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NCDs – Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Published on 16. September 2024

Starting with this post, we'll be discussing various types of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Today, we focus on the world's leading cause of death—cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Heart and circulatory diseases account for nearly 1 in 3 deaths globally, with an estimated 20 million deaths in 2021—that's one death every 1.5 seconds.

What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. It’s commonly associated with the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of blood clots. Over time, CVD can cause significant damage to major organs, including the brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes, leading to serious health complications.

Some common disorders under CVD include:

  • Coronary heart disease – Affects the blood vessels supplying the heart. If these vessels fail, it can lead to a heart attack.

  • Cerebrovascular disease – Impacts the blood vessels supplying the brain. If these vessels are compromised, a stroke may occur.

  • Peripheral arterial disease – Affects the blood vessels supplying the arms and legs.

  • Rheumatic heart disease – Damage to the heart muscle and valves caused by rheumatic fever, typically due to a streptococcal infection.

  • Congenital heart disease – Birth defects that impact the normal structure and function of the heart.

  • Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism – Blood clots in the leg veins that can travel to the heart and lungs, potentially causing life-threatening complications.

What Causes CVD?

While the exact causes of CVD are not always clear, many factors significantly increase the risk. These are known as "risk factors," and they can either be modifiable (things we can change) or non-modifiable (things we can’t).

Modifiable Risk Factors

These are the risk factors that we have control over and can manage to reduce the risk of CVD:

  • Obesity

  • Unhealthy diet

  • Diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • Physical inactivity

  • Tobacco and alcohol use

  • Abnormal blood lipids (such as high cholesterol)

How Can We Prevent CVD or Lower the Risk?

The good news, according to the World Heart Foundation, is that 80% of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are preventable.

Here are the key steps for CVD prevention:

  1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

    • Engage in regular physical activity and

    • Adopt a balanced diet.

  2. Cut Down on Alcohol

    • Reducing alcohol consumption can significantly lower your risk of CVD.

  3. Quit Smoking

    • Stopping smoking is one of the most effective ways to protect your heart and overall health.

What Does a Balanced Diet Look Like?

A heart-healthy diet includes:

  • Plenty of fruits, vegetables, fiber, and whole grains.

  • Limiting intake of saturated fats, salt, and sugar.

By making these lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and improve your overall health.

Sources:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)

https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/healthprotection/fetp/training_modules/new-8/overview-of-ncds_ppt_qa-revcom_09112013.pdf

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cardiovascular-disease/

https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/heart-statistics/bhf-cvd-statistics-global-factsheet.pdf?rev=e61c05db17e9439a8c2e4720f6ca0a19&hash=6350DE1B2A19D939431D876311077C7B

https://world-heart-federation.org/what-we-do/prevention/

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