Causes of cardiovascular disease that you do not expect

Causes of cardiovascular disease need to be understood

1. How genetic factors affect cardiovascular disease

One of the first factors causing cardiovascular disease is genetics. 

Accordingly, people with a family history of cardiovascular disease will have a much higher risk than those who do not. 

Some diseases that lead to cardiovascular diseases due to genetic causes include: dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, etc. Genetic diseases can make the body susceptible to atherosclerosis, high blood pressure or diabetes, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

2. Physiological changes in the body of the elderly

As we age, the rate of aging increases due to the structure and function of organs in the body decreasing over time, and the cardiovascular system is no exception.

One of the factors that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in the elderly is high blood pressure because the arterial walls are less elastic and blood vessels are more susceptible to sclerosis.

In particular, when blood circulation is poor due to atherosclerosis, the heart will have to work harder to provide oxygen and nutrients to the organs in the body.

The reduction of heart muscle cells will lead to a decrease in the heart's ability to contract, making the blood pumping process ineffective. When the heart is no longer able to supply oxygen as before, it will easily lead to heart failure and is clearly shown through many symptoms, of which shortness of breath, edema, and fatigue are easily recognizable signs in the elderly.

3. Unhealthy living habits of the elderly

Unhealthy and unscientific living habits such as irregular eating, lack of nutrients, lack of exercise and too much intake of substances that cause high blood pressure such as salt, sugar, saturated fat will make the body overweight and obese - factors that cause high risk of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and even stroke.

In particular, for those who belong to the "stronger" group, there are also habits of drinking alcohol, smoking, etc. These are seemingly harmless causes but are among the top causes of cardiovascular diseases in the elderly.

4. High blood pressure and high cholesterol

This is a chronic disease that is very common in the elderly due to increased blood pressure on the arterial wall. Once fat and other substances accumulate on the arterial wall, they will form atherosclerotic plaques that cause narrowing of the arteries, blocking and impeding blood circulation. This is the root cause of many serious complications such as: myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, etc.

In addition, the elderly also need to pay attention to high cholesterol levels. Although it does not cause immediate symptoms, in the long run, cholesterol can accumulate into plaque in the blood vessels, causing the arteries to become narrower and stiffer - an important factor in the risk of cardiovascular disease.

5. Some chronic diseases related to cardiovascular disease in the elderly

Diabetes, obesity or chronic kidney disease are also common causes that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in the elderly. The reason is that for people with diabetes, it will accidentally cause damage to the blood vessels and nervous system, then the heart will have to work with more productivity to supply blood. 

All of this puts you at increased risk for coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Another condition that increases your risk of heart disease is chronic kidney disease, which if your kidneys aren’t working properly can cause excess fluid and waste to build up in your body, increasing your risk for high blood pressure and leading to heart problems.

How to prevent cardiovascular disease in the elderly?

In old age, getting sick is inevitable if you don't know how to take care of and prevent it early. 

Accordingly, one of the simple ways to prevent it is to ensure a complete and reasonable diet such as eating enough nutrients, increasing green vegetables and fruits, avoiding processed foods, canned foods, fast foods and limiting alcohol and tobacco.

Not only diet, exercise is also a factor that the elderly need to pay attention to and do regularly, this is also a way to keep the cardiovascular system healthy. Some gentle exercises such as walking, swimming or yoga will be ideal exercises to help maintain stable blood pressure and reduce blood fat. 

In addition, the elderly also need to regularly visit and have periodic health check-ups. This will be extremely necessary to detect early signs of cardiovascular disease and have timely treatment plans.

Although the above are ways to prevent cardiovascular disease, not everyone has the time to remember and take care of themselves properly with every meal and sleep. These are the reasons why many families seek professional care and nursing services from Hio Care. With a dedicated, understanding, enthusiastic and thoughtful working style, this is considered a "golden address" where filial children can entrust their elderly and be completely assured of the quality of service. 

In general, the causes of cardiovascular disease are not only due to natural changes in the body but also come from lifestyle, eating habits and chronic diseases. However, by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking proper care of their health, the elderly can completely reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, prolong life and improve the quality of life.