Common risk factors of cardiovascular disease

This program will encourage to reduce the modifiable risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. These are a few common risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity. The program will focus on positive, healthy lifestyle and motivation with physical activity.

Hypertension is the most common form of cardiovascular disease. It refers to the resting blood pressure being chronically elevated above levels considered to be healthy for a client’s age and size.
Normal < 120/80 mmHg
Hypertension = > 140/90 mmHg

Diabetes is the most common non-communicable disease worldwide. A serious disease where blood sugar levels are above normal, Type 1 (insulin dependent diabetes) is normally hereditary and Type 2 (non-insulin dependent; often adult onset) associated with excess upper body fat and inactivity and accounts for 90% (WHO) or more of cases. There is a third form of diabetes – gestational diabetes, which occurs during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

Dyslipidemia is an abnormal amount of lipids (e.g. triglycerides, cholesterol &/or fat phospholipids) in the blood. Isolated hypercholesterolaemia and mixed dyslipidemia with high LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol are associated with an elevated risk of atherosclerosis.

Obesity: since 1985, the prevalence of obesity has increased by 200 per cent in Canada, with the highest increases occurring in the excessive weight categories. For adults, WHO defines overweight and obesity as follows:
Overweight is a BMI greater than or equal to 25;
Obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30.

Importance of exercise

Encouraging clients to incorporate physical activity into their normal routine would be beneficial at reducing associated cardiovascular risk factors by:

• Reducing blood pressure by 7/5mmHg
• Reducing triglycerides and elevate protective HDL cholesterol, with some effects lowering LDL cholesterol
• Lowers blood sugar levels in diabetes type 2, maintain and control a healthy weight
• Reduces risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Remaining physically active has been deemed a “health-promoting behaviour” by Health Canada, meaning that physical activity can help an individual maintain a healthy lifestyle, and potentially mitigate some of the risks associated with their chronic condition(s).

Exercising safely

Exercise is a safe option in order to reduce risk factors and is highly encouraged by physicians. For clients with peripheral neuropathy, there are adaptive exercises that should be considered and limit weight-bearing exercises. The Kinesiologist will monitor blood pressure and heart rate levels during exercise to ensure clients feel well at all times. It is important to note that many clients might have lived a sedentary lifestyle, it is important to start slowly with exercises that the client can tolerate.