This Men’s Health Week we wanted to shine a spotlight on the number one cause of death in men (and all Australians) Ischaemic Heart Disease or coronary artery disease - which is a common term for the build-up of plaque (fatty material) in the heart’s arteries, causing them to narrow.
 | It is possible for people who have chronic Ischaemic Heart Disease to not be aware they suffer from this condition until they experience angina or a heart attack. While some risk factors are not preventable, such as older age and family history, the good news is that most risk factors can be modified! |
30% of a man’s overall health is determined by his genetics. 70% is controllable through lifestyle.*
Making lifestyle changes such as:
Before starting to increase your physical activity it’s important to get the all clear from your GP if you have any of these symptoms: chest pain, unusual shortness of breath or shortness of breath after stopping activity, light-headedness, palpitations, nausea/vomiting, feeling wiped out the next day, leg swelling or shortness of breath the next day.
Remember when starting out, exercise should never feel uncomfortable, painful or produce unusual or severe symptoms of angina or chest pain.
Once you have the all clear from your GP, start slowly and be patient. As a rule of thumb, do gentle exercises 2-3 days/week for 25 minutes a session and gradually increase the intensity. Our physiotherapists can advise you on how to progress safely and prevent injury or aggravation.
- Eating a heart healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight
- Not smoking
- Reducing excessive alcohol consumption
- Controlling your cholesterol levels and blood pressure
- And spending more time being physically active – this is where we as physiotherapists can help!
Before starting to increase your physical activity it’s important to get the all clear from your GP if you have any of these symptoms: chest pain, unusual shortness of breath or shortness of breath after stopping activity, light-headedness, palpitations, nausea/vomiting, feeling wiped out the next day, leg swelling or shortness of breath the next day.
Remember when starting out, exercise should never feel uncomfortable, painful or produce unusual or severe symptoms of angina or chest pain.
Once you have the all clear from your GP, start slowly and be patient. As a rule of thumb, do gentle exercises 2-3 days/week for 25 minutes a session and gradually increase the intensity. Our physiotherapists can advise you on how to progress safely and prevent injury or aggravation.
 | Not sure where to start? Have an old injury that’s stopping you or gets aggravated every time you try? Our Physiotherapists are experts in how your body moves. If pain or stiffness is stopping you from starting or progressing, or you keep flaring up that old injury, make an appointment to speak to our team. They would love to help you get moving and on track for better health. They can tailor a program specific to your body and needs! It’s their passion. If you have an injury, they can help reduce your pain and give you specific exercises to help strengthen the area and prevent it from reoccurring. Don’t become a statistic. This Men’s Health Week take the first step in prioritising your health and wellbeing. |
Call our clinic on 82967594 or follow this link if you would like to speak to one of our experience physiotherapists on how to start moving or reduce your pain to be able to increase your activity levels and help prevent Ischaemic Heart Disease.
*statistic from Canadian Men’s Health Foundation
*statistic from Canadian Men’s Health Foundation
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