Cardiovascular diseases: the most effective dietary supplements

Cardiovascular diseases are now the leading cause of death worldwide. In 2021, they were responsible for 20.5 million deaths, a significant increase compared with the 12.1 million recorded in 1990. At the same time, their prevalence has doubled, affecting more than 523 million people. This surge in cases is explained by several factors: increased life expectancy, increasingly sedentary lifestyles, a diet often unbalanced and high in sugars and fats, as well as the overall rise in risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes.

The most common cardiovascular diseases?

Cardiovascular diseases encompass several conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Among them, ischemic heart diseases (such as myocardial infarction) are the most common, followed by strokes. These two categories account for the majority of cardiovascular deaths. Other important diseases include hypertensive heart disease, caused by prolonged high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathies, which directly affect the heart muscle. Besides their high mortality, cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of disability. They increase the years lived with disability due to complications such as heart failure, post-stroke motor disorders, or chronic pain. Low- and middle-income countries are particularly affected, due to limited access to care and greater exposure to risk factors.

How to act?

Cardiovascular diseases are largely preventable through proactive management of modifiable risk factors: • Adopt a healthy lifestyle: a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, combined with regular physical activity, significantly reduces risks. • Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol: these behaviors are directly linked to hypertension and atherosclerosis. • Control metabolic parameters: monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol is essential to prevent complications.