Heart disease still holds the sobering position of being the leading cause of death globally. Millions of people still die from heart disease every year, despite enormous advances in medical research, technology, and preventive healthcare. Although hypertension, or high blood pressure, is frequently held responsible as the primary offender, the truth is far more nuanced. According to recent research, there are other factors that contribute to heart disease, therefore focusing solely on blood pressure may ignore several hazards.
Why There Are Other Villains Besides Blood Pressure
Doctors have been warning about excessive blood pressure for decades, and with good reason. Hypertension increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, strains the heart, and silently destroys arteries. However, complete protection against heart disease is not guaranteed by blood pressure treatment alone.
This is the reason:
Cholesterol imbalance causes coronary heart disease by clogging arteries with plaque caused by high levels of LDL (also known as “bad cholesterol”) and low levels of HDL (also known as “good cholesterol”).
Diabetes and Insulin Resistance: Because high blood sugar affects the heart’s blood arteries and nerves, people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease.
Obesity: Being overweight elevates blood pressure and cholesterol and frequently causes inflammation, all of which are primary causes of heart disease.
Smoking: Cigarettes raise the risk of heart disease by damaging the artery lining, lowering blood oxygen levels, and making the heart work harder.
Handle Stress: Breathing techniques, yoga, and meditation can all help reduce stress chemicals that are bad for your heart.
Get Screened Frequently: Don’t only take your blood pressure. Regularly check your blood sugar, cholesterol, and BMI.
Limit Junk Food and Alcohol: Consuming too much junk food and alcohol raises cholesterol, weight, and blood pressure.
The Reasons Heart Disease Continues to Lead the Charts
Because prevention is frequently overlooked, heart disease remains the leading cause of death despite awareness campaigns. Cardiovascular issues are exacerbated by modern lifestyles that include processed foods, sedentary work, and stress. Many people wait until they have had a heart attack or stroke to seek medical attention, which prolongs recovery and makes treatment more difficult.
The false belief that heart health is only determined by blood pressure is another factor. Although managing hypertension is essential, heart disease remains a global epidemic when other factors such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and lifestyle choices are ignored.
Concluding remarks
Heart disease is a complex medical issue. Although blood pressure is a significant risk factor, it is only one aspect of a larger picture. People can take better preventive measures if they are aware of the wider causes, which range from stress and heredity to diabetes and cholesterol.
Keep in mind that your lifestyle decisions and routine exams are just as important to your heart health as your blood pressure. You have a better chance of avoiding heart disease, the biggest cause of death worldwide, if you treat all risk factors as soon as possible.
FAQs on Heart Disease
Q1. Can a person with normal blood pressure also have heart disease?
Indeed. Other risk factors including high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, or a family history of heart issues can cause heart disease even if your blood pressure is normal. Although blood pressure should be monitored, it is not the only issue.
Q2. What are heart disease’s early warning indicators?
Chest pain, exhaustion, lightheadedness, dyspnea, or pain in the arms, neck, or jaw are examples of early warning indicators. Regular health examinations are essential because heart disease can go unnoticed for years.
Q3. What natural ways may I lower my risk of heart disease?
Your risk of heart disease can be considerably reduced by adopting lifestyle modifications such as eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, giving up smoking, controlling stress, and getting adequate sleep.
Q4. Is it possible to prevent heart disease?
Indeed. According to studies, healthy lifestyle choices and early identification of risk factors including blood sugar and cholesterol levels can prevent up to 80% of heart disease cases.
Q5. How frequently should I have a heart disease screening?
Adults who have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors for the condition should get their blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar evaluated at least once a year, if not more regularly.
Q6. Is heart disease actually brought on by stress?
Prolonged stress raises the risk of heart disease by increasing chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline, which raise blood pressure, encourage inflammation, and damage arteries.
