Observing Cardiovascular Health Awareness Month

Promoting a healthy heart at all ages.

This month is dedicated to cardiovascular health, recognizing the importance of maintaining lifestyles that contribute to better health. While much emphasis is placed on the cardiovascular health of women this month, it’s essential to remember that everyone is at risk of heart diseases. The reality is that heart diseases are the leading cause of death in both men and women. Below are recommendations for various population groups.

 

Heart Diseases in Children

Although cardiovascular diseases are more common in adults, it is possible to develop or be born with a heart disease. Typically, children do not exhibit symptoms, making it crucial to undergo periodic examinations with a pediatrician. Additionally, it is highly recommended to promote heart-friendly lifestyles in this population, such as exercising and maintaining a healthy diet.

Heart Diseases in Women

Heart diseases are a concern for the entire population. However, we cannot overlook the impact these diseases have on the female population and how biological, social, and systemic factors put them at greater risk.

Risk Factors

Women have three additional risk factors compared to men, each significantly increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases:

• Being a woman over 55 years old
• Experiencing menopause
• History of preeclampsia during pregnancy
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Overweight or obesity
• Smoking
• Diabetes or pre diabetes
• Family history of coronary disease
• Unhealthy diet

Heart Diseases in Men

One in four deaths in men is due to heart diseases. While women have a higher risk, men face unique risks and slightly different symptoms.

Risk Factors

• Low testosterone
• Erectile dysfunction
• High stress levels
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Family history of heart diseases

Common Heart Diseases

Heart diseases include many conditions that affect the cardiovascular system. This includes congenital or birth defects and those that develop in adulthood or during life. According to the National Library of Medicine, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease. However, there are other heart diseases, such as:

• Angina – chest pain due to poor blood flow
• Arrhythmia – heart rhythm issues
• Heart failure – inability to pump blood properly
• Heart attack – loss of blood flow, leading to heart muscle damage

Depending on the type of heart disease, causes may vary, but certain factors increase the risk, including unhealthy lifestyles, genetic factors, medications, and other diseases. It is important to note that most heart diseases are preventable.

Preventive Measures for Heart Health

To maintain a healthy heart and reduce the risk of developing heart disease, it is recommended to follow these measures:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly, at least three times a week
• Monitor blood pressure
• Control cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• Maintain a healthy diet (high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low in sodium)
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products
• Manage stress
• Control diabetes
• Get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep daily

In addition to these measures, an annual preventive examination is important. This allows for the detection of any problems or changes in health status, even in the absence of symptoms. Prevention is the key to maintaining good health and a long life.