| By Barbara Wexler, MPH |
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) describes conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. A primary cause is atherosclerosis, which occurs when plaque accumulates in arterial walls, narrowing them and impeding blood flow. This can lead to serious events like heart attacks or strokes. But the term CVD also includes other conditions such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular heart disease that share common risk factors.
CVD is serious. It’s a leading cause of death globally, responsible for nearly 18 million deaths each year. These deaths account for about one third of all deaths globally, with the majority resulting from heart attacks and strokes.
In the late 20th century, many industrialized nations experienced a steady decline in deaths from CVD thanks to advancements in medical care, better control of risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and lifestyle changes such as reduced smoking rates. However, as these nations saw improvement, low- and middle-income countries began to see more CVD due to urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary changes that led to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
The risk of developing CVD is influenced by a combination of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors. Common causes include:
- High blood pressure (hypertension): Persistent high blood pressure damages artery walls, making them more prone to atherosclerosis.
- High cholesterol levels: Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL, the “bad” cholesterol) contribute to clogged arteries.
- Smoking: Tobacco use speeds up atherosclerosis and increases the risk of blood clots, leading to heart attacks and strokes.
- Diabetes: Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar levels damage blood vessels, significantly raising CVD risk.
- Obesity: Excess body weight strains the heart and contributes to other risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Being inactive: Sedentary lifestyles are closely associated with poor cardiovascular health.
- Unhealthy diets: Foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and sugar promote conditions like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
- Stress and mental health: Chronic stress, depression, and anxiety can negatively impact cardiovascular health.
Certain risk factors such as age, sex, and family history can’t be changed. For example, men are at higher risk earlier in life, while women’s risk increases after menopause due to hormonal changes.
A visit with a healthcare professional can help you determine your risk for CVD, and even if you are at risk, there are preventive measures you can take to reduce your risk. These heart-healthy actions include:
- Quitting smoking: If you smoke, stopping now can significantly lower your risk. Your body starts healing almost immediately.
- Avoiding alcohol: If you can’t give up all alcohol, consider cutting back since alcohol can raise blood levels of triglycerides. Excessive alcohol consumption increases risk of hypertension, arrhythmias, and heart failure.
- Eating better: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Resources like MyPlate can help you build balanced meals.
- Moving more: Aim for 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise, three to four times a week. Walking, cycling, or swimming are great options.
- Managing your weight: Losing even a little can make a big difference. Talk to a healthcare provider about creating a plan that works for you.
- Sleeping well: Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep. Poor sleep increases stress hormone production, which can lead to inflammation, impaired metabolism, weight gain, and insulin resistance.
- Reducing stress: Chronic stress can take a toll on heart health. Practicing stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or therapy can help you better manage stress.
For people diagnosed with CVD, treatment may include:
- Lifestyle changes: The same habits that prevent CVD can help slow its progression and improve your quality of life.
- Medications: Drugs like statins, beta blockers, and antiplatelet agents can help control symptoms and prevent complications.
- Medical procedures: In some cases, surgeries like angioplasty, stent placement, or bypass surgery might be necessary.
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women is a program dedicated to combating heart disease in women. Since 2004, it has focused on raising awareness and bridging gaps in clinical care related to women’s cardiovascular health. The program addresses the unique risks women face, especially during life stages like pregnancy and menopause, and provides resources tailored to women’s needs at every age and stage of life.
Go Red for Women educates women, teaching them how to recognize heart attack symptoms, which often differ from those in men. The program also advocates for research funding, policy changes, and community outreach to address barriers to care and support women in making informed health decisions. By promoting education, advocacy, and research, Go Red for Women empowers women to take charge of their heart health.
For more on this and related topics, please see these portals in the Gale Health and Wellness database: