Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the term given to the disease process that lies behind angina and heart attacks (myocardial infarction). BMC runs a twice yearly CHD clinic for people who have suffered a heart attack or have a diagnosis of angina. As people who have suffered a stroke have a similar underlying disease process and similar risk factors for further heart problems or strokes (such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol) we ask them also to attend CHD clinic.

At the clinic risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, being overweight, high cholesterol and diabetes are assessed and managed as necessary. It is vital that people on our CHD register attend for their appointments at clinic in order to maximise health. Patients suffering from, or concerned by coronary heart disease can take a number of measures to reduce their own risk of new or further heart problems or strokes –

1. Stop smoking. See your GP or the Stop Smoking Clinic at BMC if you need help to do this, we can provide Nicotine Replacement Therapy if appropriate.

2. Take aerobic exercise such as walking briskly for at least 30 minutes 3 times a week. Please see your GP if you are unsure if you are fit to exercise.

3. Stop adding salt at the table. Add minimal salt during cooking. Consider using herbs or spices or alternatives such as chilli flakes, garlic or lemon juice instead for flavour.

4. Maintain your ideal weight – see a nurse or your doctor if you are unsure what this is.

5. Drink alcohol in moderation – 14 units/week for women, 21 units/week for men.

6. Eat healthily – wholemeal and wholegrain foods, and at least 5 portions of fruit or vegetables a day.

7. Reduce cholesterol in the diet – a cholesterol advice sheet is available from the Treatment Room.