Cardiovascular disease: Five ways you can lower the risk

On Tuesday 21 April, South Africans were shocked by the news that Lira had suffered a stroke that affected her speech. It is a stark reminder that the young are not immune to cardiovascular disease. Luckily, there are a few ways that can prevent heart disease.

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WHAT IS CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE? 

Cardiovascular disease is a group of disorders of the heart and the blood vessels. These can include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and congenital heart disease. 

By 2030, the percentage of people aged 35 to 64 years old who will die from premature cardiovascular disease, is expected to rise by 41%. 

“Once a big health event happens, it’s hard to get first-time cover,” says Petrie Marx, product actuary at Sanlam Individual Live. 

“Those who don’t prioritise their health or plan adequately for the financial fall-out may be placing both their health and their financial future at risk.”

PLANNING FINANCIALLY 

Cardiovascular disease is a serious concern from a financial planning perspective and was the leading cause of Sanlam’s death and funeral claims in 2020 before the full effect of the COVID-19 pandemic was felt. 

It was also responsible for 8% of all disability claims during this period and heart-related diseases accounted for a combined 20% of all severe illness claims. It’s consistently one of the country’s biggest killers and over half of all cardiovascular disease-related deaths occur before the age of 65. 

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HOW TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE 

1. STOP SMOKING 

The United Nations pins tobacco as “the single most preventable cause of disease, disability and death in the world”. Smoking can increase your chance of dying from a heart attack by two to three times, compared to the risk for a non-smoker. 

If you quit smoking before age 35, almost all the risks from smoking can be reversed. 

2. DRINKING LESS 

The British Heart Foundation says there is a clear link between regularly drinking too much alcohol and high blood pressure (hypertension), which can put a strain on the heart muscle, leading to cardiovascular diseases. 

3. EAT HEALTHY FOODS 

The Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) suggests the best diet for preventing heart disease includes “lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish, poultry and vegetable oils”. 

It reports that those who follow this type of diet have a 31% lower risk of heart disease. 

4. GET UP AND MOVE 

The HSPH also says regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease. Diabetes, stroke and more by helping to keep weight in check, bolstering one’s mood and tempering stress. A 30-minute walk a day can massive difference. 

5. GET FINANCIALLY FIT 

Medical aid, gap cover, income protection and sere illness cover could make a major difference one day. An emergency fund should also be an important consideration.