An estimated 17.7 million deaths are attributable to cardiovascular disease, or 31% of total global mortality. Of these deaths, an estimated 7.4 million are due to coronary heart disease and 6.7 million to stroke. At the first signs, you must consult urgently.
It is common for cardiovascular disease affecting the blood vessels to give no symptoms. A heart attack or stroke is sometimes the first sign of an underlying heart disease. The main risk factors for heart disease and stroke are poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking and the harmful use of alcohol. Certain risk factors can further aggravate the risks such as: hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, overweight and obesity.
Symptoms of heart attack
A heart attack can cause the following symptoms in particular:
- pain or discomfort in the middle part of the chest;
- pain or discomfort in the arms, left shoulder, elbows, jaw or back.
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath,
- feel sick or vomit,
- dizziness or fainting
- break into cold sweats or turn pale.
Women are more likely to experience breathing difficulties or nausea, to vomit or to experience jaw or back pain.
Stroke Symptoms
The most common symptom of a stroke is sudden weakness in the face, arm or leg, usually on one side of the body.
A stroke can also cause the sudden onset of the following symptoms:
- numbness in the face, arms, or legs, especially on one side of the body;
- confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech;
- visual difficulties affecting one or both eyes;
- difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination;
- severe headache without known cause and syncope or loss of consciousness.
People with these symptoms should consult immediately.
Prevention measures to adopt that work
Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing behavioral risk factors: smoking, unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol.
Quitting smoking, reducing salt intake in one’s diet, consuming fruits and vegetables, practicing regular physical activity and avoiding the harmful use of alcohol can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia may be necessary to reduce cardiovascular risk and prevent heart attacks and strokes.
