Interventional Cardiologist
Raslouw Private Hospital
September is heart awareness month and the month culminates with World Heart Day on September 29. The aim of the month is to promote cardiac awareness and provide information on cardiac well being. Heart disease and stroke are the biggest killers in South Africa after HIV and AIDs, every hour 5 people have heart attacks and 10 people have strokes. What can you do to reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke
Firstly, Know Your Numbers:
What does that mean? It means know your risk factors. Number one would be blood pressure, the most common risk factor for stroke and heart attacks, have your blood pressure measured. Normal is 120/80mmHg, one can easily have your blood pressure measured at any clinic, GP or Pharmacy. Should your blood pressure be elevated the first step is to reduce your salt intake and then consult your GP for blood pressure medication. It is vital to be compliant with your blood pressure medication as noncompliance is one of the major issues for uncontrolled blood pressure which dramatically increases your risk for stroke and heart attacks. Almost 50% of people living in sub–Saharan Africa are hypertensive, hence one in two people have high blood pressure which is easily treatable and will reduce your risk of stroke and heart attacks by up to 30%.
Obesity
This is the second most common risk factor in South Africa where 2/3 of women and 1/3 of men are overweight. Know your numbers it’s easy to measure your weight on a scale, and more importantly your waist circumference and body mass index. This can be measured by your GP and dietician, who will then advise on an appropriate diet and exercise program to bring your numbers into your normal range.
High Cholesterol
Know your numbers. In some surveys less then 5% of patients were aware that they had high cholesterol. Know your numbers with a simple blood test, especially your LDL (Bad Cholesterol). Your medical professional will advise on appropriate medication and diet should your LDL levels be elevated.
Diabetes
1 in 10 people have diabetes. Again know your numbers. A simple fasting glucose test will reveal whether you have diabetes, a fasting glucose measure twice above 7mmol/l may indicate you have diabetes. It is vital to have your glucose tested regularly and if you are diabetic to ensure to maintain excellent control of your long term readings measured with your HBA1C levels that are usually checked by your medical professional, who will again advise on diet and appropriate diabetic medication.
Smoking
Smoking kills over 6 million people a year and is a major cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide. There are special medications which may assist you to stop smoking. Please consult your medical professional for advice if you are a smoker who needs help to quit.
Diet
A diet with processed foods, red meat, too much salt, and sugar, dramatically increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Reduce your red meat. Cut out processed foods, ie (Fast foods) to a minimum. Increase your intake of vegetable and fruits.
Exercise
A simple 30 minute exercise program 5/week, whether a brisk walk, jog, run, swim or any form of cardiovascular will decrease your risk of heart failure by up to 60%, decrease your blood pressure , lower your cholesterol and increase blood flow.
In summary know your numbers, understand your factor profile and then take appropriate steps to reduce your cardiovascular risk.
