Busted: Top 10 Myths Related to Heart Problems

We at MensXP love busting myths. And this time around we'll debunk some myths related to human heart which has always been shrouded in mystery, be it in the Bollywood movies or in real life as vital body organ.
We are constantly swimming in an ocean of heart-related myths. There's a lack of complete and correct knowledge about the heart and people don't really know what's good or bad for their heart.
Let's deflate some heart-related myths right now:
Myth No. 1: Heart-Attack cannot get you if you're Physically Fit
Being fit may lessen the risk factors but it doesn't guarantee a life exempted from diseases. People often live under the impression that heart diseases mostly affect those who are obese. Even thin or weight conscious people can suffer from clogged arteries resulting from cholesterol deposits or damaged arteries. Factors like diabetes, smoking, tobacco abuse, genetic predisposition, genetics, high cholesterol or hypertension expose you to risk irrespective of your fitness levels.
Myth No. 2: It's Easy to Recognize the Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Forget ordinary people, a heart attack can even play hide-and-seek with cardiologists. Its symptoms can be varying and may not always be severe. Do not take the following symptoms lightly: Chest pain, shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, weakness, unusual fatigue, heaviness, weakness, or pain in one or both arms, back pain, indigestion, racing or fluttering heart. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these.

Myth No. 3: No Chest Pain Means No Heart Attack
A heart attack can have unusual indicators. Infact at times diabetics may not experience any pain. And it's not necessary that a person only experiences pain in the chest area. Chest pain or discomfort can be anywhere, starting from jaw to the umbilicus (navel aka belly button). The pain is not clearly localised. In fact, it's not even well-defined. It might be some sort of “heaviness” or “tightness” or a feeling of pressure. The chest pain associated with heart attacks is not usually sharp but more often described as dull. It can be lasting or intermittent. Squeezing or unusual discomfort at the back doesn't always mean an attack but the possibility cannot be fully ruled out until the tests are done.
Also, if you feel that you are experiencing an irregular heartbeat or hyperventilating, then don't overlook it as stress related disorder.
Myth No. 4: Wait and Watch the Chest Pain to Subside
The ancient “wait and watch” approach can prove to be lethal in the cases of heart and brain. Immediate medical attention should be sought after if you experience unrecognized, inexplicable chest pain. Every second counts and may cause irreparable damage to the heart. Dismissing chest pain for indigestion or gas is not a wise idea.

Myth No. 5: Heart Problems do not Affect Young People
This may have been true in ancient times but doesn't really hold any weight in the present times. Cases of people aged between 20 and 40 years getting hit by a heart attack have been widely reported. And the main reason for this? The kind of lifestyle we have developed in the recent years. Junk food, smoking, less exercise, increased intake of alcohol and high levels of stress has become daily lifestyles of most of the urban working population. Add to this, the factors like diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Myth No. 6: Taking an Aspirin in a Day Helps to Subside Heart Attacks
While taking of aspirin tablets is recommended during an active heart attack when someone is having chest pain, it is not recommended for everyday use to prevent heart disease unless specified by your doctor. Aspirin can have some seriously harsh side-effects. Everyday use of aspirin should not be done unless approved by a doctor.
Myth No. 7: After a Heart Attack Life Comes to a Halt
Life can be back on track if a person gets conscious about his lifestyle. Don't take an attack as the end of good life. If you become aware of your eating habits, exercise regime, banish smoke and alcohol from you territory and most importantly adopt a positive attitude towards your work then you can be as healthy as you were. Of course, you have to remain under strict medical supervision and follow all the advice dispensed by the doctor.

Myth No. 8: Heart Diseases Affect Men and Women in the Same Way
Men and women, both, suffer from heart disease but men have a higher risk of getting a fatal heart disease than women who are still getting their menstrual period. The conception that women do not suffer from heart attacks in erroneous. It's just that they are less prone to the disease than men and that too in their reproductive age group. By the age of 60-65, a woman is under the same degree of risk as a man. Women also lose much of their protection if they smoke, take oral contraception, are diabetic or hypertensive. While heart attack-related symptoms are almost same in both the sexes, women may also experience vomiting, breathlessness, nausea additionally.
Myth No. 9: Diabetes is Not a Threat as Long as the Blood Sugar Level is under Control
Diabetes itself causes inflammation that can damage blood vessels, raising the risk of heart disease and other health problems. One also needs to take into account his weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels apart from the blood sugar level.
Myth 10: I've Already Had an Angioplasty (heart surgery) and so I can put all Heart-related worries to Rest
This is definitely untrue. If you go back to same old lifestyle ripe with carelessness that originally allowed you to develop a heart problem then you are quite likely to damage your heart again.
We must understand that heart is a complex organ and needs our attention accordingly. With diet, exercise and greater awareness of risks, most heart diseases are preventable. But sadly enough, people treat their cars better than their bodies

