Ellen Campbell -GrizzleONE OF the reasons
that people shrug off the possibility of heart disease is that it develops
gradually. The role of the heart is
to deliver oxygen-rich blood to
every cell in the body. The heart
muscle pumps blood continuously through your circulatory system. Your heart also needs its own supply of oxygen and nutrients to function properly.
In the most
common type
of heart disease, plaque builds up in
the arteries that bring oxygen and nutrients to the heart. As the walls of these vessels get clogged, the space inside of them narrows. This
decreases or cuts off the supply of oxygen and nutrients. Damage can result if the supply is cut off for more than a few minutes. It is called a heart attack when chest pains or symptoms last for 20 minutes or more.
HEART ATTACK
Symptoms of heart attack
include chest discomfort or pain; discomfort in the arm(s), back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath; cold sweat; nausea and light-
headedness. Doctors say some women may experience back
pain, flu-like symptoms or a sense that something awful is going to
happen. Many patients describe a squeezing pressure in the chest or a bad case of indigestion. It is
important to be familiar with these symptoms and seek emergency
care early. Remember, most prescribed medicines work best
within the first hour following a
heart attack.
Doctors typically prescribe a
treatment plan consisting of a
combination of drugs, lifestyle changes and procedures that open
up the artery. Your regimen may include 'clot-busting' drugs to
dissolve blood clots and restore
blood flow to the heart. Aspirin
has anti-clotting abilities, and is
recommended in low doses to reduce the risk of a second attack.
TAKE ASPIRINS
Drugs that lower blood pressure called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors help the heart to pump better. Beta-blockers slow down the heart, nitrates and calcium channel blockers relax blood vessels and relieve chest pain. Diuretics decrease fluid in the body. Blood cholesterol lowering drugs,
commonly called 'statins' reduce
levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the 'bad' cholesterol, and increase high-
density lipoproteins (HDL), the 'good' cholesterol. Some experts now believe that a high level of C-reactive protein (CRP) is a risk
factor for heart
disease and recent research is showing that 'statins' also lower CRP. It is important that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about your medication and their side effects.
FAMILY HISTORY
Tell your doctor if you have a
family history of heart disease. The risk of heart disease rises as people age and men tend to develop it
earlier than women. A woman's
natural hormones give some protection before menopause. Take control
of preventing heart disease in the
following ways:
Stick to a sensible exercise
regimen, a nutritious, well-
balanced meal and maintain healthy weight. A heart healthy
diet is low in fat, cholesterol and salt but high in fruits, vegetables, grains and fibre.
Control your blood pressure
Prevent and manage diabetes
Quit smoking
Minimise stress
Get regular check-ups from
your doctor.
Advances in medicine and
technology are helping people with heart disease to live longer and
productive lives. Remember, heart healthy habits begin early. Teach your children the value of exercise and good eating habits. Make heart smart food substitutions for your family. Whether you are healthy, at risk of heart disease or have survived a heart attack, you can help to
protect your heart.
Ellen Campbell-Grizzle,
president, Caribbean Association
of Pharmacists; director, Information and Research,
National Council on Drug Abuse; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
