PopSugar

Found It: Sarah Cihat's Rehabilitated Dishware

YumSugar — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 16:30:58 -0700

A friend of mine brought over a catalog from Brocade Home the other day and asked, no actually make that demanded, that I help her figure out where the plates in the background came from. I was a little stumped, they reminded me a bit of the ones from Working Class Studios, only each one looked unique. I was pretty sure I had seen them before, only I wasn't sure exactly where. So I told her to sit tight and that I would get back to her soon.

After a little bit of searching I discovered that these plates are Rehabilitated Dishware by Sarah Cihat. These plates, I actually remembered seeing in a bunch of magazines over the last few years, are all unique and are made from dishes bought at thrift stores. They are then reglazed and refired, resulting in a fun piece that is both spectacular to look at and a great use for old possible-landfill-fodder dishes. I totally love them, especially how they all look similar, and yet are very different. And I love how Brocade used them all lined up on the wall like that. There's more info on where to buy the dishware on Sarah Cihat's website and Clio has the 7" salad plates for $44.

Now that I've tracked down these dishes, do you have anything you need me to track down? Let me know and I'll do my best to find it for you!

Got Back Pain? Try Pilates

FitSugar — Wed, 09 May 2007 02:30:00 -0700

You all know that I love Pilates. I started practicing the method because of chronic back pain. After trying physical therapy and yoga, it was doing Pilates regularly that got me out of pain. When I say regularly, I mean 5 to 7 days a week. Mr. Joe Pilates said that all it takes is 20 minutes of these exercises a day to keep the core in shape. I can attest to the truth of that statement. I am a walking, dancing, running, yoga practicing, skiing example of the power of Pilates. There are now some studies that prove the benefits of Pilates as a rehabilitative tool.

Queen's University School of Rehabilitation Therapy studied physically active 20 and 55 year olds with chronic back pain (just like me!!!). They found that the subjects that followed a regime of equipment-based exercises of the Pilates method, that strengthen core muscles in the lumbar-pelvic region, fared better than the subjects that simply consulted with physicians and other health care specialists. The Pilates group overall had 46% more pain relief and these improvements were visible a year later. Were those folks doing their 20 minutes a day? The study didn't say, but some of the basic Pilates concepts really help in activities of daily life.

Pilates teaches you how to stabilize your spine as well as how to safely increase spinal flexibility. I believe wholeheartedly that working with a certified Pilates practitioner is the way to go if you are trying to get out of pain. Although the private sessions are expensive, the pay off is great, less pain and more strength. Once you learn how to engage those deep abs and work your core, there is no going back.

Photo: Melanie Johnson
Power Flow Pilates, New Haven, CN

Posh and Boys Support Becks & Prep For Ramsay Christmas

PopSugarUK — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:02:26 -0800

Victoria Beckham was on sweet treat duty on Friday as she took the boys to Yogurtland in LA, while David spent Saturday training and attending a press conference in a warm hat. The Beckham brood then made the trip to Seattle to support David and LA Galaxy in their big MLS Cup final game on Sunday, following the team's win last weekend. Despite losing to Real Salt Lake 5-4 in penalties following the 1-1 draw, Becks remained positive about the team, saying: "It's always tough losing, but we can be proud of where we've come to".

It's been confirmed David can buy an MLS franchise when his playing career ends, and David confirmed he'll be going back to the Galaxy after his loan spell in Milan and the World Cup next Summer, but will be undergoing rehabilitation on his ankle injury. It sounds like Becks could do with a rest over the holiday season, and reports suggest he's going to get pampered at Christmas with Gordon Ramsay is reportedly cooking dinner for the Beckhams as their two families will spend Christmas Day together at Beckingham Palace. Sounds fun!

To see more pictures of the Beckhams' weekend, read more.

View 20 Photos ›

Hospital Starts Using Wii For Rehabilitation

GeekSugar — Fri, 18 May 2007 05:33:32 -0700

We knew Wii sports was an easy way to workout and burn a few calories, but never expected hospitals to start using the Wii for rehabilitation. According to Edmonton Journal, the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital is the first in North America to use the Wii technology to treat patients with movement and balance issues.

Apparently one patient in particular has progressed from his wheelchair, unable to bend at the waist or pick up things from the floor state and can now stand and play in front of a TV screen, swinging the Wii-mote like a golf club and generally have a rocking good time..

Dr. Grigore Burdea, who is a leader in computer-based virtual reality techniques in rehabilitation therapies, told the paper he thinks in five years every hospital and rehab clinic will have embraced the gaming technology for their patients. Here's more:

"People are addicted to games, but in this case, the addiction is towards a good cause," Burdea said. "Bill Gates (billionaire founder of Microsoft) would be wise to sponsor this kind of research."

Dick Morris: Clinton's Deed Comes at Too High a Cost

TresSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:30:57 -0700

Now that Bill Clinton has helped bring journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling home safely from North Korea, prominent politicos are speaking out against the way the release was handled. Appearing on Fox News today, former Clinton adviser Dick Morris argued that negotiating with North Korea gives the rogue state "an opportunity to rehabilitate its image globally simply to get two reporters out of jail."

Former UN ambassador John Bolton makes a similar argument that the trip is a "propaganda victory for North Korea," claiming that involving dignitaries like Clinton could create more danger to Americans in the future.

So what should we do with the journalists, just leave them there? Pretty much, says Morris: "What were they doing in North Korea in the first place?" Well, here's what I think.

Commission Examines Not-So-Funny Reality of Prison Rape

TresSugar — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:00:00 -0700

I find the topic of sexual abuse in prisons both depressing and compelling. On "the outside," rape is viewed as the price a convict should expect to pay for his or her crime. References to prison in everyday conversations or popular culture (like this soap as promotional product for the TV show Prison Break) typically involve jokes about rape. Once a criminal is involved, it seems like it's suddenly OK to joke about an otherwise taboo topic.

Although pop cultural references to sexual abuse in prison tend to be lighthearted and humorous, prison rape is a serious problem deserving attention. A federal commission was set up to look into prison rape, and the numbers are startling. According to the report released today, at least 60,000 inmates are sexually abused every year.

Based on the research, more prisoners claimed abuse by staff than by other inmates. In addition, short, young, gay, or female inmates were more likely to be victimized than other inmates.

Hopefully the common sense guidelines offered by the commission, such as strict background checks for staff and medical attention for victims, will keep inmates (who are human beings just like everyone else) safer and address the challenges prison rape presents to public health and inmate rehabilitation efforts.

Source

Stroke

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:35:11 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted due to the presence of a blood clot (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into the spaces surrounding brain cells (hemorrhagic stroke). Brain cells die when they no longer receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood or when they are damaged by sudden bleeding into or around the brain. This results in temporary or permanent neurologic impairment. Ischemic stroke, also known as cerebral infarction, accounts for 80 - 85% of all strokes, while hemorrhagic stroke accounts for the other 15 - 20%. Prior to a stroke, some people suffer transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), mini-strokes that generally last only 5 - 20 minutes but can linger for up to 24 hours before the symptoms go away completely. Many times, a TIA is a warning of an impending stroke. An estimated 700,000 people in the United States suffer a stroke each year, making this one of the most serious of all health problems. Half of stroke sufferers are left disabled, with many undergoing years of rehabilitation.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of a stroke depend on which area of the brain is affected and, in turn, what functions in the body that area controls. Many of the warning signs of a possible stroke (like a TIA) and symptoms of an actual stroke are the same. If any of these symptoms occur, therefore, medical attention should be sought right away and appropriate treatment started as quickly as possible. The faster that treatment is started, the more likely it is that brain function will be preserved.

Symptoms and warning signs include:

Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, and leg on one side of the body
Sudden loss of vision or dimmed vision, particularly in one eye
Loss of speech, or trouble talking or understanding speech
Sudden, severe headaches with no apparent cause
Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness, or sudden falls, especially if accompanied by any of the previous symptoms

Causes

Ischemic stroke results from the following causes:

A clot (embolus) forms in a part of the body other than the brain, travels through blood vessels, and becomes wedged in a brain artery.
A blood clot (thrombus) forms in a brain artery and stays attached to the artery wall until it grows large enough to block blood flow.

Hemorrhagic stroke results from the following causes:

A bleeding aneurysm -- a weak or thin spot on an artery wall that, over time, has stretched or ballooned out under pressure from blood flow. The wall ruptures and blood spills into the space surrounding brain cells.
Artery walls lose their elasticity and become brittle and thin, prone to cracking.
Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) -- a tangle of defective blood vessels and capillaries within the brain that have thin walls that can rupture.

Free radical damage may make someone susceptible to stroke and other brain disorders. Free radicals are waste products created when the body turns food into energy (metabolism). Even though they are created naturally by normal metabolic processes (called oxidation), free radicals cause harmful chemical reactions that can damage cells in the body. There are also many environmental sources of free radicals like ultraviolet rays, radiation, and toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and pesticides.

Ways to help protect yourself include:

Avoid extra exposure to oxidative stress and its subsequent free radicals by staying away from environmental sources.
Take antioxidants (see Nutrition and Dietary Supplements).

Risk Factors

Anybody can have a stroke, but certain factors place you at higher risk. Some factors that increase the risk of stroke cannot be changed, while others are linked to lifestyle and are, therefore, under your control.

Risk factors that cannot be changed:

Age -- The older a person gets, the greater the risk of stroke.
Sex -- Men are more likely to have a stroke than women. But after menopause, a woman's risk of stroke rises significantly.
Family history -- Having a parent, grandparent, or sibling who has had a stroke, puts you at greater risk yourself.
Race -- African-Americans have a greater risk of stroke than Caucasians. This is related to an increased risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes in African-Americans.
Heart attack – If you have had a heart attack in the past, you are more likely to have a stroke than someone who has not had a heart attack.
A history of migraine headaches -- Recent studies indicate that people who experience migraines may be at higher risk for ischemic stroke.
A prior stroke -- If you have had a stroke, you are at increased risk for another.
Sickle cell anemia -- people with this condition are at risk for stroke at a younger age.
Berry aneurysms -- These are small, sac-like areas within the wall of an artery in the brain with which some people are born. They occur most often at the junctures of vessels at the base of the brain. Berry aneurysms may rupture without warning, causing bleeding within the brain.

Risk factors that can be changed with medical treatment:

High blood pressure -- High blood pressure has no symptoms, so regular blood pressure checks are important. The condition can be easily and successfully controlled with medication.
High blood cholesterol levels -- Studies have shown that lowering cholesterol levels by changing your lifestyle and taking medication can reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 30%. Keeping cholesterol low can reduce the risk of blood clots and plaque buildup within the walls of arteries in the brain.
TIAs, or "mini-strokes" -- A surprising number of people ignore the symptoms of TIAs, which are warning signs that a stroke may be about to happen. In fact, 50% of people who have had a TIA suffer a stroke within one year. It is very important to seek medical attention for these symptoms because if you have had a TIA, there are definite steps you can take to help prevent a major stroke. Doctors prescribe blood thinners such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or other drugs to prevent blood clots if you have had a TIA.
Cardiovascular disease -- Certain disorders of the heart or blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis (plaque build up in artery walls) and atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm), can produce blood clots that may break loose and travel to the brain. These conditions are also treated with blood thinners to reduce risk of stroke.
Diabetes -- People with diabetes mellitus are more at risk. It is important to note that type 2 diabetes (often called adult onset) is highly influenced by certain lifestyle factors, particularly diet and excess weight.
Blood clotting disorders -- people who form blood clots more easily, called hypercoagulable conditions, are at greater risk for stroke. Hypercoagulable states are also treated with blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) in order to try to prevent stroke and other complications.
Sleep apnea -- people with sleep apnea have three to six times the risk of stroke compared to people who do not have this disorder. This condition, defined as cessation of breathing many times throughout the night, is generally treatable by losing weight and/or using a special device called a CPAP machine.

Risk factors that can be changed by lifestyle modifications:

Cigarette smoking -- Cigarette smoking has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, artery disease in the legs, and lung cancer. Nicotine raises blood pressure, carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen the blood can carry to the brain, and cigarette smoke makes the blood thicker and more likely to clot. It is never too late to give up smoking.
Smoking and birth control pills -- Research has proven that smoking and taking birth control pills significantly increases a woman's risk for stroke. Together, they can cause blood clots to form. Women who take birth control pills should not smoke.
Drinking large amounts of alcohol -- Frequent intoxication can make a person more likely to experience bleeding in the brain. Also, alcohol in large amounts can raise blood pressure.
Obesity -- Being overweight increases your risk of having a stroke, along with other health problems.
Lack of exercise -- Moderate exercise can help keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels within normal ranges.
Poor diet -- A diet high in fat can cause conditions within the body, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol, that contribute to a greater risk of stroke.
Stress -- Ongoing stress can raise blood pressure. Plus, not dealing well with stress can contribute to unhealthy habits such as smoking and overeating. Finding healthy ways to handle stress is important.

Other factors that may put you at increased risk for stroke include pregnancy, infection or inflammation, gum disease, and high homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid that rises in the body if you have low levels of vitamins B6, B12, B9 (folic acid), and betaine.

Diagnosis

If you or someone you know experiences symptoms associated with stroke, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. There are now effective therapies for stroke that must be administered at a hospital within the first 3 hours after stroke symptoms appear. At the hospital, a health care provider will make a diagnosis and guide you in determining which treatment or combination of therapies will work best for you. The health care provider will do a complete neurological exam and run a battery of tests, such as blood tests, an electrocardiogram, and a test to measure the severity of the stroke. Imaging techniques, such as CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), may be used to reveal the cause of the stroke and pinpoint blockages or reveal malformations.

Preventive Care

The best way to prevent stroke is to reduce your risk factors and take control of your own health:

If you smoke, stop smoking -- many excellent smoking cessation programs are available today; your doctor can advise you about tools to use, such as the nicotine patch as well as exercise and other behavioral modifications.
Keep your weight within normal limits.
Get a moderate amount of exercise, preferably 5 days a week.
Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. Green leafy vegetables may be particularly important as well as whole grains, nuts (especially walnuts), and fish.
If you have heart disease or an abnormal heart rhythm, work with your doctor to treat it. Certain types of problems with the heart and blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis and atrial fibrillation can cause blood clots to form. These clots can travel through the bloodstream and block an artery in the brain, causing a stroke (or can block a blood vessel in the heart and cause a heart attack).
If you have high blood pressure, take your medication regularly.
Lower your cholesterol level if it is elevated -- some people can do this by modifying diet; others need to take medication. Lowering cholesterol levels has been proven to reduce the risk of stroke.
If you have diabetes, keep it under good control.
Know the warning signs of TIAs and strokes, and get help right away if you experience them.

Medications for prevention

Certain medications have been shown to reduce the risk of stroke. These drugs, which aim to prevent the formation of dangerous blood clots, fall under two major categories:

Antiplatelet agents -- These include aspirin and stronger prescription drugs like ticlopidine (Ticlid) and clopidogrel (Plavix). These drugs help keep tiny blood cells called "platelets" from clumping together in the bloodstream. When a blood vessel is damaged or injured, platelets will migrate to the area to begin a healing process. However, large numbers of platelets can clump together and form a clot that plugs up an artery. Antiplatelet agents help prevent this clumping.
Anticoagulants -- These drugs also prevent clots, but are much stronger than antiplatelet agents. Common anticoagulants are warfarin (Coumadin)and heparin (generally given at the hospital through injection into a vein).

Treatment

A stroke is a medical emergency, regardless of whether it is a major stroke or a short-lasting TIA.

A person suffering symptoms consistent with a stroke should be taken immediately to a hospital emergency department.

The ability to quickly pinpoint the type of stroke is critically important in treatment decisions. A stroke caused by a blocked artery is treated in an entirely different way than a stroke caused by bleeding within the brain.

The key to survival and recovery is prompt medical treatment.

Lifestyle

Rehabilitation -- learning certain skills that you might have lost is crucial following a stroke and can consist of one or more of the following:

Physical therapy -- Teaches walking, sitting, and lying down, switching from one type of movement to another.
Occupational therapy -- To relearn eating, drinking, swallowing, dressing, bathing, cooking, reading, writing, toileting.
Speech therapy -- To relearn language and communication skills. Often, non-verbal alternatives are encouraged until speech returns.
Psychological/psychiatric therapy -- To help relieve some mental and emotional stresses (such as depression) that often accompany a stroke. These feelings may be due to the location of the brain damage itself or may be a reaction to the stroke.

In addition, learning yoga may help you recover function after a stroke, even months later. If you have had a stroke and are considering yoga, first talk to your doctor. Then, find a qualified teacher in your area who has worked a lot with stroke victims; this is very important because there are certain yoga postures that you should NOT do if you have high blood pressure, narrowed carotid arteries (the main arteries in your neck supplying blood to the brain), or history of stroke. Check with your physical therapist for a referral.

Medications

If the stroke is caused by a blockage in an artery, medications called thrombolytics can be used. The only drug in this class approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of stroke is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Popularly referred to as clot-busting, this medication has been used for years to treat heart attacks and only more recently has been used as part of the treatment of stroke.

Not all hospitals have the ability to give tPA to people having a stroke. Before this drug can be given, doctors must be certain that the stroke is the result of a blockage in the artery and not due to bleeding from an artery. This is determined through imaging procedures such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). But not all hospitals have around-the-clock imaging services. If the stroke is due to bleeding, this powerful blood thinner can worsen the hemorrhage.

If tPA cannot be used (for example, too much time has passed since the stroke symptoms began), another less potent blood thinner called heparin may be considered for use instead.

Once the acute phase of the stroke has resolved, other less potent blood thinners called antiplatelet agents (such as aspirin and ticlopidine) or anticoagulants (such as warfarin) may be used to prevent future strokes due to blood clots (See "Preventing Future Strokes").

If a stroke is caused by bleeding, medication (such as mannitol) can be given to reduce swelling of brain tissue.

Following the acute treatment of a stroke, while in recovery, medications to control risk factors for stroke like high blood pressure and high cholesterol will be started or adjusted if you are already taking. Daily aspirin is also recommended for those who have had a stroke or a TIA.

Surgery and Other Procedures

If the stroke or TIA is caused by a blockage, a procedure called carotid endarterectomy can be used to remove the buildup of plaque from inside the effected carotid artery, one of the major vessels supplying blood to the head and neck.

This surgical procedure is best for those who have had symptoms and have a blockage of 70% or more of one of their carotid arteries. If the narrowing of the vessel is less than 50%, medication (not surgery) is the most appropriate treatment to prevent future strokes.

Unfortunately, carotid endarterectomy may actually cause a stroke. Therefore, the risks and benefits of this procedure must be carefully weighed with your doctor.

If the stroke is caused by bleeding, an artery within the brain can sometimes be "clipped" to prevent further bleeding. Emergency surgery for a bleeding stroke may involve locating and surgically evacuating (removing) blood that has pooled in the brain tissue (called a hematoma). A brain specialist, called a neurosurgeon, will determine if this procedure is appropriate or not.

Interventional radiologists, if this specialized service is available at your hospital, may be trained to perform carotid angioplasty. This procedure begins with carotid angiography, as described earlier, to locate the blockage in this main artery supplying blood to the brain. Once located, a tiny balloon is threaded up to the blocked area and then inflated to break up the clot or plaque responsible for the narrowing in the vessel. The specialist may leave a wire mesh (stent) inside the vessel to keep it open. This procedure is quite risky, however, and may even cause a stroke.

If an aneurysm is present but has not bled, your doctor will discuss the possibility of removing it surgically. The decision is based primarily on the size of the aneurysm.

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

Potentially beneficial nutritional supplements include the following:

Alpha-lipoic acid. Alpha-lipoic acid works together with other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. It is important for growth, helps to prevent cell damage, and helps the body rid itself of harmful substances. Because alpha-lipoic acid can pass easily into the brain, it has protective effects on brain and nerve tissue and shows promise as a treatment for stroke and other brain disorders involving free radical damage. Animals treated with alpha-lipoic acid, for example, suffered less brain damage and had a four times greater survival rate after a stroke than the animals who did not receive this supplement, especially when alpha-lipoic acid is combined with vitamin E. While animal studies are encouraging, more research is needed to understand whether this benefit applies to people as well.

Calcium. In a population based study (one in which large groups of people are followed over time), women who take in more calcium, both through the diet and with added supplements, were less likely to have a stroke over a 14 year time course. More research is needed to fully assess the strength of the connection between calcium and risk of stroke.

Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Betaine. Many clinical studies indicate that patients with elevated levels of the amino acid homocysteine are as much as 2.5 times more likely to suffer from a stroke than those with normal levels. Homocysteine levels are strongly influenced by dietary factors, particularly vitamin B9 (folic acid), vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and betaine. These substances help break down homocysteine in the body. Some studies have even shown that healthy individuals who consume higher amounts of folic acid and vitamin B6 are less likely to develop atherosclerosis than those who consume lower amounts of these substances. Despite these findings, the American Heart Association (AHA) reports that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that supplementation with betaine and B vitamins reduce the risk of atherosclerosis or that taking these supplements prevents the development or recurrence of heart disease. The AHA does not currently recommend population-wide homocysteine screening, and suggests that folic acid, as well as vitamin B6, B12, and betaine requirements be met through diet alone. Individuals at high risk for developing atherosclerosis, however, should be screened for blood levels of homocysteine. If elevated levels are detected, a health care provider may recommend supplementation.

Magnesium. Population based information suggests that people with low magnesium in their diet may be at greater risk for stroke. Some preliminary scientific evidence suggests that magnesium sulfate may be helpful in the treatment of a stroke or transient ischemic attack. More research is needed to know for certain if use of this mineral following a stroke or TIA is helpful.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Strong evidence from population-based studies suggests that omega-3 fatty acid intake (primarily from fish), helps protect against stroke caused by plaque buildup and blood clots in the arteries that lead to the brain. In fact, eating at least two servings of fish per week can reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 50%. However, people who eat more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day (equivalent to 3 servings of fish per day) may be at an increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke, a potentially fatal type of stroke in which an artery in the brain leaks or ruptures. Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the chances of bleeding, especially in those taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) or even aspirin.

Pregnant women and women of childbearing age, who may become pregnant, however, are advised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to limit their consumption of shark, tuna, and swordfish to no more than once a month. These fish have much higher levels of methyl mercury than other commonly consumed fish. Since the fetus may be more susceptible than the mother to the adverse effects of methyl mercury, FDA experts say that it is prudent to minimize the consumption of fish that have higher levels of methyl mercury, like shark, tuna, and swordfish.

Potassium. Although low levels of potassium in the blood may be associated with stroke, taking potassium supplements does not seem to reduce the risk of having a stroke.

Vitamin C. Having low levels of vitamin C contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and other damage to blood vessels and the consequences such as stroke. Vitamin C supplements may also improve cognitive function if you have suffered from multiple strokes.

Vitamin E. Eating plenty of foods rich in vitamin E, along with other antioxidants like vitamin C, selenium, and carotenoids, reduces your risk for stroke. In addition, low levels of vitamin E in the blood may be associated with risk of dementia (memory impairment) following stroke. Animal studies also suggest that vitamin E supplements, possibly in combination with alpha-lipoic acid, may reduce the amount of brain damaged if taken prior to the actual stroke. Researchers suggest testing this theory in people who are at high risk for stroke. Thus far, however, some large and well-designed studies of people suggest that it is safest and best to obtain this antioxidant via food sources and that supplements do not bring about any added benefit.

Others. Additional supplements that require further research but may be useful as part of the treatment or prevention of stroke include:

Coenzyme Q10 -- works as an antioxidant and may reduce damage following a stroke.
Selenium -- low levels can worsen atherosclerosis and its consequences. However, it is not known if taking selenium supplements will help.

Herbs

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care and only under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). A close relative of the cranberry, bilberry fruits contain flavonoid compounds called anthocyanidins. Flavonoids are plant pigments that have excellent antioxidant properties. This means that they scavenge damaging particles in the body known as free radicals and may help prevent a number of long-term illnesses, such as heart disease.

Garlic (Allium sativum). Clinical studies suggest that fresh garlic and garlic supplements may prevent blood clots and destroy plaque. Blood clots and plaque block blood flow and contribute to the development of heart attack and stroke. Garlic may also be beneficial for reducing risk factors for heart disease and stroke like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Homocysteine, similar to cholesterol, may contribute to increasing amounts of blood clots and plaque in blood vessels. If you take aspirin or other blood thinners [like warfarin (Coumadin)}, ACE inhibitors (a class of blood pressure medications), sulfonylureas for diabetes, or statins for high cholesterol, talk to your doctor before using garlic supplements.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba). Gingko may reduce the likelihood of dementia following multiple strokes (often called multi-infarct dementia). The protection from ginkgo may be related to the prevention of platelet adhesion which can help prevent blood clot formation. Ginkgo may also decrease the amount of brain damage following a stroke. While animal studies support these possible benefits of ginkgo, more research in people is needed. Also, ginkgo should not be used with the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin) unless specifically instructed by your health care provider.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng). Asian ginseng may decrease endothelial cell dysfunction. Endothelial cells line the inside of blood vessels. When these cells are disturbed, referred to as dysfunction, it may lead to a heart attack or stroke. The potential for ginseng to quiet down the blood vessels may prove to be protective against these conditions. Much more research is needed before this use can be recommended. Ginseng may also thin your blood and, therefore, should be used only under the supervision of a doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medication warfarin (Coumadin).

Turmeric (Curcuma longa). Early studies suggest that turmeric may prove helpful in preventing heart attack or stroke in one of two ways. First, in animal studies an extract of turmeric lowered cholesterol levels and inhibited the oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Oxidized LDL deposits in the walls of blood vessels and contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and other damage to the vessels. Turmeric may also prevent platelet build up along the walls of an injured blood vessel. Platelets collecting at the site of a damaged blood vessel cause blood clots to form and blockage of the artery as well. Clinical studies of the use of turmeric to prevent or treat stroke in people would be interesting in terms of determining if these mechanisms discovered in animals apply to people at risk for this condition.

Homeopathy

Although an experienced homeopath might prescribe a regimen for treating stroke that includes one of the remedies listed below, the scientific evidence to date does not confirm the value of homeopathy for this purpose.

Acontitum napellus for numbness or paralysis after a cerebral accident
Belladonna for stroke that leaves person very sensitive to any motion, with vertigo and trembling
Kali bromatum for stroke resulting in restlessness, wringing of the hands or other repeated gestures, insomnia, and night terrors
Nux vomica for cerebral accident with paresis (muscular weakness caused by disease of the nervous system), expressive aphasia (language disorder), convulsions, and great irritability

Acupuncture

Many studies have been conducted on the effects of acupuncture during stroke rehabilitation. These studies have found that acupuncture reduces hospital stays and improves recovery speed. Acupuncture has been shown to help stroke patients regain motor and cognitive skills and to improve their ability to manage daily functioning. Based on the available data, the National Institutes of Health recommended acupuncture as an alternative or supplemental therapy for stroke rehabilitation. In general, the evidence indicates that acupuncture is most effective when initiated as soon as possible after a stroke occurs, but good results have been found for acupuncture started as late as 6 months following a stroke.

People who have suffered a stroke often have a deficiency of qi in the liver meridian and a relative excess in the gallbladder meridian. In addition to a primary needling treatment on the liver meridian and the supporting kidney meridians, moxibustion (a technique in which the herb mugwort is burned over specific acupuncture points) may be used to enhance therapy. Treatment may also include performing acupuncture on affected limbs. Certain scalp acupuncture techniques that have been developed by Chinese, Korean, and Japanese practitioners also show promise.

Chiropractic

Chiropractors DO NOT treat stroke, and high velocity manipulation of the upper spine is considered inappropriate in individuals who are taking blood-thinning medications or other medications used to reduce the risk of stroke. It should also be noted that chiropractic spinal manipulation of the neck is associated with an exceedingly small risk of causing stroke (reports range from 1 per 400,000 to 1 per 2,000,000).

Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are reports of over 100 substances that have been used to treat stroke. In fact, pharmacologic research of these substances is focused on understanding the ingredients and their mechanisms of action in order to develop new drugs.

Prognosis and Complications

There are many possible complications associated with stroke.

Seizures
Paralysis
Cognitive (thinking) deficits
Speech problems
Emotional difficulties
Daily living problems
Pain

Many people begin to recover from a stroke almost immediately after it has occurred.

The recovery process is most rapid in the first three months after a stroke, but improvement will continue for six months or a year. Many stroke survivors even report that they slowly continue to regain function for years after their stroke. It is very important not to lose hope.

Supporting Research

Amarenco P, Labreuche J, Touboul PJ. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and risk of stroke and carotid atherosclerosis: A systematic review. Atherosclerosis. 2007; [Epub ahead of print].

Blanco M, Nombela F, Castellanos M, et al. Statin treatment withdrawal in ischemic stroke: a controlled randomized study. Neurology. 2007;69(9):904-10.

Broderick J, Connolly S, Feldmann E, et al; American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Stroke Council; American Heart Association/American Stroke Association High Blood Pressure Research Council; Quality of Care and Outcomes in Research Interdisciplinary Working Group. Guidelines for the management of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in adults: 2007 update: a guideline from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Stroke Council, High Blood Pressure Research Council, and the Quality of Care and Outcomes in Research Interdisciplinary Working Group. Circulation. 2007;116(16):e391-413.

Desrosiers J, Noreau L, Rochette A, et al. Effect of a home leisure education program after stroke: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2007;88(9):1095-100.

Dorhout Mees S, van den Bergh W, Algra A, Rinkel G. Antiplatelet therapy for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;(4):CD006184.

Egan M, Kessler D, Laporte L, Metcalfe V, Carter M. A pilot randomized controlled trial of community-based occupational therapy in late stroke rehabilitation. Top Stroke Rehabil. 2007;14(5):37-45.

Ford I, Murray H, Packard CJ, Shepherd J, Macfarlane PW, Cobbe SM; West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study Group. Long-term follow-up of the West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(15):1477-86.

Hassan AE, Zacharatos H, Suri MF, Qureshi AI. Drug evaluation of clopidogrel in patients with ischemic stroke. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2007;8(16):2825-38.

Hinkle JL, Guanci MM. Acute ischemic stroke review. J Neurosci Nurs. 2007;39(5):285-93, 310.

Jang SH. A review of motor recovery mechanisms in patients with stroke. NeuroRehabilitation. 2007;22(4):253-9.

Kruger E, Teasell R, Salter K, Foley N, Hellings C. The rehabilitation of patients recovering from brainstem strokes: case studies and clinical considerations. Top Stroke Rehabil. 2007;14(5):56-64.

Lynch EA, Hillier SL, Stiller K, Campanella RR, Fisher PH. Sensory retraining of the lower limb after acute stroke: a randomized controlled pilot trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2007;88(9):1101-7.

McColl BW, Allan SM, Rothwell NJ. Systemic inflammation and stroke: aetiology, pathology and targets for therapy. Biochem Soc Trans. 2007;35(Pt 5):1163-5.

O'Keefe JH, Bybee KA, Lavie CJ. Alcohol and cardiovascular health: the razor-sharp double-edged sword. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;50(11):1009-14.

Pan W, Kastin AJ. Tumor necrosis factor and stroke: Role of the blood-brain barrier. ProgNeurobiol. 2007; [Epub ahead of print].

Richards LG, Stewart KC, Woodbury ML, Senesac C, Cauraugh JH. Movement-dependent stroke recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of TMS and fMRI evidence. Neuropsychologia. 2007; [Epub ahead of print].

Smith WS, Johnston SC, Skalabrin EJ, et al. Spinal manipulative therapy is an independent risk factor for vertebral artery dissection. Neurology. 2003;60(9):1424-1428.

Spence JD. Review: Perspective on the efficacy analysis of the Vitamin Intervention for Stroke Prevention trial. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2007; [Epub ahead of print].

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Review Date:
12/7/2007
Reviewed By:
Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources; and Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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adam.com

The Scars Tell the Tale: A Follow-Up on Michael Vick's Dogs

PetSugar — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:36 -0700

Last week I was flipping through the channels and caught the tail end of this MSNBC segment that follows up with a few dogs that were once prized fighters in Michael Vick's pack. We've already seen how well Leo has turned out through intensive training, and now we get a glimpse at the lives of Lucas and Georgia, who are being rehabilitated in California and Utah. Although Pit Bulls are generally stereotyped and given a bad rep from horrible stories (like the Vick case) and irresponsible pet parenting, these pooches prove that no matter what your past looks like, there's always room for love.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Back pain and sciatica

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:35:00 -0700

In This Report

Highlights
Introduction
Causes
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Medications
Complementary and Alternati...
Exercise and Physical Thera...
Surgery
Other Treatments
Specific Treatment for Acut...
Specific Treatment for Chro...
Prognosis
Complications
Prevention
Resources
References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Highlights

Surgery

Kyphoplasty, a surgical technique used to treat spinal fractures, does not improve a person's back pain or quality of life, according to a review published in 2006 by a nonprofit health services research agency. Kyphoplasty should only be done if bed rest, medicines, and physical therapy do not relieve back pain.

Ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to deliver gentle vibrations to an area of the body. Scientists in England are studying whether therapeutic ultrasound may help relieve pain and disability due to sciatica.

Acupuncture

Studies continue to show that acupuncture helps some patients with low back pain. Now, research published in the British Medical Journal online says the alternative treatment seems to be worth the price in the long run.

Stem Cells

Researchers in England have pioneered a new technique to grow new spinal tissue using stem cells. Stem cells are the building blocks of specific cells. Every cell in the human body starts (or "stems") from a stem cell. Researchers say a patient's stem cells may someday be used to grow new tissue that can replace damaged discs.

Back pain tied to brain changes

Chronic back pain appears to be linked to tiny structural changes in the brain. German researchers have found that persons with chronic back pain have more activity in the parts of the brain involved in pain processing and emotional responses. It is unclear if the brain changes came before the pain or if they occurred in response to the pain. The scientists presented their findings at the 2006 Radiological Society of North American annual meeting.

Introduction

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit their doctor. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 8 out of 10 people have some type of backache.

Back pain can be acute or chronic.

Acute pain develops suddenly and goes away within 6 weeks. Acute pain is the most common type of back pain.
Chronic pain can come on fast or slow, but it lasts longer than 3 months. Back pain can occur in any area of the back, but it is more common in the lower part, which supports most of the body’s weight.

The back is highly complex, and pain may result from damage or injury to any of various bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments, and other structures. Still, despite sophisticated techniques that provide detailed anatomical images of the spine and other tissues, the cause of most cases of back pain remain elusive.

Vertebrae. The spine is a column of small bones, or vertebrae, that support the entire upper body. The column is grouped into three sections.

The cervical (C) vertebrae are the seven spinal bones that support the neck.
The thoracic (T) vertebrae are the twelve spinal bones that connect to the rib cage.
The lumbar (L) vertebrae are the five lowest and largest bones of the spinal column. Most of the body's weight and stress falls on the lumbar vertebrae.

Click the icon to see an image of the spine.

Below the lumbar region is the sacrum, a shield-shaped bony structure that connects with the pelvis at the sacroiliac joints.

At the end of the sacrum are two to four tiny, partially fused vertebrae known as the coccyx or "tail bone."

Click the icon to see an image of the sacrum.

Each vertebra is designated by using a letter and number, which allows the doctor to determine where it is in the spine.

The letter reflects the spinal region where the vertebra is located: C=cervical (neck region), T=thoracic (chest, or middle back, region), and L=lumbar (lower back).
The number signifies the vertebra's place within that spinal region. The numbers start with 1 at the top of a region and count up as the vertebrae descend within the region. For example, C4 is the fourth bone down in the cervical region and T8 is the eighth thoracic vertebrae.

The Disks. Vertebrae in the spinal column are separated from each other by small cushions of cartilage known as intervertebral disks. The disks have no blood supply of their own. They need to rely on nearby blood vessels to keep them nourished.

Click the icon to see an image of an intervertebral disk.

Each disk is 80% water and contains two structures.

Inside each disk is a jelly-like substance called the nucleus pulposus.
The nucleus pulposus is surrounded by a tough, fibrous ring called the annulus.

Click the icon to see an image of the nucleus pulposus.

Processes. Each vertebra in the spine has a number of bony projections called processes. The spinal and transverse processes attach to the muscles in the back and act like little levers, allowing the spine to twist or bend. The particular processes form the joints between the vertebrae themselves, meeting together and interlocking at the zygapophysial joints (more commonly known as facet or z joints ).

Spinal Canal. Each vertebra and its processes surround and protect an arch-shaped central opening. These arches, aligned to run down the spine, form the spinal canal, which encloses the spinal cord.

Click the icon to see an image of the vertebrae and spinal cord.

Spinal Cord. The spinal cord is the central trunk of nerves that connects the brain with the rest of the body. Each nerve root passes from the spinal column to other parts of the body through small openings bounded on one side by the disk and the other by the facets. When the spinal cord reaches the lumbar region, it splits into four bundled strands of nerve roots called the cauda equina (meaning horsetail in Latin).

Click the icon to see an image of the cauda equina.

Causes

In about 85% of back pain cases, the origin of the pain is unknown, and imaging studies usually fail to determine the cause. Disk herniation and disk degeneration due to aging are the most common causes of low back pain. Other problems can also cause this pain, however.

Over the years, the disk can wear away (degenerate), causing inflammation and irritation. This age-related condition is a major source of chronic low back pain.

A herniated disk, sometimes, but incorrectly, called a slipped disk, is widely held to be the most common cause of severe back pain and sciatica. A disk in the lumbar area becomes herniated when it ruptures or thins out and degenerates to the point that the gel within the disk (nucleus pulposus) pushes outward. The damaged disk can take many forms.

A bulge -- The gel has been pushed out slightly from the disk and is evenly distributed around the circumference.
Protrusion -- The gel has pushed out slightly and asymmetrically in different places.
Extrusion -- The gel balloons extensively into the area outside the vertebrae or breaks off from the disk.

There is some debate, however, about how pain develops from a herniated disk and how frequently it causes low back pain. Many people have disks that bulge or protrude and do not suffer back pain. Extrusion (which is less common than the other two conditions) is highly associated with back pain, since the gel is likely to extend out far enough to press against the nerve root, most often the sciatic nerve. Extrusion is very uncommon, however, while sciatic and low-back pain are very common. But there may be other causes of low back pain

Ordinarily, at the time of any injury, the immune system triggers key factors that are designed to promote healing. Evidence is now pointing to an abnormal and persistent immune response in the cells of the nucleus pulposus that may be responsible for nerve injury and pain in the lower back. In such cases, the nucleus pulposus in the herniated disk overproduces certain factors known as cytokines -- notably tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -- that, in high levels, cause inflammation and cell damage. Evidence now suggests that such cytokines cause a biochemical reaction in the regions surrounding the bulging or protruded nucleus pulposus, which results in pain.

Abnormalities in the Annular Ring. Research has also focused on tears in the annular ring -- the fibrous band that surrounds and protects the disk. The annular ring contains a dense nerve network and high levels of peptides that heighten perception of pain. Tears in the annular ring are a frequent finding in patients with degenerative disk disease. Some cases of chronic low back pain may be caused by inward growth of nerve fibers into the annular ring, which triggers pain within the intervertebral disk.

At some time, up to 40% of people have pain called sciatica. This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve is trapped or inflamed.

The Sciatic Nerve. The sciatic nerve has an extensive pathway.

It first branches from the nerve roots that descend off the lowest part of the spinal cord (in the lumbar and sacral areas). Each of the two branches of the sciatic nerve is about as wide as a thumb.
Each branch of the nerve threads through the pelvis and deep into either side of the buttocks.
The nerve branches then pass down each hip and along the back of each thigh to the foot.

Causes of Sciatica. A herniated disk pressing on the sciatic nerve is the most common cause of sciatica, although spinal stenosis or other vertebral abnormalities that press on the sciatic nerve can also cause pain.

The main nerve traveling down the leg is the sciatic nerve. Pain associated with the sciatic nerve usually originates when nerve roots in the spinal cord become compressed or damaged. Symptoms can include tingling, numbness, or pain that radiates to the buttocks, legs, and feet.

Symptoms of Sciatica

Pain due to sciatica can vary widely. It may feel like a mild tingling, dull ache, or a burning sensation. In some cases, the pain is severe enough to cause immobility.

The pain most often occurs on one side. Some people have sharp pain in one part of the leg or hip and numbness in other parts. The affected leg may feel weak.

The pain often starts slowly. Sciatica pain may get worse:

At night
After standing or sitting for long periods of time
When sneezing, coughing, or laughing
After bending backwards or walking more than 50 - 100 yards (particularly if it is caused by spinal stenosis)

Sciatica pain usually goes away within 6 weeks, unless there are serious underlying conditions. Pain that lasts longer than 30 days, or gets worse with sitting, coughing, sneezing, or straining may indicated a longer recovery.

Other than age-related degenerative disk disorders, injuries in the muscles and ligaments supporting the back are the major causes of low back pain. Of note, is the iliac crest pain syndrome (iliolumbar syndrome), in which there are tears in the ligaments that help support the pelvic bone.

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal. This typically develops as a person ages and the disks become drier and start to shrink. At some point in this process, any disruption, such as a minor injury that results in disk inflammation, can cause impingement on the nerve root and trigger pain. Pain from spinal stenosis can occur in both legs, or it can be felt as sciatica. Spinal stenosis occurs mostly in the elderly with degenerative osteoarthritis, but it can sometimes be caused by other problems, including infection and birth defects.

