about heart disease

The content of this flyer is of general interest only and not intended to apply to specific circumstances. It does not purport to be a comprehensive analysis of all matters relevant to its subject matter. It does not address all potential compliance issues with UK, EU or any other regulations. The content should not, therefore, be regarded as constituting legal or medical advice and not be relied upon as such. It should not be used, adopted or modified without competent legal and medical advice or opinion. In relation to any particular problem which they may have, readers are advised to seek specific advice. © 2007-14 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved. The most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. Women are more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and back or jaw pain. Heart Disease Coronary heart disease is the United Kingdom's biggest killer, around one in five men and one in seven women die from the disease. CHD causes around 94,000 deaths in the United Kingdom each year. Causes Heart disease is caused by atherosclerosis—a build-up of plaque in the inner walls of the arteries—which narrows, slows or blocks the flow of blood to the heart. Risk Factors Controllable risk factors for heart disease include: • High blood pressure • High LDL cholesterol • Type 2 diabetes • Smoking • Being overweight or obese • Lack of physical activity • Using illegal drugs, such as cocaine or speed Warning Signs The symptoms you experience depend on the type and severity of your heart condition. Common signs and symptoms of heart disease include: • Shortness of breath • Dizziness • Chest pain or discomfort • Heart palpitations • Weakness or fatigue Call your doctor if you begin to have new symptoms or if they become more frequent or severe. Treatment The goals of treatment for heart disease are to relieve symptoms, control or reduce risk factors, stop or slow further damage to the arteries and prevent and treat cardiac events. Treatment includes: • Self-care and prevention • Medications • Procedures to open blocked or narrowed arteries or to bypass them • Cardiac rehabilitation Self-Care and Prevention • Get regular medical check-ups. • Don’t smoke. • Maintain a healthy weight. • Take medications as prescribed. • If you are at a higher risk for heart disease, ask your doctor about low-dose aspirin therapy. • Watch for signs of diabetes and see your doctor if you have any symptoms. • Follow a diet low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol. • Limit sodium intake to 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams per day. • Exercise regularly. • Manage stress by practising relaxation techniques. Drink alcohol in moderation. Check with your doctor to find out if and how much you may drink. Health and wellness tips for your work, home, and life—brought to you by the insurance specialists at Saffron Insurance Services

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The content of this flyer is of general interest only and not intended to apply to specific circumstances. It does not purport to be a comprehensive analysis of all matters

relevant to its subject matter. It does not address all potential compliance issues with UK, EU or any other regulations. The content should not, therefore, be regarded as

constituting legal or medical advice and not be relied upon as such. It should not be used, adopted or modified without competent legal and medical advice or opinion. In relation to any particular problem which they may have, readers are advised to seek specific advice.

The most

common heart

attack

symptom is

chest pain or

discomfort.

Women are

more likely

than men to

experience

some of the

other common

symptoms,

particularly

shortness of

breath,

nausea,

vomiting and

back or jaw

pain.

Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease is the United Kingdom's biggest killer, around one in five men and one in seven women die from the disease. CHD causes around 94,000 deaths in the United Kingdom each year.

Causes Heart disease is caused by atherosclerosis—a build-up of plaque in the inner walls of the arteries—which narrows, slows or blocks the flow of blood to the heart.

Risk Factors Controllable risk factors for heart disease include:

• High blood pressure

• High LDL cholesterol

• Type 2 diabetes

• Smoking

• Being overweight or obese

• Lack of physical activity

• Using illegal drugs, such as cocaine or speed

Warning Signs The symptoms you experience depend on the type and severity of your heart condition. Common signs and symptoms of heart disease include:

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Heart palpitations

• Weakness or fatigue

Call your doctor if you begin to have new symptoms or if they become more frequent or severe.

Treatment The goals of treatment for heart disease are to relieve symptoms, control or reduce risk factors, stop or slow further damage to the arteries and prevent and treat cardiac events. Treatment includes:

• Self-care and prevention

• Medications

• Procedures to open blocked or narrowed arteries or to bypass them

• Cardiac rehabilitation

Self-Care and Prevention • Get regular medical check-ups.

• Don’t smoke.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Take medications as prescribed.

• If you are at a higher risk for heart disease, ask your doctor about low-dose aspirin therapy.

• Watch for signs of diabetes and see your doctor if you have any symptoms.

• Follow a diet low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol.

• Limit sodium intake to 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams per day.