Introduction
The term cardiovascular diseases (CVD) covers a wide range of issues, from peripheral arterial disease to myocardial infarction, and this group of diseases can be viewed as a leading cause of death in the United States. The risk of developing cardiovascular disease is influenced by various factors, including genetics, specific environmental factors, and an individual’s lifestyle. Knowing and following effective habits are essential steps to minimize the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, and one healthy habit that reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases is proper nutrition; on the other hand, smoking can provoke the development of CVD.
Nutrition
Consuming food with low sugar and salt content as well as high amounts of beneficial fats, vegetables, and whole grain products can significantly contribute to lowering cholesterol levels and other risk factors. Healthy foods that are high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and rich in healthy fats, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, can help lower cholesterol levels. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can help reduce bodily inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of developing heart disease (Pallazola et al., 2019). Thus, proper nutrition helps people maintain their ideal weight, prevent obesity, and also support the healthy state of the heart.
Smoking
On the contrary, one of the factors that increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases is smoking. In most cases, smoking leads to the clogging of the arteries, which reduces their elasticity and increases the risk of myocardial infarction. Smoking also increases the level of oxidative stress and lowers the level of sodium and calcium in the blood (Gallucci et al., 2020). Therefore, smoking can be viewed as a risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusion
To conclude, the focus on healthy food and quitting smoking can contribute to lowering the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases. At the same time, the use of tobacco can increase the risk of these diseases’ development. Much attention should be paid to the following healthy habits associated with a mindful lifestyle. Therefore, people should be aware of health risks and adopt a healthy lifestyle to maintain their heart and vascular health.
References
Gallucci, G., Tartarone, A., Lerose, R., Lalinga, A. V., & Capobianco, A. M. (2020). Cardiovascular risk of smoking and benefits of smoking cessation. Journal of Thoracic Disease, 12(7), 3866.
Pallazola, V. A., Davis, D. M., Whelton, S. P., Cardoso, R., Latina, J. M., Michos, E. D., & Welty, F. K. (2019). A clinician’s guide to healthy eating for cardiovascular disease prevention. Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes, 3(3), 251-267.