Research Africa

أسباب طنين الأذن عديدة.. منها ارتفاع ضغط الدم
طنين الأذن هو رنين فى الأذن، يمكن أن يكون سببه أشياء كثيرة، لكنه ليس مرضًا في حد ذاته، لكنه أحد أعراض مشكلة صحية أخرى، فما الذي يسبب الرنين؟ عادة ما يكون ذلك بسبب تلف الشعر الصغير في أذنك الداخلية هذا يغير الإشارات التي ترسلها الأذن إلى عقلك والتي تتحكم في كيفية سماع الصوت، و قد تصاب بطنين الأذن كجزء طبيعي من الشيخوخة، ولكن هناك أسباب أخرى، في هذا التقرير نتعرف على أسباب طنين الأذن، بحسب موقع webmd.

أسباب طنين الأذن
-فقدان السمع المرتبط بالعمر: بالنسبة للعديد من الأشخاص، يزداد السمع سوءًا مع تقدمك في العمر يبدأ هذا عادة حوالي بعد عمر الستين وعادة ما يصيب كلا الأذنين، ستلاحظ على الأرجح مشكلة في الأصوات عالية التردد.

-الضوضاء الصاخبة: الضوضاء العالية هي السبب الرئيسي لطنين الأذن قد يكون شيئًا تسمعه كل يوم لسنوات، أو شيئًا يحدث مرة واحدة فقط يتضمن ذلك كل شيء من الحفلات الموسيقية والأحداث الرياضية إلى الآلات الصاخبة والمحركات ذات النتائج العكسية يمكن أن تصيب إحدى الأذنين أو كلتيهما، وقد تسبب فقدان السمع والألم. يمكن أن يكون الضرر دائمًا أو مؤقتًا.

-الكثير من شمع الأذن: يصنع جسمك هذه الأشياء غير المرغوب فيها لحبس الأوساخ وحماية أذنيك ولكن إذا لم يغسل من تلقاء نفسه وتراكم الكثير ، فقد يؤدي ذلك إلى الرنين أو فقدان السمع يمكن لطبيبك إزالة التراكم بلطف. لا تمسك بقطعة قطن وتحاول أن تفعل ذلك بنفسك.

-بعض الأدوية: يمكن أن تؤدي الأدوية التي تصرف دون وصفة طبية إلى رنين وهذا يشمل الأسبرين ومدرات البول والأدوية غير الستيرويدية المضادة للالتهابات والأدوية التي تحتوي على مادة الكينين وبعض المضادات الحيوية ومضادات الاكتئاب وأدوية السرطان عادة كلما كانت الجرعة أقوى ، زادت فرصتك في حدوث مشاكل.

في كثير من الأحيان ، إذا توقفت عن تناول الدواء، فستختفي الأعراض. راجع طبيبك إذا كنت تعتقد أن أحد الأدوية قد يكون هو السبب، لكن لا تتوقف عن تناول أي دواء دون التحدث إلى طبيبك أولاً.

-التهابات الأذن والجيوب الأنفية: قد تلاحظ طنين الأذن عند إصابتك بنزلة برد. قد يكون ذلك بسبب التهاب الأذن أو الجيوب الأنفية الذي يؤثر على سمعك ويزيد الضغط في الجيوب الأنفية. إذا كان هذا هو السبب ، فلا ينبغي أن يستمر طويلاً. إذا لم تتحسن بعد أسبوع أو نحو ذلك ، فاستشر طبيبك.

-المفصل الفكي الصدغي: يمكن أن تسبب مشاكل الفك أو المفصل الصدغي الفكي (TMJ) طنين الأذن. قد تلاحظ فرقعة أو ألمًا في المفصل عند المضغ أو التحدث. يشترك المفصل في بعض الأعصاب والأربطة مع الأذن الوسطى. يمكن لطبيب الأسنان علاج اضطرابات المفصل الفكي الصدغي والمساعدة في منع رنين الأذن من التفاقم.

مشاكل ضغط الدم: يمكن أن يشمل ذلك ارتفاع ضغط الدم والأشياء التي ترفعه على المدى القصير ، مثل الإجهاد والكحول والكافيين. يمكن أن يلعب تصلب الشرايين دورًا أيضًا. تصبح الأوعية الدموية القريبة من أذنك الوسطى والداخلية أقل تمددًا ، لذا يكون تدفق الدم أقوى ويبدو صوتًا أعلى. هذا ما يعرف بطنين الأذن النابض.

