Ever since 2008, the last Sunday of September has been set aside as World Heart Day. Ágnes Bencze MD, cardiologist at the Buda Health Center, gave a speech in the XIIth District regarding the importance of a healthy diet and daily physical activity.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in Hungary in spite of the fact that, with just a little attention, i.e., a healthy diet and daily physical activity, they could be prevented.
One of the most prevalent risk factors is high blood pressure, the “silent killer” that causes no complaints for a long period of time but later may lead to serious complications such as kidney failure, stroke and heart attack. Though in 90% of the cases the cause cannot be determined, it can be successfully maintained. In the remaining 10%, the cause may be thyroid disorder, kidney failure or hormonal dysfunction. When these are cured, the high blood pressure ceases.
The normal blood pressure value is 140/90. If your blood pressure is higher and is accompanied by headaches, vision disturbance, nose bleed, shortness of breath or chest pains call a doctor immediately!
The timing and the manner in which the measurements are taken is also important: over the age of 40 years the measurements should be routinely taken yearly with the patient resting, in a sitting position, and always on the same arm. Those who know that their blood pressure is high should regularly measure weekly. As a preventive measure, reduce salt and alcohol intake, exercise and stop smoking.
Another precursor of cardiovascular disease is elevated cholesterol wherein the fat deposits on blood vessel walls result in calcification and blood vessel narrowing. Obesity is also dangerous since it is often accompanied by high blood pressure and eventually, diabetes.
If the body mass index is between 20 and 25, we have nothing to worry about, above that we are considered overweight and above 30, obese. If the waist measurement is above 90 cm in men and above 80 cm in women we are faced with significant abdominal obesity with serious cardiovascular consequences.
Another negative influence on the cardiovascular condition is diabetes increasing the likelihood of coronary heart disease and stroke 3-5 times on its own and 6-15 times together with smoking. Similar effects are found with increased calorie intake and too much alcohol consumption.
Dr. Bencze again reiterated the importance of a healthy diet such as the Mediterranean diet that consists of half a kilo of vegetables or fruit per day, olive oil and fish three times per week. In addition, men may drink, at the most, two glasses and women one glass of red wine per day. Do not forget physical exercise – 30 minutes of active walking is of great benefit to the cardiovascular system!
Of the specific illnesses, the most common is angina pectoris, a recurrent passing pain in the heart region, heart attack being the more severe form. Symptoms include unbearably strong pain beginning above the sternum and radiating into the neck, shoulders, back and left arm. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you must see a doctor immediately without fail or call for an ambulance!
At the Buda Health Center, you have the opportunity to attend the private practices of more than 300 renowned specialists, offering expertise in nearly 45 medical specialisms, at five locations. Personalized care is provided by a well-trained and empathetic staff of professionals, who have been working together for a long time. Based on our 24 years of experience and the feedback received from our 450,000 clients, we are constantly working to organize our healthcare services in the most efficient way possible for those who visit us, paying respect to their needs and time.
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