It's true that many people have all the risk factors to suffer an infarct but never suffer it, although those are the exceptions. The coronary risk factors, which have come out after many research studies, reflect the reality.
RISK FACTORS
DIABETES: the risk of a coronary death is of 2 to 3 times greater in people affected by diabetes, in comparison with those who do not suffer the disease. In the case of women, this risk is increased from 3 to 7 times.
In diabetic patients one of the main causes of death it is the acute myocardium infarct, which causes 40% of deaths in these patients. In addition, in 25% of diabetic patients the infarct usually happens without symptoms.
A particularly high risk is associated with Diabetes type I, that is to say, the Diabetes of the young, that disorder which requires Insulin treatment from the beginning.
HYPERCOLESTEROLEMIA: as the total cholesterol levels in blood increase, and fundamentally LDL cholesterol values ( i.e. bad cholesterol ), the mortality leve ls become greater.
Thus, for cholesterol in blood value of 200 mg/dl, the mortality risk is of approximately 20 per 1.000 inhabitants in a 10 year period. Nevertheless, for a value of 250 mg/dl of cholesterol in blood, the risk is double, 40 per each 1.000 inhabitants throughout a 10 year period.
On the other hand, it is known that with the suitable treatment, for every 1% of reduction in cholesterol value, there is a 2% reduction in the risk of suffering a cardiovascular disease.
ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION: It's an additional risk of suffering cardiovascular or vascular brain disease. This risk is generally greater for men than women, the risk increasing with age for both.
It has been demonstrated that a mm. reduction in the minimum or diastolic arterial pressure is accompanied by a 21% reduction in cardiovascular death causes, a 42% reduction in cerebrovascular accidents and 17% reduction in Myocardium Infarcts.
TABAQUISM: Tobacco smoking causes 100.000 cardiovascular disease deaths per year in the U.S.A. A study reported that mortality in non-smoking patients was 166 cases per each 100.000, whereas in those that smoked a daily package of cigarette or more, it was 427 per 100.000. Tobacco smoking, additionally, increases tenfold the cardiovascular risk in women who take contraceptives.
Passive smokers, that is to say, those that are next to people that smoke, have a 30% greater risk of cardiovascular death than those individuals that are not exposed to a smokers' environment. On the other hand, the risk diminishes as the habit is suppressed, so that after 2-3 years of quitting the smoking habit, the risk is similar to that of people who do not smoke.
OTHER RISK FACTORS
. OBESITY: A reduction in over weight has been related to a 40%drop in cardiac risk, and on the other hand overweight correction is one of the objectives in cardiovascular prevention, since it helps to control most of the other risk factors.
. SEDENTARISM: Sedentary behavior goes together with obesity and influences the increase in diabetes incidence as well as increase in LDL cholesterol levels, since HDL cholesterol can be brought down with exercise.
. FAMILY INFARCT HISTORY: there is evidence of some genetic predisposition.
How to prevent CORONARY RISK FACTOR S (Source WHO)
80% of myocardium infarcts and CVA's can be prevented. A healthy diet, regular physical activity and quitting tobacco smoking are fundamental. These three measures not only reduce the probability of undergoing a myocardium infarct or an ACV, but they also contribute to prevent the majority of diabetes type 2 as well as chronic respiratory diseases and determined types of cancer.
Consume a healthy diet. A balanced diet (abundant fruits and integral vegetables, cereals, lean meats, fish and vegetables, and little salt and sugar) is fundamental for the heart and vascular system's health.
Exercise regularly. At least 30 minutes of daily physical activity help to maintain the cardiovascular system in shape. At least 60 minutes almost every day will help to maintain a normal weight.
Avoid tobacco consumption. Tobacco seriously damages health, independently of how it's consumed (cigarettes, cigarettes, pipe or tobacco to chew). A passive exposure to tobacco smoke is also dangerous. The good news is that the risk of myocardium infarct and ACV begins to diminish immediately after quitting smoking and can be reduced to half in only a year.
If it you want to die follow the instructions -i.e. factors of coronary risk- and it's very possible that you will achieve this in a very short time. There is also the possibility that death comes by in another form, or that the strategy does not have desired effect. However, if the objective is to live more and better, try to avoid the risks. It's not bad to be healthy, and its even better when it is observed as a life habit.
