Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in many developed countries, and a rapidly increasing cause of death in resource-limited countries as well. Many risk factors are modifiable, which is why we are talking about it today!
Cardiovascular disease includes things such as coronary heart disease (e.g. heart attacks), cerebrovascular disease (e.g. strokes), peripheral vascular disease, aortic atherosclerosis including aortic aneurysms.
Some of the known risk factors for cardiovascular disease include the following:
- Family History
- Hypertensions
- Dyslipidemia (High cholesterol)
- Diabetes
- Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, obesity, diet and exercise
Many of these risk factors are modifiable and thus important for us to know about in order to reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease. For example, cutting down and ultimately stopping of cigarette smoking, exercising regularly, improving our diet, and appropriately treating chronic disease such as hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia.
The incidence of smoking has been shown to increase the risk of a Myocardial Infarction (heart attack) by 6 fold in women and 3 fold in men, who smoke at least 20 cigarettes per day. It is noteworthy that those who stop smoking for 2 years, reduce the risk of a recurrent Myocardial infarct back to that of a non-smoker. Thus there is immense benefit in smoking cessation on your cardiovascular risk.
Some dietary factors that may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease includes: High glycemic index foods, low consumption of fruit and vegetables, high consumption of red meat, high consumption of trans fatty acids and low consumption of fiber. In summary, increase fibre, fruits and vegetable and low GI foods, and decrease your red meat intake and trans fatty acids.
Exercise, even a moderate degree, is protective against coronary heart disease. It raises serum-HDL (good cholesterol), reduces blood pressure, improves insulin resistance and promotes weight loss.
Wan Health Family Practice is run by general practitioners, situated centrally in Morningside, Sandton. Offering a wide range of medical services. We are available for in person and online/telehealth consults. We look forward to treating you.