Coronary heart disease is a heart condition also known as coronary artery disease, coronary atherosclerosis, or chronic ischaemic heart disease.
The coronary arteries supply oxygen to the heart muscles. These arteries can become progressively clogged with fatty materials and scar tissue, often as a result of a high fat or high cholesterol diet. This narrows the diameter of the arteries, reducing the blood flow to the heart and resulting in coronary heart disease.
Symptoms and characteristics:
People with coronary heart disease may experience:
- dyspnea or shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
- chest pain or angina often experienced as a gripping or squeezing pain in the heart
- palpitations which may be felt as an irregular, fluttering or skipping heartbeat
- syncope which can include fainting, dizziness or brief loss of consciousness.
Coronary heart disease can also lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Workplace adjustments and solutions:
In the workplace there are various factors that would greatly assist those with coronary heart disease to better manage their symptoms. These include:
- avoidance of work involving heavy or strenuous activity
- job roles that allow for rotation between sitting and standing or for regular breaks
- consideration for sick leave if surgical intervention and recovery is required
- flexible work hours to allow for regular exercise as part of the overall symptom management plan
- education of colleagues or onsite first aid officer of action plan in case of emergency
- availability of healthy food options in workplace cafeterias
- availability of fresh drinking water.
(MDA Internet 2005; Bashore & Granger 2007; Heart Foundation 2008)
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References:
Heart Foundation 2008, Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), National Heart Foundation of Australia, viewed 21 January 2009, <http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Heart_Information/Heart_Conditions/Coronary_Heart_Disease/Pages/default.aspx>.
McPhee, S.J.; Papadakis, M.A. & Tierney, L.M. 2007, Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2007, Cardiology, The McGraw Hill Companies, Texas.
MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 12 April 2007, <http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)>.