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� Skin Conditions
� Digestive Problems
� Dental Health Problems
� Muscle & Bone Problems
� Mental Health Conditions
� Chronic Illnesses
� Respiratory Problems
Topics Include:
Learn More Online:For reliable health information in English and
multiple languages, go to www.HealthyLearn.com.
Click on MedlinePlus®. Choose from many
options. These include:
• Health Topics • Drugs & Supplements
• Dictionary • Medical Encyclopedia
• News • Directories
This book teaches you:
� When you need to get medical care fast.
� When to call or see your doctor.
� When and how to treat a problem at home.
� Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat Problems
� Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
� First Aid Procedures & Conditions
� Men’s, Women’s & Children’s Health
� Other Health Problems and Concerns
� Wise Consumer & Wellness Topics
� Places to Get Information & Help
And much more...
healthier at home Cover 2.q_Self-Care Cover.q 5/29/13 11:16 AM Page 1
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5
Section I
Wise Health Care Choices
Chapter 1. Medical Care
Choosing a Doctor or Health Care Provider ....12
See Your “Primary” Doctor Before You
See a Specialist ..................................................13
Tell & Ask the Doctor/Provider Checklists ......13
Choosing a Health Plan ....................................15
Comparing Health Plans....................................15
Health Insurance Checklist................................17
Using Your Health Plan ....................................18
Preventing Medical Errors ................................19
Chapter 2.
Medical Exams & Tests
A Routine Checkup............................................21
Tests & What They Are For ..............................21
Health Tests & When to Have Them ................22
Immunization Schedule ....................................23
Vaccines for Traveling Abroad ..........................24
Home Medical Tests ..........................................24
Family Medical Record ....................................25
Chapter 3. Medications
Safe Use of Medications....................................26
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications ..............27
Your Home Pharmacy........................................28
Medication Interactions ....................................29
Overhauling Your Medicine Cabinet ................30
Chapter 4. Complementary &
Alternative Medicine
Types..................................................................31
Safe Use ............................................................33
Chapter 5.
Medical Decisions
Gather Facts ......................................................35
Key Questions Checklist ..................................36
Medical Decision Comparison Chart ................37
Patient Rights ....................................................37
Informed Consent ..............................................38
Advance Directives............................................38
Table of Contents
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Section II
Health & Safety Guidelines
Ten Basic Tips to Stay Healthy & Safe ............39
Chapter 6. Staying Well
HealthyLife® Risk Appraisal..............................40
Be Physically Active ........................................42
Eat for Good Health ..........................................44
Nutrition for Children........................................47
Control Your Weight..........................................48
Control Your Cholesterol & Triglycerides ........49
Be Tobacco-Free ................................................50
Use Alcohol Wisely ..........................................51
Your Mind + Your Body = You ........................52
Manage Stress....................................................53
Home Safety Checklist ......................................54
Personal Safety Checklist ..................................55
Healthy Travel Checklist ..................................56
Chapter 7. Workplace
Health & Safety
General Guidelines ............................................57
Prevent Injuries..................................................57
Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders ..................58
Workstation Exercises ......................................59
Manage Job Stress ............................................60
Chapter 8. Be Prepared
for Disasters & Threats
Plans to Make Before a Disaster ......................61
Be Prepared for Certain Disasters ....................62
Section III
Common Health Problems
How to Use This Section ..................................66
Chapter 9. Eye Conditions
Cataract ..............................................................68
Eyestrain from Computer Use ..........................70
Floaters & Flashes ............................................71
Glaucoma ..........................................................72
Macular Degeneration ......................................74
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) ..................................76
Stye ....................................................................78
Vision Care ........................................................79
Chapter 10. Ear, Nose &
Throat Problems
Earaches ............................................................80
Hay Fever ..........................................................83
Hearing Loss......................................................85
Laryngitis ..........................................................88
Nosebleeds ........................................................89
Sinus Problems ..................................................90
Sore Throats ......................................................92
Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears) ..........................93
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Chapter 11. Respiratory
Conditions
Asthma ..............................................................95
Avian Influenza – “Bird Flu” ............................97
Bronchitis ..........................................................98
Colds & Flu ....................................................100
Coughs ............................................................104
Emphysema......................................................106
Hiccups ............................................................108
Pneumonia ......................................................109
SARS–Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ..110
Wheezing ........................................................111
Chapter 12. Skin Conditions
ABC’s of Skin Care ........................................112
Acne ................................................................114
Athlete’s Foot ..................................................116
Blisters ............................................................117
Boils ................................................................118
Cellulitis ..........................................................120
Cold Hands & Feet ..........................................121
Corns & Calluses ............................................122
Dry Skin ..........................................................124
Hair Loss..........................................................126
Ingrown Toenails ............................................127
