Preventing a disease before it happens is called primary prevention.
down its progress. This is called secondary prevention. For angina, the
methods of primary and secondary prevention are much the same. These
least slow
are:
Not smoking
Many deaths, especially amongst men younger than 45, are caused by
heart disease which can be blamed on cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking
has been called “well planned suicide”. Even pipe and cigar smoking
increase the risk. If you smoke, give it up. Your risk of dying from heart
disease is cut in half within five years of giving up smoking. For help in
stopping smoking, including a “Give Up Smoking” pack, you could write to:
The Health Education Authority, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London
WC1H 9TX. Or you could join a local group of ASH (Action on Smoking
and Health). Their address is 109 Gloucester Place, London WIN 7RH.
Lowering high blood pressure
High blood pressure is one of the causes of coronary disease. It also
makes the heart work harder. The blood pressure needs to be controlled. In.
some people weight reduction and cutting down on alcohol is enough, but
most patients need drugs.
Lowering high blood cholesterol
The level of cholesterol in your blood will be measured. If it is tow
high, you will be advised to cut down on fats generally and especially ‘saturated’ fats – found in dairy products and fatty meat. Eat lean meats,
use little or no butter, and switch to skimmed or semi-skimmed milk. Grill
your food rather than frying it. Eat plenty of fruit and fresh vegetables. (For
more details, see HIS 7 – FOOD AND YOUR HEART).
Reducing overweight
Keeping close to the recommended weight for your height and age will
keep your blood pressure down and reduce your heart’s workload.
Reducing Stress
If you have angina then you should learn to relax more. Some hobbies
will help you relax, but the important thing is to find out the stresses at
home or at work with which you cannot cope. Try to avoid activities which
cause mental and emotional turmoil.