Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for an estimated 17.9 million deaths annually. These conditions, which include heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease, affect people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, the burden of CVDs is particularly high in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Nigeria, where access to quality healthcare and preventive services is often limited.

This blog explores the nature of CVDs, their risk factors, and steps individuals and communities can take to prevent and manage them.

What Are Cardiovascular Diseases?

CVDs refer to a group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels. Key types include:

• Coronary heart disease (CHD): Blockage of blood vessels supplying the heart, leading to heart attacks.
  
• Cerebrovascular disease: Disorders of blood vessels in the brain, such as stroke.
  
• Peripheral artery disease: Blockage of vessels supplying arms and legs.
  
• Rheumatic heart disease: Damage to heart valves from untreated streptococcal infections.
  
• Congenital heart defects: Heart structure problems present at birth.
  

The common thread in these conditions is a disruption of blood flow, which deprives organs of oxygen and nutrients, leading to damage or death.

Global Burden of CVDs

CVDs account for about 32% of all global deaths, with over three-quarters occurring in LMICs. Factors driving this trend include urbanization, lifestyle changes, limited healthcare infrastructure, and lower awareness of risk factors. In countries like Nigeria, CVDs often affect younger populations, creating additional social and economic burdens.

Unlike many infectious diseases, CVDs are largely preventable and manageable. Yet, limited resources and health inequities leave many people without access to necessary care, leading to late diagnoses and poor outcomes.

Key Risk Factors

Understanding the factors that increase the risk of CVDs is crucial for prevention. Major risk factors include:

• Unhealthy diet: High intake of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats leads to high blood pressure and cholesterol.
  
• Physical inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles contribute to obesity and insulin resistance.
  
• Tobacco use: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases clot formation.
  
• Harmful alcohol use: Excessive drinking raises blood pressure and weakens heart muscles.
  
• High blood pressure and cholesterol: These conditions increase the likelihood of vessel blockage.
  
• Diabetes: Poorly controlled blood sugar damages vessels and nerves.
  
• Stress: Chronic stress can indirectly contribute to unhealthy behaviours and high blood pressure.
  

Prevention Strategies

The good news is that many CVDs are preventable through simple lifestyle changes and regular medical check-ups. Here are key strategies for reducing the risk:

• Healthy eating: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like those in nuts and fish) can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
  
• Regular exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week improves heart health and helps maintain a healthy weight.
  
• No tobacco use: Avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke greatly reduces the risk of heart disease.
  
• Moderate alcohol consumption: Limiting alcohol to recommended levels lowers blood pressure and reduces heart strain.
  
• Routine screenings: Regular checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels can catch problems early.
  
• Stress management: Techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing can help manage stress effectively.
  

Management and Treatment

For those already diagnosed with CVDs or at high risk, management involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, medication, and sometimes surgical interventions. Key treatments include:

• Medications: Drugs to control blood pressure, lower cholesterol, manage blood sugar, and prevent clot formation are often prescribed.
  
• Procedures: In severe cases, interventions like angioplasty, bypass surgery, or valve replacement may be necessary.
  
• Rehabilitation: Cardiac rehabilitation programs provide supervised exercise and counselling to help patients recover and improve their quality of life.
  

The Role of Healthcare Systems

In many LMICs, including Nigeria, access to CVD care is limited by infrastructure, cost, and workforce shortages. Strengthening primary healthcare systems, expanding insurance coverage, and investing in public health education are vital steps. Community-based initiatives and partnerships with global health organizations can also play a crucial role in improving access to prevention and treatment.

Globally, countries like Finland and Japan have achieved remarkable reductions in CVD rates through sustained public health efforts, demonstrating that progress is possible with the right strategies.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a major health challenge, but they are not inevitable. By understanding the risk factors and adopting healthier lifestyles, individuals can significantly reduce their chances of developing these conditions. Meanwhile, healthcare systems and policymakers must work together to create an environment that supports prevention, early detection, and quality care. Through concerted efforts at both individual and societal levels, we can turn the tide on CVDs and build a healthier future.