Cardiovascular risk refers to the probability that a person will develop a heart or blood vessel disease such as acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, or stroke (ictus).
Heart Disease
A common question people ask is: How can I prevent cardiovascular disease?
It’s important to understand that heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide.
Although this type of disease can be debilitating or even fatal, it is often preventable by modifying certain risk factors, and with early medical attention, it can be treated and the quality of life of those affected by it can be significantly improved.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Knowing how to prevent heart disease is key to receiving timely care, which can help avoid serious or irreversible complications.
To prevent heart disease, one must understand the most common risk factors and how to properly manage or avoid them.
Risk factors are generally divided into two categories: non-modifiable and modifiable.
Non-modifiable risk factors include:
- Age: Men over 45 and women over 55 have an increased risk. Men are more likely to develop heart disease at a younger age, while women’s risk increases after menopause.
- Family history: If a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) has had a cardiac event, the risk for other family members is higher.
Modifiable risk factors include:
- Unhealthy diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- Excess body weight
- High cholesterol, triglycerides, or blood pressure
- Daily stress
How to Take Care of Your Heart
If these risk factors are not controlled, preventing cardiovascular disease becomes difficult, and warning signs or symptoms may appear.
Symptoms often develop gradually and can start long before a serious heart problem becomes apparent. However, in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all until a critical situation arises.
Common warning signs include: chest pain, swollen ankles, breathing difficulties, persistent cough, bluish skin tone, fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, irregular heartbeats (fast, slow, or mixed), and fainting.
It’s also important to note that men and women may experience different symptoms for the same heart condition.
Routine medical check-ups are essential for evaluating heart health. If a condition is detected or a risk of developing one is identified, it can be addressed promptly.
Various tests are available to assess cardiovascular health. Your doctor will recommend one or more based on your specific case:
- Coronary angiography: Uses dye and X-rays to visualize the inside of the arteries
- Cardiac catheterization: Involves blood sampling or dye injection for detailed heart analysis
- Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to produce moving images of the heart
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the heart’s electrical activity to evaluate rate and rhythm
- Stress testing: Monitors the heart’s response to physical exertion
- X-rays: Can reveal signs of heart failure and other conditions
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses radio waves to create computerized images of the heart
- Computed Tomography (CT): Uses X-rays to produce clear images of the heart and blood vessels
Cardiovascular Health
If you have any cardiovascular risk, it is important to seek specialized care to receive treatment before conditions arise that could affect cardiovascular health.
This may involve lifestyle changes, such as healthier eating habits, increased physical activity, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and getting enough sleep.
Understanding your risk factors is crucial to preventing heart disease and avoiding future complications.
At the ABC Medical Center’s Cardiovascular Diagnosis Department, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
Texas Heart, Secretaría de Salud, MedlinePlus
