People don’t like to think about dying. If the thought already puts you off, know that you can take charge of your health, but it will take knowledge and a willingness to change your lifestyle. In light of this, it is essential to discuss cardiovascular disease.
Think back to your adolescence or early twenties. And if you are still in your twenties, consider what you did on Friday night or how you manage to live while studying for exams. Whether you consumed a whole pizza or a half-dozen beers, you probably didn’t give much thought to what you were putting into your body. Since you only live once, no one holds you back from eating that pizza. Assuming your digestion is as yet that quick, unquestionably appreciate it. Be that as it may, never are we ever strong. All of our dietary and lifestyle choices add up over time. At 23, 30, or even 40, your hypertension or high cholesterol may not be a big deal, but by then, you could have a serious issue.
If you are middle-aged or older and suffer from any of these conditions, you should be concerned right now. This is the age when heart attacks and strokes occur, and heart disease can progress silently over time without causing a catastrophe.
All of this is meant to empower you rather than frighten you. You can turn these things around and have a better chance of staying healthy into your golden years. But you have to begin right away. The essential information about heart disease and the major risk factors that contribute to it is provided here.
Statistics on heart disease
In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death. Cancer is the only thing that comes close. Take into consideration that while there are dozens of different kinds of “cancer,” heart disease is by far the greatest threat to the majority of people. Smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are thought to be the three primary risk factors. At least one of these risk factors exists in nearly half of Americans. You won’t know if you have two of the three unless you see a doctor to have them checked. You can’t really know if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol without a reading. However, there is a good chance that one of these conditions is affecting you.
How high cholesterol and high blood pressure contribute
Your body needs cholesterol to work. You hear terms like “bad” LDL cholesterol and “good” HDL cholesterol because of this. Cholesterol is successfully transported through your arteries and to your liver for processing when the right combination is used. Cholesterol has the potential to transform into a hard plaque that forms in the artery, which is what ultimately happens and is why heart disease occurs. Heart attacks can occur when plaque breaks off and prevents blood flow.
Your arteries and heart muscle are consistently put under more strain when your blood pressure is high. This can wear down and damage your cardiovascular system over time. You are at risk for a stroke, heart attack, or even an aneurysm due to narrowed arteries and weak heart muscles. Over the course of many years, you may even develop heart failure.
If one or both of these risk factors are found in you, you must take steps to bring them back to safe levels.
How to improve your health
If you smoke, the first thing you should do is stop. Nobody claims that it is simple. A lot of people need several tries. In any case, your PCP can help you assuming you’re experiencing issues stopping. Changing your diet will also be important. Cholesterol and blood pressure can be reduced by reducing sodium and saturated fat intake. Diet alone will not make it happen, all things considered. If you don’t already, start exercising three times a week at a moderate to vigorous pace to lower your levels and improve your cardiovascular health. Your doctor may recommend medication to control your cholesterol or blood pressure for some people who do not respond to diet and exercise alone.
Conclusion
You owe it to yourself to have your cholesterol and blood pressure checked if you haven’t done so recently. If you have and are aware that one or both are high, you should discuss ways to lower them with your doctor. There is only one way to determine the most effective course of action, and it could end up being a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. To set up an appointment, give us a call right away. The Danvers Family Doctors team is committed to giving you the tools you need to take control of your health and assisting you in leading a healthier life through professional care.