Insect Stings ....................................................128
Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac ..............................130
Shingles............................................................132
Skin Cancer......................................................134
Skin Rashes......................................................136
Splinters ..........................................................144
Varicose Veins..................................................146
Warts ................................................................148
Chapter 13. Digestive &
Urinary Problems
Abdominal Pain ..............................................150
Constipation ....................................................153
Diarrhea ..........................................................154
Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis ........................156
Flatulence (Gas) ..............................................157
Food Poisoning ................................................158
Gallstones ........................................................160
Heartburn & Indigestion..................................161
Hemorrhoids ....................................................163
Hernias ............................................................165
Hiatal Hernia....................................................167
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) ....................168
Kidney Stones..................................................169
Lactose Intolerance..........................................170
Peptic Ulcers....................................................171
Rectal Problems ..............................................172
Urinary Incontinence ......................................175
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) ......................178
Vomiting & Nausea ........................................180
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Hepatitis ..........................................................236
High Blood Pressure........................................238
HIV/AIDS........................................................240
Memory Loss ..................................................242
Multiple Sclerosis ............................................244
Parkinson’s Disease ........................................246
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) ..........248
Sickle Cell Anemia ..........................................254
Sleep Disorders & Snoring ..............................256
Thyroid Problems ............................................260
Chapter 16.
Mental Health Conditions
Mental Health ..................................................262
Alcohol & Drug Problems ..............................263
Anger ..............................................................267
Anxiety & Panic Attacks ................................269
Codependency..................................................273
Depression ......................................................275
Eating Disorders ..............................................277
Gambling Problems ........................................280
Grief/Bereavement ..........................................282
Stress & Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ..........284
Suicidal Thoughts ............................................287
Violence & Abuse............................................289
Chapter 14. Muscle &
Bone Problems
Arthritis............................................................182
Back Pain ........................................................184
Fibromyalgia....................................................188
Foot Problems..................................................189
Leg Pain & Ankle Pain....................................194
Osteoporosis ....................................................199
Repetitive Motion Injuries ..............................202
Shoulder Pain & Neck Pain ............................205
Chapter 15. General
Health Conditions
Allergies ..........................................................208
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) ..............................210
Anemia ............................................................212
Cancer ..............................................................214
Chest Pain ........................................................216
Chronic Pain ....................................................218
Diabetes ..........................................................220
Fatigue ............................................................223
Fever ................................................................226
Headaches ........................................................228
Heart Disease ..................................................232
Heart Palpitations ............................................235
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Chapter 19. Children’s
Health Problems
Bed-Wetting ....................................................332
Colic ................................................................334
Croup ..............................................................336
Lice ..................................................................338
Chapter 20. Dental &
Mouth Concerns
Regular Dental Care ........................................340
Bad Breath ......................................................342
Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth ........................343
Fractured Jaw ..................................................344
Gum (Periodontal) Disease..............................345
Mouth Sores ....................................................346
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome ..349
Toothaches ......................................................350
Section IV
Emergencies & First Aid
Recognizing Emergencies ..............................351
Being Ready for Medical Emergencies ..........352
Chapter 17.
Men’s Health Issues
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) ..............................291
Jock Itch ..........................................................292
Premature Ejaculation......................................293
Prostate Problems ............................................294
Testicle Problems ............................................297
Chapter 18.
Women’s Health Issues
Birth Control....................................................300
Breast Lumps & Breast Cancer ......................304
Cervical Cancer ..............................................308
Endometriosis ..................................................310
Fibroids ............................................................312
Menopause ......................................................314
Menstrual Bleeding Problems ........................316
Menstrual Cramps............................................318
Ovarian Cysts & Cancer..................................320
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) ................323
Plan for a Healthy Pregnancy..........................325
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) ......................326
Toxic Shock Syndrome....................................328
Vaginal Infections ............................................329
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Chapter 21.
