Fighting Heart Disease
The latest statistics available for global deaths from cardiovascular disease is from 2004, and that was scary enough. 16.7 million people worldwide died of cardiovascular disease in 2004. 8.6 million of these were women, with heart attack and stroke deaths responsible for twice as many deaths in women than all cancers combined. The WHO estimates than by 2020, 25 million people worldwide will die from cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is now more numerous in India and China than in all economically developed countries in the world. The most disturbing statistic is that 50% of death and disability from CVD can be reduced by a combination of simple, effective national efforts and individual actions to reduce major CVD risk factors.
So why are we killing ourselves, and how can we turn these statistics around? Professor Norman Sharpe is the New Zealand Heart Foundation’s medical director and he leads a team dedicated to improving heart health through disease prevention and improved treatment. This includes public health measures to help change the environment, working in communities and schools improving quality and access in primary care and acute hospital care right throughout rehabilitation.
When Dr Sharpe talks about the “key determinants” of heart health, and health in general, he uses one term frequently: genetic environmental interaction. Those people blessed with good genes and favourable environmental surroundings and interaction are more likely to enjoy good health. But those with a possible genetic predisposition to, for example, diabetes, who cannot make wise decisions, perhaps because of an unsupportive and unhealthy environment, will have a higher risk of health problems.
“Socio-economic and socio-cultural factors are crucial in this environmental equation which essentially determines the degree of control individuals and families have around healthy lifestyle decisions” says Dr Sharpe. “It’s not enough to encourage individuals to stay well. We have to change the environment to ensure it supports each and every one of us to stay well from conception through to old age and more easily allows healthy lifestyle decisions.
Foe example the New Zealand Heart Foundation is working for a ban on the retail display of cigarettes. This battle against tobacco is a long-term measure aimed at society as a whole.
In the short-term, Dr Sharpe says all adults should know their heart health risk profile by having their GP carry out a simple heart health check. “There are several risk factors that cannot be altered, like gender, age or family history of heart disease. But most people can significantly reduce their risk by increasing their amount of regular physical activity, enjoying a balanced heart-healthy diet and not smoking.”
Lifestyle changes in many cases can offer large benefits in a relatively short period of time.
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