Experts have revealed that there is a ‘simple’ change that could reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people who have high blood pressure

New research has uncovered an unexpected factor that could significantly lower the risk of ‘cardiovascular events’ in people with high blood pressure.

A team from the University of Ottawa analysed data from 124,583 hypertensive patients in Canada, paying particular attention to each individual’s first language.

The study aimed to explore the potential impact of language barriers on the quality of medical care received.

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Remarkably, the findings indicated that Canadian patients who did not speak English or French as their primary language had a 36% reduced likelihood of suffering a ‘major adverse cardiovascular event’ (MACE) if they were treated by a doctor who was fluent in their language.

MACE incidents encompass heart attacks, heart failure, or strokes caused by heart disease, which are leading causes of death worldwide.

Lead researcher and nephrology resident Michael Reaume remarked: “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.”

He added: “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.”

He emphasised the importance of this approach: “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,” reports the Express.

Following revelations from a recent study, there’s now a push by professionals towards ensuring fair access to medical education and the implementation of ‘language-concordant care’, which they believe could majorly cut down on cardiovascular incidents.

But there’s more to it than just language barriers.

According to NHS advice, lifestyle decisions, such as smoking, drinking alcohol regularly and your diet, might also influence your risk.

The NHS explains: “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.

“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.”

Moreover, conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure (hypertension) or diabetes intensify the threat of developing atherosclerosis.