Prevention of cardiovascular diseases: the path to a healthy heart
Section 1: Understanding of cardiovascular diseases (SSZ)
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Epidemiology and global burden of the SSZ:
- Cardiovascular diseases (SVD) are a leading cause of mortality around the world, ahead of infectious diseases and oncology.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) evaluates that the SSZ annually takes millions of lives, having significant economic and social influence on countries.
- Statistics in Russia: Annually, a significant part of the population of working age is dying from the SVD, which jeopardizes a demographic situation.
- Geographical features: The prevalence of the CVD varies depending on the region, which is associated with the differences in the lifestyle, nutrition and accessibility of medical care.
- Socio-economic factors: income level, education and access to medical services have a significant impact on the risk of the development of SVD.
- Forecasting: Further growth in the incidence of SVD is predicted in connection with an increase in life expectancy and the spread of risk factors.
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Types of cardiovascular disease:
- Corny heart (coronary heart disease):
- Reasons: narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerotic plaques, leading to insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle.
- Manifestations: angina pectoris (chest pain), myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure.
- Diagnostics: Electrocardiography (ECG), Echocardiography (Echoc), Coronary.
- Stroke:
- Reasons: violation of the blood supply to the brain, leading to damage to nerve cells.
- Types: ischemic stroke (blockage of the vessel), hemorrhagic stroke (brain hemorrhage).
- Manifestations: weakness or paralysis of one side of the body, violation of speech, vision, coordination.
- Diagnostics: computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain.
- Heart failure:
- Reasons: heart inability to effectively pump blood, providing tissues and organs with oxygen and nutrients.
- Manifestations: shortness of breath, swelling of the legs, fatigue.
- Diagnostics: echocardiography, blood test on BNP (cerebral sodium peptide).
- Arrhythmias:
- Reasons: violation of heart rhythm.
- Types: atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia.
- Manifestations: rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fainting.
- Diagnosis: ECG, Holter monitoring (daily ECG monitoring).
- Diseases of the peripheral arteries:
- Causes: narrowing of arteries supplying the limbs, most often legs.
- Manifestations: Pain in the legs when walking (interspersental lameness), ulcers on the legs.
- Diagnostics: ultrasound dopplerography of the vessels of the lower extremities.
- Congenital heart defects:
- Reasons: anomalies of heart development that occur during pregnancy.
- Manifestations: vary depending on the type of vice.
- Diagnostics: EchoKG.
- Rheumatic heart disease:
- Reasons: complication of rheumatic fever, leading to the defeat of the heart valves.
- Manifestations: shortness of breath, fatigue, heart pain.
- Diagnostics: EchoKG.
- Corny heart (coronary heart disease):
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Risk factors for the development of SVD:
- Modified risk factors:
- High blood pressure (hypertension):
- Mechanism: increased pressure damages the walls of arteries, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis.
- Control: regular measurement of blood pressure, change in lifestyle (diet, physical activity), drug therapy.
- High blood cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia):
- Mechanism: an excess of cholesterol is laid on the walls of the arteries, forming atherosclerotic plaques.
- Control: a low content of saturated fats and cholesterol, physical activity, drug therapy (statins).
- Smoking:
- Mechanism: nicotine and other chemicals contained in tobacco smoke damage the walls of arteries, increase blood coagulation and reduce the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL).
- Control: full refusal of smoking.
- Diabetes sugar:
- Mechanism: High blood sugar damages the walls of arteries, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis.
- Control: control of blood sugar with a diet, physical activity and drug therapy.
- Obesity:
- Mechanism: overweight increases the load on the heart, increases blood pressure and cholesterol, and promotes the development of diabetes.
- Control: weight loss with a diet and physical activity.
- Insufficient physical activity (hypodynamia):
- Mechanism: reduces the level of “good” cholesterol, increases blood pressure and promotes the development of obesity.
- Control: regular physical exercises.
- Inal meals:
- Mechanism: an excess of saturated fats, cholesterol, salt and sugar contributes to the development of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity and diabetes.
- Control: healthy diet with low saturated fats, cholesterol, salt and sugar, rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Excessive drinking:
- Mechanism: increases blood pressure, promotes the development of arrhythmias and heart failure.
- Control: restriction of alcohol use or complete rejection of it.
- Stress:
- Mechanism: chronic stress increases blood pressure and cholesterol, promotes the development of arrhythmias.
- Control: Stress management using relaxation techniques, meditation, physical exercises and psychotherapy.
- High blood pressure (hypertension):
- Unmodified risk factors:
- Age: The risk of the SPA increases with age.
- Floor: Men, as a rule, are at a higher risk of SVD than women before menopause.
- Family history (genetic predisposition): The presence of SVD in close relatives increases the risk of developing these diseases.
- Race/ethnicity: Some races and ethnic groups have a higher risk of CVD.
