Congestive Heart Failure

Elizabeth Taylor died of congestive heart failure (CHF) at the age of 79 on March 23. Her death raises awareness of this serious condition that affects an estimated five million Americans.

Congestive heart failure means that the heart muscle cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. CHF may develop over a long period of time, sometimes over years, or almost immediately.

“There are many different reasons that CHF occurs,” says Dr. Ali Tabrizchi, an interventional cardiologist at the Heart Center at Sinai in Baltimore. “Genetics, which are passed down through families, as well lifestyle choices, can be to blame.”

Among the possible causes:

• Coronary artery disease
• Problems with the heart’s valves
• Thyroid conditions
• A heart attack
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• An infection of the heart muscle
• Vitamin deficiencies

People of all ages and of both sexes can have congestive heart failure. Among some people who died from it are actress/dancer Ginger Rogers, makeup founder Max Factor, Jr., jazz musician Lionel Hampton, NBA center Kevin Duckworth, and actor Andy Hallett who had a recurring role in the TV series “Angel.”

Chest pain is only one possible symptom of a heart problem. Other symptoms can be:

• Constantly tired or weak
• Dizzy spells
  
• Frequent urination during the night
• Problems breathing when lying down
• Shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing when you exert yourself
• Swollen ankles or feet
• Waking at night coughing or short of breath

Adds Dr. Tabrizchi, “through intensive treatment, outpatient management and education, many patients improve their health quality of life.”

Based on examinations and tests, your physician will develop a treatment plan for you, which can include:

• Increased activity as recommended
• Dietary changes to reduce intake of salt and sodium
• Medication to help the heart work better
• Rest to give the heart a break
• Referral for heart transplantation

For more information, contact the Heart Center at Sinai, the Northwest Hospital Division of Cardiology at www.lifebridgehealth.org, or call 410.601.WELL.

-Helene King

Good Dental Health Habits Pay Off

Your mother was right. She told you to brush your teeth and floss after every meal. Mom was concerned about cavities, and maybe avoiding a big dental bill, but it turns out flossing and brushing your teeth can do more than prevent cavities. Good dental hygiene can mean a longer, healthier life.

Your doctor may not mention it, but flossing your teeth at least once a day is important for heart health and probably joint health.

“There is a link between gum disease and cardiac disease,” says Ali Tabrizchi, D.O. a LifeBridge Health cardiologist.

According to a study reported in “Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association,” poor dental hygiene may be a predictor for heart disease.

Evidence shows that those with periodontal disease are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease. Researchers theorize that bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream through the gums and contribute to blockages in the arteries.

Another theory is that as the body fights off infection caused by bacteria, inflammation causes the arteries to narrow.

And now, researchers are finding gum diseases that cause inflammation may also play a role in rheumatoid arthritis.

‘There is speculation that dental and gum diseases can trigger rheumatoid arthritis,” says Peter K. Wung, M.D., a LifeBridge Health rheumatologist.

Pearly whites and fresh breath are only the icing on the cake for maintaining good oral hygiene. Reducing your risks of strokes, heart attacks and arthritis can be the real payoff.

-Sandra Crockett