Cardiac problems such as heart attacks and strokes are among the major causes of death in this country. While some of the factors that lead to cardiac problems may be genetic, the leading factor is that modern lifestyles are generally not healthy and lead to cardiac and other serious health concerns. Leading a healthy lifestyle is the best possible defence against disease. The following lifestyle changes can have a huge positive impact on your heart health. Cardiac problems are no longer a problem for the elderly – an increasing number of young people are now showing signs of heart disease. This increase in the incidence of heart problems among the younger generation is a major cause for concern among cardiologists all over the world.
The type and quantity of food you consume affects how healthy your heart is. A healthy diet will help to control not just yourweight but your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of diabetes.Consuming nutrient rich foods that contain vitamins, fiber, mineral etc. but are low in calories is good for the heart. A healthy diet is one that contains fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains,nuts, legumes, fish, poultry and low-fat dairy products. The intake of sweets, sugary drinks and red meat should be minimized.
The heart is a muscle and exercising it strengths it and keeps it healthy. Regular exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling and other aerobic activities will keep your heart strong. If you are uncertain of what exercise is right for you or if there are other medical conditions that need to be considered, consult your heart doctor before starting an exercise regimen.
The more you weigh, the harder your heart must work to keep your blood circulating. Weight control is a key factor in protecting the heart. Proper exercise and nutrition, as outlined above, will keep weight in control.
Also Read: Heart health – Keep the numbers in check
The dangers of smoking are well known. It is one of the leading causes of a range of life-threatening medical conditions, including heart disease. If you smoke it is essential to stop immediately. If you spend time with those who smoke, at home, work or socially, remember that their smoke is placing your health at risk.
High LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, levels are a major cause of cardiac conditions. A healthy lifestyle will help to keep this under control, but it is important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly. If the levels are found to be high, then your doctor will advise on lifestyle modifications to bring this down or prescribe a course of medication to keep the levels under control.
High blood pressure is a major cause of heart problems such as strokes. Regular checks of blood pressure levels will enable any increase to be spotted early so that corrective action can be taken without delay. Besides medication to lower the levels, diet modifications, a revised exercise routine and stress relieving practices like yoga and medication will help in controlling blood pressure levels.
Alcohol may create a false sense of relaxation, but it can be bad for the heart and excessive drinking can lead to heart attacks. The publicity given to studies that show that a limited intake of alcohol may be good for the heart often causes people to consume more than they should. Moderate alcohol consumption may be safe or even good for you, but you need to be sure about what “moderate” means. Consult your heart doctor for advice.
Early detection is key for successful treatment of heart ailments and therefore, people should consult a heart specialist if there is even the slightest suspicion of a heart disease. While a healthy lifestyle will help to protect your heart, it is best to be examined by the cardiology department of a reputed hospital such as Kauvery Hospital so that any potential problems can be spotted early, and corrective action taken. The Kauvery Hospital group has branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Trichy where quality healthcare and heart examinations are readily available.
Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins like fish and poultry helps control weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Regular aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling strengthen the heart muscle and improve overall cardiovascular health. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
Excess weight makes the heart work harder. Managing weight through proper diet and exercise is crucial for reducing the risk of heart disease.
High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol increase the risk of heart conditions. Regular cholesterol checks and lifestyle adjustments can help manage cholesterol levels effectively.
High blood pressure is a major cause of heart problems like strokes. Monitoring blood pressure regularly and making lifestyle changes, including diet modifications and stress management, can help control it.
Moderate alcohol consumption may have some benefits, but excessive drinking can harm the heart and increase the risk of heart attacks. Consult your doctor to understand what “moderate” alcohol consumption means for you.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
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