Healthy Heart
Healthy You

Adcock Ingram Prescription offers a range of medicines for cardiovascular health.

You can’t beat a healthy heart.

Adcock Ingram Prescription strives to bring you affordable medicines of the highest quality for good cardiovascular health. We offer a wide range of medicines which you can depend on to treat diseases such as hyperlipidaemia, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and more.

We care about your heart health.

If you’re concerned about your cardiovascular health, talk to your healthcare professional today.

Cholesterol

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Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fatty substance found in the blood. The body needs cholesterol for the proper functioning of hormones and other body processes.¹ If high levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol develop though, this can cause plaque (fatty deposits) to build up in the blood vessels and can lead to heart attack, stroke or other heart problems.² Routine blood test can show whether your cholesterol levels are in a healthy range.² In South Africa, it is recommended that patients should have their cholesterol levels checked at least once in young adulthood (from 20 years of age).¹ CLICK HERE to find out more about cholesterol, learn more about lifestyle adjustments to lower risk and treatment options available.

Diabetes

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Diabetes is a disease caused by the pancreas producing too little insulin, or where the insulin made doesn’t work as it should.^3a This leads to high levels of sugar in the blood, which if left untreated, increases the risks of complications which may be disabling, or even life-threatening.^4a The most common symptoms include frequent urination, blurred vision, feeling thirsty^3b however many people do not know that they have diabetes initially.^4b If you’re concerned, chat to your healthcare professional about a blood test.^3c Whilst diabetes mellitus cannot be cured, it can be controlled and treated.^3d CLICK HERE to download more detailed information about diabetes.

Hypertension

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South Africa has one of the highest rates of hypertension in the world, with approximately 6.3 million people living with this “silent killer”.⁵ Statistics indicate that approximately 130 heart attacks and 240 strokes occur daily in our country, implying that 10 people will suffer a stroke and 5 people will have a heart attack every hour.⁵ Hypertension is known as a “silent killer” as there are rarely any symptoms or visible signs warning you that your blood pressure is high.⁶ As a result, many people are unaware that they have it. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure measured.⁷ CLICK HERE to find out more about hypertension and the lifestyle changes at the ‘heart’ of managing the disease.

Metabolic Syndrome

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Metabolic syndrome is characterised by a large waist circumference (due to excess abdominal fat), high blood pressure, resistance to the effects of insulin (insulin resistance) or diabetes, and abnormal levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood.⁸ When a person has one of these risk factors it does not mean that you have metabolic syndrome however having three or more will result in a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and an increased risk of health complications.⁹ CLICK HERE to find out more about metabolic syndrome.

Fast Facts

Metabolic syndrome is a group of five risk factors – high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, excess abdominal fat, cholesterol problems and high triglyceride levels – and this cluster increases the likelihood of developing heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.⁹

People with high cholesterol often feel quite well and show no warnings signs of the condition. This is why high cholesterol is often called a “silent killer”. The only way to find out your cholesterol numbers is to have a blood test. For an accurate result, it’s essential to fast from food and liquids for at least 8 hours before the test.¹

Chest pain and breathlessness can be signs of a heart condition, but so too is discomfort that spreads to the back, jaw, throat, or arm; nausea, indigestion, or heartburn; weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath and fast or irregular heartbeats.⁵

Diabetes is a condition that prevents the body from properly absorbing energy from food due to an inability to make insulin or an inability to use it correctly. There isn’t a cure for diabetes however there is treatment available to manage the condition.³

Moderate to intense aerobic physical activity for at least 30 minutes five times a week has been shown to be effective at increasing ‘good’ HDL cholesterol levels in the blood and for the reduction in high triglyceride levels.¹

You can decrease your chances of developing type 2 diabetes by lowering risk through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular physical activity, stress management, limited alcohol consumption, getting enough sleep and stopping smoking.³

The health of your heart matters to us. You can depend on Adcock Ingram Prescription Medicines

FAQs

What causes high cholesterol?¹

There are a variety of reasons – physical and lifestyle related – that can increase the chance of developing high cholesterol. Being aware of these risk factors is essential to effecting changes where possible to lower risk. Some of these risk factors include a diet high in saturated fats, medical conditions (such as thyroid or kidney problems), a family history of high cholesterol, physical inactivity, being overweight , the consumption of alcohol in excess and smoking.

Can diabetes be prevented?⁴

Whilst Type 1 diabetes can't be prevented, healthy lifestyle choices can help to treat and prevent prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. A healthy diet that’s lower in saturated fats and calories and higher in fibre is important. Choose a variety of fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Additionally, it is essential to get regular physical activity for 30 minutes a day and to maintain a healthy body weight.

What causes high blood pressure?⁷

High blood pressure is typically a progressive condition. It often occurs as a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as physical inactivity and poor dietary choices. Certain health conditions like diabetes and obesity is often linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is also noted during some pregnancies.

I am pregnant. What is my risk of gestational diabetes?⁴

Any pregnant woman can develop gestational diabetes, but some women are at greater risk than are others. Some risk factors for gestational diabetes include being older, a family history, being overweight and the race of the woman. For reasons that aren't clear, black and asian women have shown greater risk for gestational diabetes.

How does high blood pressure affect the body?¹

High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, including those within organs such as the eyes, the kidneys and the brain. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart problems and cause heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and blindness. The increased load on the heart can also weaken the heart and lead to heart failure. Other complications of untreated high blood pressure include tiredness, shortness of breath and swollen ankles.

What are the risk factors for metabolic syndrome?⁹

The risk factors for metabolic syndrome are closely linked to obesity. Obesity, particularly centred around the middle of the body, coupled with other risk factors including increasing age, family history of metabolic syndrome, inactivity and a history of polycystic ovary syndrome are identified.

Healthy HeartHealthy You

Healthy HeartHealthy You

You can’t beat a healthy heart.

We care about your heart health.

Cholesterol

Diabetes

Hypertension

Metabolic Syndrome

Fast Facts

FAQs

What causes high cholesterol?1

Can diabetes be prevented?4

What causes high blood pressure?7

I am pregnant. What is my risk of gestational diabetes?4

How does high blood pressure affect the body?1

What are the risk factors for metabolic syndrome?9

Healthy Heart
Healthy You

Healthy Heart
Healthy You

What causes high cholesterol?¹

Can diabetes be prevented?⁴

What causes high blood pressure?⁷

I am pregnant. What is my risk of gestational diabetes?⁴

How does high blood pressure affect the body?¹

What are the risk factors for metabolic syndrome?⁹