Heart Health and Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, cause nearly one in three deaths globally and remain the top cause of death in many countries. Beyond lives lost, they lead to long-term disability and enormous health-care costs for families and communities.

The good news is that a large share of heart disease is linked to modifiable risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diet, and physical inactivity. This means everyday choices about movement, food, sleep, and stress truly shape your long-term heart health.

High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, diabetes, and tobacco use are among the strongest drivers of heart attacks and strokes. Many adults have at least one of these conditions without realizing it, which is why regular screening is essential.

Excess body weight, especially around the waist, along with a sedentary lifestyle and diets high in salt, added sugars, and processed meats further increase risk. Chronic stress, poor sleep, and air pollution are now also recognized contributors to cardiovascular damage.

Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, and add muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days. Even breaking movement into short 10-minute bouts can improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and mood.

Heart-healthy eating patterns emphasize vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and healthy fats while limiting sugary drinks, refined carbs, and salty processed foods. Avoiding tobacco and vaping, moderating alcohol, and prioritizing 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night further protect your cardiovascular system.

Keeping track of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body weight helps you and your health-care team spot trouble early. Even small improvements in these numbers can substantially lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure over time.

For people with existing cardiovascular disease or diabetes, medicines like statins, blood pressure drugs, and glucose-lowering therapies significantly reduce complications when taken as prescribed. Combining medication with lifestyle changes is far more effective than either approach alone.

Classic heart attack symptoms include chest discomfort or pressure that may spread to the arm, neck, jaw, or back, often with shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea. Women and older adults may be more likely to experience subtle signs like unusual fatigue, indigestion-like discomfort, or breathlessness on mild exertion.

Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, or vision changes can signal a stroke and require immediate emergency care. Acting quickly when symptoms appear can save heart muscle, brain tissue, and ultimately lives.