Health remembers the importance of physical activity to prevent heart disease

Saturday, November 9, 2024. EDITORIAL
The Ministry of Health reminds us of the importance of physical activity as a measure to prevent cardiovascular disease and improve the quality of life of those already suffering from cardiovascular disease.
The therapeutic exercise program “Activa-Cardio”, developed by Salud, is intended for patients who have suffered acute coronary syndrome and meet the inclusion criteria once assessed by the cardiac rehabilitation services of the Sofia, Morales Meseguer and Hospitals. Arrixaka.
About two hundred patients have benefited from this activity since its launch in 2019. It encourages citizens to engage in their health by promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyles through physical activity.
The Activa-Cardio program from primary care in collaboration with city councils aims to improve the prognosis of patients with cardiovascular disease, as well as reduce relapse and mortality through the introduction of a planned, structured and tailored exercise program taking into account the characteristics of each patient. patient. Sessions are held in the morning and afternoon for greater user comfort. It is planned to expand to the Santa Lucia Hospital in Cartagena and gradually to other medical institutions in the region.
There were 2,499 deaths from cardiovascular disease in the region last year, according to the National Institute of Statistics. Of these, 571 were due to hypertension, 336 due to acute myocardial infarction, 503 due to other ischemic pathologies, 358 due to heart failure and 731 due to other heart diseases.
Director General of Health Planning, Pharmacy and Research, Jesus Kanyawate, emphasized “the importance of getting the patient accustomed to the practice of physical activity in places prepared for this and as prescribed by cardiac rehabilitation medical specialists, in order to improve their quality and hope. life”.
Kanyawate emphasized that “healthy lifestyle habits are essential for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. These include a balanced diet that limits saturated fats, as well as exercise and sports activities appropriate to each situation and age.” Therefore, “eliminating bad habits such as smoking and reducing alcohol consumption is also important for preventing heart problems and other types of pathologies,” he emphasized.

Cardiovascular Risk Study

The Ministry, in collaboration with the Murcia Health Service, is conducting the Study on Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition (DICA), the third population-based survey on risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adults, which has been carried out in the region since 1992.
This work will allow us to learn, among other things, the prevalence of smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and diabetes, and their evolution over the past 30 years.
More than 2,200 Murcian residents over 20 years of age, randomly selected, altruistically took part in a study that monitors risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the population. The study was conducted with the participation of 18 medical centers and 9 sanatoriums in the region, where interviews, anthropometric measurements and blood tests were carried out.
Research into factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease is needed to increase public awareness of the importance of preventing and controlling factors such as obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, or a high-fat diet.
Findings from the DICA study will enable the development of public health intervention strategies tailored to the specific needs of the region’s population, in line with the goals of the national Cardiovascular Health Strategy and the health priorities of the Murcia region.