applied Cardiology
Applied Cardiology is a devout VOICE
creating awareness of the cardiovascular system with emphasis on Heart Failure and Cardiovascular Diseases, and interventions. It aims to make cardiology simple, for better understanding and explains preventative measure to avoid CVD. Applied Cardiology, a VOICE, aims to interpret clinical and surgical interventions for care, cure and conditioning.
Applied Cardiology is a VOICE, making the application of Cardiology Science simple to understand for an intentional awareness of the Risk, Risk factors, Preventative measures and Treatments, and the need to adhere accordingly for a healthy life.
The VOICE seeks to create people with the ability to interpret and inform best practice that have been provided by clinicians and be informed of the current medical advance treatment out there. The VOICE will also endeavour to offer the latest practical guidance in modern molecular and cellular pharmacological techniques.
The Applied Cardiology is designed as an awareness tool to provide a thorough understanding of the scientific basis of cardiovascular disease and how this relates to diagnosis and treatment. The VOICE, Applied Cardiology focuses on the main cardiovascular disease areas, and with a strong translational emphasis on Heart Failure and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to maximize life amidst this stressful and busy psychosocial and economic environment.
Introduction
Research has shown that Black Africans have the highest incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and heart failure (HF) as well as the poorest clinical outcomes. Being a Black African, understanding the reasons for this anomaly has been of particular interest to me.
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WHY IS CVD MORE COMMON AMONG BLACK AFRICANS?
Apart from the higher prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity and atherosclerosis, there are other less obvious underlying risk factors present among Black Africans that do not get sufficient attention. For example, there is a widespread belief that symptoms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are due to “diabolical attacks”, and this prevents people from seeking medical care. In areas of the world where healthcare cost is paid out-of-pocket, financial constraints may also prevent people from seeking medical care. This mindset to shun medical care sometimes persists among Black Africans, even after migration to countries where healthcare cost is no longer a constraint.
An unhealthy lifestyle and diet (stress, little or no exercise, high saturated fat diet, and minimal intake of fresh fruits and vegetables) also adversely affects the body, leading to development of traditional CVD risk factors mentioned above, and increased likelihood of HF. These risk factors combined with a poor awareness of CVD symptoms can lead to severe co-morbidities, including HF.
WHAT TO DO TO IMPROVE YOUR HEART HEALTH
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Take your health seriously. Pay attention to your body and do not ignore any sign of being unwell.
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Avoid self-medication.
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Be mindful of what and how you eat. Ensure you eat a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables and low in saturated fats.
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Give yourself enough rest and avoid stress.
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Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and exercise regularly. 30 minutes per day, 5 times a week is sufficient. If you do more, even better.
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Avoid obesity, especially belly fat.
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Avoid/quit smoking and alcohol.
I encourage Black Africans to learn about risk factors causing CVD and HF, and to seek medical attention if they notice any symptoms associated with CVD and/or HF. Uncontrolled diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease, and it has symptoms such as excessive thirst, excessive urination, and fatigue. Uncontrolled hypertension also predisposes to heart disease; therefore, it is important to regularly check one’s blood pressure and control it if it is elevated.
Although cultural beliefs and faith can be a source of healing, these should be practised with wisdom and understanding. Care should be taken not to misuse one’s faith as an excuse for medical negligence.
Life is short and it should be enjoyed. Maximise it by paying attention to your health.
CONCLUSION
It is important to understand the factors that contribute to developing CVD, and to help others gain a better understanding of this matter. Do not only imitate the lifestyles of others because there may be different genetic and environmental factors at play that may result in different outcomes.
Promoting healthy hearts in Black Africans requires input from different faculties including medical practitioners, researchers, faith leaders, policymakers, and various advocates. Sensitisation and support on cardiovascular health will go a long way in ensuring that Black Africans are better equipped to look after their health, and to stay healthy.
DR MARK AMADI