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The prevention of cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term for medical conditions that affect the heart. The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood vessels and the blood itself. This system is responsible for supplying the body with blood. Cardiovascular diseases include various medical conditions that either develop alongside comorbidities or lead to the development of other conditions within the group.

Diseases that may affect the heart include:

• Hypertension
  is also known as high blood pressure. Hypertension refers to the pressure of the blood exerted against the artery walls. This pressure is dependent on the resistance of the blood vessels and how hard the heart needs to work.
  Hypertension symptoms may not be noticeable at first. In some cases, it may cause symptoms such as sweating, anxiety, blushing and sleeping problems. If hypertension escalates to being a hypertensive crisis, it may cause symptoms such as nosebleeds and headaches. Left undetected, it may damage the heart, blood vessels and other organs such as the kidneys. Therefore, it is essential to check blood pressure regularly.


• Obesity
  this is a disease that occurs when one has an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity is not only a cosmetic concern, but it is a medical concern that increases the risk of other health problems or diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers.


• High cholesterol
  Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's produced by the liver. It's essential for the formation of cell membranes, certain hormones, and vitamin D. Cholesterol travels through the blood with the help of lipoproteins that are also produced by the liver.
  High cholesterol occurs when the blood has too much low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). High cholesterol doesn’t cause any symptoms, however, left untreated, it increases the risk of health problems such as heart attack or stroke.


• Diabetes
  diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that results in high blood sugar. The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin. It is responsible for moving sugar from the blood to the cells, where the sugar will be stored or used for energy. With diabetes, the body either produces less insulin than it should or can't effectively use the insulin it produces.
  Diabetes causes symptoms such as increased hunger or thirst, blurry vision, frequent urination and sores that don't heal. Left untreated, it damages organs and tissues throughout the body, including the heart.

Prevention of cardiovascular disease

Prevention of cardiovascular disease involves addressing risk factors by:

• Reducing alcohol and tobacco use
• Eating fresh fruit and vegetables
• Reducing salt, sugar and saturated fat intake
• Avoiding an inactive lifestyle, especially for children
• Check and manage blood pressure regularly
• Manage stress
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage diabetes

It is important to also get regular medical check-ups because early detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease results in a lifetime of better heart health.