Cardiologist Maria Serova: cardiovascular diseases are getting younger – this is largely due to people's lifestyle.
Cardiologist Serova named the reasons for heart diseases getting younger in an interview with aif.ru – those everyday habits that undermine the health of the cardiovascular system most often. One of them, according to the doctor, is excess salt consumed on a regular basis – more than 5 grams per day.
“Excessive salt consumption can lead to hypertension, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Reducing the consumption of this additive by just 1 gram per day can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 4%, and stroke by 6%,” the doctor stated.
Also, Serova added, factors in the rejuvenation of heart diseases, which until recently were considered pathologies of the elderly, are sleep deficiency and chronic stress. The expert noted that with a lack of sleep, the level of the hormone cortisol increases in the body – this, in turn, affects the increase in blood pressure and the occurrence of disturbances in the heart rhythm (heart attacks and strokes are closely associated with such disturbances). In the case of stress or anxiety, the ratio of hormones also changes and similar problems arise.
In addition, the reasons for heart disease occurring in younger people include lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle. Maria Serova warned that people who move too little and do not exercise, prefer to spend their time sedentary, have a more intensive accumulation of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in the body, which forms plaques in the arteries and blood vessels.
Among other causes of heart disease occurring at a young age, the cardiologist identified alcohol consumption, smoking, and an unhealthy diet, which contains a large amount of simple carbohydrates and foods high in trans fats.
Earlier, the MedikForum.ru portal wrote about what physical activity should be so that the heart remains healthy for many years.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and do not self-medicate under any circumstances. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.
Maria Serova Health cardiologist, arrhythmologist, head of the “Atrial Fibrillation Clinic” of City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after N. I. Pirogov