مشاكل طبية أخرى: وتشمل التغيرات في عظام الأذن الداخلية ، واضطراب الأذن الداخلية يسمى مرض مينيير ، أو إصابات الرأس والرقبة. يمكن أن تؤدي حالات مثل الألم العضلي الليفي ومرض لايم أيضًا إلى رنين الأذن. سيساعدك طبيبك في معرفة السبب وتخفيف الأصوات.

أمراض قصور القلب وصمام القلب وارتفاع ضغط الدم وانسداد الشرايين محاور المؤتمر الوطني للجمعية التونسية لأمراض القلب وجراحة القلب والشرايين
افتُتحت، اليوم الخميس بتونس، أشغال المؤتمر الوطني للجمعية التونسية لأمراض القلب وجراحة القلب والشرايين، الذي يمثل فرصة لعرض آخر المستجدات في مجال البحوث العلمية المرتبطة بأمراض القلب.

وأفادت أمينة مال الجمعية التونسية لأمراض القلب وجراحة القلب والشرايين، مريم دريسة أن المؤتمر الوطني للجمعية سيتناول بالبحث على امتداد ثلاثة أيام أمراض قصور القلب وصمام القلب وارتفاع ضغط الدم وانسداد الشرايين والامراض الخلقية، وسيستعرض الطرق الجديدة للمداواة والوقاية.

وبينت أن المؤتمر الوطني الذي ينعقد بحضور عدد من المختصين من تونس ومن عديد البلدان الأوروبية والافريقية والامريكية سيطرح بالدرس البحوث العلمية التي تطورت في معالجة أمراض القلب، وهي فرصة لعرض تطور الطب في تونس والمستوى العالمي الذي بلغه من خلال عديد الأطباء الذين يملكون صيتا عالميا.

وبينت أن تقنية القسطرة هي تقنية جديدة لمعالجة انسداد الشرايين وتعوض اللجوء الى الجراحة، ويتم اعتمادها في عديد المستشفيات التونسية خاصة منها المستشفى العسكري بتونس، مشيرة إلى أن تونس تواصل العمل على تطوير زراعة القلب الذي أثبت نجاحه في العديد من المناسبات خاصة منها في مستشفى الرابطة بتونس.

وتتخلل المؤتمر عديد المحاضرات للاستفادة من تجارب الدول المتقدمة في المجال، وفق ما صرحت به ذات المتحدثة، مؤكدة أن التقنيات التي تعتمدها تونس في معالجة أمراض القلب تعتبر أيضا متقدمة بالقياس بالدول الافريقية والعربية.

من جانبه بين رئيس القسم الجامعي لامراض القلب والشرايين بمدنين، وعضو بالجمعية التونسية لامراض وجراحة القلب والشرايين، سامي الميلوشي، أن امراض القلب هي السبب الأول للوفيات في العالم وفي تونس، وأن الجمعيات العلمية أخذت على عاتقها البحث في المجال للوقاية والعلاج في نفس الوقت.

وأوضح أن شخصا على ثلاثة اشخاص في تونس مصاب بأمراض ضغط الدم، كما أن السكري يعتبر من عوامل الاختطار الذي يتسبب في أمراض القلب والشرايين، مما يفرض التركيز على دعم التحسيس للوقاية من هذه الامراض، حسب رأيه.

وأضاف إن الجمعية تعمل بالتنسيق مع سلطة الاشراف على دعم الوقاية من الذبحات القلبية، مشيرا الى أن العمل يجب أن يركز على معالجة الأسباب وخاصة منها التدخين والارهاق النفسي والتلوث، مشيرا إلى أن تسجيل إصابات بأمراض القلب لدى الصغار يرتبط أساسا بالعوامل الوراثية.

ولاحظ أن تونس تعتبر رائدة في مجال البحث في علوم الادوية وطرق القسطرة العلاجية، حيث انها الأولى افريقيا في معالجة أمراض القلب، معتبرا أن العمل سيتجه نحو تطوير طرق التدخل للعلاج في كل الجهات وخاصة منها التدخل السريع لمعالجة الذبحات الصدرية.

