THE BE T
Patient Focus
CARDIOSMART CORNER
Preventing and Treating Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death for
both men and women. CAD typically develops over many years
and people often don’t know they have it until they have already
experienced chest pain or a heart attack. CAD can also cause
heart failure and arrhythmias.
Although there’s no way to control all of the risk factors for
CAD such as gender, age and family history, there are some
things patients can do to protect themselves, including quitting
smoking, increasing physical activity, watching what they eat.
In addition, patients are more likely to develop CAD and other
heart problems if they have have diabetes, high blood pressure
or high cholesterol. Making heart-healthy lifestyle choices can
make a big difference.
CardioSmart’s newest infographic (below) includes information for patients on CAD and how to prevent this condition. Additionally, CardioSmart’s CAD condition center includes in-depth
information on living with CAD and treatment options. Caregivers can also find resources for helping a loved one with CAD.
Quick Tips:
Staying Active in Hot Weather
CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
What is
CAD is a
CORONARY NARROWING
ARTERY OF THE CORONARY
ARTERIES that
DISEASE? supply
blood and
It can lead to
CHEST PAIN,
It is THE
HEART ATTACK,
MOST COMMON
HEART FAILURE
TYPE of heart
& HEART RHYTHM
disease.
problems.
It KILLS
370,000+
people
annually.
oxygen to the heart.
KNOW THE SIGNS
Even
heart
attack
Shortness
of breath
Chest pain
Fatigue
Nausea/vomiting
How to
How to
PREVENT it
TREAT it
Don’t smoke
Lifestyle changes
Adopt a hearthealthy eating
plan
Medications for
high cholesterol,
high blood pressure
Manage stress
Exercise
regularly
Get to a healthy
body weight
Know your
numbers
Keep your diabetes
(if you have it) controlled
Procedures/Surgeries
such as angioplasty or
coronary bypass surgery
Information provided for educational purposes only.
Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific health needs.
If you would like to download or order additional posters
on various topics, visit CardioSmart.org/Posters
12
CardioSource WorldNews
Martha Gulati, MD, MS
CardioSmart Editor-in-Chief
Summer is a great time for encouraging patients to
be active. Healthwise has pulled together a number
of helpful tips for indoor and outdoor activities that
can help people stay active even in hot and/or humid
weather. In general, everyone should avoid exercising
during the hottest times of the day and reminded to
drink plenty of fluids before, during and after activity.
Exercising more slowly than usual and/or for shorter
times is also important.
Get Outside:
• Wear light-colored, breathable clothes.
• Take morning or evening walks.
• Go for a bike ride. Find shaded areas, and ride
during cooler times of day.
• Go swimming on hot days.
• Do light yard work or gardening.
• Wash your car.
• Join sports programs in your community or
at work. Take advantage of morning or evening
activities like tennis, golf, pick-up basketball
games, etc.
Stay Cool Indoors:
• Go for walks at the mall.
• Use light weights or stretch bands at home while
you watch TV or listen to music.
• Buy or rent an exercise DVD, or borrow one from
the library.
• Do indoor housework like dusting, vacuuming, or
washing the windows.
• Join a gym or health club, or take fitness or dance
classes at the local community center.
• Take part in indoor sports activities like basketball,
volleyball, and soccer.
Source: Healthwise
July 2016