Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., affecting men and women alike, and is the primary cause of death across various racial and ethnic groups. Despite this grim reality, heart disease is largely preventable through lifestyle changes and early intervention, according to Karla Quevedo, MD, FACC, a board-certified cardiologist at the Lee Health Heart Institute.
Understanding the Risk Factors
Dr. Quevedo explains that heart disease risk factors are divided into modifiable and non-modifiable categories.
Modifiable risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. These can be changed through lifestyle adjustments, making them the primary focus for prevention.
Non-modifiable risk factors include family history, gender, and age. While you can’t change these, being aware of them can help you make informed decisions about your health.
The Power of Prevention
Prevention offers the greatest opportunity to reduce the risk of heart disease. Dr. Quevedo recommends the following lifestyle changes to improve heart health:
Regular physical activity: Engaging in consistent exercise is crucial for cardiovascular health.
Heart-healthy diet: A diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables can significantly benefit the heart.
Maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels: Regular check-ups and monitoring can help keep these within a healthy range.
Avoiding tobacco: Smoking is a major contributor to heart disease, and quitting can have immediate benefits.
Dr. Quevedo urges individuals to view these changes not as restrictions, but as investments in long-term health and longevity.
Heart Medications: When Lifestyle Changes Aren’t Enough
When lifestyle changes alone don’t adequately manage heart disease risk factors, medications can play a vital role. Dr. Quevedo outlines several key heart medications that can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke:
Statins: The First Line of Defense
Statins are the most commonly prescribed medications for lowering cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol). While statins are effective, they work best as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes diet and exercise.
Other Heart Medications
Bempedoic acid: Approved by the FDA in 2020, this drug lowers LDL cholesterol by about 30%, reducing the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attacks, and strokes, without raising the risk of new-onset diabetes.
Ezetimibe: This non-statin medication reduces LDL cholesterol by about 20% by preventing the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine.
Colesevelam: Although effective in lowering LDL by 15-20%, this medication requires six tablets daily, which can be a challenge for some patients.
PCSK9 inhibitors: These injectable medications lower LDL cholesterol by 60% when used alone and up to 85% when combined with statins and ezetimibe. They are particularly useful for individuals who can’t reach their cholesterol goals with statins alone, including those with a family history of high cholesterol.
Emerging Treatments
Medications like semaglutide are emerging as beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity, reducing the risk of heart disease by improving lipid profiles, reducing plaque formation, and even protecting kidney function.
Taking Action for a Healthier Heart
By focusing on both prevention through lifestyle changes and treatment via medications when necessary, individuals can significantly improve their heart health, lifespan, and overall quality of life. For more information on heart health and how lifestyle changes and medications can help, visit the Lee Health Heart Institute.
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