دراسة تؤكد أن الإصابة المبكرة بارتفاع ضغط الدم يقترن بتدهور وظائف المخ في الكبر
أكدت دراسة جديدة لفريق بحثي من جامعة / يو سي ديفيز/ الأمريكية ،أن الإصابة بارتفاع ضغط الدم في عمر الثلاثينات يقترن بتدهور وظائف المخ في عمر الـ75 .
وفي إطار الدراسة قام الفريق البحثي بمقارنة صور الرنين المغناطيسي للمخ الخاصة بمجموعة من كبار السن الذين كانوا يعانون من مشكلة ارتفاع ضغط الدم في سن الثلاثينات والأربعينات، مع صور الرنين الخاصة بمجموعة من كبار السن الذين لم يعانوا من هذه المشكلة في نفس المرحلة العمرية المشار إليها.
ووجد الباحثون أن المتطوعين الذين كانوا يعانون من ضغط الدم ظهر عليهم بوضوح صغر حجم أجزاء معينة من المخ وضعف نسيج المادة البيضاء، وعادة ما تقترن هاتان المشكلتان باحتمالات الإصابة بخرف الشيخوخة.
وأظهرت الدراسة أيضا أن التغيرات السلبية التي طرأت على المخ جراء الإصابة بارتفاع ضغط الدم، مثل تراجع حجم المادة الرمادية والقشرة الأمامية للمخ، كانت أكثر وضوحا لدى الرجال مقارنة بالنساء.
وذكرت الباحثة كريستين جورج من كلية علوم الصحة العامة في الجامعة أن « فرص علاج خرف الشيخوخة محدودة للغاية، وبالتالي فإن تحديد أسباب هذه المشكلة الصحية، وسبل الوقاية المبكرة منها قد يكون عنصرا مهما للتخفيف من أعباء هذا المرض ».
وأضافت : » ارتفاع ضغط الدم هو عنصر مشترك بشكل واضح في حالات الإصابة بخرف الشيخوخة، وقد أثبتت هذه الدراسة أن ارتفاع الضغط في المراحل الأولى في سن البلوغ يؤثر على وظائف المخ بعد انقضاء عقود من العمر ».
يشار إلى أن ارتفاع ضغط الدم هو مرض شائع يحدث عند حصول ضغط مستمر على جدران الشرايين وعلى مدى طويل يمكن أن يسبب مشاكل خطيرة مثل السكتة الدماغية، وفشل القلب والكلى.

World Heart Day: Lessons about the value of our health

This day is not only about raising awareness, but also spreading knowledge about the grave impact of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in our society.

In South Africa, approximately one in six deaths (17.3%) are a result of CVD. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa reported that 215 people die every day from heart disease or strokes. They further emphasised that every hour, five people have heart attacks, 10 people have strokes, and 10 of these people will die from these fatal events.

The seriousness of CVD is not to be underestimated.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, resulting in 17.9 million deaths yearly (31% of the deaths in the entire world). Cardiovascular diseases affect over 500 million people globally, with stroke being a leading cause of disability and death.

The World Heart Federation has declared the theme for this year’s WHD as: “Use Heart For Action.” This emphasises empowering and supporting individuals to take charge of their heart health, and rallying leaders to take CVD seriously.

This theme is more so underscoring the importance of early detection, prevention, and combating CVD.

Both national and globally, health organisations, civil society, and advocates have been driving the rate of awareness and education around heart health, placing emphasis on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine health check-ups as key to combating heart diseases and stroke.

In addition to this, particular conditions can largely increase one’s chance of being afflicted by CVD, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity and even genetics.

In South Africa, we live in the most unequal society in the world. Over half of the entire population live below the poverty line, and the structural inequalities in household incomes and access to food deeply affect the health of our citizens.

Essentially, people are suffering from the effects of being underweight or obese, and from malnutrition because they can't afford healthy, nutritious food. Hunger and unhealthy diets are symptoms of poverty.

Despite widespread stereotypes, those who experience food poverty are not ignorant to a healthy lifestyle. In fact, research shows that the majority of people in society shape a healthy lifestyle around access to affordable healthy food.

Low-income households, however, are likely to obtain foods that are filling over foods that are high in nutrients. As such, a limited budget means that food choices, such as pap or beans, are more realistic than food choices such as lettuce, peppers or apples.

Purchasing patterns of citizens directly correlate with their economic reality, meaning that for some, it is not always possible to obtain healthier, nutritious foods.

Unfortunately, this can result in negative affects over a long period of time. Food choices can lead to higher risks of malnutrition, diabetes, osteoporosis, and hypertension, to name a few.

