CARDIOVISCULAR disease (CVD) is a major health issue for South Africans, after HIV/AIDS, and is responsible for almost one in six deaths in the country (17.3%), with the Heart Foundation noting that this means that every day, some 225 South Africans die from heart disease and strokes.
The rising impact of CVD numbers is being driven by changes in food consumption patterns, given that people are consuming more kilojoules, sugary beverages and processed food, with fewer fruit and vegetables being included in their diets, which is in itself something that is being driven by rapid urbanisation.
According to Dr Dion Kapp, Executive Manager: Managed Healthcare and Providers at Bestmed Medical Scheme, these altered consumption patterns are acting in conjunction with other CVD risk factors, such as physical inactivity and tobacco smoking, all of which are driving a steady increase in deaths due to CVD.
“With September marking Heart Awareness Month, it is important that South African citizens are made aware of both the key causes of CVD, as well as what can be done to reduce the risk of their health being impacted by it,” explains Dr Kapp.
“Essentially, CVD is a series of heart diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes, that are a result of heart failure. Most of these diseases are related to a condition called atherosclerosis, which is plaque build-ups in the walls of the arteries. This narrows the arteries and makes it harder for blood to flow through, increasing the chance of a blood clot which can stop the blood flow, ultimately leading to a heart attack or stroke.”
Dr Kappexplains that the biggest challenge in reducing the impact of CVD lies in the general lack of awareness around the hidden scourge of hypertension, undiagnosed diabetes and high cholesterol, all of which need to be diagnosed through blood tests
“Hypertension is, in fact, the single biggest risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, with one in three adults in the country suffering from this condition, while around 10% of the population over the age of 15 are considered to be pre-hypertensive.
“Moreover, hypertension is exacerbated by factors like poor eating habits, obesity, lack of physical activity and smoking, as well as low fibre, and high salt and excessive alcohol intake.
Unfortunately, more than half of those with high blood pressure are unaware of their condition. Of those diagnosed with high blood pressure, only a third are undergoing treatment, while only another third, who are being treated, have adequate control of their blood pressure.”
However, Dr Kapp adds that hypertension can either be prevented or successfully treated, provided it is diagnosed and kept under control. Crucially, improving one’s diet, exercising and taking medication regularly will assist in blood lipid profiles being modified and cholesterol being controlled.
“At the same time, obesity, which is also a major risk for CVD, can be positively impacted by an improved diet. Remember that controlling obesity is key, as it also predisposes one to diabetes, which in turn doubles the chances of developing CVD.”
“As one of the leading medical aids, Bestmed recognises that strokes and heart attacks can be prevented by a change in lifestyle and by taking hypertension medication consistently, as prescribed by a doctor.
To this end, the Scheme offers members access to an annual Health Assessment (HA), as part of its Bestmed Tempo wellness programme.
The HA can be completed at any Dis-Chem, Clicks, Van Heerden Pharmacy, Alpha Pharm or Sparkport pharmacies.”
The annual HA is important, as it indicates blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If there are any concerns, the member will be referred to a doctor, who will help them with both a diagnosis and, if necessary, a treatment plan.
“CVD sufferers may require chronic medication, which is provided by most reputable medical schemes.
Bestmed, for example, provides an extensive range of disease management programmes, while cardiovascular conditions, like high blood pressure, are covered as Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs),” concludes Dr Kapp.
Image (Staying healthy is the way to go to avoid cardiovascular conditions).
