Breathe easy with a healthy heart and lungs

Tuesday, 21 September 2010 08:19

Our heart and lungs are the two most vital organs to our survival.  Every part of the body needs oxygen to stay alive and these organs work together to ensure they receive it, taking oxygen from the air in through the lungs, absorbing it into the bloodstream and then transporting it around the body via the heart.

Keeping our heart and lungs healthy is therefore very important to our wellbeing.  By combining a lifestyle of healthy eating, regular exercise, moderating alcohol intake and by refraining from smoking we can protect our heart and lungs.

However despite best efforts, many people find themselves faced with symptoms of a heart or lung disorder – either as a result of a hereditary condition or as a by-product of their lifestyle.

According to the British Heart Foundation, 2.6 million people in the UK are living with coronary heart disease.  It is the most common heart condition but there are others such as angina, congenital heart disease, heart valve disease or cardiomyopathy which can seriously impact quality of life.

There are also many different lung conditions, ranging from Bronchitis and Pulmonary Hypertension to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). One of the most common diseases affecting the lungs is asthma. According to the British Lung Foundation, five million people in the UK currently suffer it. It affects the airways, which in sufferers are more sensitive and can become easily irritated in certain situations.

How do I find out if I have a heart or lung condition?

Symptoms for heart and lung conditions can take many different forms.  This is by no means an exhaustive list, but if you find yourself with any of the following conditions and are worried, then it’s a good idea to consult your GP: chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, persistent coughing. When we talk about the services or treatments for the heart and lungs, we often refer to them as cardiorespiratory.

ECG Monitoring

Depending on your symptoms, your GP may perform one of a number of tests to make a diagnosis.  One of the tests we use at DMC Healthcare is an ECG (Electrocardiogram) monitor. It can assist in the correct diagnosis of many conditions that affect the heart and cardiovascular system. It is simple, painless and can be conducted in a short appointment. If longer term monitoring is required then a portable machine can be provided for a 24/48 hr period or for a week.

To find out more about the ECG Monitoring download a leaflet or contact your local DMC Healthcare practice to get more information about the cardiothoracic services available.

An ECG involves having several small and sticky electrodes patches placed on your arms, legs and chest. The electrodes are connected with a wire to a recording machine which will pick up electrical signals produced by every heartbeat. You will not feel anything and there will be no pain or discomfort during the test.

For further information on heart and lung health conditions visit the British Heart Foundation www.bhf.org.uk and the British Lung Foundation www.lunguk.org respectively.

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