Heart Disease Testimonial

Janice had a very bad family history for heart problems. When she came to Highwood her total cholesterol was 8.3 mmol/L. She had some problems with addictions too. Here is her testimonial: "With the help and guidance of all the staff at Highwood I was able to address all of my problems...When I came to Highwood I was a mess! In 14 days I gave up alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and cut my sleeping tablets from 4 to 2 and what a beautiful place to do it!!" Janice's discharge cholesterol was 4.9.

Details of Treatment

Unless there are exceptional circumstances, each guest coming to Highwood gets an ECG ("heart tracing") and lung function testing. They may also get a blood test to check cholesterol etc., as Janice did above. From these results and the clinical findings when examined by the doctor, their exercise and treatment programme will be individualized. They will receive a zero cholesterol-containing diet, opportunity to get off aggravating things like nicotine and opportunity to lose weight if needed.

Towards the end of the programme follow-up testing can be done. When they go home they can have a letter written to their GP by our doctor and a programme designed for them to follow on with. They will be taught how to cook low fat, healthy food that is tasty and good for the heart and many others subjects touching on the health of the heart and blood pressure are dealt with in lectures.