The TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson has revealed that he has undergone a heart procedure after experiencing some alarming symptoms on a recent holiday. The 64-year old farmer and TV host was swimming in the pool when he noticed that his limbs weren’t functioning normally, The Guardian reports.
Clarkson explained that he had to “take a moment to make sure my limbs were working properly” before struggling to swim two lengths of a swimming pool.”
He added: “I was mostly dead. I’ve never struggled with swimming before, and now, suddenly, I can’t do it any more. Nor could I descend a flight of stairs, not without holding someone’s hand. I’m not exaggerating. These problems all manifested themselves in one day.”
The alarming symptoms continued when he returned home. He said: “I woke on Wednesday morning not feeling too good. I was clammy and there was a tightness in my chest. Naturally, I ignored these things and, after loading 30 pigs into the slaughterhouse school bus, I noticed that I had pins and needles in my left arm.”
After undergoing tests at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford, it was discovered that Clarkson had a blocked artery and he required a stent fitting to maintain adequate blood flow to the heart. This is a typical progression of coronary heart disease, which can happen when fatty deposits build up in the coronary arteries.
What are the warning signs of coronary heart disease?
The narrowing of the arteries can be a very gradual process, and the symptoms may not always be apparent in the early stages. However, if the symptoms are ignored and the condition remains untreated, it can result in a heart attack.
Coronary heart disease can have several symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, dizziness, extreme tiredness, stomach pain, heart palpitations, weakness and fatigue. It may also cause coughing, anxiety attacks, and heartburn.
However, a less often mentioned symptom of CHD can be erectile dysfunction (ED). This is thought to be because of damage to the inner lining of the blood vessels and smooth muscle. It may also be due to a reduced flow of blood around the body, making it more difficult to achieve and maintain an erection.
While it is not always the case that ED is a symptom of CHD, if there is no other clear explanation for the condition, or other risk factors are present, it’s advisable to be tested for heart problems. If any serious underlying causes are ruled out, the doctor may recommend a medication to treat ED such as Viagra (available more cheaply online as sildenafil).
What are the shared risk factors for ED and CHD?
ED and CHD share many risk factors, including the following:
Diabetes: This causes nerve and blood vessel damage.
High blood pressure: This damages the walls of the blood vessels and restricts blood flow.
High cholesterol: This causes plaque to build up in the arteries and can lead to blockages.
Obesity: This impedes blood flow and increases inflammation in the body.
What are the treatment options for ED that is caused by heart disease?
Alongside any relevant medical procedures and medications, it’s likely that a doctor will recommend lifestyle changes. These may include:
Regular physical exercise: Exercise strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, helps to manage weight, and reduces the risk of stress and depression, which will boost sexual function and lower the risk of CHD.
A healthy diet: Fat and inflammation around the arteries of the heart is a key risk factor for CHD and ED. It is possible to be within a normal weight range but have fatty deposits around the internal organs, including the heart, particularly as we get older. Therefore it is important to follow a healthy diet even if you are not overweight or obese.
For optimum heart health, dieticians recommend the Mediterranean diet, which includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and small amounts of unsaturated fats. This can also help to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Managing stress: Chronic stress can put extra strain on the heart, and is also known to cause ED. Therefore it is important to manage stress levels with techniques such as yoga, meditation, exercise, or hobbies.
Quitting smoking: Smoking can damage the arteries and inhibit blood flow, among many other serious health risks. To protect the heart and lower the risk of ED, quitting smoking should be strongly considered.
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