A recent study published by the American Heart Association (AHA) revealed a significant decline in heart attack-related deaths of nearly 90% since 1970. However, there is a concerning rise in other heart disease-related fatalities. Leading experts shed light on these findings and offer insights on preventing heart health issues.
The study, spanning almost five decades, indicates a substantial decrease in heart attack-related mortality. Heart disease, which accounted for 41% of deaths in 1970, has now dropped to 24% in 2022. While this is encouraging news, deaths from heart failure, arrhythmia, and hypertensive heart disease have surged by 146%, 106%, and 450%, respectively. The shift in common causes of heart disease-related deaths underscores a transition from sudden heart attacks to chronic heart conditions that manifest over time.
Experts weighing in on the study include preventive cardiologist and Step One Foods’ founder, Elizabeth Klodas, M.D.; director of cardiology at Beverly Hills Cardiovascular and Longevity Institute, Sam Setareh, M.D.; and structural interventional cardiologist and assistant professor of medicine at Loma Linda University Health, Jason Hoff, M.D.
The improvements in heart attack survival rates are attributed to early intervention, advancements in medication, and heightened public awareness of heart attack symptoms. Notably, timely medical attention and treatments like stents and statins have played a significant role in saving lives. Smoking cessation has also been a contributing factor, as emphasized by Dr. Setareh.
While the progress is commendable, Dr. Klodas highlights the need for sustained lifestyle changes post-cardiac events to mitigate chronic diseases and risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Dietary habits, particularly inadequate fiber intake, excess sodium consumption, and low fruit and vegetable consumption among Americans, remain critical concerns in maintaining heart health.
Dr. Setareh further underscores the escalating prevalence of heart disease risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. As the population ages, the incidence of age-related cardiac conditions like heart failure has also increased.
In conclusion, the study calls for continued efforts in prevention, education, and access to quality care to combat the rising trend of heart disease-related deaths. Dr. Hoff emphasizes the significant impact of investing in these areas to drive positive outcomes in heart health over the coming years.
Arrhythmias are becoming more prevalent, with improved diagnoses and tracking potentially capturing more deaths overall, according to the expert’s findings. Here are some tips on how to maintain a healthy heart, aligning with recommendations from the AHA:
1. Follow a balanced whole foods and plant-forward diet.
2. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
3. Limit saturated fats from processed foods, butter, cheese, and marbled meats.
4. Avoid smoking and vaping.
5. Moderate alcohol consumption.
6. Schedule regular physicals and bloodwork to monitor cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
Dr. Setareh emphasizes that cardiovascular disease is a dynamic challenge that requires evolving strategies. It is crucial to focus on preventing chronic heart conditions rather than just surviving a heart attack. Dr. Hoff echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of ongoing attention to risk factors, medications, lifestyle changes, and follow-up care after experiencing a heart attack. Remember, managing heart health is a continuous journey, not a one-time event.
