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In addition to medication, day-to-day management of cardiovascular disease consists in particular of taking up regular physical activity, adopting a balanced diet, stopping smoking and limiting alcohol intake. For this, real commitment from patients and therapeutic patient education are necessary.
Regular exercise (at least 30 minutes per day) reduces the recurrence of myocardial infarction and risk of stroke by making the heart pump more blood through the body so that it can continue working at optimal efficiency with little strain. This will likely help it to stay healthy longer. Regular exercise also helps to keep arteries and other blood vessels flexible, ensuring good blood flow and normal blood pressure.
Minor changes in lifestyle are thus also encouraged, such as, for example, using the stairs rather than a lift, walking rather than taking the car, etc.
Diet and cholesterol
A healthy, balanced diet – meaning low in salt, sugar and fat – is essential, as is monitoring cholesterol levels. In addition, it is crucial that smokers receive assistance with stopping smoking. Cigarettes have disastrous consequences on the cardiovascular system. Finally, stress management has not yet been developed enough by companies and public institutions, even though it is a major risk factor.
The ultimate aim is to restore patients to health and fully reintegrate them into society. In certain, serious cases, professional reinsertion remains difficult, particularly for patients who feel pain or who suffer from breathlessness.
For further information: https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/prevention#Overview1
Last updated: 28/03/2017
