Heart Disease affects many people and families in Canada. The data below is from the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation...
Every 7 minutes in Canada, someone dies from heart disease or stroke.
Heart disease and stroke are two of the three leading causes of death in Canada. These statistics are based on 2008 data (the latest year available from Statistics Canada).1
In 2008 cardiovascular disease accounted for:
- 29% of all deaths in Canada (69,648 deaths – or more than 69,500)
- 28% of all male deaths
- 29.7% of all female deaths
In 2008, of all cardiovascular deaths:
- 54% were due to ischemic heart disease
- 20% to stroke
- 23% to heart attack
The United States also show simliar trends with regards to the effect of heart disease on their population. The link below is from the Amercian Heart and Stroke Foundation and outlines important factors leading to disease.
http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/ahamah-public/@wcm/@sop/@smd/documents/downloadable/ucm_434592.pdf
What can we do to reduce the incidence of heart disease?
If you became the Canadian Health Minister, what would you do?
What initiatives could be put in place to improve the statistics?
Whether women are under more stress then men is a topic that is difficult to breach… however a recent study by the American Psychological Association states that women see the results of stress far more, "Women are more likely than men (28 percent vs. 20 percent) to report having a great deal of stress (8, 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale)." We could dispute that women may be more honest about their feelings, but multiple stats show that women react emotionally and physically more than men, this could result in women experiencing far more cardiovascular issues then men due to them actually admitting and realizing the effect that stress is having on them. There are two sides to the coin, but it seems that a woman has far more jagged edges to deal with.
ReplyDeleteSource: http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/gender-stress.aspx
"4 out of 5 people with diabetes will die of heart disease. Studies also show that people with diabetes are prone to heart disease at a much earlier age than those without diabetes. On average, people who are aged 40 with diabetes have the same level of risk as people without diabetes who are 55 years of age."
ReplyDeleteThe fact above, from the Canadian Diabetes Association, is truly shocking, and can be reduced with good diabetes management. The main reasons for this is due to high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels, being over weight, and poor cholesterol levels. The 2 types of heart disease that diabetics mainly get, are coronary heart disease, and congestive heart failure.
Smoking, and high fat/cholesterol diets are huge factors adding to the issue of cardiovascular disease within diabetics. To reduce these factors, there is not much we can do about people smoking, but we can make people more aware by having every diabetic go to meetings about how smoking highers the risk of heart disease. Weight is also a huge factor contributing to cardiovascular disease. If diabetics (and people in general) started exercising, the risk of heart disease would lower significantly, seeing as exercise gets your blood pumping and your body working.
Another great initiative to lower your chances of heart disease in diabetics, is to watch what you eat. Try to cut fats and cholesterol out of your diet, as much as possible.
If I became the Canadian Health Minister, I would take action to help diabetics. Firstly, I would make it mandatory to attend monthly meetings (for diabetics) on nutrition, and how to lower the risk of not only heart disease, but other issues that come with becoming/being diabetic. I would also create a website, or blog, or some sort of way to have diabetics come together online, and discuss different issues with each other.
Diabetes and heart disease are linked, and have the highest stats for deaths from heart disease, and I believe it should be taken into consideration.
http://www.diabetes.ca/getserious/heart-disease/
http://diabetes.webmd.com/diabetes-link-to-heart-disease
It has been known for a while that eating halthy and getting exercise is a good way to reduce the risk of heart disease. What researchers are just finding out is that stress plays a key role in overall health. Stress can play a major role in heart attacks, leading our modern day society to question our way of living. http://www.medicinenet.com/stress_and_heart_disease/article.htm
ReplyDeleteWhether it's staying active or keeping a healthy diet, both are very influential when it comes to preventing the risk of getting Cardiovascular disease. I believe that by staying active throughout your life will be the best way to keep healthy and reduce your risk of Cardiovascular Disease. Recent studies at Berkeley University of California state that staying active will reduce your risk of heart attack and high blood pressure which is a huge factor in the cause of Heart Disease, "Exercise protects against CAD by helping the heart work more efficiently, reducing blood pressure, raising HDL cholesterol, decreasing the tendency of blood to form clots, moderating stress, helping the body use insulin, and helping people maintain a healthy weight. Sedentary people who begin a regular program of exercise reduce their risk of a heart attack by 35 to 55%. Low-intensity activities, such as gardening or walking, if done regularly and over the long term, can decrease the risk of heart attack." Whether its in the morning or late at night, make time for daily physical activity. Walking, jogging, or weight lifting for even 20 minutes a day will help you in your future. There are, of course other causes for heart disease but staying active will definitely help your physical and mental health.
