Unfortunately most of us have a loved one affected by heart disease. According to the Irish Heart Foundation approximately 10,000 people die each year from cardiovascular disease. This includes coronary heart disease, stroke and other circulatory diseases. It is the most common cause of death in Ireland, accounting for 36% of all deaths. The largest number, 22%, of these deaths relate to coronary heart disease . Also, 22% of premature deaths (defined as death before the age of 65) are from cardiovascular disease.
It was once a male disease, or predominately so, but not any more. I recently had a meeting with one of Germany's top Cardiologists. During the meeting one of his staff brought in a file for his signature. He reviewed the file, signed it, looked at me and said "There's equality for you, a 40 year old woman with two blocked arteries, you wouldn't have seen that ten years ago". Just what I wanted to hear as I stressed about clinical trial design!
So, angioplasty, what is it and why is it important?
The heart is a vital organ which pumps blood to the entire body allowing for the circulation of oxygen and nutrients and the removal of waste. Its a muscular organ which requires a good blood flow of its own. Heart disease generally involves the narrowing or blockage of the arteries supplying blood to the heart, thus preventing it from working effectively. This can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath and pain, among other
symptoms.
Previously these blockages were treated by by-pass surgery. This is a complex operation where vein graphs are taken from another part of the body, typically the leg, and are used to 'by-pass' the blockages in the heart.
What angioplasty does is remove the blockage with only a tiny incision, normally in the groin, which allows most patients to go home the same day! A massive difference in both risk and recovery time.
A balloon catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin, the femoral artery and travels to the heart and into the diseased vessel. Once positioned across the blockage the balloon is inflated, opening the vessel to its original size. Several vessels can be treated during the procedure.
The cardiologist views the images using x-ray and radiopaque dyes. The catheters and guidewires used also have radiopaque markers at know positions to assist in the positioning of the instruments in the coronary arteries.
The image below shows a diseased artery as seen by a cardiologist. You can see the blockage mid way down the image on the left.
This second image is the aerty following treatment, with full blood flow restored.
I have been using in under my moisturiser at night for the past week and my skin is so lovely, soft yet firm. Plus, it may be wishful thinking and good light, but there seems to be less lines!
To me, the most interesting character in the history of angioplasty was Andreas Gruentzig, a German Cardiologist, who first learnt of the angioplasty technique at a lecture by the American doctor Charles Dotter in the late 1960s. The method he observed did not use a balloon, but pushed a catheter through an occluded artery, a bit like a pipe cleaner.
Now all I need is super high heels to finish the look :-)
The Party cake.
A slice on a Peppa plate :-)
I love this pendent, simple, yet with a hint of magic, its appropriately named The Secret Garden.
I'm a big fan of sci-fi and fantsy books and loved Stardust by Neil Gaiman. I read it before the film was made, but unusually for me, I also love the film, total escapism! So what better way to escape a tedious meeting than my very own Babylon candle?
The only problem with this fabulous clutch is that I would spend way too much money in an attempt to keep showing it off, it would always be my round :-)
Totally bizarre piece of art, but appeals to the book lover (up-cycling old books!) and the biologist in me!
A very pretty and different necklace.
As explained by the lovely people at pirates and pixies the door only opens in, so only tiny faeries, elves and the like can use it.
The cardiologist views the images using x-ray and radiopaque dyes. The catheters and guidewires used also have radiopaque markers at know positions to assist in the positioning of the instruments in the coronary arteries.
The paper I quoted in my first piece about antibacterial household products was quite old. It did, I believe explain the risks behind these products quite well, so, what is the more recent research and opinion telling us?
Or these from Marc by Marc Jacobs
I'm not sure yet if I'll be brave enough!
It is from the Great Little Trading Company and I just can't wait for it to arrive. I'll let you see in in place just as soon as it is ready!
Isn't it gorgeous? We spent quite a while arranging all of her slides, clips, necklaces, bracelets and other small girl essentials, while listening to the music and watching the fairy twirl around.
