When we talk about cardiovascular risk we must bear in mind that it largely falls on us, our habits and customs so that our cardiovascular health is optimal. It should be said that there is always a% that is not in our hands like now, heart diseases and ailments and our genetics.
However, approximately 80% of heart attacks are associated with risk factors that we can improve with a little will and a change in our habits.
What cardiovascular risk factors should we avoid?
- Cholesterol: First of all, let’s unearth the myth that cholesterol is bad for our health, since it is a lipid produced by the liver that is vital for the proper functioning of our body. Now, the problem comes when blood cholesterol levels are too high because fat begins to accumulate on the walls of our arteries and can cause an obstruction at a certain time. In the case of cholesterol, there is a congenital part and that is that people who take great care of their diet can have high cholesterol levels, but to avoid it, we must take care of our diet and keep blood fats at bay.
- Sedentary lifestyle : in figures from the WHO (World Health Organization), sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity are behind 30% of heart attacks. In this case, the solution is easy and at our supply, move the body! It is not that from one day to the next, you have to be a competitive athlete but that you progressively incorporate exercise routines, as easy as going for a walk, into your day to day. Why don’t you start leaving the elevator and find the stairs again? Remember that if you have not practiced any type of sport for a long time, consult your doctor first, since excessive activity can be very dangerous.
- Stress: We could say that stress is the quintessential enemy of a healthy life, therefore, your heart is not interested in a permanent state of nerves and anxiety. There is no exact way to quantify the level of stress that affects a coronary event, but numerous studies have shown that it increases the risk of acute myocardial infarction within two hours of a significant episode of emotional disturbance.
- Hypertension : this silent disease, because many people suffer from it without knowing it, consists of having a continuous high level of blood pressure. Hypertension begins to appear at a certain age, and affects the heart especially but also the brain, kidneys and other vital organs.
- Smoking: a smoker has up to three times the risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease than a person who does not smoke. So now you have a compelling excuse to quit smoking.
If you want to know more about cardiovascular risks, the Spanish Heart Foundation offers you more information on your supply.