Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Singapore, accounting for one in four deaths. CVD includes heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is a condition that affects the heart, while stroke is a condition that affects the brain.
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing CVD. These include:
- Quit smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in Singapore. It increases your risk of developing CVD by two to four times.
- Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also limits saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
- Get regular exercise: Regular exercise helps to lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. It also helps to maintain a healthy weight.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a major risk factor for CVD. If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can help to reduce your risk.
- Control your blood pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for CVD. If you have high blood pressure, it is important to take steps to control it.
- Control your cholesterol: High cholesterol is a major risk factor for CVD. If you have high cholesterol, it is important to take steps to control it.
- Control your blood sugar: High blood sugar is a major risk factor for CVD. If you have diabetes, it is important to take steps to control your blood sugar.
If you have any of the risk factors for CVD, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk. There are a number of medications and treatments that can help to reduce your risk of developing CVD.
In addition to the steps listed above, there are a number of other things you can do to reduce your risk of developing CVD. These include:
- Manage stress: Stress can increase your risk of developing CVD. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
- Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep helps to reduce your risk of developing CVD. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
- Limit alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol intake can increase your risk of developing CVD. For men, no more than two drinks per day and for women, no more than one drink per day.
- Avoid illegal drugs: Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamines, can increase your risk of developing CVD.
By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of developing CVD and live a longer, healthier life.
Here are some additional tips for preventing heart disease and stroke:
- Know your family history: If you have a family history of heart disease or stroke, you are at an increased risk. Talk to your doctor about your family history and how it affects your risk.
- Get regular checkups: Your doctor can check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. They can also screen you for other risk factors for CVD.
- Take your medications as prescribed: If you are taking medication to control your blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels, it is important to take your medications as prescribed.
- Make lifestyle changes: In addition to taking medications, it is important to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of CVD. These changes include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking.
If you have any questions about how to prevent heart disease and stroke, talk to your doctor.