Resources for patients to help manage common cardiac conditions
A number of heart problems such as coronary artery disease build up over time and so understanding your particular heart problem and how to look after yourself better can make a big difference. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) provides a number of excellent resources to help you stay healthy and fit ( www.bhf.org.uk ). Click on the links below to access the BHF and other resources on the following topics.
TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION (TAVI)
For decades the standard of care for patients with narrowing of the aortic valve ( Aortic valve stenosis) has been open surgical replacement of the aortic valve. In the last ten years however a transformational new treatment option has emerged allowing implantation of a new prosthetic aortic valve minimally invasively (TAVI) . TAVI has been tremendously successful in opening up aortic valve replacement to patients who would not be good candidates for open surgery due to frailty or other medical problems. TAVI requires the input of a number of medical and surgical specialists and requires a thorough pre procedural work up to assess technical suitability. This typically includes a good quality transthoracic echocardiogram, and cardiac CT as a minimum with additional tests as needed after this. Once all the tests have been completed then the case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary heart team to decide what the right treatment option for the patient is.
For more details of the TAVI team at the Bristol Heart Institute click here
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION (AF)
Atrial Fibrillation is the commonest heart rhythm disturbance and involves the top chambers (atria) of the heart contracting in a disorganised irregular fashion. Atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke so it is important to assess whether you will benefit from blood thinning medication (oral anticoagulation). For more information on AF see the AFassociation website or the latest 2015 NICE AF guidelines.
In addition the ESC provide useful guidance on the practical use of Novel Oral Anticoagulant drugs (NOACS)
CORONARY HEART DISEASE
Coronary artery disease
This remains one of the biggest causes of early death in Wales. A process known as Atherosclerosis refers to the gradual furring up of the arteries. In some cases the arteries narrow gradually and this can cause exertional chest discomfort, known as Angina. In other cases however the artery can block suddenly causing a heart attack. If a lot of damage has been done then some patients will go on to develop heart failure.
We do have a good understanding of what causes furring of the arteries and how we can minimise this by
What is your "heart age " ?
Latest JBS3 Calculator - Use this calculator if you do not have known coronary artery disease to calculate your future risk of heart attack and how you can modify the risk by changing your lifestyle
Investigations for suspected coronary artery disease
It may be that you are recommended to have further tests to clarify the diagnosis or establish the extent of your disease. An angiogram is commonly used to diagnose blockages in the arteries and angioplasty is one of the ways of treating these blockages. The BHF information leaflets on these 2 procedures are listed below
A number of heart problems such as coronary artery disease build up over time and so understanding your particular heart problem and how to look after yourself better can make a big difference. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) provides a number of excellent resources to help you stay healthy and fit ( www.bhf.org.uk ). Click on the links below to access the BHF and other resources on the following topics.
TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION (TAVI)
For decades the standard of care for patients with narrowing of the aortic valve ( Aortic valve stenosis) has been open surgical replacement of the aortic valve. In the last ten years however a transformational new treatment option has emerged allowing implantation of a new prosthetic aortic valve minimally invasively (TAVI) . TAVI has been tremendously successful in opening up aortic valve replacement to patients who would not be good candidates for open surgery due to frailty or other medical problems. TAVI requires the input of a number of medical and surgical specialists and requires a thorough pre procedural work up to assess technical suitability. This typically includes a good quality transthoracic echocardiogram, and cardiac CT as a minimum with additional tests as needed after this. Once all the tests have been completed then the case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary heart team to decide what the right treatment option for the patient is.
For more details of the TAVI team at the Bristol Heart Institute click here
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION (AF)
Atrial Fibrillation is the commonest heart rhythm disturbance and involves the top chambers (atria) of the heart contracting in a disorganised irregular fashion. Atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke so it is important to assess whether you will benefit from blood thinning medication (oral anticoagulation). For more information on AF see the AFassociation website or the latest 2015 NICE AF guidelines.
In addition the ESC provide useful guidance on the practical use of Novel Oral Anticoagulant drugs (NOACS)
CORONARY HEART DISEASE
Coronary artery disease
This remains one of the biggest causes of early death in Wales. A process known as Atherosclerosis refers to the gradual furring up of the arteries. In some cases the arteries narrow gradually and this can cause exertional chest discomfort, known as Angina. In other cases however the artery can block suddenly causing a heart attack. If a lot of damage has been done then some patients will go on to develop heart failure.
We do have a good understanding of what causes furring of the arteries and how we can minimise this by
- Stopping smoking
- Lowering your Cholesterol
- Eating a healthy diet
- Lowering your blood pressure
- Treating Diabetes
- Reducing excess weight
- Staying active
- Taking appropriate cardiac medication
What is your "heart age " ?
Latest JBS3 Calculator - Use this calculator if you do not have known coronary artery disease to calculate your future risk of heart attack and how you can modify the risk by changing your lifestyle
Investigations for suspected coronary artery disease
It may be that you are recommended to have further tests to clarify the diagnosis or establish the extent of your disease. An angiogram is commonly used to diagnose blockages in the arteries and angioplasty is one of the ways of treating these blockages. The BHF information leaflets on these 2 procedures are listed below
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