Spondylosis is a condition in which the fourth or fifth lumbar vertebrae degenerate or develop small fractures. This condition affects 4 - 6% of the general population, and the rates may be higher in certain populations. As it progresses, the spine can become unstable and lead to spondylolisthesis, in which one vertebra slips forward over the other and causes sciatica. The condition most often occurs in older individuals with women having a higher risk than men. It is also a common cause of back pain from stress fractures in young athletes and can also be due to inherited problems, injury, or bone disease.

Some cases of sciatica pain may occur when a muscle located deep in the buttocks pinches the sciatic nerve. This muscle is called the piriformis. The resulting condition is called piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome usually develops after an injury. In rare cases leg swelling, deep-vein blood clots, or both may occur. Piriformis syndrome is sometimes difficult to diagnose.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammation of the spine that may gradually result in a fusion of vertebrae. Symptoms include a slow development of back discomfort, with pain lasting for more than 3 months. The back is usually stiff in the morning; pain improves with exercise. In severe cases, the patient must continually stoop over. It can be quite mild, however, and it rarely affects a person's ability to work. It occurs mostly in young Caucasians in their mid-20s. The disease is more common in men, but about 30% of the cases are in women. Researchers believe that in most cases it is hereditary. About 20% of people with inflammatory bowel disease and about 20% of people with psoriasis develop a form of ankylosing spondylitis. There are few effective treatments for this potentially disabling disease, although etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximab (Remicade), anti-inflammatory agents known as TNF-blockers, are proving to be beneficial.

Any abnormality in joints, vertebrae, or nerve roots can cause back pain:

The facet (z-joints) joints can wear down. In such cases, pain occurs on arching the back or when walking.
In some cases a segment (consisting of two vertebrae and their common joint and disk) becomes unstable when its parts wear down.
Injury to nerve roots, notably deep root ganglia (nerve cells in the spine whose fibers extend from skin to muscle tissue), may be important in some cases. Some patients may have scar tissue that traps the nerve roots in the lower spine and causes sciatica.

Risk Factors

In most known cases, pain begins with an injury, after lifting a heavy object, or after making a sudden movement. Not all people have back pain after such events, however. In the majority of back pain cases, the causes are unknown.

Some evidence suggests that after episodes of back pain, some people may experience changes in brain structure and chemicals that produce an exaggerated response in nerve cells. In fact, a 2005 study suggested that chronic back pain actually shrinks the brain by as much as 11%. Such brain changes may cause a persistent perception of pain even though the actual injury has healed.

German researchers have found that chronic back pain appears to be linked to tiny structural changes in the brain. Using a specialized imaging method, they learned that persons with chronic back pain seemed to have a different, more complex structure to their brain and more activity in the areas involved in pain processing and emotional responses. It is unclear if the brain changes occurred before the pain or in response to the pain.

A number of conditions may make people more or less susceptible to low back pain.

Intervertebral disks begin deteriorating and growing thinner by age 30. One-third of adults over 20 show signs of herniated disks (although only 3% of these disks cause symptoms). As people continue to age and the disks lose moisture and shrink, the risk for spinal stenosis increases. The incidence of low back pain and sciatica increases in women at the time of menopause as they lose bone density. In older adults, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are also common. However, the risk for low back pain does not mount steadily with ever-increasing age, which suggests that at a certain point, the conditions causing low back pain plateau.

Inherited Spinal Structure Abnormalities. Many people have a genetic susceptibility to low back pain, usually from inheriting spinal structural abnormalities.

Inherited Weakened Disks. Studies are finding that specific mutations of the COL9A gene may play a role in about 10% of sciatica cases. The gene is normally involved in producing collagen, the protein building block in all structural tissue in the body. When defective, it may cause the disk to be less able to resist compressive forces. One 2001 study found the defective gene was present in twice as many patients with disk problems as in patients without back pain.

The likelihood of experiencing back pain increases as children age. Some studies suggest that pain is more common among girls than boys. A common cause of temporary back pain is carrying backpacks that are too heavy for children. Backpacks should not weigh more than 20% of the child's body weight. They should weigh even less for very young children. Emotional or behavioral problems may also contribute to back pain in children.

Jobs that involve lifting, bending, and twisting into awkward positions, as well as those that cause whole-body vibration (usually due to long-distance truck driving), place workers at particular risk for low back pain. The longer a person continues such a job, the higher the risk. Some workers wear back support belts, but evidence strongly suggests that they are useful only for people who are currently have low back pain. The belts offer little added support for the back and do not prevent back injuries. In one study, workers who wore the belt for prevention reported more back pain than the workers who did not wear them.

A number of companies are developing programs to protect against back injuries. Although studies are mixed on the outcome of company interventions, one analysis suggested that they do have a positive effect. Employers and workers should make every effort to create a safe working environment. Office workers should have chairs, desks, and equipment that support the back or help maintain good posture.

Infections. A number of common and uncommon infections are a cause of back pain. Chronic uterine or pelvic infections can cause low back pain in women. Osteomyelitis is infection in the spine, a rare cause of back pain. Other infections that cause back pain include Lyme disease, septic arthritis, bacterial endocarditis, Reiter syndrome, mycobacterial, fungal arthritis, and viral arthritis. Chlamydia pneumonia, an atypical organism that is a common cause of mild pneumonia in young adults, is now believed to cause widespread inflammation in the body's tissue, including blood vessels, and may be responsible for a number of chronic conditions, including heart disease. Some evidence further suggests it may cause inflammation in arteries of the lower spine and contribute to spinal stenosis.

Many medical conditions are associated with back pain.

Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeleton in which the amount of calcium present in the bones slowly decreases to the point where the bones become fragile and prone to fracture. It usually does not cause pain unless the vertebrae collapse suddenly, in which case the pain is often severe. Studies indicate, however, that the incidence of low back pain and sciatica increase around the time of menopause, and very tiny fractures in the vertebrae caused by osteoporosis may be an undetected cause of back pain in many elderly women.
Osteoarthritis occurs in joints where cartilage is damaged and then destroyed, usually as a result of aging. In reaction to this destruction, the bones associated with the joints develop abnormalities. When osteoarthritis affects the spine, it may damage the cartilage in the disks, the moving joints of the spine, or both. The nerves may become pinched, causing pain and in advanced cases, numbness and muscle weakness. The patient may also experience muscle spasms and diminished mobility.
Inflammatory disorders, such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis, can produce inflammation in the spine (sacroiliitis), although the spine is less commonly affected than other locations.
Other conditions that can directly cause pain include fibromyalgia, Paget's disease, Parkinson's disease, abscesses, blood clots, and cancer.
Other medical conditions cause referred back pain, which occurs in conjunction with problems in organs unrelated to the spine (although usually located near it). Such conditions include ulcers, kidney disease (including kidney stones), ovarian cysts, and pancreatitis.

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by progressive loss of bone density, thinning of bone tissue and increased vulnerability to fractures. Osteoporosis may result from disease, dietary or hormonal deficiency or advanced age. Regular exercise and vitamin and mineral supplements can reduce and even reverse loss of bone density.

It should be noted, however, that a number of medical conditions, such as lung and heart problems and chronic headaches, commonly occur with low back pain. A causal relationship among them, however, is uncertain.

Persistent low back pain in children is more likely to have a serious cause that requires treatment than back pain in adults. According to one small study, one third of children being treated at a hospital for back pain were found to have serious underlying problems.

Stress fractures (spondylolysis) in the spine are a common cause of back pain in young athletes. Sometimes a fracture may not show up for a week or two after an injury. Spondylolysis can cause spondylolisthesis, a condition in which the spine becomes unstable and the vertebrae slip over each other.

Hyperlordosis is an inborn exaggerated inward curve in the lumbar area. Scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine in children, does not usually cause back pain.

Juvenile chronic arthropathy is an inherited form of arthritis. It can cause pain in the sacrum and hip joints of children and young people. It used to be grouped under juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, but is now defined as a separate problem.

Injuries, benign tumors such as osteoblastoma or neurofibroma and cancers, including leukemia, can also cause back pain in children.

Medications may trigger back pain. For example, anticoagulants can cause bleeding or an internal bruise. Long-term steroid use can cause infection or compression fractures.

Some research is suggesting that some people have motor control abnormalities in the deep muscles near the spine. Such lack of control causes instability in the spine that can lead to pain.

Pregnant women are prone to back pain due to a shifting of abdominal organs, the forward redistribution of body weight, and the loosening of ligaments in the pelvic area as the body prepares for delivery. Tall women are at higher risk than short women. Although some earlier research had suggested that the use of epidurals for pain relief during labor could lead to chronic back pain, studies in 2002 reported no increased risk.

Psychological factors are known to play a strong influential role in three phases of low back pain:

Some evidence suggests preexisting depression and the inability to cope may be more likely to predict the onset of pain than physical problems. For example, a British study reported that people who showed emotional distress at age 23 were nearly twice as likely to suffer from back pain 10 years later. A 2005 study found that a “passive” coping style (not wanting to confront problems) was strongly associated with the risk of developing disabling neck or low back pain.
The perception of pain. Social and psychological factors play a role in the severity of a person's perception of back pain. For example, one study compared truck drivers and bus drivers. Nearly all the truck drivers liked their work. Half of them reported low back pain but only 24% lost time at work. Bus drivers, on the other hand, reported much lower job satisfaction than truck drivers, and these workers with back pain had a significantly higher absentee rate than truck drivers in spite of less stress on their backs. Similarly, another study found that pilots, who generally reported "loving their jobs," reported far fewer back problems than their flight crews. And yet another study reported that low rank, low social support, and high stress in soldiers was associated with a higher risk for disabling back pain.
Chronic pain. Depression and a tendency to develop physical complaints in response to stress also increase the likelihood that acute back pain will become a chronic condition. The way a patient perceives and copes with pain at the beginning of an acute attack may actually condition the patient to either recover or develop a chronic condition. Those who over-respond to pain and fear for their long-term outlook tend to feel out of control and become discouraged, increasing their risk for long-term problems.

Studies also suggest that patients who reported prolonged emotional distress have less favorable outcomes after back surgeries. It should be strongly noted that the presence of psychological factors in no way diminishes the reality of the pain and its disabling effects. Recognizing it as a strong player in many cases of low back pain, however, can help determine the full range of treatment options.

Diagnosis

Because nearly all cases of low back pain clear up in a short time and are not due to serious problems, a medical history and a brief physical examination are almost always sufficient.

Still, with very severe or chronic back pain, it is important that any serious medical causes as well as cauda equina syndrome and progressive nerve damage be ruled out first. If the doctor suspects a serious underlying cause, the approach to determining the origin of back pain involves answering three questions:

Is some general medical disorder present that could be causing the pain?
Are there social or emotional factors that might be intensifying the pain?
Are the nerves in the spine involved in the pain (such as in sciatica)?

Such questions can usually be answered with a medical history and physical examination.

A patient should report any serious health problems and concerns during a medical and family history, especially those listed below.

Previous episodes of back pain
Any injuries or accidents involving the neck, back, or hips
History of cancer
Unexplained weight loss or chronic infection
The frequency, duration, and nature of the back pain
When the back pain occurs
What triggered the pain (such as lifting a heavy object)
Conditions that make the pain worse such as coughing
Any situation that relieves the pain
Urination of bowel movement problems
Other relevant symptoms such as morning stiffness, weakness, or numbness in the legs.

The main goal of a physician exam is to try and determine the source of the pain and to determine limits of movement.

Patients are asked to sit, stand, and walk in different ways (flat-footed, on the toes, and on their heels).
In some cases they are asked to walk on a treadmill to test for weakness in toe or heel walking (which may indicate stenosis).
Patients will be requested to bend forward, backward, and sideways and to twist.
Patients will be asked to lift their leg straight up while lying down. The doctor will also move the patient's legs in different positions and bend and straighten the knees. (Pain caused by sciatica can be intensified by lifting the affected leg straight in the air. It is usually sharp, localized, and accompanied by numbness or tingling. Pain caused by inflammation is duller and more generalized and not affected by lifting a straight leg.)
The doctor may measure the circumference of the calves and thighs to look for muscle deterioration.
To test nerve function and reflexes, doctors will tap the knees and ankles with a rubber hammer. The doctor may also touch parts of the body lightly with a pin, cotton swab, or feather to test for numbness and nerve sensitivity.

Because most patients with back pain are on the mend or completely recovered within 6 weeks, imaging techniques such as x-rays or scans are rarely recommended in the first month unless a tumor, fracture, infection, cauda equina syndrome, or progressive neurologic disease is suspected.

Patients who have the following symptoms or experienced certain events may need imaging studies.

Pain that lasts more than a month
Very severe or progressive pain, numbness
Muscle weakness
A previous accident or injury that might have affected the back
A history of cancer
Indications of an underlying disease such as fever or unexplained weight loss
Pain that occurs in patients over 65 years of age

If these conditions exist, usually an x-ray is used first. If results are inconclusive, either computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be performed. (Ultrasound is not useful.)

X-Rays. Although many patients with acute and uncomplicated low back pain believe that plain x-rays of the spinal column are important in a diagnosis, they are not very helpful in most patients except for reducing anxiety. If pain persists after 6 - 8 weeks, then x-rays are usually warranted. In such cases, x-rays may reveal signs of injury, infection, tumors, stenosis, or changes in the vertebrae that may be causing inflammation or compression on the nerve. There are many different types of x-rays for the spine.

A diskography is an x-ray of the disk. This procedure requires injections into disks suspected of being the source of pain and disks nearby. It can be painful and is generally only used for patients who are undergoing back surgery to identify the location of the injured disk.
An x-ray myelogram is an x-ray of the spine that requires a spinal injection of a special dye and the need to lie still for several hours to avoid a very painful headache. It has value only for select patients with pain on moving and standing. It has largely been replaced by CT and MRI scans.

CT stands for computerized tomography. In this procedure, a thin x-ray beam is rotated around the area of the body to be visualized. Using very complicated mathematical processes called algorithms the computer is able to generate a 3-D image of a section through the body. CT scans are very detailed and provide excellent information for the doctor.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide very well-defined images of soft tissue and bone. It is not painful, but some people may feel claustrophobic in scanners that are fully enclosed. MRIs can detect annular tears, or disk fragments, and non-spinal causes of back pain, including infection and cancer. However, MRIs are no more effective than x-rays in identifying arthritis, and they are more expensive. Some medical evidence suggests that relying on MRI images of disk abnormalities to determine treatment has resulted in many unnecessary surgeries. At least 40% of all adults have bulging or protruding vertebral disks, and most have no back pain. The degree of disk abnormalities revealed by MRIs often have very little to do with the severity of the pain or the need for surgery. Disk abnormalities in people who have back pain may simply be a coincidence rather than an indication for treatment.

Click the icon to see an image of a MRI machine.

Advanced imaging techniques should be used only when underlying infection, cancer, or nerve involvement is suspected.

Magnetic Resonance Neurography. This imaging exam looks at the nerves in the pelvic area. Researchers reporting in the Journal of Neurosurgery found that it helped reveal pinched nerves that can cause leg pain. The findings could lead to new ways to diagnose sciatica and piriformis syndrome.

Bone Scintigraphy and SPECT Imaging.In rare cases, doctors may use bone scintigraphy (bone scanning) to determine abnormalities in the bones. The technique may be useful for early detection of spinal fractures, cancer that has spread to the bone, or osteoarthritis. During this exam, a small amount of radioactive material is injected into a vein. It circulates through the body, and is absorbed by the bones. The bones can then be visualized using x-rays or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). A study in the February 2006 journal Radiology found that SPECT can help determine which patients would get low back pain relief from spinal injections. Forty-seven patients were randomly divided into two groups: One group received SPECT before they were scheduled for an injection, the other group did not. Those who showed spinal problems on the SPECT images received an injection in the area of the abnormalities. Those who had a normal SPECT, as well as those who did not have the test at all, received injections in the area recommended by their referring physician. After a month, those who had targeted injections using the SPECT images had greater pain relieve than those who did not.

Electrodiagnostic tests that analyze the electric waveforms of nerves and muscles may be useful for detecting nerve abnormalities that may be causing back pain and identifying possible injuries. They are also useful to determine if any abnormal structural findings on an MRI or other imaging test have real significance as a cause of the back pain. It should be noted that any nerve injuries that affect these tests may not be present for 2 - 4 weeks after symptoms begin.

Nerve conduction studies and electromyography are the electrodiagnostic tests most commonly performed.

Nerve Conduction Studies. To perform nerve conduction studies, surface electrodes are attached to the skin. Small electric shocks are then applied to measure the speed of nerve conduction.

Electromyography. To perform electromyography, a fine, sterile, wire electrode is inserted briefly into a muscle and the electrical activity is displayed on a viewing screen. Electromyography can be quite painful, and some experts question, in fact, whether it adds any valuable diagnostic information. They suggest it be limited to unusual cases or when other tests indicate that the condition is aggressive and may increase the risk for rapid, significant injury.

Blood and urine samples may be used to test for infections, arthritis, or other conditions.

Injecting a drug that blocks pain into the nerves in the back helps locate the level in the spine where problems occur.

A procedure called a facet block is also useful in locating areas of specific damage.

Provocative diskometry is a test that uses an injection of saline solution into the suspected disk to reproduce the pain, which is then followed by injection of an anesthetic to dull the pain.

Medications

The most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of back pain are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs block prostaglandins, the substances that dilate blood vessels and cause inflammation and pain. Evidence suggests that short-term use of NSAIDs brings effective relief in patients with acute back pain. The benefits for chronic back pain are less certain.

There are dozens of NSAIDs. The most common are the following:

Over-the-counter NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, Motrin IB, Rufen), naproxen (Aleve), ketoprofen (Actron, Orudis KT).
Prescription NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), diclofenac (Voltaren), tolmetin (Tolectin), ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail), nabumetone (Relafen), dexibuprofen (Seractil), and indomethacin (Indocin).
Topical NSAIDs delivered in gels, creams, or patches do not appear to provide any long-term benefits in reducing arthritic pain.

Many experts now recommend that patients who take NSAIDs by mouth only do so for a short period of time. A 2004 review published in the British Medical Journal suggested that long-term use of NSAIDs does not actually reduce osteoarthritis pain and may increase patients’ risk of experiencing side effects. High dosages of NSAIDs can cause heart problems such as increased blood pressure, kidney problems, and stomach bleeding.

In April 2005, the FDA asked drug manufacturers of prescription NSAIDs to place an alert on their medicines warning people that the drugs have been linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal bleeding. The FDA also requested manufacturers of OTC NSAIDs to revise their labels to include more specific language concerning potential cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks. Aspirin does not contain such warning labels.

Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is the second most common cause of ulcers and the rate of NSAID-caused ulcers is increasing. Ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also more likely to bleed than those caused by the bacterium H. pylori.

Doctors cannot predict which patients taking these drugs will develop bleeding.

Among the groups at high risk for bleeding are elderly people, anyone with a history of ulcers of GI bleeding, patients with serious heart conditions, alcohol abusers, and those on certain medications, such anticoagulants ("blood thinners"), corticosteroids, or bisphosphonates (drugs used for osteoporosis).

Proton-pump inhibitors may help to prevent and heal ulcers caused by NSAIDs. Proton-pump inhibitors include omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), and lansoprazole (Prevacid).

An ulcer is a crater-like lesion on the skin or mucous membrane that is caused by an inflammatory, infectious, or cancerous condition. To avoid irritating an ulcer, stop smoking and try to eliminate certain substances from your diet, including caffeine and alcohol. Prescription medicines are available to suppress the acid in the stomach that causes erosion of the stomach lining. Endoscopic therapy can be used to stop ulcer-related bleeding.

Coxibs block an inflammation-promoting enzyme called COX-2. This drug class was initially thought to work as well as NSAIDs, while causing less gastrointestinal distress. However, following numerous reports of cardiovascular events, gastrointestinal problems, and skin rashes, the FDA is currently re-evaluating the relative risks and benefits of this drug class. Rofecoxib (Vioxx) and valdecoxib (Bextra) have been withdrawn from the United States market. Celecoxib (Celebrex) is still available, but patients should ask their doctor if this drug is appropriate and safe for them.

Tramadol (Ultram) is a pain reliever that has been used as an alternative to opioids. It has opioid-like properties, but is not as addictive. (Dependence and abuse have been reported, however.) It can cause nausea, but does not cause the severe gastrointestinal problems that NSAIDs can. Some patients who take tramadol experience severe itching. A combination of tramadol and acetaminophen (Ultracet) is now available. It provides more rapid pain relief than tramadol alone.

