The Death of Ken Lay...Catastrophe Awaits?
Cardiologists are speculating that the death of Kenneth Lay was related to stress-induced sudden cardiac death. Lay, the 64 year old founder of Enron Corporation, was convicted of fraud and conspiracy earlier this year and was awaiting Federal sentencing that could have imprisoned him for the rest of his life. Lay died on July 5th of an apparent heart attack, although an autopsy is pending.
Douglas Zipes, M.D., director of the division of cardiology at the Krannert Institute of Cardiology of the Indiana University School of Medicine and the former president of the American College of Cardiology (ACC), noted that recent events in Lay's life suggest a nearly classic set of circumstances that resulted in sudden cardiac death.
Dr. Zipes commented that extremely stressful situations are a set up for heart-related chest pain, rapid heart rate, and sudden cardiac death.
He defines such stressful situations as those over which one feels that they have no control, such as the death of a spouse, financial losses, or the loss of a job; in Lay's case it was his felony conviction. Such stressors can also result in a lethal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation, a rapid heart rate that causes sudden death.
The heart's response to stress is mediated by a combination of stress hormone release and nervous system response. One of the results of these responses is spasm of an artery, which can cause blood vessel plaque to rupture.
Marc Penn, M.D., director of the heart-brain institute at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, said that such stress not only increases risk of sudden cardiac death but "it also increases the risk of plaque rupture and artery closure."
When a plaque ruptures it releases liquid fats into the blood vessel, causing a sudden and complete blockage that results in a stoppage of blood flow past the blockage. This is a heart attack.
Dr. Penn also points out that certain medications are more appropriate for those under neuro-hormonal stress. For example, the beta-blocker medications block the nervous system response better and are frequently a good choice for stressed or anxious individuals.
We all have stress in our lives; it's unavoidable. Studies have shown however that the effects of stress on the nervous system can be modified by learning to control our response to stressful situations. By learning relaxation breathing exercises, yoga, or practicing relaxation with audio programs, we can teach our the hormonal and nervous systems not to over react. The result may well be a reversal in lifestyle that can save your life.
For more information I suggest books by Herbert Benson M.D., including "The Relaxation Response," "Beyond The Relaxation Response," and "Mind Your Heart:A Mind/Body Approach to Stress Management, Exercise, and Nutrition for Heart Health."
Just for today...Relax :>)
Laurie
There is no need to go to India or anywhere else to find peace. You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden or even your bathtub.
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Related Topics: Heart Attack Tests for All?, Workplace Stress and Your Health
Technorati Tags: ken lay, enron, stress-induced, heart attack
Douglas Zipes, M.D., director of the division of cardiology at the Krannert Institute of Cardiology of the Indiana University School of Medicine and the former president of the American College of Cardiology (ACC), noted that recent events in Lay's life suggest a nearly classic set of circumstances that resulted in sudden cardiac death.
Dr. Zipes commented that extremely stressful situations are a set up for heart-related chest pain, rapid heart rate, and sudden cardiac death.
He defines such stressful situations as those over which one feels that they have no control, such as the death of a spouse, financial losses, or the loss of a job; in Lay's case it was his felony conviction. Such stressors can also result in a lethal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation, a rapid heart rate that causes sudden death.
The heart's response to stress is mediated by a combination of stress hormone release and nervous system response. One of the results of these responses is spasm of an artery, which can cause blood vessel plaque to rupture.
Marc Penn, M.D., director of the heart-brain institute at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, said that such stress not only increases risk of sudden cardiac death but "it also increases the risk of plaque rupture and artery closure."
When a plaque ruptures it releases liquid fats into the blood vessel, causing a sudden and complete blockage that results in a stoppage of blood flow past the blockage. This is a heart attack.
Dr. Penn also points out that certain medications are more appropriate for those under neuro-hormonal stress. For example, the beta-blocker medications block the nervous system response better and are frequently a good choice for stressed or anxious individuals.
We all have stress in our lives; it's unavoidable. Studies have shown however that the effects of stress on the nervous system can be modified by learning to control our response to stressful situations. By learning relaxation breathing exercises, yoga, or practicing relaxation with audio programs, we can teach our the hormonal and nervous systems not to over react. The result may well be a reversal in lifestyle that can save your life.
For more information I suggest books by Herbert Benson M.D., including "The Relaxation Response," "Beyond The Relaxation Response," and "Mind Your Heart:A Mind/Body Approach to Stress Management, Exercise, and Nutrition for Heart Health."
Just for today...Relax :>)
Laurie
There is no need to go to India or anywhere else to find peace. You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden or even your bathtub.
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Related Topics: Heart Attack Tests for All?, Workplace Stress and Your Health
Technorati Tags: ken lay, enron, stress-induced, heart attack
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