Regular medical check-up could save lives
Supplied Content
Auckland, May 22, 2018
Get your heart check today!
For people of South Asian (India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Fiji Indians) background, heart disease and stroke carries a greater burden then for the general population.
The Ministry of Health has released a new report on heart disease and stroke from New Zealander and it recommends that people South Asian (Indian Sub-continent) should be screened for heart disease risk at a younger age 30 for men, and 40 for women.
Low Screening Rates
Screening rates for this community are lower than other groups so it is important younger men and women work with their doctors and nurses by having a simple blood tests (for cholesterol , diabetes and kidney function) and have a blood pressure check. This cardiovascular screen or check-up provides important information about heart health.
To keep your heart healthy the message is simple.
Keep good habits
Eat well (Do not eat too much high sugar and high fat foods), keep fit and exercise (walking is still a great way to keep your heart healthy), watch your weight, do not smoke tobacco (if you smoke get help to quit by talking to your GP), consume alcohol only in the recommended amounts (for further information on recommended servings for alcohol refer www.alcohol.org.nz
Prescription Medicine
Your doctor may need to prescribe medicines to lower your cholesterol and manage your blood pressure.
If you have had a heart attack or stroke , medicines are important to keep you from having another event.
This can include medicines to lower your cholesterol and manage your blood pressure and medicines like aspirin to prevent a blood clot.
Issued in public interest by ProCare, Auckland.
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