Every one of us can guard against cardiovascular diseases. The good advice given by our family doctor is usually ignored while we are young. Risk factors such as smoking, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and lack of exercise should be taken seriously by us and we should take measures against them. Though, frequently, we recognize that the extent and occurrence of vascular disease can be influenced by a healthy lifestyle only with advancing age.
The risk factor of smoking
Smoking is one of the main factors causing a heart attack irrespective of gender or age. Every cigarette increases the personal risk of infarction. Statistically, every packet of cigarettes shortens the life expectancy by 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Those continuing to smoke following a heart attack double the risk of a further attack.
It is never too late to give up smoking. There are many different stop smoking aids, quit smoking courses and therapy offers from stop smoking therapists. Your heart will thank you for giving up nicotine, even if you do it on your own.
The risk factor of cholesterol
We all know that there is “good” (high density lipoprotein, HDL) und “bad” (low density lipoprotein, LDL) cholesterol. “Good” cholesterol protects against cardiovascular disease and “bad” cholesterol can trigger or promote the development of this disease. Regular analysis of the blood fat content is therefore advisable to recognize the risk of cardiovascular disease in good time.
In many cases, the blood fat values can be kept within the normal range by well-balanced, low fat nutrition combined with regular exercise. In the case of elevated blood fat values, keeping to a stricter diet with less animal fats and more fruit, vegetables and fish is beneficial. Should these measures not be successful, the additional administration of cholesterol reducing medication under medical supervision will be required.
The risk factor of blood sugar
Those suffering from hyperglycemia (Diabetes mellitus) incur a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. For this reason, it is important that diabetics are well informed regarding their disease and adjust their lifestyle accordingly.
If the blood sugar level cannot be controlled by diet, blood sugar reducing medication or even insulin injections may be required to reduce the possible consequences of elevated blood glucose levels as low as possible with medical assistance.
The risk factor of high blood pressure
According to the definition of the World Health Organization (WHO), high blood pressure is a reading of an upper (systolic) value above 140 mmHg and a lower (diastolic) value above 90 mmHg. These blood pressure limits apply also to the elderly.
The cause of high blood pressure is often unclear. If a diseased organ can be diagnosed as being the cause, specifically targeted treatment is possible, in which case blood pressure can be returned to normal. If – as in most cases – the cause cannot be identified, a reduction in blood pressure is first attempted by measures such as a change in diet plus exercise. Should this be unsuccessful, reducing the blood pressure with drugs under medical supervision is unavoidable.
The risk factor of being overweight
Obesity is widespread in Germany and promotes the occurrence of other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and increased blood fat values.
The safest method for weight reduction is a calorie reduced, low fat diet in combination with exercise. It is important that the caloric intake is at a level below the calorie consumption. The weight loss achieved should be no more than 500 to 1,000 Gram per week.
The risk factor of lack of exercise
Lack of exercise is a frequent cause of the development of cardiovascular disease. Exercise has a favorable effect on the blood pressure, glucose and blood fat values. Regular exercise – at least twice a week for 20 to 30 minutes – improves the quality of life and the physical performance and, last but not least, increases life expectancy.
Endurance activities such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming or cycling are recommended. Heart training groups are particularly suitable for cardiac patients for a specifically targeted amount of exercise which is more fun in company.