Supporting Independence At Home - 
Heart Conditions

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death both in the UK and worldwide.

It’s responsible for more than 73,000 deaths in the UK each year. About 1 in 6 men and 1 in 10 women

die from CHD.

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In the UK, there are an estimated 2.3 million people living with CHD and around 2 million people

affected by angina (the most common symptom of coronary heart disease).

CHD generally affects more men than women, although from the age of 50 the chances of

developing the condition are similar for both sexes.

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As well as angina (chest pain), the main symptoms of CHD are heart attacks and heart failure. However,

not everyone has the same symptoms and some people may not have any before CHD is diagnosed. 

CHD is sometimes called ischaemic heart disease.

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What is heart disease?

The heart is a muscle about the size of your fist. It pumps blood around your body and beats

approximately 70 times a minute. After the blood leaves the right side of the heart, it goes to your lungs

where it picks up oxygen.

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The oxygen-rich blood returns to your heart and is then pumped to the body’s organs through a network

of arteries. The blood returns to your heart through veins before being pumped back to your lungs

again. This process is called circulation.

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The heart gets its own supply of blood from a network of blood vessels on the heart’s surface called

coronary arteries.

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Coronary heart disease is the term that describes what happens when your heart’s blood supply is

blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries.

Over time, the walls of your arteries can become furred up with fatty deposits. This process is known

as atherosclerosis and the fatty deposits are called atheroma.

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Atherosclerosis can be caused by lifestyle factors and other conditions, such as Smoking; high

cholesterol; high blood pressure; diabetes.

 

Our Heart disease care

At Advance we understand that living, or caring for a loved one, with a heart condition, can be a very

stressful and daunting time. That is why our team members are fully equipped to minimise the

disruption a diagnosis can cause by providing those affected with the support to cope, and manage the

daily challenges, heart disease can cause. Our people-centred approach allows our support assistants to

deliver the right medical, emotional and physical support needed by their client in familiar surroundings,

enabling them to continue enjoying full control over their lives and live as comfortably as possible with

their condition.

 

As well as offering medical and practical support where necessary, our support assistants also offer

emotional support, companionship and encouragement. This is why we pair clients with support

assistants who have a complementary personality, as well as possessing the relevant skillset.

Our Heart disease care includes:

  • Support with personal care that is tailored to each individual

  • Visiting care that can adapt as your needs change, supporting complex medication and

physiotherapy regimes

  • Short regular visits through to longer visits, night care, respite or a full-time live-in carer

  • Specialist support assistants who are trained to help you and your family understand the

complexities of heart conditions

  • Dedicated care team with over 25 years’ experience in the care sector

  • Full assessment before care starts

  • Bespoke and flexible support plan

  • Specialist support and expertise – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

  • Social activities and lifestyle enhancement

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The differing needs of each heart disease sufferer can make it difficult to choose the support and home

care suitable for you or your loved one. It is natural to have many questions and reservations about

welcoming a support assistant into your home. Our friendly, highly experienced, team members are

always on hand to explain all aspects of the care and support services we offer, and to provide quality,

impartial advice and information when required.

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CONTACT US today to learn more about care support services from our expert team.

 

Find out more information about heart conditions from https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-

health/conditions