By Dr Martin Havrda

Atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the developed world. Atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries causes myocardial infarction and angina pectoris with heart failure, arrhythmias or sudden death. Atherosclerosis of the arteries supplying the central nervous system may be the cause of stroke. Atherosclerosis of the arteries supplying the extremities causes pain and gangrene and can jeopardize limb viability. Involvement of the splachnic arteries can cause ischaemia of the bowels with abdominal pain, perforation of the gut and death. Atherosclerosis of the arteries supplying the kidneys may be the cause of kidney failure with subsequent need of dialysis.

Extensive research in the field of cardiovascular diseases permitted to recognize several risk factors for the development of premature atherosclerosis. Some of them can be influenced by life-style, mainly smoking, obesity and physical inactivity. Some of the risk factors can be influenced by diet, mainly hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. Other risk factors, like age, male gender and genetics can not be modified.

We invite you to evaluate your individual risk of premature atherosclerosis:

• Evaluate your family history. Have any of your close relatives (parents, siblings) developed clinical signs of atherosclerosis at the age less then 55 (men) or 65 (women)?
• Do you smoke? Are you exposed to passive to passive smoking?
• Is your blood pressure normal? You should have it checked at least once per year. Normal blood pressure is less than 140/90 mmHg (checked at the doctor´s office) or less than 135/85 mmHg (checked by yourself at home).
• What is your fasting blood sugar level? It should not exceed 6,4 mmol/l (115 mg/dl).
• What are your cholesterol and other lipid values? Total cholesterol in your blood should not exceed 5,2 mmol/l (200 mg/dl), LDL-cholesterol 3,4 mmol/l (130 mg/dl). Are you a healthy man and are you less than 40 ? Are you a healthy woman and you still have your regular menstrual cycle? Are your blood glucose and cholesterol levels normal? Then you should have it re-checked every 5 years. Otherwise it is recommended to have them re-checked at least every other year.

If you collect all the information described above, you can evaluate your individual risk. How many of the five main risk factors do you have? No more than one? Then you are a lucky person. Be careful to keep this advantage. Two or more? Then you should keep in mind that your vessels are ill and you should begin your fight against atherosclerosis. Remember that atherosclerosis is an invisible host in your body. It develops slowly and many years may pass before it makes you know how much damage it did to your body. Eat fish and vegetables, do not eat sausages, cream and much meat and eggs. Be aware of becoming obese! Use less salt than others - remember that salt increases your blood pressure. Keep yourself physically active - regular walking, running, swimming or other exercise will improve your metabolism. Do not smoke and do not let people smoke when they are in the same room with you. Consult your doctor and make a plan of a regular follow-up to be sure that your fight is successful.