Despite the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in recent decades, they are still the main cause of death in Portugal. Can we change anything? Most cardiovascular diseases, especially those with an atherosclerotic origin, such as acute myocardial infarction and stroke, are impacted by risk factors, which can be minimized with a healthy lifestyle. Among these risk factors the following stand out: Hypertension, High cholesterol, Diabetes, Smoking, Obesity, Inactivity. It seems simple, but it's not! In practice, the strategies used to improve the prevention of cardiovascular diseases have been insufficient and the numbers continue to be alarming. But why? The responsibility is of all of us. It is essential that health promotion and cardiovascular prevention are true priorities for everyone. To improve this, much more is needed than the isolated action of health professionals. It is essential to involve professionals from other health areas, political decision-makers, scientific societies, patient associations and each one of us. Campaigns and actions aimed at the general population to improve cardiovascular health literacy and raise awareness about a healthier lifestyle contribute to preventing and reducing cardiovascular events. However, we need to do something different so that this will not lose importance in our memory and in our lives. Take the first step: one month! What if each of us chooses a month per year, for example May, which is dedicated to the heart, to follow cardiovascular prevention recommendations and adopt a healthier lifestyle? The idea is not new. It dates back to the 40s and takes place in several countries to promote, for example, abstinence from alcohol. It is a test of the willpower of each of us. And only for a month. To begin. Using this idea for cardiovascular health could be another contribution to preventing cardiovascular diseases. Test your willpower with 5 simple actions Keep a diary and see if you can do it for a month: Don't smoke. Exercise: aerobic exercise at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of high intensity per week and strength exercise twice a week. Sleep 7-9 hours a day. Eat a healthy diet: Do not drink soft drinks or other drinks with added sugar; Do not drink alcohol; Do not eat processed foods and reduce red meat; Do not add salt to meals; Eat fruit and vegetables daily. Strictly follow your doctor's advice and take prescribed medication if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. Think about it and pass on the idea Did you get all or part of it? If you have completed everything, you will certainly feel something different… So, how about repeating the experience in a month? Little by little, you will realize the impact of these new behaviors on your life, until they become a routine. What will be the result? Certainly, better cardiovascular health. Share the idea to help someone else. So that a healthy month for our hearts extends to every month of our lives! Author: Hélder Dores e José Ferreira Santos Meet the Cardiology clinical team at the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
