Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, regular physical activity, healthy eating, and monitoring blood pressure are just some of the ways in which prevention can be achieved. This is the message of the awareness campaign launched by the Ministry of Health and the Luxembourg Society of Cardiology in the context of World Heart Day.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world and are responsible for almost one third of deaths each year. In Luxembourg, they accounted for more than 28% of female deaths and nearly 27% of male deaths in 2019, making cardiovascular diseases the leading cause of death in women and the second leading cause of death in men. This is because risk factors are often not immediately recognised, explains Dr Christiana Banu, President of the Luxembourg Society of Cardiology.
One of the risk factors is high blood pressure. People are often unaware that their blood pressure is too high, which is why it is important to check it regularly. In addition, it is important to check for diabetes and cholesterol.
In recent years, the risk has increased particularly among women. One contributing factor might be the fact that nowadays, the number of female smokers is significantly higher compared to the past. Lifestyle changes as well as blood pressure are also thought to have an impact on the rising figures.
The good news is that certain lifestyle choices can help prevent cardiovascular disease and strokes. First and foremost, people need to be careful about what they consume. It is best to significantly cut down the consumption of sugary drinks and alcohol, and instead drink more water. It is also recommended to eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, as well as to exercise regularly and frequently.
