Heart Disease In Bolivia: Rates And Risks Explored

Bolivia has the second-highest rate of coronary heart disease deaths in South America, with 11,051 deaths in 2020, according to the latest World Health Organization data. This figure equates to 14.68% of total deaths in the country and gives Bolivia a death rate of 100.61 per 100,000 of the population. However, the Tsimane tribe, an indigenous group living in the Amazon rainforest, has been found to have the healthiest hearts in the world.

Bolivia's unique geography means children are 10 times more likely to be born with congenital heart defects

Bolivia is the second poorest country in South America, with limited access to adequate healthcare resources. The country's unique geography means that children are ten times more likely to be born with congenital heart defects. Bolivia's high altitude, such as La Paz, which sits at 3,600 meters above sea level, means that the atmosphere has lower oxygen levels than most parts of the world. This results in decreased oxygen levels that directly impact fetal heart health and can cause congenital heart defects.

Congenital heart defects are nearly impossible to treat without trained cardiologists and updated facilities, which are often inaccessible to most Bolivians. However, innovations such as the Nit Occlud device, invented by cardiologist Franz Freudenthal, offer a simple technique to heal holes in hearts. The device is composed of a super-elastic metal known as nitinol and is inserted through the body's natural channels, expanding to plug the hole in the heart and permanently restoring basic cardiac functionality.

In addition to medical innovations, organisations like Gift of Life International are working to provide treatment for Bolivian children with heart disease. The organisation has conducted 12 surgical and catheterisation visits and screened over 150 children since 2019. They are also empowering local healthcare professionals to treat children in their country of birth.

Heart disease is the fourth leading cause of premature death in Bolivia

Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and this is especially true in low- and middle-income countries such as Bolivia. According to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) data, heart disease is the fourth leading cause of premature death in Bolivia, accounting for 14.68% of total deaths in the country. The age-adjusted death rate is 100.61 per 100,000 of the population, ranking Bolivia 108th in the world.

The high prevalence of heart disease in Bolivia is partly due to the country's unique geography and limited access to adequate medical care. Bolivia's high altitude, such as in La Paz, which sits at 3,600 meters above sea level, can cause decreased oxygen levels in the atmosphere, impacting fetal heart health and leading to congenital heart defects. Additionally, Bolivia's geography makes it challenging to access trained cardiologists and updated medical facilities, which are crucial for treating heart conditions.

To address this issue, inventor and cardiologist Franz Freudenthal has developed a simple technique called the Nit Occlud Device, which utilizes an indigenous hobby of knitting to heal holes in hearts caused by Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), a common congenital heart defect in Bolivia. The device is made of a super-elastic metal called nitinol and is inserted through the body's natural channels to plug the hole in the heart, permanently restoring basic cardiac functionality. This innovation has saved the lives of over 2,500 children in nearly 60 countries, including Bolivia, and has contributed to a 36% drop in the rate of congenital heart defects since 2007.

While congenital heart defects remain a significant challenge in Bolivia, the country is making progress in tackling heart disease through innovations like the Nit Occlud Device and improvements in healthcare and poverty reduction. As a result, the economy is expected to flourish, and rates of heart disease in Bolivia are anticipated to decrease in the coming years.

The Tsimane people in the Bolivian Amazon have the world's healthiest hearts

Bolivia has a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, with cardiovascular diseases being the number one cause of death in the country. However, the Tsimane people, who live in the Bolivian Amazon, have been found to have the healthiest hearts in the world.

The Tsimane, also known as the Tsimane', Chimane, or Achumano, are an indigenous people of lowland Bolivia. They primarily live in the Beni Department municipalities of San Borja, San Ignacio de Moxos, Rurrenabaque, and Santa Ana del Yacuma, with a population of around 9,000-16,000. The Tsimane are semi-sedentary, living in small communities of 20 to 30 families or extended family clusters of 50-150 people. They are a subsistence agriculture culture, with hunting and fishing also contributing significantly to their food supply. The Tsimane have their own language, also called Tsimane or Mosetan, which has several dialects.

The Tsimane's way of life has similarities to human civilization thousands of years ago. Their diet consists of game, freshwater fish, and crops grown on family farms, such as rice, maize, manioc root, and plantains. They are highly physically active, with men averaging 17,000 steps a day and women 16,000. Even the over-60s have a step count of over 15,000.

