• The heart is the body’s most important organ, pumping oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the
body’s organs and tissues through its network of arteries.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease, kills more Australians each year
than any other illness: in 2002 CVD accounted for 38% of all deaths.
• Keep your heart healthy with an active lifestyle and a healthy diet to help avoid serious heart
conditions.
What makes a heart unhealthy?
CVD occurs when the coronary arteries supplying the heart with blood become blocked by a build-up
of plaque from fat and cholesterol. This process is known as atherosclerosis or, more commonly, 'hardening of the arteries' and can lead to angina episodes or heart attack.
These factors can also contribute to heart disease:
• Family history of heart disease.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol levels.
• Smoking.
• Poor diet that is high in saturated fats.
• Obesity.
• Diabetes.
Is cholesterol bad for my heart?
Cholesterol serves many vital functions in the body, particularly in the manufacture of sex hormones
and bile acids. It is important to have healthy cholesterol levels, however it is when cholesterol
increases to high levels that it becomes harmful to the body.
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as ‘bad’ cholesterol. It transports cholesterol from the liver
to the tissues of the body. Foods that can increase LDL levels include those high in saturated fat
such as meat, dairy and processed foods. LDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of
heart disease and stroke.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as ‘good’ cholesterol. It transports cholesterol to the liver
for it to be metabolised and excreted from the body. Foods that can help improve HDL cholesterol
include nuts, avocado and fish.
A healthy cholesterol reading should be between 3.5 and 5.5. However, if there are other heart
disease risks present a lower level may be better. Discuss with your doctor what is a healthy
cholesterol level for you.
Symptoms of heart disease
Angina is the primary symptom of coronary heart disease. It is a temporary chest pain or discomfort
caused by reduced blood supply to the heart muscle due to blocked arteries.
Symptoms of angina include:
• Gripping pain in the centre of the chest.
• Pain in the neck, jaw, left shoulder or arm.
• Shortness of breath.
• Heart palpitations.
• Pale skin with a possible blue tinge.
• Dizziness or confusion.
Angina is not a disease, and cannot cause a heart attack. However, the
symptoms of both are very
similar, and in many cases angina precedes a
potentially fatal attack by 48 hours. Angina can be
triggered by a large meal
or increased exercise.
What causes a heart attack?
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, either by clogged arteries or extremely
high blood pressure. A heart attack can occur at any time, not necessarily after heavy exercise, shock
or stress, although these situations may potentiate an attack. Anyone who suffers a heart attack
requires emergency medical treatment.
Hypertension – excessively high blood pressure – can cause heart failure. High blood pressure
causes more stress on the heart because it has to work harder. The cause of hypertension is
unknown. You can have ‘clean’ arteries and still suffer from hypertension.
You are more at risk of hypertension if you:
• Have Type 2 diabetes.
• Have a family history of high blood pressure.
• Are overweight.
• Are male and over 40 years of age.
A healthy blood pressure reading for an Australian adult is up to 120/80mmHg at rest. A persistent
reading of 140/90mmHg at rest or higher is considered to be high blood pressure.
Am I at risk?
Several factors may contribute to heart disease. Take this simple test to determine your risk. If you
answer no to all questions, you have a very low risk. If you answer yes to one or more of the
questions below, consult your pharmacist or GP.
Significantly reduce the risk of heart disease with these simple tips:
Dietary Advice
• Reduce intake of saturated fats.
• Include plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals loaded with fibre and vitamins in
your diet. These foods will help protect the heart.
• Reduce the amount of salt in your diet.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
The BMI indicates a healthy weight range relative to a person’s height. The BMI is calculated by
dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared.
Weight (kg)
------------- = BMI
Height (m2)
For example someone who weighs 80kg and is 160cm tall (1.6 x 1.6 = 2.56 m2) would have a BMI of
31 and be considered obese. If your BMI is more than 25 you are overweight.
Or take your waist circumference measurement. If it is larger than 102cm (men) or 88cm (women),
you are overweight. Your pharmacist can help with this.
Lifestyle Advice
• Stop smoking.
• Exercise for 30 minutes on most days of the week to lose weight and lower blood pressure.
• Regularly monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels through visits to your pharmacist or GP.
• Reduce stress.
Supplements
The following supplement can be incorporated into your diet to assist in reducing the risk of heart
disease:
• Omega-3 fatty acids may assist in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and
a healthy cardiovascular system.
Medication
There are many different types of medication used in the treatment of heart disease. Your GP will
assess which is the best for you, and your pharmacist can answer any questions you may have
about your medications.
Omron Heart Health Products
HJ-113 PEDOMETER
|
IA1B BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR
|
IA2 BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR
|
IW1 BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR
|
- Provides motivation for exercise.
- Instant feedback on
your exercise.
- Revolutionary Acceleration Sensor.
- Counts in all positions, can
be Worn around
neck, in a
handbag or in a pocket.
- Step counter.
- Monitor workouts with the calorie counter.
- Distance counter.
- Counts aerobic steps (10 minutes of continuous walking).
- AM/PM clock.
- 7 day memory function.
- Slimline design. |
- Guaranteed measurements with IntellisenseTM technology.
- Clinically proven accuracy.
- Simple one-touch operation.
- Super fast reading time (30 seconds).
- 90 reading memory with date and time.
- Displays the average of the last three readings.
Detects irregular heart beat.
- Detects body movement
- Extra large screen size,
easy to read.
- Comfortable fit cuff.
- Carry bag included.
- Optional AC adapter. |
- Guaranteed measurements with IntellisenseTM technology.
- Clinically proven accuracy
- Simple one-touch operation
- Fast reading time (40 seconds)
- 90 reading memory with date and time.
- Displays the average of the last three readings.
- Detects irregular heart beat.
- Detects body movement
- Flexible fan shaped cuff
- Carry bag included.
- Optional AC adapter
|
- Guaranteed measurements with IntellisenseTM technology.
- Clinically proven accuracy.
- Simple one-touch operation.
- Fast reading time (40 seconds).
- 90 reading memory with date and time.
- Displays the average of the last three readings.
- Detects irregular heart beat.
- Compact lightweight design.
- Quiet operation.
- Durable hard carry case included. |
Purchase these products from your nearest API pharmacy... Click here to find one.
© Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Limited 2006
Produced by API, 11 Grand Avenue, Camellia NSW 2142 ABN 57 000 004 320
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made and all reasonable care taken to ensure the accuracy of the
information contained in this booklet, to the extent permitted by API, their agents and employees:
a. will not be held liable or responsible in any way; and
b. expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for any loss (including, without limitation, any
injury, claim, suit, damage, cost and expense) arising out of or incurred in connection with any
reliance on the contents of this booklet by any person and irrespective of whether such loss
arises out of API’s negligence or otherwise.
