One Heart Many Lives Blog

There are a variety of exercise programmes available for New Zealanders or all ages and abilities. Talk to your local health professional regarding a programme that meets your needs.

The odds of having a second heart attack are relatively high. It is important to continue with medical follow-up treatment, participate in cardiac rehabilitation if possible, and make needed lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking and starting an exercise program) to reduce the risk of another heart attack. If you had an unhealthy lifestyle before your heart attack, it is time to change your ways! Talk to your health professional about diet, weight control, exercise, managing stress, and controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Some believe that regular Meditation contributes to better health by reducing stress and tension. If you are interested in finding out more, ask your health professional for advice on courses in your area.

Cardiovascular disease (heart, stroke and blood vessel disease) is the leading cause of death in New Zealand, accounting for 40% of all deaths in 2000. 22% of those deaths were from coronary heart disease (CHD), 8% from diseases of the heart and circulation, and 10% from cerebrovascular disease (stroke). Admissions to public hospitals for coronary heart disease totalled 29,456 in 2000-2001, 59% men and 41% women. The death rate from CHD is more than twice as high for men than women. The NZ Heart Foundation has further information at http://www.nhf.org.nz/index.asp?PageID=2145822072