STRESS LESS

Simple changes can do wonders to ward off heart disease.

WORK PRESSURES 

Regularly feel stressed at work? It may be time lo consider a career change -or you could face an increased risk of heart disease.

According to a US study, women who are under high career pressure have a 40% increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared lo those in less stressful jobs. Researchers at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital analyzed job strain in more than 17,000 healthy women -with an average age of 57 - over a period of ten years. They found that job strain was associated with cardio risk factors, including high blood pressure, increased cholesterol, and excess body weight. They also discovered that job insecurity was directly linked to the development of actual heart attacks, strokes or the need for invasive heart procedures.

SYMPTOMS OF A HEART ATTACK 

Warning signs of a heart attack vary from person to person and may not always be sudden and severe. While chest pain is the most common symptom, some people won't experience it at all. Symptoms to watch out for include shortness of breath, dizziness, excessive fatigue, or heaviness and lightness in the chest area.

BRIGHT SMILES - KEEP A HEALTHY HEART

Looking after your pearly whites can help keep your heart health in check. According to a Swedish study, people with gum disease arc at greater risk of developing heart disease. The study, published in die Journal of Petiodontofogy, found that people with fewer than ten natural teeth were seven times more likely to die of coronary disease than someone with more than 25 of their own natural teeth.

The bacteria caused by periodontal disease enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums, restricting nutrients and oxygen from reaching die heart. So make sure you brush your teeth and gums twice daily, drink plenty of water, and visit your dentist regularly.