If the heart's blood vessels become narrowed (angina) or completely blocked (myocardial infarction), blood supply can be cut off. The heart muscle that supplies blood to the entire body faces a higher risk of necrosis. The recent surge in cardiovascular diseases in the United States is largely due to the significant increase in underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. Westernized eating habits have had a major impact. Let's learn about the dietary habits that damage the heart and blood vessels.

 

 

Is 61% of the U.S. population affected by cardiovascular disease?... Hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are the causes.

 

 

According to a report released four days ago by the American Heart Association, it is estimated that 61% of American adults will develop cardiovascular disease within the next 30 years (by 2050). These include myocardial infarction-angina, heart failure, congenital heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and arrhythmia. The risk is expected to increase further as the number of people with hypertension or in pre-hypertensive stages rises. The number of hypertensive patients in the United States is projected to increase from 51.2% in 2020 to 61% by 2050.

In particular, among American adults, Black individuals were found to have the highest risk factors for heart disease due to poor eating habits, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The obese population in the United States is projected to increase to 60.6% by 2050, exceeding 180 million people. Additionally, the number of diabetes patients is expected to rise to 26.8%, affecting over 80 million people.

 

 

Is it because it's American research?… The rapid increase in cardiovascular diseases has already begun in Korea as well.

 

With the news of a surge in cardiovascular diseases, we must not become complacent by saying "It's America..." Korea has already begun to experience this as well. According to the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service's data on cardiac treatment from 2018 to 2022, cardiovascular diseases have increased by 20% over the past five years. In 2022 alone, 1.83 million people visited hospitals. There are as many as 780,000 female patients with heart disease. This is because, similar to the United States, the underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity are significantly increasing.

 

 

Warning for menopausal women regarding heart and cerebrovascular diseases... Hormonal influence + eating habits

 

 

The rapid increase in diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity in our country is largely influenced by Western-style eating habits. Unlike in the past, the consumption of high-fat, high-carbohydrate, and high-calorie foods has increased, leading to elevated levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, which accumulate in the blood vessels. As a result, ischemic heart diseases, such as angina (narrowing of the blood vessels) and myocardial infarction (blockage), are becoming more common. Menopausal women are increasingly at risk of vascular problems as estrogen, the female hormone that maintains vascular elasticity in youth, gradually diminishes.

 

 

"I miss home-cooked meals from the past"... mainly multigrain rice, beans, tofu, fish, and seaweed

 

To prevent and manage heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia (dyslipidemia), and arteriosclerosis must be controlled first. Quit smoking and eliminate foods high in triglycerides and cholesterol, such as pork fat and internal organs. Reduce refined carbohydrates like bread, noodles, and white rice, and consume whole grains, legumes, and blue fish (such as mackerel and tuna), as well as seaweed like kelp, which are beneficial for blood vessels. Exercise is also necessary for weight management. Acute myocardial infarction can pose a risk of sudden death. If you already have hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia, it is advisable to consult a cardiologist and regularly check for any abnormalities in your blood vessels.