 |
Nurse Gwendoline
from Heart &Stroke
Foundation South Africa |
Every September, the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa commemorates Heart Awareness Month, using the campaign to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and encourage South Africans to take action to protect their heart health. Speaking on BackChat, Nurse Gwendoline Petersen she shared important information with listeners about coronary heart disease, its warning signs, risk factors and the everyday choices people can make to protect their health. The campaign culminates in World Heart Day on 29 September and aims to help people better understand their risks, recognise warning signs and focus on prevention and early intervention. This year's campaign focuses on different themes throughout the month, with coronary heart disease being the focus for the week discussed during the interview. Nurse Gwendoline explained that coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, develops when the blood vessels supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked.
Over time, substances such as fat, cholesterol and calcium can build up in the walls of the coronary arteries, making it harder for enough blood to reach the heart muscle. This can result in chest discomfort or pain, particularly during physical activity or stress, and in more serious cases can lead to a heart attack.One of the concerns surrounding coronary heart disease is that it does not always present obvious symptoms in its early stages. Gwendoline explained that symptoms can develop gradually and that some people may have no noticeable symptoms at all, making regular screenings and an understanding of personal risk factors important.
When symptoms do occur, they can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, dizziness and heart palpitations. Pain or discomfort may also be experienced in areas such as the arm, shoulder, back or jaw. If the condition becomes more severe and is not properly managed, it can result in serious complications including heart attack, heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms and cardiac arrest.
The scale of coronary heart disease is also a concern in South Africa. According to the World Health Organization data cited during the interview, coronary heart disease caused 32,739 deaths in South Africa in 2020, accounting for approximately 7.2% of all deaths. Pertesen also mentioned the increase in coronary heart disease cases across sub-Saharan Africa and the projected rise in cases, showing why awareness and prevention remain important.
While anyone can develop coronary heart disease, certain factors can increase a person's risk. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking or tobacco use, diabetes, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, being overweight or obese, a family history of heart disease and increasing age. Nurse Gwendoline also pointed out that coronary heart disease is affecting people at younger ages, even during their most productive working years. However, having risk factors does not automatically mean someone will develop the disease, and many of these factors can be managed or reduced through lifestyle changes and appropriate care.
A diagnosis of coronary heart disease does not mean that a person cannot continue living a normal life. Gwendoline explained that the condition can often be managed effectively, with treatment focused on improving blood flow to the heart, controlling symptoms, preventing complications and reducing the risk of the disease becoming worse. After diagnosis, a healthcare professional may assess a person's overall cardiovascular risk by checking factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, while also reviewing lifestyle habits and family history.
Lifestyle changes can also play an important role in managing the condition. Nurse Gwendoline
.jpg)
encouraged listeners to eat healthier, stop smoking, remain physically active, maintain a healthy weight, manage stress, take prescribed medication and attend regular medical check-ups. She stressed that people should not skip their medication or appointments and should take their diagnosis seriously by following their treatment plans.For those looking to reduce their risk, Gwendoline's message was that small, consistent changes can make a difference. She encouraged listeners to “know their numbers” by regularly checking their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. She also recommended a heart-healthy diet that includes more vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans, while reducing processed foods and foods high in saturated fat, salt and added sugars. Physical activity, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, managing existing health conditions, limiting alcohol intake, managing stress and attending regular screenings were also highlighted as important steps.
The interview also addressed some of the misconceptions people may have after being diagnosed with coronary heart disease. Gwendoline emphasised that a diagnosis does not mean someone has to stop living their life or become completely sedentary. Instead, she encouraged people to remain active within what is appropriate for them, highlighting walking and exercise as important parts of a healthy lifestyle. Her message to listeners was simple:
taking care of your heart is something that can be worked on every day, and people do not have to change everything at once.
As Heart Awareness Month continues, the message from the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa is ultimately about paying attention to your health before a serious problem occurs. Knowing your risk factors, recognising possible warning signs, getting regular screenings and making healthier choices can all form part of taking better care of your heart.
For more information, listeners can contact the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa through its website or social media platforms. The organisation can also be contacted on 021-422-1586.
Written By Unathi Ngomana
.jpg)
Comments