Health Education on Heart Diseases

Oromo community,Washington,DCMay 9,2015

Teshome Geleta Deksissa, M.D.

Heart = Cardiac = Vital.Heart = PumpBlood 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 factor Cardiovascular deaths

1. High blood pressure 13 %

2. Tobacco 9 %

3. Diabetes 6 %

4. Lack of exercise 6 %

5. Obesity 5 %

• 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 60.

• 71 % 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 factorsAge… 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: 19-24 ….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 ?