ReplyDeleteSource: http://www.wellnessletter.com/ucberkeley/foundations/preventing-heart-disease/#
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. From 2007 to 2008, the American Heart disease states that the cost of CVD increased by over $11 billion. What I don't understand is if it's so expensive wouldn't they understand this disease more and find a better solution to this problem? Maybe instead of spending all that money on the disease, they should pay for people to have a better understanding of their diets and ways to prevent the disease.
ReplyDeleteAlthough heart disease can be significantly apparent in some individuals because of genetics than others, I believe that it is even more influenced by lifestyle choices made by the individual. If individuals has a healthy diet and avoids a sedentary lifestyle, cardiovascular disease will be a far less of a problem for many canadians. But, it seems that this kind of living has become acceptable and normal for the majority of canadians. These days, it's so much easier to live an unhealthy lifestyle than a healthy one because of our surroundings.
ReplyDeleteIt is essential to raise the new generation with a proper healthy mindset. I believe that this is the most important way to develop a healthy population because it's far easier to introduce healthy eating and exercise as a normal routine instead of trying to implement proper health after an unhealthy lifestyle is already established.
Fast food chains, large portion sizes and unhealthy holiday rituals have become the norm and have driven the country into obesity. In addition, hours of sitting and sedentary activities without much exercise have made cardiovascular disease far more common and even an epidemic. Since children are so influenced by what they learn at school, it is essential that schools take initiative in teaching healthy eating and involving physical activity every day. This way, exercising and eating healthy foods is introduced as normal, and children will grow up and continue living with an understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle instead of unhealthy eating and sedentary activities. In doing so, not only cardiovascular diseases will be avoided, but many forms of cancer can be prevented as well as obesity and type II Diabetes.
It is said that in the U.S. there are over 20 million that are diagnosed with heart disease (National center for health statistics). As well almost 600 thousand die from this each year (National center for health statistics). The number one way to prevent heart disease is to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Keeping a healthy lifestyle is good to help keep people alive and as well a person will feel better about themselves if they are healthy.
ReplyDelete“Diets heavy in fried foods, salty snacks and meat account for about 35 percent of heart attacks globally,” Through many studies, researchers have analyzed which sort of diets can put you at the most risk for a heart attack. Researches separated people into three dietary groups, Western, Oriental and Prudent diets. A western diet would include lots of fried foods, salty treats, meat, and would lack fruits and vegetables. An oriental diet would include people that consume a lot of tofu, soy, and other sauces. Prudent diets are diets that include majorly fruits and vegetables. “People eating a Western diet had a 35 percent greater risk of heart attack compared to people who consumed little or no fried foods and meat.” “People who ate more fruits and vegetables had a 30 percent lower risk of heart attack compared to people who ate little or none of these foods, they found.” “The tofu-rich diet could be neutral rather than protective because it is high in sodium, they said.” High sodium puts you at risk for high blood pressure and heart attacks.
ReplyDeleteTo counteract the high amount of heart attacks, people need to be educated. In elementary school children need to learn about food and what food is good for you. An education program could be put in place where children are shown that foods that aren’t fried and have lower salt concentrations are better to eat, that they taste good. Through activities to do with their families the knowledge could be shared, educating everyone. The program should be repeated through all the grades changing so it can continue to educate students. By growing up learning about good food, people are more likely to have healthier diets when their older therefore decreasing the risk of heart attacks.
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/10/21/us-heart-food-idUSTRE49J7T420081021
Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and contributes to most other modifiable risk factors including diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol; fortunately the risk factor is one that we all can control. Cardiovascular or aerobic: steady physical activity using large muscle groups. This type of exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and improves the body’s ability to use oxygen. Exercise has many benefits to people, such as it can strengthen your heart and cardiovascular system, improve your circulation and help your body use oxygen better, improve your symptoms of congestive heart failure and many other health benefits. The most recent Canadian Health Measures Survey found that 85% of Canadian adults currently do not meet the recommended amount of physical activity, which is 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity per week, accumulated in bouts of 10 minutes or more.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/exercise-healthy-heart
http://www.heartandstroke.on.ca/site/c.pvI3IeNWJwE/b.5264885/k.F930/Position_Statements__Physical_Activity_Heart_Disease_and_Stroke.htm
There are multiple ways that Canadians can reduce their risk of obtaining a cardiovascular disease by eating healthier.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of diet, cutting back on salt intake could greatly reduce one's risk of getting a cardiovascular disease. Older people should definetly reduce their salt intake, especially those with high blood pressure. According to Eleanor Roberts, PhD, people who are not active do not need to consume very much sugar. "Even if you are active, you should only have up to five servings of sugary foods per week," she writes.
