If you look at the statistics, in 2019 more people in Estonia died from cardiovascular diseases than the entire population of Paide. And the sadder part is that cardiovascular diseases catch us too early – in our prime years. Does it really have to be this way?
Although the statistics say one thing, today’s doctors believe it is still possible to live to be a hundred with a healthy heart and that cardiovascular diseases do not have to be inevitable.
The key lies in the blood vessels. The more elastic they are, the less likely we are to suffer heart attacks and strokes. However, it is known that blood vessels become calcified in older age, and bad cholesterol sticks to the walls of the blood vessels, and plaques that form there can suddenly break off, often resulting in a heart attack or stroke.
The Key to a Healthy Heart
Renowned cardiologist Professor Margus Viigimaa acknowledges that as we age, some calcification in the arteries is inevitable, but if the plaques are smooth-walled and strong, this process progresses very slowly and may not manifest at all.
Bad cholesterol, however, only sticks to the inflamed and damaged walls of blood vessels. The good news is that the condition of blood vessels can be improved, even if there has been significant vascular calcification or a heart attack. If we eliminate the further damaging effects, we can prevent a recurring heart attack or delay it far into the future, giving hope, says Dr. Viigimaa. Therefore, you can start caring for your blood vessels even in later life.
The Recipe for Living to 100
There is a simple solution to all of this. Move for 30 minutes a day and eat at least 200 grams of fruits and vegetables every day. Cardiologists agree – the Mediterranean diet is the most heart-friendly nutrition. In addition to fruits and vegetables, the land of the healthiest hearts also consumes plenty of olive oil and fish.
Even the “Guideline for Clinical Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases” aimed at doctors gives a clear recommendation to apply the Mediterranean diet for the prevention of heart diseases, along with daily physical activity.
Don’t postpone good things until tomorrow, start today and right now, because the heart doesn’t wait!
