 Wellness ManagementCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the western world. Most of the risk of mortality is related to heart attacks or sudden cardiac death. This is true for both those with known heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease. The heart feeds the body with oxygenated blood by a distribution system of vessels called arteries. Blood returning to the heart to restock with oxygen flows in vessels called veins. Both types of vessels can have problems. These are explained on other pages of our web-site via the links below. Some risks for cardiovascular disease are not controllable. These are:
There are however, changes you can make in your lifestyle or through working with your physician to determine appropriate medications, that can make a difference in how well the cardiovascular system works. These controllable risk factors are:
Studies have shown that there is a significantly lower risk of mortality as well as morbidity (worsening disease) in those that stop smoking. A diet low in cholesterol, moderate regular exercise, and medications to control high blood pressure and diabetes also make a marked difference in decreasing rates of cardiac events and stroke. Exercise should be a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (walking, jogging, cycling or other aerobic* activity) 4 or 5 times each week. Patients should see their primary care physician for guidance in establishing weight control, smoking cessation information and an exercise program. Internists will also order appropriate diabetic management and anti-hypertensive medication, as well as determining if cholesterol lowering agents or heart rate control is needed. *Aerobic is activity that exercises the heart muscle. Weight lifting for example does more for legs or arms, is only minimally considered exercise for the heart. For more information on specific vascular conditions, please follow the following links:
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