Cardiovascular Disease Guidelines

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer in the U.S. In Wisconsin, CVD is responsible for more deaths than AIDS, cancer, alcohol abuse and automobile accidents combined.

This staggering number of deaths is a result of the multitude of risk factors that exist with CVD. However, for each of these risk factors, there are corresponding lifestyle changes that can decrease your risk for further complications.

While personal lifestyle changes are vital in preventing and controlling CVD, your primary care practitioner (PCP) has important and effective treatments and should be consulted. Treatment options may include lab tests for monitoring your condition or medications to control risk factors. Together, you and your PCP can determine the treatment approach that is best for you. The following are some of the most common risk factors associated with CVD.

Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia results from high levels of total cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol; and triglycerides and a low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol.

Lifestyle modifications.

Concentrate on weight loss and management through increased exercise and an improved diet. Try to include monounsaturated fats and 6 ounces of fish a week (mainly tuna, herring or salmon) in your diet.

Goal.

Work toward achieving these desired levels:

• Total cholesterol lower than 200 mg/dl
• LDL lower than 100 mg/dl or lower than 70 mg/dl for high-risk patients
• Triglycerides lower than 150 mg/dl
• HDL of 40 to 59 mg/dl for men and 50 to 59 mg/dl for women

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, contributes to the hardening of arteries. If your blood pressure is higher than 140/90 mm Hg, you have hypertension.

Lifestyle modifications.

As with dyslipidemia, the key is weight loss and maintenance through increased exercise and an improved diet. A person with high blood pressure should follow a low-sodium diet of 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams a day that is high in fruits, vegetables and calcium and low in alcohol.

Goal.

Lower your blood pressure to lower than 120/80 mm Hg.

Metabolic Syndrome

This risk factor is linked to insulin resistance. Factors that contribute to metabolic syndrome include:

• Waist circumference of more than 40 inches for men or more than 35 inches for women
• Triglyceride level at least 150 mg/dl
• Blood pressure at least 130/85 mm Hg
• HDL lower than 40 mg/dl for men or lower than 50 mg/dl for women
• Fasting plasma glucose of 100 to 126 mg/dl

Lifestyle modifications.

Similar to other risk factors for CVD, the best way to combat metabolic syndrome is with weight maintenance through an improved diet and increased exercise.

Goal.

Improve on those metabolic risk factors that are problem areas for you.

Diabetes

Diabetes presents a risk for coronary heart disease. Diabetes can occur as a result of unhealthy lifestyle habits. Once diagnosed, controlling diabetes is essential for improving health.

Lifestyle modifications.

Nutrition adjustments and increased physical activity are positive lifestyle changes that can lower the risk for complications from diabetes.

Goal.

Strive to lower your blood glucose levels and aim for blood pressure lower than 130/80 mm Hg.

Obesity

Body mass index (BMI) measures the relationship between your weight and height. To determine your BMI, multiply your weight in pounds by 703. Divide this number by your height in inches, then divide by your height in inches again. A BMI between 25 and 29 generally qualifies as overweight; a BMI of 30 or higher is obese.

Lifestyle modifications.

If you are overweight or obese, the key to improving your health is weight loss and maintenance through lifestyle changes, including improved nutrition and increased physical activity.

Goal.

Strive to lose 5 to 7 percent of your body weight or get your BMI lower than 25.

Physical Inactivity

A person who participates in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on five days a week is considered physically active. A person who does not exercise with this frequency is considered inactive. People who are physically active have a reduced risk for CVD as well as for CVD risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity.

Lifestyle modifications and goal.

By getting at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, five days a week, you can remove inactivity as a risk factor from your life. It may seem daunting to go from not exercising at all to working out five days a week. Start with smaller goals, such as taking the stairs or doing some light yard work. If you have a health condition, talk with your PCP before starting an exercise program.

Tobacco Use

All forms of tobacco increase your risk for CVD. Even if you don’t use tobacco, secondhand smoke from cigarettes or cigars is harmful.

Lifestyle modifications and goal.

Stop using tobacco products and stay away from secondhand smoke. Quitting tobacco use is a difficult task. Get help from the Wisconsin Quit Line at 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669).

Family History

Having a first-degree relative with early-onset atherosclerotic CVD is a risk factor. Early-onset in this instance is defined as younger than age 55 in men and younger than age 65 in women.

Lifestyle modifications and goal.

Of course, there is nothing you can do about the risk factor itself. Instead, make efforts to control the effect your family history has as a risk factor for you. Do this through living a healthy lifestyle, controlling your weight and watching your diet.

If you think you have any of these CVD risk factors, talk with your PCP, who can provide advice and treatment options. CVD is a broad topic and one of great concern. Many conditions are considered risk factors. If you currently have any of these risk factors, following a healthy lifestyle can help reduce its effect on your life. If you don’t have any risk factors, this same lifestyle can help you avoid them altogether.

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