Today, on World Heart Day, we want to remind people of the importance of taking care of what is, without a doubt, one of the most vital organs in our bodies: the heart. Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death globally, but, fortunately, we can do much to prevent or reduce the risk of developing it. Cardiovascular prevention is not just a medical goal; it is a commitment we can all make, every day, with conscious choices and healthy lifestyle habits.
Cardiovascular disease encompasses a wide range of conditions, from coronary heart disease to stroke, from hypertension to heart failure. However, many of these conditions are preventable. Intervening early with healthy lifestyle choices and regular checkups is essential to reduce risk and maintain a healthy heart.
The risk of cardiovascular disease is often related to factors such as:
Hypertension: High blood pressure that, if uncontrolled, damages blood vessels and the heart.
High cholesterol: Excess cholesterol can form plaques in the arteries, obstructing blood flow.
Obesity: Being overweight is a major risk factor for diseases such as heart attack and stroke.
Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the likelihood of coronary artery disease.
Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes: Those with diabetes have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Emotional factors such as stress and anxiety can also negatively affect our heart. Therefore, taking care of your cardiovascular health means also taking care of your mind and lifestyle.
Healthy Nutrition: A balanced diet is the first step toward a healthy heart. Reducing intake of saturated fats, sugars, and salt, and preferring foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, is essential. The Mediterranean diet is an excellent example of a cardioprotective diet.
Regular Physical Activity: You don't need to be a professional athlete: even a 30-minute walk a day can make a big difference. Exercise helps keep weight under control, reduce blood pressure and improve circulation.
Regular Checkups: Monitoring heart health is crucial. Measuring blood pressure, checking cholesterol levels and having regular checkups, especially if you have risk factors, is essential to identify and intervene early.
Don't Smoke: Quitting smoking immediately reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke, so every step toward "not smoking" is one more step toward a healthy heart.
Managing Stress: Chronic stress can damage the heart. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or even simple breaks during the day are effective tools for reducing the negative impact of stress on our bodies.
Quality Sleep: Sleeping well is critical for heart health. Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can increase the risk of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Every adult should aim for 7-8 hours of restful sleep each night.
World Heart Day is not only a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular health, but also an opportunity to reflect on your own habits and take stock of what you can improve to live a healthier and longer life. Cardiovascular prevention is an individual responsibility, but it is also a collective one. As a community, we need to be more aware of risks and remedies so that we can spread a positive and proactive message that encourages everyone to take care of their hearts.
Life Clinic stands by its patients and to celebrate the importance of prevention offers free cardiology consultations to the first 10 people who book by communicating the code CADIO29. Contact us to learn the details of the initiative and make an appointment.
