What You Need To Know

What You Need To Know
Heart Disease

Heart disease consists of diseases that involve the coronary arteries such as coronary artery disease, heart attack angina and congestive heart failure.

Take Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol to Heart

• High blood pressure and high cholesterol directly increase the risk of coronary heart disease, heart attacks and stroke, especially along with other risk factors. High blood pressure is often referred to as "the silent killer" because there are often no symptoms.

• Have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked on a regular basis.

• It is extremely important that you take heart medications as prescribed. Ask your pharmacist about tools available to help you remember to take your medicine.

Maintain a Healthy Weight for a Lighthearted Life

• Stay within 10% of your desirable body weight.

• Consult your health professional for a weight reduction/maintenance plan.

Make Wise Heart Food Choices

• Fats should make up no more than 30% of daily calories (much less depending on circumstances i.e. high cholesterol).

• Look for margarine that is low in saturated and hydrogenated fats and use olive or canola oil for cooking and on salads.

• Eating healthy should always replace "fad' diets and "dieting' in general.

• Eat a balanced diet from the four food groups - grain products, vegetables and fruits, dairy products and meat and meat alternatives.

Exercise for Hearth Health and Enjoyment
• Scientific evidence supports the notion that even low-intensity activities are beneficial.

• Engage in exercise that you enjoy on a regular basis (i.e. walking, golf, dancing, and gardening).

Always start an exercise program slowly and if you have a health condition, consult your doctor.

• "Canada's Physical Activity Guide" available from Health Canada (I -888-334-9769), is a great resource for designing-individualized exercise programs.

Kick the Smoking Habit

• Smoking triples the risk of heart disease death.

• The risk of stroke is approximately 50% higher in smokers than in non-smokers.

• Women who smoke and use birth control pills increase their risk of heart disease and stroke.

• After you've quit smoking for one year, your risk of coronary heart disease will have been reduced by 50%.

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about a quit program individualized to your needs.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
The symptoms of heart attack are different from person to person. ANY COMBINATION of the following symptoms may signal a heart attack:

1. Heaviness, pressure, squeezing, fullness, burning or discomfort or pain in the centre of the chest which may spread to the neck, jaw, shoulders, arm or back (this discomfort or pain may be vague, especially in women).

2. Shortness of breath, paleness, sweating, and weakness.

3. Nausea, vomiting and/or indigestion.

4. Fear, anxiety or denial.

The information in this publication is presented as an educational service. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from your physician.

Your PharmAssist(tm) pharmacist is available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. To locate the PharmAssist(tm) pharmacist nearest you, please call 1-877-378-4100 or e-mail: pharmacist@pharmassist.ca