HEART CLINIC
Our Heart (CHD) clinic provides monitoring and advice for anyone who has had a heart attack or an episode of angina (chest pain). There is good evidence that treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol coupled with lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of future heart attacks. Getting enough exercise, smoking cessation, dietary changes, controlling stress and weight control can all help with risk reduction,
We aim to see all "heart patients" annually for monitoring which includes: blood pressure tests and blood tests. As relevant, smoking cessation, weight loss alcohol consumption, and increased exercise are all areas where improvements that may be made. We strongly advise all clinic patients to have the annual flu jab and to have an immunisation against pneumococcus (a type of pneumonia).
Cardiovascular problems can occur for a variety of reasons. When symptoms arise, it is important to consult a health professional so that the condition can be properly diagnosed and treated before symptoms develop further. If a heart attack or stroke is suspected, call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Do you know what Heart Failure is?
Do you know the signs and symptoms of Heart Failure?
Do you know what may cause Heart Failure? Even if you do, do you know what to do if you are displaying these symptoms? The BEAT acronym may help people activate their
healthcare team to an event of decompensated Heart Failure earlier. We know it’s vital to deal with Heart Failure before symptoms get worse.
Atrial Fibrilation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. A normal resting heart rate should be regular and beating at between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
Some people with atrial fibrillation, particularly older people, do not have any obvious symptoms. Heart rhythm is only discovered during routine tests for other conditions.
People with atrial fibrillation are at increased risk of having a stroke. In extreme cases Atrial Fibrillation can also lead to heart failure. AF can be detected by simply checking your pulse.
Checking and assessing your pulse can give you a good indication of whether you have atrial fibrillation, but a full medical investigation will be needed before a diagnosis can be made.
If AF is suspected, a GP may conduct an electrocardiogram and refer you to a heart specialist.
A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Strokes are a medical emergency and urgent treatment is essential. If a stroke is suspected DIAL 999 immediately and request an ambulance.
Although some people may recover quickly, many people who have a stroke need long-term support to help them regain as much independence as possible. A team of different specialists may help with rehabilitation, including physiotherapists , psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, dietitians as well as specialist nurses and doctors.
A heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI) is a serious medical emergency in which the blood supply to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot. A heart attack is a medical emergency Call 999 and ask for an ambulance if you suspect a heart attack.
If you have high blood pressure and this is not already being treated or monitored, then please speak to a doctor or practice nurse so that we can check your readings, assess your health and consider if treatment/ lifestyle changes may be helpful.
Smoking has been identified as a major risk factor in the development of ill-health - including respiratory disease, cancer - and heart disease.
Being overweight is a key risk factor in developing heart disease. Managing food intake is an important step towards preventing the development of problems.
For most people living with a heart condition, it's ok to drink in moderation. However, there are some heart conditions that may need sufferers to abstain completely from alcohol consumption.