This is further compounded by the fact that South African medical industries are overwhelmingly overburdened. Innumerable people simply cannot afford quality medical care, particularly when issues pertaining to heart health arise.

A report from the World Health Organisation showed that a staggering 50% of the nation is physically inactive. Not only can this lead to an array of health problems, but also deeply impact one’s mental health, causing anxiety, depression and stress, to name a few.

Health professionals all over the world agree on one thing: some moderate exercise is far better than none at all. Different activities such as walking to the shops, taking the stairs (instead of a lift), partaking in home exercises such as yoga or pilates, are all ways in which one’s heart health can be radically improved.

In South Africa, there is an alarming rise in heart disease, and this issue needs to be addressed with the seriousness that it deserves.

Heart diseases are a culmination of various challenges, and ultimately impact people in a variety of ways.

Hospitalisation and disabilities can indefinitely halt one’s life and progression. This can result in one’s home and stability being threatened.

It is absolutely appalling that one’s economic situation can lead to worsened health, which ultimately leads to worsened economic instability.

It is a never ending, rather futile cycle that countless people are stuck in.

This WHD should shine a light on the intricacies and intersectional ways in which our society, our economy and our institutional systems are driving citizens’ health into the ground. It is vital, now more than ever, that leaders are held accountable for the quality of life of their citizens, and the intentional (often economically driven) decisions that are made, that adversely impact the people.

In SA, deaths that result from CVD far surpass the deaths from all of the cancers combined. Health education, community initiatives, and healthcare resources are critical to combating the scourge of cardiovascular diseases.

This cannot be singularly addressed by the medical community, but must also be undertaken in education institutions, in communities, in households, and by individuals. Governance has a responsibility to acknowledge the rampant effects of CVD, and meaningfully address this – even if it means legislative reform.

The health of citizens is paramount and should be at the top of the national agenda. It is, in fact, the citizens of a nation that equate to its value, and as such, our leaders should be making radical strides towards our empowerment and betterment, particularly when it comes to health.

A sickly citizen is unproductive and impeded from fully contributing to society in the ways that they are needed.

It is vital that our government pulls itself up by the bootstraps and take its citizens’ health seriously. Our Constitution bestows the right to health, to access, and to a good quality of life. This needs to be reflected in our lived realities.

World Heart Day serves as a crucial reminder of the intentional collective efforts that are needed to drive the knowledge about heart health and foster a healthier future for all. Every household is unique and should set realistic goals towards a healthier lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy heart is essential not only for longevity but also for overall quality of life. Education about CVD is crucial and should be prioritised by all in order to proactively shape a healthier future.

A 19th century writer, Josh Billings, once candidly observed that: “Health is like money, we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it.”

Tswelopele Makoe is a Gender & Social Justice Activist and the Editor at Global South Media Network. She is a Researcher and Columnist, published weekly in the Sunday Independent, Independent Online (IOL), Global South Media Network (GSMN), Sunday Tribune and Eswatini Daily News. She is also an Andrew W. Mellon scholar, pursuing an MA Ethics at the Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice, UWC. The views expressed are her own.

How to manage and prevent hypertension
This is a good time to reflect on the choices we make about our health, especially when it comes to our hearts.

The decisions we make today will not only affect us but may influence the health of future generations. Heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure (hypertension) are serious issues in South Africa, and if we don’t take action, the problem will only get worse.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA (HSFSA), a staggering 215 people die each day in South Africa from heart disease or strokes.

Even more concerning, more than 45% of adults in the country suffer from hypertension, a leading cause of heart disease. And these numbers are on the rise, which is why experts are urging us to take our heart health seriously.

Prevention is better than cure

Ryan Snodgrass, the Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Product Manager for Pharma Dynamics, stressed the need for change.

“As the largest supplier of cardiovascular medicine in the country, Pharma Dynamics is acutely aware of the need to shift its focus from treatment to prevention,” he said.

He pointed to the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) guidelines, which offer a clear roadmap for preventing heart disease, rather than just treating it after it happens.

The guidelines aren’t complex - they focus on simple lifestyle changes that anyone can make. The good news is that by following these steps, you can prevent or delay heart disease and high blood pressure, and in many cases, even manage these conditions effectively.

Simple steps to protect your heart

Here are some practical steps from the ESH guidelines that can help you live a heart-healthy life:

Eat a heart-healthy diet: More fruits and veggies- fresh produce, fish, nuts, and low-fat dairy products are good for your heart.

