DAVIES PHARMACY - Give Your Heart a Valentine's Gift

Perhaps it is a coincidence that the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has declared February as “National Heart Month”. Everyone is familiar with the term “heart attack” but many do not recognise the
symptoms and delay taking action. This delay may result in death or avoidable damage to the heart.

As a pharmacist I sometimes encounter an individual who has recently had or is going to have a heart attack. They usually present with what they convince themselves is indigestion or they have sent a worried spouse to the pharmacy to tell me about “a pain that goes down the arm”. A heart attack can show symptoms from the incapacitating (“a metal band tightening around the chest”) to discomfort, similar to indigestion. Other symptoms include dizziness and nausea. Usually the symptoms will be made worse by exercise such as walking up stairs. I find it hard to understand why people are so reluctant to act when their life is at risk. Oddly men seem to be the major culprits and you have to pity their poor wives (widows?)

If you suspect you or someone else is having a heart attack call an ambulance immediately. Early treatment not only saves lives but also means that more heart muscle can be saved. Any damage to heart muscle is irreversible and is caused by a lack of oxygen supply.

People often ask if they should take Aspirin at the time of the attack for its action in preventing blood clots. This does have a beneficial effect but only take them if they are near to hand – don't go
wandering around the house looking for them as this can cause an extra strain on the heart. If you have a companion let them look but they must not leave you for any length of time.

If you want to lessen your chances of having a heart attack

  1. Stop smoking
  2. Maintain a healthy weight
  3. Engage in at least moderate exercise on a weekly basis
  4. Reduce your alcohol consumption if you drink more than the recommended safe limits. (21 units per week for men and 14 units for women)
  5. Follow a healthy diet
  6. Have your blood pressure regularly checked

Go on – give your heart a Valentine!

Davies Pharmacy will be offering free blood pressure checks for the months of February and March. Please ask for details.


Keith Seston
Pharmacist, Davies Pharmacy
info@daviespharmacy.co.uk
www.daviespharmacy.co.uk

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