Narcotics are pain-relieving and sleep-inducing drugs that act on the central nervous system. They are the most powerful medications available for the management of pain.

There are two types of narcotics:

Opiates are derived from natural opium such as morphine and codeine.
Opioids are synthetic drugs and include oxycodone (Percodan, Percocet, Oxycontin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and oxymorphone (Numorphan).

Novel ways to deliver pain medicine have been developed. A skin patch containing an opioid called transdermal fentanyl (Duragesic) may relieve chronic back pain more effectively than oral opioids. For very severe pain, a small, patient-controlled pump called SynchroMed may be used. This device is implanted under the skin in the abdomen and delivers pulses of pain-relieving opioids to the spinal canal.

Common side effects of opioids include anxiety, constipation, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, paranoia, urinary retention, restlessness, and labored or slow breathing. Addiction is a risk, although less than is commonly believed when these medications are used for pain relief. In fact, when prescribed properly, use of opioids for chronic pain can be safer in some cases than on-going use of NSAIDs. Unfortunately, opioid abuse among young people is a major concern. Unless the pain is very severe, experts advise against routinely prescribing opioids.

Injections of different substances are sometimes used to treat low back pain caused by nerve impingement. The injection is usually an epidural, which is directed into the spaces between the outer membrane of the spine and the vertebrae. None of these substances cure the problem.

Corticosteroids. An injection of a corticosteroid (commonly called a steroid) is directed as close to the injured location as possible. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation. This approach may temporarily relieve sciatic pain until the body heals itself. Studies that measure the benefits of steroids on sciatica or low back pain are conflicting. There is some evidence that patients can experience rebound pain within a few months. Some experts have also raised concerns that even a single injection can cause serious and painful side effects, including meningitis and inflammation, although such risks are very low.
Hypertonic saline (salt water solution). Epidural injections of saline are being investigated for breaking up scar tissue. One 2001 study compared targeted injections of saline and steroids directed at the nerve root. Although steroid injections had more immediate benefits, both products offered improvement. By the third month, patients who had saline injections experienced less pain than the steroid group. A 2003 study found that epidural corticosteroid injections provided no greater benefit than saline injections for patients with sciatica.
Local anesthetics. Injections of anesthetics such as Xylocaine or bupivacaine may help some patients, although studies on their benefits are mixed.
Botulinum. Researchers are investigating whether injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) in the lower back can safely and effectively relieve pain. Very small amounts of Botox temporarily paralyzes muscle tissue. Botox is commonly used to smooth out wrinkles. Some studies have suggested that Botox may be very helpful in relieving chronic low back pain and sciatica caused by piriformis syndrome. In a 2001 study, the benefits of Botox injections for low back pain subsided within 6 months.

A 2002 review of studies concluded that antidepressants may lessen pain severity in some patients, although they had little effect on daily functioning. Antidepressants called tricyclics can be effective painkillers in non-depressed people with chronic back pain. Such antidepressants include amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), amoxapine (Asendin), nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl), and maprotiline (Ludiomil). It should be noted that tricyclics can have severe side effects. Nonetheless, experts believe there is a useful role for these drugs that warrants further investigation.

A combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), diazepam (Valium), carisoprodol (Soma), or methocarbamol (Robaxin) are sometimes used for patients with acute low back pain. Medical evidence has found that they can help relieve non-specific low back pain, but some experts have warned that these drugs should be used cautiously, since they target the brain, not the muscles. Patients who take muscle relaxants may experience a number of central nervous system side effects such as drowsiness. The muscle relaxant Soma can be addictive and does little more than produce sleep.

Tumor-Necrosis Factor (TNF) Modifiers. TNF modifiers block the action of tumor necrosis factor, a protein involved in inflammatory response. Because of their anti-inflammatory properties, TNF modifier drugs are being investigated for the treatment of the nerve dysfunction and pain that occurs in sciatica. Some small studies indicate that infliximab (Remicade) may help reduce sciatica pain. Early studies suggest that another TNF modifier, etanercept (Enbrel), may be useful for treating sciatica and back pain. TNF modifiers are powerful drugs that can cause severe side effects.

Lidocaine Patch. A skin patch containing lidocaine, a local anesthetic, has been used specifically for herpes zoster pain. Early studies suggest that this patch, called Lidoderm, may provide significant relief for people who suffer from low back pain with very few adverse effects, even with continuous use of four patches a day. If further studies support its benefits, the patch could prove to be an important treatment

NO-NSAIDs. NO-NSAIDs are drugs that combine NSAIDs and nitric oxide (NO), a substance that enhances blood flow to the stomach and increases levels of protective mucus and bicarbonate. These agents show particular promise in providing pain relief and reducing the risk for GI problems.

Generally, manufacturers of herbal remedies and dietary supplements do not need FDA approval to sell their products. Just like a drug, herbs and supplements can affect the body's chemistry, and therefore have the potential to produce side effects that may be harmful. There have been a number of reported cases of serious and even lethal side effects from herbal products. Always check with your doctor before using any herbal remedies or dietary supplements.

Most herbal remedies used for back pain have both pain-relief and anti-inflammatory effects. Popular herbs for back pain relief include:

White willow bark (Salix alba) contains salicylates, the same chemicals found in aspirin.
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple.
Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) is an herb commonly used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine.
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is an African herb sometimes used to relieve arthritic pain.

White willow bark, bromelain, and Boswellia have blood-thinning properties and can interfere with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

A number of complementary and alternative treatments are used to relieve back pain. Complementary means it is used together with conventional medicine. Alternative means it is done in place of conventional medicine.

Acupuncture is now a common alternative treatment for certain kinds of pain. It involves inserting small needles or exerting pressure on certain "energy" points in the body. When the pins have been placed successfully, the patient is supposed to experience a sensation that brings a feeling of fullness, numbness, tingling, and warmth with some soreness around the acupuncture point. Unfortunately, rigorous studies of acupuncture are difficult to perform, and most evidence on its benefits is weak. In any case, it may be specifically helpful for certain patients with back pain, such as pregnant women, who must avoid medications. Anyone who undergoes acupuncture should be sure it is performed in a reputable location by experienced practitioners who use sterilized equipment.

Click the icon to see an image of acupuncture.

A number of well-conducted studies have supported the benefits of massage therapy for patients with chronic or acute back pain, especially when it is combined with exercise and patient education. In fact, one analysis in 2003 suggested it may reduce the costs of care. However, it is usually not covered by insurance.

According to a 2001 review of studies, only intensive programs that include both psychological and physical rehabilitation therapies were successful in reducing chronic low back pain and improving function. A number of effective approaches to low back pain -- collectively called mind-body techniques -- employ psychological, behavioral, or physical methods to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Although many may be helpful, evidence is lacking on the specific approaches that would be most successful and which patients would most likely benefit.

Stress Reduction. Stress reducing techniques, including relaxation methods and meditation, may be helpful. One study, for example, reported that meditation was beneficial in reducing pain and improving mood among chronic pain sufferers who had not responded to traditional care. Another found that after 3 weeks, patients who were in pain after back surgery had less discomfort and slept better after practicing relaxation imagery techniques while listening to music for 25 minutes a day.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Studies report that a course of cognitive-behavioral therapy helps reduce chronic back pain or at least enhances the patient's ability to deal with it. The primary goal of this form of therapy in such cases is to change the distorted perceptions that patients have of themselves and their approach to pain. Using specific tasks and self-observation, patients gradually shift their fixed ideas that they are helpless against the pain that dominates their lives to the perception that pain is only one negative and, to a degree, a manageable experience among many positive ones. In one study, therapists also taught relaxation techniques and methods to improve posture. The sessions lasted for 2.5 hours each week for 12 weeks. More research is needed.

Patient Education and Support Groups. A 2002 study reported that patients with chronic low back pain who participated in an expert-moderated e-mail support and discussion group had less pain and disability after 12 months. An Australian massive public-health campaign that educated patients and doctors about the importance of staying active and dispelled fears about long-term impairment from back pain dramatically reduced disability and worker compensation claims.

Spinal Manipulation for Uncomplicated Acute Low Back Pain. Spinal manipulation may be useful for acute back pain that persists beyond 2 - 3 weeks. There are a number of variations, but one example of a spinal manipulation technique is the following:

The patient first lies on their side.
The practitioner grasps the exposed shoulder and either the hip or knee and then presses the upper and lower portions of the body in opposite directions, so that the torso rotates.
The shifting vertebrae make a cracking or popping sound, indicating that they have exceeded the normal range of motion.
Often this results in a greater sense of ease and mobility. (The effect, however, may be temporary.)

Whether on-going manipulations relieve pain better that just one visit is a subject of debate. Some patients consider spinal manipulation to be highly effective for chronic low back pain. A major 2003 analysis, however, reported that current evidence did not support the benefits of spinal manipulation over general medical care or physical therapy for either acute or chronic back pain. [It was better than sham (fake) therapy, however.]

Spinal manipulations are typically performed by chiropractors, but osteopathic doctors also perform them.

One in three people with low back pain seek treatment from a chiropractor. Chiropractic was founded in the U.S. in the late 1800s. The specific goal of chiropractors is to perform spinal manipulations to improve nerve transmission. Many studies have now confirmed that patients feel more satisfied with their chiropractic care than with treatment from general practitioners.
Osteopathy was also founded in the 1800s. Its core approach to healing also involves physical manipulation. Osteopathy manipulates the bones, muscles, and tendons to optimize blood circulation. The general direction of osteopathy over the years has widened to employ a broader range of treatments that now approach those of standard medicine. One 1999 study reported that osteopathy was as effective as medical treatment in relieving low back pain and patients required far less medication and physical therapy. Osteopathic treatment was also far less expensive than traditional back pain treatments.

Both chiropractors and osteopaths offer verbal assurance and a precise treatment regimen. The direct physical connection through spinal manipulation reinforces the patient-practitioner relationship. The emotional effects of such connections may be as important for healing as the treatments themselves.

Mild and temporary side effects from spinal manipulation are common. The potential for serious adverse effects from low back manipulations is low. It should be strongly noted, however, that serious complications (including stroke or spinal cord or neck injury) have been reported with manipulations of the neck. Although little research has been done on such complications, an English survey indicated that they are more frequent than commonly thought.

Some chiropractors may take a lot of x-rays, particularly those of the full spine, which may have long-term harmful consequences. Patients should also be aware that some chiropractors use alternative treatments that have not been proven or rigorously studied. All patients should require objective evidence on the benefits of their treatments.

Vertebral Axial Decompression. Vertebral axial decompression (VAX-D) may reduce pain and improve function in patients with chronic low back pain, including sciatic pain that radiates down the leg. The patient lies face down on a special table, clutching hand grips and wearing a pelvic harness. The traction-like action alternately decompresses and relaxes the spine over 1-minute intervals. Each session lasts about 30 minutes. Ten to 20 sessions on successive days are often required. The procedure is thought to alleviate pain and enhance healing by relieving pressure within the disks, promoting the in-flow of oxygen, fluids, and nutrients to the spinal column. Some evidence supports its benefits, with reported success rates of around 70%. Because it is considered experimental, it is not yet covered by most insurers. More studies are needed to confirm its possible benefits.

Percutaneous Neuromodulation Therapy. A technique called percutaneous neuromodulation therapy (PNT) uses a small device delivers electrical stimulation to deep tissues and nerve pathways near the spine. It has shown some initial promise for relief of chronic back pain and may also improve mobility and sleep. Treatment sessions are conducted in the doctor's office and last about 30 minutes. A correct pattern of stimulation appears to be important for optimal relief and needs to be determined.

Electric Nerve Stimulation. Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) uses low-level electrical pulses to suppress back pain. A variant, percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS), applies these pulses through a small needle to acupuncture points. The standard procedure is to give 80 - 100 pulses per second for 45 minutes three times a day. The patients are barely aware of the sensation. Although a 2002 analysis of trials could find no direct evidence of benefit, small studies have reported some relief for chronic low back pain from either TENS or PENS. It is not known if these effects are long lasting. Neither approach is helpful for relief of acute low back pain in most patients.

Muscle Stimulation. Two investigative procedures called automated or electrical twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ATOIMS or ETOIMS) are showing promise. ATOIMS uses an automated mechanical device that vibrates the muscle using a tiny pin. (The sensation is described as similar to a mosquito bite.) ETOIMS uses an extremely mild electrical current. They can also be used together. Both approaches cause the muscles to twitch and then relax then the process is stopped. Discomfort is minimal. Small studies are reporting some help in relieving a number of condition the cause chronic pain, including low back pain.

Therapeutic ultrasound. Therapeutic ultrasound involves placing a small wand or probe directly onto the skin. The wand gives off sound waves, which gently vibration the area. Scientists in England are studying whether therapeutic ultrasound may help relieve pain and disability due to sciatica.

Intradiscal Electrothermal Treatment (IDET). Intradiscal electrothermal treatment (IDET) uses electricity to heat a painful disk. Heat is applied for about 15 minutes. Pain may temporarily feel worse, but after healing, the disk shrinks and becomes desensitized to pain. However, healing takes several weeks. The surgery may not work in obese patients.

Some studies have reported positive benefits to IDET; others say it does not significantly reduce pain. A randomized, blinded study published in the November 2005 journal Spine found that IDET was no better than a sham (fake) procedure in relieving chronic back pain due to disk disease. For the study, patients were randomly selected to receive either IDET or a sham procedure. After 6 months, there was no difference in pain symptoms between the two groups.

Exercise and Physical Therapy

Incorrect movements or long-term high-impact exercise is often a cause of back pain in the first place. People vulnerable to back pain should avoid activities that put undue stress on the lower back or require sudden twisting movements, such as football, golf, ballet, and weight lifting.

Exercise does not help acute back pain. In fact, overexertion may cause further harm.

An incremental aerobic exercise program (such as walking, stationary biking, swimming) may begin within 2 weeks of symptoms. Jogging is usually not recommended, at least not until the pain is gone and muscles are stronger.

Patients should avoid exercises that put the lower back under pressure until the back muscles are well toned. Such exercises include leg lifts done in a facedown position, straight leg sit-ups, and leg curls using exercise equipment.

In all cases, patients should never force themselves to exercise if, by doing so, the pain increases.

Exercise plays a very beneficial role in chronic back pain. Repetition is the key to increasing flexibility, building endurance, and strengthening the specific muscles needed to support and neutralize the spine. Exercise should be considered as part of a broader program to return to normal home, work, and social activities. In this way, the positive benefits of exercise not only affect strength and flexibility but they also alter and improve patients' attitudes toward their disability and pain. Exercise may also be effective when combined with a psychological and motivational program, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.

There are different types of back pain exercises. A 2005 review in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that stretching exercises worked best for reducing pain, while strengthening exercises were best for improving function.

Back pain exercises include:

Low Impact Aerobic Exercises. Low-impact aerobic exercises, such as swimming, bicycling, and walking, can strengthen muscles in the abdomen and back without over-straining the back. Programs that use strengthening exercises while swimming may be a particularly beneficial approach for many patients with back pain. Medical research has shown that pregnant women who engaged in a water gymnastics program have less back pain and are able to continue working longer.
Lumbar Extension Strength Training. Exercises called lumbar extension strength training are proving to be effective. Generally, these exercises attempt to strengthen the abdomen, improve lower back mobility, strength, and endurance, and enhance flexibility in the hip and hamstring muscles and tendons at the back of the thigh.
Yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Kung. Practices originating in Asia that combine low-impact physical movements and meditation may be very helpful. They are designed to achieve a physical and mental balance and can be very helpful in preventing recurrences of low back pain.
Pilates, an exercise practice that uses yoga principles, may be specifically helpful.
Flexibility Exercises. Flexibility exercises may help reduce pain. A stretching program may work best when combined with strengthening exercises.
Retraining Deep Muscles. Some studies suggest a link between low back pain and impaired motor control of deep muscles of the back and trunk. According to these studies, contraction exercises specifically designed to retrain these muscles may be effective for patients with both acute and chronic pain.

Perform the following exercises at least three times a week:

Partial Sit-ups. Partial sit-ups or crunches strengthen the abdominal muscles.

Keep the knees bent and the lower back flat on the floor while raising the shoulders up 3- 6 inches.
Exhale on the way up and inhale on the way down.
Perform this exercise slowly 8 - 10 times with the arms across the chest.

Pelvic Tilt. The pelvic tilt alleviates tight or fatigued lower back muscles.

Lie on the back with the knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Tighten the buttocks and abdomen so that they tip up slightly.
Press the lower back to the floor, hold for one second, and then relax.
Be sure to breathe evenly.

Over time increase this exercise until it is held for 5 seconds. Then, extend the legs a little more so that the feet are further away from the body and try it again.

Stretching Lower-Back Muscles. The following are three exercises for stretching the lower back:

Lie on the back with knees bent and legs together. Keeping arms at the sides, slowly roll the knees over to one side until totally relaxed. Hold this position for about 20 seconds (while breathing evenly) and then repeat on the other side.
Lying on the back, hold one knee and pull it gently toward the chest. Hold for 20 seconds. Repeat with the other knee.
While supported on hands and knees, lift and straighten right hand and left leg at the same time. Hold for 3 seconds while tightening the abdominal muscles. The back should be straight. Alternate with the other arm and leg and repeat on each side 8 - 20 times.

Note: No one with low back pain should perform exercises that require bending over right after getting up in the morning. At that time, the disks are more fluid-filled and more vulnerable to pressure from this movement.

Physical therapy with a trained professional may be useful if pain has not improved within the first 3 weeks. It is, in fact, important for any person who has chronic low back pain to have an exercise program guided by professionals who understand the limitations and special needs of back pain and who can address individual health conditions. One study indicated that patients who planned their own exercise did worse than those in physical therapy or doctor-directed programs.

Physical therapy typically includes the following:

The first stage involves patient education and training the patient in correct movement. Sometimes heat or electro-therapies (such as therapeutic ultrasound or low-energy lasers) are used, although their benefits are unproven.
If back pain persists beyond 5 weeks, physical therapy is used for rehabilitation. It uses exercises to help the patient keep the spine in neutral positions during all daily activities.

Surgery

Diskectomy is the surgical removal of the diseased disk. The procedure relieves pressure on the spine. It has been performed for 40 years with increasingly less invasive techniques being developed over time. However, few studies have been conducted to determine its real effectiveness. In appropriate candidates it provides faster immediate relief than medical treatment, but long-term benefits (over 5 years) are uncertain. A number of minimally invasive variations are now available.

When the soft, gelatinous central portion of an intervertebral disk is forced through a weakened part of a disk, it is called a slipped disk. Most slipped disks (herniated disks) take place in the lumbar area of the spine. Slipped disks are one of the most common causes of lower back pain. The mainstay of treatment is an initial period of rest with pain and anti-inflammatory medications followed by physical therapy. If pain and symptoms persist, surgery to remove the herniated portion of the intervertebral disk may be needed.

Microdiskectomy. Microdiskectomy is the current standard procedure. It is performed through a small incision (1 to 1-1/2 inch). The back muscles are lifted and moved away from the spine. After identifying and moving the nerve root, the surgeon removes the injured disk tissue under it. The procedure does not change any of the structural supports of the spine, including joints, ligaments, and muscles.

Other less invasive procedures that are available including the following:

Endoscopic Diskectomy. Endoscopy employs a catheter (a thin tube) that contains tiny cameras and surgical instruments that are inserted through small incisions. Various endoscopic approaches are proving to be useful for back surgery.
Percutaneous Diskectomy. Percutaneous diskectomy (PAD). This approach uses a tube with a device at the tip that cuts away some of the nucleus pulposus and a vacuum that then sucks this gelatinous matter out.
Laser Diskectomy. A number of investigative surgical procedures employ lasers. For example, endoscopic laser foraminoplasty (ELF) uses lasers to locate the likely source of pain and remove diseased tissue. The incision requires little more than a Band-Aid and complications are minimal. Long-term benefits are unknown, however.

It is not clear yet if any of these less-invasive procedures are any more effective than the standard microdiskectomy.

Complications and Outlook. Many patients still have back pain after diskectomy that delays discharge from the hospital. Narcotics are usually needed. Adding an injected NSAID may speed resolution of pain.

Scar tissue is a significant problem, since it can cause persistent low back pain afterward. Anti-scarring agents or certain devices may help reduce surgical scars and thereby postoperative pain. Other complications of spinal surgery can include nerve and muscle damage, infection, and the need for reoperation.

Patients now often remain in bed only 3 - 4 days after disk surgery. It may take 4 - 6 weeks for full recovery, however. Gentle exercise may be recommended at first. Starting intensive exercise 4 - 6 weeks after a first-time disk surgery appears to be very helpful for speeding up recovery.

Operations that remove a vertebra (laminectomy) or shave off part of one (laminotomy) may be used in certain cases of spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis to decompress the nerve. They may also be used to remove benign tumors on the spine.

