Netcare Olivedale promotes heart health with awareness event
Netcare Olivedale Hospital hosted a heart health awareness event, educating the community on risk factors, symptoms, and lifestyle changes to prevent cardiovascular disease.
With heart disease on the rise in South Africa, Netcare Olivedale Hospital hosted a heart health awareness event to educate the community on cardiovascular risks and prevention. Led by Dr Robert Routier, a cardiologist at the hospital, the event highlighted key lifestyle changes that can help reduce heart disease.
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Routier explained that while diet and exercise play a major role in heart health, other factors also contribute to cardiovascular disease. Attendees were encouraged to assess their risks, including family history of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle.
“Once you’re aware of your risk factors, you can take steps to manage them and potentially prevent serious complications,” said Routier.
Ignoring symptoms of heart disease can be dangerous. Routier advised people to seek medical attention if they experience chest pain or discomfort, especially during exercise, shortness of breath or dizziness, pain in the arms, back, or jaw.
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“Too often, people dismiss heart-related symptoms as heartburn,” he warned. “An ECG and medical assessment can determine the real cause.”
Attendees received practical advice for maintaining a healthy heart, The doctor suggested exercising for at least 40 minutes daily, eating a balanced diet, avoiding processed foods, managing stress and maintaining a work-life balance, limiting alcohol, and avoiding smoking, as well as getting regular heart screenings
The event left attendees more informed about heart health and disease prevention. “By making small lifestyle changes, we can protect our hearts and live longer, healthier lives,” concluded Routier.
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