Heart Profiler, Online Help in a Heartbeat
Professor David J. Demko, PhD
AgeVenture News Service (07-24-02)
Millions of senior citizens living with coronary heart disease, heart failure, angina, atrial fibrillation or high blood pressure can now easily get reliable treatment information on the Web. The American Heart Association has launched Heart Profilers*, a free, online educational program for heart disease patients, their families and caregivers. The association developed the program from published scientific studies approved by its medical editorial board.
Along with their doctors, senior citizens can use Heart Profilers to be more active in developing their treatment options. Heart Profilers combines new technology with sound science to educate patients about their disease, complementing information from their doctors. To start Heart Profilers, patients logon to
americanheart.org/heartprofilers.
After filling out their health profiler, program users can learn what their treatment choices are, how to choose the best treatment for them and how patients like them respond to these treatments. They'll get a customized, complete, convenient and confidential tool to take control of their heart health.
The program currently has information on coronary heart disease, heart failure, angina, atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure. High cholesterol will be added in the fall.
Definitions and facts on cardiovascular diseases:
- Coronary Heart Disease (CHD):
- CHD is the No. 1 killer of males and females in the U.S.
- 85 percent of people who die of CHD are 65 or older.
- Average age of first heart attack is 65.8 for men and 70.4 for women.
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF):
- CHF is when the heart pumps an inadequate amount of blood to the body.
- 4.7 million Americans live with congestive heart failure.
- 550,000 new cases of CHF are diagnosed each year.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AT):
- AT is when the small chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating.
- Blood not totally pumped out of the chambers may pool and clot.
- 70 percent of people with AT are between 65 and 85 years old.
- High Cholesterol Levels :
- 102 million American adults have a blood cholesterol of 200-plus.
- Blood cholesterol levels fo 239 are considered borderline-high risk.
- A 10% decrease in cholesterol level may reduce CHD risk by 30%.
The American Heart Association has created a great tool and excellent public service. Now, the ball is in each American's court. Take the initiative and help yourself to better health. Knowledge is power ... in this case, the power to save your life.
Image credit: American Heart Association.
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