Click the icon to see an illustrated series detailing lumbar spinal surgery.

Although either procedure often brings immediate relief from pain, a 1999 statistical study suggested that it is inappropriately performed in 60% or more of sciatica cases. There are small risks to the operation, and it is not always successful. Some recurrence of back pain and sciatica occurs in half to two-thirds of postoperative patients. Minimally invasive variations are under investigation.

In cases where abnormal vertebrae position or movement is responsible for severe and chronic back pain, such as spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis, surgeons may fuse vertebrae together. Fusion uses a bone graft or some other device to join the vertebrae together. In a 2001 study of patients with severe long-term back pain, 33% of patients who had spinal fusion had less back pain after 2 years, compared to 7% who received conservative treatment with physical therapy. Pain improved most in the 6 months following surgery. However, a 2005 clinical trial found that spinal fusion surgery worked no better than intensive rehabilitation in reducing disability. The intensive rehabilitation program included both physical and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Many spinal fusion surgeries use a tiny hollow metal cage, which is implanted into the disk space. Bone is then removed from the patient's hip and packed inside the cage. Over time the bone grows through the holes and around the device, fusing the vertebrae. Alternatively, rather than performing a bone graft, the cage is filled with a sponge-like material containing a genetically-engineered protein called InFuse (rhBMP-2) that promotes bone to grow.

Click the icon to see an illustrated series detailing spinal fusion.

A number of video-assisted techniques have been developed. The new techniques are less invasive than standard "open" surgical approaches, which uses wide incisions. To date, however, the newer procedures have higher complication rates than the open approaches and some medical centers have abandoned them.

Percutaneous Vertebroplasty. Percutaneous vertebroplasty involves the injection of a cement-like bone substitute into vertebrae with compression fractures. It is done under endoscopic and x-ray guidance. The technique is proving useful for stabilizing the spine and relieving pain in patients with spinal compression fractures due to osteoporosis or cancer. A Mayo Clinic study found that patients who have the procedure have less back pain during rest and activity. A survey of records from more than 100 vertebroplasty patients revealed that most patients are more functional than before the procedure, and the benefits lasted for up to a year. Warning: The FDA has warned consumers that polymethylmethacrylate bone cement, used during vertebroplasty, could leak. Such leakage could cause damage to soft tissues and nerves. It is extremely important that the patient is sure that the health care provider has had significant experience performing the vertebroplasty procedure.

Percutaneous kyphoplasty. The health care provider injects bone cement into the space surrounding a fractured vertebra. (Vertebroplasty injects the cement directly into the vertebra.) Kyphoplasty is used to stabilize the spine and return spinal cord height to as normal as possible. However, a review published in 2006 by a nonprofit health services research agency found that the technique does not improve a person's back pain or quality of life. Kyphoplasty should only be done if bed rest, medicines, and physical therapy do not relieve back pain. Those with severe fractures or spinal infections should not have kyphoplasty.

Artificial Disk Replacement. Total disk replacement is an investigative procedure for some patients with severely damaged disks. The technique implants artificial disks (ProDisc, Link, SB Charite) consisting of two metal plates and a soft core. The surgery can be performed using a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, which is performed through tiny cuts using miniature tools and viewing devices. A study in 2003 was the first to suggest that it may eventually achieve results that are comparable to standard surgeries for disk herniation. An artificial cushioning device called the prosthetic disk nucleus (PDN) replaces only the inner gel-like core (nucleus pulposus) within the intervertebral space, rather than the entire disk. It is showing promise in early studies.

Nerve Blocks. A number of surgical techniques are available for relieving pain by impairing nerves that are causing pain due to impingement. Medical research has shown that 60% of the patients who received electrical stimulation to block the nerves reported at least 90% relief of pain after a year; 87% reported at least 60% relief.

Other Treatments

Radiofrequency Nerve Destruction. Radiofrequencies are being used to destroy nerves involved in the facet joints (or z-joints), which connect the vertebrae. Evidence is still weak on its benefits. A 2003 analysis suggested that it may be beneficial, however, for relief of neck pain and possibly for low back pain caused by problems in the facets joints. Serious infections have been reported.

Stem cell treatments. Researchers in England have pioneered a new technique to grow new spinal tissue using the patient's own stem cells. Stem cells are the building blocks of specific cells. Every cell in the human body starts (or "stems") from a stem cell. The new tissue will replace damaged spinal tissue and may relieve low back pain. Researchers expect the treatment to enter pre-clinical trials in about 1 year.

Specific Treatment for Acute Low Back Pain

Patients with short-term acute low back pain usually have the best results with the least aggressive treatments. The general approach is as follows:

Patients with no serious underlying cause should stay as active as possible within the limits of the back pain. (Bed rest is not recommended.)
Physical therapy or spinal manipulations may be helpful if pain continues for more than 2 - 3 weeks.
The patient should seek a specialist if pain continues for more than 1 month. (Some patients may need to see a specialist sooner if there is an underlying disorder, nerve damage, or injury.) Back pain due to medical conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or pregnancy either goes away when the underlying condition disappears or is treated.

Home Care Tips for Relieving Pain

Resume normal activity as soon as possible. Bed rest is no longer recommended and may delay recovery. Activities should be done without strain or stretching.
Avoid intense exercise and physical activity, particularly heavy lifting and trunk twisting if there is acute back pain.
Try an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory such as aspirin or ibuprofen. These medicines often provide significant benefits.
Apply heat (104°) to the painful area. Heat may work better than ibuprofen or acetaminophen. One group of researchers found that people with low back pain who wear low-level heat wraps for 8 hours a day have significant less pain and disability.
Try alternating between hot and cold packs. Some doctors recommend changing from hot to cold every 3 minutes and repeating this sequence three times. Others believe ice packs should be applied first. This routine should be done two or three times during the day. (Note: Heat or cold treatments do not have much effect on sciatica.)
Supportive back belts, braces, or corsets may help some people temporarily, but these products can reduce muscle tone over time and should be used only briefly.
Get plenty of sleep. Healthy sleep plays a vital role in recovery. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening, and unwind before bed by taking a warm bath or practicing relaxation techniques. It is often difficult to get a good night's sleep when suffering from back pain, particularly because the pain can intensify at night. Some people may need medicine to help manage nighttime pain or treat sleeplessness. Lying curled up in a fetal position with a pillow between the knees or lying on the back with a pillow under the knees may help.

Prescription muscle relaxants may help some patients, although their benefits are uncertain. Once started, medications should be taken on a regular schedule in order to maintain consistent effectiveness.

Massage therapy may help relieve both acute and chronic low back pain. Several well-conducted studies have shown some benefit and suggest it may reduce the costs of care. Massage therapy may not be covered by health insurance.

Spinal manipulation may help, although it is not clear if it works any better than physical therapy or general care. Some experts recommend delaying this treatment until pain has persisted for 3 weeks, if possible, since the back pain will most likely have gone away on its own by then.

Acupuncture has not proven to have any value for acute low back pain in most patients, but may provide some help for patients with chronic low back pain.

Be aware of and avoid approaches that are not helpful. Certain approaches may even be harmful for acute low back pain. For example, permanent bipolar magnets (magnet therapies) can deactivate heart devices and must be kept at least six inches away from pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators. These magnets have gained some popularity as a non-invasive method of relieving pain, but no studies support the claims.

Specific Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain

Evidence strongly suggests that only intensive treatment, involving both physical and psychological rehabilitation programs, can reduce pain and improve function in patients with chronic low back pain. Even with the best treatments, many patients with chronic back pain fail to have complete pain relief. They often must develop methods for coping with persistent pain.

Early treatments for severe or chronic low back pain are similar to those of acute uncomplicated low back pain.

Pain relievers, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may help relieve symptoms, although they can have severe effects on the gastrointestinal tract over time. Some doctors have recommended long-term opioids for patients with severe chronic pain, but studies suggest they do not improve activity levels and can have significant side effects.

Corticosteroid injections and tricyclic antidepressants may be helpful for some patients.

Specific and regular exercise under the guidance of a trained professional is important for reducing pain and improving function, although patients often find it difficult to maintain therapy.

A new type of physical therapy, called Souchard's global postural re-education, helps relieve back pain symptoms due to degenerative disk disease, according to research presented at the 2005 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting. The method involves stretching weakened muscles around the spine and stomach. Researchers studied 102 people who had at least 7 months of severe back pain due to disk disease and who had received different types of treatment for more than 6 months. They attended the new physical therapy sessions two times the first week, then once a week for an average of 5 months. Ninety-two percent had significant pain relief and returned to their normal daily activities. The majority of those who had pain relief felt better after 3 weeks, and remained pain free for almost 2 years.

Alternative therapies may help. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and massage may relieve pain. Mind-body techniques such as relaxation and meditation may be help reducing stress-related pain. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps change behavior and attitudes toward pain.

Acupuncture may provide longer-lasting pain relief than physical therapy, according to a study in the British Medical Journal. For the study, 129 people were given either 6 acupuncture or physical therapy sessions. The study authors cautioned that the benefit of acupuncture greatly depended on the health care provider’s experience. Another study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, reported that acupuncture worked better than no treatment at all.

Yoga relieves low back pain better than conventional exercise or self-help books, according to a study published in the December 20, 2005, issue of Annals of Internal Medicine. For the study, 101 adults with low back pain who were randomly assigned to one of three groups. One group attended yoga classes and lessons; the second did aerobics, weight training, and stretching; and third group read a self-help book about back pain. After 12 weeks, those who took yoga could better perform daily activities requiring the back than those in the other two groups. After 26 weeks, those who took yoga had less pain and better back function, and used fewer pain relievers than the others.

Patients should always try all possible non-surgical treatments before opting for surgery. The most common reasons for surgery for low back pain are sciatica and spinal stenosis. Some experts believe that less than 1% of back pain patients need aggressive medical or surgical treatments.

Nevertheless, when it is appropriate, surgery can provide great relief. Many approaches and procedures are available or being investigated. However, there have been few well-conducted studies to determine if any type of back pain surgery works better than others, or if a single procedure is better than no surgery at all.

People who are obese and have low back pain may benefit from surgical weight loss surgery. A study in the journal Obesity Surgery found that bariatric (stomach stapling) surgery significantly improves the degree of disability in morbidly obese patients who have low back pain.

Before having any surgery, it is extremely important that the patient is sure that the surgeon has had significant experience with the procedure.

Nonsurgical Procedures. Patients with herniated disks should try nonsurgical treatments for at least 1 month before considering surgery. Nonsurgical procedures include spinal manipulation, massage therapy, and physical therapy. Patients should wait at least 2 - 3 weeks before using spinal manipulation.

Surgery. According to a 2001 review of studies, about 10% of patients have such bad back pain after 6 weeks that a diskectomy may be considered. Diskectomy is the standard procedure for herniated disks. For many of these patients, surgery may bring significant relief. In one study, 70% of patients with moderate-to-severe sciatica who had had surgery reported improvement. In most patients, the improvement was better than that achieved by 4 years of nonsurgical treatments. It is not clear if surgery maintains its advantage for longer periods of time.

Preventing Falls. Falling is a risk for patients with spinal stenosis. They should avoid alcohol and sedatives. Leg strengthening exercises such as walking and cycling may be helpful.

Nonsurgical Treatments. The use of common pain relievers such as NSAIDs, physical therapy, and spinal injections may be helpful for some patients.

Surgery. If pain is persistent, patients may require surgery, most often a procedure called decompressive laminectomy. Some patients may require spinal fusion as well. Studies suggest that surgery reduces back pain in many patients with spinal stenosis, at least for a few years. However, by 4 years after surgery, 30% of patients have severe pain again, and 10% have another operation. It should be noted that surgery does not always improve outcome and, in some cases, can even make it worse. Surgery can be an extremely effective approach, however, for certain patients whose severe back pain does not respond to conservative measures.

The general approach for patients with piriformis syndrome is corticosteroid injections and physical therapy. Botox injections are showing promise.

In carefully selected patients who do not respond to physical therapy and injections, some studies report dramatic pain relief with a surgical procedure that releases the piriformis muscle.

Prognosis

Most people with acute low back pain are back at work within a month and fully recover within a few months. According to one study, about a third of patients with uncomplicated low back pain significantly improved after a week; two-thirds recovered by 7 weeks.

However, studies now suggest that up to 75% of patients suffer at least one recurrence of back pain over the course of a year. In another study, after 4 years, less than half were symptom-free. Some doctors are approaching the problem as one that is not necessarily curable and which needs a consistent on-going approach.

Specific conditions can determine the rate of improvement:

In the majority of patients with herniated disks, the condition improves (although the actual physical improvement may be slower than the reduction in pain). Researchers attempted to identify factors most likely to predict an elevated risk for recurrent pain and found that only depression was a significant factor in the majority of those who had not recovered.
Spinal stenosis stabilizes in about 70% of cases and worsens in 15%.

Studies have found that when people stay home because of back injury, only 65% are back at work within a week. Nearly 14% are still absent at one month. If someone is on disability for more than 6 months, the chance of them returning to work is only 50%.

Low back pain accounts for significant losses in work days and dollars. In 1990, it cost the U.S. $23 billion in direct medical costs and possibly as much as $85 billion in total costs (such as lost productivity). Chronic back pain has become one of the most expensive causes of disability among workers under the age of 45. One study found that, although severe back pain comprised only 10% of workers compensation cases, it accounted for 86% of compensation costs.

Complications

Certain warning signs should alert a patient to see a doctor immediately for low back pain. Any very severe back pain warrants attention, particularly if any of the following conditions are present:

Being over 50
Recent injury
Severe pain
Pain awakens the person at night
Pain accompanied by fever (possible infection)
Pain increased by lying down
Pain unrelated to movement
Pain lasts for a month, and is accompanied by unexplained fever or weight loss
History or chronic use of corticosteroids
Intravenous drug use
History of urinary tract infection
In children, any severe neck or back pain or pain that persists for more than 3 days

Cauda equina syndrome is the impingement of the cauda equina (the four strands of nerves leading through the lowest part of the spine). It is an emergency condition that can cause severe complications of the bowel or bladder. Cauda equina syndrome is usually caused by massive extrusion of the disk material. It can cause permanent incontinence if not promptly treated with surgery. Symptoms of the cauda equina syndrome include:

Dull back pain
Weakness or numbness in the buttocks, in the area between the legs, or in the inner thigh, backs of legs, or feet. May cause difficulty in standing or stumbling.
An inability to control urination and defecation
Pain accompanied by fever (can indicate an infection)

Prevention

Exercise, diet, stress, and weight all have a significant influence on back pain. Changing certain lifestyle factors can help reduce and, possibly, prevent backaches.

Smokers are at higher risk for back problems, perhaps because smoking decreases blood circulation. The link may also be due to an unhealthy lifestyle in general. A British study found that young adults who were long-term smokers were nearly twice as likely to develop low back pain as nonsmokers.

Sedentary Lifestyle. People who do not exercise regularly face an increased risk for low back pain, especially when they perform sudden, stressful activities such as shoveling, digging, or moving heavy items. Although no definitive studies have been done to prove the relationship between lack of exercise and low back pain, some doctors believe that an inactive lifestyle may be to blame in some cases. Lack of exercise leads to the following conditions that may threaten the back:

Stiff muscles can make it hard to move, rotate, and bend the back.
Weak stomach muscles can increase the strain on the back and cause an abnormal tilt of the pelvis.
Weak back muscles may increase the risk for disk compression.
Obesity puts more weight on the spine and increase pressure on the vertebrae and disks. However, studies report only a weak association between obesity and low back pain.

Improper or Intense Exercise. Improper or excessive exercise may also increase one's chances for back pain.

Some research suggests that over time, high-impact exercise may increase the risk for degenerative disk disease. A survey of people who played tennis, however, found no increased risk for low back pain or sciatica.
Between 30 - 70% of cyclists experience low back pain. One 1999 study reported that 70% of cyclists reported improvement simply by adjusting the angle of the bicycle seat.
Improper exercise instruction and inattention to body movements can lead to back trouble. For example, a single jerky golf swing or incorrect use of exercise equipment (especially free weights, nautilus, and rowing machines) can cause serious back injuries.

The way a person moves, stands, or sleeps plays a major role in back pain.

Maintaining good posture is very important. This means keeping the ears, shoulders, and hips in a straight line with the head up and stomach pulled in. It is best not to stand for long periods of time. If it is necessary, walk as much as possible and wear shoes without heels, preferably with cushioned soles. Use a low foot stool and alternate resting each foot on top of it.
Sitting puts the most pressure on the back. Chairs should either have straight backs or low-back support. If possible, chairs should swivel to avoid twisting at the waist, have arm rests, and adjustable backs. While sitting, the knees should be a little higher than the hip, so a low stool or hassock is useful to put the feet on. A small pillow or rolled towel behind the lower back helps relieve pressure while either sitting or driving.
Riding in and driving a car for long periods of time increases stress. Move the car seat as far forward as possible to avoid bending forward. The back of the seat should not be reclined more than 30 degrees. If possible, the seat bottom should be tilted slightly upward in front. A traveler should stop and walk around about every hour. Avoid lifting or carrying objects immediately after the ride.

Anyone who engages in heavy lifting should take precautions when lifting and bending.

If an object is too heavy or awkward, get help.
Spread your feet apart to give a wide base of support.
Stand as close as possible to the object being lifted.
Bend at the knees, not at the waist. As you move up and down, tighten stomach muscles and tuck buttocks in so that the pelvis is rolled under and the spine remains in a natural "S' curve. (Even when not lifting an object, always try to use this posture when stooping down.)
Hold objects close to the body to reduce the load on the back.
Lift using the leg muscles, not those in the back.
Stand up without bending forward from the waist.
Never twist from the waist while bending or lifting any heavy object. If you need to move an object to one side, point your toes in that direction and pivot toward it.
If an object can be moved without lifting, pull it, don't push.

There are four natural curves in the spinal column: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral curvature. The curves, along with the intervertebral disks, help to absorb and distribute stresses that occur from everyday activities such as walking or from more intense activities such as running and jumping.

Resources

www.niams.nih.gov -- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
www.aaos.org -- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
www.arthritis.org -- Arthritis Foundation
www.spine.org -- North American Spine Society
www.apta.org -- American Physical Therapy Association
www.ampainsoc.org -- American Pain Society
www.theacpa.org -- American Chronic Pain Association
www.iasp-pain.org -- International Association for the Study of Pain

References

Apkarian AV, Sosa Y, Sonty S, Levy RM, Harden RN, Parrish TB, et al. Chronic back pain is associated with decreased prefrontal and thalamic gray matter density. J Neurosci. 2004;24(46):10410-10415.

Fairbank J, Frost H, Wilson-MacDonald J, Yu LM, Barker K, Collins R; Spine Stabilisation Trial Group. Randomised controlled trial to compare surgical stabilisation of the lumbar spine with an intensive rehabilitation programme for patients with chronic low back pain: the MRC spine stabilisation trial. BMJ. 2005;330(7502):1233.

Filler AG, Haynes J, Jordan SE, Prager J, Villablanca JP, Farahani K, et al. Sciatica of nondisc origin and piriformis syndrome: diagnosis by magnetic resonance neurography and interventional magnetic resonance imaging with outcome study of resulting treatment. J Neurosurg Spine. 2005;2(2):99-115.

Freeman BJ, Fraser RD, Cain CM, Hall DJ, Chapple DC. A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial: intradiscal electrothermal therapy versus placebo for the treatment of chronic discogenic low back pain. Spine. 2005 Nov 1;30(21):2369-77; discussion 2378.

Friedrich M, Gittler G, Arendasy M, Friedrich KM. Long-term effect of a combined exercise and motivational program on the level of disability of patients with chronic low back pain. Spine. 2005;30(9):995-1000.

Frost H, Stewart-Brown S. Acupressure for low back pain. BMJ. 2006 Mar 25;332(7543):680-1.

Hayden JA, van Tulder MW, Malmivaara AV, Koes BW. Meta-analysis: exercise therapy for nonspecific low back pain. Ann Intern Med. 2005;142(9):765-775.

Hayden JA, van Tulder MW, Tomlinson G. Systematic review: strategies for using exercise therapy to improve outcomes in chronic low back pain. Ann Intern Med. 2005;142(9):776-785.

Mercado AC, Carroll LJ, Cassidy JD, Cote P. Passive coping is a risk factor for disabling neck or low back pain. Pain. 2005;117(1-2):51-57.

Melissas J, Kontakis G, Volakakis E, Tsepetis T, Alegakis A, Hadjipavlou A. The effect of surgical weight reduction on functional status in morbidly obese patients with low back pain. Obes Surg. 2005 Mar;15(3):378-81.

