Every four minutes a person dies in Spain from cardiovascular disease. Neither cancer, nor infectious diseases, nor the respiratory, nervous or digestive system: cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke, or familial hypercholesterolemia, among others, constitute the main cause of death in the country. The figure amounts to more than 120,000 deaths per year. It affects 9.8% of the population (52.6% women and 47.4% men). The latest data indicate that it is the leading cause of death (26.03% of total deaths) and hospital admission (12.9%).
In the same way that it has been established among the population that smoking is bad for health and increases the risks of suffering from various types of cancer, especially lung cancer, we believe that it is urgent to raise awareness about the real possibilities that are in our hands. to reduce the risk of suffering, or suffering again, a heart attack or stroke. Specialists insist on prevention and medical control. They recommend the eradication of tobacco and alcohol consumption, an increase in daily physical activity, and the adoption of a balanced diet with a greater intake of vegetables and fruits.
These guidelines reduce the risk of obesity or diabetes, two critical factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. They also affect key aspects such as periodically checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as keeping stress under control. Among all these risk factors, LDL cholesterol (better known as “bad” cholesterol) is the modifiable risk factor with the most impact on the prevention of cardiovascular disease caused by the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque fats in the arteries.
This is how the silent enemy seeks to stop being a silent enemy. La Vanguardia, with the collaboration of Novartis and the support of the Patient Associations gathered in Cardioalianza, join forces to make noise, give maximum visibility to the alarming figures and generate greater awareness about the relevance of implementing simple daily healthy habits. The heart looks for allies so that life continues adding minutes.
Make visible to raise awareness and prevent to avoid. These are the main tools to limit the appearance of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a particularly silent chronic disease that usually breaks out when it is too late. Because many people do not have significant symptoms until they suddenly suffer a heart attack or stroke. However, this sudden episode can have various causes, many of which are avoidable.
The medical specialists and patients who give voice to this campaign insist on promoting everything that is in our hands: the prevention of controllable risk factors, such as following a heart-healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, limiting stress and getting off the treadmill. sedentary lifestyle. “There are studies that show reductions in mortality simply if we move, if we take fewer elevators and opt for stairs,” says Dr. Xavier García-Moll, clinical head of cardiology at the Hospital de Sant Pau, when talking about the heart attack.
Each and every one of the medical voices involved in this project defends a clear and forceful message: by incorporating new healthy habits, regularly reviewing our health status with the doctor and maintaining therapeutic adherence to treatments, this silent illness will have less chance of affecting us. to our health.
CVDs have a main actor that should not go unnoticed: levels of LDL cholesterol, the so-called “bad” cholesterol. The experts gathered in this initiative emphasize that a high level of LDL-C is one of the first warning signs that should be addressed immediately. Because it acts without us realizing it. Bad cholesterol is the cause of the formation of atheromatous plaques, which are those that end up blocking the coronary arteries and causing angina, a heart attack or a stroke. Controlling the level of LDL-C in the blood through medication, diet or daily exercise is essential to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events. Being aware of the role of cholesterol in our health and limiting its incidence is the best formula for a heart-healthy life.
Regarding the approach to cardiovascular diseases, we will also learn about another key aspect: the need for patients not to let their guard down. When someone has suffered a heart attack or stroke, there is a possibility that they will repeat the same event. “After the first year, it is not uncommon for some patients to smoke again, stop exercising, their diet is no longer the most appropriate, and adherence to medications is not as good as in the first months,” says Dr. Cosme García. , head of the Coronary Unit of the Institut del Cor Germans Trias i Pujol.
Make visible to raise awareness and prevent to avoid. These are the main tools to limit the appearance of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a particularly silent chronic disease that usually breaks out when it is too late. Because many people do not have significant symptoms until they suddenly suffer a heart attack or stroke.
However, this sudden episode can have various causes, many of which are avoidable. The medical specialists and patients who give voice to this campaign insist on promoting everything that is in our hands: the prevention of controllable risk factors, such as following a heart-healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, limiting stress and getting off the treadmill. sedentary lifestyle.
“There are studies that show reductions in mortality simply if we move, if we take fewer elevators and opt for stairs,” says Dr. Xavier García-Moll, clinical head of cardiology at the Hospital de Sant Pau, when talking about the heart attack. Each and every one of the medical voices involved in this project defends a clear and forceful message: by incorporating new healthy habits, regularly reviewing our health status with the doctor and maintaining therapeutic adherence to treatments, this silent illness will have less chance of affecting us. to our health.
CVDs have a main actor that should not go unnoticed: levels of LDL cholesterol, the so-called “bad” cholesterol. The experts gathered in this initiative emphasize that a high level of LDL-C is one of the first warning signs that should be addressed immediately. Because it acts without us realizing it.
Bad cholesterol is the cause of the formation of atheromatous plaques, which are those that end up blocking the coronary arteries and causing angina, a heart attack or a stroke. Controlling the level of LDL-C in the blood through medication, diet or daily exercise is essential to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events. Being aware of the role of cholesterol in our health and limiting its incidence is the best formula for a heart-healthy life.
