The Problem of Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary Risk Factors
The problem of coronary heart disease
The number one cause of death in modern Western society is coronary heart disease (CHD), whether it be from sudden fatal heart attacks or blocked coronary arteries causing angina and heart failure.
Coronary heart disease is responsible for 1 in 3 deaths in certain western countries. However, there has been a very pleasing reduction in deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke in the past 20 years because people have made the effort to reduce their risk factors. In spite of this, it is still a major cause of preventable death and we still need to work hard at reducing the risk.
Please seek Medical attention as soon as possible if you are unsure of you or your family's health condition.
What are the Risk Factors?
- High Blood Glucose from Over-consumption of Sugar & Carbohydrates
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Smoking
- High Triglycerides & LDL (Particle B)
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Stress
- Inflammation & Oxidative Stress
- Alcohol excess
- Family history
These risk factors increase the likelihood of development of hardening of the arteries (or atherosclerosis); the benefit of reducing them is obvious. The factors are interrelated; for example, excessive intake of alcohol will lead to hypertension.
Hypertension 高血压
The higher the blood pressure, the greater the risk. Regular checks, say yearly for people over 40 years, are advisable. Doctors recommend that you have the diastolic level (lower level) of blood pressure kept at 90 mmHg or below.
Smoking
Cigarette smoking has been clearly shown to increase the risk of heart disease. The death rate from coronary heart disease is about 70% higher for smokers than for non-smokers and for very heavy smokers the risk is almost 200% higher. The more one smokes, the greater the risk.
Richard Weller: Could the sun be good for your heart?
Our bodies get Vitamin D from the sun, but as dermatologist Richard
Weller suggests, sunlight may confer another surprising benefit too. New
research by his team shows that nitric oxide, a chemical transmitter
stored in huge reserves in the skin, can be released by UV light, to
great benefit for blood pressure and the cardiovascular system. What
does it mean? Well, it might begin to explain why Scots get sick more
than Australians...
Hypertension Symptoms & Treatment, Blood Pressure monitoring, BP Chart
Stress and heart attacks
The stress of our modern lifestyle is regarded as a risk factor. Evidence for this is supported by the increased incidence of heart attacks in Asians (who have a low incidence) when they move into western societies or become business executives in their own environment. Consider ways to modify your stress factors and seek relaxation programs such as meditation.
The significance of risk factors
Most of the risk factors are interdependent, and if two or more are present they have a multiplication effect. If only one risk factor is present, the patient does not have so much cause for concern. Your doctor is the best person to assess the combined risk.
Rules for living
- Reduce consumption of sugar and carbohydrates especially wheat products eg bread, cakes, pasta, snacks etc.
- Don’t smoke.
- Drink alcohol in only very small amounts or not at all.
- Keep to an ideal weight.
- Take regular exercise.
- Practise relaxation.
Note: The risk factors for coronary heart disease apply also to other cardiovascular disease, such as cerebral artery disease and hardening of the arteries of the legs.
Heart Health - Coronary Heart Disease, Learn what is Angina and Stroke, as well as How to Lower Cholesterol
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心血管心脏病的原因
The cholesterol hypothesis is wrong - Dr Malcolm Kendrick, Author of the 'The Great Cholesterol Con'
Ten contradictions from the medical literature that show why the
cholesterol / saturated fat / heart disease hypothesis is wrong.
Dr
Malcolm Kendrick, author of the best selling book "The Great
Cholesterol Con" speaking at Rosemary Cottage Clinic Education Trust*
Autumn Seminar, 27th September 2014, in Chichester West Sussex.
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The information provided in this website is for knowledge purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice.
Should you encounter any medical problem that you are unsure of, always consult your doctor or health care provider for assistance and medical advice.