Written by Professor Stephen Mashingaidze and Rumbidzai Mukori-William for BonVie Medical Aid scheme
February is the month of love, and what better way to think deeply about matters of the heart, than by looking after your cardiac health using practical but simple tips to keep it beating strong! In Zimbabwe, we understand the importance of prioritizing health, especially heart health, as Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death globally, including in Zimbabwe.[1] This article provides a comprehensive guide to heart health, risk factors, prevention strategies, and management options, focusing on Zimbabwe’s situation from 2019 to 2026.
The State of Heart Health
CVDs claim over 17.9 million lives annually worldwide.[2] In Zimbabwe, heart disease is a growing concern, with hypertension and stroke among top causes of death.[3] Leaders can inspire positive change by prioritizing heart health.
Key Heart Health Issues in Zimbabwe:
- Hypertension: Affects 7.4% of young adults, with higher prevalence among men
- Congenital Heart Diseases: Approximately 4,000 children are born yearly with defects, resulting in 1,300 deaths annually
- Rheumatic Heart Disease: 600 adults are on the waiting list for open-heart surgery
- Cardiometabolic Diseases: Account for around 8% of all-cause mortality in Zimbabwe
[1][2][5]
Risk Factors
- High Blood Pressure: A major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.[4]
- High Cholesterol: Elevated LDL (bad) cholesterol increases CVD risk.[5]
- Smoking: Damages blood vessels and increases heart disease risk.[6]
- Diabetes: Increases risk of heart disease and stroke.[7]
- Obesity: Linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.[8]
- Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise contributes to heart disease.[9]
- Unhealthy Diet: Diets high in saturated fats, salt, and sugar increase risk.[10]
- Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease.[11]
Prevention Strategies
- Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.[12]
- Regular Exercise: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise.[13]
- Maintain Healthy Weight: Manage weight through diet and exercise.[14]
- Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or nature walks.[15]
- Quit Smoking: Seek support to quit smoking.[16]
- Limit Alcohol: Drink in moderation, if at all.[17]
- Regular Check-ups: Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.[18]
Self management options
- Medications: Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes with prescribed medications.[19]
- Lifestyle Changes: Implement healthy habits to reduce risk factors.[20]
- Cardiac Rehabilitation: Structured programs for recovery after heart events.[21]
- Surgery: Options like angioplasty or bypass surgery for severe cases.[22]
Heart Health Issues in Zimbabwe (2019-2026)
Zimbabwe is facing a growing heart health crisis. Since 2019, the country has seen a significant increase in cardiovascular diseases, with hypertension being a major concern. A study found that 7.4% of young adults aged 18-24 years have hypertension, with men being more affected (8.7%) than women (6.6%) [1].
Between 2019 and 2026, Zimbabwe’s heart health landscape has been shaped by limited resources, lifestyle changes, and an increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases. Globally, CVDs remain a leading cause of death, with 19.8 million people dying from CVDs in 2022. Concerning trends include increased stroke deaths among younger adults and a high prevalence of risk factors [8][1][5].
Conclusion
Heart health is a critical aspect of overall health, one which requires a very personal approach and for self leadership to be at the center of your improving and preventing CVD. By understanding risk factors, implementing prevention strategies, from an individual or community level we can inspire positive change and improve heart health outcomes in Zimbabwe.
References
1. World Health Organization. (2022). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
2. World Health Organization. (2022). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
3. Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe. (2020). Annual Report.
4. American Heart Association. (2022). High Blood Pressure.
5. American Heart Association. (2022). Cholesterol.
6. World Health Organization. (2022). Tobacco.
7. International Diabetes Federation. (2022). Diabetes.
8. World Health Organization. (2022). Obesity.
9. World Health Organization. (2022). Physical Activity.
10. American Heart Association. (2022). Healthy Eating.
11. American Heart Association. (2022). Stress and Heart Health.
12. American Heart Association. (2022). Healthy Eating.
13. World Health Organization. (2022). Physical Activity.
14. World Health Organization. (2022). Obesity.
15. American Heart Association. (2022). Stress and Heart Health.
16. World Health Organization. (2022). Tobacco.
17. American Heart Association. (2022). Alcohol and Heart Health.
18. American Heart Association. (2022). Know Your Risk.
19. American Heart Association. (2022). Medications.
20. American Heart Association. (2022). Lifestyle Changes.
21. American Heart Association. (2022). Cardiac Rehabilitation.
22. American Heart Association. (2022). Surgery.
23. American Heart Association. (2022). About Us.
24. British Heart Foundation. (2022). About Us.
Authors
