CARDIVASCULAR DISEASE IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH
About every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. dies from heart disease, stroke
or other form of cardiovascular disease. In fact, cardiovascular disease—conditions
that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels—claims about 800,000
lives every year. That’s more lives than all forms of cancer combined.
“The good news is that you can absolutely reduce your risk of cardiovascular
disease,” said board-certified internist
Angela Kloepfer-Shapiro, MD, of Internal Medicine Associates—Buffalo Ridge, during a free online
health lecture.
“Diet and lifestyle changes, as well as medical interventions, can
reduce your risk of the serious and potentially fatal consequences of
cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Dr. Kloepfer-Shapiro.
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Watch a recording of the lecture on "Lowering Your Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke."
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What is Cardiovascular Disease?
Dr. Kloepfer-Shapiro explained that cardiovascular disease, heart disease
and coronary heart disease are often used interchangeably, but there is
a difference between them:
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Cardiovascular disease is a term used for all types of diseases that affect the heart or blood
vessels. It includes conditions involving narrowed, blocked or clogged arteries.
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Heart disease is one type of cardiovascular disease. While all heart diseases are cardiovascular
diseases, not all cardiovascular diseases are heart disease.
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Coronary heart disease is a type of heart disease. This is a heart blockage that occurs when
plaque (a combination of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances
found in the blood) builds up in your arteries. Plaque can lead to blood
clots and heart attack.
Life’s Simple 7 for Reducing Your Risk
Some risk factors for cardiovascular disease cannot be controlled such
as your age or family history. “However, you can take steps to lower
your risk by changing factors in your control," Dr. Kloepfer-Shapiro
noted. "It’s important to work with your health care provider
to develop a risk-reduction plan that works for you and that you can maintain.”
She then reviewed the American Heart Association’s “Life’s
Simple 7,” which are the seven risk factors that people can improve
through lifestyle changes and, as a result, achieve ideal cardiovascular health.
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Eat Better—Choosing a healthy diet, such as the
Mediterranean diet, will lower your cardiovascular risk. Dr. Kloepfer-Shapiro emphasized,
“Your diet should be high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains,
nuts, legumes and seafood.” She added, “As little processing
as possible should happen to the food you put into your body. You should
not be eating processed meats such as deli meats, hot dogs and hamburgers.
Red meat consumption should be limited, and definitely avoid added sugar,
especially sugar sweetened beverages. Also, eliminate sodium as much as
possible, as it negatively impacts blood pressure.”
Overall, a healthy diet is one that is very low in:
-Processed Meats
-Unprocessed Red Meat
-Refined Grains
-Sugar Sweetened Beverages
-Added Sugar
-Trans Fats
-Saturated Fats
-Sodium
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Control Cholesterol (lipid) Levels—To help lower cholesterol, Dr. Kloepfer-Shapiro recommends a
Mediterranean diet and exercise. Some people may also need cholesterol-lowering medication.
She explains, “Medications are important for people who are at risk
or who have had cardiovascular disease, a stroke or heart attack.”
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Manage Blood Pressure—High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular
disease. "Blood pressure can be reduced with a healthy diet, medications
as recommended by your healthcare provider, exercise and weight loss,
if necessary,” said Dr. Kloepfer-Shapiro.
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Stop Smoking—Tobacco is the number one cause of death worldwide. It can cause
heart attacks and should be avoided at all costs. Dr. Kloepfer-Shapiro
said, “It’s never too late to quit and the benefits start
one day after quitting.”
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Reduce Blood Sugar—Type 2 diabetes doubles and even triples one’s risk of cardiovascular
disease. Dr. Kloepfer-Shapiro emphasized, “If lifestyle changes
such as losing weight, eating healthy and exercising aren’t managing
your blood glucose levels, there are new medications that can lower cardiovascular
risk.”
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Get Active—According to Dr. Kloepfer-Shapiro, “The guidelines for reducing
cardiovascular risk include at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise
each week.” In her
presentation she lists appropriate exercises. “Most importantly,” she says,
“get started and choose goals that work for you.”
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Lose Weight—Dr. Kloepfer-Shapiro explains, “The ideal diet is the one
that works for you and that you can maintain. To successfully lose weight,
calories out should be greater than calories in.” She adds, “Goals
for exercising should be to exercise between four and seven hours each
week to lose weight, and three-and-a-half to five hours each week to maintain
your weight.”
Develop a Healthy Mindset
Dr. Kloepfer-Shapiro shared evidence suggesting that a healthy mindset
can be protective. “Being happy and having a sense of purpose,”
says Dr. Kloepfer-Shapiro, “can actually lower your cardiovascular
risk and prevent it from increasing.” She adds, “Conversely,
depression, anxiety, anger, PTSD and chronic stress can cause cardiovascular
disease.”
Calculate Your 10-Year Risk
Dr. Kloepfer-Shapiro ended her presentation by urging attendees to calculate
their 10-year cardiovascular risk by using the calculator on
cvriskcalculator.com.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kloepfer-Shapiro, call (303) 415-8820
Click here to view the PowerPoint slides from Dr. Kloepfer-Shapiro’s lecture
on "Lowering Your Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke."