Cardiovascular disease is a broad category of medical conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. The most common and well-understood types of cardiovascular disease are coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, which lead to heart attack and stroke, respectively.
There are many risk factors underlying cardiovascular disease and its associated complications. Research shows that early intervention and long-term management of risk factors is the most effective way of preventing development and progression of these conditions.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is the single most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and most patients who experience a heart attack or stroke are also hypertensive. Chronic high blood pressure can damage artery walls, lead to heart failure, and increase the likelihood of blood clot formation.
The good news is that high blood pressure is very treatable in most cases. For some, sticking to a low-salt diet and participating in moderate exercise is enough to lower blood pressure. Others may require medications such as ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers. Either way, successful management of hypertension is the best way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Physical Inactivity
Lack of exercise is associated with increased incidence of death from heart attack and stroke. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle increases a person’s chance of developing hypertension and other cardiovascular disease risk factors. Long periods of sitting also may lead to the formation of blood clots in the legs. Even moderate exercise, such as walking to lunch instead of ordering in, is beneficial.
Smoking
Tobacco smoke contains chemicals and toxins that directly damage the coronary arteries. Smokers are much more likely to suffer narrowing of the arteries, heart attack, and stroke. Quitting smoking is a huge step towards mitigating cardiovascular disease risk, and there are even medications that can help reduce cravings. Most physicians will also state that a permanent switch from smoking to nicotine gum or lozenges is infinitely safer if a patient cannot quit nicotine entirely.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese significantly increases a person’s chance of dying from cardiovascular disease. Obesity also contributes to hypertension and other risk factors. Dietary modifications are the safest way to reduce body fat percentage, but some morbidly obese patients may be candidates for special weight loss surgery as well.
Diabetes
People with poorly managed diabetes are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and die from heart attack or stroke. Blood sugar levels that are persistently high can damage arteries and lead to plaque formation. Even though diabetes cannot be reversed, proper control of the condition will greatly reduce cardiovascular complications.
Age
The vast majority of deaths from cardiovascular disease occur in men over the age of 65. This means that hypertension, obesity, smoking and other modifiable risk factors are much more likely to cause morbidity in older people, so most physicians will recommend that all people 65 and older eat healthy foods, refrain from smoking, and exercise on a regular basis.
