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Tag: heart disease

Is COVID affecting you in the bedroom:

Enjoy Love Making Again

Erectile Dysfunction and COVID

Is COVID causing issues in the bedroom? Men have additional reasons for being concerned about their love life after being infected with Coronavirus. It isn’t just affecting the lungs. Men are experiencing ED after being infected with COVID.  

Studies reveal proof of blood vessel injury within the penis of the COVID-19 patients, compared to men who have not been affected with COVID-19. Studies reveal that there is blood vessel damage in the penis of the COVID-19 patients, compared to men who have not been affected with COVID-19. Researchers reported May 7, 2021, in the World Journal of Men’s Health.

Coronavirus can injure the blood vessels of the penis. The blood vessels cannot produce enough blood to enter the penis to create a good erection. According to Dr. Ranjith Ramasamy, director of the reproductive urology program at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. Found that the virus affects the blood vessels that supply the penis, causing erectile dysfunction. “The blood vessels themselves malfunction and are not able to provide enough blood to enter the penis for an erection.”

We have worked with men that did not have ED prior to contracting COVID-19. There are studies that have also reported ED post coronavirus infection. COVID-19 can cause hyperinflammation throughout the body after coronavirus infection or CV-19 vaccine making the passage of the blood flow to the penis narrowed or blocked.

Cardiovascular Risks

ED may be an early sign of cardiovascular dysfunction. We have seen cardiac inflammation called myocarditis post-Covid -19 vaccine which can create an increase in ED. 

COVID-19 has also been linked to endothelial dysfunction. This causes the blood vessels to stiffen commonly called hardening of the arteries. This can cause issues with blood flow to the penis making it difficult to get or keep an erection.

Stress and ED

The stress that COVID-19 can have on people is significant. There is shame, anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue. These psychological complications can cause neurotransmitters to become imbalanced which can lead to sexual dysfunction. 

Is Low T Causing Problems in the bedroom?

Testosterone levels can also be affected by COVID-19. The virus can infect the testes where testosterone and sperm are made in men. Lower testosterone levels not only affect erectile function but also can affect fertility. It is important to know if there is low T by testing hormones.

Shockwave Therapy Can Help

Shockwave therapy is a treatment option that is completely non-invasive and has the potential to improve blood vessel function leading to improvement or resolution of ED. Shockwave therapy uses low-frequency acoustic waves to open blood vessels in the penis and stimulate new blood vessel growth. It can also eliminate micro plaque buildup in the penis which can improve erectile function.

Causes and Treatments of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a dangerous health condition that leads to cardiovascular disease and many other illnesses. While the exact cause isn’t always known, there are many underlying factors that contribute to the development of high blood pressure. These lifestyle choices can make a positive difference.

Weight Gain Can Cause High Blood Pressure: Being overweight or obese can drive your blood pressure upward. Even losing a few pounds can have tremendous health benefits.

Lifestyle is Important in Controlling High Blood Pressure

Foods Play a Role in High Blood Pressure: Many people are aware that too much salt in a diet is detrimental for blood pressure. But most people don’t know that sugary foods and coffee can increase it too. Too much alcohol is another culprit. Plus, lots of packaged and canned foods have hidden salt and sugar. Know what you’re eating and strive for fresh foods when possible to help control blood pressure.

Lack of Activity Can Lead to Blood Pressure Problems: Today’s technology often enables an inactive lifestyle at both work and play. Physical activity can help control your blood pressure, reduce stress and manage your weight. Opting for daily exercise could be one of the best health decisions you make!

Medications Can Raise Blood Pressure: If you take medications, it’s important to learn about interactions and side effects. Supplements and over-the-counter drugs count too. On the other hand, olive leaf extract has been tested to reduce blood pressure. Learn more about it in High Blood Pressure and Olive Leaf Extract. You are in charge, so understand the health issues and benefits of drugs and supplements.

Stopping Smoking Can Lower Blood Pressure: Research has shown the multiple health benefits of stopping smoking. Lowering blood pressure is on the benefit list. Putting down your cigarettes is worth the effort. You don’t have to go it alone. Ask about our smoking cessation program at Serenity Health Care.

Genetics and Aging Play a Role in Blood Pressure: While you may be genetically inclined to have blood pressure issues, making the right lifestyle choices helps. Staying in good physical condition and following a healthy diet keeps many physical ailments at bay as you get older.

Call Serenity Health Care for an appointment to identify existing or potential blood pressure problems. It’s especially important to start early if your lifestyle or family history puts you at greater risk. Take action immediately if your blood pressure starts inching upward. It could save your life!

Leading Men’s Health Problems

Men’s health is important! Yet, it’s often said that men tend to take better care of their car than they do their health. What I believe this means is that many men tend to ignore “little” health symptoms more often than women. If it’s not too much of a problem, men just keep going. Some women do too. Yet, little problems can turn into major health issues when left untreated. Here’s a look at some of the leading health problems men face.

