If you want to improve your heart health here are our top six tips you can start today. Always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise regime.

1. Exercise - aim for 10,000 steps a day and at least 3 sessions of at least 20 minutes more intense exercise per week in consultation with your doctor.
2. Get tested and find out what your numbers should be - cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar, homocysteine and C-reactive protein should be measured and tracked to keep an eye on these key indicators. We offer all of these tests at Southdowns Private Healthcare.
3. Avoid Stress - the more positive your outlook the better for your heart. Stress and negative emotions can cause your blood pressure to increase and this is not good for your heart so stay happy and focus on the positive. Try to practice gratitude, thinking of all the things you have in your life that make you feel good.
4. Talk to your doctor about your family history. Don’t assume they will know. Find out as much as you can about your relatives' health and pass that information on to your GP.
5. Eat well - avoid processed food, salt, sugar and saturated fats and fill up on fruit, veg, nuts, pulses and nutrient-rich food.
6. Sleep well - aim for 6-8 hours a night

Don’t delay getting your health checked. Give us a call on 01243 766 447

At Southdowns Private Healthcare we can carry out a Cardiac Risk Screening for Cardiovascular Disease. In your screening with our private doctor, we will ask about your medical and family history, complete a blood pressure check and assess your cholesterol levels and BMI. We can also order a Cardiovascular CT scan which is 97% accurate and utilises the Aquilion 1 CT scanner which is one of the most advanced scanners in the world. This evidence-based screen highlights early cardiovascular disease by identifying raised calcium levels and early hardening of the arteries. Treatment and preventative actions can be taken to avoid this serious and potentially life-threatening disease progressing. This scan is carried out at the St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester.

What is Cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease is associated with the build-up of deposits within the arteries, thus blocking or reducing the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. It can lead to various conditions including stroke, angina, heart attacks or heart failure as well as affecting other parts of the body. Early detection is vital in the management of this disease.

What is Coronary Heart Disease?

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the biggest killer in the UK today with over 7 million people Iiving with the condition. CHD caused by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries. This is caused by Atherosclerosis and the fatty deposits are called atheroma. CHD can be caused by smoking, high-cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, other conditions and lifestyle factors. CHD can lead to heart attack, heart failure or a stroke.

What are the symptoms of a Heart attack?

If you are concerned call 999

Heart attacks need rapid medical intervention and so if you are concerned that someone is experiencing a heart attack call 999 immediately. It is also useful to be aware of where Public Access Defibrillators PADs are stored in your location. Most councils have a list of their locations. For example, a list for Portsmouth can be found here: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/ext/health-and-care/health/defibrillators

Symptoms of a Heart Attack can include:

• chest pain - a sensation of pressure, tightness or squeezing in the centre of your chest
• pain in other parts of the body - it can feel as if the pain is travelling from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm is affected, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and abdomen
• feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• sweating
• shortness of breath
• feeling or being sick
• an overwhelming sense of anxiety (similar to having a panic attack)
• coughing or wheezing

Although the chest pain is often severe, some people may feel only minor pain, similar to indigestion. In some cases, there may not be any chest pain at all, especially in women, the elderly and people with diabetes.

Source: NHS Choices

Don’t delay getting your health checked. Give us a call on 01243 766 447