Cardiovascular disease, or CVD, is an abnormal function of the heart or blood vessels. Different forms of cardiovascular disease include coronary heart disease and heart failure. According to the World Health Organization, CVD causes about 17.1 million deaths a year worldwide. Diet plays a key role in preventing hypertension and other forms of CVD.
Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the pressure exerted on the walls of the blood vessels as the blood is pumped through the body. It is measured in millimeters of mercury, mm Hg, and classified by severity. A blood pressure reading is read as systolic blood pressure over diastolic pressure; for example, a normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg. A systolic blood pressure of 120 to 139 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of 80 to 89 mm Hg is classified as prehypertension. Stage 1 hypertension is a reading of 140 to 159 mm Hg for systolic blood pressure or 90 to 99 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure, and stage 2 hypertension is a reading of 160 mm Hg or greater for systolic blood pressure or 100 mm Hg or greater for diastolic. Your physician measures your blood pressure during a physical exam and can determine if you need medical treatment.
Symptoms and Consequences
Hypertension does not have any signs and symptoms, and this is the reason that you should get a physical exam yearly. The risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure or early death from cardiovascular cause is directly related to blood pressure. According to "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach," the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with every 20/10 mm Hg increase above a blood pressure of 115/75 mm Hg.
Diet
Eating a heart-healthy diet can help prevent high blood pressure and other conditions that can increase your risk of CVD, such as high cholesterol and diabetes. Limit your salt intake to prevent hypertension and lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day and limit your intake of fat to reduce risk of CVD. Patients with diabetes are at an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke, as well, and should control blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Exercise
Regular physical activity can help reduce weight in overweight individuals and maintain a healthy weight. Overweight patients have a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. You can start exercising for 30 minutes every day, but speak with your physician before starting any exercise routine to make sure it is safe for you. Maintaining a healthy weight may also be able to lower cholesterol and prevent diabetes.
References
- World Health Organization: Cardiovascular Diseases
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysilogic Approach"; Joseph T. DiPiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al.; 2008
- American Heart Association: Cardiovascular Disease Statistics
- MayoClinic.com: Heart Disease