- Modified risk factors:
Section 2: Primary SSZ prevention: Fundamentals of a healthy lifestyle
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Healthy nutrition:
- Principles of a healthy diet for the prevention of SSZ:
- Limiting the consumption of saturated fats and trans fats: Contained in fatty meat, dairy products of high fat content, fried foods, baking and processed foods.
- Increased consumption of unsaturated fats: Contained in vegetable oils (olive, sunflower, linseed), avocados, nuts and fish.
- Cholesterol consumption restriction: Contained in eggs (especially in yolks), red meat and dairy products of high fat content.
- Increase in fiber consumption: Contained in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.
- Restriction of salt consumption (sodium): Contained in processed foods, canned foods and fast food.
- Restriction of consumption of added sugar: Contained in sweet drinks, sweets and baking.
- Increase in potassium consumption: Contained in fruits and vegetables (bananas, oranges, potatoes).
- Recommended products:
- Fruits and vegetables: At least 5 servings per day.
- Whole grains: Whole grain bread, oatmeal, brown rice.
- Fish: Especially fatty varieties (salmon, mackerel, sardines) 2-3 times a week.
- Nuts and seeds: In moderate quantities (no more than 30 grams per day).
- Legumes: Beans, peas, lentils.
- Olive oil: As the main source of fat.
- Products that should be avoided or consumed in limited quantities:
- Fatty meat: Beef, pork, lamb.
- High fat dairy products: Whole milk, cheese, butter.
- Frying products: Free potatoes, chips.
- Baking: Cakes, cakes, cookies.
- Processed foods: Sausages, sausages, canned food, fast food.
- Sweet drinks: Carbonated drinks, juices.
- Principles of a healthy diet for the prevention of SSZ:
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Regular physical activity:
- Recommendations on physical activity for the prevention of SSZ:
- At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity of aerobic activity per week (for example, fast walking, swimming, cycling) or 75 minutes of high aerobic activity per week (for example, running, aerobics).
- Additional advantages can be obtained by increasing the duration of physical activity.
- It is recommended to combine aerobic exercises with strength training at least twice a week.
- Examples of physical exercises suitable for the prevention of SVD:
- Walking: A simple and affordable type of physical activity.
- Running: An effective way to strengthen the cardiovascular system.
- Swimming: Suitable for people with joint problems.
- Cycling: Strengthens legs and cardiovascular system.
- Dancing: A fun and effective way to improve physical shape.
- Power training: Strengthen muscles and bones.
- Tips for the beginning and maintenance of regular physical activity:
- Start small and gradually increase the intensity and duration of training.
- Choose a type of physical activity that you like.
- Train regularly and make physical activity part of your daily life.
- Join the sports section or find a partner for training.
- Consult a doctor before starting new training, especially if you have any diseases.
- Recommendations on physical activity for the prevention of SSZ:
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Refusal of smoking:
- The effect of smoking on the cardiovascular system:
- Damages the walls of arteries.
- Increases blood coagulation.
- Reduces the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL).
- Increases the risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, stroke and diseases of the peripheral arteries.
- Tips for rejection of smoking:
- Make a firm decision to quit smoking.
- Seek a doctor or psychologist for help.
- Use nicotin -replacement therapy (plasters, chewing gums, candies).
- Avoid situations that provoke smoking.
- Replace smoking with other activities (for example, physical exercises, hobbies).
- Seek support for friends and relatives.
- The benefits of smoking for the cardiovascular system:
- Reducing the risk of CVD development.
- Improving the function of the lungs.
- Reducing the risk of cancer development.
- Increase in life expectancy.
- The effect of smoking on the cardiovascular system:
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Maintaining a healthy weight:
- Determination of healthy weight:
- Body weight (BMI): is calculated by the weight formula (kg) / height (m) ².
- Normal BMI: 18.5-24.9 kg/m².
- Excess weight: 25-29.9 kg/m².
- Obesity: 30 kg/m² and above.
- The waist circumference:
- For men: less than 94 cm.
- For women: less than 80 cm.
- Methods of maintaining a healthy weight:
- Healthy diet.
- Regular physical activity.
- Alcohol consumption restriction.
- Stress management.
- Risk of obesity for the cardiovascular system:
- Increases blood pressure.
- Increases cholesterol.
- Promotes the development of diabetes.
- Increases the load on the heart.
- Increases the risk of IBS, stroke and heart failure.
- Determination of healthy weight:
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Alcohol use restriction:
- The effect of alcohol on the cardiovascular system:
- Increases blood pressure.
- Promotes the development of arrhythmias.
- Promotes the development of heart failure.
- Increases the level of triglycerides in the blood.
- Recommendations for alcohol use:
- For men: no more than 2 servings of alcohol per day.
- For women: no more than 1 portion of alcohol per day.
- One portion of alcohol corresponds to:
- 350 ml of beer.
