The heart of an average Pole is nine years older than him. Our blood vessels and heart are in a deplorable condition – showed NATPOL 2011, one of the largest epidemiological studies in Poland, the preliminary results of which have just been presented. – Our health condition has deteriorated over the last 10 years – comments the research coordinator, Dr. Tomasz Zdrojewski from the Department of Hypertension and Diabetology of the Medical University of Gdańsk.
Despite the increase in our standard of living, our form deteriorates rather than improves. It is a surprise for doctors, because they still remember the beneficial changes that took place in the lifestyle and condition of Poles in the early 90s.
A health miracle on the Vistula River called them by prof. Witold Zatoński from the Warsaw Cancer Center. On our tables, regardless of the season, fresh vegetables and fruits began to appear, we replaced butter and lard with healthier vegetable oils, olive oil and margarine.
From year to year, the outlays on the health service increased. New drugs appeared, clinics were equipped better and better, and thanks to contacts with world medicine, Polish doctors were able to carry out the most difficult operations. As a result, the average life expectancy of a Polish woman increased by three years, and a Pole by four. Cardiologists discussed this health phenomenon at congresses. It looked as if we would catch up with Western Europe quickly, and premature deaths from cardiovascular disease would be rare. However, this did not happen. – We were delighted with the news. We wanted to see what salmon and avocado taste like. Eat oranges, bananas. We liked tomatoes and cucumbers in winter. Our diet has become healthier and more diverse than in the 80s, reminds Dr. Zdrojewski.
So what, since we started to eat more than under communism. And unfortunately we liked fattening fast food. For most, walking and relaxing cycling are the only physical activity. However, it will not improve our condition and health.
According to the research presented at the last congress of the European Society of Cardiology, only a fast, vigorous walk turns into a run and fast cycling has a positive effect on the heart.
– You have to get tired, because it is not time, but the intensity of exercise, that extends your life – said Dr. Peter Schnohr from the Copenhagen university hospital at the conference.
Poor diet and lack of exercise immediately affect your health. As the NATPOL 2011 study showed, today almost 11 million Poles, i.e. every third adult, have hypertension. This is worse than 10 years ago when similar tests were conducted – back then it was just over 9 million people. The risk of diabetes is also increasing. Today, almost 2 million Poles (6,1%) have too high blood sugar, and 10 million (1,6%) 5 years ago.
On the basis of these risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, scientists have calculated that the heart of a 50-year-old Polish woman is 10 years older than the record indicates, and that the Polish woman’s heart is 12 years older. This condition worsens with age. As a result, we die prematurely of cardiovascular diseases. Every year in Poland 120 people suffer from a heart attack and 70 from a stroke.
– Medicine has done a lot to improve the condition of blood vessels. The rest is in our hands – says Dr. Zdrojewski.
Heart disease in 54 percent because they depend on the lifestyle, and only 37 percent. from modern therapy – according to WHO analyzes. Only a few are aware of this.
– The NATPOL 2011 survey shows that only educated women are in good health. Others often do not know what a healthy lifestyle is all about – says Dr. Zdrojewski.
This is shown in the latest survey by TNS OBOP “How Poles care for their heart” conducted in June this year. It shows that as much as 82 percent. does not pay attention to what is beneficial to health in their diet and way of spending time. Two thirds of the respondents (68%) admit that they like eating well-salted dishes, 60% believes that a real dinner should be with meat, and only 30% of people consume regular exercise. adults. At the same time, 60 percent. they are convinced that no cardiovascular diseases threaten them, because – in their own opinion – they live healthy lives.
Like a man who came to a dietitian because he had a heart condition and learned from doctors that drugs alone would not help. They ordered him to change his lifestyle, to start losing weight. Yes, 10 kilos. When asked by the doctor if his diet was healthy, he replied without hesitation: – Of course! – And what vegetables did you eat yesterday? The dietitian continued. – I ate … – here the patient suspended his voice and after a while exclaimed: – Chives!
Text: Dorota Romanowska