Emergency Procedures
First Aid Precautions ......................................353
CPR..................................................................354
First Aid for Choking ......................................356
Recovery Position............................................357
Chapter 22.Emergency
Conditions / First Aid
Bites & Stings..................................................358
Bleeding ..........................................................362
Broken Bones/Dislocations ............................365
Burns................................................................368
Choking............................................................370
Dehydration ....................................................372
Electric Shock..................................................373
Eye Injuries & Irritation ..................................375
Fainting & Unconsciousness ..........................378
Fishhook Removal ..........................................380
Frostbite & Hypothermia ................................381
Head/Neck/Spine Injuries................................384
Heart Attack ....................................................387
Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke ......................389
Hyperventilation ..............................................392
Near-Drowning ................................................393
Objects in the Ear or Nose ..............................395
Poisoning ........................................................397
Seizures............................................................399
Shock ..............................................................401
Skin Injuries/Wounds ......................................402
Sprains, Strains & Sports Injuries ..................404
Stroke (Brain Attack) ......................................407
Index ..............................................................408
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112
Chapter 7. Eye ConditionsChapter 12
Skin Conditions
ABC’s of Skin CareAbout Your SkinThe skin is the body’s largest organ.� It protects tissues inside the body from injury.
� It serves as a barrier against chemicals, germs, hot and cold weather,
pollution, the sun, etc.
� It helps regulate body temperature. It seals in moisture.
Basic Skin Care� Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
• Limit exposure to the sun, especially between 10:00 a.m. and
4:00 p.m. standard time; 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daylight savings
time.
• When outdoors, wear a water-resistant sunscreen that has a sun
protection factor (SPF) number of at least 15. Use one that
protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen
about 30 minutes before going outside. Use sunscreen as directed
on the label.
• Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and a wide
brimmed hat.
� Don’t use tanning beds and heat lamps.
� Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit. Smoking can cause premature
wrinkles.
� Eat healthy foods. Drink plenty of water and other fluids.
� Clean your skin daily. Clean it when it gets dirty, too.
� Wash your hands often to avoid picking up germs.
� Wash your skin with warm (not hot) water. Hot water dries the skin.
� Use mild or gentle soaps and cleaning products to prevent dry,
irritated skin.
Get more
information
from:
American Academy of
Dermatology
866.503.SKIN (503.7546)
www.aad.org
SkinsightSM
www.skinsight.com
Skin Condition Finder
www.skinsight.com/
skinconditionfinder.htm
The skin has two basic
layers. The outer, protective
layer is the epidermis. The
thicker, inner layer is the
dermis.
12 H@H pages 112-149_12 H@H pages 112-149 5/21/13 12:42 PM Page 112
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Section III: Common Health Problems
113To Learn More, See Back Cover
� Moisturize your skin daily and/or when it is
dry. Dry, cracked skin lets harmful germs and
other irritants in. Use moisturizers that don’t
have alcohol.
� Protect your skin from the wind and cold
weather. Wear gloves, a hat, a scarf, etc.
� Protect your skin
from injury. Wear
gloves when you
garden, work with
chemicals, etc.
When shaving,
soften the beard
with a warm
washcloth. Use
plenty of shaving
cream. With a
sharp blade, shave
in the direction of
hair growth. Using a back and forth motion
causes skin irritation.
� Avoid items that cause allergic reactions
and/or irritate the skin.
Cosmetic SafetyWith so many products to choose from, how do
you know which ones are safe to use? How do
you know if they give the results they promote?
� If you have skin concerns or problems,
consult your primary care doctor or a
dermatologist.
� Before using a cosmetic, read the label. The
label must give directions for safe use and/or
warning statements. Heed the warnings. For
example, products with an alpha hydroxy acid
(AHA) may list the following on the label:
“Sunburn alert: This product contains an
alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase
your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and the
possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen and
limit sun exposure while using this product
and for a week afterwards.”
� Follow directions on the label.