Trans fats consumed directly correlate with the development of cardiovascular disease. This is because these trans fats increase the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream, which can cause plaques and make bloodflow more difficult. "Trans fats can be found in some margarine, oils, cakes and other processed baked goods, and shortening."
Foods high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that can lower the risk of heart disease are important to eat, because they decrease a component of fat in the blood. An example of a food containing omega-3 fatty acids would be tuna.
Simply by altering one's diet, the risk of getting heart disease can be greatly reduced.
Source: everydayhealth.com
Cardiac ischemia, which is the the build of of fatty matter and plaque in the arteries, is often a result of several heart complications including heart disease. The build up of fatty matter and plaque can become so massive that it stops the flow of oxygenated blood to your heart. Cardiac ischemia occurs most commonly during times of extreme stress,unhealthy eating and exposure to extreme cold. This can be prevented by preventing heart disease.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the American Heart Association, death through heart disease accounts for a slightly higher percentage in women than in men. How is that so?
ReplyDeleteOne reason for this could be the fact that coronary heart disease (CAD) is far less easily recognized in women, leading to a seemingly sudden stroke.
This, however, is not true. CAD begins in early childhood, as early as age three, when fatty deposits, so called ‘plaques’, are deposited in the arteries feeding the heart. Risk factors for CAD include, but are not limited to, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes. It is no wonder that CAD is the most common ‘natural’ cause of death in our society.
About 76 Million US Americans have Hypertension, almost 100 Million have too high Cholesterol levels, not even 1% of all Americans meet the requirements for a “healthy diet”.
Nobody should be surprised that CAD has more ‘victims’ in women than all kinds of cancer combined!
CAD is easily recognized in men, with typical mid-sternal chest pain especially in emotional or active periods of time. This is caused by the heart not getting enough oxygen, and can be eased with rest and medicine. For women, however, the symptoms are different. They include fatigue, shortness of breath and weakness, as various sources like the New York Times and the article “Women and Cardiovascular Disease: An Evidentiary Review” state. Other illnesses, such as arthritis or osteoporosis can make it hard to give a clear diagnosis, as the symptoms overlap. Also, the exertion test used for getting a diagnosis is less accurate for women than for men. The result is no treatment until it is almost too late.
One way to change this would be to support and promote an overall healthier lifestyle. By reducing saturated fats, as well as fats in general and increasing daily activity, the risk of CAD could be lessened greatly. Another option is raising awareness. If our doctors were better informed of the risks and knew more of the illness and its symptoms in women, the diagnosis could be given sooner, which in turn would increase effectiveness of the treatment.
One thing, however, is clear: There has to be done something about it.
Sources:
Top Ten Things To Know - AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2012 Update American Hear Association
“Women and Cardiovascular Disease: An Evidentiary Review” - Susan Shirato and Beth Ann Swan
What Is Coronary Artery Disease? - Mount Sinai Hospital
Coronary Heart Disease - New York Times
Even though some Canadians chances of getting a heart disease is greater than others due to their family's health history and genetics everyone should be aware of how to maintain a strong health so their future doesn't hold a chance of having to face a heart disease. The two most important factors Canadians need to be aware of that play a huge role in their health is diet and excercise. To low of a cholestorol level is a factor when it comes to heart diseases. Many people think having a good low cholestrol level is good, but it actually can increase your chances of getting a heart disease.
ReplyDeleteExcercising regularily can also decrease your chances of getting a heart disease especially when you are growing, excercise also helps relieve stress- stress playing a key role in heart disease.
If I had control over advertising to the public the awareness of heart disease I would ensure more commercials and ads were placed over media about heart disease and what you can do to prevent it. It is obvious we can't force people to eat better or excercise regularily but getting out to the public what can happen to you if you don't is one step closer to reducing the amount of Canadians that suffer from heart disease. Heart disease may not be the easiest to prevent for our Canadians and will take time, but we have to start somewhere!
