Life? As February is Heart and Education month, it is an appropriate time for you to educate yourself about heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Bermuda; in 1992, 195 persons died as a result of coronary heart disease. This represents 41.5 percent of all deaths.

Coronary heart disease is a result of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. It occurs when too much of the fat like substance, cholesterol, is deposited as "plaques'' along the artery (blood vessel) walls. These plaques can build up and eventually block the arteries and cause a heart attack or stroke.

There is no cure for coronary heart disease, but the risk of developing it can be reduced through a healthy lifestyle.

The Bermuda way of life is putting us at risk. We eat too many foods high in fat and we do no get an adequate amount of physical activity.

There are 10 risk factors associated with heart disease. A "risk factor'' for heart disease is defined as a habit or trait which occurs more commonly among persons with heart disease than in persons without it.

Count the risk factors in your life. Do you: 1) smoke 2) have high blood pressure 3) have high blood cholesterol 4) get very little exercise 5) suffer from stress 6) have diabetes 7) are you overweight How many risk factors are putting you at risk for developing heart disease? The other three risk factors -- what you inherit, your age and your sex -- you cannot change. However, you can take steps to alter your lifestyle to minimise these other seven risk factors.

Here are the facts: Smokers are 2.5 times more likely to suffer heart attacks than are non smokers. So if you smoke, quit now.

A high cholesterol level increases the risk of heart attack 2.4 times. A desirable blood cholesterol level is 200 mg /dl or less. Saturated fats and cholesterol, both found in animal foods, can cause elevated blood cholesterol.

So avoid too many fats and fried foods in your diet.

The chances of developing heart disease markedly increases as blood pressure rises. You are twice as likely to have a heart attack if you have high blood pressure. It is best to keep your blood pressure at 120/80 or lower.

The fourth most dangerous contributor to heart disease, is lack of physical activity. People who are sedentary (do not get regular vigorous exercise) are 1.9 times more likely to suffer heart attacks than are people who exercise regularly.

Diabetes, whether alone or accompanied by other risk factors, is associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Control of blood glucose through diet, exercise and or medication helps reduce the risk.

Obesity is related to high blood pressure, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels, and lack of exercise -- all of which are contributors to heart attack risk. Abdominal obesity (apple shape) is a particular risk factor.

Although the relationship of stress to heart disease is not clear, undue emotional tension can contribute to the risk of developing heart disease. Try and control stress in your life and exercise regularly to help relieve the inevitable tension of everyday life.

Do something about your lifestyle today. Stop smoking. Make regular vigorous exercise, like brisk walking, a daily routine. Take appropriate dietary measures to reduce fat, saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet. Take steps to reduce your blood pressure, blood cholesterol and/or glucose as necessary.

And identify and modify stress in your life.

Give your heart a chance for a long healthy life ... live a Heart way of life. During Heart Month the Department of Health will distributing three information leaflets: 1. "Personal Risk Chart'' so you can determine if you are at risk of developing Coronary Heart Disease.

2. "How to talk to your Doctor'' with tips that can help you talk to your doctor more effectively and become a better medical consumer.

3. "Health Style Quiz'' so you can rate your health style in matters of the heart.

The Department of Health will provide you with the opportunity to get educated about heart disease at the Education Month, Main Event II, at Bermuda College on February 27 from 12 noon at 4.30 pm. There will be heart related exhibits from the schools, CPR demonstrations, you will be able to have your blood pressure, and blood glucose and cholesterol levels checked (a limited number of cholesterol levels will be determined), and members of the Bermuda Dietetic Association, Bermuda Diabetes Association, the Bermuda Heart Foundation and the Department of Health, will be available to answer your question.

The Bermuda Heart Foundation has also planned a number of heart related activities for the month of February; including free blood pressure checks in Hamilton and an information forum.

Educate your self on the heart way of life. Betsy Baillie, RD Nutrition Services Department of Health.