Non-communicable diseases refer to a group of conditions that are not caused by an acute infection, which leads to a long-term impact on health, implying a need for prolonged treatment and care.
Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and kidney disease are some of the chronic non-communicable diseases that have grown in recent decades.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recognizes that more people die each year from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) than from any other cause. Part of the concern is that three-quarters of deaths related to heart disease and stroke occur in low- and middle-income countries.
A major concern for experts is that there is a relationship between some of the non-communicable diseases. “Cardiovascular health has a direct relationship with the diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes, but there is still much to advance in both aspects, because the lack of knowledge that still prevails in the population allows the trend to continue to rise. Today, cardiovascular disease represents more than 70% of deaths in patients with Diabetes, being the first cause of death” says physician Ileana Chiari, from Novo Nordisk.
For his part, doctor Ronaldo González indicates that the consumption of unhealthy foods such as those with a high sodium content, rich in saturated or trans fats and highly sugary drinks, coupled with an inactive lifestyle, are factors that influence the development of these diseases.
What symptoms do patients with cardiovascular disease have?
Heart disease includes a wide variety of conditions that affect the heart. These include blood vessel and coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia), heart valve and heart muscle disease, and birth defects, to name a few.
Symptoms of cardiovascular disease may be different between men and women and may include chest pain (angina); shortness of breath; pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in the legs or arms if blood vessels in those parts of the body become narrowed; pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back.
For example, the prevalence of heart failure reaches 1% in Latin America, and this figure tends to be higher in older individuals. This condition occurs when the contraction or relaxation action of the heart is inadequate, usually because the heart muscle is weak, stiff, or both. Disorders such as arrhythmia, disease of the heart valves and muscle, affect the heart causing this deficiency.
In this case, most people have no symptoms; shortness of breath (dyspnea) and fatigue develop gradually over days or months. As the heart’s pumping becomes less effective, blood may pool in other areas of the body such as the lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and arms and legs; a patient with these symptoms is diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
How to avoid complications or deaths from heart disease?
Experts insist that in order to prevent complications or premature deaths, patients must receive adequate treatment and have access to basic medicines and health technologies that can treat their illnesses.
In this path to a healthy life, some general guidelines for a healthier life are to stop smoking, reduce salt intake and increase fruit and vegetable intake, do physical activity regularly and not drink alcoholic beverages.
When it comes to food, the key is to consume a variety of foods from all the food groups, in the quantities established in your meal plan.
After a cardiac diagnosis or event
Certainly, the recommendation to eat better could cause doubts in patients, especially if you have not had much experience in this regard.
André Cabarrús, clinical nutritionist, explains that normally People are used to eating a lot of sodium, So it is important to adjust that load, as well as the portions of other foods that are not good for your health.
When doing so, it is important that the patient receives guidance, adapts to a diet, and feels comfortable with the person’s flavors, smells, and tastes. “Many times, patients follow general, non-personalized diets, and this means that, for example, they find that fish is healthy and they don’t like seafood, so it is important to find proteins that adapt to their preferences,” says Cabarrús.
This includes offering types of cooking and other solutions that help the patient in their daily life and do not cause anxiety or stress, concludes Cabarrús.
What foods should be included for patients with heart disease?
- Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, green leafy vegetables, peppers and tomatoes)
- Fruits (oranges, melons, strawberries, apples, grapes)
- Whole grains
- Proteins, lean meat (low fat), chicken or turkey without skin, fish, eggs
- Skimmed or low-fat dairy products
- Oils and fats (olive oil, seeds and avocado)
- It is important to avoid mistakes such as eliminating carbohydrates completely from the diet or skipping meals. If there are any doubts about the quantities or type of food, it is recommended to consult a specialist.
Reducing stress also helps the heart
People who suffer from high levels of stress on a daily basis have a risk of developing heart disease of up to 27%. Take care of your heart and, to do so, these tips can help you in your daily life.
- Exercising is an essential step because when we move, our body releases endorphins, also known as happiness hormones, providing a general feeling of well-being. PAHO also warns that people who do not do enough physical activity are between 20% and 30% more likely to die prematurely than those who do enough physical activity.
- Find a space to relax and make it part of your routine.
- Having fun and recreation is another essential step, look for spaces and activities to distract yourself.
- Laugh and share with your loved ones. This is an activity that will help you relax.
- Talk and express your feelings. Expert advice on how to feel better.
- Seek help to get better organized and negotiate projects in your company when necessary. Learn to say no.
- Get plenty of sleep, which means getting seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each day. See a neurologist if you suffer from insomnia, snore, or are a light sleeper.
- Balance is knowing how to set limits on your work and prioritize, as well as delegate.
- If you feel that it is not possible to break the cycle of stress, one solution is to seek psychological help for guidance. Today, life coaching is also another option for support in this regard.
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