� Test a small amount of a new product on your
skin to find out how your skin reacts to it.
� When sampling a cosmetic at a store’s
cosmetic counter, test it with a new, unused
cotton swab.
� Keep make-up
containers tightly
closed when not in
use.
� Throw away any
cosmetic that has
developed an odor
or changed color.
� If you have an eye infection, such as pink eye,
don’t use eye cosmetics. Throw away the ones
you were using when you first noticed the
infection.
� Use products for your skin type (dry, normal,
oily, or sensitive, etc.). If you have dry skin,
don’t use astringents and products with
alcohol. They take moisture away from the
skin.
Wear knee pads, etc. during
sports to help protect your
skin from injury.
Don’t share make-up
with others.
ABC’s of Skin Care, Continued
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122
Chapter 12 - Skin Conditions
Corns & CallusesSigns & Symptoms� Corns are areas of dead skin on the tops or sides of the joints or on
the skin between the toes.
� Calluses are patches of dead skin usually found on the balls or heels
of the feet, on the hands, and on the knees. Calluses are thick and
feel hard to the touch.
CausesFootwear that fits poorly causes corns and calluses. So can activities that
cause friction on the hands, knees, and feet.
TreatmentSelf-care treats most cases. If not, a family doctor or foot doctor
(podiatrist) can scrape the hardened tissue and peel away the corn with
stronger solutions. Sometimes warts lie beneath corns and need to be
treated, too.
Questions to AskWith a corn or callus, do you have any signs of infection, suchas fever, swelling, redness, and/or pus?
With a corn or callus, do you have circulation problems ordiabetes?
Do you have one or both of these problems even after usingself-care measures?• Continued or worse pain.• No improvement after 2 to 3 weeks.
See Self-Care / Prevention on next page
Corns and calluses are
extra cells made in a skin
area that gets repeated
rubbing or squeezing.
Common sites on the
bottom of the foot for
corns and calluses.
12 H@H pages 112-149_12 H@H pages 112-149 5/21/13 12:42 PM Page 122
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Section III: Common Health Problems
123To Learn More, See Back Cover
For Calluses� Don’t try to cut a callus off.
� Soak your feet in warm water to soften the
callus. Pat it dry.
� Rub the callus gently with a
pumice stone.
� Cover calluses with
protective pads. You
can get these at drug
stores.
� Don’t wear poorly
fitting shoes or other
sources of friction that
may lead to calluses.
� Wear gloves for a
hobby or work that
puts pressure on your hands.
� Wear knee pads for activities
that put pressure on your
knees.
Get more information
from:
HealthyLearn® • www.HealthyLearn.com
Click on MedlinePlus®
American Podiatric Medical Association
www.apma.org
Self-Care / Prevention{Note: Persons with diabetes should see a doctor
for treatment for foot problems.}
For Corns� Don’t pick at corns. Don’t use toenail
scissors, clippers, or any sharp tool to cut off
corns.
� Don’t wear shoes that fit poorly or that
squeeze your toes together.
� Soak your feet in warm water to soften the
corn.
� Cover the corn with a protective,
nonmedicated pad or bandage which you can
buy at drug stores.
� If the outer
layers of a corn
have peeled
away, apply a
nonprescription
liquid of 5 to
10% salicylic
acid. Gently
rub the corn off
with cotton
gauze.
� Ask a shoe
repair person to
sew a metatarsal bar onto your shoe to use
when a corn is healing.
Corns & Calluses, Continued
Pointed, tight-fitting boots and
shoes can cause corns. Wear
footwear that doesn’t squeeze
the toes together.
Wear gloves when you
garden or do other activities
that put repeated pressure
on your hands.
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134
Chapter 12 - Skin Conditions
Skin CancerSkin cancer is the most
common kind of cancer in
the U.S. When found
early, skin cancer can be
treated with success.
Causes� Recurrent exposure to
ultraviolet (UV)radiation from the sunis the main cause.
� Artificial sources ofUV radiation, such assun lamps and tanningbeds.
Risk Factors� Having skin cancer in
the past.
� A family history ofskin cancer.
� Having fair skin thatfreckles easily,especially with red orblond hair and blue orlight-colored eyes.
