Through active prevention, you can minimize the risk of heart disease, enhancing your overall well-being and quality of life
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVD) stand as the leading global cause of death, accounting for one in every three fatalities. Recently, the organization released its inaugural report on the worldwide impact of high blood pressure, accompanied by recommendations for combating this silent yet deadly threat. The report reveals that nearly four out of five individuals with hypertension do not receive adequate treatment. However, if countries can expand their coverage, an estimated 76 million deaths could be prevented between 2023 and 2050.
“Heart attacks typically result from a combination of risk factors, including an unhealthy diet, obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels. Alarmingly, almost half of those with hypertension worldwide are unaware of their condition. Therefore, undertaking basic preventive measures can go a long way in averting CVD.”
WHAT IS CVD?:-
CVD refers to a group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels. It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and encompasses a range of conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Most often, the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease is the accumulation of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances in the blood vessels, leading to the narrowing and blockage of arteries. This process, known as atherosclerosis, reduces blood flow to vital organs, increasing the risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
Risk factors for CVD include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history, among others.
PREVENTIVE MEAUSRES:-
You can lower the risk of heart disease or manage it, if you already have the condition, by adopting a healthy lifestyle. “Maintaining a heart-healthy diet is the most crucial step. This includes reducing your intake of saturated fats while incorporating healthier sources like oily fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil in your diet.”
Regular physical activity is key to cardiovascular health, too. “Adults are advised to engage at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, such as cycling, or brisk walking. If you’re new to exercise or are returning to it after a hiatus, begin at a comfortable pace and progressively increase both duration and intensity. For those detected with heart disease, consult your general physician or cardiologist before you begin working out.” A crucial aspect of maintaining heart health involves regular monitoring of your blood pressure.
“Some individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms, even if they have elevated blood pressure. Therefore, regularly checking your blood pressure is crucial. If you are diagnosed with hypertension, consult a cardiologist. Remain vigilant for any warning signs, such as chest discomfort, pain, weakness, or numbness in your legs or arms, shortness of breath, rapid or slow heartbeat, palpitations, or swelling in your limbs.” One must avoid self-medication which could worsen the condition.
MIND YOUR HEART HEALTH:-
Several studies suggest that poor mental health can negatively impact heart health. “Those suffering from depression are more prone to heart disease. Depression, especially, post myocardial infarction, is common. If left untreated, it can lead to several complications. Individuals grappling with mental health disorders like anxiety and other forms of depression may have an elevated likelihood of adopting unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, leading a sedentary lifestyle, or failing to adhere to prescribed medication. This is primarily because individuals with mental health challenges may possess fewer effective coping mechanisms for managing stressful situations, making it difficult to opt for healthy lifestyle choices.”
The heart plays a vital role in circulating nourishing blood throughout the body. Therefore, one must safeguard their cardiovascular health by adopting healthy habits.
