Hypoxia and Medicine

I have ischemia (heart) and wonder about heat and massage.?

I have ischemia of the heart (left side I think). I also have a neck vertebrae that injured and hurts periodically. When it's bad I use a heating pad and aspirin which has always helped. I have always preferred a hot bath as well. But, I've had ischemia for 8 years, no treatment until 4 months ago, and I'm just realizing that maybe its not a minor thing. I wonder now about massage, which I love but don't have often. I was thinking about getting a 2nd opinion on the ischemia because my dr. makes me feel like the ischemia is very minor, and yet I have to take this medicine. My blood pressure was high too and I have an injured knee and neck and torn shoulder so those things are kind of like inflammations - not good for a heart I hear. Thanks for any input. I am so impressed with this site: the answers and the opportunities for people to learn much more about their important and not so urgent but concerning issues. Thank you all so much.

Public Comments

1. It appears you have several complications of the physical aspect of your body. Ischemia of the ventricle seems to be a bit of a warning for you. Particularly when associated with high blood pressure. To answer your specific questions; massage is a very relaxing experience and would be beneficial for reducing the blood pressure. Whereas taking hot baths produces just the opposite effect. If you are concerned about your condition, moderation would be in order and should be considered as a routine. Your other problems should be attended to. My recommendation would be by a doctor of Chiropractic. As most of the presenting symptoms fall into the category of usual treatment by these professionals.
2. Please see the web pages for more details on Ischemic heart disease. Hypertension, Smoking, Diabetes, High fat diet, High cholesterol, Obesity are risk factors and may cause recurrent ischemic episodes. Consult a cardiologist.
3. You may be fully aware of these details, but I shall enter them in case you are not. Cardiac ischemia occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle (myocardium) is obstructed by a partial or complete blockage of a coronary artery. A sudden, severe blockage may lead to a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Cardiac ischemia may also cause a serious abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), which can cause fainting or even sudden death. Massage is beneficial for all the symptoms of hypertonic muscle length and ischemia. Because massage mechanically enhances the circulatory system, it can alleviate ischemia by relaxing the muscles and creating more space between the muscle cells, which restores blood flow and provides better oxygen delivery and waste removal, which leads to better healing. New research published in Psychophysiology finds a relationship between increased blood pressure and decreased pain perception in a variety of circumstances, including among individuals with heart disease. The new study draws on data collected from over 900 patients undergoing exercise stress testing to diagnose possible myocardial ischemia (MI). "This has implications for several areas, such as the effects of stress, non-adherence to treatment and silent myocardial ischemia," says Bianca D'Antono, author of the study. "Further research will be needed to better understand the relationship between blood pressure, pain perception and heart disease." These being the main part of your question, I shall not discuss your orthopaedic and tissue related injuries at this time. I add two links covering these subjects http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Ischemia http://www.hoylechiropractic.com/ Massage.htm Hope this helps matador 89
4. It is apparent that you have multiple diseases.,, 1.Ischemic Heart Disease..of the left side 2.Hypertension 3.Post-traumatic injury of Cervical Vertebrae, Knee and Shoulder. Ischaemic heart disease with hypertension is usually found from middle age onwards. For this combination the treatment has to be continued with out any break.If your doctor says that the ischemia is very minor..it means that you are probably having either an occasional spasm of the coronary vessels(blood vessels that supply blood to heart itself) or there is a sort of stress pattern in your cardiogram. In these cases the treatment is simple but precautions have to be taken. Also you have undergo a thorough cardiological evaluation or checkup. In cases ,just like yours, there is no damage to the heart, while in infarction there is a definite and permanent damage to the heart tissue. The damaged cervical vertebra can also give rise to pain that may mimic ishemic pain of the heart. That is why I would advise a thorough investigation of your cardiovascular system. The other orthopedic problem that you have will not affect your cardiac status much, but always tell your doctor about these. Massaging and local heat is a good combination for getting good relief from such type of pain. And if you are taking the treatment for hypertension regularly, the daily hot water bathing does not matter, but the water must not be too hot. Please consult a cardiologist and then an orthopedic surgeon... and follow their advice to the hilt. thanks Zene... for allowing me to be able to help someone.
5. I am a massage therapist, and want to tell you to be sure to have doctor's clearance before you try massage. Ischemia is something imposed on the body by massage. This can cause further danger with your heart condition, and may contraindicate massage for you. I would recommend reflexology or cranial-sacral massage for you, as they will not change your blood flow but allow you to recieve body work. Best of luck to you.