The temperatures are dropping fast. With the sudden change in weather, our bodies sometimes don’t fully adjust right away. This can put a dent in our immunity and leave us exposed to potential cold and flu viruses going around.
While there is still no cure for the common cold or the flu, millions of Americans seek relief through over the counter medicines which can help shorten the duration of the illness as well as mask symptoms and help you cope with the bugs and feel a little better temporarily allowing you to get through your days.
These medicines work very well for most people. If you happen to have problems with your heart health though you need to be aware of potential complications and side effects even over the counter remedies may provoke.
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension (High blood pressure), heart disease, or heart failure, common decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can be a danger. They are both vasoconstrictors, meaning they constrict blood vessels in the sinus and nasal passages which helps with drainage and swelling – making it easier for you to breathe. The problem is because they are taken orally the effects don’t just take place in the sinuses and nose. They can make your heart work harder than it needs to and that can spell trouble for some.
Safer Alternatives that Still Work
Nasal Decongestant Sprays – This helps minimize the cardiovascular effect because of the direct delivery system. Please use no more than twice daily and only as directed.
Neti Pot – A neti pot is a small plastic pot that holds (non-tap) water, lukewarm, mixed with salt (the salts come with the pots in small pre-measured packages). Mix and rinse one side of the nose at a time. They are great for clearing out dust, pollen, dander, air pollutants, viruses, bacteria and more from your sinus cavities and have no side effects. They are free to be used with any medications.
Hot compress – holding a heating pad or hot compress against your face not only feels good, but it also helps loosen and release sinus pain and pressure allowing the mucus to drain more easily.
Antihistamines – these may be a safe alternative. Antihistamines can help dry up nasal mucosa. Just be aware they may cause drowsiness.
Steam – Be it a wet sauna, a hot shower, or a bowl of boiled water with a towel, the fact is steam loosens up sinuses and helps them to drain. All of these are great helpers.
When choosing a product, always read the label carefully.
- Look at both the “active” and “inactive” ingredients. Many contain multiple active ingredients that could affect your cardiovascular health, interact with your cardiovascular medications, and cause side effects.
- Decongestants and antihistamines come in extended-release meaning that you take them less frequently. Always read the directions on the label and consult your pharmacist or doctor with any questions.
For more heart-healthy advice visit WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM OR CALL US FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT 813-975-2800.
Are You Experiencing Neck Pain After an Auto Accident?
Chiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?
Chiropractic and Car accident healing go together like peanut butter and jelly.
People often incorrectly use the terms “spider veins” and “varicose veins” interchangeably, and it’s important to understand that these are two very different conditions.
The damage done to the circulatory system is most noticeable in the form of surface-level varicose and spider veins. Vein disease often causes pain on top of cosmetic embarrassment, but the true damage and potential for life-threatening issues occur internally. 
Justice Sonia Sotomayor – Mrs. Sotomayor was born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican-born parents. Sotomayor was in the majority in two major Supreme Court landmark rulings in the last term: King v. Burwell and Obergefell v. Hodges.
James Edward Olmos – Nicknamed “Olivier of the Latino world,” Edward James Olmos is a talented creative individual. Back in April of 1999, he launched a project called Americanos: Latino Life in the United States. It was to be a celebration of Latino culture through photography, film, music, and writing. The project was co-sponsored by Time Warner Inc. and designed to inspire Latino pride and to build bridges among Latinos and other Americans. Olmos speaks at an average of 150 institutions each year and participates in a multitude of humanitarian efforts.
Carlos Santana – Though mainly known as one of the world’s most phenomenal musicians with a huge track record emblazed in music history he is also a major humanitarian philanthropist.
Many of us, during a routine doctor’s appointment, may have been told: “Your blood pressure is a little high”. Monitoring is usually suggested. If it continues to remain high in readings often blood pressure medication is recommended. 
The sooner you start chiropractic adjustments the better off your child will be for life.
Car accidents are one of the most traumatic experiences you can have in life. That horrible feeling that time is slowed, the brace for impact, and finally that jarring body jolting slam as the collision happens… there is a moment of pause where everything just stands still… and then reality sets back in and you have to gather your thoughts and refocus… “Am I hurt?”
Our circulatory system is an amazing mechanism. Veins run throughout our entire body. They feed blood to every organ and cellular tissue. When veins sustain damage from trauma or vein disease – venous insufficiency they begin stages of venous insufficiency.