Cardiovascular risk: causes and prevention

There are a number of cardiovascular risks that can be reduced or controlled to help prevent, as far as possible, diseases that affect heart health and the circulatory system. In this article, we will look at them in more detail.

What cardiovascular risk is

We use the term cardiovascular risks to describe the likelihood of a person developing a disease of this kind within a given period of time. This also depends on the number of associated risk factors that person has.

What the risk factors are

Nowadays, we can classify the different risk factors into two types:

1. Non-modifiable.
   1. Age.
   2. Sex.
   3. Genetic inheritance.
2. Modifiable.
   1. High blood pressure.
   2. Cholesterol.
   3. Diabetes.
   4. Smoking.
   5. Sedentary lifestyle.
   6. Obesity

Let us look at them one by one.

Age

A person's heart ages at the same time as they do. As a result, older people are the ones who suffer most heart disease.

So much so that the Spanish Heart Foundation states that from the age of 40-45, cases of heart failure double.

Sex

Sex is a key risk factor, as men have a greater predisposition than women. Specialists indicate that this is because female hormones have a protective effect.

However, once menopause begins, there is an increase in the rate of heart disease.

Genetic inheritance

Recent research has shown that there is a certain correlation in cardiovascular conditions among members of the same family.

For this reason, there is considered to be evidence of a genetic cause in developing these diseases.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure is considered to be present when it exceeds 140/90 mm of Hg, and this condition is one of the main public health problems in developed countries.

In addition, those with readings between 130/80 and 139/89 are twice as likely to develop it. High blood pressure is easy to detect, although it is an asymptomatic disease.

However, its complications are serious and can even be fatal if not treated in time. In 90% of cases, it occurs for an unknown reason, although with a strong genetic or hereditary influence.

Cholesterol

Among cardiovascular risks, hypercholesterolaemia is perhaps one of the most important factors. Those who have a blood level above 240 mg/dl are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack as those with a level of 200 mg/dl.

Likewise, when cells do not have the necessary capacity to absorb all the cholesterol, it sticks to the walls of the arteries. As a result, they narrow and arteriosclerosis develops.

Diabetes

Prevention of this condition is essential, as people who have it are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease. The main reason is that blood glucose levels rise, blood vessels are damaged and arteriosclerosis speeds up.

Diabetes is also a risk factor for the development of cerebrovascular disease.

Smoking

People who smoke are at three times the risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who do not smoke.

This makes it the most important risk factor. In fact, the Spanish Heart Foundation states that the likelihood of suffering a disease of this kind is proportional to the number of cigarettes smoked each day and the number of years this habit is maintained.

Sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle is deeply established in the Western way of life among the general population. For this reason, different public bodies promote lifestyle changes, since its link with cardiovascular mortality has been proven.

Among people for whom lack of physical exercise is constant, it is common to have a greater risk of developing respiratory diseases,atherosclerosisand high blood pressure.

Obesity

Obesity is a risk factor for different types of disease. In the case of cardiovascular disease, it also plays a key role.

What the symptoms of cardiovascular disease are

The associated symptoms depend on the cardiovascular risks. However, it should not be forgotten that heart disease may be present without any kind of symptoms.

Even so, the usual symptoms of cardiovascular disease are:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Numbness or tingling in the arms, shoulders, neck, back or jaw.
• Chest pain.
• Dizziness.
• Confusion.
• Headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sweating.
• Light-headedness.
• Fatigue and tiredness.
• Swelling in the lower limbs, neck or stomach.

How to prevent or reduce cardiovascular risks

First of all, it is worth stressing that the cardiovascular risk factors that can be prevented are the modifiable ones. To do this, it is necessary to change your lifestyle, take care of your diet, stop being sedentary and adopt healthy habits.

In addition, at Farmaciasdirect we can also help with these food supplements:

Aboca Metarecord

This product helps to rebalance three different metabolic parameters: blood sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol. It improves the flora and regulates intestinal transit while helping to eliminate fats and carbohydrates.

It has a pleasant peach and orange flavour and is suitable for people with obesity, hypoglycaemic spikes and high blood pressure.

It is recommended to take it for three months and dissolve it in half a glass of water before the two main meals.

Arkopharma arkosterol

This food supplement has been designed to maintain normal blood cholesterol levels. E

It is made with extracts of natural ingredients that help maintain a healthier, more stable heart. Its bioactive components support better health and a more balanced metabolism.

In addition, it has an antioxidant effect that helps prevent the damage caused in the body by free radicals.

Among the ingredients are coenzyme Q10, red yeast rice, policosanols and black garlic and coriander extracts. It is recommended to take one capsule every night with a glass of water or natural juice.

Aquilea colesterol

Aquilea colesterol sticks contain plant sterols to reduce blood cholesterol.

In addition, coriander extract helps keep cholesterol levels within normal ranges. Likewise, the presence of monacolin K, which comes from red yeast rice, is involved in the synthesis of endogenous cholesterol.

You only need to take one stick a day with your main meal. It has an excellent red berry flavour. With these products available at Farmaciasdirect, we can reduce cardiovascular risks.