Do any of these risk factors for heart disease apply to you?
Do any of these risk factors for heart disease apply to you?
Introduction
Most individuals are unaware that there are modifiable risk factors that can be tackled to reduce adverse effects on heart health. Similarly, there are non-modifiable risk factors, and it is very important to check for these factors. This will help to reduce risks by taking suitable measures by way of surgical or medical interventions, apart from mitigating actions in other linked areas. Here is a detailed look at some of the risk factors for heart disease that can impact heart health.
Measures required for coronary heart disease prevention
A combination of measures can help prevent coronary heart disease, including lifestyle modifications, treatment of existing conditions, and medications. Important steps to reduce risk factors for heart disease are as given below:
- Diet – rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Changes include reduction of saturated and trans fats, sodium, intake of red meat, dairy products, and processed foods. Switch to healthy fats, olive oil, foods high in dietary fiber.
- Physical activity – to become a routine activity or regimen of at least 150 minutes per week with exercises like brisk walking. Alternatively, intense activities of 75 minutes per week, like running. The exercises need to include muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.
- Weight management – target Body Mass Index within the range of 18.5–24.9. It is important to note that even modest weight change can reduce risk factors significantly.
- Cessation of smoking and drinking – quitting smoking is a very effective measure and is actually mandatory. Similarly, cutting down on drinking or eliminating drinking completely will reduce a lot of indirect risk factors of heart diseases.
- Blood pressure, cholesterol – ensure that blood pressure levels are maintained below 120/80 mm Hg. Similarly, keep cholesterol levels near normal ranges, such as total cholesterol level <200 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol <100 mg/dL and HDL cholesterol >40mg/dL.
- Diabetes – if you are diabetic, control blood sugar levels within the desired target range. This is to be achieved through diet, exercise, and medications.
- Stress – keep stress under control through deep breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques. Ensure that you get proper sleep between 7–9 hours every night.
- Screening – go in for routine screenings, for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. It is a good idea to go in for genetic testing to check for genetic predisposition to heart diseases. Advanced genetic testing facilities are presently available in Tamil Nadu to check for congenital conditions or inherited conditions
What is the connection between diabetes and heart disease
Most people are unaware that diabetes and heart disease are closely linked. Untreated high blood sugar levels increase your risk of heart disease, due to the impact on cardiovascular health, outlined below:
- High blood glucose – damages blood vessels, increasing risk of atherosclerosis. Diabetics are more likely to have high levels of bad cholesterol and low levels of good cholesterol.
- Hypertension – diabetes and hypertension are often co-existing conditions, increasing risk factors for heart disease.
- Dyslipidemia – diabetics have an abnormal lipid profile, with lipid imbalance increasing risk of coronary artery disease.
- Obesity – people with type 2 diabetes are typically obese or overweight, exposing the person to risk of developing heart disease.
- Insulin resistance – is an outcome of type 2 diabetes, contributing to atherosclerosis, and inflammation.
- Blood clotting – diabetics are prone to possible blood clotting, causing increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Autonomic neuropathy – diabetics may end up with damaged autonomic nerves. These nerves control heart rate and blood pressure, and the damage causes a higher risk of heart disease.
- Diabetic cardiomyopathy – diabetes brings about structural and functional changes in the heart muscle over a period. This causes the heart muscle to thicken, or turn stiff and weakened, with increased risk of heart failure.
Is there a connection between stress and heart disease
Yes, there is a definite connection between stress and heart disease, especially chronic stress. The various way sin which this can contribute to risk factors for heart disease are as listed below.
- Chronic stress causes increased heart rate, blood pressure, and causes release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones, in turn are known to lead to hypertension, inflammation, when released frequently, over a long time.
- Stress causes blood vessels to constrict, and this restricts flow of blood to the heart. Chronic stress also contributes to progression of atherosclerosis.
- Stress is linked with inflammation with high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in people with chronic stress.
- Stress impacts in different ways, such as making people smoke, causing binge eating, unhealthy dietary choices and consumption of alcohol, apart from affecting sleep.
- There are direct effects on cardiac health such as “broken heart syndrome” causing temporary weakening of the heart muscle. Stress also triggers abnormal heart rhythms that are dangerous and increase risk factors for heart disease.
Why you need to know the relation between alcohol and heart disease
Alcohol consumption has an indirect effect on heart health and is considered as contributing to risk factors for heart disease. While men can, on an average, have a maximum of two drinks per day, and women one drink per day safely, this is to be checked with a physician. Here is a quick overview of the effects of alcohol on heart health:
- High blood pressure – from excessive drinking.
- Cardiomyopathy – form long term drinking.
- Arrhythmias – from drinking excessively and from long term drinking.
- Heart failure – from heavy drinking.
- Lipid profile – heavy drinking increases levels of triglycerides.
- Weight – alcohol is high in calories and contributes to weight gain.
- Blood sugar – heavy drinking results in chronic inflammation and insulin resistance.
- Drug interactions – alcohol is known to interact with medications that are typically recommended for heart disease.
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Education: Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai Experience: Agarwal is a seasoned pharmacist with over 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field. She has worked in various settings, including hospital pharmacies and community clinics, where she has excelled in medication management, patient counseling, and clinical support. Agarwal is known for her expertise in drug therapy optimization and patient safety. In addition to her practical experience, she contributes to health journalism, focusing on pharmaceutical advancements and health policy, and is involved in research projects aimed at improving medication practices and health outcomes. is known for her expertise in drug therapy optimization and patient safety. In addition to her practical experience, she contributes to health journalism, focusing on pharmaceutical advancements and health policy, and is involved in research projects aimed at improving medication practices and health outcomes.