Take proactive measures to reduce cardiovascular disease risk
By zp7op | Contributor
In the last ten years, there has been an increase in cardiovascular risk factors such as uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, which all contribute to the likelihood of developing heart disease and stroke. Researchers are concluding that the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) will continue to grow.
Forecast projections from the American Heart Association indicate that more than 60% of U.S. adults are expected to experience some form of CVD by 2050. This organization, which has dedicated a century to saving lives and focusing on heart and brain health for everyone, also anticipates that the financial burden associated with CVD will nearly triple, exceeding $1.8 trillion over the same period.
The rise in CVD will largely be influenced by an aging and more diverse population, although these risk factors are also on the rise in both children and adults.
“We acknowledge that the landscape of cardiovascular health will undergo significant changes in the next thirty years due to a wave of increasing healthcare costs, a growing older population, and an increasing number of individuals from underserved communities,” stated American Heart Association volunteer Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA. “Nevertheless, these remain primary causes of death and disability in the United States.”
Although systematic changes are essential within science, policy, and healthcare, a significant portion of CVD is preventable at the individual level. You can help alter the concerning outlook on CVD while enhancing your health by adhering to and encouraging others to adopt the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8.”
Eat a nutritious diet. Strive for a balanced eating pattern that includes whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and the use of olive and canola oils for cooking.
Stay active. Adults should aim for 2.5 hours of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity weekly. Children should engage in 60 minutes of activity every day, which can include both play and organized activities.
Quit tobacco. The use of nicotine delivery systems, including traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices, is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the U.S.
Ensure adequate sleep. Most adults require 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Children need 10-16 hours for those aged 5 and under (including naps), 9-12 hours for ages 6-12, and 8-10 hours for ages 13-18.
Maintain a healthy weight. Achieving and sustaining a healthy weight carries numerous benefits. A healthy body mass index (BMI) is considered to be less than 25, while less than 18.5 is classified as underweight. You can calculate this online or seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Monitor cholesterol levels. Elevated levels of non-HDL, or “bad,” cholesterol can contribute to heart disease. Health professionals often prefer monitoring non-HDL cholesterol instead of total cholesterol, as it can be assessed without fasting and is consistently measured across all individuals.
Control blood sugar levels. The majority of the food consumed is converted into glucose, or blood sugar, which serves as energy for the body. Persistently high blood sugar levels can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves over time.
Manage blood pressure. Keeping your blood pressure within healthy limits can contribute to longer overall health. Optimal levels are considered to be below 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure is defined as 130-139 mm Hg for systolic pressure (the top number in a reading) and 80-89 mm Hg for diastolic pressure (the bottom number).
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