Skin Cancer Warning Signs
Contact your doctor if you notice any of these following signs:
For basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers (types that seldom
spread to other parts of the body):
D. Diameter
- The size
changes and
is often
bigger than a
pencil eraser.
C. Color -
The color is
uneven.
B. Border -
The edges are
ragged, notched
or blurred.
A. Asymmetry
- The shape of
one half does
not match the
other.
Small, smooth, shiny,
pale, or waxy lump
For melanoma (can spread to other parts of the body and be fatal if
not treated early). Look for any of these signs in an existing mole:
Firm red lump A lump that bleeds
or develops a crust
A flat, red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly
E. Evolving lesion - This is one that changes size, shape, shades of
color or symptoms or has surface bleeding.
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Section III: Common Health Problems
135To Learn More, See Back Cover
TreatmentDepending on the size, type, and stage of the
cancer, treatment includes:
� Surgery. There are many types.
� Laser therapy.
� Chemotherapy. One form is a cream or lotionwith anticancer drugs that is applied to theskin. Other forms are given through an IV.
� Radiation therapy.
� Interferon drugs.
� Skin grafting.
Questions to AskDo you have any skin cancer warningsign listed on page 134?
Self-Care / PreventionPrevention should start in
childhood to prevent skin
cancer later in life.
� Avoid exposure to middaysun (10:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. standard time; 11:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daylightsaving time).
� Use a sunscreen with a sunprotection factor (SPF) of15 or higher as directed.
� Avoid sun lamps andtanning salons.
Skin Self-Exam� Do a skin self-exam monthly.
The best time to do this isafter a shower or bath. Tocheck your skin, use a well-lit room, a full-length mirror,and a hand-held mirror.
� Locate your birthmarks,moles, and blemishes. Knowwhat they look like. Checkfor a sore that does not heal.
� Check all areas.
1. Look at the front and back
of your body in the mirror.
Then, raise your arms and look at the left
and right sides.
2. Bend your elbows and look carefully at the
palms of your hands. Make sure to look at
both sides of your forearms and upper arms.
3. Look at the back and front of the legs. Look
between the buttocks and around the genital
area.
4. Look at your face, neck, and scalp. Use a
comb or blow dryer to move hair so that
you can see the scalp better.
5. Sit and closely examine the feet. Look at
the soles and the spaces between the toes.
{Note: Get a skin exam from your doctor orhealth care provider as often as advised.}
Get more information from:
HealthyLearn® • www.HealthyLearn.com
Click on MedlinePlus®
National Cancer Institute
800.4.CANCER (422.6237) • www.cancer.gov
Skin Cancer, Continued
Use a full length
mirror to do a
skin self-exam.
Wear long
sleeves, sun hats,
etc. to block out
the sun’s harmful
rays.
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226
Chapter 15 - General Health Conditions
Fever
CausesFever is usually a sign of another problem, such as an infection.
Body temperature changes during the day. It is usually lowest in the
morning and highest in the late afternoon and evening. Other factors can
increase body temperature. These include:� Wearing too much clothing.
� Exercise.
� Hot, humid weather.
� Taking a temperature by mouth after drinking a hot liquid, like tea.
TreatmentTreatment includes self-care measures and treating the cause.
Questions to AskDoes an infant or child up to 3 years old have any of theseproblems?• Temperature of 100.4OF (38OC) or higher in a baby less than3 months old.
• Temperature of 104OF (40OC) or higher in a child between 3months and 3 years old.
• The child with a fever is crying and can’t be consoled.
With a fever, do any of these signs occur?• Shortness of breath or a hard time breathing.• Stiff neck; severe, headache that lasts; nausea or vomiting;and the person can’t be roused.
• Acting very cranky.• Confusion. Mental status changes.• Severe pain in the abdomen.
Flowchart continued on next page
Don’t use a glass mercury
thermometer. If it breaks,
droplets of toxic mercury
can be released. If this
happens, don’t use a
vacuum or broom to clean
up the mercury. Call your
local health or fire
department to find out what
to do.
Use a digital or ear
thermometer to measure
temperature.
The average normal
temperature is about
98.6°F (37°C).
