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The Basics of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

 

Worldwide, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is estimated to be the leading cause of death and disability. Research shows that high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and physical inactivity are the major risk factors for CVD. 

Prevention of heart disease starts early in life. Studies indicate that major risk factors for CVD, including cigarette smoking, elevated blood pressure, physical inactivity, and obesity, are prevalent in childhood and adolescence. Modifying these risk factors early in life decreases the lifetime risk of heart disease significantly. 

Smoking cessation is the most important step in prevention of heart disease. Current smoking increases the risk of heart attack by three times when compared with a non-smoker. The risk decreases significantly even after three years of quitting. Beebe offers free smoking cessation counseling.

 

Your Life - Your Health

The centerpiece of a healthy lifestyle is a heart healthy diet and physical activity. The protective effects of regular exercise and general physical fitness have been very well documented. The American Heart Association suggests at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise. This includes walking, jogging, swimming, or biking. And, remember, if you can’t make it to the time goal, something is always better than nothing. 

Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the benefits of reducing your sodium intake and the benefits of healthy eating patterns such as the Mediterranean-style diet. The key elements are to have plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains,  and nuts; to replace butter with healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil; to limit red meat to no more than a few times a month; and to eat fish and poultry at least twice a week.

 

Be Screened

All men 35 and older and all women 45 and older should be screened for high blood cholesterol. For people at high risk of CVD, the screening starts at age 20. The higher your blood cholesterol level, the greater is your risk for developing heart disease or having a heart attack. Treatment of high cholesterol starts with lifestyle modifications including healthy diet and exercise as mentioned above. Your physician can calculate your 10-year risk of cardiovascular events and drug therapy could be recommended to you based on your risk. Among drugs that target blood cholesterol, statins are usually the first line of therapy, and are shown in numerous studies to decrease the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular death. 

All adults should have a yearly check up with their physician to have their blood pressure checked. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and congestive heart failure significantly. By committing yourself to a low-salt diet, regular exercise, weight loss, and reduction in alcohol consumption, you can help lower your blood pressure. Ultimately, drugs may be needed to control the blood pressure and prevent its adverse effects. 

 

If you have questions or need more information about heart health or cardiovascular procedures, contact Carrie Snyder, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC—Beebe Healthcare’s cardiac nurse navigator—by calling (844) 316-3334 or emailing [email protected].