Cardiovascular Risks Linked with Drinking and a CPR Class Columbus

Some of the major risk factors of cardiovascular disease includes high cholesterol and high blood pressure which can put you at the receiving end of life-threatening emergencies like a cardiac arrest or heart attack. Smoking and consumption of alcohol are the other risk factors. 

The best way to deal with such life-threatening emergencies is by going for a CPR class Columbus. In the classes, students are taught the life-saving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation procedures that comprises chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application of the procedures can revive the life of a victim involved in a cardiac emergency. Always select a certified training center for acquiring training such as the AHA certified CPR Columbus. Both theoretical and practical training are imparted to the students. Go through the course curriculum prior to signing up for a program as there are courses for both healthcare as well as non-healthcare providers.

Cardiovascular Risks linked with Drinking:

1.      Drinking more or consuming more alcohol increases dangers such as alcoholism, high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, breast cancer, suicide and accidents. The American Heart Association cautions people NOT to start drinking if they do not already drink alcohol. Do consult a medical professional on the benefits and risks of drinking in moderation.

2.      Increase in consumption can raise the levels of some fats in the blood (triglycerides) and can also lead to high blood pressure, heart failure and an increased calorie intake. Excessive drinking can lead to stroke with some of the other serious problems being fetal alcohol syndrome, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death.

Heart Disease- Some researchers are examining the potential benefits of components in red wine such as flavonoids and other antioxidants in reducing heart disease risk. These components can be found in other foods such as grapes or red grape juice. The link established between alcohol consumption and heart disease may be due to other lifestyle factors rather than alcohol such as increased physical activity, and a diet high in fruits and vegetables and lower in saturated fats. Nothing has still been done to determine the specific effect of wine or other alcohol on the risk of developing heart disease or stroke.

Are there any benefits?

1.      Researches are being conducted to find out apparent benefits of drinking wine or alcohol in some populations, including the role of antioxidants, an increase in HDL ("good") cholesterol or anti-clotting properties.

2.      The best-known benefit is a small increase in HDL cholesterol. However, performing some form of a physical activity on a daily basis is another effective way to raise HDL cholesterol, and niacin can be prescribed to raise it to a greater degree.

3.      Some substances like resveratrol found in alcoholic beverages may prevent platelets in the blood from sticking together that may reduce clot formation and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Aspirin also helps in a similar way.

Further research is required in this regard. However, the American Heart Association does not recommend drinking wine or any other form of alcohol to gain these potential benefits. It is advisable to reduce your risk factors like lowering your cholesterol and lowering high blood pressure, controlling your weight, getting enough physical activity and following a healthy diet which can be highly beneficial for you.

Drinking and its effects:

1.      Pregnant women shouldn't drink alcohol in any form which can harm the baby seriously, including causing birth defects.

2.      The risk of stomach problems is higher among people who take aspirin regularly and drinking increases these stomach risks. 

Points to Remember:

1.      Heart disease incidence in those who drink moderate amounts of alcohol is lower than in nondrinkers.

2.      If you are a heavy drinker, cut back down to reduce your stroke risks.

3.      Drinking a glass of wine is good for the heart in the sense that the main mechanism by which alcohol protects the heart is increasing good cholesterol. A glass of wine also helps individuals to relax.

The bottom line is alcohol does not have an adverse effect, unless an excessive amount is used. Moderate consumption is enough. Excessive consumption can be harmful as it increases the risk of high blood pressure, for which diabetic patients are already at high risk. Do include alcohol in a meal plan as it contains calories. Do seek help of a registered dietician in this regard.

Healthy Snacks for Summer Vacation:

Popcorn- It is the best choice to go for as it is not only loaded with fiber and low in fat, but you get the “quantity” factor as well. Try adding fresh herbs or salt free seasoning and pop it in just a touch of a heart-healthy oil like avocado oil.

Nutty Snacks- Do purchase raw or dry roasted and unsalted nuts to keep out the extra oil and sodium. These are full of good-for-you-fats and can be very filling, even in small quantities.

Dairy- Light string cheese is an amazing low-fat, high-protein snack, as is Greek yogurt!

Vegetables- There cannot be anything better than fruits and vegetables. Vegetables not only makes one feel full without expending a lot of the calorie budget but also are jam packed with nutrients too. Some of the easy snackers include mini sweet peppers, grape tomatoes (they don’t have to be kept cold), cucumbers, apples, tangerines (so easy to peel!), and cherries.

Packing a healthy snack can keep your heart healthy and your tummy happy and full.

Contribute towards the safety of cardiac arrest victims by joining a CPR class today at CPR Columbus in Ohio. We focus on providing training that is stress-free. Our AHA instructors not only go through the rigorous training that is mandated for their certifications by the American Heart Association, but also are further trained by CPR Columbus. The training that all of our instructors receive focuses on high quality customer service and how to ensure a relaxed classroom environment for all of our students. We also try to cater to individual needs. It is our goal to provide the most accurate training in an environment that makes everyone feel at ease. Our instructors are friendly and really do care about your success!