Telephone Numbers & Information

� 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

Sample. Do not reproduce.

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

Beginning pgs. 001-010_ Beginning pgs. 001-010 5/21/13 12:51 PM Page 5


6

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



7

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



8

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



9

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



10

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



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


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



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.





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.



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.





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.



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.





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.



232


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





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.



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


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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