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[Page 'Costa Blanca News_33' - Dialog40cn710 | Costa Nachrichten | Costa Blanca News | Costa Blanca News | Medical] of emilym (Black arch)
COSTA NEWS, October 14-20, 2011
Page 33
Sudden death How is it possible and can it be prevented? Cause: In people over the age of 40 it is almost always due to the narrowing of one of the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply blood to the heart). At rest or in moderate exertion, sufficient blood can pass through an artery that is 70% blocked, without problems. However, especially during a sudden exsessive exertion, the blood supply to the heart can be insufficient. This can cause a heart attack, and this in turn can cause a rhythm disturbance called ventricular fibrillation, which stops the heart. Sometimes, reanimation to restore the normal heart beat can be effective. Another cause of sudden death is the sudden rupture of a widening of the big artery in the stomach: an aneurysm. Think of it as a weak spot in the tyre of a bike, which suddenly bursts.
Are there problems before the event? Not necessarily, or they are not very severe: ■ The classic signs of chest pain or heavy sensation in the chest when for instance walk-
ing uphill or up a flight of stairs , are not present in everyone. ■ Shortness of breath or weakness on exertion can be present ■ Also, slowly increasing tiredness, and the feeling that you can sleep the whole day, could be due to insufficient supply of blood to the heart muscle ■ A stomach-ache as sign of a widening of the artery in the stomach is seldom there.
Who is running a risk? ■ A very serious risk factor is if there is a history of heart attacks in your family at an early age. ■ A previous heart attack, coronary artery bypass grafting, or PTCA with or without stent. Other diseases which predispose you for a heart attack: ■ diabetes ■ high blood pressure ■ high cholesterol or high homocysteine ■ obesity ■ sedentary lifestyle ■ and especially smoking When several risk factors are present at the same time, the risk for a heart attack increases.
DENTISTS
When should you see your GP or cardiologist? When the complaints mentioned earlier or risk factors are present. These days more and more people choose preventive screening. This is the reason why since 2000 the number of heart attacks in the USA has dropped by almost a third. The situation is similar for preventive screening for breast, uterus and prostate cancer. If you had a pervious heart attack, PTCA or bypass surgery, a yearly extensive check is mandatory.
What investigations are needed to prevent sudden death? ■ ECG. A normal ECG at rest is not a garantee that all is well ■ A stress test is necessary to see what happens with the ECG, the bloodpressure and possible complaints during exertion. ■ An echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound) is necessary to see if the pumpfunction of the heart muscle, the valves and pressures in the heart are normal.
■ Echo of the carotid arteries (arteries in your neck). The interior lining of this artery has a strong predictive value for the chances of a heart attack or stroke. ■ Echo of the abdominal aorta: an aneurysm of the artery can be seen directly.
In adolescents Symptoms: there can be complaints of not feeling well on exertion, or dizzyness or palpitations. With the additional strain and effort that can occur during a sports match, this can be just too much. Causes: in most cases it is due to an abnormal heart muscle that is too thick on one side
and prevents the flow out of the heart on peak exertion. It can run in the family. In this case an ECG can show the way, but it should be evaluated by a cardiologist. A physical examination by a GP or paediatrician mostly is normal. When an abnormal ECG is found, an echocardiogram should be performed which will confirm the diagnosis. A recent editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine urged an ECG to be performed on every adolescent who is going to start sports. In Italy this has been mandatory since ’82, and the number of sudden death while
taking part in sports has declined by 90%.
When to see the doctor When there are any complaints during exertion. I am a strong advocate of the Italian law to check every adolescent. If you have questions or want to make an appointment, please use my free telephone service between 09.15 and 09.45 Monday through Friday on 679 92 83 83. E.W. van den Toren, MD. PhD, FCCP, FESC, Cardiologist
- Advertorial -
Specsavers Opticas Javea Open Day to Support Caritas Specsavers Opticas in Javea will mark World Sight Day and its recent store re-vamp with a fun packed open day on 15th October 2011 while supporting local charity, Caritas. Everyone is invited to the Javea store from 10am onwards for drinks, snacks, makeovers and live music from the band, GBU. A raffle will be held to benefit Caritas. Also, eye tests booked in person at the store on 15th October (for a future date in 2011) will be free. With World Sight Day on 13th October, trying to reduce cases of avoidable blindness, Specsavers Opticas in Javea want to use this occasion to bring awareness to eye health for all ages, and to offer free advice while making it a fun event for families to attend. The day’s events include free hair and beauty makeovers for visitors so they can feel and look amazing while trying on glasses from the new designer ranges such as Benetton and Karen Millen. Optical experts will be on hand to give free style advice, and help visitors chose the best frames for them. There will then be a ‘Spectacle wearer of the day’ competition with the
winner keeping their chosen pair of glasses. Caritas is an inspiring charity which focuses its activities on issues relating to poverty, social exclusion and inequality throughout Europe. They have helped thousands of families, and continue to be a big support to the local community. Specsavers Opticas want to show their support to the charity by raising as much as they can for them on the day through the
raffle, donation tins and tips from the makeovers. Two local schools have been given the opportunity to be involved with the Open Day, and 10 lucky children will win a free eye examination and a pair of glasses up to the value of €100. If you would like more information on the Open Day, or to book an eye test visit www.specsavers.es or call 966 463 420.