Researchers have found that the Tsimane have exceptionally healthy hearts and do not develop heart disease as they age in the same way as people in the developed world. A study published in The Lancet in 2017 showed that at age 45, almost no Tsimane had coronary artery calcium (CAC) in their arteries, while 25% of Americans do. By age 75, two-thirds of Tsimane are CAC-free, compared to 80% of Americans who show signs of CAC. The Tsimane also have slower intrinsic epigenetic aging rates, which may explain why high levels of inflammation and infection, typically associated with accelerated cardiovascular aging, do not seem to affect them.

The Tsimane's healthy hearts can be attributed to their diet and active lifestyle. Their diet is lower in fat and higher in carbohydrates and fiber compared to the typical American diet. They also consume much less saturated fat. Additionally, their highly active lifestyle means they spend very little time being sedentary.

While the Tsimane have the healthiest hearts, it is important to note that they also experience higher rates of infections and intestinal worms, which could potentially increase the risk of heart problems. However, it has been hypothesized that intestinal worms may dampen immune reactions and offer some protection against heart disease.

The Tsimane offer a unique opportunity to study the effects of kin, culture, and ecology on aging and health in a small-scale, natural fertility, kin-based, subsistence society. Their way of life provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of a more active and natural lifestyle for heart health.

The Tsimane diet is high in carbs and low in protein and fat

The Tsimane diet is comprised of around 70% complex carbohydrates, with the remaining 30% split evenly between protein and fat. This is a diet high in carbs and low in protein and fat.

The Tsimane people are an indigenous population in the Bolivian Amazon, who have been found to have the healthiest hearts in the world. Their diet is made up of complex carbohydrates, such as bananas, corn, cassava, and rice. The other 30% of their diet is split between protein, from wild-caught animal meat, and fats.

The Tsimane diet is very different from the modern Western diet, which tends to be high in sugar and low in complex carbohydrates. The Tsimane consume very little sugar, with the only sugar in their diet coming from fruit. They also do not consume trans fats, which are artificially created and genetically modified cooking oils found in highly processed foods.

The Tsimane diet is similar to the Okinawa diet, which includes rice and complex carbohydrates, with a small amount of meat. It is also comparable to the Atkins or Keto diets, which are low-carb and high-fat.

While the Tsimane diet has been found to have impressive heart-healthy benefits, researchers caution that it may not be suitable for everyone. The Tsimane lead very active lifestyles, spending 90% of daylight hours in motion, which helps to mitigate the effects of their diet. They also have high levels of chronic inflammation and low levels of "good" HDL cholesterol, which are usually risk factors for heart disease.

Overall, the Tsimane diet, with its emphasis on complex carbohydrates, low sugar, and high levels of physical activity, has been found to provide exceptional heart health for this population.

The sedentary lifestyle of people in urban areas is a risk factor for heart disease

Bolivia has a high rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is considered the number one cause of death in the country. In 2020, coronary heart disease deaths in Bolivia reached 11,051, or 14.68% of total deaths. The sedentary lifestyle of people in urban areas is a risk factor for CVD, as it can lead to a range of chronic health conditions, including heart disease.

A sedentary lifestyle is characterised by a lot of sitting and lying down, with very little to no exercise. This type of lifestyle is becoming increasingly common in urban areas due to the nature of many jobs, which often involve long days sitting at a desk, as well as the prevalence of cars, buses, and trains as modes of transportation. Additionally, leisure activities such as using a computer or other devices, watching TV, or playing video games also contribute to a sedentary lifestyle.

The sedentary lifestyle of people in urban areas can have several negative consequences for their health. Firstly, it can lead to weight gain, as people burn fewer calories and may lose muscle strength and endurance. It can also affect bone health, weakening bones and reducing their mineral content. A sedentary lifestyle can also impact an individual's metabolism, making it more difficult for the body to break down fats and sugars. This can increase the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Furthermore, a sedentary lifestyle has been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease and heart attack. This is particularly true for those who engage in little physical activity. The combination of physical inactivity and extended periods of sitting or reclining can impair the body's ability to control blood sugar levels, regulate blood pressure, and break down fat. This can lead to a build-up of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events.

In addition to the physical health risks, a sedentary lifestyle has also been associated with a higher risk of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. This may be due to the reduced social interactions and increased isolation that often accompany sedentary behaviours.

To reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions, it is important for individuals in urban areas to increase their physical activity levels and reduce the amount of time spent being sedentary. This can be achieved through simple measures such as standing instead of sitting, taking walks during breaks, setting reminders to move around regularly, and incorporating more physical activities into daily routines.

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