The explanation for Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular diseases are injuries of the heart, blood vessels and the system of the blood vessels, the major reason for this is the accumulation of fats in blood vessels which interferes with the normal rate at which blood is pumped (Raphael 2003) and (Bryant 2006).
Research shows that vessels that transport blood in the brain and clots may also trigger cardiovascular ailments resulting in a stroke.
Raphael (2003) article on health education shows that “cardiovascular diseases are grouped into; coronary (vessels taking blood to the heart), cerebrovascular (vessels supplying the brain), peripheral (vessels taking blood to the limps), rheumatic (injuries in the heart and heart valves as a result of rheumatic fever)”.
Social determinants of health shaping heart disease
Literature review reveals that Social economic status, Racial and ethnic differences determine the pattern of diet intake in terms of fats, cholesterol and fiber, the ease of transportation of health food options to the grocery, availability and quality of healthcare facilities in the region, lifestyle and excessive alcoholism increases risks of developing cardiovascular diseases. Lack of regular physical activities and excessive smoking are also associated with cardiovascular diseases. This paper has identified that in the USA alone 85% of people who are subjected to smoking, diabetes, unhealthy diet, people involved in eating out habits, those who lack physical exercise, alcoholics and stressed individuals display characteristics of these diseases (Bryant 2006).
How the factors cause heart disease
Raphael’s article also states that a high intake of saturated fat increases low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. Consumption of sugars and processed foods elevates the intensity of triglycerides. Excessive eating of red meat, taking milk, eggs and other foods rich in animal proteins increases fibrinogen and growth factors making a person prone. The reason for this is fat deposits (Bryant 2006). Several key dietary factors that can lower the risk of heart disease include; reduction of low-density lipid cholesterol by checking on intake of saturated fats, reduction of Triglyceride by lowering eating of processed food and foodstuffs with lots of sugar, lowering of Homocysteine by the use of Vitamins B6 and B12 supplements together with folic acid, increasing antioxidant activities by higher intake of fruits and vegetables, reduction of fibrinogen and growth factors by cutting back on meat, milk, eggs, chicken and other foodstuffs high in animal proteins. All this is supported by Bryant (2006) in the health policy.
Excessive alcohol consumption increases the chances of cardiovascular diseases since the energy produced is deposited as fats in the body. The use of alcohol has displayed a rise in blood pressure together with a higher risk of being obese; these are traits of cardiovascular ailments and stroke, which is particularly brought out by Raphael (2003).
Both Bryant and Raphael’s articles confirm that smoking increases the chances of heart diseases as it affects the function of the liver which results in the increase of low-density lipoproteins in the blood (LDL). Smoking is responsible for over 40,000 deaths in Canada each year; out of this over 25% are cardiovascular-related. “Research has it that over 900 000 might perish in the next two decades due to smoking triggering heart diseases. The statistics show that this will happen in Canada” (Bryant 2003).
People who lack exercise on a regular basis also build up chances of being obese which in turn activates these diseases because of fats being deposited in the body.
Stressed people are more prone to these diseases as it lowers rates of metabolism hence accumulating fats. A lot of research has associated the connection in psychosocial stress and stress-related to marriage and heart ailment mostly in women.
Nations taking a broader view of heart disease
In Bryant’s article (2006) about healthy policy, in the UK, Canada, USA, and Sweden, whites show vulnerability to heart diseases more than blacks; this is attributed to the fact that blacks make more fruits and vegetables as compared to whites who feed much on processed foods. There is high consumption of vegetable and fruits servings per day in blacks than whites, making whites more prone.
As pointed out by Raphael and Bryant people are prone to diseases because of the nature of fast foods available in restaurants and food stores. Statistics show that the USA has a broader view of heart disease because they feed more on processed foods due to highly advanced technology. Canada has a narrower view since technology is not as advanced compared to developed states hence consumption of processed foods is low, this results in comparatively low risks of heart disease. This issue is further echoed out by the heart and stroke foundation.
What the heart and stroke foundation of Canada says causes of heart diseases
According to the heart and stroke foundation, the major causes of heart diseases are; smoking, diabetes, unhealthy diet, eating out habits, lack of physical activity especially in children’s, alcoholism and life stresses.
Approximately 1,700,000 Canadians aged 12 and over of the population have been reported to have diabetes. If the issue is not addressed there could be a high increase in the near coming years. In Canada, more research on this issue by the heart and stroke foundation shows that more than 37000 deaths every year are contributed by smoking of which is the cause of 15% of all cardiovascular diseases.
Statistics by the heart and stroke foundation show that Canadians who are aged 18 and below consume approximately 1.6 billion cigarettes per year, this is a clear illustration of these youths who are at great risk of heart diseases. In addition, statistics confirm that in Canada people who take little or no fruits and other protective foodstuffs daily are approximately seventy percent.
Therefore as shown here it is evident that these diseases are rampant and widely spread particularly in developed nations. These diseases are acquired due to careless dietary practices and habits and ignorance. When people avoid excessive alcohol drinking and smoking, shun eating outs, avoid habits, Intake of saturated fats, avoid stressful conditions and embrace physical activities this matter can be easily resolved.
References
Bryant, T. (2006). The State’s role in promoting population health: Public health concerns in Canada, USA, UK, and Sweden. Health Policy. 78, 39-55.
Raphael, D. (2003). Bridging the gap between knowledge and action on the societal determinants of cardiovascular disease: How one Canadian community effort hit and hurdled the lifestyle wall. Health Education, 103, 177-189.