Articles about stress and heart disease abound since information in the media and from physicians has been clear that these two situations are linked. Stress kills.

Stress, however, is normal part of everyday life. The stress that kills is the unmanaged, out of control stress that leads to emotional, psychological and physical problems.

Common illnesses that can be attributed to stress are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and immune mediated illnesses such as lupus, arthritis and gastrointestinal disorders.

However, researchers are continuing to work to conclusively pinpoint exactly how stress increases the risk of heart disease. At this time they know only that it does. Continue reading →

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a life threatening condition. The heart can no longer pump enough blood through the rest of the body. This is chronic, long-term condition although it can develop suddenly.

When people are first diagnosed they often look for the life expectancy for congestive heart failure disease. Even several years ago the life expectancy was about five years. But with recent advances in medical treatments this number has risen.

Congestive heart failure can affect the right or left side of the heart or both. As the heart pump loses efficiency blood will back up into other areas such as the liver, lower legs and lungs. The blood that has backed up is low in oxygen, which damages the tissue in these organs. This damage reduces their ability to function well. Continue reading →