Heart Disease is still New Zealand's single biggest killer. Cardiovascular disease (heart, stroke and blood vessel disease) still accounts for 30% of deaths annually.
Coronary heart disease occurs when the coronary arteries which deliver oxygen to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked as a result of the build up of fat / cholesterol within the artery wall.
If the build up is only mild, symptoms may include a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest at times of increased activity or stress. When the blood supply to the heart muscle is severely reduced, chest pain (angina), heart attack, (myocardial infarction) or rhythm disturbances (arrhythmia) may occur.
There are a number of factors that put you at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. The good news is there are many risk factors you can change to improve your health.
Risk factors you can change
- Eating pattern
- Physical activity
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- High blood sugar
Risk factors you can't change
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Gender
- Having a family history of heart attack or stroke
Do you know what your estimated risk is? Next time you visit your GP or nurse how about discussing some of the risk factors above and seeing what things in your life you might be able to change.
Statistics courtesy of Heart Foundation
