Coronary Heart Disease
Understanding your heart and heart conditions
The heart is a muscle that is about the size of
your fist. It pumps blood around your body and beats approximately 70 times a
minute. After the blood leaves the heart, it goes to your lungs where it picks
up oxygen. The oxygen-rich blood returns to your heart and is then pumped to
the organs of your body through a network of arteries. The blood returns to
your heart through veins before being pumped back to your lungs again. This
process is called circulation.
For more information on how your heart works
click on this link www.bhf.org.uk/living_with_a_heart_condition/understanding_heart_conditions/how_your_heart_works.aspx
Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of cardiovascular disease. It is the term that describes what happens when your heart's blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries. This process is known as atherosclerosis, and the fatty deposits are called atheroma. When atheroma affects the coronary arteries in this way, it can cause angina, heart failure, heart attack or sudden death.
If you are unsure as to some of the terms used click on this link to help explain www.bhf.org.uk/living_with_a_heart_condition/understanding_heart_conditions/heart_terms.aspx
Statistics
Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of illness and death in the UK; Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) kills an estimated 1,200 people each year in Nottinghamshire County. This is more than all cancers put together. Over 15,000 people in Nottinghamshire suffer from angina and over 3,000 people have a heart attack annually.
Risk Factors
The main risk factors for CHD are:
- Being male
- Family history
- Smoking
- Obesity and poor diet
- Lack of exercise
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol level
- Stress
For more information on the cause of CHD click on this link to find out some more information www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Coronary-heart-disease/Pages/Causes.aspx
By making some simple healthy lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of getting coronary heart disease. And if you already have heart disease, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing further heart-related problems.
Lifestyle choices including, not smoking, being a healthy weight, being physically active, eating a healthy diet and managing stress can all help to prevent the development of CHD and improve the health of people with the disease. The following links will provide you with important advice in these areas.
CHD Services
Patients who have concerns about their heart health should contact their GP in the first instance. For more information on tests, treatments and recovery please visit:
www.bhf.org.uk/living-with-a-heart-condition/default.aspx
If you would like to receive tailored and personalised information that suits your needs to help with your care please visit:
Further information and support
Hope
British Heart Foundation
The BHF is a national charity that offers support services for people living with or relatives and family members of people living with a heart condition. www.bhf.org.uk/default.aspx
Main telephone number 020 7554 0000 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
Heart Helpline 0300 330 3311 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
Heart Matters
ThisFREE service from us offers a unique package of support and information for people looking to improve their heart health
Heart Research UK
This is a registered charity with information about pioneering projects, how you can keep your heart healthy, and information on applying for a grant.
www.heartresearch.org.uk/Healthy_hearts_at_work.htm
NHS Choices
An internet based service on Healthcare
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Coronary-heart-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Information Prescriptions
The purpose is to “prescribe information” - rather like drug treatment is prescribed – which is personalised and tailored to specific needs.
PALS
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is about making sure that as a patient, relative or carer you have someone to turn to for on the spot help, advice and information. Your first point of contact will usually be front line staff such as a nurse, receptionist or therapist who will have a vital role in helping you find your way around the NHS.
Telephone:0800 028 3693 (ask for PALS officer) or e-mail PALS at: pals@nottspct.nhs.uk
