Last updated on August 29th, 2017 at 10:07 am
Coronary heart disease – the facts
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death both in the UK and worldwide.
- About 1 in 6 men and 1 in 10 women die from CHD in the UK each year. (nhs.co.uk)
- Around 2.3 million people live with the disease in the UK. (nhs.co.uk)
What causes coronary heart disease?
It is caused by a build up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries that block the heart’s blood supply.
Certain lifestyle factors and conditions can contribute to its cause, such as:
- smoking
- high cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
Read more about CHD causes on the NHS website.
Diagnosis
If you are at risk of coronary heart disease you should see your doctor as quickly as possible. Although there is no cure for the condition, it can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.
Your doctor’s assessment will involve taking a detailed medical history for you and your family and a blood test. Confirmation of the diagnosis can be obtained by undertaking further tests such as an MRI scan, CT scan and/or coronary angiography.
Read more about CHD diagnosis on the NHS website.
Symptoms of coronary heart disease
Sufferers may experience symptoms such as:
- angina
- heart attack
- heart palpitations
- unusual breathlessness
Read more about the symptoms of coronary heart disease on the NHS website.
World Heart Day – How can CHD be prevented?
In the UK alone a significant number of deaths from coronary heart disease could be prevented simply by choosing to follow a healthy lifestyle.
Dump the fast foods and subscribe to one of the many and varied healthy life options available today. Start with simple steps by changing your diet, giving up smoking and reducing alcohol intake.
Small changes can have a big impact on the condition of your heart, enabling you to live a happier, healthier and longer life.
Furthermore, with the increase in affordable gym membership and better food labelling, taking an interest in your own health and heart’s condition has never been simpler.
Why not use World Heart Day as an opportunity to take control of your health and ease the burden on your heart. Take the heart IQ test on the World Heart Day website.
How can Graysons help?
With a delay in diagnosis of such an irreversible disease comes life-changing, debilitating problems, which may result in dependence upon the care of others and, whilst there is no cure, there are treatments that can help reduce the effects and increase independence.
If you consider there was a delay in diagnosing or treating your symptoms it would be wise to seek legal advice to determine whether you may be able to pursue a claim for clinical negligence compensation.
If you would like to talk to a member of our specialist team then please contact us for a confidential and free discussion today.
