Here I discuss cardiovascular disease (CVD) again, because I find that knowing your risks helps to prevent serious problems. It also gives you a chance to influence your risk!
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term that describes diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels. A build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries and an increased risk of blood clots are associated with these diseases.
TYPES OF CVD
The four main types are:
- Coronary heart disease: This happens when the flow of blood to the heart muscle is blocked or reduced. Examples are heart attack and angina.
- Strokes and Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs): A stroke is when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off (or temporarily, in case of a TIA).
- Peripheral arterial disease: In peripheral arterial disease, there’s a blockage in the arteries to the limbs—usually the legs.
- Aortic disease: An aortic aneurysm is an example. The aorta can be weak and bulge outwards. It can burst and cause life-threatening bleeding.
RISK OF CVD
It is not easy to identify a clear cause. Some have to do with your genetic makeup. There are risk factors. Here I mention the most important ones:
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage your blood vessels.
- Smoking: Smoking can damage and narrow your blood vessels.
- High cholesterol: Cholesterol can narrow your blood vessels and cause a blood clot.
- Diabetes: In diabetes, your blood sugar levels are too high. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and make them narrow.
- Inactivity: If you don’t exercise regularly, it’s more likely that you’ll have high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and be overweight.
- Being overweight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for CVD.
FAMILY HISTORY OF CVD
If you have family members with a history of CVD, your risk is also higher. Tell this to your GP! It might be worth checking your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Other risk factors:
- Age—you are at a higher risk when you are over 50 years old;
- Gender—men are more at risk;
- Diet;
- Alcohol;
- Ethnic background (South Asian).
PREVENTING CVD
A healthy lifestyle can lower your risk!
- Stop smoking: If you smoke, you should try to give that habit up as soon as possible.
- Have a balanced diet: A healthy, balanced diet is recommended for a healthy heart. This diet should be low in saturated fats, salt and sugar. It should contain lots of fibre, fruit and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly: Do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, such as cycling or walking. Start at a level you feel comfortable with and gradually increase it.
- Watch your weight: If you’re overweight or obese, a combination of regular exercise and a healthy diet can help you lose weight. Aim to get your BMI below 25. Consult our nutritionist!
- Cut down on alcohol: Try not to exceed the recommended limit of 14 alcohol units a week for men and women. If you do drink this much, you should aim to spread your drinking over three days or more.
MEDICATION FOR CVD
If you have a particularly high risk of developing CVD, your GP may recommend taking medication to reduce your risk.
Medications that may be recommended include statins to lower blood cholesterol levels, low-dose aspirin to prevent blood clots, and tablets to reduce blood pressure. Talk to your trusted Medical Practitioner to find out more about your risk and how to prevent CVD.
Have your cardiovascular risk calculated as well! Our doctors at GOOD PRACTICE clinic can help to predict your chances of developing a heart attack or a stroke. Good doctors will take a relevant history, physical examination, blood test and use an evidence-based cardiac risk calculator.
It is important that you identify a clinic that you are comfortable with. Good Practice has patients from 80 countries. Our all English-speaking team implements international guidelines. We provide highly personalised care.
Try us! Look us up: www.goodpractice.co.id. You are very welcome, even without an appointment.