On Valentine's Day, it is worth thinking tenderly not only about your loved ones, but also about your heart, which needs to be treated with affection. The popular Valentine's Day emblem is, above all, a symbol of life. That is why taking care of your heart's health is the best gift not only on February 14.   

Lack of exercise, stress, unhealthy diet and insufficient prevention – all of this can lead to serious cardiovascular disorders. Cardiologist, Dr. Konrad Kaaz advises how to prevent this. 

HEART-BREAKING STATISTICS

Cardiovascular diseases affect a huge part of society. Called silent killers, they contribute to premature deaths not only in Poland but also all over the world. The statistics are alarming. According to the report of the National Institute of Public Health, circulatory system diseases lead the ranking in terms of the number of deaths. Nearly 11 million people in Poland suffer from hypertension, which is the main cause of the most serious complications of cardiological diseases, of which over 3 million do not know that they have hypertension. Over 2.5 million people are not treated effectively because of this. 

HYPERTENSION DOESN'T HURT 

Hypertension and its effective control seem to be key here. This term covers a whole range of problems. High blood pressure not only increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. It can also cause chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, and even dementia.

However, such complications, as experts say, take a long time to develop. – These are often years of neglect, addictions, lack of sleep, bad eating habits. – explains the cardiologist Dr. Konrad Kaaz. Pointing out that the main problem is poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle. The correct pressure as indicated by the expert is 130/85.

– Generally above 130. We are talking about the borderline when we recognize hypertension. Up to 65 years of age, we should aim for blood pressure below 130. For older age groups, these values will be higher, and we will also think about pharmacotherapy at higher values – the doctor emphasizes. 

FRIENDS FROM THE HEART – MOVEMENT AND HEALTHY DIET

The risk of all diseases, and certainly those related to the circulatory system, can be reduced by introducing healthy habits into your life. These include a balanced diet - preferably Mediterranean, exercise, adequate sleep and minimizing stress. Experts claim that physical activity can reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke by up to 30 percent. Adults are recommended to do 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week.  - This can be, for example, activities such as cycling, swimming, intensive walking, marching or mountain hiking. Those that do not require isometric effort – advises Dr. Konrad Kaaz. However, it should be remembered that in the case of cardiovascular diseases, too intensive training can be harmful. In case of doubt, it is worth asking a doctor whether performing specific exercises is really safe for us. 

A healthy lifestyle also includes regular sleep – from 8 to 10 hours and avoiding stress. This last factor is certainly a very individual matter. However, what we know for sure is that in order to have a healthy heart, it is worth limiting stimulants. Studies indicate that consuming, for example, large amounts of energy drinks, i.e. those containing caffeine, can promote the development of cardiomyopathy – a disease that damages the entire heart muscle. 

We invite you to listen to a series of podcasts dedicated to the prevention of cardiological diseases, with the participation of Dr. Konrad Kaaz. The podcast is available on the portal YOUTUBE and on the main podcast platforms as well as on the website www.twojlekarz.net