Coronary heart disease (CHD) or ischemic heart disease is the ‘world’s biggest killer’ accounting for 13% of global deaths in 2021 according to the World Health Organization (WHO). An aging population, modern lifestyles, economic factors, and genetic predisposition are some of the factors contributing to the high mortality caused by CHD. Therefore, promoting heart health is vital to improve quality of life, reduce mortality, lower healthcare costs, and increase productivity. Essentially, optimal heart health is vital to improving individual well-being, reducing healthcare costs, and creating healthier communities.

Risks that You Cannot Control

According to a John Hopkins cardiologist, those at low risk of CHD live on average, ten years longer than those with high risk. This means preventing heart diseases is essential in the first place. Hence, doctors want to identify and manage risks as early as possible. For instance, a family history of heart disease is a risk factor that you cannot directly control, but should be aware of its existence. If you have a parent or a sibling who had a heart disease before age 55, it's important to know this. In addition, a family member might have undergone a coronary bypass grafting surgery to unblock narrow or clogged coronary arteries so that blood can flow to the heart. In this regard, genetic predisposition can help determine if you are susceptible to a coronary disease. Understanding your family history can assist in identifying risk factors for heart disease at an earlier stage allowing for earlier intervention and preventative measures. This information will also help you make informed decisions about your heart health such as choosing a healthy lifestyle, getting regular checkups, and seeking medical advice when needed.

Controllable Risk Factors

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a medical condition when your blood pressure reading is consistently above 140 / 90 while the normal range is between 140 / 90 to 90 / 60. Constant high blood pressure places a stress on the arteries and makes a heart attack or stroke very likely. The good news is blood pressure or hypertension is a risk factor that you can manage through a combination of lifestyle changes and sometimes, medication. Reduce sodium intake, exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, manage your weight, limit alcohol consumption, stop smoking, and handle your stress. If lifestyle changes are not sufficient, your physician may prescribe medication.

Cholesterol is another risk factor that can be regulated. A high LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol or both are predictors of your risk for a heart disease. Like hypertension, cholesterol levels can be contained through a combination of lifestyle changes and in some cases, medication. Diabetes or high blood sugar increases plaque buildup which, in turn, causes artery damage that results to a heart disease. Unfortunately, diabetics are at high risk for a coronary condition. Therefore, it is vital to pursue healthy lifestyles, take medications as prescribed, and monitor sugar levels regularly.

Maintaining heart health is critical for a long and healthy life. Lifestyle changes including healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol as well as regular medical checkups, medications, and sufficient sleep are effective ways to promote good heart health.