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Cardiovascular Disease

The term “Cardiovascular disease” covers a multitude of illnesses. Coronary artery disease is common; if left untreated, it could lead to a heart attack.  


 

Before you send your employees overseas, it is important to know if they suffer from any cardiac problems. Any incident could require emergency medical evacuation, or lead to possible fatality. 

The availability of cardiac specialist care varies vastly from country to country.  In addition the emergency medical services may only speak the local language, usual medications may not be available, or be available but with a different name or in a different dosage. International SOS can provide your mobile workforce advice and recommendations on these issues, the level of cardiac care available, as well as assess the emergency medical evacuation capability of a country. 


International SOS is playing a leading role in providing specific advice and support for medical and security risks, no matter where your people are. Our specialist teams are working around the clock to keep your employees protected and business moving.


heart pain main picture


International SOS is playing a leading role in providing specific advice and support for medical and security risks, no matter where your people are. Our specialist teams are working around the clock to keep your employees protected and business moving.


  • Assess and understand the risks of exposure at your destination: We analyse and evaluate any location you are sending your employees to and recommend measures that help mitigate risks.
  • Educate your travellers before they depart: Through our specialist medical information and education programmes, we help you to prepare your travellers for the local situation as well as advise on measures to take should the situation deteriorate.
  • Around the clock access for your travellers to specific local advice: Our qualified doctors and security specialists are there for your employees, no matter what, where or when.

Achieve your goals and avoid loss of time and productivity by preparing your employees for travel and supporting them when they are in unfamiliar and remote locations. We help to keep your people healthy and safe, so you can focus on your core business activities. Click here to find out how we do this.


What is coronary artery disease? 

The accumulation of “plaque” and calcium in the coronary arteries, which carry oxygen and nutrition to the heart muscle cells. These deposits can block the coronary arteries, obstructing the blood flow to the heart, and cause a heart attack.  

Risk factors for coronary artery disease include smoking, high cholesterol levels, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, being overweight, and having a family member with coronary artery disease.

Many people with coronary artery plaque don’t have any symptoms. When the blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced, symptoms such as chest pain can occur. The chest pain is classically described as choking or pressing, squeezing, strangling, constricting, bursting or burning in nature. Pain can also be felt in the left shoulder or arm, jaw or neck. 

Numerous diseases cause chest pain. Anyone with symptoms should see their doctor for a diagnosis. 

Business travellers can take simple lifestyle actions to reduce their risk of coronary artery disease: 

  • Stop smoking or don’t start smoking. 
  • Have your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol level checked.
  • Eating healthy, well balanced meals - choose fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and pulses, restrict salt, sugar and fats 
  • Limit alcohol intake. 
  • Exercise regularly, achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reduce your stress. 

These actions should be perpetuated whether you are travelling or at home. 

Sources:

1World Health Organization