Coronary Heart Disease
Patient story: "I try to go to the gym once or twice a week for a workout."
Source: NHS
In this topic (11)
Actor Rudolph Walker, 65, is a far cry from Patrick Trueman, the rum-swilling, fry-up-eating character he plays in EastEnders. In real life, he takes great care to ensure his heart stays in tip-top condition.
Rudolph's star tips for a healthy heart:
1. Eat well
"I eat lots of fish and fresh vegetables, and only occasionally have red meat. I resist the temptation of the stodgy food on the EastEnders set by bringing in my own meals, such as vegetable soup."
2. Get active
"I love playing tennis and cricket. But I don't always get the chance, so I try to go to the gym once or twice a week for a cardiovascular workout on the running machine."
3. Stop smoking
"I'm luckyI've never smoked, even as a young man. I know it is hard for people to give up,but it is so important."
4. Go easy on the alcohol
"I hardly drink just the odd glass of wine. Drinking is fine, but only in moderation."
5. Get checked out
"Every man over the age of 50 should have regular check-ups. I have one every six months to make sure everything is in working order,particularly my blood pressure and cholesterol levels."
Articles for Coronary Heart Disease
Causes
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is usually caused by a build-up of fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries around the heart (coronary arteries). Your risk of developing atherosclerosis is significantly increased if you; smoke, have high blood pressure, etc.
Classification of heart diseases
Classification of heart diseases
Diagnosis
If your doctor thinks you may be at risk of developing CHD, they may carry out a risk assessment for cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction or stroke . This may be carried out as part of a health check.
Introduction
Find out about coronary heart disease, which is a major cause of death both in the UK and worldwide. It's responsible for more than 73,000 deaths in the UK each year.
Patient story: "I felt like I'd been kicked in the chest."
A quick diagnosis and emergency treatment saved Lynn Connor's life. She shares her story.
Patient story: "I try to go to the gym once or twice a week for a workout."
Actor Rudolph Walker, 65, is a far cry from Patrick Trueman, the rum-swilling, fry-up-munching character he plays in EastEnders.
Patient story: "My heart was racing... the pain was awful"
After a heart attack, 36-year-old Debbie Siddons was too scared to pick up her 18-month-old baby. Rehabilitation helped her move on with her life.
Prevention
There are several ways you can help lower your risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD), such as reducing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. You should limit the amount of salt you eat to no more than 6g (0.2oz) a day, as too much salt will increase your blood pressure.
Recovery
After having heart surgery or problems like a heart attack, it is possible to resume a normal life. If you have heart surgery, a member of the cardiac rehabilitation team may visit you in hospital to give you information about your condition and the procedure you are having.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of coronary heart disease (CHD) are chest pain (angina) and a heart attack. You can also experience other symptoms, such as palpitations and unusual breathlessness...
Treatment
Although coronary heart disease (CHD) cannot be cured, treatment can help manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of further problems. If you have been diagnosed with CHD, you can reduce your risk of further episodes by making simple lifestyle changes.
