Category: Education

Heart attack symptoms may differ in women

Posted on June 20, 2021 by - Education

Women experience less typical symptoms of a heart attack more often than men, including:
  •  Breathlessness
  •  Nausea
  •  Pain in the arms or jaw
  •  Lightheadedness
  •  Palpitations
  •  Fatigue.
Because we usually associate heart attack with a crushing pain in the middle of the chest, women experiencing these more subtle symptoms often don’t realise what’s happening – and can therefore delay seeking the urgent medical care they need.
A heart attack is a medical emergency. Don’t ignore it. Call 000 (Australia) for an ambulance to get immediate assistance.
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This article is for reference purposes only – it is not designed to be, nor should it be regarded, as professional medical advice. Please consult your own medical practitioner for health advice specific to your condition.

Cardiac blues

Posted on June 6, 2021 by - Education

 

What are the cardiac blues? 

If you’ve had a cardiac event, you might be surprised by your emotional state afterwards. For many people, it triggers an emotional rollercoaster that includes feeling shocked, traumatised, sad, anxious, tearful or worried about the future. 

Welcome to the cardiac blues! They’re not fun, but they are a normal part of recovering from a cardiac event. Most people’s emotional wellbeing improves as their physical recovery progresses. 

That’s not the case for everyone though. For 1 in 5 people, the cardiac blues persist and turn into depression. That’s particularly likely if you already had risk factors for depression such as other illnesses, financial worries, a history of anxiety or depression, or if you’re grieving. 

There are many treatments available that can help you feel better. If you’re making a good physical recovery but are concerned about your mental health, then you can:

? Talk to your GP

? Call Lifeline on 13 11 14

? Call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636

? Visit PulsePoint Academy’s Cardiac Blues page for more information

This article is for reference purposes only – it is not designed to be, nor should it be regarded, as professional medical advice. Please consult your own medical practitioner for health advice specific to your condition.

Plant sterols and heart health

Posted on May 30, 2021 by - Education

 

? Sterols are substances found in plants that lower your absorption of cholesterol. 

Narrowings and blockages in the arteries that supply blood to your heart can develop due to a build up of cholesterol plaque. Reducing your cholesterol can help to prevent this occurring.

You’ll find plant sterols in fresh fruits and vegetables and in sterol-enriched foods like margarine, breakfast cereal, reduced fat yoghurt or reduced fat milk.

If you’re at high risk of cardiovascular disease due to your lifestyle or medical history, the Heart Foundation recommends that you eat 2-3 g of sterols each day.

This article is for reference purposes only – it is not designed to be, nor should it be regarded, as professional medical advice. Please consult your own medical practitioner for health advice specific to your condition.

Walking can improve heart health

Posted on May 8, 2021 by - Education

A good walk is arguably the cheapest medicine available. Research shows that walking for an average of 30 minutes a day can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 30-40%.
There are other benefits too. Walking is mostly done outdoors and out in the fresh air. If walking through a park, on the beach or through the bush, the refreshing natural environment can also be enjoyed. And if you’re walking with friends, you can build relationships while exercising.
The Heart Foundation recommends that people aged 18-64 should aim for a 30-minute walk of moderate intensity on 5 days of each week. ‘Moderate’ means that the walk takes a bit of effort but it’s still possible to talk comfortably.
If new to exercise, then start small and build up from there. Perhaps aim for a 10-minute walk in the morning and evening then start increasing the time. You can even get a personalised walking plan from the Heart Foundation at https://walkingplans.heartfoundation.org.au
Also consider joining a Heart Foundation Walking Group where the benefits of exercise can be enjoyed while meeting other people keen to improve their heart health.
This article is for reference purposes only – it is not designed to be, nor should it be regarded, as professional medical advice. Please consult your own medical practitioner for health advice specific to your condition.

How should I measure my blood pressure at home?

Posted on August 18, 2020 by - Education

How should I measure my blood pressure at home?

 

If you have a blood pressure monitor at home, it’s really important to be consistent in how you take your readings, to get an accurate picture of your blood pressure control.

Take your home blood pressure reading:

  • while seated with feet flat on floor, legs uncrossed with back and arm supported, cuff on bare upper arm and at heart level (with properly fitting cuff)
  • at around the same time in the morning and evening
  • after sitting quietly for 5 minutes (don’t take if feeling stressed or in pain)
  • before taking medications or exercise
  • before food and avoid caffeine/nicotine for 30 minutes beforehand

Take two measurements 1 minute apart and write down the results – it’s a good idea to keep a diary with measurements, date/time and how you were feeling at the time. Take this with you when you visit your GP or specialist.

You can develop your own blood pressure action plan at:
https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Heart-health-education/action-plans/blood-pressure-action-plan
You can also check whether your home blood pressure monitor is validated here:
https://bihsoc.org/bp-monitors/

This article is for reference purposes only – it is not designed to be, nor should it be regarded, as professional medical advice. Please consult your own medical practitioner for health advice specific to your condition.