The Newest Trend in Fashion

Yes everybody, the Holter Monitor is this spring's up-and-coming fashion trend....well it might be one day soon if obesity numbers keep rising like they are, and if heart disease continues to be the NUMBER ONE KILLER in the world.

No, I'm not obese and no I don't have heart disease, but I am sporting the ever-so-itchy holter monitor today.

Nothing alarming, I've just been having some chest discomfort, fainting and blackouts etc more frequently so the doctors (or my family mostly) want to know what the heck is going on.

Now I figure being a medical science major I should take this opportunity to possibly impart upon you some medical science information/terminology...

I'll try not to make it boring.

Cardiovascular Disease:

Generally refers to narrow or blocked blood vessels that can lead to heart attack, chest pain or stroke.

Most common cause of Cardiovascular Disease:

Atherosclerosis:

Fatty plaques in your arteries.

Your artery walls can harden, restricting the flow of oxygen rich blood to your tissues and organs. THIS IS BAD.

Causes of atherosclerosis:

Unhealthy diet

Lack of exercise

Being overweight

Smoking

Get to know these numbers:

Blood Pressure 
[systolic pressure/diastolic pressure, in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).]

Normal Blood Pressure: below 115/75

High Blood Pressure: Anything ABOVE 115/75

Low Blood Pressure: Anything BELOW 90 systolic OR BELOW 60 diastolic

When talking about cardiovascular disease, HIGH blood pressure is usually a player. When talking about what's been going on with me, LOW blood pressure is a player.