Introduction

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that CVDs are the top cause of death globally. Factors such as high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, lack of exercise, poor diet, excessive alcohol and stress contribute to their development. Having multiple risk factors increases the likelihood of heart disease.

Causes of cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease causes differ by condition. For instance, atherosclerosis involves plaque build-up in arteries, leading to coronary artery or peripheral artery disease. Meanwhile, arrhythmias might be caused by heart muscle scarring, genetics or specific medications.

Risk factors of cardiovascular disease

Having certain risk factors can increase your chance of developing cardiovascular disease, including:

• High blood pressure or hypertension cardiovascular disease, which can occur when high blood pressure is left unmanaged over an extended period
• High cholesterol levels
• Tobacco or vaping use
• Type 2 diabetes
• Family history of heart conditions
• Insufficient physical activity
• Excess weight or obesity
• A diet high in sodium, sugar and fat
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Misuse of prescription or recreational drugs
• Preeclampsia or toxaemia
• Gestational diabetes
• Chronic inflammation or autoimmune diseases
• Chronic kidney disease

Diagnosis of CVDs

Here are some common tests for diagnosing heart issues:

• Blood tests: They check the indicators of heart health, like cholesterol, blood sugar and specific proteins. They can also help identify blood clotting problems.
• Ankle-brachial index (ABI): It assesses blood pressure in the ankles and arms to diagnose peripheral artery disease.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): It monitors your heart’s electrical signals.
• Ambulatory monitoring: It employs wearable devices to track heart rhythm and rate.
• Echocardiogram: It utilises sound waves to create images of your heart’s beating and blood flow.
• Ultrasound: It evaluates blood flow in your legs or neck using sound waves.
• Cardiac CT: It leverages X-rays and computer processing for 3D heart and blood vessel images.
• Cardiac MRI: It uses magnets and radio waves for detailed heart images.
• MR angiogram or CT angiogram: MRI or CT scans are used to visualise blood vessels in your legs, head and neck.
• Stress tests: It is used to examine your heart’s response to physical activity in a controlled environment, with exercise or medications, often involving EKGs or imaging tests.
• Cardiac catheterisation: It employs a thin tube to measure heart pressure and blood flow.

Treatment for CVDs

Treatment plans vary based on your symptoms and type of cardiovascular disease. Options may include:

• Lifestyle changes: This involves making changes to your diet, increasing aerobic exercise and quitting smoking or any tobacco products, including vaping, to improve overall heart health and reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Medications: Doctors may prescribe drugs to manage your cardiovascular disease. The medication type depends on your specific condition.
• Procedures or surgeries: If medications do not suffice, providers might recommend procedures or surgeries. Examples are stents in heart or leg arteries, minimally invasive heart surgery, open-heart surgery, ablations or cardioversion.
• Cardiac rehabilitation: You might need a supervised exercise program to strengthen your heart.
• Active surveillance: Close monitoring may occur without any medications or surgical interventions.

Lifestyle changes to prevent CVDs

Living a healthy lifestyle requires adopting beneficial habits. The ‘ABCDEs’ acronym helps highlight the risks associated with heart disease and the lifestyle changes that can help:

• Alcohol
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Exercise
• Smoking

Let’s examine each factor and its relation to heart health.

• Limit alcohol intake: Avoid excessive drinking. While moderate consumption may have some argued benefits, overuse raises the risk of heart disease and liver problems and can shorten lifespan. Research shows that more than 100 grams of alcohol per week (about seven drinks) can be detrimental.
• Lowering cholesterol: High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and mortality. While genetics play a part, factors like being overweight, lack of exercise, type 2 diabetes and excessive alcohol consumption can also raise cholesterol levels. Research shows that replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats lowers heart disease risk. Use healthy oils like olive, canola or sunflower instead of butter or coconut oil. Consuming omega-3-rich foods, such as salmon and tuna, further mitigates heart disease risk. 
• Reducing diabetes: Diabetes greatly raises heart disease risk, but lifestyle changes can help. If you have prediabetes, losing 7% of your body weight and exercising 150 minutes a week can prevent diabetes. Diets like the Mediterranean or DASH, which are high in fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, also support heart health and overall wellness. 
• Exercise recommendations: Adults aged 18 to 64 should aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly, 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or a mix. Good activities include brisk walking, swimming and running. Being more active is generally better than being sedentary; for example, walking 4,400 steps daily is linked to a lower mortality risk compared to 2,700 steps. 
• Smoking risks: Smokers face a much higher heart disease risk than non-smokers, about 2 to 3 times greater. More smoking increases the risk of serious health issues. 

Additional heart health factors:

• Make sleep a priority: Getting quality sleep is essential for maintaining good heart health. Aim for 7–9 hours per night and enhance sleep by staying active, creating a bedtime routine and keeping electronics out of the bedroom. 
• Manage stress: Stress can lead to harmful behaviours like smoking and overeating, increasing heart disease risk. Stress management can be achieved through regular exercise, spending quality time with loved ones and practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to promote calm.

Conclusion

Heart cardiology or cardiac disease impacts the heart and blood vessels, and if left untreated, they can lead to serious events like heart attacks or strokes. However, with the right treatment, these conditions can be managed effectively. Making lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, managing stress, and getting enough sleep, can significantly lower the risk of developing heart disease. These habits not only improve your heart health but also contribute to your overall well-being. Fortis, the best hospital in India, provides expert care and treatment for cardiovascular disease. Taking control of your lifestyle can help prevent or manage cardiovascular disease and live a healthier, longer life.