News
World Heart Day: Perth man’s warning not to ignore symptoms
Sep 07, 2021
Know your risk of heart disease and don’t ignore symptoms. That’s the message from Hollywood Private Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse Specialist Tracy Swanson in the lead-up to World Heart Day on September 29.
“Heart disease affects more than four million Australians,” Mrs Swanson said.1
“It causes one in four deaths and kills around 40 per cent more males than females.
“Fortunately, due to research into risk factors, medications and interventions, deaths from heart disease have been declining.
“It is really important to know your risk factors and the symptoms of heart disease and to see your GP, even if your symptoms seem minor.”
City Beach resident Ian Moncrieff knows only too well the importance of getting symptoms checked out after two heart scares this year.
The 84-year-old saw a GP after he felt a pressure across his chest, he had a CT coronary angiogram, that resulted in the insertion of two stents.
Five months later, during the cardiac rehabilitation exercise program, he experienced chest pain. Mr Moncrieff was admitted to hospital with a heart attack and required two more stents and a pacemaker for an abnormal heartbeat.
“Originally, I just felt a crushing feeling in my chest and a pain down the inside of my arm,” Mr Moncrieff said.
“I had no idea I could have been in serious danger”.
“It was more serious than I thought.”
Mrs Swanson said there are risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke that can be modified with treatment and a heart health check with your GP is encouraged. Some of the risk factors include:
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Smoking – increases the stiffness of the blood vessels, making it harder for them to expand and contract as needed.
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An unhealthy diet – the inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Salt consumption is an important determinant of cardiovascular risk. The high consumption of saturated fat and trans-fats linked to heart disease.
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High cholesterol – excess cholesterol causes arteries to narrow or block leading to heart and other diseases.
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High Blood pressure – can damage arteries by making them less elastic, which decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart and leads to heart disease.
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Diabetes - increases the risk of high blood pressure, narrowing of the arteries, heart disease and stroke.
- Physical inactivity – can lead to fatty material building up in the arteries. If the arteries that carry blood to the heart get damaged and/or clogged, it can lead to a heart attack.
The symptoms of heart problems include:
- Chest discomfort or pain.
- Dizziness, light-headedness or feeling faint.
- Nausea, indigestion or vomiting.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Sweating.
Hollywood Private Hospital is raising awareness about heart health with an activation at Claremont Quarter on September 29. Staff will be meeting with members of the community to discuss heart health, cardiovascular risk factors, warning signs and when to see a GP.
1 www.heartfoundation.org.au/activities-finding-or-opinion/key-stats-cardiovascular-disease
City Beach resident Ian Moncrieff and Hollywood Private Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse Specialist Tracy Swanson.