Page 63 - Harnett Life Spring 2021

It’s Time to Rethink Heart Health

n average, someone in the United States dies these risk factors can lead to injury of the blood vessel
from cardiovascular disease (CVD) every 36 lining, causing inflammation, which can then trigger plaque
seconds, approximately 2,380 deaths each day, growth. Plaque grows at different rates and in different
Oaccording to the American Heart Association. arteries in the body for everyone and is often a slow,
Each day, 405 deaths occur in the U.S. as the result gradual process without symptoms.
of strokes, an average of one death every 3:33. More
people die annually from CVD than from any other cause As plaque buildup continues, the risk of suffering a CV
including cancer, COPD, diabetes, lung infections and the event – such as heart attack or stroke – increases. If plaque
flu, according to the American Heart Association (AHA) ruptures, the body will try to repair the injury, potentially
2021 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics.Consider these causing a blockage to form, and when an artery becomes
steps to #RethinkCVRisk to change the course of the disease fully blocked, blood flow is restricted. Blocked blood flow to
and your life. the heart causes a heart attack while blocked blood flow to
the brain causes a stroke.
Understand Your Risk
COVID-19 has shown that those with underlying CVD face Managing Risk Factors
an especially high risk of serious COVID-19-related illness or The most effective way to prevent CVD is to understand and
even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and address risk factors. Triglycerides play an important role in
Prevention (CDC). Regardless of whether you’ve received heart health. Triglycerides store unused calories to give your
your COVID-19 vaccination, now is a good time to discuss body energy and are the most common type of fat in the
your risk for heart disease with your doctor. body. They come from foods you eat such as butter, oils and
other fats, as well as carbohydrates, sugars and alcohol. Your
How Cardiovascular Disease Develops diet, lack of exercise, medical conditions, certain drugs and
Risk factors for CVD include high cholesterol, high genetics can all cause high triglycerides.
triglycerides, diabetes and high blood pressure. Other
factors that contribute to risk are family history, prior In the past, medicines used to lower triglycerides, like
cardiovascular (CV) events, smoking, being overweight fenofibrates and niacin, were commonly prescribed to help
or obese and unhealthy diet and exercise habits. Over time, manage CV risk along with statins. However, clinical studies

Harnett Life ~ Spring 2021 Page 63