Heart disease or Cardiovascular Disease is a common term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. It is commonly associated with the formation of fatty deposits inside the arteries and an increased risk of blood clots. It can also be associated with damage to the arteries in organs such as the eyes. CVD is one of the main causes of death and disability in India, but it is often considered a healthy life. Took the lead can be prevented.
Who is the villain?
In the light of these recent studies, it is clear that a very high as well as very low carbohydrate intake is associated with higher mortality. The ideal range of intake of carbohydrates seems to be 50%-55% of the total energy intake. The main culprit leading to CVD in the present era seems to be the increase in the amount of daily calorie consumption, as shown in figure 5, and not any particular macronutrient.
Types of CVD
- Angina – chest pain caused by restricted blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Heart Attacks – where the blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked.
- Heart Failure – where the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly.
Causes of CVD
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for CVD. If your blood pressure is too high, it can damage your blood vessels.
Smoking
Smoking and other tobacco use is also a significant risk factor for CVD. The harmful substances in tobacco can damage and narrow your blood vessels.
High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. If you have high cholesterol, it can cause your blood vessels to narrow and increase your risk of developing a blood clot.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes your blood sugar level to become too high. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels, making them more likely to become narrowed. Many people with type 2 diabetes are also overweight or obese, which is also a risk factor for CVD.
Inactivity
If you don’t exercise regularly, it’s more likely that you’ll have high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and be overweight. All of these are risk factors for CVD.
Exercising regularly will help keep your heart healthy. When combined with a healthy diet, exercise can also help you maintain a healthy weight.
Preventing CVD
A healthy lifestyle can lower your risk of CVD. If you already have a CVD, staying as healthy as possible can reduce the chances of it getting worse.
Ways you can reduce your CVD risk are outlined below.
- Stop smoking
- Have a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Cut down on alcohol
- Take the right medication