cardiovascular diseases and protection

Most common cardiovascular diseases and how to protect yourself from them

Cardiovascular diseases are still one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. 

According to the data of the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC), in 2018, cardiovascular disease was the most common cause of death in the world. Most of them are primary arterial hypertension, and a third are coronary heart disease. Mortality rates due to cardiovascular diseases in the world are generally higher than the EU average. On the risk factors, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the expert engaged by BENU Aptieka, cardiologist of "Capital Clinic Riga", echocardiography specialist Dr. Kristīne Spalva and pharmacist Zanda Ozoliņa.

Common diseases and symptoms

The doctor says that the most common diseases at any age are primary arterial hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation also increase with age. About one in five cardiovascular patients suffers from atrial fibrillation. The expert explains that the symptoms of heart disease can be various, for example, high blood pressure can manifest asymptomatically, headaches, oppressive chest discomfort. Coronary heart disease may be indicated by chest, burning or suffocating chest pain during exercise, but in the case of myocardial infarction, this type of pain is at rest. Shortness of breath, weakness, low load tolerance and swelling of the legs may be seen in heart failure, while dizziness, loss of consciousness and palpitations may occur. If symptoms of heart disease occur, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible for further examination and treatment.

Risk Factors

Factors such as smoking, high cholesterol (total and low-density cholesterol), diabetes, overweight and obesity (BMI ³25 kg / m2), and sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

There is also a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in men over 55 and in women over 65 years of age. Another risk factor is early cardiovascular disease in a family member (men <55 years, women <65 years). The doctor explains that the population in Latvia is very different. In general, the trend is that people also apply to a cardiologist for prophylactic purposes - to avoid complications such as those of their (patients, not any) parents and grandparents. At the same time, the specialist emphasizes that there is still a proportion of patients who come to the doctor late and with serious complications, the treatment of which often requires even the patient's hospitalization.

The importance of prevention

Cardiovascular health can be greatly influenced by the patient. The European Guidelines for Cardiologists provide the following cardiovascular health recommendations:

Regular moderate physical activity (aerobic exercise for 30 minutes five to seven days a week),

balanced diet. Limiting the amount of salt and animal fat in the diet, it is recommended to consume at least 400 to 500 grams of vegetables, nuts, unsaturated fatty acids, low-fat dairy products per day. It is also desirable to include fish dishes in the diet twice a week and take ~ 1000-1500 milliliters of fluid every day,

Smoking and alcohol control, body weight control.

It is recommended to avoid obesity, a healthy BMI of 20-25 kg / m2 and a waist circumference of <94 centimeters for men and <80 centimeters for women to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The timing of medication is also important

Each medicine has a role to play in a particular disease and its effects last for a certain period of time. In addition, when several drugs are used and the interval is not observed, their therapeutic effect may overlap or disappear for some time. Therefore, it is important that the medication is taken at the same time. This is particularly important for antithrombotic therapy, as there is an increased risk of bleeding or thrombotic events without regard to the duration of medication. The cardiologist reminds that regular use of drugs to lower blood pressure, prevent arrhythmias and heart failure at certain times can avoid unwanted fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of hypertension, arrhythmias, decompensation of heart failure and hypertension.

Pharmacist advice

The pharmacist emphasizes that the heart is one of the most important organs of life. It suffers every time there is a bigger or smaller change in life. In order to take care of heart health, it is important not only to eat properly and healthily, exercise, but also to allow it to relax in certain rhythms of life. When stress and hurry have taken over at work, it is good to learn to breathe properly, thus minimizing the effects of stress. It is also recommended to drink less coffee and take magnesium-containing medications for your daily mineral balance. It is also important to feed the heart muscle, it can use B vitamins, as well as plant-based supplements that will keep the heart healthy. Over the years, the body no longer produces Q10, which is also a source of energy for the heart. The pharmacist also reminds that it is possible to apply for the Medication Reminder Program at the pharmacy, the aim of which is to make the daily life of customers who need to take prescription medicines for a long time and to receive a timely reminder about the need to buy medicines. You can apply for the program at any BENU Pharmacy.