How to Incorporate Fruits into your Daily Diet

Every time a new week/month begins, we remind ourselves that we'll incorporate more and more fruits in our everyday diet.
But it only takes 3-4 servings for us to realise how disinterested we really are in them. Add to this, the delicious fruits are not the staple ones. Most fruits like grapefruits, lychees, dark grapes and strawberries aren't as easy to get as the same-old, boring apple, oranges and bananas. So how does one get the recommended three to four daily servings of fruits in his daily diet? The trick lies in somehow tricking your taste buds (actually, your mind) into eating and enjoying more fruits every day.
Here's how you can do that:

Insert Fruits in your Breakfast
Add at least one whole fruit to your breakfast. If you take eggs and toast in breakfast, then add a fruit like papaya or banana to a smoothie, with some yogurt. If you eat cereal, then add a fruit like apple to the bowl. So irrespective of the type of breakfast you take, you must include fruits in it. a quick fruit smoothie on the side, or a quick addition of fruit chunks, will go a long way in improving your daily diet and will help in curbing your mid-noon hunger pangs.
Mid-noon Snack
Bring a whole fruit or a bowl of chopped fruit to work with you. You can munch on it while working so that it doesn't affect your work in the office. Now what if you don't really like munching fruits? Just sprinkle some chaat masala or oregano with some chilli flakes and see how much you like them.
Early Evening Snack
It's 4 in the afternoon and your body (it's actually the mind most of the times) is craving for some sugar and carbs. Beat the post noon blues, by gorging on some delicious fruit snacks. Go for fruit salads topped with a hint of honey and nuts, or add a thin layer of healthy cheese or paneer to a fruit like muskmelon to make it interesting. Oranges taste great with some chilli and salt ground with coriander and cumin. Adding condiments to fruits will up the taste and you won't mind eating them. Way better than the calorie-rich burger in your office café.

Late Evening Snack
Once you get into them, you won't mind a fourth helping of fruits in a day. In fact, you'll love it. Chances are that by now, you can be craving for some flavour-rich snack. Pause before you turn towards the same old samosas, pakoras or fries. Enjoy a citrus fruit like an orange or grapefruit. And wait, you can also add also add some chopped fruits to a bowl of chilled yogurt flavoured with your favourite spices. Then there's also the good ol' fruit chaat.
So these are some of the ways in which you can cajole yourself into consuming more fruits. And once you develop a thing for them, which we're sure you will, you won't like missing them even for a single day. This will do good to your health in two ways: it'll rid you from the junk food you inevitably consume every time you feel hungry and second, fruits are anyway beneficial for your health.
From your side also, explore different ways to make fruit intake interesting, and within just a week or two, you will notice weight and inch loss.

Smoking ups heart disease risk in women

Women who smoke have a 25 per cent higher risk of developing heart disease than men smokers, scientists have warned.

Toxins in cigarette smoke appear to affect women more badly, and the risk takes into account that women tend to get through fewer cigarettes than men.

The findings by Dr Rachel Huxley, of the University of Minnesota, and Dr Mark Woodward, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore from a massive meta-analysis of 86 international studies involving 2.4million people add to evidence that women's health is worse affected by smoking, reports the Daily Mail.

Women smokers have double the risk of lung cancer compared with their male counterparts, and often suffer more aggressive forms of the disease.

The latest review looked at 75 sets of data, which included 67,000 coronary heart disease events such as heart attacks.

The risk ratio of smoking compared with not smoking for coronary heart disease was found to be 25 per cent higher in women than men.

This increased by 2 per cent for each additional year of follow-up, meaning that the longer a woman smokes, the higher her risk of developing heart disease becomes compared with a man who has smoked the same length of time.

Apple copycat 'hiPhone 5' comes calling in China

 The newest version of Apple Inc's popular iPhone has already hit the Chinese market -- the fake market that is. The 'hiPhone 5' is selling for as little as 200 yuan ($31) on China's top e-commerce platform Taobao, which is owned by Alibaba Group.
But one has to pay around 800 yuan for a more "genuine" one, according to some shop clerks at a mobile phone market in Shanghai.
"Look at this. It's not the same as the 300-400 yuan ones," Shanghai-based daily Metro Express quoted a clerk as saying, pointing to one originally priced at 850 yuan.
The 'hiPhone 5' is based on leaked images of the yet-to-be-launched iPhone 5 and is thinner and with less rounded edges than the existing iPhone 4, according to the newspaper. However, it is extremely light, almost like a plastic toy, like most pirated mobile phones, it said.
Western governments have repeatedly criticised China for widespread violation of intellectual property rights, but pirated goods from branded watches, to bags and computer software can be easily found in shops.
Last month, an American blogger set off a media storm after she posted pictures of an elaborate fake Apple Store in Kunming, selling genuine if unauthorized iPhones, Macbooks and other widely popular Apple products.
Reuters also uncovered a look-a-like of the Swedish furniture giant Ikea in the southwestern Chinese city.

Apple, which is expected to roll out the latest version of the iPhone 5 smartphone within a few months, sold a record 20.34 million iPhones during the last quarter, even though its newest model is over a year old.

London riots reveal dark side of social networking

Even as the scale of rioting in England has rattled nation's political class - so much so that Prime Minister David Cameron had to deliver a stern message to those who are burning down London - the last 72 hours have also revealed the dark side of social networking - the anti-social network.

Rioters are using Twitter, Facebook and BlackBerry Messenger to co-ordinate attacks and dodge the police. In a terrible free for all, youth caught up in the thrill of criminality are breaking into shops, filling their arms with the loot and vanishing into the night. As London burns, social networking sites are in the line of fire for fueling the riots. Brazen rioters posted pictures of their loot online. When a youth posed with the loot, the show of bravado was one of the many pictures police claimed encouraged others to join the riot.

A rioter posted on a website, "What ever ends [area] you'r from put your ballys [BlackBerry] on link up and cause havoc, just rob everything. Police can't stop it."

BlackBerry handsets were turned into weapons to spread information about where to strike next and how to escape the police.

"It's so bad. Those who are doing it just want to spread mayhem. I'm scared about my safety," a civilian said.

Shocking scenes that played on the streets were posted on the web. A police car being under attack was posted on YouTube to a rap soundtrack. Another showed a bleeding teenager being robbed by thugs pretending to help him.

Those who stripped shelves bare also gave hapless citizens the same treatment. The rioters even robbed people of the very clothes on their backs.

In the line of fire for surrender on the streets, the police have vowed to bring the guilty to book.

"I and my officers will pursue all those that are engaged in criminality and will put them in front of the courts," said Acting Scotland Yard Commissioner Tim Godwin.

The UK Home Secretary said, "Police is looking at the CCTV...will soon catch all those responsible."

There are some things uniting the London rioters. Almost all are under 20. The youngest arrested is 11 years old. Some in the police even believe that the young rioters are recreating scenes from a violent video game Grand Theft Auto.

BMW reveals its new electric future

The i3 city car and the i8 supercar are the first electric cars from the German firm and they could be in production as early as 2013.

The electric motor over the rear axle – which generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from a standstill – and a small turning circle combine to deliver pleasingly agile driving 

The BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds.

The so-called Life module conjures up a feeling of space inside the car more generous than even the latest conversion vehicles can offer.

 The i3 city car and the i8 supercar are the first electric cars from the German firm and they could be in production as early as 2013. Courtesy: BMW

The electric motor over the rear axle – which generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from a standstill – and a small turning circle combine to deliver pleasingly agile driving characteristics.

The BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds.

The so-called Life module conjures up a feeling of space inside the car more generous than even the latest conversion vehicles can offer.

Select materials lend the open and airy cabin a lounge-like character. The use of renewable raw materials is another defining characteristic of the interior, offering passengers a further means of "experiencing" the sustainability of the vehicle.

The i3 city car and the i8 supercar are the first electric cars from the German firm and they could be in production as early as 2013. Courtesy: BMW

The electric motor over the rear axle – which generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from a standstill – and a small turning circle combine to deliver pleasingly agile driving characteristics.

The BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds.

The so-called Life module conjures up a feeling of space inside the car more generous than even the latest conversion vehicles can offer.

Select materials lend the open and airy cabin a lounge-like character. The use of renewable raw materials is another defining characteristic of the interior, offering passengers a further means of "experiencing" the sustainability of the vehicle.

