Focus on heart disease

Sun Life Direct, the UKs no.1 life insurance over 50 provider, is taking a closer and more detailed look at some of the most common illnesses found in old age. This week the focus is on heart disease. What is heart disease? Heart disease is the UKs biggest single killer, claiming the lives of more than 88,000 people every year. Even now, around 2.7 million people are living with it. According to the British Heart Foundation, early detection of heart conditions is a key part of managing the condition.

Symptoms of heart disease Heart failure symptoms can vary from person to person ranging from a severe pain in the centre of the chest, to a general feeling of discomfort in this area of the body, or even just an overall feeling of illness. Many people tend to rule out that they might have a heart problem because they dont feel unwell enough. However, if you are suffering persistent pain or discomfort (usually during exertion), then you should get it checked out. Causes of heart disease Unsurprisingly, given the work that our hearts have to do during the course of an average lifetime, just ageing can sometimes lead to problems although young people can also suffer from degenerative conditions. According to charitable organisation Heart Research, men are more prone to heart disease than women. Also, if a relative under the age of 55 suffers from cardiac problems, then this can increase other family members chances of developing such a condition. While things like our gender and genes are clearly out of our control, there are a number of things that everyone can do to help decrease their risk of suffering from heart disease.

A healthy heart Research from leading heart organisations shows that the more physically active you are, the less likely you are to be affected. The BHF also says that a healthy diet will boost your chances of maintaining a robust heart, or perhaps protecting one that is already damaged. This should include plenty of fruit and vegetables, potatoes, wholegrain bread, pasta and rice, fish, eggs, beans, milk and some dairy products. Things to avoid include too much fat, alcohol and salt, which raises cholesterol.

Maureen explains that obesity is becoming an increasingly apparent factor in the cases she sees. In fact, the BHF claims that obesity is now just as high a threat to your hearts health as smoking is. How to prevent heart disease Many patients aged 40 or over are being offered general health checks as part of a government initiative to pinpoint those potentially at risk from heart disease. If you havent been contacted, or have any concerns about your health, call your GP and make an appointment. Find out more here.

Heart disease treatment When it comes to treatment for heart disease, many different options are available. These range from statins (daily medication to lower cholesterol levels) to surgical procedures that use local or general anaesthetic. Rehabilitation is also offered to patients who have suffered a heart attack, or undergone a coronary angioplasty (where an artificial tube, called a stent, is used to relieve a blockage) or heart surgery. However, further advice and counselling for patients and their loved ones is also available from the BHF.

Heart disease facts - Find out more BHF runs a special helpline on 0300 330 3311 (9am to 5pm on Monday to Friday) that anyone is welcome to call. Its website http://www.bhf.org.uk/ includes helpful advice and guides, as well as a Lifestyle Check, enabling you to monitor your own risk. Try the article on the dancefloor for a great tip on staying active. Did you know?

By the time you are 70, your heart will have notched up over two and a half billion beats. The human heart pumps over 11,800 miles (19,000km) worth of blood every day. Thats the equivalent of London to Hong Kong and back! In a day, your heart pumps some 7,300 litres of blood thats enough to fill a small

paddling pool. Source: Heart Research UK Out of the blue Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the world-renowned explorer, suffered a heart attack in 2003 when he was boarding a plane. Ranulph, a former soldier, describes how the first attack came out of the blue: I boarded the aircraft and settled down to read a magazine. I can remember nothing that happened from that moment for the next three days and nights. He was quickly rushed to Bristol Royal Infirmary for a double bypass operation.

He said that he had absolutely no indication anything had been wrong, but an annual check-up with his GP had shown higher than normal cholesterol levels. Following the heart attack Ranulph, now 67, paid more attention to his heart health, and in 2009 he became the oldest Briton to reach the summit of Everest! More Focus on.. You can read more health and wellbeing information in Sun Life Directs free online lifestyle magazine called LifeMatters. About LifeMatters Magazine LifeMatters is Sun Life Directs free online lifestyle magazine for silver surfers. Its packed with useful articles on everything from home and garden to finance and health. Use the brain teasers to test the grey matter, enjoy amusing stories and pick up handy hints and tips theres even regular prizes to be won. So why not take a look, were sure youll find something to entertain you! About Sun Life Direct Sun Life Direct is a provider of Over 50s Life Insurance, Funeral Plans and Term Life Insurance. In fact, the Guaranteed Over 50 Plan is the nation's most popular choice for over 50s life insurance*. The Sun Life name has been around for 200 years and has roots stretching back to 1810. By 1900 Sun Life were the first to offer life insurance without the need for a medical something were still proud to offer today. More information on Sun Life Direct can be found at www.sunlifedirect.co.uk *Most popular whole of life guaranteed acceptance plan bought directly. ABI statistics, Q1Q4 2011