Cholesterol- the silent killer?

Hi folks

This is Romano from Dare to Live Free with blog # 2 and a health dare.

In the first blog we encouraged all our readers to get tested for diabetes in light of its prevalence in the Caribbean.

Exactly a month ago today our Accountant died of a massive heart attack. This person was a friend of many years. His death came as a shock since from the age of 11 I knew him to be an active sportsman. The thought on the mind of many of our schoolmates was one of total disbelief. Many felt that if someone so active in sport could pass away it could have happened to any of us.

The reality is that in Trinidad and Tobago this is too often the case. It is reported that 37 out of every 100 persons die as a result of heart disease (Trinidad Guardian June 22nd 2014). Very often we assume that someone who has an active lifestyle or shows little sign of obesity must be in good health. However, this is not always so. High cholesterol can be a silent killer. With ninja - like stealth (some would make you believe),high cholesterol levels could silently contribute to the clogging of arteries and increased risk of heart attack.

Unfortunately, this is perception and not fact. Let’s work to reduce the number of premature deaths in Trinidad and Tobago from heart disease one person at a time starting with us.

Tip 1: Be aware of changes in your body.

There are warning signs and symptoms of possible heart disease that should be checked if we experience them. Some symptoms of coronary artery disease include:

• chest pains

• shortness of breath

• palpitations (irregular heart beats, or a "flip-flop" feeling in your chest)

• a faster heartbeat

• weakness or dizziness

• nausea

• sweating

Tip 2: eat healthy

Very importantly, we need to make health choices and eat foods that contribute to a healthy heart by reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. These include:

1. fish high in omega-3s, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring and trout.

2. healthy nuts such as almonds or walnuts will satisfy your hunger and help your heart.

3. berries such as blueberries, strawberries, cranberries or raspberries in cereal or yogurt.

4. ground or milled Flaxseeds .

5. dark beans,such as kidney or black beans

6. red, yellow and orange veggies such as carrots, sweet potatoes, red peppers and acorn squash are packed with carotenoids, fiber and vitamins to help your heart.

7. spinach

8. fruits such as oranges, cantaloupes and papaya(paw paw)

9. tomatoes –.

10. 70 % cocoa dark chocolate

11. crisp, fresh broccoli

Our dare to you.

Our health challenge to you this week is a dare. We dare you to get your cholesterol tested this week.

If you have been experiencing irregular heartbeats don’t delay visiting your doctor to have that examined.

When you do let us know by e-mail at daretolivefree1@gmail.com or on our facebook page.

Have a positive and healthy week.

From your friends at Dare to Live Free Limited.