Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular Health

Do you know cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the no.1 cause of death across the globe, killing one in every three people? Smoking, high cholesterol levels, and hypertension are the major risk factors for CVDs. However, certain underlying conditions and an unhealthy lifestyle also increase your chance of developing heart disease.

On this World Heart Day, let’s talk about the importance of your cardiovascular health and how you can keep your heart healthy.

What Is Cardiovascular Health?

Cardiovascular health refers to the health of your heart that is an important part of your overall health. Your heart is the center of your cardiovascular system that works hard for your body’s life. It plays an important role in supplying oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to your body.

When your heart stops pumping, many bodily systems instantly fail. Therefore, it is important to take care of your heart by embracing good habits. Not taking care of your heart can lead to heart diseases resulting in death [1].

 

Why Is It Important To Take Care Of Your Heart As You Age?

Avoiding cardiovascular diseases is not the only motivator for keeping your heart healthy. As you age, there are many things that require good cardiovascular health. They include:

  • Maintaining Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: The American Heart Association says that you’re more susceptible to stroke and heart disease if you have unhealthy cholesterol levels.

High blood pressure is a threatening condition because it makes you susceptible to kidney failure, angina, peripheral artery disease, and heart failure [2].

  • Lowering The Risk Of Dementia: When you do not take care of your heart, you limit the brain’s blood supply. Restricted blood flow leads to improper brain functioning that could result in dementia [3].
  • Reducing The Feeling Of Depression: According to a study, depression occurs in 33 percent of heart victims. It means that cardiovascular diseases may increase your risk of developing symptoms of depression [4].

How To Take Care Of Your Cardiac Health?

It is never too late to start taking care of your health with healthy lifestyle choices. On the occasion of the World Heart Day, here are some ways to keep your heart healthy:

  • Make Healthy Food Choices: Replacing unhealthy fats with nutritious foods is the number one way to prevent heart disease. You can also boost the product of oxygen-rich blood by eating healthy proteins and fats, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

 

  • Watch Your Weight: Obesity has been linked with many heart complications, including hypertension, high cholesterol, and stroke. If you want your heart to be functioning at an optimal level, you should maintain a healthy weight.

 

  • Stay Active: There are innumerable benefits of physical activity, including the prevention of heart diseases. Exercising for 30 minutes a day strengthens the heart muscle.

 

  • Quit Smoking: One of the best things you can do for your heart health is quitting smoking because smoking increases your risk of coronary artery calcification.

 

References:

[1]      How to take care of your heart health 2020. https://www.who.int/philippines/news/feature-stories/detail/how-to-take-care-of-your-heart-health (accessed September 2, 2021).

[2]      Stamler J, Stamler R, Neaton JD. Blood Pressure, Systolic and Diastolic, and Cardiovascular Risks: US Population Data. Arch Intern Med 1993;153:598–615. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.1993.00410050036006.

[3]      Justin BN, Turek M, Hakim AM. Heart disease as a risk factor for dementia. Clin Epidemiol 2013;5:135–45. https://doi.org/10.2147/CLEP.S30621.

[4]      Post Surgery Milestones: Managing Your Mood, Expectations and Goals | American Heart Association n.d. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/recovery-and-healthy-living-goals-for-heart-valve-patients/post-surgery-milestones-managing-your-mood-expectations-and-goals#.WID-UPkrKUk (accessed September 2, 2021).

 

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