2023-08-30 17:58:12
Half of Heart Attacks and Strokes Could Have Been Avoided, Study Finds
August 30, 2023, 5:58 p.m – According to the Federal Statistical Office, cardiovascular diseases claimed the lives of 340,619 people in 2021. However, a recent study conducted by the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) suggests that almost half of these heart attacks and strokes could have been prevented.
The researchers reached this conclusion by identifying five risk factors that are commonly associated with heart attacks and strokes: obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. These risk factors are known to be modifiable, meaning individuals have the power to reduce them through lifestyle changes and proper medical care.
With a combination of treatment and regular check-ups, the UKE believes that the incidence of cardiovascular diseases can be significantly reduced. The study found that the five risk factors explained 57.2 percent of the risk in women and 52.6 percent in men. This highlights the importance of targeting these risk factors in preventive healthcare strategies.
However, the research also revealed that around 45 percent of cardiovascular diseases worldwide cannot be explained by these classic risk factors. This highlights the need for further research and understanding of other contributing factors.
The study emphasized the heightened risk associated with high blood pressure. Individuals with elevated blood pressure were found to be particularly vulnerable to developing cardiovascular diseases. The likelihood of these diseases increases with higher blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
Interestingly, the importance of risk factors decreases with age, except for body weight and body mass index (BMI). The study showed that body weight remains equally important regardless of age, suggesting the need to address obesity at any stage of life.
The study analyzed data from 1.5 million individuals across 34 countries, providing a comprehensive snapshot of global cardiovascular health.
These findings underline the importance of raising awareness about modifiable risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles. By focusing on prevention and treatment, it is possible to significantly reduce the number of heart attacks and strokes, ultimately saving lives.
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