Heart Disease, Cost & Procedural Risks

While listening to a short presentation on heart attacks and current interventions by a physician recently, I was once again reminded of the importance of health promotion. It just amazes me how conditioned we are to depend on others to fix our problems that we would rather take extra ordinary risks with our health and life instead of making a commitment to change our lifestyle to improve or maintain our health, and following through with that commitment.

Here are some startling facts that substantiate that statement.

• There are approximately 1.5 million people with known heart attack
• Approximately 3 million people have a heart attack but are unaware of it (silent heart attack)
• At least 500,000 individuals will die from a heart attack
• An estimated 1 million people will undergo some form of intervention such as angioplasty or stent insertion to dilate blocked blood vessels
• Approximately 10% (10,000) individuals will die as a result of the procedure
• Approximately 4% (4,000) will experience a heart attack from the procedure
• Approximately $250 billion will be spent on invasive procedures related to heart attacks each year
  
• approximately 1 in 2 men will have a heart attack
• approximately 1 in 3 women will have a heart attack
  

If I had a family history of heart disease, or any of the risk factors related to heart disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity or overweight, I would not be waiting for someone to propose any of these life-threatening interventions in order to "cure" my disease. I am a firm beliver in the addage "prevention is better than cure."

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity you can reverse these diseases with some very simple lifestyle practices that will be far more cost effective than long term medical bills, and pills with any number of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider about the benefits of nutrition and physical activity. Be aware, that not all physicians are versed in the optimal benefits of nutrition - request a consult with a nutritionist, dietitian or lifestyle consultant.

Changing to a low fat plant-based diet will enable you to reduce your cholesterol level over a relatively short period of time. Even reducing the amount of animal products in your diet will offer some benefits. Add heart healthy nuts (walnuts), seeds and whole grains to your diet and experience the difference.

Incorporate regular physical activity into your lifestyle. Walking is one of the best form of exercise. Water aerobics or swimming may enable you to exercise without putting pressure on joints. Consult your physician before engaging in physical activities.

Drink to your health! Instead of calorie loaded drinks reach for a glass of water. Add some ice and lemon slices for a thirst quenching, refreshing drink with a whole lot of health benefits.

Get 6 - 8 hours of sleep each night, preferably before midnight.

Get at least 20 minutes of direct sunlight ot face and arms daily.

Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverauges.

Health is a precious gift from the creator. We need to treasure it and take care of our bodies. Once we lbecome afflicted with disease it is often a long and hardous road back to regain our health. Surely it is in our best interest to do all we can to maintain our health, especially in this climate of inadequate healthcare due to lack of insurance.