HeartCare of Viginia

A.

aspirin (enteric coated) 81 mg per day

25 – 40%

ACE inhibitors (or ARB's) for hypertension

25%

B.

beta blocker (counteracts inhibitors)

25%

C.

cholesterol reduction (LDL less than 80)

50%

D.

donate blood (every 2 3 months)

depression should be avoided and treated when present

85%

E.

vitamin e - 400 units/day

F.

fish at least four times per week

40%

FAST CT scan can diagnose arteriosclerosis in 45 sec

G.

grains: bran, vegetables, fruit

H.

HDL (good cholesterol) should be above 40 in men, 55 in women

I.

iron should be avoided in vitamins, cereal, etc. unless anemic

J.

jogging or walking 2 miles in 30 minutes four times per week

K.

keep taking prescribed medications that are proven to reduce risk. Don't stop because you feel fine and you think you are safe.

L.

laughing and joking are healthy and help to avoid anger

M.

meditation, relaxation, stress reduction

N.

nitroglycerin SL for chest discomfort or equivalent symptoms can prevent a heart attack (refill every 9 mo.)

O.

olive oil: helps to reduce other saturated fats

obesity is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke

P.

poultry: the white meat of chicken or turkey is preferable

Q.

quit smoking: 4 cigarettes per day doubles the chance of heart attack

R.

reduce blood pressure: a ten percent reduction can reduce the risk of stroke 10 - 25% even if the BP is normal

S.

salt and sugar should be avoided

stress reduction should be planned on a daily basis

T.

thyroid hormone replacement: an underactive thyroid will raise the cholesterol level and promote overweight

U.

Use it: possession of exercise equipment confers no benefits

a stationary bike in front of a TV will allow you to watch your favorite program and take your mind off the exercise

V.

vitamins: vitamins C and E equivocal

folic acid and B₁₂ for elevated homocystine

W.

wine (or beer) three times per week may raise the HDL

a glass of wine may contain 250 calories and may result in weight gain and elevation of LDL if those calories are not burned up

weight reduction reduces fat stores that the liver uses to make cholesterol: 1/2 lb per week is fine

X .

xanthomas are abnormal collections of cholesterol over the tendons

xanthelasmas are abnormal collections of cholesterol around the eyelids

both indicate the likelihood of arteriosclerosis

Y.

yolks of eggs are very high in cholesterol. Use the whites of eggs instead.

yard work or gardening is good exercise but does not increase the heart rate and condition the heart as walking does

Z.

zest for life: remain active, enthusiastic, optimistic and positive

choose friends, surroundings, TV shows, movies, and activities that are uplifting