Heart disease is a non-communicable chronic disease. They are linked to damage to organs in the body such as brain, heart, kidneys and the eyes. They have also been linked to the high cause of death around the world with modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.
Modifiable in the sense that you can control and manage the risks while non-modifiable are those you do not have control over. Examples of non-modifiable factors include;
Age, sex, ethnic background, family history
The following are the modifiable risk factors that could cause heart disease;
1. High Blood Pressure normal Blood pressure has been put at between 90/60-120/80mmHg. Above 140/90mmHg is High Blood Pressure and if left untreated can damage blood vessels.
2.Diabetes a condition where there is high blood sugar levels in the body and can damage the blood vessels and narrow them if untreated.
3. Overweight and obesity can also increase the risks of developing high blood pressure and diabetes
4. Tobacco and cigarette smoking
5. Drinking alcohol excessively can increase blood pressure and also increase body weight
6. High cholesterol levels
7. An unhealthy diet could cause high cholesterol and high blood pressure
8. Lack of exercise
You can, therefore, minimise or prevent the risk of heart disease by:
1. Manage body weight by engaging in physical activity such as walking, cycling and swimming. Know your Body Mass Index BMI (kg/m2) the average measure of your body fat.
2. Engage in physical activities of at least 15-30minutes per day
3. Maintain a healthy diet that includes low levels of saturated fats, cut down salt and sugar levels, include vegetables and fruits as part of your diet
3. Know your Blood Pressure numbers
4. Quit smoking
5. Drinking Alcohol in moderation. Know your limits per day. Do not binge drink
6. Ensure you use medication prescribed by your doctor to minimise the risk of heart disease
7. Have a medication review with your doctors and pharmacists regularly.
Culled from nhs.uk website