The Silent Killer: Cardiovascular Diseases
Heart diseases, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 17.9 million people die each year because of CVDs. It constitutes a massive 31% of global deaths, and this number is expected to further increase over the next decade. The worst part is, many CVDs occur silently, and there may be no external symptoms or warning signs until they reach an advanced stage.
Prevention is Better than Cure
The impact of CVDs is not only devastating, but it is also expensive in terms of medical costs, hospitalization, and lost productivity. Prevention is, without a doubt, the best approach to reduce the incidence of CVDs. It requires adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, physical activity, avoidance of tobacco use, and limiting the consumption of alcohol. These simple changes can prevent 80% of premature deaths caused by CVDs.
The Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases can occur due to several factors that can permanently damage the heart or blood vessels. Although some risk factors are beyond our control, such as age, gender, and family history of heart disease, others can be controlled with the right lifestyle choices. Knowing the risk factors can help in adopting preventive measures.
Unhealthy Diet
A poor diet that is high in saturated and trans fats, salt, and sugar can increase the risk of high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which are all major risk factors for CVDs. Therefore, a healthy diet should include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.
Inactivity
Physical inactivity is another significant risk factor for CVDs. Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and prevent the development of diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol. Experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing.
Tobacco Use
Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor for CVDs. Smoking can damage the blood vessels, increase the risk of blood clots, and cause atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries become narrow and blocked. Quitting smoking and staying away from secondhand smoke can drastically reduce the risk of CVDs.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition where the pressure of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently high. It can damage the blood vessels, heart, kidneys, and other organs, if left untreated. High blood pressure can be managed by adopting a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and medication, if required.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol occurs when the level of cholesterol in the blood is too high, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or «bad» cholesterol. High cholesterol can accumulate in the arteries, causing atherosclerosis, narrowing of the arteries, and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and medication, if needed, can help manage high cholesterol.
Signs and Symptoms of Cardiovascular Diseases
In many cases, cardiovascular diseases can develop silently, without any symptoms. However, some warning signs and symptoms should not be ignored but instead consulted with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. These include:
Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
Chest pain or discomfort is a classic symptom of heart disease. It can feel like tightness, heaviness, squeezing, or pressure, and may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, or back. Chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes and is not relieved by rest or medication should be taken seriously.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or feeling winded even with mild exertion can indicate a heart or lung problem. It may also occur at rest, especially during the night, and may be accompanied by coughing, wheezing, or rapid breathing.
Palpitations
Palpitations are a sensation of rapid, pounding, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat. It may occur during physical activity, stress, or at rest, and can be a sign of arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm.
Dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness
Dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness can be caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure or insufficient blood flow to the brain due to a heart problem.
The Importance of Regular Check-ups
Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional are essential to monitor and manage the risk factors of CVDs. A health screening can detect early signs of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other health problems that can lead to CVDs. Blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), stress tests, and imaging tests can evaluate the heart’s health and function.
The Role of Mental Health in Heart Disease
It may come as a surprise, but mental health is also crucial to heart health. Chronic stress, depression, and anxiety can increase the risk of heart disease and worsen the outcomes. Stress can raise blood pressure, increase inflammation, and cause unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, overeating, or lack of exercise. Depression can decrease motivation and self-care, hinder medication adherence, and affect the social support system. Therefore, seeking help for mental health problems is essential for overall well-being, including heart health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, heart disease is a preventable and manageable condition. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, knowing the risk factors, seeking regular check-ups, and paying attention to mental health can significantly reduce the incidence and impact of cardiovascular diseases. It is never too late to start taking care of your heart, and the benefits can save your life tomorrow.