Scotland has acquired the reputation for being the 'sick man of Europe'. One of the most common killers in Scotland is coronary heart disease (CHD). It would appear that the graph may have peaked. Mortality statistics published in 2010 suggest that deaths attributable to CHD in the under 75 age group are declining. However, figures are still high especially amongst the inhabitants of areas of urban deprivation.
Reasons for Coronary Heart Disease in Scotland
There are three main reasons for the prevalence of CHD in Scotland. They are as follows:
- Poor diet
- Alcohol Abuse
- Smoking
- Drug/Substance Abuse
Many Scots share a love of deep fried food. One fast food outlet in Stonehaven has emblazoned on its wall 'Home of the Deep Fried Mars Bar.' Many fast foods containing saturated fats are popular, In addition salt and sugar are used to excess.
Excessive alcohol consumption has been seen as a part of Scotland's culture for many decades. The drunken Scotsman has been depicted by comedians going back to the music hall era. This is not a problem that appears to be diminishing. It is the case that in real terms alcohol has never been so cheap. That coupled with a generation of young people with a large disposable income has resulted in the modern phenomenon of 'binge drinking'. There is a fear that the current downward trend in CHD will be reversed in years to come as the long term effects of alcohol abuse manifest themselves.
Whilst many adults have given up the regular use of tobacco, a new generation has acquired the habit. In particular adolescent females appear to comprise the largest group of emerging smokers. Many Scottish smokers prefer 'roll-up cigarettes. These do not have filter tips. As a result they are even more harmful to health than those with filter tips.
In recent years drug abuse has become a major problem amongst the young in particular. Most illegal drugs are readily available in almost every community in the country. As is the case with the other harmful items listed above the long term effects of drug and substance abuse include CHD.
Advice from the British Heart Foundation
In order to avoid increasing the risk of further damage to coronary arteries the advice given by the British Heart Foundation is as follows:
- Replace saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats
- Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day
- Eat oily fish two or three times per week
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce salt intake
- Restrict alcohol consumption
- Reduce the body's cholesterol level
Diet Plus Exercise
One of the things that people of all ages should be aware of is the amount of exercise they do daily. One should attempt to match exercise and calorie intake. With more and more people doing sedentary jobs yet continuing to eat and drink to excess, obesity is the outcome. This is also perceived to represent a 'demographic time bomb'. Diet and regular exercise are recognised as being important if one wishes to avoid coronary heart disease.
