Healthy Living Tips From
Less sodium saves lives
Excess sodium intake is one of the leading contributors to high
bloodpressure, which increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and
other cardiovascular diseases. The American Heart Association
(AHA) believes reducing society’s intake of sodium could save thousands of lives. AHA researchers used three computer simulations to
determine ways to reduce sodium intake. Their approaches included a gradual reduction by 40 percent, instant reduction by 40
percent and instant reduction to no more than 1,500 mg/day. They
determined that reducing sodium consumption by 40 percent over
10 years could save between 280,000 and 500,000 lives. Americans
consume an average of 3,600 mg/day of sodium with 80 percent
coming from commercially prepared and processed foods.
Excessive sodium intake can
have severe long-term health
risks. If your sodium intake
exceeds the recommended
1,500mg/day, monitor your diet
to see how much you consume
and begin choosing healthier
alternatives with less sodium. d
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NEW JERSEY COPS
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MAY 2015
Common but surprising
heart med interactions
Did you know it’s not only other drugs that can interact with heart
medications? Vitamins, supplements and foods – even healthy
ones – can sometimes pose a risk for heart patients. Here are some
common culprits you might not be aware of:
Vitamin E: If you take a blood-thinning medication, vitamin E
may thin blood further, increasing your risk of bleeding.
Coenzyme Q10: Because coenzyme Q10 (also called CoQ-10)
can lower blood pressure, taking it along with blood pressure medications could cause your pressure to drop too low. In addition,
CoQ-10 can increase blood clotting, so it shouldn’t be taken with
blood thinners, as it could make them less effective.
Fish oil: The omega-3 fatty acids that give fish oil its beneficial
properties can also extend bleeding. For that reason, if you take
blood thinners or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
talk with your doctor before taking fish oil supplements.
Licorice: This sweet snack may have sour effects for those who
take certain diuretics or medications for congestive heart failure,
abnormal heart rhythms or high blood pressure by causing toxicity
or lessening the effect of the medication.
Grapefruit: Both the fruit and its juice can interfere with some
prescription and over-the-counter medications. Take particular
precaution with grapefruit and certain blood pressure medications,
as it can cause higher levels of medication in your body, increasing
the risk of side effects. d