Pneumaticos SG, Chatziioannou SN, Hipp JA, Moore WH, Esses SI. Low back pain: prediction of short-term outcome of facet joint injection with bone scintigraphy. Radiology. 2006 Feb;238(2):693-8.

Ratcliffe J, Thomas KJ, MacPherson H, Brazier J. A randomised controlled trial of acupuncture care for persistent low back pain: cost effectiveness analysis. BMJ. 2006 Sep 23;333(7569):626.

Richardson SM, Curran JM, Chen R, et al. The differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into chondrocyte-like cells on poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffolds. Biomaterials. 2006 Aug;27(22):4069-78.

Sherman KJ, Cherkin DC, Erro J, Miglioretti DL, Deyo RA. Comparing Yoga, Exercise, and a Self-Care Book for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2005; 143: 849 - 856.

Tao XG, Bernacki EJ. A randomized clinical trial of continuous low-level heat therapy for acute muscular low back pain in the workplace. J Occup Environ Med. 2005 Dec;47(12):1298-306.

Trout AT, Kallmes DF, Gray LA, Goodnature BA, Everson SL, Comstock BA, Jarvik JG. Evaluation of vertebroplasty with a validated outcome measure: the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. Am J Neuroradiol. 2005 Nov-Dec;26(10):2652-7.

Review Date:
3/19/2007
Reviewed By:
Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Heart attack and acute coronary syndrome

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:57 -0700

In This Report

Highlights
Introduction
Symptoms
Prognosis
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Treatment
Medications
Surgery
Rehabilitation
Resources
References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Highlights

Drug Approval

In 2006, the FDA approved the use of clopidogrel (Plavix) for patients who have had a STEMI heart attack and who will not be having angioplasty. A STEMI is a very severe type of heart attack caused by sudden and total artery blockage.

Angioplasty and Stents

Surgery with angioplasty and stents that is performed more than 3 days after a heart attack offers no advantage over standard drug therapy for clinically stable patients, indicates an important 2006 New England Journal of Medicine study. Experts recommend that this procedure be performed to open blocked arteries within 12 hours of a heart attack.

Drug-Coated Stents

Drug-coated stents may be better than bare metal stents for patients who have had a STEMI heart attack, suggest several New England Journal of Medicine studies. However, recent research has raised concern that these types of stents increase the risk for blood clots.
Patients who have a drug-coated stent must take aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix) for at least 1 year after the stent is inserted, according to an important 2007 advisory from the American Heart Association (AHA). The combination of these drugs can help prevent blood clots.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil) should be used with caution by patients who have had a heart attack:

In 2007, the AHA warned that NSAIDs (with the exception of aspirin) and COX-2 inhibitors increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. The AHA is recommending that doctors change the way they prescribe these pain relievers for patients who have or are at risk for heart disease.
A 2006 Journal of the American Medical Association study suggested that the prescription NSAID diclofenac (Cataflam) carries a higher risk for heart attack than other NSAIDs.

Introduction

The heart is the human body's hardest working organ. Throughout life it continuously pumps blood enriched with oxygen and vital nutrients through a network of arteries to all parts of the body's tissues. In order to perform the arduous task of pumping blood to the rest of the body, the heart muscle itself needs a plentiful supply of oxygen-rich blood, which is provided through a network of coronary arteries. These arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart's muscular walls (the myocardium).

Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of heart attacks. Coronary artery disease is the end result of a complex process called atherosclerosis (commonly called "hardening of the arteries"). This causes blockage of arteries (ischemia) and prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart. A full-blown heart attack occurs when blood flow to the myocardium is blocked and tissue death occurs from loss of oxygen, severely damaging the heart. The medical term for heart attack is myocardial infarction. [See In-Depth Report #3: Coronary artery disease.]

Click the icon to see an image of atherosclerosis.

Heart attack (or myocardial infarction) is the most serious outcome of atherosclerosis. It can occur as a result of one or two effects of atherosclerosis:

(1) If the artery becomes completely blocked and ischemia becomes so extensive that oxygen-bearing tissues around the heart die.

(2) If the plaque itself develops fissures or tears. Blood platelets adhere to the site to seal off the plaque, and a blood clot (thrombus) forms. A heart attack can then occur if the formed blood clot completely blocks the passage of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

Click the icon to see an image of an acute myocardial infarction.

Angina is the primary symptom of coronary artery disease and is typically experienced as chest pain. There are two kinds of angina:

Stable Angina is predictable chest pain that can usually be managed with lifestyle measures and medications, such as low-dose aspirin.
Unstable angina is a much more serious situation than stable angina that is often an intermediate stage between stable angina and a heart attack. Unstable angina is part of a condition called acute coronary syndrome.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a severe and sudden heart condition that requires aggressive treatment, but has not developed into a full blown heart attack. Acute coronary syndrome includes:

Unstable angina. Unstable angina is a much more serious situation than stable angina. It is often an intermediate stage between stable angina and a heart attack.
NSTEMI (non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction). This condition, also called non Q-wave myocardial infarction, is diagnosed when blood tests and ECGs suggest a developing heart attack. The injury in the arteries is less severe than with a full-blown heart attack.

Symptoms

ANYONE WHO BELIEVES THEY ARE HAVING A HEART ATTACK SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CALL THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SYSTEM (911 IN THE UNITED STATES).

In people with known heart disease, any unusual chest pain or other symptoms of heart attack that do not clear up with medications are signals to go to the hospital. The degree of pain and the specific symptoms before a heart attack vary greatly among individuals. Onset can be abrupt, gradual, or intermittent.

Chest Pain. People with heart disease or risk factors should be concerned about any chest pain, usually precipitated by exercise or stress, that interrupts normal activities and does not clear up after resting or taking angina medications. Chest symptoms might be experienced as follows:

Pain is typically felt as a crushing weight against the chest, accompanied by profuse sweating. The pain may radiate to the left shoulder and arm, the neck or jaw, and even infrequently to the right arm. The arm may be tingling or numb.
Some people may have only a tingling sensation or a sense of fullness, squeezing, or pressure in the chest.
In some patients with a history of heart disease, chest pain is mild. Such patients may have experienced unexplained fatigue, depression, and ill health within a month of a heart attack.

Although chest pain is the classic symptom, it occurs in only about half of patients with a heart attack.

Other Common Symptoms. Other common symptoms of a heart attack include:

Nausea, vomiting, and cold sweats
A feeling of indigestion or heartburn
Fainting
A great fear of impending death, a phenomena known as angor animi

Uncommon Symptoms. Some studies suggest that nearly half of patients with heart attack do not have chest pain as the primary symptom. Common atypical symptoms of a heart attack include:

Shortness of breath
Cardiac arrest
Dizziness, weakness, and fainting
Abdominal pain

Patients most likely to have atypical symptoms are women and the very elderly (although they can certainly have classic heart attack symptoms as well.)

In one study, 52% of elderly people with acute coronary syndrome had atypical symptoms that included shortness of breath, nausea, profuse sweating, pain in the arms, and fainting. Such symptoms were more likely to occur in people with personal or family history of heart disease.
Before a heart attack, women are more likely than men to be nauseous and experience pain high in the abdomen or chest. Their first symptom may be extreme fatigue after physical activity rather than chest pain. Chest pain in women is also more likely to be caused by non-heart problems than in men.

Symptoms That Are Less Likely to Indicate a Heart Attack. The following are symptoms that are more likely to be due to causes other than a heart event:

Sharp pain brought on by lung movements or coughing
Pain that is mainly or only in the middle or lower abdomen
Pain that can be pinpointed with the top of one finger
Pain that can be reproduced by moving or pressing on the chest wall or arms
Pain that is constant and lasts for hours (although no one should wait hours if they suspect they are having a heart attack)
Pain that is very brief and lasts for a few seconds
Pain that spreads to the legs

The presence of these symptoms, however, does not always rule out a serious heart event.

Chest pain is a very common symptom in the emergency room, but heart problems account for only 10% to a third of all episodes. High on the list of other causes of chest pain are the following:

The most common causes of chest pain are muscular and bone problems. Problems affecting the ribs and chest muscles include injured muscles, fractures, arthritis, spasms, and infections.
Anxiety attacks
Gastrointestinal disorders (gallstone attacks, peptic ulcer disease, hiatal hernia, heartburn)
Asthma
Spasm in the coronary artery
Abnormalities of the heart muscle itself
Rupture of the aorta, collapsed lung, acute inflammation of the heart, or a blood clot in the lung
Hyperthyroidism
Anemia
Vasculitis (a group of disorders that cause inflammation of the blood vessels)
Exposure to high altitudes (rare)

Immediately call 911 or the local emergency number.

If patients have been previously diagnosed with angina, they should take one nitroglycerin dose either as an under-the-tongue tablet or in spray form at the onset of symptoms. They should take another dose every 5 minutes up to three doses or when the pain is relieved, whichever comes first.

It should be noted, however, that only 20% of heart attacks occur in patients with long-standing angina.

Anyone who has heart disease or risk factors for it and experiences heart attack symptoms should immediately contact emergency services.

The patient should chew an aspirin (250 - 500 mg) and be sure that emergency health providers are informed of this so an additional dose is not given.

Patients who experience chest pain should go immediately to the nearest emergency room, preferably traveling by ambulance. They should not drive themselves.

Prognosis

Each year, an estimated 650,000 Americans will suffer a first heart attack, and 450,000 will have a recurrent episode. Currently, half of the men and 63% of the women who died of heart disease had no warning prior to their fatal attacks.

Heart attacks may be rapidly fatal, evolve into a chronic disabling condition, or lead to full recovery. The long-term prognosis for both length and quality of life after a heart attack depends on its severity and the preventive measures taken afterward.

About 88% of patients under age 65 who experience a heart attack can expect to return to work. About 12,600,000 Americans who have had heart attacks, angina, or both are alive today. However, within 6 years of a heart attack, 18% of men and 35% of women have a recurrent attack. And, about 22% of men and 46% of women develop heart failure.

Although no tests can absolutely predict whether another heart attack will occur, experts estimate that up to 30% of fatal attacks, and many follow-up surgeries, could be avoided with healthy lifestyle changes and adherence to medical treatments. Two-thirds of patients who have suffered a heart attack, however, do not take the necessary steps to prevent another.

Higher Risk Individuals. A heart attack is always more serious in certain people:

Elderly (particularly those who are thinner)
People with a history of heart disease or risk factors for heart disease
People with heart failure
People with diabetes
People on long-term dialysis

Women are more likely to die after a heart attack than men. The risk is highest in younger women (although in the younger population, the risk for having a first heart attack and then dying from it is very low). It is still unclear why heart attacks are more severe in this group.

Factors Occurring at the Time of a Heart Attack That Increase Severity. The presence of other conditions during a heart attack can contribute to a poorer outlook:

Arrhythmias (disturbed heart rhythms). A dangerous arrhythmia called ventricular fibrillation is a major cause of short-term death from heart attack. Such arrhythmias are more likely to occur within the first 4 hours and are associated with a high mortality rate. Patients who are successfully treated, however, have the same long-term prognosis as those who do not experience such arrhythmias.
Signs of severe physical damage to the heart may indicate a poorer outlook.
Shock. This very dangerous condition is associated with very low blood pressure, reduced urine levels, and cellular abnormalities. Shock occurs in about 7% of heart attacks. The incidence has not declined over recent years, although its survival rates have improved.
Heart block, also called atrioventricular (AV) block, is a condition in which the electric conduction of nerve impulses to specialized muscles in the heart is slowed or interrupted. Although heart block is dangerous, it can be treated effectively with a pacemaker, and it rarely causes any long-term complications in patients who survive it.

Heart attacks and acute coronary syndrome pose a high risk for stroke. According to a major 2002 study, the risk for stroke after heart attack is 2.5% in the first 6 months and 5% per year thereafter. In the study, patients with a higher risk (about 4%) for stroke within 6 months of a heart attack were older (over age 75), African-American, had a history of stroke, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetes, or peripheral artery disease. Most people who fall into these categories have more than one of these risk factors.

Risk Factors

About 25% of all Americans have one or more risk factors for heart disease, increasing their risk for heart attack. Most risk factors for heart disease are related to lifestyle. Some risk factors, (such as age, gender, and ethnicity) cannot be changed. Nevertheless, overall risks can be reduced with healthy lifestyle changes. [See In-Depth Report #3: Coronary artery disease.]

The American Heart Association's guidelines for preventing heart disease recommend:

Improve Cholesterol. People with at least two risk factors and a 10-year risk for heart disease or stroke of more than 20% should aim for LDL levels of less than 100 mg/dl. Statins are now used in more cases.

Keep Blood Pressure Low. People in normal health should have a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg or less. According to new guidelines, blood pressure readings of 120/80 are considered normal, readings of 140/90 or higher indicate hypertension, and readings in between the two are called pre-hypertension. Patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease should maintain blood pressure readings of 130/80 mm Hg or less, while others should be no higher than 140/90 mm Hg.

Exercise. Everyone in normal health should engage in at least moderate physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes on most -- if not all -- days of the week.

Healthy Diet. Everyone should aim for a diet that contains a healthy balance of fruits, vegetables, grains, fish, nuts, legumes, poultry, lean meat, and low-fat dairy items. Avoid saturated fats and trans-fatty acids.

Quit Smoking. Also avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.

Maintain Weight. People should aim for a BMI index of 18.5 - 24.9.

Take Aspirin. People at high risk for heart disease should take a low-dose aspirin every day, unless they have medical reasons to avoid aspirin.

Control Diabetes. People with diabetes should aim for fast blood glucose levels of less than 110 mg/dl and hemoglobin A1C of less than 7%.

Control Atrial Fibrillation. People with atrial fibrillation should use anticoagulants to reduce the risk for blood clots.

The approach for managing acute coronary syndrome involves lifestyle changes and medications. Experts have come up with a mnemonic device (ABCDE) for remembering the factors that are fundamental for management of acute coronary syndrome:

A. Antiplatelets, anticoagulants, and ACE inhibitors

B. Blood pressure and beta-blockers

C. Cholesterol-lowering drugs (typically statins) and cigarettes (stopping)

D. Diet and diabetes control

E. Exercise and education

Age. About 85% of people who die from heart disease are over the age of 65.

Gender. Coronary artery disease and heart attacks are much more common in middle-aged men. Women have, on average, 10 - 15 more years of heart disease-free life than do men, but as women age, they catch up to men. Women are more likely to have angina than men are. Younger women with heart disease often do not have the same symptoms as their male counterparts and may be less likely to be diagnosed correctly. They are also more likely than men are to die after a heart attack. Evidence suggests that this is because women tend to be older and sicker than men at the time of a first attack. A 2002 study indicated, however, that with early aggressive treatment women with acute coronary syndrome do as well or better than men with the same condition and treatments.

Ethnicity. Of all major ethnic groups, African-American women face the highest risk for death from heart disease, and their rate of heart attacks is increasing. (Mortality rates in men do not differ much by race.) Native American men have a lower risk for heart disease than Caucasian men, and Hispanics have the lowest risk for heart disease of all major American population groups.

Timing of Heart Attack. A 2007 study suggested that patients who are admitted to a hospital on a weekend are less likely to receive aggressive heart attack treatment and less likely to survive than patients who are treated on a weekday. However, no one can predict when a heart attack will occur. The most important point is to get treatment quickly, regardless of the day of the week. And, if you think you having a heart attack, call an ambulance -- or have someone call for you -- to ensure prompt treatment. Do not drive yourself.

Cholesterol. Cholesterol is a white, powdery substance that is found in all animal cells and in animal-based foods (not in plants). In spite of its bad press, cholesterol is an essential nutrient necessary for many functions. However, when certain cholesterol levels rise in the blood, they can have dangerous consequences, depending on the type of cholesterol.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol responsible for many heart problems. Triglycerides are another type of lipid (fat molecule) that can be bad for the heart. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol that helps protect against heart disease. Doctors test for a "total cholesterol" profile that includes measurements for LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. The ratio of these lipids can affect heart disease risk. [See In-Depth Report #23: Cholesterol.]

Cholesterol Goals. In 2004, the National Cholesterol Education Program updated its clinical practice guidelines. The new recommendations set lower treatment goals for LDL levels based on a patient's risk factors for heart disease.

These risk factors include:

Having a first-degree female relative diagnosed with heart disease before age 65 or a first-degree male relative diagnosed before age 55
Being male and over age 45 or female and over age 55
Cigarette smoking
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Metabolic syndrome (risk factors associated with obesity such as low HDL levels and high triglycerides)

Having two or more of these risk factors indicates a greater than 20% chance of having a heart attack within 10 years.


Risk Level	Goal (d/L)	OptimalGoal(d/L)
Very High Risk	70	70
High Risk	100	70
Moderate Risk	130	100
Low Risk	160	130

LDL cholesterol, together with other risk factors for heart disease, is the best determinant for whether cholesterol therapy is needed and whether it is working properly. In particular, the new guidelines emphasize lower LDL levels and earlier treatment for people with coronary artery disease, or other forms of atherosclerosis, and diabetes.


Total Cholesterol Goals	LDL Goals	HDL Goals	Triglyceride Goals
Less than 200 mg/dL is desirable. Between 200 and 239 is borderline. Over 240 is high.	70 mg/dL or less is the new goal for very high-risk patients (recent heart attack; current active or unstable cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease; or two multiple risk factors as defined above.) Below 100 mg/dl is optimal for everyone. It should be the goal for high-risk people including those with existing heart disease, diabetes, or two or more risk factors for heart disease; 70 mg/dL is an optimal goal for these individuals. 130 mg/dl or below for people with two or more risk factors; 100 mg/dL is the optimal goal. 160 mg/dl or less for people at less risk (one or zero risk factors); 130 mg/dL is an optimal goal. Anything over 160 is high, with levels over 190 being very high. LDL levels over 190 require medication even with no other cardiac risk factors present.	Levels above 40 mg/dL are desirable; levels above 60 mg/dL are optimal.	Below 150 mg/dL is normal. 150-199 is borderline high. 200-499 is high. Over 500 is very high.
*Risk factors for heart disease include a family history of early heart problems before age 55 for men (before age 65 for women), smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, being older (over 45 for men and 55 for women), and having HDL levels below 35 mg/dl. People with two or more of these risk factors may have a 10-year risk of heart attack that exceeds 20%, and may therefore need to aim for LDL levels of 100 mg/dL or below.

Other Lipids. Elevated levels of other fatty molecules (lipids) are also now thought to be important indicators of heart disease risk. Studies are finding an elevated risk for angina and first heart attacks in people with elevated levels of lipoprotein(a), or lp(a). This lipoprotein falls somewhere in density between HDL and LDL and may have some properties that increase the risk for blood clots. Some experts suggest, however, that high levels of lp(a) may merely be markers of late-stage atherosclerosis, not a cause.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, has long been a proven cause of coronary artery disease. Blood pressure is categorized as normal, prehypertensive, and hypertensive (which is further divided as Stage 1 or 2 according to severity). High blood pressure is generally considered to be a blood pressure reading greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg (systolic) or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg (diastolic). Blood pressure readings in the prehypertension category (120 - 139 systolic or 80 - 89 diastolic) indicate an increased risk for developing hypertension. [See Blood Pressure Ranges table.]

A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg or lower. Most people with high blood pressure should aim for a goal of below 140/90 mm Hg. Patients with certain health problems should aim lower (blood pressure in patients with kidney disease, heart failure, or diabetes should be equal to or lower than 130/80 mm Hg.) [See In-Depth Report #14: High blood pressure.]


Blood Pressure Category	Ranges for Most Adults (systolic/diastolic)
Normal Blood Pressure (systolic/diastolic)	Systolic below 120 mm Hg Diastolic below 80 mm Hg
Prehypertension (Formerly Classified as Normal to High-Normal Blood Pressure)	Systolic 120 to 139 mm Hg Diastolic 80 to 89 mm Hg (NOTE: 139/89 or below should be the minimum goal for everyone. People with diabetes or chronic kidney disease should strive for 130/80 or less.)
Mild Hypertension (Stage 1)	Systolic 140 to 159 mm Hg Diastolic 90 to 99 mm Hg
Moderate-to-Severe Hypertension (Stage 2)	Systolic over 160 mm Hg and/or Diastolic over 100 mm Hg
Note: If one of the measurements is in a higher category than the other, the higher measurement is usually used to determine the stage. For example, if systolic pressure is 165 (Stage 2) and diastolic is 92 (Stage 1), the patient would still be diagnosed with Stage 2 hypertension. It should be strongly noted that a high systolic pressure should be a major focus of concern in most adults.

American obesity is at epidemic levels in all age groups. The effect of obesity on cholesterol levels is complex. Although obesity does not appear to be strongly associated with overall cholesterol levels, among obese individuals triglyceride levels are usually high while HDL (beneficial cholesterol) levels tend to be low, both risk factors for heart disease. Obesity, in any case, has other effects (hypertension, increase in inflammation) that pose major risks to the heart.

