Annually roughly 18 million people die due to a cardiovascular disease (CVD) globally. This is according to a survey by Novartis, a pharmaceutical company.
The company stated that an additional burden is the rising obesity rates in South Africa with over two thirds of women and nearly one-third of men classified as overweight or obese, raising people’s risk of CVD.
Furthermore, leading a sedentary lifestyle has been shown to increase all causes of mortality and doubles the risk of CVDs.
It is estimated that about 60% to 85% of people around the globe lead sedentary lifestyles, which are marked by an overabundance of sitting, lying, or simply reclining for extended periods of time other than for sleep.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately two million deaths per year are attributed to sedentary lifestyle choices.
“Serious concern in South Africa is that people’s overall health is on the decline, especially, their blood pressure levels are on the rise.
“With so many families impacted, and lives altered by CVDs, be it heart attacks, strokes, thrombosis or other diseases, a change urgently needs to be made,” said Sibonile Dube, Novartis head of communications and Engagement for the Middle East and Africa.
With the aim of raising awareness about of CVD, Novartis launched its new global Unblocked movement on 17 March.
Tips for living the Unblocked way:
- Avoid excessive alcohol intake. Studies have shown that consuming more than 100 g of alcohol, or roughly seven drinks per week, can be dangerous.
- Restrict or stop smoking. The inhalation of chemicals through smoking significantly increases the likelihood of developing heart disease, as it damages your heart and blood vessels.
- Reduce consumption of foods high in saturated fat. Your body needs healthy fats, but too much saturated fat can raise your cholesterol, which raises your risk of heart diseases.
- Eat more healthy foods. Leafy greens are usually rich in vitamin K, which help protect the arteries. Whole grains have various benefits, such as lowering the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Fatty fish and fish oil contain Omega-3 fatty acids that help lower the risk of CVDs.
- Increase physical activity. It is important for adults to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week.
