Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 17.9 million people died from cardiovascular disease in 2016 alone. While certain factors such as age, sex, race, and family history can increase an individual’s risk of developing heart disease, several modifiable risk factors can be managed to reduce this risk.
In a webinar titled Kumusta Ang Puso Mo?: A webinar on How to Maintain a Healthy Heart, Dr. Malco Perez discussed the critical role of lifestyle modifications in promoting heart health. Individuals can reduce their risk of developing heart disease and maintain good cardiovascular health by making healthy lifestyle choices.
High cholesterol levels are among the most important risk factors for heart disease. High cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis and thereby increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Thus, managing high cholesterol levels through a healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce this risk significantly.
Smoking is another major risk factor for heart disease. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes cause damage to the arteries and increase the risk of blood clots, which can cause heart attacks and strokes. Quitting smoking improves heart health and reduces the risk of heart disease.
High blood pressure and diabetes are also risk factors for heart disease. Both conditions can damage the arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Managing these conditions through medications, a healthy diet, and regular exercise can significantly reduce this risk.
Maintaining a healthy weight is also crucial for heart health. Excess weight can increase the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which can contribute to heart disease. By adopting a healthy diet and staying physically active, individuals reduce their risk of developing heart disease.
Limiting alcohol intake and managing stress are two additional lifestyle modifications that can promote heart health. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to the development of heart disease. Stress, meanwhile, can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes by causing inflammation in the arteries. By reducing alcohol consumption and managing stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation, individuals can improve their heart health.
Lifestyle modifications play a critical role in promoting heart health. By managing risk factors such as high cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, excess weight, alcohol consumption, and stress, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing heart disease. Individuals can maintain good cardiovascular health and improve their overall quality of life by making healthy lifestyle choices.