Parts of the instrument panel and door panelling are visibly made from natural fibres, while the naturally tanned leather of the There is no centre tunnel bisecting the cabin and the interior thus creates a very free, open and airy impression.

The i3 city car and the i8 supercar are the first electric cars from the German firm and they could be in production as early as 2013. Courtesy: BMW

The electric motor over the rear axle – which generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from a standstill – and a small turning circle combine to deliver pleasingly agile driving characteristics.

The BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds.

The so-called Life module conjures up a feeling of space inside the car more generous than even the latest conversion vehicles can offer.

Select materials lend the open and airy cabin a lounge-like character. The use of renewable raw materials is another defining characteristic of the interior, offering passengers a further means of "experiencing" the sustainability of the vehicle.

Parts of the instrument panel and door panelling are visibly made from natural fibres, while the naturally tanned leather of the There is no centre tunnel bisecting the cabin and the interior thus creates a very free, open and airy impression.

The passengers sit in a raised "semi-command" position which provides a good view over the hustle and bustle of city traffic and, at the same time, eases access to the seats.

Top 5 Smartphones to Buy Right this Minute

The smartphone market in India is hot like never before. Nokia is losing its sheen and Samsung and Apple are racing ahead.
Consumers have a plethora of options to choose from. This may lead to a serious brainstorming session on their part. In case, you're planning to buy a smartphone, we've made life a little easier for you by complining a list of the top 5 smartphones to buy at present.
Take a look and then take your pick:

Samsung Galaxy S II
Okay, believe it or not but the truth is that Galaxy S II has usurped iPhone 4 from the throne of the smartphone empire. In a short period of time, it has stormed ahead of iPhone, which looked invincible at some point of time. The Galaxy S II's combines a thin and light design with the flexibility of hugely popular Android. Add to this a dazzling display and the best-in-class performance. It may have some minor flaws but they can be easily ignored for the great features it offers.
Why should I Buy it?
Big on performance, excellent display, ultra thing and light design, loaded with features, great battery performance.
Price: Rs 29,999
MensXP Rating: 4.5/5

Apple iPhone 4
Well, one of the reasons you should get this baby is because it's an Apple product after all! And iPhone 4 is in many ways the best phone Apple has ever made. It's faster that its predecessor, the 3GS. The Retina Display is simply amazing and sets the new standards in cellphone displays. The FaceTime App is indeed path-breaking and redefines the entire concept of video conferencing. And then its killer looks. It feels awesome to hold the phone in your hand.
Why should I Buy it?
Revolutionary features like FaceTime and iMovie, Stunning high-res display, brilliant camera (for video and still photography), superb battery life
Price: Rs 40,900 for iPhone 4 32 GB
MensXP Rating: 4.5/5

HTC Sensation
Often peddled as HTC's answer to Samsung's Galaxy S2 and iPhone 4, this Dual Core wonder is highly likely to attract people looking for an alternative to the first two phones. And the phone is indeed giving some serious competition to them. With a weight of just 148 gm and a beautiful design, Sensation is a pure joy in the hand. The phone was a CNET Editors' Choice Award winner and they said that it is “sensational in many ways”.
Why should I Buy it?
Excellent user interface, lovely display, 1.2 GHz Dual Core processor, 8 MP camera, excellent HD video recording, remarkable battery life
Price: Rs. 28,899
MensXP Rating: 4/5

HTC Desire S
This is an evolved successor to its massively popular ancestor - HTC Desire. Unibody design, a great interface, and the inclusion of Android 2.3 are being lauded all over. It is a seriously appealing mobile phone. Although is camera is mildly disappointing, the other features, which come at a competitive price, more than make up for that. Its software is intuitive and processor powerful.
Why should I Buy it?
Fantastic Unibody design, great performance, value for money,
Price: Rs 22,399
MensXP Rating: 4/5

LG Optimus 2X
Optimus 2X from LG is fitted with a speedy processor (Dual Core Tegra 2 1GHz) that makes it insanely fast and revs up the apps and user-interface transitions. Its appearance and feel may be slightly bulky but it offers some great hardware. Multimedia features are overwhelming. Once again, a good choice for those looking for options beyond Apple and Samsung.
Why should I Buy it?
Excellent display, powerful 1GHz Dual Core processor, slick scrolling and zooming, bustling with features
Price: Rs. 25,449
MensXP Rating: 4/5 (MensXP.com)

Also read: Nokia Slides from 1st to 3rd Position in Smartphone Sales and A Guide to Watch Phones in India