Cardiovascular Disease and Health Metrics Quiz

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

• CVD encompasses heart and blood vessel conditions like coronary artery disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and heart failure.
• Atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) is caused by plaque build-up in arteries.
• ASCVD is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality.
• A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, physical activity, and avoiding tobacco, helps prevent ASCVD.

Cardiovascular Health Metrics (Life's Simple 7)

• American Heart Association's metrics to assess cardiovascular health.
• Include 4 health behaviors (diet, physical activity, tobacco use, BMI), and 3 factors (blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose).
• Significant improvement in some areas like smoking, cholesterol, and blood pressure between 1999-2000 and 2015-2016, but BMI and diabetes showed decline.

Ideal Diet (2000 Calorie DASH Diet)

• Reaching 4 out of 5 criteria defines the ideal diet for 2000 calories.
• Include at least 4.5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily.
• Consume at least 2 servings of fish per week.
• Limit daily sodium intake to less than 1500 mg.
• Consume less than 36 ounces of sugar-sweetened beverages weekly.
• Include 3 servings of whole grains daily

Secondary Metrics

• Include more than 4 servings per week of nuts, seeds and legumes, and limiting processed meats by 2 servings per week.
• Less than 7% of daily calories from saturated fat.
• Saturated fats from animal sources, coconut oil, palm oil, and palm kernel oil are significant sources.

Nutrition for Cardiovascular Health

• The Mediterranean and DASH diets are suitable heart health patterns, highlighting fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and fish.
• Limit intake of red and processed meats, refined grains, added sugars, butter, and foods high in sodium and trans fats.

Additional Cardiovascular Risks/Considerations

• Overweight and Obesity: Weight loss (even 5%) can improve blood pressure, LDL-C, triglycerides, and glucose levels.
• Hypertension: Ideal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is defined as readings above 130/80. High sodium intake is a major contributor.
• Hypercholesterolemia: Desirable cholesterol levels are less than 200 mg, LDL less than 100 and HDL over 40 (men) or 50 (women).
• Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of metabolic risk factors including elevated triglycerides, low HDL, elevated blood pressure, high fasting blood glucose, and central obesity.
• Heart Failure: Characterized by impaired heart function, leading to dyspnea, fatigue, fluid retention, and potential malnutrition.

Dietary Considerations for Different Cultures

• Soul Food: High in saturated fat and sodium, with heavy emphasis on vegetables and complex carbohydrates.
• Mexican: Relies on frying and stewing with oil or lard, and high-fat meats are commonly used. Vegetarian options include fruits, rice, dried peas, and beans.