Every September 29, World Heart Day is commemorated, a date that seeks to raise awareness about the cardiovascular diseasesconsidered the leading cause of death in the world. In this regard, Dr. Luis Alberto Buleje Terrazas, former director of the National Cardiovascular Institute (INCOR), explained in RPP What are the main risk factors and what measures can help prevent these diseases.
According to the specialist, around 19.8 million people die every year in the world from cardiovascular diseasesaccording to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). Heart infarction and cerebrovascular accident (CVA), also known as cerebral infarction, are among the main causes of these deaths.
“Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world and represent approximately 32% of all deaths globally. Of these, 85% correspond to heart attacks and cerebral infarctions,” he explained in the program News Expansion.
How many heart attacks occur per day in Peru?
In Peru, there are approximately 100 heart attacks a day, considering the cases treated in establishments of the Ministry of Health, EsSalud, private clinics and the Armed Forces, said the cardiologist.
According to his estimate, around 25% of these cases end in deathTherefore, mortality associated with heart attacks also represents a problem in the country.
What are the cardiovascular risk factors?
Buleje Terraces explained that there are various factors that can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol (dyslipidemia), stress, overweight or obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption and a sedentary lifestyle.
“The presence of two or more of these factors can increase the risk of developing a cardiovascular event,” he said.
However, he clarified that they can be controlled through changes in habits and medical care.
“Nowadays, we have to be honest; we do not eat healthily, on top of that we are sedentary, perhaps because of technology, etc. Nowadays, we have seen that heart disease used to be seen in older adults, but today we have young people in our consultations who come for palpitations, which is frequent, or for lack of breath, because they are linked to overweight and a sedentary lifestyle,” he warned.
In Peru, according to the data mentioned by the cardiologist, 61.2% of the population is overweight or obese. Of that group, approximately 37% are overweight and 24% obese.
“Stress, the silent enemy”
Chronic stress is also a cardiovascular risk factor. The specialist explained that it can cause an increase in cortisol and norepinephrine, hormones that can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
When this response is maintained for prolonged periods, it can contribute to the development of cardiovascular problems, especially when combined with other risk factors such as hypertension, a sedentary lifestyle or being overweight.
At what age should blood pressure be controlled?
Buleje Terraces indicated that it is advisable to have a cardiac check-up that includes measuring blood pressure starting at age 40. Ideally, a person should have no family history of cardiovascular diseases, have an adequate weight, and be physically active.
On the other hand, those who have a family history of hypertension or diabetes should undergo checks beforehand. The same occurs when symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations or shortness of breath appear, which require a medical evaluation.
“85% of these heart attacks can be prevented if we have healthy habits and reduce risk factors,” he concluded.