Obesity is particularly hazardous when it is one of the components of the metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is diagnosed when three of the following are present: abdominal obesity, low HDL cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome is a pre-diabetic condition that is significantly associated with heart disease and higher mortality rates from all causes. A 2002 study estimated that 24% of the population now has this condition. Obesity is highly linked with type 2 diabetes, in any case. And diabetes itself poses a significant risk for high cholesterol levels and heart disease. [See In-Depth Report #53: Weight control and diet.]

People who are sedentary are almost twice as likely to suffer heart attacks as are people who exercise regularly. Exercise has several effects that benefit the heart and circulation, including improving cholesterol and lipid levels, reducing inflammation in the arteries, assisting weight loss programs, and helping to keep blood vessels flexible and open. Studies continue to show that physical activity and avoiding high-fat foods are the two most successful means of reaching and maintaining heart healthy levels of fitness and weight.

Experts have been attempting to define how much exercise is needed to produce heart benefits. In 2002, a well-conducted study on overweight adults confirmed previous research that reported beneficial changes in cholesterol and lipid levels even when people performed low amounts of moderate or high intensity exercise (walking or jogging 12 miles a week). However, more intense exercise is required to significantly change cholesterol levels, notably by increasing HDL (the so-called good cholesterol). Overweight people who have trouble losing pounds can still achieve considerable heart benefits by exercising. Resistance (weight) training has also been associated with heart protection. Exercises that train and strengthen the chest muscles may prove to be very important for patients with angina.

Some studies suggest that people may gain the greatest heart protection benefit from the total daily amount of energy they expend, rather than from the length of a single exercise session. Therefore, the best way to exercise may be in multiple short bouts of intense exercise, which can be particularly helpful for older people.

Sudden strenuous exercise (such as snow shoveling and mowing lawns) can put people at risk for angina and heart attack. Activities that involve raising the arms above the head may also be risky. Patients with angina should never exercise shortly after eating. People with risk factors for heart disease should seek medical clearance and a detailed exercise prescription. And all people, including healthy individuals, should listen carefully to their bodies for signs of distress as they exercise. [See In-Depth Report #29: Exercise.]

Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death in people with diabetes. People with diabetes are at risk for the following heart-risk conditions, and the more of these conditions they have, the worse the outlook:

High blood pressure (hypertension) --up to 75% of cardiovascular problems in people with diabetes may be due to hypertension.
Very unhealthy cholesterol and lipid balances (high triglyceride levels and lower high density lipoprotein).
Blood clotting problems.
Impaired nerve function (neuropathy), which can also damage the heart. In fact, some experts estimate that the mortality rates from neuropathy-related heart conditions ranges from 15 - 53%.

Patients with both diabetes and heart disease may have a higher risk for silent ischemia, a condition in which people have blocked arteries but do not experience the angina, the chest pain that signals heart disease [See In-Depth Report #9: Diabetes - type 1 ; or In-Depth Report #60: Diabetes - type 2.]

Smokers in their 30s and 40s have a heart-attack rate that is five times higher than their nonsmoking peers. Cigarette smoking may be directly responsible for at least 20% of all deaths from heart disease, or about 120,000 deaths annually. Smoking cigars may increase the risk of early death from heart disease, although evidence is much stronger for cigarette smoking. Although heavy cigarette smokers are at greatest risk, a 2002 study suggested that people who smoke as few as three cigarettes a day are at higher risk for blood vessel abnormalities that endanger the heart. Regular exposure to passive smoke also increases the risk of heart disease in nonsmokers. [See In-Depth Report #41: Smoking.]

Eating habits can either protect or hurt the heart. Experts generally agree on the following heart-smart recommendations:

Choose fiber-rich food (whole grains, legumes, nuts) as the main source of carbohydrates, along with a high intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Avoid saturated fats (found mostly in animal products) and trans fatty acids (found in hydrogenated fats and many commercial products and fast foods). Choose unsaturated fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids (found in vegetable and fish oils).
In selecting proteins, choose soy, legumes, poultry, and fish over meat. Fat free and low fat dairy products (skimmed milk, yogurt) are also healthy choices.
Controlling weight, quitting smoking, and exercising are essential companions of any diet program.

After starting any heart healthy diet, it generally takes an average of 3 - 6 months before any noticeable reduction in cholesterol occurs, although some people have reported better levels in as few as 4 weeks. An intensive program may be necessary to achieve significant improvements in cholesterol levels and to reduce other heart risk factors. [See In-Depth Report #43: Heart-healthy diet.]

Stress. The effects of mental stress on heart disease are controversial. Stress can affect the heart when it activates the sympathetic nervous system (the automatic part of the nervous system that affects many organs, including the heart). Some studies suggest an association between acute stress and a higher risk for serious cardiac events, such as heart rhythm abnormalities and heart attacks, in people with heart disease. However, not all studies report strong evidence that stress has any effect on the heart, particularly in people without any history of heart disease. [See In-Depth Report #31: Stress.]

Depression. Depression increases the severity of heart attack and may even impair a patient's response to medication for heart disease. Although people with heart disease may certainly become depressed, this does not explain entirely the link between the two problems. The data now suggest that depression itself may be a true risk factor for heart disease as well as its increased severity. Several studies have suggested that depression has biologic effects on the heart, including blood clotting and heart rate. A study in 2001, for example, reported an association between depression and a greater risk for death from heart problems even in people without a history of heart disease. A 2002 study reported a higher risk for heart failure in women -- although not in men -- with depression. The more severe the depression, the more dangerous to the health, although even mild depression, including feelings of hopelessness, experienced over many years, may harm the heart, even in people with no early signs of heart disease. [See In-Depth Report #8: Depression.]

Benefits of Moderate Drinking. Several studies have found heart protection from moderate intake of alcohol (one or two glasses a day). Moderate alcohol consumption can help boost HDL levels. Alcohol may also prevent blood clots and inflammation. Although red wine is most often cited for healthful properties, any type of alcoholic beverage appears to have similar benefit.

Adverse Effects of Heavy Drinking on the Heart. By contrast, heavy drinking harms the heart; heart disease is the leading cause of death in alcoholics. Evidence suggests that people who consume more than three drinks a day have abnormal blood clotting factors. Heavy alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure, and binge drinking may increase the risk for hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding in the brain). Large doses of alcohol can trigger irregular heartbeats, which can be dangerous in people with existing heart disease.

Pregnant women and people who can't drink moderately should not drink at all.

In 2005, the FDA warned that all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- with the exception of aspirin -- carry heart risks. NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors may increase the risk for death in patients who have experienced a heart attack. The risk is greatest at higher dosages, but not necessarily for length of time. According to a 2006 Danish study of heart attack survivors, patients do not need to take NSAIDs for long periods of time to be at risk.

NSAIDs include nonprescription drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and prescription drugs like diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren). Celecoxib (Celebrex) is currently the only COX-2 inhibitor that is available in the U.S. It has been linked to cardiovascular risks such as heart attack and stroke. Patients who have had heart attacks should talk to their doctors before taking any of these drugs.

A 2006 comprehensive report from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research indicated that both NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors pose similar risks for heart attacks. The report found that one particular NSAID, naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), may present less risk of heart attack for some patients, but other studies have contradicted this finding. A 2006 Journal of the American Medical Association study suggested that diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam) poses a higher risk for heart attack than other NSAIDs.

In 2007, the American Heart Association issued a scientific statement encouraging doctors to change the way they prescribe pain relief medication for patients with or who are at risk for heart disease. The AHA recommends that patients first try non-drug methods of pain relief (physical therapy, exercise, weight loss to reduce stress on joints, and heat or cold therapy). If these methods don’t work, patients should take the lowest possible dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin. COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib (Celebrex), should be the last resort.

Anemia. Anemia has adverse effects on the heart and increases the severity of cardiac conditions, including heart failure and heart attacks.

Iron Overload. An inherited disease called hemochromatosis, in which the intestinal tract absorbs too much iron from food, has been associated with atherosclerosis and heart attack. About 10% of Caucasians carry the gene. There is no strong evidence that excess iron levels in people without hemochromatosis can contribute to heart disease.

Sleep Apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which tissues in the upper throat collapse at intervals during sleep, thereby blocking the passage of air. It has been strongly associated with high blood pressure and obesity, but is also associated with heart disease and heart attacks, regardless of these risk factors. Some evidence suggests that obstructive apneas cause an increase in stiffness and inflammation in the arteries.

Pregnancy Complications. Although women of child-bearing age are generally at low risk of heart attack, pregnancy can increase the risk for women with certain health conditions. Pregnant women who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or coronary artery disease are at greater risk of having a heart attack than healthy pregnant women. Smoking can increase the risk of heart attack during pregnancy by eight times. Pregnant women who are over 40 years old are at much greater risk than younger women.

Diagnosis

When a patient comes to the hospital with chest pain, the following diagnostic steps are usually taken to determine any heart problems, and, if present, their severity.

The patient will report all symptoms so that a health professional can rule out either a non-heart problem or possible other serious accompany conditions.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) reading is taken, which records the waves made the heart. It is the key tool for determining if heart problems are causing chest pain and, if so, how severe they are.
Blood tests showing elevated levels of certain factors (troponins and CK-MB) indicate heart damage. (The doctor will not wait for results, however, before administering treatment if a heart attack is strongly suspected.)
Imaging tests, including echocardiogram and perfusion scintigraphy, help rule out a heart attack if there is any question.

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) measures and records the electrical activity of the heart. The waves measured by the ECG correspond to the contraction and relaxation pattern of the different parts of the heart. Specific waves seen on an ECG are named with letters:

P. The P wave is associated with the contractions of the atria (the two chambers in the heart that receive blood from outside).
QRS. The QRS is a series of waves associated with ventricular contractions. (The ventricles are two major pumping chambers in the heart.)
T and U. These waves follow the ventricular contractions.

Click the icon to see an image of a normal sinus rhythm.

Doctors use a term called the P-Q or P-R interval, which is the time taken for an electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricle.

The most important wave patterns in diagnosing and determining treatment for a heart attack are called ST elevations and Q waves.

Elevated ST Segments: Heart Attack. Elevated ST segments are strong indicators of a heart attack in patients with symptoms and other indicators. They suggest that an artery to the heart is blocked and that the full thickness of the heart muscle is damaged. When this finding coincides with a heart attack, the condition is sometimes referred to as either as a Q-wave myocardial infarction or a STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction). STEMI heart attacks are very severe and usually have complete artery blockage. ST-elevations are strong indicators for aggressive treatments (thrombolytic drugs or angioplasty) to reopen blood vessels. (ST segment elevations do not always mean the patient has a heart attack. Also, some patients do not have elevated ST segments. Other factors are important in making a diagnosis.)

Non-Elevated ST Segments: Angina and Acute Coronary Syndrome. A depressed or horizontal ST wave suggests some blockage and the presence of a heart disease, even if there is no angina present. It occurs in about half of patients with other signs of a heart event. This finding, however, is not very accurate, particularly in women, and can occur without heart problems. In such cases, laboratory tests are needed to determine the extent, if any, of heart damage. In general, one of the following conditions may be present:

Stable Angina (blood test results or other tests show no serious problems and chest pain resolves). Most patients with angina can go home. (Between 25 - 50% of people who have angina or silent ischemia have normal ECG readings.)
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). This includes severe and sudden heart conditions that require aggressive treatment but have not developed into a full-blown heart attack. ACS, refers to either unstable angina or NSTEMI (non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) -- also referred to as non Q-wave myocardial infarction. Unstable angina is potentially serious, and chest pain is persistent, but blood tests do not show markers for heart attack. With NSTEMI, the blood tests suggest a developing heart attack, but most likely, injury in the arteries is less serious than with a full-blown heart attack.

An echocardiogram is a noninvasive test that uses ultrasound images of the heart. This test is more expensive than an ECG, but it can be very valuable, particularly when used with an exercise stress test, to detect the location and extent of heart muscle damage.

Nuclear ventriculography (also known as a radionuclide test) uses radioactive materials called tracers to make heart chambers and blood vessels visible. The procedure is noninvasive. It is a reliable measure of severe heart events and can help identify if damage has occurred from a heart attack. A radioactive isotope such as thallium (or technetium) is injected into the patient's vein. The radioactive isotope attaches to red blood cells and passes through the heart in the circulating blood. The isotope can then be traced through the heart using special cameras or scanners. The images may be combined with an electrocardiogram. The patient is tested while resting, then tested again during an exercise stress test. If the scan detects damage, more images are taken 3 or 4 hours later. Damage due to a prior heart attack will persist when the heart scan is repeated. Injury caused by angina, however, will have resolved by that time.

Angiography is an invasive test. It is used for patients who show strong evidence for severe obstruction on stress and other tests and for patients with acute coronary syndrome.

A narrow tube is inserted into an artery, usually in the leg or arm, and then threaded up through the body to the coronary arteries.
A dye is injected into the tube, and an x-ray records the flow of dye through the arteries.
This process provides a map of the coronary circulation, revealing any blocked areas.

Click the icon to see an image of cardiac catheterization.

Click the icon to see an image of dye injected into the coronary arteries.

Major complications include stroke, heart attacks, and kidney damage. These risks are very low (about 0.1%), however, if the procedure is done in an experienced medical center (one that performs at least 300 of these operations every year). Allergic reactions can also occur. The procedure is expensive, and between 10 - 30% of patients who have this procedure have normal results.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA). MRA is a very promising noninvasive imaging technique that can provide three-dimensional images of the major arteries to the heart and identify disease with high accuracy. Experts believe this approach will eventually be a good alternative to angiography.

Tests that measure kidney function can help predict which patients are at greatest risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from heart disease. Kidney tests measure proteins in the blood that are filtered through the kidneys. These proteins include creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). A more recent type of kidney test measures the protein cystatin C. Recent research suggests that the cystatin C kidney test may be better at predicting cardiovascular risks in elderly patients.

When heart cells become damaged, they release different enzymes and other molecules into the blood stream. Elevated levels of such markers of heart damage in the blood or urine may help predict a heart attack in patients with severe chest pain and help determine treatment. Some markers include:

Troponins. The proteins cardiac troponin T and I are released when the heart muscle is damaged. Both are proving to be among the best diagnostic indications of heart attacks. They help to identify many individuals with ACS who might otherwise be misdiagnosed.
Creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB). CK-MB has been a standard marker, but the MB fraction is not as accurate as troponin levels, since elevated levels can appear in people without heart injury.
Myoglobin. Myoglobin is a protein found in heart muscles. It is released early in the injured heart and may be useful in combination with CK-MB and the troponins.
Newer biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), urinary albumin, and fibrinogen.

Several 2006 studies that evaluated how well biomarkers predict the risk of heart events concluded that they do not provide much more useful information than standard risk factors (high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, diabetes). At this time, most experts feel that these standard disease risk factors provide the best predictors of the likelihood of developing coronary artery disease, heart attack, or stroke.

Treatment

Treatment options will depend on whether the patient has angina, acute coronary syndrome, or a full-blown heart attack.

Patients who are diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may be at risk for a heart attack. ACS refers to either unstable angina or NSTEMI (non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction). Unstable angina is potentially serious and chest pain is persistent, but blood tests do not show markers for heart attack. With NSTEMI, the blood tests suggest a developing heart attack, but most likely, injury in the arteries is less serious than with a full-blown heart attack.

Doctors use a patient's medical history, various tests, and the presence of certain factors to help predict which ACS patients are most at risk for developing a more serious condition. The degree of chest pain itself is not necessarily useful for determining the actual damage in the heart.

Depending on how severe the condition is, the patient is then given either medical treatments or more invasive approaches, such as angioplasty. Some experts believe that even if patients with ACS are only given drug therapy, they should still be transferred to centers equipped for angioplasty.

Early supportive treatments are similar for patients who have ACS or those who have had a heart attack.

Oxygen. Oxygen is almost always administered right away, usually through a tube that enters through the nose. The patient is given aspirin if one was not taken at home.

Medications for Relieving Symptoms.

Nitroglycerin. Most patients will receive nitroglycerin after a heart attack, usually under the tongue. Nitroglycerin decreases blood pressure and dilates the blood vessels around the heart, increasing blood flow. Nitroglycerin may be given intravenously in certain cases (recurrent angina, congestive heart failure, or high blood pressure). Some evidence suggests that intravenous administration may help reduce long-term heart muscle changes that can occur after a heart attack. (Patients with very low blood pressure or severely slow heart rate will not receive nitroglycerin.)
Morphine. Morphine not only relieves pain and reduces anxiety but also dilates blood vessels, aiding the circulation of blood and oxygen to the heart. Morphine can decrease blood pressure and slow down the heart. In patients in which such effects may worsen their heart attacks, other drugs such as meperidine (Demerol) or nalbuphine (Nubain) may be used.

Anticlotting Medications. Appropriate anticlotting medications are started immediately in all patients.

Aspirin (antiplatelet drug) should be taken immediately after a heart attack. It can be either swallowed or chewed, but chewing provides more rapid benefit. If the patient has not taken an aspirin at home, it will be given at the hospital.
Clopidogrel (a stronger antiplatelet drug) is usually given along with other anticlotting drugs. It is sometimes used in place of aspirin.
Heparin (an anticoagulant) is usually given to moderate- to high-risk patients. Low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH), such as enoxaparin, is now recommended over standard heparin. Fondaparinux (Arixtra) is another type of blood thinner that is showing promise for treating patients with STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction), a severe type of heart attack. Fondaparinux may also be better than enoxaparin for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (antiplatelet drugs), most often tirofiban, are added for patients undergoing angioplasty. These drugs include tirofiban (Aggrastat) and abciximab (ReoPro). They are also beneficial for nonsurgical patients with ACS, notably NSTEMI (non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction).

After a heart attack, clots form in the injured artery within 4 - 6 hours in 90% of patients. Opening a clotted artery as quickly as possible is the best approach to improving survival.

The standard medical and surgical solutions for opening arteries are:

Angioplasty, also called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is standard procedure for opening the arteries. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is sometimes used as an alternative to angioplasty. Angioplasty should be performed no later than 12 hours after a heart attack.
Thrombolytics are known as blood-clot-busting drugs and are the standard medications used to open the arteries. They are administered as soon as possible in centers where angioplasty is not available or in patients who are not good candidates for angioplasty.

The best candidates for either thrombolytic therapy or angioplasty are:

Adults younger than 75 years old with elevated ST segments or indications of bundle branch block (an ECG reading showing an interruption in the electrical pathway within the heart).
Patients whose symptoms occur within 12 hours of treatment.

Specific Candidates for Emergency Angioplasty. Most patients who meet the criteria for either thrombolytic drugs or angioplasty do better with angioplasty (although only in centers equipped to do this procedure).

Good candidates for angioplasty include:

Elderly patients (including those over age 75) who meet the criteria for both approaches tend to do better with angioplasty than thrombolytic therapy
Patients with diabetes who meet the criteria for both approaches
Patients under age 75 who go into shock, provided that angioplasty can be performed within 18 hours of shock (There is no advantage for patients over 75 who are in shock.)

As with thrombolytic treatments, angioplasty is most effective when performed within 12 hours of symptoms, and the sooner the better. Unfortunately not all communities have centers experienced in the procedure. The experience of the medical center's staff is critical for optimal benefits, and not all surgeons are experienced in angioplasty. However, the procedure is becoming increasingly available, and overall mortality rates are improving over time with angioplasty. Patients or their families should be sure their surgeon has performed at least 75 of these procedures and that the medical center has performed at least 200.

Specific Candidates or Non-Candidates for Thrombolytics. People who meet the criteria for either thrombolytics or angioplasty may benefit from thrombolytic drugs even if they have high-risk conditions such as diabetes, high systolic blood pressure less than 180 mm Hg, or a history of heart attack.

Several studies report that women do worse after thrombolytic therapy. Evidence indicates, however, that they are generally older and have more serious medical conditions when they seek treatment. One study also reported that women were given these drugs an average of 14 minutes later than men were. Women on thrombolytic therapy still do better than those not given these drugs. The bottom line is that thrombolytic therapy is life-saving, and appropriate candidates, regardless of age or gender, should not be denied this therapy.

