According to data gathered by the Public Health Agency of Canada, approximately 2.5 million Canadians over the age of 20 currently live with heart disease, while an estimated 9 in 10 Canadians have at least one precursor for heart disease.
Heart disease occurs when calcium, fatty material and scar tissue (also known as plaque) builds up in the coronary arteries. These arteries are responsible for supplying the heart with blood and nutrients, as well as supplying the oxygen it needs to pump that blood. However, when these arteries become narrow the heart is unable to get the amount of blood it needs. Over time this build-up can also obstruct the blood vessels, which ultimately results in restricted blood flow.
Common symptoms of heart disease due to restricted blood flow include angina (the medical term used to describe chest pain related to heart disease), fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle weakness, confusion, and pain in the legs, arms, or any other area of the body where there is a blocked artery. Heart attacks and stroke can also occur as a result of heart disease. If you notice things like severe chest pain in conjecture with shortness of breath, pain in the shoulders, neck, back, arms or jaw, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, light-headedness, perspiration, weakness or numbness of the face and/or limbs, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, loss of balance, vision problems, or a sudden and severe headache, you should seek medical attention immediately by calling 911. If left unchecked, symptoms of a heart attack and/or stroke can lead to complications, and may also be fatal.
There are many risk factors associated with the development of heart disease. It can be hereditary, meaning it runs in the family therefore substantially increasing your risk of developing it. Heart disease can also be the result of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, tobacco use, emotional stress, lack of physical activity, lack of exercise, obesity, and diabetes.
In order to prevent heart disease, Dr. Ali Ghahary, a family physician at Brentwood Medical Clinic in Burnaby, says patients need to make sure they’re living healthy lifestyles. This means no smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular physical activity.
While a bad habit such as smoking can sometimes be difficult to break, Dr. Ali Ghahary shares tips to help you do that, which can be found by clicking here.
Exercise is also not only a great way to reduce your risk of heart disease, but it can also help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as control your blood sugar levels. If you’re someone who isn’t used to getting regular exercise, Dr. Ali Ghahary suggests starting slow – such as going for 30 minute walks.
If you have any concerns relating to heart disease, it’s a good idea to address those concerns with your physician as soon as possible. If you do not have a family physician, Dr. Ali Ghahary is available to see patients at Brentwood Medical Clinic on a walk-in basis.
As seasons change, so do certain aspects of your health and overall wellbeing. Unlike winter, where we spent more time indoors and dressed warmly, spring brings longer days and warmer temperatures – and with that also comes certain health concerns.
One of the most common complaints patients have when it comes to springtime, is allergies. During spring, pollen count levels increase which can cause a number of symptoms in patients who suffer from hayfever; such as a congested or runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, red and/or watery eyes. It in order to reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies, Dr. Ali Ghahary recommends avoiding outdoor triggers. For those with severe allergies, you may require the use of nasal prays such as Omnaris or Nasonex, over-the-counter allergy medication such as Benadryl or Reactine, and even allergy shots. If you have concerns about seasonal allergies, speak with your family physician as soon as possible. You may also benefit from seeing an allergist, as they will be able to test you for specific allergens and provide you with a treatment plan best suited to your and your needs.
Insect bites and stings are also more common during the springtime; for example, mosquito bites and bee stings. While mosquito bites can usually be treated with things like Polysporin or calamine lotion, persistent itching could cause an infection, so you should try avoiding scratching the skin to prevent that from occurring. Unfortunately, in some cases, individuals may develop a serious allergic reaction as a result of a bite or sting. Insects that tend to cause severe allergic reactions include bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants. Symptoms of an allergic reaction caused by an insect can range from mild to severe, and may include swelling, pain and redness around the sting, redness and swelling affecting an entire area of the body, hives, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and anaphylaxis – which is considered life-threatening. For a reaction as severe as this, it’s important to call 911 immediately. To prevent yourself from being bitten or stung, avoid wearing perfumes or other scents that may attract the insects, wear long sleeved pants and shirts while outdoors, and stay away from areas where the insects are known to nest.
Physical activity is another great way to get out and enjoy the fresh air, especially as the weather improves and the temperatures increase; not to mention it has many great health benefits, such as helping with weight loss, weight management, reducing cholesterol and blood pressure levels, improving the body’s ability to use insulin, improving blood flow, improving the function of the heart, and can even reduce stress and anxiety. To make sure you’re getting enough physical activity to keep your body healthy, Dr. Ali Ghahary suggests fitting in at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine each day, and set realistic goals that will help keep you motivated.