Less red meat: Reducing your intake of red meat can lower your risk of heart disease.

Cut back on salt: Too much salt can raise your blood pressure. Try to have less than one teaspoon of salt per day.

Limit sugar: Refined and processed foods often contain hidden sugars. Try to choose whole foods instead.

Eat more potassium-rich foods: Foods like lentils, beans, and potatoes (with skin) are rich in potassium, which helps balance your blood pressure. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is a great option for heart health.

Get moving: Just 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week—like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling—can lower your risk of heart disease. If you have high blood pressure, adding weight or resistance training can also help.

Maintain a healthy weight: As your body mass index (BMI) and waist size increase, so does your risk for hypertension. If you need to lose weight, even a small, maintainable loss can make a big difference. Combine this with regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Limit alcohol and quit smoking: Smoking and heavy drinking are both major contributors to heart disease. Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking are essential steps to protect your heart.

Manage stress: Chronic stress is linked to high blood pressure. Incorporating stress-reducing activities like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can benefit your heart. It’s also important to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

Avoid environmental stressors: Noise and air pollution can also raise your blood pressure. While it’s tough to avoid these completely, especially in cities, try to reduce your exposure by choosing quiet areas for outdoor activities when possible.

Pharma Dynamics has long been a champion of heart health in South Africa. The company isn’t just about providing medication - they’re also focused on educating people about the importance of making healthy choices.

One of their biggest initiatives is the Cooking from the Heart resource, which helps people prepare heart-healthy meals.

“Our commitment to heart health goes beyond medication,” said Snodgrass. “We believe in a holistic approach that includes educating the public about the importance of lifestyle changes. Heart Awareness Month is the perfect time to reinforce these messages.”

“We encourage all adults to assess their heart health by visiting their GPs annually for a check-up and to make the necessary lifestyle changes.

“Whether through adopting a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, or managing stress, every step counts in the journey to a healthier heart,” said Snodgrass.

Discussion on hypertension in SA Research indicates that in South Africa, more than 1 in 3 adults live with high blood pressure. Hypertension is said to be responsible for 1 in every 2 strok...

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Heart health in South Africa: Exploring the connection to stress

In the vibrant yet challenging landscape of South Africa, stress has become an ever-present companion for many. With long workdays, high economic pressures and a fast-paced lifestyle, it is no surprise that the nation has been ranked among the most stressed in the world.

However, what is often overlooked is the profound impact this stress can have on heart health - a critical concern given that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death globally, with South Africa mirroring this alarming trend.

To delve deeper into this pressing issue, Independent Media Lifestyle spoke with Dr Chris van Straten, a Global Health Advisor Clinical Governance at International SOS.

His insights reveal how stress is intricately linked to heart health and offer practical strategies for South Africans seeking to cultivate healthier lifestyles.

Stress and heart disease: The hidden connection

Van Straten highlights a startling reality: many South Africans remain unaware of the crucial connection between stress, lifestyle choices, and cardiovascular health.

"People often think of heart disease in terms of high cholesterol or blood pressure, neglecting to consider how stress factors in," he notes.

One common misconception is that stress is the primary cause of cardiovascular diseases.

“Stress is more like a piece of the puzzle,” he clarifies.

Chronic stress can lead to a host of adverse behaviours - poor dietary choices, smoking, and lack of physical activity - all of which contribute to an increased risk of heart disease.

It is the ripple effect of stress on these unhealthy habits that poses a greater threat than stress alone.

In fact, chronic stress can have a cumulative effect on the heart.

Van Straten outlines several crucial ways in which stress affects cardiovascular health:

Increased blood pressure: Stress causes a temporary spike in blood pressure, and chronic stress can lead to consistently high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.

Inflammation: Continuous stress can increase inflammation in the body, leading to artery damage and contributing to heart disease.

Unhealthy lifestyle choices: Stress often leads to overeating, smoking and a lack of exercise - behaviours that directly harm the heart.

Know the signs of stress-related heart issues

Van Straten advises South Africans to be aware of the physical symptoms that could indicate stress is taking a toll on the heart.

“Look out for chest discomfort, shortness of breath, palpitations, loss of sleep, and fatigue. These signs should not be ignored, especially if stress is a factor in your life.”

It’s also important to recognise when stress is affecting your life beyond just your physical health.