Thrombolytics should be avoided or used with great caution in the following patients:

People older than age 75 -- a 2000 study suggested that their risk of death was 38% higher than patients in their age group who were not given therapy; a higher risk exists in such older patients even if they are otherwise healthy.
Patients with elevated ST segments whose symptoms have continued beyond 12 hours
Pregnant women
People who have experienced recent trauma (especially head injury) or invasive surgery
People with active peptic ulcers
Patients who have been given prolonged CPR
Current users of anticoagulants

Thrombolytics should not be used in the following patients:

Patients who have experienced any recent major bleeding
Patients with low ST segments
Patients with a history of stroke
Patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure

After a heart attack, the patient may need a number of different medications, depending on their risk factors for a future heart attack:

Beta-blockers reduce the oxygen demand of the heart by slowing the heart rate and lowering arterial pressure. They have been proven to help improve survival in patients who have had a heart attack.
Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors should be given on the first day to all patients, unless there are medical reasons for not taking them.
Calcium channel blockers may provide relief in patients with unstable angina whose symptoms do not respond to nitrates and beta blockers. They are also useful for patients with Prinzmetal's angina.
Statins. Statins are important cholesterol lowering drugs that are beneficial for patients who have experienced a heart attack. They may also have heart-protective properties that go beyond lowering cholesterol.
Atropine. Atropine may be given for a very low heart rate (bradycardia) or signs of atrioventricular (AV) block, in which electric conduction of nerve impulses to specialized muscles in the heart is slowed or interrupted.

Severely ill patients, particularly those in cardiogenic shock (a dangerous condition that includes a drop in blood pressure and other abnormalities) or with heart failure, will be monitored closely and stabilized. Oxygen is administered, and fluids are given or replaced when it is appropriate to either increase or reduce blood pressure. Such patients may be given dopamine, dobutamine, or both. Other treatments depend on the specific condition.

Heart failure. Intravenous furosemide may be administered. Patients may also be given nitrates, and ACE inhibitors, unless they have a severe drop in blood pressure or other conditions that preclude them. Clot-busting drugs or angioplasty may be appropriate and life-saving in many of these patients, although heart failure patients are less likely to be given these treatments.

Cardiogenic Shock. A procedure called intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) is proving to help these patients when used in combination with thrombolytic therapy. IABP involves inserting a catheter containing a balloon, which is inflated and deflated within the artery to boost blood pressure. Left ventricular assist devices and early angioplasty might be considered.

An important study published in 2006 in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that early surgical intervention is important for patients who have cardiogenic shock. The study found that patients who had angioplasty or bypass surgery within 6 hours of a heart attack complicated by shock had greatly improved odds for long-term survival compared to patients who received intensive medical therapy with clot-busting drugs.

An arrhythmia is a deviation from the heart's normal beating pattern caused when the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen and is a dangerous side effect of a heart attack. A very fast or slow rhythmic heart rate often occurs in patients who have had a heart attack, and is not usually a dangerous sign.

Premature beats or very fast arrhythmias called tachycardia, however, may be predictors of ventricular fibrillation. This is a lethal rhythm abnormality, in which the ventricles of the heart beat so rapidly that they do not actually contract but quiver ineffectually. The pumping action necessary to keep blood circulating is lost.

Preventing Ventricular Fibrillation. People who develop ventricular fibrillation do not always experience warning arrhythmias, and to date, there are no effective drugs for preventing arrhythmias during a heart attack.

Potassium and magnesium levels should be monitored and maintained.
Intravenous beta-blockers followed by oral administration of the drugs may help prevent arrhythmias in certain patients.

Treating Ventricular Fibrillation.

Defibrillators. Patients who develop ventricular arrhythmias are given electrical shocks with defibrillators to restore normal rhythms. Some studies suggest that implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) may prevent further arrhythmias in heart attack survivors of these events who are at risk for further arrhythmias. Patients with ICDs should not take fish oil supplements, as they may increase the risk of ventricular fibrillation.
Antiarrhythmic Drugs. Antiarrhythmic drugs include lidocaine, procainamide, or amiodarone. Amiodarone or another antiarrhythmic drug may be used afterward to prevent future events.

Managing Other Arrhythmias. People with an arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation have a higher risk for stroke after a heart attack and should be treated with anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin). Other rhythm disturbances called bradyarrhythmias (very slow rhythm disturbances) frequently develop in association with a heart attack and may be treated with atropine or pacemakers.

[For more information on atrial fibrillation, ICDs, and pacemakers see In-Depth Report #45: Stroke.]

Medications

Thrombolytic, also called clot-busting or fibrinolytic, drugs are now mainstays in the early treatment of many patients with heart attacks. These drugs dissolve the clot, or thrombus, responsible for causing artery blockage and heart-muscle tissue death.

The standard thrombolytic drugs are recombinant tissue plasminogen activators or rt-PAs. They include alteplase (Activase) and reteplase (Retavase). Both are similar in effectiveness, although reteplase is easier to administer. Tenecteplase (TNKase), a newer drug, can be delivered more rapidly than alteplase, and to date, survival rates are similar. Streptokinase (Kabikinase, Streptase) is sometimes used but is somewhat less effective that the others.

The sooner that thrombolytic drugs are given after a heart attack, the better. The benefits of thrombolytics are highest within the first 3 hours. They can still help if given within 12 hours of a heart attack.

A thrombolytic drug, such as alteplase or tenecteplase, is typically given by IV along with heparin, an anticoagulant drug. (Heparin, like aspirin, cannot destroy existing blood clots but can prevent clots from reforming after they are broken up.) Enoproxin, a form of heparin called low-molecular weight heparin, may be more beneficial than standard heparin.

Other anticlotting drugs are being tested in combination with thrombolytic drugs for emergency treatment following a severe heart attack. Several 2005 studies have indicated that the antiplatelet drug clopidogrel (Plavix) can help prevent arteries from reclosing, and a second heart attack, when given along with aspirin and thrombolytic drugs. The studies evaluated patients who received thrombolytic drugs for treatment of STEMI (severe heart attacks with complete artery blockage).

Hemorrhagic stroke, usually occurring during the first day, is the most serious complication of thrombolytic therapy, but fortunately it is rare. Streptokinase given without heparin poses the lowest risk (although it is also less effective than other regimens in restoring blood flow). In general, the mortality rate from bleeding is only 3 in 1,000 patients treated with thrombolytics, whereas 39 patients in 1,000 would die without these clot-busting drugs. Recent evidence suggests that the survival benefits of thrombolytic therapy, particularly in combination with aspirin, last for years.

Anti-clotting drugs that inhibit or break up blood clots are used at every stage of heart disease. They are generally classified as either antiplatelets or anticoagulants. All anti-clotting therapies carry the risk of bleeding, which can lead to dangerous situations, including stroke.

Anti-platelet Drugs. These drugs prevent formation of blood platelets. Platelets are very small disc-shaped blood cells that are important for blood-clotting.

Aspirin. Aspirin is an antiplatelet drug. It is the most common anti-clotting drug and nearly anyone with heart disease is advised to take it daily in low dose.
Thienopyridines. Clopidogrel (Plavix) and ticlopidine (Ticlid) are thienopyridines, another type of anti-platelet drug.
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors. These powerful blood-thinning drugs include abciximab (ReoPro), eptifibatide (Integrilin), tirofiban (Aggrastat), and lamifiban. They are administered intravenously in the hospital and are used with angioplasty and stent placement. They are proving to be helpful for ACS patients with NSTEMI (non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction).

Anticoagulants. Anticoagulants thin blood. They include:

Heparin
Fondaparinux (Arixtra)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Direct thrombin inhibitors such as argatroban (Novastan), danaparoid (Orgaran), and lepirudin (Refludan)

How Anti-Clotting Drugs Are Used For Heart Attacks. Unlike the thrombolytic (clot-busting) drugs, which are used to break up blood clots during a heart attack, anti-clotting drugs are used to prevent blood clots from forming in the first place. Such drugs are sometimes used along with thrombolytics, immediately after a heart attack, and also as on-going maintenance to prevent a heart attack.

Aspirin is given immediately, and heparin is usually started during or at the end of the thrombolytic infusion.
Clopidogrel (Plavix) is given along with aspirin, heparin, and thrombolytic (“clot busting”) drugs as emergency treatment following a heart attack and to prepare for angioplasty surgery. In 2006, the FDA approved clopidogrel for patients who have had a STEMI heart attack and who are not going to have angioplasty. Clopidogrel is also helpful for patients with acute coronary syndrome. A 2006 study suggested that clopidogrel plus aspirin may not work better than aspirin alone in preventing a first heart attack. However, many studies show that clopidogrel is an important treatment for patients who have already had a heart attack. Clopidogrel and aspirin may reduce the risk of a second heart attack by 30%. The combination of clopidogrel (or ticlopidine) and aspirin is essential for patients who have a drug-eluting stent. In 2007, the American Heart Association recommended that patients with drug-eluting stents take this drug combination for at least 1 year after the stent is inserted to reduce the risks of blood clots.

All of these drugs pose a risk for bleeding. [See In-Depth Report #03: Coronary artery disease.]

Beta-blockers reduce the oxygen demand of the heart by slowing the heart rate and lowering pressure in the arteries. They are effective for reducing deaths from heart disease. These drugs include propranolol (Inderal), carvedilol (Coreg), bisoprolol (Zebeta), acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL), and esmolol (Brevibloc).

Administration During a Heart Attack. The beta-blocker metoprolol is given through an IV within the first few hours of a heart attack to reduce the destruction of heart tissue. However, a study suggests that emergency intravenous use of metoprolol may increase the risk of cardiac shock.

Prevention After a Heart Attack. Beta-blockers taken by mouth are also used on a long-term basis (“maintenance therapy”) after a first heart attack to help prevent future heart attacks.

Side Effects. Beta-blocker side effects include fatigue, lethargy, vivid dreams and nightmares, depression, memory loss, and dizziness. They can lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Beta-blockers are categorized as non-selective or selective. Non-selective beta-blockers such as carvedilol and propranolol can narrow bronchial airways. These beta-blockers should not be used by patients with asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.

Patients should not abruptly stop taking these drugs. The sudden withdrawal of beta-blockers can rapidly increase heart rate and blood pressure. The doctor may want the patient to slowly decrease the dose before stopping completely.

In 2004, the National Cholesterol Education Program issued updated recommendations on how to control cholesterol levels. These guidelines emphasize that patients should lower their LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and recommend that more people take LDL-lowering medication. Lowering LDL cholesterol and raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Several different types of drugs (statins, bile-acid binding resins, niacin, and fibrates) are used to treat cholesterol. [See In-Depth Report #23: Cholesterol.]

Statins are the most important of these drugs. Brands include lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), fluvastatin (Lescol), atorvastatin (Lipitor), and rosuvastatin (Crestor). A major analysis of over 200 studies found that statins reduced the risk for heart problems by 60% and stroke by 17%. A 2005 review found that the more that statins lower LDL, the more they reduce CAD and other heart disease risks.

An important 2006 study found that aggressive treatment with statins may have the potential to reverse coronary artery disease. In the study, rosuvastatin reduced fatty plaque in the arteries in addition to improving LDL and HDL cholesterol levels. However, a follow-up 2007 study of rosuvastatin indicated that while the drug slowed the rate of atherosclerotic progression, it did not reverse heart disease. Future studies will continue to investigate this issue.

A 2006 review of studies indicated that early, intensive therapy with statins can help reduce the risk of death, unstable angina, and revascularization (surgery to restore blood flow) for patients with acute coronary syndrome. The review indicated that statins work best when they are prescribed within 14 days of hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome. The researchers found that the effect of statins began about 4 months after starting drug therapy and that benefits lasted up to 2 years.

Side effects of statins may include stomach upset, headaches, skin rashes, muscle aches, sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, and peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in the hands and feet).

The main safety concern with statins is an uncommon condition called myopathy, which can cause muscle and joint pain and possible muscle damage. Doctors will immediately stop statin therapy if myopathy occurs. Patients should talk to their doctor about any unusual muscle discomfort or weakness or if their urine becomes brown-colored. Statins can also affect the liver, particularly at higher doses, so patients taking these drugs should receive regular liver function tests.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are important drugs for treating patients who have had a heart attack, particularly for patients at risk for heart failure. These drugs are commonly used to treat hypertension and are recommended as first-line treatment for people with diabetes and kidney damage.

ACE inhibitors include captopril (Capoten), ramipril (Altace), enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril (Accupril), benazepril (Lotensin), perindopril (Aceon), and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril).

Side Effects. Side effects of ACE inhibitors are uncommon but may include an irritating cough, excessive drops in blood pressure, and allergic reactions. In the past, doctors sometimes avoided giving aspirin to patients who were taking ACE inhibitors because the combination was believed to cause kidney problems. But, a 2005 study of patients with both coronary artery disease and heart failure found that taking aspirin and ACE inhibitor together is safe.

Magnesium has blood-thinning properties and may help open blood vessels. It is important to correct any magnesium deficiencies in patients (such as those who are taking diuretics).

Flu Shots. Influenza vaccinations may help protect patients against another heart attack during flu season.

Antibiotics. Researchers have investigated antibiotics for treating patients with heart disease and past infection of the bacteria Chlamydia pneumoniae. Results from several large-scale clinical trials, published in 2003 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and presented in 2004 at the European Society of Cardiology annual meeting, suggest that antibiotic treatment provides no benefit in preventing heart attack or other cardiac events in patients with coronary artery disease. While it is still possible that C. pneumoniae may play a role in triggering inflammatory responses associated with ACS, antibiotic therapy is no longer considered appropriate for treatment or prevention of heart disease.

Stem Cell Therapy. Researchers are investigating whether infusions of adult stem cells can help improve outcomes in patients who have a heart attack. Results from three small trials, published in 2006 in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggested that stem cell therapy may have some benefits in improving heart function. None of the studies reported treatment complications. Research presented at the 2007 American College of Cardiology annual meeting discussed intravenous stem cell therapy with Provacel (a commercial stem cell preparation). In the small study, patients who received Provacel had fewer adverse events (such as arrhythmia) and improved heart, lung, and overall function compared to patients who received placebo. Patients in the study received a Provacel infusion within 10 days of having a heart attack.

Surgery

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), also called angioplasty, and coronary artery bypass graft surgery are the standard operations for opening narrowed or blocked arteries. They are known as revascularization procedures.

Emergency angioplasty is the standard procedure for heart attacks. It should be performed within 12 hours of a heart attack. Clot-buster drugs can help prevent damage, but must be given with 1 hour of a heart attack.
Coronary bypass surgery is typically used as elective surgery for patients with blocked arteries. It may be used after a heart attack if angioplasty or thrombolytics fail or are not appropriate. It is usually not performed for a few days to allow recovery of the heart muscles.

Click the icon to see an illustrated series detailing a heart bypass surgery.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), also called angioplasty, involves procedures such as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) that help open the blocked artery. A typical angioplasty procedure involves the following steps:

Click the icon to see an image of an angioplasty.

The cardiologist threads a narrow catheter (a tube) containing a fiber into the blocked vessel.
The cardiologist opens the blocked vessel using balloon angioplasty, in which a tiny deflated balloon is passed through the catheter to the vessel.
The balloon is inflated to compress the plaque against the walls of the artery, flattening it out so that blood can once again flow through the blood vessel freely.
The balloon is inflated to compress the plaque against the walls of the artery, flattening it out so that blood can once again flow through the blood vessel freely.
To keep the artery open afterwards, doctors use a device called a coronary stent, an expandable metal mesh tube that is implanted during angioplasty at the site of the blockage.
Once in place, the stent pushes against the wall of the artery to keep it open. Stenting is improving results in patients with heart attack who have emergency angioplasty. It also significantly prevents reclosure and reduces heart attack rates in patients with ACS.

Experts recommend that appropriate patients receive angioplasty and stenting within 90 minutes after having a heart attack and no later than 12 hours following an attack. Although some hospitals have been performing angioplasty and stenting for up to a month following a heart attack, a landmark 2006 study found that delayed surgical intervention is not helpful for most patients. The Occluded Artery Trial (OAT), published in the New England Journal of Medicine, reported that balloon angioplasty and stenting failed to prevent heart complications in patients who received the procedure 3 – 28 days after a heart attack. The trial compared angioplasty to medications (aspirin, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, statins, clopidogrel).

Experts are now recommending delayed angioplasty and stenting only for patients who are unstable or who continue to have chest pain following a heart attack. This procedure may also be appropriate for patients who cannot tolerate beta-blocker drugs, which are commonly prescribed to help improve survival after a heart attack.

Complications occur in about 10% of patients (about 80% within the first day). Serious side effects include heart attack and the need for additional surgery. Best results occur in hospital settings with experienced teams and backup. Women who have angioplasty after a heart attack have a higher risk of death than men.

Reclosure and Blockage During or Shortly after Angioplasty. Reclosure of the artery often occurs during or shortly after angioplasty. A number of anticlotting drugs are used to reduce this risk. Clopidogrel (Plavix) is often given along with aspirin and thrombolytic drugs (such as abciximab) in the days before angioplasty surgery, to help prevent heart attack or stroke following surgery. Research suggests that abciximab (ReoPro) is especially helpful for patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Prevention of Restenosis. Narrowing or reclosing of the artery (restenosis) occurs within a year of angioplasty in many angioplasty patients, often requiring a repeat operation. In restenosis, the narrowing of the artery is usually due to scarring, not blood clots. Drug-eluting stents, which are coated with sirolimus (Rapamune) or paclitaxel (Taxol), can help prevent restenosis. Several 2006 studies indicated that this type of stent may be better than a bare metal stent for patients who have experienced a STEMI heart attack. However, because drug-eluting stents reduce arterial tissue growth, they can increase the risks of blood clots.

In February 2007, the American Heart Association and other professional organization issued an extremely important joint advisory statement. The statement advises that all patients who have drug-eluting stents must continue to take aspirin and clopidogrel (or, rarely,) ticlopidine for at least 1 year after the stent is inserted to reduce the risk of blood clots. Clopidogrel and ticlopidine are thienopyridine drugs that, like aspirin, help prevent blood platelets from clumping together. It is very important that patients who have drug-eluting stents take both aspirin and a thienopyridine drug. If for some reason patients cannot take a thienopyridine drug, they should receive a bare metal stent instead of a drug-eluting stent. [See In-Depth Report #03: Coronary artery disease.]

Click the icon to see an illustrated series detailing balloon angioplasty.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is the alternative elective procedure to angioplasty for opening blocked arteries in patients with severe angina, particularly those who have two or more blocked arteries. It is a very invasive procedure, however:

The chest is opened, and the blood is rerouted through a lung-heart machine.
The heart is stopped during the procedure.
Segments of veins or arteries taken from elsewhere in the patient's body are fashioned into grafts, which are used to reroute the blood. The blood vessel grafts are placed in front of and beyond the blocked arteries, so the blood flows through the new vessels around the blockage.

Mortality rates with this procedure after a heart attack are much higher (6%) than when it is used electively (1 - 2%). How or when it should be used after a heart attack, then, is controversial. A 2002 study attempted to determine which patients are at highest risk for poor results from CABG after a heart attack. The study found higher risks for women, patients over age 75, and those with heart failure or other severe heart problems.

Rehabilitation

Lifestyle measures, particularly dietary factors, are equally important in preventing heart attacks and must be strenuously adhered to.

Physical rehabilitation is extremely important after a heart attack. It has been associated with a 25% reduction in mortality rates at 3 years. Rehabilitation may include:

Leg exercises may start as early as the first day. The patient usually sits in a chair on the second day, and begins to walk on the second or third day.
Most patients undergo low-level exercise tolerance tests early in their recovery. One study suggests that exercise testing within 3 days after a relatively minor attack may allow patients to go home earlier.
After 8 - 12 weeks, many patients, even those with heart failure, benefit from supervised exercise programs. Health professionals should provide the patient with schedules for low-level aerobic home-activity. Strength (resistance) training is also important. Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art, appears to be very beneficial and safe for people after a heart attack. It should be noted that the risk for serious heart events during rehabilitation is very low.

Patients generally return to work in about 2 months, although timing can vary depending on the severity of the condition.

Sexual activity after a heart attack carries a very low risk and is believed to be safe, particularly in people who had exercised regularly before the attack. In any case, the feelings of intimacy and love that accompany healthy sex can help offset depression, a far greater risk for a future attack.

Major depression affects between 15 - 23% of patients with ACS or heart attacks. Many studies suggest that depression is a major predictor for increased mortality in both women and men. (One reason may be that depressed patients are less likely to comply with their heart medications.)

Psychotherapeutic techniques, especially cognitive behavioral therapies, are very helpful. Doctors have been reluctant to prescribe antidepressant drugs after ACS or a heart attack because older antidepressants tended to have adverse effects on the heart. Newer antidepressants may be safer. Studies on sertraline (Zoloft), one of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, have not reported harmful effects for patients who have had a heart attack. It is not yet clear if other SSRIs are equally safe and effective.

Resources

www.nhlbi.nih.gov -- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
www.acc.org -- American College of Cardiology
www.americanheart.org -- American Heart Association

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Review Date:
4/16/2007
Reviewed By:
Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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