|
Guide to prevention of heart disease: Heart
disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United
States. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the single major entity responsible
for the majority of cardiovascular mortality. The key for prevention of
coronary artery disease is the identification of risk factors and modifying
them either non-medically or medically. The identified modifiable risk
factors for CAD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes,
current smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity. Maintaining
healthy eating habits with a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high
in dietary fiber, avoidance of smoking, along with a regular exercise and
maintenance of a healthy weight is crucial to cardiovascular health. In
addition regular physical examination with blood pressure, cholesterol and
blood sugar checks as advocated by your physician help identify the existence
of a risk factor which then gives an opportunity for its treatment. Also
educating yourself to the symptomatology of a heart
attack is very important for one to recognize it, in self / others, as it
happens and to seek help preferably by calling 911. The ensuing timely
management will reduce the chances of a death or a permanent disability
from a heart attack. Chest
pain/ Jaw pain/ Shoulder or arm pain/ Back pain/ Heart burn or Upset
stomach/ Shortness of breath/ a sense of impending doom with or
without associated symptoms of nausea/ vomiting, palpitations, drenching
sweats, lightheadedness are the usual symptoms of a heart attack. If you or
anyone you know is experiencing these symptoms please call 911
immediately. Useful
links: for educational purposes only http://www.mendedhearts.org/frame-education.htm http://www.cardiologychannel.com/ http://www.hrspatients.org/patients/default.asp http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/index.htm http://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/ http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/ http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/index.htm http://www.coping.org/growth/stress.htm Disclaimer:The
information provided here is for general purposes only, please talk to your
provider for actual care as it pertains to your needs. |