preventive cardiology tips on public request

The importance of risk factors in the development of CVD (Cardio Vascular Disease) has received increased attention over the past decade. In addition, along with cardioprotective medications, the roles of:

1. lifestyle interventions,
2. psychosocial factors,
3. air pollution,
4. dietary patterns,
5. physical inactivity,
6. low cardiorespiratory fitness,
7. obesity,
8. cardiac rehabilitation, and inflammation

These have been better selected as targets for education.

Newer statin drugs, in particular, which markedly decrease and increase low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, respectively, have been heralded as a potential breakthrough to prevent initial and recurrent atherosclerotic events.

Collectively, 9 risk factors

(abnormal lipids, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, abdominal obesity, psychosocial variables, consumption of fruits and
vegetables, regular alcohol consumption, regular physical activity)

accounted for 90% of the population attributable risk in men and 94% in women.

People with optimal levels of cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle behaviors at 50 years of age demonstrate a marked survival advantage and only a 5% and 8% lifetime risk of developing CVD for men and women, respectively.

(Attached figure) illustrates Risk factor framework and the progression of cardiovascular disease, with types of prevention interventions.

Primary, and secondary prevention, which have environmental modulators, including healthcare access; the built environment; public policy initiatives; and locations where interventions can be made (eg, personal, family, school, workplace).

Cardiovascular health markers/interventions include the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7

1. smoking status,

2. body mass index,

3. physical
activity,
4. healthy diet score,
5. total cholesterol,
6. blood pressure,
7. fasting plasma glucose).

Pharmacotherapies (eg, aspirin, _-blockers, statins, angiotensin- converting enzyme inhibitors) when indicated, and coronary revascularization, when appropriate.

(some Abbreviations are MI indicates myocardial infarction;
CHF, congestive heart failure; and PAD, peripheral arterial disease).

Start with these 7 tips for better health:

1. Aim for a healthy weight — and shape. Your body’s shape and weight tell a lot about your health. Larger waistlines have been linked to heart disease because you may be carrying the kind of fat in your abdomen that affects heart health. General guidelines say that a healthy waist size is less than 40 inches for men and less than 35 inches for women.

Another clue to how healthy you are is your body mass index (BMI), a number that’s calculated from your weight and height. A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Find out yours with our BMI calculator.

Concerned about your weight? Talk with your doctor. Better eating habits and more exercise can help you get in shape.

2. Trim extra calories. Here’s an easy way to improve your diet: Cut down the size of your portions and don’t go back for seconds. You can also avoid extra calories by choosing water instead of sodas or sports drinks. Opt for black coffee instead of calorie-rich coffee drinks.

3. Choose nutrient-rich foods. Fill your diet with vegetables and fruits, unprocessed grains and legumes, and a small amount of meat. Try to limit milk, dairy products and foods high in saturated fat, as well as refined sugar, sweets and soft drinks containing sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.

4. Get plenty of physical activity. If you’re new to exercising, try walking about 30 minutes a day at least 3 days – preferably 5 days – a week. Remember, getting active doesn’t have to mean going to a gym. Physical activity includes walking your dog, raking the yard, shoveling snow or walking a little farther from your car to the store.

5. Get a good amount of restful sleep. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep. If you struggle with getting a good night’s sleep, Aurora can help. Request a sleep consultation appointment.

6. Manage your stress in healthy ways. Make time for relaxation, recreation and time with loved ones. Get involved in the community and, if it suits you, faith-based activities.

7. Quit bad habits. If you smoke, quit. Even if you don’t, try to avoid being around secondhand smoke. Limit alcohol intake.

Another important way to prevent heart troubles is to manage any conditions you already have, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol (defined as low HDL and high LDL numbers) and diabetes. more