Health Education on Heart Diseases Oromo community,Washington,DC May 9,2015 Teshome Geleta Deksissa, M.D.

 Heart = Cardiac = Vital. Heart = Pump Blood Vessels = pipes/ tubes

Main function of cardiovascular system ( Heart+ Blood vessels) is transport. Delivers oxygen and nutrients to the entire body. Removes waste products ( carries to the kidneys, lungs, skin,etc.).

Risk factorCardiovascular deaths 1. High blood pressure13 % 2. Tobacco9 % 3. Diabetes6 % 4. Lack of exercise6 % 5. Obesity5 %

Epidemiology of Heart/ blood vessel diseases: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globaly,except in Africa. 30% all deaths. Rates increasing in developing countries, declining in most of the developed world. Most cardiovascular disease affects older adults.

11% of people between 20 and 40 years old. 37 % of people B/N 40 and % of people B/N 60and 80. Disease onset is typically 7 to 10 years earlier in men as compared to women ( estrogen is protective).

Types of cardiovascular diseases Coronary artery disease : stiff, narrow, blocked with clots.( heart attack). Hypertensive heart disease… causes heart failure…increased work. Valvular heart diseases… Malfunctioning doors…leaks( not closing well) or not opening well. Electrical system disorder… EKG ( example: irregular beat, fast/ slow beat). Cerebrovascular disease ( neck and brain arteries….stroke). Peripheral arterial disease… amputation ( diabetes, cigarettes smoking…damage to the wall of the vessels. Congenital heart diseases… Mostly in children, some in adults. Rheumatic heart disease…secondary to throat infection( importance of treating tonsillitis with antibiotics).

Risk factors  Age… Old age: chronic injuries to the blood vessels, calcium deposition…stiff and narrow. The risk doubles every decade after age 55.  Family history of heart disease.  Sex : Men are at greater risk than pre-menopausal women.  Tobacco : Cigarettes are the most form of smoked tobacco. 10% of CV disease is attributed to smoking.  Physical inactivity: Less than 5days x 30 minutes. Physical activity assists wt loss, improve blood glucose level( increases insulin sensitivity), blood pressure, cholesterol control. It is cheap, available and has no side effects.  Diet: High saturated (animal) fat, low plant fat(oil), high sugar,, low whole grain, low fiber( fruit and vegetable).

Alcohol in moderation: 1drink ( woman), 2 drinks( man) per day. 1 drink= 12(355cc) ounces of beer, 5( 148 cc) ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces ( 44cc) liquor. WEIGT: BMI: ….Normal BMI: 25-30….Overweight BMI: > 30…..Obese Obesity is attributed to 5% of CV deaths. BMI= weight in Kgs/ height in meter squared.

Symptoms of heart attack: chest pain, unexplained sweating, shortness of breath, vomiting, jaw/neck/shoulder pain, racing heart. No pain in diabetics, women or older people. PREVENTION: diet: low-fat, low salt, low-sugar. Tobacco cessation Control blood pressure. Control blood sugar. Decrease body weight and maintain the right weight consistently. Decrease psychological stress. Increase daily activity.

Limit alcohol consumption. Regular check up: screening : EKG, blood test( sugar, cholesterol), BP measurement. Take the necessary medications as prescribed by the physician. Sudden onset of chest pain/ shortness of breath … 911 Thank you! Questions ?