http://heartdisease.about.com/c/ht/00/07/How_Prevent_Heart_Disease0962934256.htm
The causes of most cardiovascular disease would be a build up of "artheroma", which is a fatty deposit inside the lining of our arteries. Lifestyle factors that can help reduce the forming of "artheroma" include things such as - not smoking, eating nutrisious and healthy foods, lower you'r salt intake, regular physical activity (60mins a day), and ridding things such as alcohol and other toxins. It is advised that more people should have their cardiovascular health risk assessed more often. Mainly those above the age of fourty, and people with a strong family history of early or any heart disease. This is not something to be treated lightly. As a community we should get the message out more, and help everyone become aware of what could potentially happen if we don't start taking better care of ourselves. You're only hurting yourself if you aren't willing do take the precautions to help prevent this life threating disease. The best you can do is educate yourself, and understand what you can do to better you'r life.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.heartandstroke.com/site/c.ikIQLcMWJtE/b.3682421/k.48B2/Heart_disease__What_is_heart_disease.htm?gclid=CMjEl8Os5LMCFUdxQgodGn4Ayg
"The WHO asserts that the global food price crisis threatens public health and jeopardizes the health of the most
ReplyDeletedisadvantaged groups such as women, children, the elderly and low-income families. Economic factors play a
crucial role and could affect personal nutrition status and health. Economic decision factors such as food price
and income do influence people’s food choices. Moreover, food costs are a barrier for low income-families to
healthier food choices. Several studies indicate that diet costs are associated with dietary quality and also food
safety. Food prices have surged over the past couple of years (2007-9) and raised serious concerns about food
security around the world. Rising food prices are having severe impacts on population health and nutritional
status. Therefore, people who change their diet pattern for economic reasons may develop a range of nutritionally-
related disorders and diseases, from so-called over-nutrition to or with under-nutrition even within the one
household. This is likely to increase with growing food insecurity. Presently, economics is not integrated with
mainstream nutrition science or practice, other than in ‘home economics’, but it can enable greater understanding
of how socioeconomic status may interplay with human nutritional status and health and how these situations
might be resolved. Collaborative, cross-disciplinary nutritional economics research should play a greater role in
the prevention and management of food crises."
Healthy eating is an important part of heart diesease prevention. However, people with low incomes are not always able to provide nutritious meals for themselves or their families. Almost 32% of Canadian families are reliant on food banks. Because food banks are only able to accept non-perishable food items, they cannot always provide a balanced diet. Therefore, our plan was to get the governemnt to finance a new healthy eating plan for underpriviledged citizens, instead of the regular food banks. This plan would include food stamps for grocercy stores for specific food items that would follow the Canadian Food Guide recommendations.
Source: Myself, Curt, Rayven and Krugs articulate, inteligent conversation.
http://apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/APJCN/Volume18/vol18.4/Finished/21_1632_598-604.pdf
www.foodbankscanada.ca
Heart disease has many known causes, with one the most privelent of them being high blood pressure and cholesterol. First let's start with cholesterol. Cholesterol is a protein which is produced naturally by the liver, but extra and some what un-needed cholesterol can also be obtained through diet (animal products and bi-products). If excess cholesterol is present in the blood stream, it can collect in the arteries and lead to plaque build up (artheroma), which eventually can cause a complete artery blockage and cause the heart to fail. Secondly, high blood pressure (hypertension) can cause high strain on arteries if left untreated, which can cause damage to the heart.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most effective ways to reduce these two factors to contributing to heart disease is to improve the diet. By adopting a low sodium, low cholesterol (animal product) and low fat diet, you will significantly reduce your risk of develpoing heart disease from high blood pressure and cholesterol. Quiting smoking will also reduce high blood pressure, because nicotine is know to significantly increase blood pressure levels. Adding regular excersive is also an important factor in maintaining overall heart health. If people improve their general day-to-day lifestyle, their risk in develpoing heart disease will be significantly decreased.
Heart disease is the number one cause of death of women in the United States. The most commonly diagnosed form is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries called Coronary Artery Disease. This disease causes the majority of heart attacks among women. It is caused by the build up of choresterol and other things called plaque on the inner walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This build up is called atherosclerosis which prevents the heart muscle from receiving the blood and oxygen it needs to function properly. Age is another crucial factor when it comes to heart disease because the older a woman gets, the more likely she is to become sick. Although there are forms of treatment for heart disease, most women don't make a full recovery after a heart attack has occurred. Not only does heart disease cause death, it may also cause disabilities which can decrease a person's quality of life. Heart disease can be caused by poor living habits but can also be degenerative. If heart disease runs among your family history, it is important to take precautions to try and prevent it. Some simple ways to prevent heart disease include: knowing your blood pressure and keeping it under control, exercising regularly, not smoking, getting tested for diabetes and keeping it under control if diagnosed, knowing your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, eating healthy, and maintaining a healthy weight for your body type (not everybody is the same!).
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/heartdiseaseinwomen.html