Toshihiko Natsume writes:
1) What would be the most effective
ways to inform Mr. O of his current health ?
He has some risk factors for heat disease: hypertension, high-LDL and low-HDL
cholesterol, and overweight. Also I think he has stress, that is one of
the risk factors, because he is a busy business men. To have understand
him of his health situation, it is necessary to explain why these factors
are called "risk factors".
Why is "high-LDL and low-HDL cholesterol" called a risk factor?
Extra cholesterol may be stored in arteries and cause them to become narrow.
The function of LDL is carrying cholesterol to blood vessels and cholesterol
is stored, and the function of HDL is, contrary to the LDL, removing stored
cholesterol from blood vessels. So in his case, may be his blood vessels,
specially in the heart, have excessive cholesterol and are becoming blocked.
Why is "hypertension" called a risk factor?
It is not clear what the cause of hypertension is but it is known that
continuing state of high blood pressure causes arteriosclerosis and this
decreases starchiness of blood vessels. So the resistance of blood flow
increases and blood flow decreases.
Why is "overweight" called a risk factor?
Overweight is a evidence of taking excess calories and lack of suitable
exercise. Excess calories change in to fatty acid and the level of cholesterol
in the blood increases.
He also has chest pain. This suggests that his blood vessels are becoming
closed so his health situation is serious.
His elder brother died of heart disease so it is possible that he has a
genetic factor for heart disease.
He works very hard so he has no time to take a rest and may be he is exposed
to stress. The stress also effects hypertension and high cholesterol in
blood.
2) He should understand it is possible to have another heart attack in
a few weeks because his state is pathologically not changed, if he takes
medicine, it effects only for a short time. So he should not manipulate
dangerous machines like a car, motorbike, etc., and should carry medicine
for a heart attack. Also it is recommended he have a card on which is written
his health stats in case of an emergency.
3) What should Mr. O do within the next few weeks to improve his health
outlook?
He should have rest and stay calm because working activity stimulates metabolism
rising the demand for oxygen and stress causes contraction of blood vessels.
His blood vessels in heart are weekend so they will not be able to respond
to all the demands of metabolism. And he has to quit smoking, because smoke
contains many alkaloids and gasses that have a bad effect on blood vessel
contraction.
I want to recommend that he take off for a few weeks to rest physically
and mentally also to have medical examinations to determine his health
condition clearly.
4) What should he do in the longer term to help prevent the occurrence
of another heat attack?
He should go on a diet to control his weight and to regulate the ratio
of HDL and LDL.
First, he should reduce his calorie intake avoiding fatty foods like hamburgers,
fried potatoes, fatty meat, and so on for reducing his weight, because
fat has more than twice as much calories as carbohydrates. And to regulate
the ratio of HDL and LDL, he needs to avoid animal fat that increases LDL,
and if he needs to use oil, it is recommended he use vegetable oil, especially
olive oil, which increases HDL. Also he should have more vegetables, because
vegetables are rich in dietary fiber witch prevents absorption of fat and
they are rich in vitamins witch regulate the body's metabolism. And as
vegetables are low in calories, you can feel satisfaction eating a quantity
reducing total calories you take. If his diet is successful, his weight
will become normal and the ratio of HDL and LDL will be suitable and also
his blood pressure will reduce.
He should do light exercise like walking, paying attention not to give
excess stress to the heart. It is enough if he sweats a little. Then little
by little, he can increase his exercise. Exercise is good not only for
consuming excess energy to reduce weight and fatty acid in the blood but
also it is good for relaxing physically and mentally.
He also needs to consult a doctor periodically to check his health condition
and to evaluate diet and exercise therapy.
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