September is national heart awareness month and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa (HSFSA) hopes to use this opportunity to increase awareness of cardiovascular disease.
HSFSA has chosen the theme: “Know Your Numbers” for this year’s heart awareness month. It encourages everyone to have their cholesterol and blood pressure tested.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. About a quarter of South Africans over the age of 15 suffer from hypertension. There are no obvious symptoms of hypertension and the only way to know if you are a sufferer is to go for a check-up.
High blood cholesterol can lead to a build-up of fatty material in the walls of arteries, reducing the blood supply to the heart or brain, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. Blood cholesterol is influenced by the amount of fat, especially saturated fat (mainly found in foods of animal origin) in your diet.
Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Diabetics often have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and are overweight, which increases their risk. The foundation estimates that 119 people are killed by heart disease daily in South Africa, with heart attacks responsible for 33 deaths a day.
“By knowing your cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose levels, you have already limited your chances of becoming another victim of heart disease.
“Once you know your risks, you will be able to make the necessary changes to live a healthy lifestyle,” says Michelle Kearney, HSFSA communications director.
The HSFSA will run cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose level testing sessions around the country throughout the month. The testing will be conducted free of charge at major shopping centres.
September 15 to 19 is also national stroke week and all South Africans are urged to look out for the early signs of a stroke and prevent an untimely death.
The signs of stroke include weakness or numbness, or paralysis of the face, arm or leg; difficulty speaking or understanding; dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall; loss of vision; headache, usually severe and abrupt onset or an unexplained change in the pattern of headaches, and difficulty swallowing.
For more details contact the Heart Mark Diet Line on 0860 223 222 or log on to www.heartfoundation.co.za