Pune: (Voice news Service) Healthy lifestyle , preventive healthcare along with keeping a tab on risk factors that may contribute to heart disease is a key to heart health opined experts. Every year September 29 is celebrated as World Heart Day. The day is an occasion to raise awareness about heart related diseases. Cardiovascular diseases ( CVD ) is a group of disorders related to heart which include blood vessels , heart, rhythm of heart etc .
What is Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) ?
Dr. Abhijeet Palashikar, Consultant Cardiologist at Sahyadri Hospitals, says that when any one of the three main arteries that supply blood to the heart is blocked due to some reason, the condition is referred to as a heart attack. The heart supplies oxygen and nutrients to the cells in our body and that is why the heart is of paramount importance. Therefore if there is any doubt or concern related to the heart, it should be taken seriously, as it can have an effect on life expectancy.
Dr. Abhijit Palshikar said that in order to reduce the risk of heart attack, it is very important to focus on the risk factors that can be avoided. These include poor diet, lack of exercise, lack of proper sleep, alcohol, smoking, tobacco, obesity. And those who suffer from high blood pressure, cholesterol should control it strictly. For this, timely medication, proper diet and other care should be taken as advised by the doctor. Those who have a medical history of heart disease in their family should not panic. By choosing a good lifestyle option, we can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
With Covid -19 on the decline, the long term sequelae will not be as severe
Long Covid did have some impact on heart health especially those having co morbidities. With most of the population having taken the vaccine and built up immunity wall for Covid-19, the decline in the severity of the virus means lesser impact on heart health. Also people should keep aside any misconceptions about booster dose and should go ahead with it without any hesitation. This is because we need to have renewed effective protection against the virus once the efficacy of two doses fades over a period of time.
Heart attacks gripping younger generation as well
Dr. Abhijit Palshikar said that with no control on what we eat outside, sedentary lifestyle, increased stress and depleting mental health, heart disease which used to be seen in people above fifties, is now affecting the younger generation as well. There should a limit to how much we should eat outside food. Alcohol consumption and smoking has become social trend is worrying. In pandemic times and beyond with work from home era, physical activity has taken a hit and added to the detrimental effects of sedentary lifestyle.
Preventive health checkups for future health
A heart attack which occurs after the age of 40-50 is usually due to obstruction of blood vessels. This does not happen suddenly . One can experience warning signs and symptoms like chest pain, tightness, shortness of breath, excessive sweating etc . Because this block does not form in a day , it does give an opportunity to get diagnosed and treated if done at the earliest. But many times we see that a person who appears to be healthy, especially a youngster, suddenly collapses with a heart attack. The reason for this is the blood clots in the blood vessels of these young people. Stress, overwork sometimes ruptures the blood vessels and blood clots begin to form. In a short period of time this blood clot occupies the entire space causing a massive heart attack. Symptoms should not be ignored. Consult a doctor if you experience symptoms like shortness of breath and heaviness/ tightness in the chest even after walking for a while. Patients with diabetes and high blood pressure should also take mild symptoms seriously.
Don’t go overboard with exercises, but regular exercise is a must !
Although there have been incidents where young and middle aged fitness enthusiasts suddenly succumbed to heart attacks, the overall percentage compared to heart attacks caused by CVDs is negligible. Although these incidents have been in focus, it should not discourage anybody from doing exercises be it running, jogging, swimming, gym, aerobic exercises etc . What is required is a moderate regime of exercises according to the capacity of our body. Mistake which people make is not to consult a doctor before starting exercises. With any underlying disease like blood pressure, doctors may tell you what to do and which kind of exercises to avoid. For eg in case an individual has blood pressure, doctors may advise the person not to do any exercise in a declined position ( Leg up and head down) . Also sudden acceleration while starting any exercise be it cardio or weight lifting is not good for heart health. Any exercise must start with warm up, followed by exercise in moderation and cooling down in the end. It is important to stay hydrated.
Home food- the best food
Rampant use of vitamins, mineral supplements, proteins without doctor consultation is not good for health. Use of steroids to build muscles can have adverse effects on heart health. Your home food is the best food and provides for a balanced nutrition to keep you fit enough.
Dr. Abhijeet Palashikar said that the diagnostic and treatment methods, techniques have improved significantly in the last few years resulting in reduced stay at hospital and faster recovery.
