Prevention of CVD

CVD is a major public health problem. Preventing cardiovascular disease helps keep hearts healthy and reduces the risk of strokes. The best way to prevent CVD is through better nutrition 🥗 and increased physical activity 🏃‍♂️.

🔹 📊 CVD Statistics:
👉 2.8 million men & 2.8 million women in the UK live with CVD.
👉 111,000 people suffer a stroke every year (British Heart Foundation).
👉 CVD led to 159,000 deaths in England in 2007 (~34% of all deaths).
👉 The UK has one of the highest CVD rates among developed countries.

🔹 🩺 What is CVD?
CVD includes Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) 💔, Stroke 🧠, and Peripheral Arterial Disease 🚶. It often results from blockages in arteries, leading to conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, and dementia. CVD risk increases after age 60 but is rare before 30.

🔹 ⚠️ Modifiable Risk Factors (90% of First Heart Attacks Are Preventable! 🚨)
✅ Stop smoking 🚭
✅ Eat a heart-healthy diet 🥦
✅ Control high cholesterol 🩸
✅ Manage high blood pressure 🔽
✅ Exercise regularly 🏋️‍♀️
✅ Maintain a healthy weight ⚖️
✅ Manage diabetes 🍎
✅ Reduce stress 🧘
✅ Limit alcohol intake 🍷

🔹 🧠 Stroke – A Preventable Condition
🛑 Causes: High blood pressure, smoking, obesity, & high cholesterol.
✔️ Prevention: Healthy diet, regular exercise, no smoking, & controlled BP.
✔️ Types of Stroke:

• Ischaemic Stroke: Blocked brain blood vessels 🧠❌
• Haemorrhagic Stroke: Bleeding in the brain 🩸
• TIA (Mini-Stroke): Temporary blockage ⚡

🔹 🍏 Diet & Lifestyle for a Healthy Heart
✔️ Eat more: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, omega-3 fatty acids 🥗🐟
✔️ Limit: Salt, saturated fats, cholesterol, processed foods ⚠️
✔️ Stay Active: At least 30 mins/day of aerobic exercise 🚶‍♂️
✔️ Maintain a Healthy Weight: BMI 20–25 kg/m²
✔️ Limit Alcohol: Max 21 units/week for men & 14 units for women 🍺

🔹 🚭 Smoking & Alcohol Risks

• Smoking 🚬 doubles stroke risk by narrowing arteries.
• Excess alcohol 🍷 increases blood pressure & causes weight gain.

🔹 💊 Medical Treatment Options

• Antiplatelet drugs (e.g., Aspirin 75mg) 🩸 to prevent blood clots.
• Cholesterol-lowering medications (Statins) 💊 for high-risk individuals.
• Carotid Endarterectomy 🏥 (surgery to remove artery blockages in severe cases).

🔹 📞 Need Help? Contact These Resources:
🌐 NHS Live Well: www.nhs.uk/LiveWell
🌐 Stroke Association: www.stroke.org.uk
🌐 Smoking Helpline: 0800 022 4332

Dr. Chabok is committed to preventing and managing CVD, ensuring that patients live longer, healthier lives ❤️.