Scientists have made an intriguing discovery that could dramatically reduce the risk of ‘cardiovascular events’ in individuals with high blood pressure. A study involving 124,583 patients with hypertension in Canada revealed a connection between patients’ first language and their health outcomes.
The team at the University of Ottawa delved into how communication barriers might affect the care provided by doctors. They uncovered that Canadians who did not primarily speak English or French were 36% less likely to experience a ‘major adverse cardiovascular event’ (MACE) when treated by a doctor fluent in their language.
These cardiovascular events encompass heart attacks, heart failure, or strokes due to heart disease, which rank among the top causes of death globally. Lead author, nephrology resident Michael Reaume, said: “If there was a new medication that decreased the risk of major adverse cardiovascular event by 36% or all-cause mortality by 28%, this medication would immediately be offered to our patients.
“We need to start thinking about language barriers in our healthcare systems in a similar way. This starts by collecting preferred language for all patients systematically.
“This information is critical as it allows us to match patients to healthcare providers who have proficiency in their preferred language, while also identifying patients who would benefit from professional interpretation services.”
Following the research, experts are now calling for equal access to medical education and enhanced provision of ‘language-concordant care’. They argue that these steps could lead to ‘significant decreases in cardiovascular outcomes’.
However, remember that language barriers are not the sole risk factor potentially leading to these health issues. The NHS emphasises that lifestyle choices such as smoking, regular alcohol intake, and diet can also contribute.
“Coronary heart disease is the term that describes what happens when your heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries,” the health body’s advice reads. “Over time, the walls of your arteries can become furred up with fatty deposits. This process is known as atherosclerosis and the fatty deposits are called atheroma.
“Atherosclerosis can be caused by lifestyle factors, such as smoking and regularly drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. You’re also more at risk of getting atherosclerosis if you have conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure (hypertension) or diabetes.”
The NHS’ full list of potential heart attack symptoms is detailed below:
- Coughing or wheezing
- Chest pain – a feeling of pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across your chest
- Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- An overwhelming feeling of anxiety (similar to a panic attack)
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in other parts of the body – it can feel as if the pain is spreading from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and tummy
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Sweating