Frequent Heart Disease Deaths Among Russians: Strategies to Avert Heart Attacks and Strokes
In the battle against cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), prevention is paramount. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends several key preventive measures for individuals with existing CVDs or risk factors, as well as for those aiming to maintain heart health.
Primary prevention, aimed at maintaining heart health and preventing the development of CVDs, includes dietary correction, physical activity, and quitting harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and plant oils can help lower cholesterol levels, while avoiding fast food and processed meats is advisable for heart health. Regular physical activity is also crucial, with the WHO recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
For individuals with chronic diseases, regular check-ups are mandatory every 6 months. These check-ups are essential even if there are no symptoms present, as CVDs often develop over years, often asymptomatically. Regular check-ups include annual blood pressure, cholesterol level checks, ECG, and consultations with a therapist.
Secondary prevention is for individuals with existing CVDs or risk factors, and includes medication, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups. The WHO highlights the importance of health policies that create environments supportive of healthy choices, availability of affordable medicines, and healthcare system strengthening for drug treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and high blood lipids to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Tertiary prevention is for individuals who have experienced a heart attack or stroke, and aims to reduce the risk of recurrence through rehabilitation and ongoing care.
According to WHO, 80% of premature heart attacks and strokes can be prevented. This underscores the importance of adhering to these preventive measures.
In Russia, heart disease is a significant concern, with every third Russian dying from heart disease. Dr. Angelica Vinokurova, a cardiologist at the Health Center, provides valuable recommendations for heart health. However, specific information about her views or recommendations on preventive measures for cardiovascular diseases was not found in the provided results.
In conclusion, the key preventive measures for cardiovascular disease are centered on lifestyle changes and control of metabolic risk factors, combined with healthcare system approaches to treatment and management. By adhering to these preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing CVDs and improve their overall heart health.
- Adhering to a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and plant oils, can help lower cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.
- The World Health Organization recommends regular check-ups every six months for individuals with chronic diseases to prevent undetected developments of cardiovascular diseases.
- Secondary prevention for individuals with existing cardiovascular diseases or risk factors includes lifestyle changes, medication, and regular check-ups, as well as health policies that support healthy choices and affordable drug treatments for hypertension, diabetes, and high blood lipids.
