Heart disease, which encompasses a group of cardiovascular ailments, continues to be one of the largest health burdens globally. It begins when plaque accumulates in the arteries, constricting them and reducing blood flow — a volatile combination for heart issues. In the United States, heart disease is a major cause of death for numerous racial and ethnic groups, with the highest impact on African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic, and White men. For Pacific Islander, Asian American, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Hispanic women, it’s the second most common cause of death, just after cancer.
Taking the larger perspective, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the single biggest killer globally. In 2019 alone, they accounted for an estimated 17.9 million deaths, and roughly 85% of these fatalities were from heart attacks and strokes. Most of these fatalities occur in low- and middle-income nations, where healthcare facilities are usually limited. Indeed, over three-quarters of CVD deaths happen there. What is more alarming is that 38% of deaths from noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, occur before individuals turn 70 years of age.
Preventing heart disease usually boils down to environmental issues and lifestyle decisions. Unhealthy eating, inactivity, smoking, and heavy drinking all contribute to a greater risk. Even air pollution has a hand. The best part? Implementing healthy modifications such as giving up smoking, reducing salt intake, consuming more fruits and vegetables, exercising, and limiting alcohol intake can significantly keep your heart healthy.
Having knowledge of the signs of a heart attack or stroke can be a lifesaver. Heart attack symptoms are usually chest pain, arm, shoulder, jaw, or back pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness or lightheadedness. Women may also have shortness of breath and jaw pain in particular. For strokes, the symptoms may be sudden weakness or numbness in one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, dizziness, and severe headaches.
Another illness to watch out for is rheumatic heart disease, which harms the heart valves and muscle after an episode of rheumatic fever, typically after an untreated strep infection. It predominantly occurs in children who reside in less affluent regions of the world where healthcare access is poor.
The impact of cardiovascular disease extends far beyond health, and it has severe economic consequences as well, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Lacking adequate healthcare services, diseases tend to be diagnosed and treated too late, resulting in increased death rates among individuals during their most productive ages. This tends to drive families into poverty because of unbearable medical expenses.
To successfully fight heart disease, prevention and management programs need to be integrated with primary healthcare services. It has been learned through research that the treatment of high blood pressure in primary care can significantly reduce the incidence of heart attacks and strokes. Ensuring access to essential medications such as aspirin, beta-blockers, and statins is also vital in order to save lives in emergencies.
Agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) are taking action to combat noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease. With global action plans and focused objectives, WHO hopes to reduce unnecessary deaths and enable individuals to live better lives. By promoting environments that encourage healthy living and purifying the air we breathe, they’re striving towards a better future where fewer individuals need to endure the weight of heart disease.
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