- 150 ml of wine.
- 45 ml of strong alcohol.
- Who should avoid alcohol use:
- People with high blood pressure.
- People with arrhythmias.
- People with heart failure.
- Pregnant women.
- People taking certain drugs.
- The effect of alcohol on the cardiovascular system:
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Stress management:
- The effect of stress on the cardiovascular system:
- Increases blood pressure.
- Increases cholesterol.
- Promotes the development of arrhythmias.
- Promotes the development of coronary heart disease.
- Stress management methods:
- Relaxation techniques (meditation, yoga, breathing exercises).
- Exercise.
- Hobbies.
- Spending time with friends and family.
- Psychotherapy.
- The importance of social support:
- Social support helps to cope with stress and reduces the risk of SSZ.
- The effect of stress on the cardiovascular system:
Section 3: Secondary Prevention of the SSZ: Prevention of the progression of the disease
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Drug therapy:
- Antihypertensive drugs:
- Diuretics: reduce the volume of fluid in the body, reducing blood pressure.
- Beta blockers: reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
- ACE inhibitors: expand blood vessels, reducing blood pressure.
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers are similar to ACE inhibitors.
- Calcium channel blockers: expand blood vessels and reduce heart rate.
- Hypolipidemic drugs:
- Statins: reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL).
- Fibrates: reduce the level of triglycerides and increase the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL).
- Nicotinic acid: reduces the level of “poor” cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, increases the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL).
- Sequestrants of bile acids: reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL).
- Anti -agents (antitromobocytic drugs):
- Aspirin: prevents blood clots.
- Clopidogrel: prevents blood clots.
- Anticoagulants:
- Varfarin: prevents the formation of blood clots.
- New oral anticoagulants (PLA): Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, Apixban, Edoxaban.
- Other drugs:
- Beta blockers: used to treat angina pectoris, arrhythmias and heart failure.
- ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers are used to treat heart failure and hypertension.
- Digoxin: used to treat heart failure and arrhythmias.
- Antihypertensive drugs:
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Rehabilitation after cardiovascular events:
- Cardial rehabilitation goals:
- Improving the physical form.
- Reducing the risk of repeated cardiovascular events.
- Improving the quality of life.
- Risk factors management.
- Components of heart rehabilitation:
- Exercise.
- Education on a healthy lifestyle.
- Psychological support.
- Medication management.
- Heart rehabilitation programs:
- Stationary programs.
- Outpatient programs.
- Home programs.
- Cardial rehabilitation goals:
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Surgical interventions:
- Coronary shunting:
- Operation to create a bypass path for blood around blocked coronary arteries.
- Angioplasty and stenting:
- Operation to expand the narrowed coronary arteries using a cylinder and installation of a stent.
- Replacing heart valves:
- Operation to replace damaged heart valves.
- Heart transplantation:
- Operation to replace the damaged heart with a donor heart.
- Coronary shunting:
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Regular monitoring and examinations:
- Measurement of blood pressure:
- Regularly measure blood pressure at home and at the doctor.
- Support blood pressure within the norm (less than 140/90 mm Hg).
- Blood test for cholesterol:
- Pass the blood test for cholesterol (LDL, HDL, triglycerides).
- Support cholesterol within normal limits.
- Electrocardodiography (ECG):
- Regularly make an ECG to identify arrhythmias and other heart problems.
- Echocardiography (EchoCG):
- Regularly make an echocardiocarity to evaluate the function of the heart.
- Other examinations:
- Stress test.
- Coronarography.
- Computed tomography (CT) of the heart.
- Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI) of the heart.
- Measurement of blood pressure:
Section 4: SSZ prevention in special population groups
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SSZ prevention in women:
- Features of the female cardiovascular system:
- Before menopause, women have a lower risk of CVD development than men.
- After menopause, the risk of SVD in women increases.
- Women often have atypical IBS symptoms.
- Risk factors of the SPZ specific for women:
- Pregnancy (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia).
- Early menopause.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCU).
- Reception of oral contraceptives.
- Recommendations for the prevention of SSZ in women:
- Healthy diet.
- Regular physical activity.
- Refusal of smoking.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Control of blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Regular examinations by the doctor.
- Features of the female cardiovascular system:
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SSZ prevention in men:
- Features of the male cardiovascular system:
- Men have a higher risk of CVD development than women before menopause.
- Men often have typical IBS symptoms.
- Risk factors of the SPZ specific for men:
- High level of testosterone.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Recommendations for the prevention of SSZ in men:
- Healthy diet.
- Regular physical activity.
- Refusal of smoking.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Control of blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Regular examinations by the doctor.
- Features of the male cardiovascular system:
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Prevention of SSZ in the elderly:
- Features of the cardiovascular system in old age:
- Reducing the elasticity of the arteries.
- Increasing the rigidity of the heart muscle.
