Best strategies on how to prevent heart disease
Best strategies on how to prevent heart disease
Introduction
It is possible to lower your risk of heart disease significantly, in most cases. One of the most common types of heart disease is coronary artery disease. This condition affects the flow of blood to the heart, causing a heart attack. Here are top strategies, that are basically a combination of effective methods, that show how to prevent heart disease
Introduction of heart disease
Before we look at strategies on how to prevent heart disease, here is a quick introduction to heart disease. The broad term heart disease refers to multiple conditions that affect the heart. These conditions have an impact on the structure and the functioning of the heart. It is important to note that the term cardiovascular disease has a broader category of diseases. It includes heart diseases as well as conditions that affect the blood vessels.
The common types of heart disease are as outlined below:
- Coronary Artery Disease – Also known as CAD, this is the most common type of heart disease. This caused due to the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries causing pain in the chest, heart attacks, and various other complications.
- Heart failure – This refers to a condition where the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood required for the functioning of the body. This is due to CAD, high blood pressure, or diseases that affect the heart muscle.
- Arrhythmias – This refers to abnormal heart rhythms causing the heart to either beat irregularly, fast, or slow. Some of the common types include atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, and bradycardia.
- Valvular heart disease – This refers to the condition when the valves of the do not function normally. This could involve conditions such as narrowing or leaking of heart valve.
- Cardiomyopathy – This refers to a disease of the heart muscle making it harder for the heart to pump blood. This is primarily due to genetic factors, chronic high blood pressure, and other existing conditions.
- Congenital heart defects – These are abnormalities in the heart that are present from birth. These conditions affect the structure of the heart and function and typically require surgical procedures.
- Pericardial disease – This refers to an inflammation or infection of the pericardium, which is a sac surrounding the heart. This causes pain in the chest and other symptoms.
- Rheumatic heart disease – This refers to a complication of rheumatic fever, that damages the heart valves. This condition is relatively common in people in developing nations.
Commonly reported symptoms of heart disease
While the symptoms may slightly vary in type or intensity, the common symptoms of heart disease include the following:
- Pain or discomfort in the chest, known as angina.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Overall weakness.
- Irregular heartbeats.
- Swelling in the feet.
- Feeling dizzy
Top four strategies for heart disease prevention
The approach to prevent heart disease is a combination of different steps and these four steps show how to prevent heart disease, along with other methods.
- Diet
You need to ensure a well-rounded diet, comprising whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. One of the most important criteria is low-fat dairy, and intake of foods high in fiber and low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol. Keep away from salt and sugar to bring down blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Weight management
The risk of heart disease is higher in obese and overweight people. As a result of the extra weight, there is increased stress on the blood vessels and the heart. Manage your weight through the right approach.
- Avoid sedentary lifestyle
A physically active lifestyle can lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and keep body weight under control. This will also improve energy and control stress. Ensure that you have half an hour of exercise daily, through moderate activity. This could be running, walking, aerobics dance etc.
- Control cholesterol levels
Periodic screening for cholesterol levels is necessary. This is especially important for people with a family history of cholesterol, who will require more frequent checks. Lifestyle, medications and dietary modifications may be necessary for controlling cholesterol levels.
How to avoid heart disease?
The next four steps on how to prevent heart disease will help you reach your goals and reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Control blood pressure levels
One of the major factors for heart disease is your blood pressure levels. Periodically check for high blood pressure and other factors that are a risk for heart disease. Hypertension, is known as a silent killer as it typically does not present symptoms initially. You will experience symptoms only when the condition has progressed considerably. You may need to cut down on sodium intake, rely on medicines and make dietary changes to reduce blood pressure.
- Manage diabetes
Periodically check blood sugar levels to manage your diabetes. You may require dietary and lifestyle modifications apart from medications to control your blood sugar levels. By managing diabetes, you can prevent risk of heart disease.
- Cease smoking and control alcohol
You have to stop smoking, to avoid risk of heart disease. There is no option of reducing tobacco intake through any means; and only a complete cessation can help. You will have to ensure that you take alcohol in moderation only. Women are to limit alcohol to one drink per day and men are to keep it at two drinks per day.
- Screening
One of the most important factors of how to prevent heart disease is regular screenings. This includes blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. This has to be carried out diligently, at periodic intervals, after the age of 40. Depending on the changes in the values, suitable action is to be taken.
Is it true that heart disease prediction is possible?
Yes, it is true that heart disease can be predicted and this offers early information on how to prevent heart disease. This is achieved through traditional risk assessment, diagnostic tools and through genetic testing. For instance, your medica history, age, gender, lifestyle and family history will offer a broad idea. Diagnostics like blood tests and imaging tests can give a better understanding of risk levels.
Genetic testing through blood samples or saliva samples can help reveal genetic risks of heart disease. Advanced genetic testing facilities in Tamil Nadu offer people a comprehensive analysis of future or lifetime risk of heart disease from genetic reasons. This could be congenital or inherited conditions that can put you at risk. Early detection offers better outcomes.
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Dr. Srinivasan is a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).