  1. Heart disease ranks as the top cause of death for men and women, but men are usually affected at a younger age. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to heart disease. Identifying and controlling symptoms such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diet and other lifestyle choices can help prevent or control heart problems. When you evaluate men’s health, check heart symptoms.
  2. Prostate cancer is a leading health problem for men. Many are slow growing and treatable. Tests aren’t always definitive, so the best action is to discuss your test results and overall risks regularly with your doctor. Read my article on Dealing with High PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) Levels for more information on testing and supplement suggestions.
  3. Type 2 diabetes is a silent health issue that can affect organs, cause strokes, kidney failure and more. This can be a major issue in men’s health. Identifying and controlling this disease is important to helping prevent long-term health complications. Exercise and diet help maintain your target weight, which can help control and/or reduce your chance of developing Type 2 diabetes. Discuss your risk with your health care professional.
  4. Liver disease is another condition that affects men’s health. Many liver diseases can be prevented with lifestyle changes such as eliminating alcohol and tobacco. Talk to your doctor about diet, supplements and lifestyle changes that can help protect your liver.
  5. Skin cancer is a top concern for men. According to the Cancer Foundation statistics, the risk for men over age 50 is more than twice that of a woman. The higher risk is a direct result of wearing less sunscreen, more sun exposure and fewer screenings. Prevention and early detection are the best protection against skin cancer.

Discover what “little” symptoms can mean to men’s health overall, longevity and lifestyle. Schedule a consultation with Serenity Health Care to learn more about optimizing your health so you can continue living your life to the fullest.

3 Ways to Guard Against Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. While genetics and age can raise your risk for heart disease, the choices you make in your daily life can make a big difference in your heart health. Here are some tips to help you learn more about this disease so you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

Protecting Yourself Against Heart Disease
Protecting Yourself Against Heart Disease

Know your numbers associated with heart disease

People who are aware of their numbers typically make better lifestyle choices. Plus, keeping an eye on these numbers lets you take action when one inches toward the danger zone.

  • Blood pressure: Normal pressure is below 120/80.
  • Cholesterol: Your lipid profile consists of HDL, LDL and triglycerides. Your total cholesterol should be 200 mg/dL or lower.
  • Dr. Muth’s recent article, “Heart Disease: An Aging Problem,” points out tests needed for an accurate picture of total heart health.
  • Fasting blood sugar level: You’re in the healthy range when your fasting blood sugar level is below 100.

Choose a healthy living lifestyle

  • Making a few changes in your daily life can help protect your heart. Strive to make good habits part of your daily routine. A healthy lifestyle should include:
  •  Exercise: Play sports, go walking, join a gym—get moving enough to get your heart rate up.
  • Nutrition: Eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grain fiber and lean proteins. Eliminate or limit foods that are high in fats, sodium and added sugars.
  • The Simple 7: Developed by the American Heart Association, Simple 7 leads you toward developing a heart healthy lifestyle.

Assess your habits for American Heart Month

  • Many people are aware that excessive alcohol and smoking can lead to a heart disease or heart attack. But, other habits can wreak havoc on your heart too.
  •  Stop smoking
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Reduce stress
  • Give the weekend warrior a break

Heart Disease: An Aging Problem

Heart Disease: An Aging Problem

Cardiac disease is a growing concern in our aging population 17.3 million people die a year from cardiac disease. By 2030 >23.6 million people will die from heart disease. People are developing heart disease at a younger age partially due to our poor quality food and lack of exercise. Decline in mitochondrial activity is also largely responsible for cardiovascular and neurological disorders as well as obesity and type II diabetes.

Heart Disease Health Facts

  • 50% of heart attack patients HAVE NORMAL LDL-C
  • SUDDEN DEATH is the first sign of cardiovascular disease in up to 50%
  • 10-24% of the world’s population has nonalcoholic fatty LIVER DISEASE
  • Metabolic Syndrome confers a twofold
increase in cardiovascular events and a 1.5X RISK OF DEATH

Loss of mitochondrial function in muscle tissue also leads to the familiar “flabby” body composition that causes muscle atrophy and increased body fat. Studies show that supplementation with carnitine can restore mitochondrial function to near-youthful levels. Total carnitine levels decline with aging and are roughly 20 % lower than in youth, leaving the mitochondria vulnerable to damage.

Heart muscles use fat as its primary form of energy source. This is why a no-fat diet is not recommended in Serenity’s heart health program. Carnitine is a fat-transporting compound that is absolutely essential for normal heart function. Carnitine increases nitric oxide that helps endothelial cells relax and increase blood flow, which can help lower blood pressure.

People with heart muscle damage from heart attacks or heart failure have especially low carnitine levels. Fortunately, carnitine supplementation has proven to be remarkable effective in fighting and even reversing the heart-weakening effects from that drop in carnitine levels. L-Carnitine supplementation prevents the progression of heart muscle damage in people with CHF and improves exercise with exertion.

Heart Disease Financial Facts

  • Yearly heart disease healthcare expenditure per individual $5693
  • Yearly fatty liver disease healthcare expenditure per individual $2600
  • Yearly metabolic syndrome healthcare expenditure per individual $2000

Do you want to save on your healthcare costs and better yet save your health? You must see the practitioners at Serenity Health Care Center to help you with your Cardiac Health. We can help you decipher your genetic information and create a plan for you that is as unique as you are.

If you have completed a lipid panel this is a great place to start but it is a basic group of tests to determine the risk for cardiovascular and related diseases. This test should always be combined with advanced testing to unveil a more accurate picture of total health. This will give specific information about your lipid profile so you will know if you should be worried about the abnormal lipid panel.

Lipoprotein particle size/number and Apolipoprotein concentrations reveal levels of good and bad cholesterol particles. Inflammatory processes are independent predictors of risk. Testing reveals the level of inflammation of blood vessels that may lead to plaque rupture, ultimately resulting in a heart attack or stroke. Advanced tests detect strain or other damage to the heart muscle. Metabolic markers can lead to early detection of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which may reduce or eliminate a patient’s need for insulin. A Fatty Acid Profile is a potent indicator of the nutrients in a patient’s diet that can improve cardiovascular health.

Call today for an appointment to discuss Serenity Health Care Centers Cardiac Program 262-522-8640.

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