The surprising link between oral health and cardiovascular disease- Part 2
How to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
CVD is serious and potentially life-threatening if not managed and it affects millions of people worldwide. Below are some tips to prevent your risk of developing CVD:
Quit smoking as it is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight increases your risk of CVD.
Exercise regularly: regular physical activity can help to lower your blood pressure, reduce your cholesterol levels and improve your overall cardiovascular health.
Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet can help reduce your risk of CVD. Choose a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Avoid foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, added sugars and sodium.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to CVD. Find ways to manage stress, such as practising relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep and talking about problems.
Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are major risk factors for CVD. Get your levels checked regularly and take steps to manage them if they are high.
Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking too much can increase the risk of CVD. If you do choose to drink, do so in moderation. For men, this means no more than 2 drinks per, and for women, no more than 1 drink per day.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing CVD. Remember prevention is key when it comes to cardiovascular disease, so take steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle and protect your heart health.
How does Metix Medical and Coremed help detect CVD? The Coremed is a light-weight portable device which captures the patient's medical data in real-time from near and far. From recording ECG, capnography, non-invasive blood pressure, pulse oximetry, heart rate and temperature- these parameters allow for an all-round overview of the patient's medical status. Consistent monitoring will allow better insights into the patient's overall health. The earlier abnormalities are found the better chance of managing the situation.
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It is a commonly used test to detect cardiovascular disease because it can provide important information about the heart's rhythm, rate, and conduction system.
ECG can help detect cardiovascular disease in several ways:
Abnormal rhythms: ECG can detect abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, which can increase the risk of stroke or heart failure.
Ischemia: ECG can detect signs of ischemia, which is a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle due to blockages in the coronary arteries. This can help diagnose conditions such as angina and myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Enlargement of the heart: ECG can detect enlargement of the heart, which can be a sign of heart failure, high blood pressure, or other conditions.
Structural abnormalities: ECG can also detect structural abnormalities in the heart, such as congenital heart defects or damage from a previous heart attack.
Overall, ECG is a non-invasive and relatively simple test that can provide valuable information about the heart's function and structure. It is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests to help diagnose cardiovascular disease and guide treatment decisions.