PracticeStaffHow do I..?Contact usResourcesLocal interest History of the practice Mission statement Appointments Repeat prescriptions Home visits Test results New patients Medical examinations Travel immunisations Out of hours cover Doctors Nursing Team Admin Team book an appointment request a home visit order a repeat prescription get my test results book an ambulance register with the practice Address Telephone e-mail Map - where are we? Information about cancer Other health information sites NHS Direct Men's Health Women's Health Child Health Northumberland County Council Blyth Valley Borough Council
home previous page	Heart Disease   Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is one of the major causes of death in this country, killing more people than cancer. But because we know what sort of things can contribute to the development of heart disease, many people can reduce their risks. Most of the risk factors which contribute to heart disease are amenable to intervention - i.e. something can be done about them. It is not always easy, and can take quite a bit of will power and self control, but there is no doubt that improvements can be made. The risk factors for heart disease include the following:   Risk factor Significance Can it be changed? How? Family history of IHD Father under 55 or Mother under 65 at diagnosis of IHD. NO Sorry! Personal history of IHD If you already have IHD or have had a heart attack, you are more at risk of more problems. NO Too late! Smoking Contributes to blockage and hardening of arteries, and thickens the blood. YES Stop smoking completely. High alcohol intake Long term high alcohol intake damages the heart. YES Reduce intake to under 21 units/week (men) and under 14 units/week (women). Overweight The more overweight you are, the more your heart is strained carrying around the excess weight, and the more fat there is in your body. YES Eat a healthy diet and take regular exercise to keep your weight to within recommended limits. Stressful lifestyle "Type A" personalities who are always on the go are more likely to suffer heart  problems. YES Learn how to manage stress. Lack of exercise Exercise tones up the heart and lungs and keeps them fit. It helps to lose weight by burning off excess calories. YES Take regular exercise 4 or 5 times a week, that makes you short of breath for 20-30 minutes. Raised blood pressure This puts the heart and circulation system under increased strain. YES This may need treatment from your doctor, although you can help keep it down by not adding salt to your food and keeping your weight down. Raised blood glucose Diabetes increases the risk of IHD because it causes damage to the blood vessels. YES If you have diabetes, make sure it is well controlled, to reduce the risk of complications. High cholesterol High cholesterol increases the formation of plaques of fat lining the blood vessels. YES Eat healthily, taking plenty of fibre and keeping your cholesterol consumption well down.