Question

A 68-year-old female patient tells the nurse that she is experiencing shortness of breath and coughing when she exerts herself physically, even when she performs routine household activities, such as climbing stairs and unloading groceries. Although she quit smoking 20 yeare ago, she knows she is at risk for heart disease because of her family history of atherosclerosis Her mother developed cardiovascular disease when she was in her early 40s. Moreover, this patient's activity level has slowed significantly since retiring from teaching 4 years ago. She rarely exercises and has gained 25 pounds, mostly in her midsection, due to her new habit of eating junk food while watching TV. What can she do to decrease her risk for heart disease?

nutrition

Answer 1

To decrease her risk of heart disease she has to follow the following:

• first and foremost she has to keep her blood pressure in control. She has to take yearly once check up. If she has hypertension she has to modify her lifestyle and should take up DASH (Dietary Approach To Stop Hypertension) diet which is rich in vegetables and fruits and should consume less salt.
• She has to keep a good body weight and BMI should be normal. As obesity is a risk factor to many disease including cardiovascular disease.
• Cholesterols and triglycerides level should be normal as the increased levels may lead to atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.
• Blood sugar level should be in normal limit as diabetes will produce damage to the blood vessels and nerves to the heart and it increases the risk by 2 times for developing heart disease.
• Regular exercise keeps all the disease away as it strengthens the heart and improves circulation. It also lowers blood pressure and prevents obesity
• Eat healthy food . Don’t eat too much of saturated food, salty food, junk food, sweetened foods, oily foods. Eat more vegetables, fruits, grains, etc.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol as smoking increases blood pressure and result in heart disease and stroke , whereas alcohol consumption may lead to weight gain ,I.e., obesity and hence heart problems will come.
• Managing stress and having enough good night’s sleep.