HEART DISEASE AWARENESS

(and other health information)

Marsha Sellers R.N.Presented to Red Hat

LuncheonFebruary 2009 & 2010

Risk Factors and Coronary Heart Disease

Extensive clinical and statistical studies have identified

several factors that increase the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack. Major risk factors are those that

research has shown significantly increase the risk of heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease.

Other factors are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but their significance and prevalence

haven't yet been precisely determined. They're called

contributing risk factorsAMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

Cardiac Health

• #1 cause of death in Women. (and Men)

• 930,000 deaths yearly in USA (43% of all deaths)

• Risk factors of Age, Sex, Heredity, High B/P, High cholesterol, Smoking.

#1 AGE IS A RISK FACTOR

• Over 83 percent of people who die of coronary heart disease are 65 or older.• At older ages, women who have heart attacks are more likely than men to die.

Men have a greater risk of heart attack than women do, and they have attacks earlier in life. Even after menopause, when women's death rate from heart disease increases, it's not as great as men's 

#2 Sex (gender) is a risk

#3 Choose Your Parents Well It’s all about Genes !!

• Did your Mom or Dad have a Heart Attack or Stroke?

• Race and culture factors in with diet and activities.

• Hypertension ?• High Cholesterol ?• Are your siblings

well?• Family history of

diabetes ?

Contributing Risk Factorsyou can control

• High Blood Pressure• Smoking• Overweight• Blood Cholesterol• Lack of regular

exercise• Diabetes• Stress

#1 Control High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a silent killer.

Blood pressure above 140/90 on 2 occasions should be evaluated by MD. MAKE AN

APPOINTMENT ! Follow your doctor’s orders by taking your

medication and have regular check-ups.

Decrease sodium (look at labels stop adding salt!!)

Lose 5 to 10 # Make healthy choices with snacks !

#2 Quit Smoking

• Surprise your family• Admit to Nicotine

addiction• Plan for reasonable

withdrawal• Ask for RX help if

needed.• Reward yourself

#3 Cut Fat (Blood Cholesterol)• Read the labels (calories

divide by fat = close to 4)• Limit “fried” anything• Portion control / 1800 PER

DAY calories, no more!! Ask for a doggy bag!

• Use Olive oil, use yogurt• Increase fluids with meals.• Ask your provider for a

cholesterol screening test and if necessary take medication!

#4 Move More

For some of us this is a daily challenge to move more. Most important muscles are those needed to get on and off the can. (my oncologist told me)

#5 Reduce Stress

• Use words of “concern” instead of worry. The message changes to give you more power over a problem. • A very wise women realizes it is pointless to worry over something

she can’t change. Don’t stew over the past or “worry” about the future….let today be your “present” ( i.e. gift . And enjoy it !!!! )

ADDITIONAL PEARLS

#6 Wear Your Seat Belt

• 63% of Fatalities • 5,500 preventable

deaths, 132,000 injuries

• Most resistant age group is 16 to 25 years old MALES.

• Cost of ticket is $ 10 !!

#8 Avoid Heavy Drinking

• Define heavy ? • You know when

drinking becomes a problem … or

• Just ask your best friend!! ( or doctor)

#9 Keep A Positive Mental Outlook

Group therapy is a good idea. This can happen at church, at senior citizens, at a card game or in a doctor’s office. Participate!!! Volunteer!! Get busy!!

Brain Drain• A brisk walk when

you think you need a nap might work better.

• Avoid pop or these new drinks everyone is trying…. Labels are too chemical???

• Regular bedtime .• Are you worrying

again?

Digestive Trivia• Fiber is the cure for

too loose or too late.….

• Everyday ….!!!• Natural fiber is found

in whole grains and vegetables… Rice is good for some of us too… Fiber pills better than laxatives.

• Pills for gas work too!!

? ….. Depends

• Check with your doctor.

• Your problem may be a sign of infection or diabetes… or ????

• It deserves an appointment with your provider.

And in Closing….

Right…. Left…

no your other LEFT!!

……**

I’ll Let You Lead