September is Heart Awareness Month

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes 8,6 million deaths among women worldwide annually. It is the largest single cause of mortality, accounting for a third of all deaths in women. In South Africa CVD remains one of the major killers and one in four women will have some form of heart condition before the age of 60.

What is a heart attack?

When arteries become too narrow or a clot forms, blood flow to the heart is restricted. The heart muscle is then deprived of oxygen and a heart attack occurs. The severity of the attack depends on the extent of the damage to the heart muscle.

What causes a heart attack?

Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of heart attacks. Although a heart attack is often a sudden and dramatic event, it is the result of a gradual process over many years. The build-up of fatty deposits in the walls of the arteries leading to the heart ( a process known as atherosclerosis) causes gradual narrowing of these arteries and can cause a total blockage of the arteries and the blood flow to the heart muscle, resulting in a heart attack.

Know your Numbers

Knowing your numbers is an important part of keeping your heart healthy. These numbers can help you and your doctor determine your risks and mark the progress you’re making toward a healthier heart.

Frightening facts

• 8,6 million deaths among women worldwide annually.
• 14% annual deaths in SA related to cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Premature deaths owing to heart and blood vessel diseases in people of working age (35 - 64 years) are expected to increase by 41% between 2007 and 2030. The negative economic impact of this will be enormous.
• The number of people dying of heart disease worldwide per day will fill 120 big Boeing aeroplanes.
• 195 is the number of South Africans who died of heart disease from 1997 to 2004 daily.
• 20 million is the number predicted for cardiovascular disease by 2020.

Top 10 tips to boost your HEART's health:

1. Get active. Enjoy at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
2. Eat at least three balanced meals per day. Have nutritious meals - and don't skip breakfast!
3. Quit and avoid smoking. Smoking doubles your risk of heart disease and a stroke!
4. Fruit and veg out! Have at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day.
5. Cut down on your alcohol intake.
6. Know your numbers, know your risk. If you are a "high-risk" individual, i.e. have a history of high blood pressure, are over the age of 35 years, etc. - it's important to have your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar (glucose) tested to understand your risk. Knowledge is power.
7. Avoid a salt overdose. Do not consume more than a tablespoon of salt per day.
8. Read nutrition labels. Read the nutrition label before you buy.
9. Snack healthily. Snack on fruit, nuts, yoghurt and healthier alternatives.
10. Moderate your weight. Choose an eating and exercise plan that works for you and be moderate about what you are eating and doing.

Sources:

Heart Foundation of SA /

Goeie Huishouding (September 2012)