Prevention

There is becoming a global commitment to try to prevent the incidence of coronary heart disease. As seen, there are many risk factors associated, many of which can be controlled. The Department of Health (UK) published 'National Service Framework' guidelines for healthcare professionals to try to reduce the incidence and burden of Coronary Heart Disease. It, as well as many other published guidlines outline methods to prevent the development of CHD. In general, it recommendeds:

Diet control - reduce saturated fat intake!

Reduce the saturated fat and trans-fatty acid intake from foods. Fat intake should only account for 30% of food intake. Instead polyunsaturated fats is recommended, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. So cutting down on egg yolk, cake, cheese, red meat, cakes and biscuits etc. is advisable.

Antioxidants are also known to be cardio-protective. Fruits and green vegetables are very good sources of these.

Oily fish, cereals (some), beans, brazil nuts, pasta, bread and potatoes are the foods to eat to reduce cholesterol and saturated fat.

Increase Physical activity

Physical aerobic exercise doesn't have to be exhausting. 30 minutes spent each day walking at work or for leisure is probably the minimum to be beneficial. Aerobic exercise has been shown to increase HDL levels 4-5%, therefore is anti-atherogenic. It can also help reduce weight. It is also possible that by excercising, the heart becomes more tolerable to myocardial ischaemia.

Stop Smoking and Alcohol consumption

Smoking produces many byproducts in the body which can be harmful. These byproducts can be toxic to the carciac muscle cells and endothelial cells of arteries as well as causing vasoconstriction.

Alcohol consumption should be limited. Although there is some evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may have some cardioprotection, the harm outweighs the benefits.

The DoH advises upto 3-4 units of alcohol per week for men and upto 2-3 units per week of alcohol for women. Above that, and all the negative effects of alcohol come into place. Binge drinking should strictly be avoided.

Reducing high blood pressure - take the time to relax

It's a difficult factor to prevent, especially when some people have hypertension for no clinical reasons. However, blood pressure can be reduced by stopping smoke, reducing alcohol intake and reducing stress. Instead, increase physical excercise, have a healthier diet, and take time-out from stress to relax.

If may be recommended by a doctor to be prescribed medication to reduce blood pressure. These may be in the form of ACE inhibitors, which inhibit vasoconstriction.

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