Heart Disease: A Preventable Threat You Can Manage

World Heart Day 2024

Currently, over 600 million people worldwide suffer from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and this number continues to rise each year due to changing lifestyles. CVDs are a leading cause of death globally, accounting for about one in three fatalities, with approximately 56,000 deaths occurring each day—equating to one every 1.5 seconds.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type, affecting around 300 million people globally and significantly contributing to disability and mortality.

Risk factors for coronary artery disease can be categorized into two types:

1. Non-modifiable risk factors: Age, gender, race, and genetics.
2. Modifiable risk factors: Smoking, body weight, cholesterol levels, and dietary habits.

The best way to prevent cardiovascular disease is to start early, focusing on reducing modifiable risk factors. Prevention can be divided into three levels:

1. Primary Prevention (for those without symptoms)

This emphasizes behavioral changes.

• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Avoid saturated fats, high-sodium foods, processed items, and sugary drinks.
• Opt for cooking methods like boiling, steaming, or poaching instead of frying or grilling.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.
• Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
• Get regular health check-ups to monitor blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels.

2. Secondary Prevention (for those with symptoms)

This focuses on preventing heart failure, stroke, or disability.

• Similar lifestyle changes as in primary prevention.
• Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
• Attend medical appointments, take prescribed medications, and follow your doctor's advice.

3. Tertiary Prevention

This aims to reduce the impact of the disease, prevent death, and enhance the quality of life for patients.

• Treatments may include surgical interventions like bypass surgery, stent placement, or the use of pacemakers.

It’s clear that the best prevention for heart disease begins early with behavioral changes, which can be implemented immediately and at no cost. In honor of World Heart Day, we invite everyone to invest in their heart health by adopting healthier behaviors.

Reference:

1. BHF. Global Heart & Circulatory Diseases Factsheet [Internet]. Birmingham: British Heart Foundation; 2024 Jan [cited 2024 Aug 2]. Available from: https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/heart-statistics/bhf-cvd-statistics-global-factsheet.pdf?rev=%20e61c05db17e9439a8c2e4720f6ca0a19&hash=6350DE1B2A19D939431D876311077C7B
2. Prasad K. Current Status of Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease. Int J Angiol. 2021 Aug 25;30(3):177-86.