CHD

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the commonest cause of series illness within the UK. For those People with CHD effective monitoring and treatment can prevent it getting worse.

What is Coronary Heart Disease

CHD is due to a narrowing of one or more blood vessels that take blood into the heart muscle. This is often caused by the arteries becoming ‘furred up’ with fat. This reduction of the supply of blood, and therefore oxygen, to the heart muscle causes a cramp like pain called angina. Total blockage of an artery leads to damage to part of the heart muscle. This is a heart attack or myocardial infarction.

How can heart disease be prevented?

The following ‘risk factors’ increase the risk of developing heart disease.
•A family history of heart disease - Most people have a relative who has heart disease. However the early onset of heart disease in a near relative is a risk factor.
•Smoking - This is the strongest risk factor. The chemicals in cigarettes are carried in the blood stream, and effect the blood vessels. We can help you to quit smoking.
•Diet, weight and cholesterol- If you are overweight, losing weight is advisable. A diet high in fat can lead to a build up of cholesterol.
•Exercise - Exercise is very important, and exercise is good and it is never too late to start building up fitness.
•Having Diabetes - This increases the risks of developing heart disease.

CHD Monitoring

It is important that people who have CHD are monitored at least yearly. This includes patients who suffer from angina, have had a heart attack or have had surgery for narrowing of the coronary arteries.

Each CHD review is 20 minutes, you will be asked about your diet, exercise level, smoking and alcohol intake. Your weight and height, blood pressure will be checked, and you might be asked for a urine sample to test for sugar. We will also need you to have your bloods tested to check for cholesterol levels,