- Reducing the function of the kidneys.
- Risk factors of the SVD, specific for the elderly:
- Age.
- Chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, renal failure).
- Taking several drugs (polypragmasis).
- Reduction in physical activity.
- Recommendations for the prevention of SSZ in elderly people:
- Healthy diet.
- Regular physical activity (taking into account physical capabilities).
- Control of blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Regular examinations by the doctor.
- Prevention of falls.
- Social activity.
- Features of the cardiovascular system in old age:
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SSZ prevention in children and adolescents:
- The importance of the prevention of SVD in childhood:
- The formation of healthy habits from childhood reduces the risk of CVD development in the future.
- Atherosclerosis can begin in childhood.
- Risk factors of SVD in children and adolescents:
- Obesity.
- Improper nutrition.
- Insufficient physical activity.
- Family history of SSZ.
- Smoking (including passive).
- Recommendations for the prevention of SSZ in children and adolescents:
- Healthy diet.
- Regular physical activity.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Refusal of smoking.
- Regular examinations by the doctor.
- Teaching children and adolescents to a healthy lifestyle.
- The importance of the prevention of SVD in childhood:
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SSZ prevention in patients with diabetes:
- The effect of diabetes on the cardiovascular system:
- Diabetes mellitus significantly increases the risk of CVD.
- Diabetes sugar accelerates the development of atherosclerosis.
- Patients with diabetes often have concomitant risk factors of SVD (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity).
- Recommendations for the prevention of SVD in patients with diabetes:
- Strict control of blood sugar.
- Healthy diet.
- Regular physical activity.
- Refusal of smoking.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Control of blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Regular examinations by the doctor.
- Taking drugs that reduce the risk of the development of SVD (ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, statins).
- The effect of diabetes on the cardiovascular system:
Section 5: Current trends and innovations in the prevention of SSZ
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Personalized medicine:
- Genomic research: Identification of genetic risk factors for the development of SVD.
- Pharmacogenomy: The selection of drugs, taking into account the genetic characteristics of the patient.
- Development of individual programs for the prevention and treatment of CVD.
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Telemedicine and mobile applications:
- Remote monitoring: Tracking blood pressure, pulse and other health indicators.
- Consultations with a doctor online.
- Mobile applications to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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New drugs and treatment methods:
- PCSK9 inhibitors: Reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in patients with high risk of CVD.
- New anticoagulants (PLA): Safe and more effective than warfarin.
- Miniyinvasive surgical methods: Less traumatic operations on the heart and vessels.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning:
- Prediction of the risk of development of SVD.
- Analysis of large data to identify new risk factors and develop effective methods of prevention and treatment.
- Help in the diagnosis and treatment of SVD.
Section 6: The role of society and the state in the prevention of the CVD
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Educational programs:
- Increased public awareness of risk factors and methods of SSZ prevention.
- Learning a healthy lifestyle.
- Conducting information campaigns in the media.
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Creating a favorable environment for a healthy lifestyle:
- Ensuring the availability of healthy diet.
- Creating conditions for physical activity (bicycle paths, sports grounds, parks).
- Restriction of advertising tobacco and alcohol.
- Supporting programs to combat smoking and alcoholism.
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Availability of medical care:
- Ensuring the availability of primary health care.
- Regular preventive examinations.
- Timely diagnosis and treatment of SSZ.
- Ensuring the availability of modern drugs and treatment methods.
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Legislative measures:
- Laws aimed at limiting smoking in public places.
- Laws aimed at regulating advertising and sales of tobacco products and alcohol.
- Laws aimed at ensuring food safety.
Section 7: Practical tips and recommendations for a healthy heart
- Start today! Do not put off your heart care for later.
- Make small changes to your lifestyle gradually. Do not try to change everything at once.
- Make a healthy lifestyle part of your daily life.
- Consult a doctor if you have any risk factors of the SSZ.
- Preventive examinations regularly.
- Listen to your body and pay attention to any symptoms that can indicate heart problems.
- Feel free to seek help from a doctor or psychologist, if you need it.
- Stay motivated and do not give up!
- Remember that a healthy heart is the key to a long and happy life!
Section 8: Future of SSZ prevention
- The development of technology and innovation will make the prevention of the SSZ more efficient and personalized.
- Doctors will be able to predict the risk of developing SVD in each patient and develop individual programs for prevention and treatment.
- Patients will actively participate in their health management with telemedicine and mobile applications.
- Society and the state will play a more active role in creating a favorable environment for a healthy lifestyle.
- We will be able to significantly reduce the incidence and mortality from the CVD and provide people with a longer and healthy life.
This detailed article provides a comprehensive overview of cardiovascular disease prevention, covering a wide range of topics from risk factors and healthy lifestyle choices to medical interventions and future trends. Remember to consult with your doctor for personalized advice and treatment.