Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but the good news is that many of the risk factors for CVD are preventable. With a focus on heart-healthy living, early detection, and regular screenings, you can significantly reduce your risk and improve your overall health. At Family Medical Centers, we are committed to helping you take control of your cardiovascular health.

What Is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. The most common types include:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD): Narrowing or blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction): Damage to the heart muscle due to reduced blood flow.
• Stroke: Occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, often due to a blood clot or burst blood vessel.
• Heart failure: When the heart cannot pump blood efficiently to meet the body’s needs.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Narrowing of the arteries in the limbs, leading to reduced blood flow.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), 1 in 3 adults has some form of cardiovascular disease¹.

Major Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

Several key factors increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, some of which can be managed or mitigated with lifestyle changes:

1. High blood pressure (hypertension): Often called the “silent killer,” high blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart and arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
2. High cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
3. Smoking: Tobacco use damages the blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and lowers oxygen in the blood, increasing the risk of heart disease.
4. Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of CVD.
5. Obesity: Excess weight can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other heart-related issues.
6. Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity is a major contributor to heart disease.
7. Family history: A family history of heart disease can increase the risk, especially if close relatives had heart problems at a young age.
8. Unhealthy diet: A diet high in saturated fats, sodium, and sugar can increase the risk of developing heart disease.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

While some risk factors, like family history, cannot be changed, many lifestyle changes can help lower your risk of CVD. The American Heart Association recommends the following strategies:

1. Eat a heart-healthy diet:
   
   1. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (such as fish), and healthy fats (like olive oil and nuts).
   2. Limit processed foods, added sugars, and high-sodium foods.
2. Exercise regularly:
   
   1. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (like walking or swimming) each week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (like running or cycling).
   2. Include strength training exercises at least twice a week.
3. Quit smoking:
   
   1. If you smoke, seek help to quit. Even after years of smoking, quitting significantly reduces the risk of heart disease.
4. Manage stress:
   
   1. Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to manage stress.
5. Control blood pressure and cholesterol:
   
   1. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor and manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
   2. Medications and lifestyle changes can help control these factors if necessary.
6. Maintain a healthy weight:
   
   1. Even a modest weight loss (5-10% of your body weight) can reduce the risk of heart disease.
7. Regular screenings:
   
   1. Talk to your healthcare provider about regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, especially if you have risk factors.

Early Detection and Treatment

The earlier cardiovascular disease is detected, the easier it is to manage and treat. Regular screenings, especially if you have risk factors, are vital to preventing complications.

Tests to check for cardiovascular disease include:

• Blood pressure screenings: Regular monitoring of blood pressure to identify hypertension early.
• Cholesterol and lipid panel tests: Blood tests to assess cholesterol levels and assess the risk of heart disease.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): A test to detect irregular heart rhythms or signs of a heart attack.
• Stress tests: Used to evaluate the heart’s response to exercise and detect underlying heart problems.

If you experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, seek medical attention immediately. Prompt intervention can prevent severe complications.

Take Control of Your Heart Health

Taking proactive steps to prevent and manage cardiovascular disease can help you live a longer, healthier life. Start by making small changes to your diet, exercise routine, and stress management techniques—and stay consistent.

Family Medical Centers is here to help guide you on your journey to better heart health. Schedule a screening or wellness visit today to assess your heart health and discuss a plan for prevention.

Call your provider to schedule your heart health check-up today.

References:

Footnotes

1. American Heart Association. (2023). Cardiovascular Disease: A Leading Cause of Death in the U.S. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiovascular-disease