High Blood pressure-The Silent Killer
High blood pressure is often called the silent killer with many people
not realising they have it until it is too late, for example after they have
suffered a stroke or heart attack.
Cardiovascular
disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, with two-thirds of
cerebrovascular disease (eg Stroke) and half of ischaemic heart disease (eg
Angina) being attributable to high blood pressure. In Ireland in 2000, CVD was the number one
cause of death and was responsible for 41% of all deaths. High Blood Pressure (BP) affects up to 50% of middle-aged and
older people. High BP has no symptoms so routine checks are essential,
especially on those over 50.
Trials have shown that achieving a target
blood pressure of 140/90 mmHG
achieves a 42% reduction in stroke, a 14% reduction in coronary events such as
myocardial infarction (heart attack) and a 21% reduction in cardiovascular
deaths. There is evidence that high BP can predispose individuals to the
development of cognitive impairment and dementia in later life.
All adults should have their blood
pressure measured routinely every 5 years. According to the 2003 European
Society of Hypertension classification of blood pressure values, optimal blood
pressure is less than 120/80 mmHG.
High
Cholesterol- The Silent Killer
The
amount of cholesterol present in the blood can range from 3.6 to 7.8
mmol/litre. A level above 6 mmol/litre
is considered high, and a risk factor for arterial disease. A Total Cholesterol level of below 5.2 mmol/litre is recommended to
prevent heart disease. Evidence
strongly indicates that high cholesterol levels can cause narrowing of the
arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attacks, and strokes. The risk of coronary heart disease also rises
as blood cholesterol levels increase. If
other risk factors, such as high
blood pressure and smoking, are present, the risk increases
even more.
High cholesterol is not a disease
in itself, but it is linked to serious conditions, such as cardiovascular
conditions (disease of the heart and blood vessels), angina, stroke, and
mini-stroke, known as transient ischemic attack (TIA). A high level of cholesterol in your blood,
together with a high level of triglycerides, can increase your risk of
developing coronary heart disease.
Coronary heart disease is caused by
narrowing of the arteries that supply the heart with blood. This narrowing of the arteries is called
atherosclerosis. Fatty deposits, such as
cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other substances build up in
the inner lining of an artery. This
build up, known as plaque, usually affects small and medium sized arteries. The flow of blood through the arteries is
restricted as the inside diameter is reduced.
Blood clots, which often happen in the coronary arteries during a heart
attack, are more likely to develop when arterial walls are roughened by the
build-up of fatty deposits.
Uncontrolled
Diabetes: The Silent Killer
The
Diabetic Federation of Ireland estimate there are over 200,000 diabetics in
Ireland and that over half of these have no idea they have diabetes. Diabetes
is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It is now reaching epidemic
proportions mainly due to our increasing sedentary lifestyle and poor diet.
According to the World Health Organisation, there were 30 million diabetics in
the world in 1985, today there are approximately 230 million diabetics and this
figure is expected to rise to 330 million in 20 years’ time if we do not take
action.
Diabetes mellitus (Type 2 Diabetes) is a condition that occurs when the body can't use glucose
normally. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body's cells. The levels
of glucose in the blood are controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is
made by the pancreas. Insulin helps glucose enter the cells. It does tend to run in families bur being overweight is a major factor for
Type 2 Diabetes. Untreated
diabetes can lead to serious complications therefore early treatment is
essential. Complications of untreated diabetes include heart disease, stroke,
eye problems, erectile dysfunction, kidney disease, loss of feeling and
sensation due to nerve damage, gangrene in the foot.
Do you know your numbers?
When was the last time you got your:
·
Blood Pressure Checked?
·
Cholesterol Checked?
·
Blood Sugar (Diabetes) Checked?
·
Body Mass Index Checked?
High blood pressure,
high cholesterol and high blood sugar (an indicator of diabetes) are mostly symptom-less,
however they are known “silent killers”. Screening could save your life.
Happy New Year, Healthy New You!
Many New Year resolution
involves getting healthier; this is your chance to get your new year off to a
good start by finding out what some important indicators are. Don’t wait until
it is to late; book your free health checks today!
What? Free Health Checks
Checking what? Cholesterol,
Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Body Mass Index
When? Saturday
January 23rd 2016
Where?
Whelehans Pharmacy
How? Tel
044 9334591 to book your free
screening
Places are limited and it will be
popular so book your free place at 04493 34591 now to avoid disapointment. It
will only take you 15 minutes and results are instantaneous. Our health checks
are not meant as alternative to check up from your GP. If your cholesterol,
blood pressure, blood glucose or BMI are high then we will refer you to your GP
for full screening and follow up.
Free health checks at Whelehans
Pharmacy, 38 Pearse St, Mullingar (Opposite the Greville Arms Hotel). Tel 04493
34591. www.whelehans.ie or info@whelehans.ie. Find us on Facebook
