1. Get tested. Did you know there's a
simple test you can have to indicate how likely you
are to have a stroke or a heart attack? It's called the Highly Sensitive
C-reactive Protein Test, otherwise known as HSCRP.
This test has shown to be just
as effective as a normal cholesterol test for the way it can give advance
warning of the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke. It works by measuring
a specific protein in the blood that can indicate inflamed arteries in
the heart, which can go on to cause heart attacks. It is thought 50% of
all people who have heart attacks will have a normal cholesterol reading
so the HSCRP test is said to be a much more accurate indicator. Make an
appointment with your doctor and arrange to have one done.
2. Keep Fit. It is a well known fact that
exercise is beneficial for your heart but did you know
it's important to keep up a regular exercise routine? It doesn't take
long to notice a difference to your fitness after exercising but these
benefits will wear off quickly if you give up working out. In a study
of those who exercise regularly and those who have stopped, doctors have
found a much higher health rate in those who maintain their keep fit routine.
If you don't take regular exercise then now is the time to start - it's
never too late. Having an active healthy lifestyle is a simple step to
a long and healthy life!
3. Take up weight training. Apart from
increasing your muscles, lifting weights will strengthen
them. The stronger you are the less tiring everyday things will become
and the less stress you will put on your heart. Strong muscles will keep
your heart working without strain and increase your chances of living
longer.
4. Cut the dope. Did you
know you're increasing your chances of having a heart attack by smoking
weed? In fact for the first few hours after you've smoked a joint you're
increasing your chances dramatically. Stamp it out now - your heart will
thank you for it.
5. When using olive oil make sure it's
the extra virgin type. It's much lower in cholesterol
and fat, therefore a much healthier choice. It may be slightly more expensive
but surely it's worth it for a healthy heart?
6. Research your genetics. Chances
are your doctor may know little about your genetic history so go visit
a counsellor and get it checked out. Your genetic make up is probably
the most essential medical information you'll ever need to know. Find
out any common family ailments or problems and take steps to rectify them
before it's too late.
7. Get your doctor to arrange for you to
have an ultrasound. Usually with heart problems, most
people don't realise they're affected until it's too late. You can change
all that by having a procedure carried out, called an electron beam cat
scan or EBCT. It shows your doctor a 3D picture of your arteries and heart
and will show up any problems or blockages whilst they're still in the
early stages. Steps can then be taken to repair any damage.
8. Statin medication. This
type of drug works by reducing your cholesterol. Last year a study was
carried out of patients suffering from coronary artery disease. 50% of
the patients had angioplasty carried out and the others took medication,
atorvastatin - a statin drug. The group taking the medication reported
fewer occurrences of heart attacks during the next year and a half. It
appears it's not enough just to unblock the arteries but with the aid
of statin the blood vessels actually increase in size, allowing a better
blood flow.
9. Ramipril. A drug used
to treat hypertension which has been in use for over 30 years. Recent
studies show it can help prevent strokes and heart attacks and can even
reduce the need for a surgical bypass operation. In the study, which collected
information on 10,000 patients, over three quarters of whom had coronary
artery disease, Ramipril and Vitamin E were tested alongside placebos.
No benefit was shown by those taking Vitamin E, but those who tested Ramipril
had a 25% decrease in death rate.