Signs &SymptomsA fever means that body
temperature is higher than:� 99°F (37.2°C) under the
arm.
� 99.5°F (37.5°C) by
mouth or ear.
� 100.4°F (38°C) by
rectum. Rectal
temperatures are
advised for infants.
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Section III: Common Health Problems
227To Learn More, See Back Cover
Fever, Continued
With a fever, do any of these signsoccur?• Pain, redness, and swelling anywhereon the body.
• Ear pain that persists or pain in thesinuses (face).
• Pain in the chest with deep breaths.• Sore throat.• Green, yellow, or bloody-coloreddischarge from the nose, ears, orthroat. A cough with colored phlegm.
• Pain or burning feeling when passingurine or passing urine often.
• Abnormal vaginal pain, discharge, orbleeding.
Has the fever lasted longer than 3 dayswithout getting better?
Do any of these problems occur?• Temperature of 99.5°F (37.5°C) andup to 100.4°F (38°C) in an infantyounger than 3 months old.
• Temperature of 102.2°F (39°C) andup to 104°F (40°C) in a child 3months to 3 years old.
• Temperature above 104°F (40°C) in a person between 3 years and 64 years old.
• Temperature of 102.2°F (39°C) orhigher in a person age 65 years orolder or in a person whose immunesystem is lowered.
Flowchart continued in next column
Has the person with the fever recentlybeen in the hospital or had surgery?Or, does the person have a chronicillness, such as asthma, heart disease,lung disease, kidney disease, cancer,or diabetes?
Do any of these statements apply?• The fever went away for more than24 hours, but came back.
• The fever came soon after a visit toanother country.
• A fever and feeling dizzy came afterhaving a DTaP or MMR vaccine.
Self-Care / Prevention� Drink lots of
fluids, such as
fruit juice,
water, etc.
� Take a sponge
bath with
warm (about
70OF) water.
Don’t use cold
or cool water. Don’t use rubbing alcohol.
� Take the right dose of an over-the-counter
medicine to reduce fever, as directed.
� Rest.
� Don’t do heavy exercise.
� Don’t wear too many clothes. Don’t use too
many blankets.
Rest when you have a fever.
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232
Chapter 15 - General Health Conditions
HeartDisease
Signs & Symptoms� Symptoms of angina are pain, discomfort, or a squeezing pressure in
the chest. Aching in a tooth, jaw, or neck can also occur. Symptoms
usually go away with rest and/or nitroglycerin. Angina attacks may
occur with anger, excitement, or exertion, such as walking up a hill.
� Symptoms of a heart attack are listed on page 387.
� Symptoms of heart failure are: Shortness of breath; feeling very tired
or weak; swelling in the lower legs, ankles, and feet; dry cough or
one with pink, frothy mucus; rapid weight gain; and a fast heart beat.
CausesHeart disease is caused by atherosclerosis. This is the buildup of plaque
in the inner walls of the arteries. The plaque is made up of blood
platelets, cholesterol, fibrous tissue, and sometimes calcium. The plaque
narrows the arteries. This slows or blocks the flow of blood to the heart.
Some factors increase the risk of heart disease. The more risk factors;
the higher the risk.
Risk Factors That Can’t Be Changed� A past heart attack or stroke.
� Family history of heart disease:
• A father or brother had heart
disease before age 55.
• A mother or sister had heart
disease before age 65.
� Being a male 45 years or older.
� Being a female 55 years or older.
Risk Factors That Can Be Controlled� High blood pressure. (See page 238.)
� High-risk blood cholesterol levels. (See page 49.)
� Smoking. (See Be Tobacco-Free on page 50.)
� Being overweight or obese.
Heart disease is a common
term for coronary artery
disease (CAD). It is the
number one cause of death
in the U.S. in both men and
women. With heart disease,
arteries that supply blood
to the heart become
hardened and narrowed.
Heart disease can lead to
these problems:� Angina. With this, the
heart muscle does not
get as much blood and
oxygen as it needs for a
given level of work. A
heart attack damages the
heart muscle. Angina
does not. It is a warning
sign that a heart attack
could occur, though.
� Heart attack. (See
page 387.)
� Heart failure (HF).
