Can hemophilia increase a patient's risk of cardiovascular disease? Keep reading to learn how to prevent it.
Hemophilia is a genetic disease characterized by a blood clotting disorder, a hypocoagulable condition in which bleeding complications are increased due to a deficiency of clotting factors such as factor VIII and factor IX. There is a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality, which may be explained by reduced clot formation due to decreased coagulability. However, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors such as smoking, family history, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and HTN is similar to and more common than in the general population.
Tips for people with hemophilia to maintain cardiovascular health
Dr. Abhijit Bors is a renowned interventional cardiologist at the Asian Heart Institute in Mumbai, and here are his seven recommendations for patients.
Overall rating: All people with hemophilia should have regular cardiovascular evaluations as part of their daily care. This includes monitoring blood pressure, lipid profile, and other relevant cardiovascular parameters. Early identification of risk factors allows health care providers to implement targeted interventions to reduce potential complications.
Customized treatment plan: Treatment plans for patients with hemophilia must be individualized to address the patient's unique cardiovascular needs. This includes optimizing coagulation factor replacement therapy to minimize vascular damage, managing comorbidities such as hypertension and dyslipidemia with appropriate medications, and promoting lifestyle modifications that lead to heart health. may be included.
Lifestyle modifications: Enabling people with hemophilia to develop heart-healthy habits is critical to maintaining cardiovascular health. Encourage regular physical activity within your individual condition, with an emphasis on low-impact exercise such as swimming and walking. Additionally, it promotes a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein while limiting saturated fat, sodium, and refined sugars.
Quit smoking: Tobacco use poses significant cardiovascular risks for people with hemophilia and should be strongly discouraged. Highlights the negative effects of tobacco on bleeding and cardiovascular health, and provides resources and support to help individuals quit smoking.
Regular monitoring and follow-up: Establishing a regular schedule for follow-up appointments allows your healthcare provider to closely monitor your cardiovascular health and intervene quickly if needed. We encourage people with hemophilia to keep to their appointments and report any new symptoms or concerns immediately.
Patient education and empowerment: Education plays a vital role in enabling people with hemophilia to play an active role in their cardiovascular care. Provides comprehensive information about a patient's condition, including its potential impact on heart health and prevention strategies. Encourage self-monitoring practices, such as tracking your blood pressure at home and recognizing red flags for cardiovascular complications.
Interdisciplinary collaboration: Work closely with hematologists, cardiologists, and other medical professionals to ensure comprehensive care for patients with hemophilia. By leveraging the expertise of diverse experts, we can more effectively address the complex interplay between hemophilia and cardiovascular health.