms of
the heartAnswer: This is a good question. I'll define the most common terms, those used in everyday language.
Heart disease is a general term that covers all forms of heart ailments, from heart attacks to congenital defects.
Cardiovascular disease is another general term which refers to all disorders of the heart and circulatory system. Cardio means heart, vascular means blood vessels. High blood pressure, atherosclerosis and stroke are all cardiovascular diseases.
Coronary artery disease refers to diseases of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This includes atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, both defined below.
Coronary heart disease is when there is damage to the heart muscle caused by insufficient blood supply from clogged coronary arteries.
Heart attack or myocardial infarction occurs when there is permanent damage to the heart. Cardiac arrest is when an individual doesn't survive a heart attack.
Stroke occurs when there is an insufficient supply of blood to the brain.
Atrial fibrillation occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat so rapidly they end up quivering or "fibrillating."
Angina occurs when the heart doesn't get enough oxygen, usually due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Angina, if not managed, can lead to CAD.
Heart failure is when the heart muscle becomes weakened and can no longer pump blood effectively. Heart failure can be caused by a number of factors, such as lifelong alcoholism or a virus that infects the myocardium (heart lining).
Congenital heart disease refers to a defect existing at birth, resulting from the failure of an infant's heart or of a major blood vessel near the heart to develop normally during pregnancy.
Heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound which is detected by a stethoscope, usually indicating either a functional or structural defect.
Atherosclerosis is a form of hardening of the arteries caused by localized deposits of fats within the inner surface of blood vessels.
Arteriosclerosis is when a thickening and loss of elasticity occurs within blood vessels and arteries.
To find out more about symptoms, prevention, and cures, call your local chapter of the American Heart Association.
Q: My local juice bar features wheat grass juice. The proprietors say it prevents disease. Do you agree?
A: Wheat grass is very young green wheat plants that are harvested before they develop kernels.
Wheat grass is very healthy for you. It's an enzyme-rich source of nutrients. It contains beta-carotene, folate, vitamins C and K, potassium, magnesium, iron, trace minerals, and essential amino acids.
Juice and smoothie bars across the country tout its ability to cure a variety of ailments including cancer, but there are no peer reviewed studies published to back up these claims.
Research does exist suggesting that some components in wheat grass may stimulate red blood cells and inhibit carcinogens, but these laboratory studies in no way suggest that wheat grass prevents disease.
So drink up, but think of wheat grass as a healthy food choice, not a cure for disease.
Health Events
Stephenie Karony is a certified health
and fitness instructor, a personal trainer and the author of
"Body Shaping with Free Weights." Send questions to her at
P.O. Box 262, Wailuku Hi. Her column appears on Wednesdays.