Abstract: . . .  maintain good control of your diabetes through insulin tablets and diet as prescribed for you, and ensuring you keep within a sensible blood sugar range by testing regularly and attending check-ups. Flu vaccinations It is sensible to protect yourself from flu by having the annual vaccinations offered at your GP practice or work. Register with them to ensure regular follow ups. Dental work You can visit your dentist for routine work from four weeks after recovery. Antibiotic cover is only required routinely if you have problems with the valves of your heart and not the arteries. Your dentist and GP can advise you about emergency treatment. Page 26 24 Questions page Please use this blank page to write any notes or questions that you think of so you can discuss them later with one of the Cardiology team. Page 27  . . .
. . .  0845 4647 NHS Direct website: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk British Heart Foundation: www.bhf.org.uk West Berkshire Heart Support Group Heartbeats The local heart support group hold regular monthly meetings in Reading, Earley and Newbury. For details see Heartbeats magazine, posters or ask nursing staff for details. Heartbeats website: www.heartbeats.btinternet.co.uk http://groups.yahoo.com/grpoup/berksheartbeats Page 33 31 Notes: Page 34 32 This booklet is printed privately for the Cardiac Fund. It was set up in 1976 for the purpose of providing cardiac services that would otherwise not be available through National Health resources. Our Cardiac Laboratory was largely equipped through the fund and many other areas in the Dept have also benefited from equipment . . .
. . .  Your blood pressure must be treated if it is too high. You should take regular exercise. You should see if any of the 'stresses' of your life can be improved. Try to relax, and learn to ask others for help. Enjoy your leisure time. If you are diabetic, you need good control of your blood sugars. Prevention/risk factors STOP SMOKING!!! Smoking doubles the chances of having a heart attack . Smoking increases the heart rate and blood pressure. It also changes blood composition - making it more likely to clot. Ask for help if you need it. The NHS quit line number is 0800 002200. Your GP may run help groups or contact your Cardiac Support Nurse. Help is there if you need it! High blood pressure High blood pressure can prematurely age blood vessels, making them thickened and fragile. The heart becomes more thickened . . .
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