Heart Disease: Risks, Symptoms & Treatments

Heart disease, or coronary heart disease, is a significant health concern in the UK. It's the gradual narrowing of the coronary arteries, which supply the heart with blood and oxygen. This process, known as atherosclerosis, can lead to serious health issues like angina or a heart attack. Understanding the causes and symptoms is the first step toward managing your health and living confidently.

What is Coronary Heart Disease?

Coronary arteries are the blood vessels that deliver oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. Over time, a fatty material called 'atheroma' can build up inside their walls, causing them to narrow. This narrowing means the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen, especially during exercise. This lack of oxygen is called 'ischaemia' and it can cause the chest pain or discomfort known as angina. The narrowed, damaged artery wall also increases the risk of a blood clot forming. If a clot completely blocks an artery, it can lead to a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, as a part of the heart becomes starved of oxygen and can be permanently damaged.

Causes and Risk Factors

A number of factors can increase your risk of developing heart disease:

Lifestyle: Having high cholesterol, smoking, an inactive lifestyle, being overweight or obese, or drinking too much alcohol can all contribute to the build-up of atheroma.

Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure significantly increase your risk.

Family History: If there is a family history of heart disease, particularly if a parent developed the condition at an early age, your risk may be higher.

Recognising the Symptoms of Heart Disease

Symptoms can vary, and it's vital to know the signs.

Angina: Angina is often described as a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the centre of the chest. This discomfort may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. It is typically brought on by physical activity or emotional upset.

Heart Attack: Symptoms of a heart attack can range from severe pain to a mild chest discomfort. The pain often feels like a heaviness or tightness that may spread to other areas. Some people may also experience sweating, light-headedness, nausea, or shortness of breath. In some cases, the pain can be mistaken for indigestion.

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately.

How to Prevent Heart Disease

Taking proactive steps is key to prevention.

Eat a Healthy Diet: A heart-healthy diet, like the Mediterranean or DASH diets, is rich in fibre, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Aim for at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and limit your intake of salt (no more than 6g a day) and saturated fats.

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity strengthens your heart and circulatory system, helps to lower cholesterol, and manages blood pressure. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as a brisk walk, five days a week.

Stop Smoking: Quitting smoking is the single most effective way to reduce your risk of heart disease. The risk of a heart attack begins to reduce from the moment you stop.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: By staying close to the recommended weight for your height, you can help keep your blood pressure down and reduce the amount of work your heart has to do.

Reduce Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol drinking can contribute to high blood pressure and can damage the heart muscle. Men should not drink more than 21 units per week and women should not drink more than 14 units per week.

Supporting Your Heart Health with Weldricks Pharmacy

Your local pharmacist is a great source of support for making positive lifestyle changes. Many Weldricks pharmacies offer tests for blood pressure and cholesterol levels, providing a convenient way to monitor key risk factors. They can also offer advice on diet, exercise, and smoking cessation, as well as supplying products like nicotine replacement therapies to help you quit.

For general wellness and to support a heart-healthy diet, you might also consider supplements. For example, fish oil supplements contain Omega-3 fatty acids, with a daily intake of 250mg of EPA and DHA proven to contribute to the normal function of the heart. For those looking to monitor their health at home, we also stock a range of blood pressure monitors.

At Weldricks Pharmacy, we are dedicated to providing accessible, professional healthcare. With over 85,000 positive reviews, free UK delivery on orders over £40, and discreet packaging, we're here to help you confidently manage your health.

When to See a Doctor

While this guide provides general information, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about your heart health or are experiencing symptoms of angina or a heart attack, you should consult your doctor or call 999 immediately. Your doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis, recommend appropriate treatment, and discuss prescribed medications such as statins, ACE inhibitors, or beta-blockers.