In Spain there is the paradox that we have a high incidence of risk factors, especially high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking and overweight, and at the same time the incidence of cardiovascular complications is lower than in other countries with the same or a lower burden of risk factors. This has created a false consciousness of “Mediterranean” immunity, which is accompanied by a suicidal passivity in the face of the epidemic that will undoubtedly occur due to the worsening lifestyle of young people and adolescents.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease
Although many continue to believe it, women are by no means free of this disease. On the contrary, mortality from cardiovascular disease is higher in women, and women are also less likely to use diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that are known to be effective.
Nor is it true that after a certain age it is no longer worthwhile to prevent cardiovascular disease. It is true that the earlier one starts reducing risk factors, the more mortality is reduced, but it is equally true that at any age survival is prolonged and limiting complications (stroke and heart failure above all) are reduced. One of the limitations of cardiovascular prevention is that most efforts are applied to the high-risk population (with already discovered disease or clustering of multiple risk factors), whereas most complications will occur in the population considered to be at low risk, who do not access a cardiologist and prevention.
Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease
In both primary prevention for the person who has not had any complications, and secondary prevention for those who wish to avoid a repeat episode, lifestyle is essential. This lifestyle has three main components: smoking cessation, regular physical exercise and adequate diet. In terms of diet, five aspects are of importance: calorie intake in terms of weight, salt, alcohol, fat and glycemic index. As for exercise, it is considered the key point in cardiovascular prevention and is recommended for all people to varying degrees depending on their characteristics and with some specific recommendations. And, with regard to smoking, no amount is acceptable and no substitute is acceptable either (electronic cigarettes do not help to quit smoking and are harmful in themselves).