Stop Smoking and Alcohol for Prevent Heart Disease

Heart Disease — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:31:00 +0000

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Smoking.

One of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease is to stop smoking. Smokers younger than 50 are five times more likely than non-smokers to die of coronary heart disease .

By stopping, you not only lower your risk of heart disease but also help reduce your risk of lung diseases such as cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The key to successful quitting is to pick a method that’s right for you. For example, if you’re motivated by other people and enjoy their company, you may find encouragement and support by joining a group.

If you prefer to go it alone, you may find it helpful to buy a book or tape. Your GP can prescribe aids such as nicotine replacement therapy or, alternatively, you may benefit from a complementary therapy such as acupuncture.

Drinking.

First the good news: a moderate amount of alcohol can help protect against coronary heart disease.

And the bad? Regular heavy drinking (more than the number of recommended units), or binge drinking, can increase your risk of drink-related heart problems. There’s no need to give up alcohol altogether but it’s important to drink sensibly.

Always eat when you drink: take a tip from the Mediterranean countries and always have a meal or snack when you drink alcohol.

Know your limits: To reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, don’t exceed 1-2 units of alcohol a day. A unit is equal to half a pint of regular strength beer or lager, one small glass of wine or a small (pub measure) of spirits.

Watch your glass size: it’s easy to exceed safe limits by using a bigger glass.

Mix and match: if you’re at a party or drinking socially, try to have a non-alcoholic drink for every alcoholic drink you consume. Once you’ve consumed your daily units, drink only soft or non-alcoholic drinks.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Trisha Macnair in January 2007.
First published in June 2001.

Heart Disease Symptoms

Heart Disease — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:16:00 +0000

Heart Attack Warning Signs.

According to National Institute of Health, a heart attack is a frightening event, and you probably don’t want to think about it. But, if you learn the signs of a heart attack and what steps to take, you can save a life–maybe your own. What are the signs of a heart attack? Many people think a heart attack is sudden and intense, like a “movie” heart attack, where a person clutches his or her chest and falls over. The truth is that many heart attacks start slowly, as a mild pain or discomfort. If you feel such a symptom, you may not be sure what’s wrong. Your symptoms may even come and go. Even those who have had a heart attack may not recognize their symptoms, because the next attack can have entirely different ones. It’s vital that everyone learn the warning signs of a heart attack. These are: Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Shortness of breath. Often comes along with chest discomfort. But it also can occur before chest discomfort. Other symptoms. May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness

According to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, there are some warning before heart attack, such as:

Pain

sudden discomfort or pain that does not go away with rest
pain that may be in the chest, neck, jaw, shoulder, arms or back
pain that may feel like burning, squeezing, heaviness, tightness or pressure
in women, pain may be more vague

Shortness of Breath

difficulty breathing

Nausea

indigestion
vomiting

Sweating

cool, clammy skin

Fear

anxiety
denial

What to do if you are experiencing these warning signs?

» Heart Symptoms

Stop Smoking and Alcohol for Prevent Heart Disease

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