What is Coronary heart disease (CHD)?

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. If your coronary arteries become narrow due to a build-up of atheroma, the blood supply to your heart will be restricted. This can cause angina (chest pains). If a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, it can cause a heart attack.

In the UK, there are an estimated 2.6 million people living with the condition and angina (the most common symptom of coronary heart disease) affects 2 million people. CHD affects more men than women, and your chances of getting it increase as you get older.

For more information about CHD, visit www.bhf.org.uk

How can my local pharmacy help me to prevent getting CHD?

All pharmacies can give advice and support on leading a healthy lifestyle such as information on how to eat a healthy diet and how to make sure you’re getting enough exercise. Some pharmacies may also offer services to help you to stop smoking and weight management services to reduce your risk of getting CHD. Some may also offer blood pressure, Body Mass Index and cholesterol screening to detect your risk of getting CHD.

Treatment available for CHD at your local pharmacy:

Your local pharmacy can give you advice and support so you can better manage your condition and can also signpost you to local services and self help groups. Some pharmacies may also offer blood pressure, BMI and or cholesterol monitoring. If you are taking two or more prescribed medicines, the NHS Medicines Use Review is an NHS service that can help you get maximum benefit from your medicines. Ask at your local pharmacy for more information or, alternatively, your GP can refer you to your pharmacist.

If you are prescribed a new medicine for the first time for high blood pressure, you may be able to get extra help and advice about your medicine from your local pharmacist through a free NHS-funded scheme called The New Medicine Service (NMS), available across England. The New Medicines Service allows people to discuss any concerns, e.g. side effects or what to do if you miss a dose. It can take place over the phone or in a pharmacy consultation room for approximately 15 minutes. You will receive a telephone call a couple of weeks later (or meet at the pharmacy) to resolve any outstanding issues – or you can be referred back to your GP if you need more help.