5 Tips from the World Health Organization to Avoid Cardiovascular Disease

Diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels are the leading cause of death in the world, according to WHO. That is why we must take the prevention of cardiovascular diseases very seriously. Today we give you 5 simple recommendations that will help you.

WHAT ARE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including:

• coronary heart disease: disease of the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle;
• cerebrovascular diseases: diseases of the blood vessels that supply the brain;
• peripheral arteriopathies: diseases of the blood vessels that supply the upper and lower limbs;
• rheumatic heart disease: injuries of the heart muscle and heart valves due to rheumatic fever, a disease caused by bacteria called streptococci;
• congenital heart diseases: malformations of the heart present from birth; Y
• deep vein thromboses and pulmonary embolisms: blood clots (thrombi) in the veins of the legs, which can detach (emboli) and lodge in the vessels of the heart and lungs.

Heart attacks and cerebral vascular accidents (CVA) are usually acute phenomena that are mostly due to obstructions that prevent blood from flowing to the heart or brain.

The most frequent cause is the formation of deposits of fat in the walls of the blood vessels that supply the heart or brain. CVA may also be due to hemorrhages of cerebral vessels or blood clots.

MAIN RISK FACTORS

The most important causes of heart disease and stroke are an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking and harmful alcohol consumption.

The effects of behavioral risk factors can manifest in people in the form of high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and overweight or obesity. These "intermediary risk factors", which can be measured in primary care centers, are indicative of an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and other complications.

It has been demonstrated that the cessation of tobacco consumption, the reduction of dietary salt, the consumption of fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity and the avoidance of harmful alcohol consumption reduce the risk of CVD.

On the other hand, it may be necessary to prescribe a pharmacological treatment for diabetes, hypertension or hyperlipidemia, in order to reduce cardiovascular risk and prevent heart attacks and strokes. Health policies that create enabling environments to ensure the affordability and availability of healthy choices are essential to motivate people to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors.

5 RECOMMENDATIONS TO PREVENT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

1. Eat a balanced and healthy diet 
   It is essential to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Choosing the right foods will help take care of you and maintain good cardiovascular health. Here you can find specific nutritional tips to help in the prevention of heart problems. 
2. People with overweight and obesity 
   they are more vulnerable to the risk of cardiovascular disease. Hence the importance of taking care of food and maintaining regular control of our weight . 
3. The consumption of alcohol and tobacco 
   It is one of the main factors that increases the chances of suffering cardiovascular disease.Ideally, do not abuse alcoholic beverages and completely eliminate tobacco , as it severely affects the blood vessels of the heart, brain and extremities. 
4. Perform physical activity on a regular basis 
   It is very beneficial for the heart. It is shown that people who exercise often have a lower risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases and tension and cholesterol problems. 
5. Check and maintain control of cholesterol and glucose levels 
   It is of great importance when it comes to preventing cardiovascular diseases. In addition, it is also advisable to check your blood pressure regularly and consult your doctor if any type of alteration occurs.