The Top Health Hazard You're Overlooking
More than half of Americans are unaware of the leading cause of death. Surprisingly, It’s not respiratory issues, germs, or viruses that pose the greatest threat to your life. It may be shocking to learn that out of all the systems in the body, our cardiovascular system is the most impacted by modern life. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death not only in the United States, but also worldwide. In the U.S., 1 in 3 deaths each year is due to CVD, and in 2019, 27% of the global deaths were caused by this disease. Heart disease has held the grim title of the leading cause of death in the U.S. for the past 100 years. In 2021, heart disease claimed more lives in the U.S. than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined.
Our cardiovascular systems primary function is to circulate blood to deliver oxygen and vital nutrients to every cell in our body, with the heart as the center player. However, our blood vessels are highly sensitive to inflammation, a condition that is becoming increasingly common as our immune systems remain on high alert due to modern lifestyle and environmental factors. A lifestyle lacking in movement, nutritious food, sunlight, and fresh air can contribute to this chronic state of inflammation. Diet plays a significant role in the development of CVD and can also be leveraged to improve cardiovascular health.
Atherosclerosis, a disease characterized by plaque buildup in the arteries, occurs when inflammation is chronically present. This condition can lead to serious complications such as coronary heart disease, strokes, peripheral artery disease, and heart failure.
So, how can you tell if you are at risk for CVD? Consider these factors:
· Pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes: High levels of sugar and insulin the blood stream can damage and inflame blood vessels.
· High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure narrows the arteries and can also be the result of buildup in the arteries causing narrowing and increased blood pressure.
· Cigarette smoking: Chemicals in cigarettes damage blood vessels, while nicotine itself causes blood vessels to constrict.
· Overweight or Obese: Obesity is a state of chronic inflammation, raising blood pressure, and very often coexisting with pre or type 2 diabetes. It is almost impossible to be overweight without having elevated insulin levels.
· Sedentary Lifestyle: Physical inactivity is associated with a 24% higher risk of heart disease, a 16% increased risk of stroke, and a 42% higher risk of diabetes. There are a multitude of reasons why this is, such as the lack of blood flow, less muscle mass to pull glucose out of the blood stream, and more rigid blood vessels.
· Excess Alcohol Consumption: Drinking more than1-2 alcoholic drinks per day can increase blood pressure by altering in the cells lining the blood vessels and reducing nitric oxide production.
