South Africans’ relationship with their hearts ‘on the rocks’

A just-released survey, which was conducted by SA’s leading cardiovascular medicine provider to determine how heart-aware South Africans are, revealed that nearly a quarter described their relationship with their hearts as ‘on the rocks’.

The public poll forms part of Pharma Dynamics’ Hug your Heart campaign, which it has launched this February in partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA (HSFSA), in an effort to create greater awareness about heart disease in South Africa, a condition which claims the second most lives, after HIV/Aids, in the country.

Of the 2 000 respondents who participated in the poll, almost half (46 per cent) pleaded guilty to activities that put them at risk of heart disease, which include smoking and drinking too much alcohol, overeating, consuming too much salty, sugary and greasy foods, while also living a sedentary lifestyle.

Ms Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics, said the findings are telling of the nation’s trivial attitude toward heart health.

“Unfortunately, it usually takes someone we know to have a heart attack or stroke before we take our own heart health seriously. The reality is that 215 South Africans die every day from heart disease or stroke,” she said.

Eighteen per cent of these deaths occur in women and 13 per cent in men.

“While certain genetic risk factors for these conditions cannot be prevented, modifiable risk factors that relate to lifestyle account for the majority of heart disease, and a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent 80 per cent of premature deaths from heart disease. With so many South Africans living with cardiovascular disease, it is imperative that people identify their individual risk factors,” she said.

The survey also highlighted another worrying trend among young adults – a staggering 21 per cent are not taking proactive steps to lower their blood pressure.

Conversely, older adults seem to be the most proactive in taking care of their hearts with 88 per cent changing their eating habits by cutting back on salt and 69 per cent engaging in regular exercise.

When it comes to men’s and women’s attitudes towards their hearts, men seem to take a slightly kinder view.

Even though the majority of women who reportedly suffer from heart problems indicated that they are taking active steps to improve the health of their hearts, a shocking 19 per cent said they’re not. More female participants also cited cases of high blood pressure than men and only 40 per cent engage in exercise.

Ms Jennings said the reality is that most people only start worrying about their hearts after their 40s, which is almost too late.

“Everyone can and should do something to help reduce their future risk of heart disease, even if you don’t think you are at high risk. More women die prematurely from heart disease than breast cancer, therefore it is vital that both men and women of any age lead healthy lifestyles.”

According to the Pharma Dynamics’ poll, 74 per cent are planning a romantic night this Valentine’s Day.

However, with love in the air and wine flowing freely, it can be easy to overdo things.

Given that Valentine’s Day is all about the heart, there’s no better opportunity to keep yours in top shape.

Ms Jennings suggested the following heart-healthy tips for the big day:

* Choose a heart-healthy dinner

Prepare a candlelit-dinner at home or enjoy a picnic using a heart-healthy recipe created especially for Valentine’s Day. Visit www.hugyourheart.co.za for a ‘pan-fried chicken strips’ or ‘spicy butter bean pita’ picnic recipe. For the 26 per cent who will be dining out, avoid anything battered, creamy, deep-fried, rich, velvety or sautéed (in butter). Also consider ordering one entrée to share, as many restaurants serve enough for two. Splitting the meal will keep you from overdoing it.

* Drink responsibly

Enjoying too much alcohol can raise the levels of some fats in the blood and can lead to high blood pressure and heart failure. Rather enjoy a ‘rooibos and berry mocktail’, which was created especially with Valentine’s Day in mind. One tot of any white spirit such as vodka, gin or rum can be added if preferred or the mixture can be served over 125ml of champagne or Method Cap Classique (MCC). See www.hugyourheart.co.za and click on the link to picnic recipes for the ingredients.

* Give your sweetheart a box of dark chocolates

Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, a nutrient source high in antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

* Spend time with the one(s) you love

Sharing quality time with someone special, whether it be a lover, friend, family or a beloved pet, helps reduce stress on the heart.

* Take a romantic walk, hike or dance up a storm with your partner

Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of heart-pounding physical activity to gain the maximum benefits.

* Play a few romantic tunes

A number of studies have proven the beneficial effects that relaxing music has on blood pressure and heart rate. Based on the Pharma Dynamics’ poll, Bryan Adams’ ’90s hit song, “Everything I do, I do it for you…” still gets hearts beating and was voted by respondents as the most romantic song of all time.

“South Africans can’t afford to wait until they face a health scare before they take action. We can all take proactive steps now to reduce our future risk of heart disease, so vow to make this Valentine’s Day a heart-healthy one,” said Ms Jennings.