With this, the heart
“fails” to supply the
body with enough
blood and oxygen for
its needs. This develops
slowly. It becomes
chronic.Clot
Fatty blockage
Wall of artery
Flow of blood
Healthy artery
15 H@H pages 208-261_15 H@H pages 208-261 5/21/13 12:39 PM Page 232
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Section III: Common Health Problems
233To Learn More, See Back Cover
Heart Disease, Continued
� Lack of physical activity.
� Having diabetes and high blood cholesterol.
� Using cocaine or amphetamines.
� Metabolic syndrome. (See page 234.)
Other Factors that May Play a Role in Heart
Disease� Waist measurement > 40 inches for men;
> 35 inches for women.
� C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. Levels
of CRP rise when there is inflammation in the
body.
� Elevated blood homocysteine levels.
� Infections, such as chlamydia pneumoniae.
� Elevated blood lipoprotein (a).
� Elevated blood triglycerides.
TreatmentThe goals of
treatment are to
relieve symptoms,
control or reduce
risk factors, stop or
slow further damage
to the arteries, and
prevent and treat
cardiac events. Treatment includes:
� Self-Care / Prevention measures on
page 234.
� Medications.
� Procedures to open blocked or narrowed
arteries or bypass them.
� Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab).
Questions to AskIs any heart attack warning sign listedon page 387 present?
Do angina symptoms not respond toprescribed medicine or fail to go awayin 10 to 15 minutes?
Does severe shortness of breath (withor without wheezing) occur in a personwith heart failure?
Does a person with heart failure haveany of these problems?• Unexplained weight gain of 3 to 5pounds.
• Mild shortness of breath and a coughwith pink or frothy mucus.
• The flu or a cold.• Heart failure symptoms get worse.
Do any of these problems occur?• Chest pain with exertion and the paingoes away with rest.
• Shortness of breath or fatigue whendoing normal activities or when lyingdown.
• Swelling in the legs or ankles. Shoescan feel too tight all of a sudden.
See Self-Care / Prevention on next page
Take medicines as prescribed.
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Self-Care / Prevention� Have regular medical checkups. Get your blood pressure checked at
each office visit or at least every 2 years. Get your blood cholesterol
tested regularly, as advised by your doctor.
� Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.
� Get to or stay at a healthy weight.
� Take all medications as prescribed.
� Ask your doctor about the benefits and harms of aspirin therapy
(e.g., 1 baby aspirin daily).
� See your doctor if you have any of the Signs & Symptoms of
Diabetes listed on page 220.
� Follow a diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Limit
sodium to 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams per day. Follow the DASH
Eating Plan. (See page 46.)
� Get regular exercise. Follow your doctor’s advice.
� Manage stress. Practice relaxation techniques.
� If you drink alcohol, do so in
moderation. Too much alcohol can
raise the risk for high blood pressure,
heart disease, stroke, and other health
problems. Moderate drinking, may be
linked to a lower risk of coronary
heart disease in some persons.
Moderation means no more than 2
drinks a day for men; 1 drink a day
for women and persons age 65 and
older. One drink = 4-5 oz. of wine;
12 oz. of beer; or 11/2 oz. of 80-proof liquor.
� Ask your doctor how much, if any, alcohol you should drink.
� Get your doctor’s advice about taking vitamins, minerals, and herbal
products.
234
Chapter 15 - General Health Conditions
Heart Disease, Continued
Get more
information
from:
The American Heart
Association
800.AHA.USA1
(242.8721)
www.heart.org/
HEARTORG
National Heart, Lung, and
Blood Institute (NHLBI)
www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Get your doctor’s advice on
taking vitamins and other
supplements.
Metabolic Syndrome is
having at least three of
these five conditions:
1. Abdominal obesity.
Waist measurement for
this varies according to
sex and ethnic group.
Ask your doctor.
2. High triglycerides:*
≥ 150 mg/dL
3. Low HDL-cholesterol:*
< 40 mg/dL for males;
< 50 mg/dL for
females
4. High blood pressure:*
≤ 130 mm Hg systolic
and/or
≤ 85 mm Hg diastolic
5. High fasting glucose:*
≥ 100 mg/dL
* Or taking medication to
treat this condition.
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Recommended