“If stress is impacting your relationships or your ability to work effectively, it’s time to seek help,” he adds. “We often encourage people to seek expert support, whether that’s through a healthcare provider or mental health professional.”

Many South Africans work in high-pressure environments, whether in corporate offices, healthcare, or manual labour. These jobs often come with long hours, high expectations, and constant deadlines - factors that increase stress levels.

Embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle

Fortunately, heart disease is largely preventable through lifestyle changes. Van Straten offers several actionable tips for South Africans looking to mitigate their risk of heart-related issues:

Healthy diet: Prioritising a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help manage cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Regular exercise: Engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days - be it walking, swimming or dancing - can effectively reduce stress and enhance heart health.

Quit smoking: Stopping smoking is one of the most impactful ways to diminish heart disease risk.

Know your numbers: Regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI) are essential for understanding one’s current cardiovascular health.

Manage stress effectively: While practices such as yoga and meditation are valuable, comprehensive stress management often involves physical activity, a solid support network, and professional assistance when necessary.

Van Straten stresses the importance of workplace wellness programmes.

“Many South Africans spend a significant portion of their day at work, and employers have a role to play in promoting heart health. Heart disease and stroke cost employers billions each year in lost productivity, so it’s in everyone’s interest to promote a healthier workforce.”

He suggests that businesses partner with health advisers to assess workplace risks and develop tailored wellness strategies.

“This could involve everything from education sessions, access to regular screenings, and mental health support, to promoting physical activity through fitness challenges or wellness days.”

In short, heart health is something South Africans should focus on every day, not just on special awareness days. Building healthy habits, managing stress and knowing your health numbers are key to protecting your heart.

Stroke Awareness Week: Essential tips for preventing cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke, is a leading cause of death in South Africa.

Every day, 225 South Africans lose their lives to heart disease and stroke, with ten people suffering a stroke every hour, according to The Heart & Stroke Foundation.

During Stroke Awareness Week (28 October – 3 November), it’s important to understand the risks and how to take control of your heart health.

Lizeth Kruger, Clinic Executive at Dis-Chem Pharmacies, shared valuable insights about the importance of cardiovascular health. She explained that heart disease occurs when fat, cholesterol and other substances build up in the walls of arteries.

These deposits, known as plaques, can narrow or completely block arteries, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes.

But the good news is that many strokes and heart diseases are preventable. Let’s look at some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Simple steps to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke

Regular health screenings: Routine check-ups are paramount, as they help identify risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The Heart & Stroke Foundation asserts that an impressive 80% of heart disease and stroke cases can be mitigated with early detection and intervention.

Visit your nearest clinic for essential blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar tests - it could save your life!

Manage diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes significantly increases the likelihood of heart disease. If you’re diabetic, maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial in preventing vascular damage.

Collaborate with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive diabetes management plan that includes a balanced diet, consistent exercise and medications if necessary.

Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking is detrimental to heart health, elevating blood pressure and diminishing good cholesterol levels.

Likewise, excessive alcohol intake can strain the heart. If you're a smoker, seek help to quit, and aim to moderate your alcohol consumption - up to one drink per day for women and two for men - thereby lowering your risk.

Exercise regularly and manage stress: Incorporating at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week not only boosts heart health but also mitigates the effects of chronic stress, a contributor to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Find enjoyable activities, whether it’s walking, swimming, or dancing, and explore stress-reduction techniques like yoga and meditation.

Eat a heart-healthy diet: A nutritious diet is a cornerstone of cardiovascular health. Focus on a balanced intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and fish while limiting saturated fats, sodium and added sugars.

Small changes, such as replacing sugary snacks with fresh fruit, can have a sizeable impact over time.

Post-diagnosis care for stroke survivors

For individuals who have already suffered a stroke, recovery is paramount. Engaging in physical, speech, and occupational therapy can significantly enhance recovery outcomes.

Additionally, emotional support from loved ones is crucial - don’t hesitate to ask for help or consider joining a support group for shared experiences and encouragement.

Kruger highlighted the importance of taking proactive measures to guard against heart disease: “Through education and access to quality healthcare, we encourage individuals to take charge of their cardiovascular health.”

Dis-Chem Pharmacies extends a helping hand by offering free screenings and wellness consultations, enabling you to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels effectively. Re

member, prevention is better than cure; take advantage of these vital services.