Stay Fit For a Healthy Heart

“Unhealthy lifestyle is one of the prime reasons to get early Heart attack,” says Dr Anuj Kapadia, Sr consultant cardiologist, Care Hospitals

World Heart Day Theme of the year 2017: “Share the Power”

  World heart day is celebrated all across the world to reduce the number of deaths because of cardiovascular diseases worldwide. It is an international campaign to spread awareness among common public to save them and motivate to live with healthy heart. According to the WHO, cardiovascular diseases are the reason of around 30% deaths of all global deaths. Some of the most dangerous risk factors leading to the heart disease and stroke are high blood pressure, high level of bad cholesterol, increased glucose level, smoking habit, inadequate intake of diet, fruit and vegetables, increased weight, and obesity.

If you look at yourself in the mirror and think that you are looking fat, this is the time to start working in the direction of a slimmer self.

Obesity is a disease, resulting in high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, venous edema, insulin resistance and increased atherosclerosis which result in more heart attacks and brain strokes.

Of late, the incidence of obesity is on the rise in India thanks to sedentary lifestyles, largely desk jobs and easy availability of fast food which is high on calories and fats. In fact, even in the US home to some of the world’s largest fast food giants, it is hard to find a slim American unless, he is a fitness enthusiast. In stark contrast is Paris, where a majority of the people are slim. This could probably be attributed to the fact that it is the fashion capital of the world and is home to some of the top models. But India seems to be going the US way, fast adopting the fast food culture.

DIET:  At the top of the list is eat less and end your meal when you are 75 per cent full. It is always better to start your meal with a salad and then proceed to the main course. This way, not only do you get some of those much needed vitamins, it also ensures you consume fewer calories and fats from the main course.

EXERCISE: Walking everyday for 30 minutes is a good habit and a must unless there is a contraindication. And if you don’t have the time for a morning walk, then invest in a treadmill so you can work out at your convenience. It is however, important to wear proper walking shoes that have a cushioning effect as walking on hard surfaces with improper footwear can cause arthritis of the knee and hip. Incase you already have arthritis, walk as much as you can and then stop and proceed, or you can walk for short distances several times in a day.

MEDICATION: Several new medicines that reduce fat absorption from the intestine and also suppress a person’s appetite have been introduced in the market. Most obese people have very large appetites and feel extremely hungry if they are asked to eat smaller quantities of food all of a sudden. It is in this situation that these drugs help to suppress the appetite. But like every other medicine, these drugs to have some side effects, more so in patients with high blood pressure, in those with weak hearts or those who are prone to irregular heart beats. No matter how impressive these drugs might seem, it is imperative that they be consumed under medical supervision only.

 If you think you are over-weight, then there is a high likelihood of you having associated problems. Make sure you get evaluated for high blood pressure high blood sugar, thyroid function or high blood cholesterol. These are important associated problems and needed to be corrected immediately so that you can avoid developing a heart problem in the future. And if neglected, that sudden heart condition might just surprise you one day.

No matter how important it is to lose weight, the approach towards weight loss has to be a carefully planned one. It is not advisable to stop eating altogether or go on a crash diet, as this can lead to hypoglycemia or electrolyte changes. It is always better to gradually decrease the quantity of food intake and also learn to avoid high calorie and fat-containing foods. In modern day parlance, a lifestyle modification is required but it essentially focussess on healthy eating habits and regular exercise.

Youth in the city are paying the price of urbanisation

This sentiment is widely shared by majority of cardiologists. The reason for such assessment is the alarming regularity in cases in which youngsters (20 years and 30 years) are admitted to hospitals with heart episodes.

Earlier, the average age of persons suffering from heart attacks was 40 years. At present, the age has come down to below 30 years. On an average, a cardiologist treats at least five to six young patients, who need angioplasty, a surgical process that involves opening blocked arteries.

A vital fact that everybody forgets is that once a person crosses teenage years blockage in arteries starts. “The speed at which the level of blockages increases depends on several factors. The prime reason being the lifestyle of the young, which is speeding up the blockages. This is causing heart ailments among the young people,” He stated that the tobacco addiction has also increased. “Smoking is a big reason for the young to fall prey to heart ailments. In our practice, a majority of the young who have heart ailments have the habit of smoking. Almost every youngster these days is addicted to tobacco and this is taking its toll,”

He adds experts assert that 10 to 15 per cent of the youngsters who come with heart ailments do not have any habits or underlying condition. “This could be due to either genetic disposition or high levels of stress that one has to face in Hyderabad,”

Junk food is also a by-product of urbanisation. “Go to any junk food joint. They are full with overweight teens addicted to high fat and high cholesterol food. Junk food is another major factor that is claiming the lives of the young,”

The most of the youngsters falling prey to heart ailments are highly educated. “They are educated but are not aware. Many just neglect until the heart block, which was only 30 per cent initially graduates to 70 per cent. Doctors have very less time to save such young lives,” cardiologists add.

Scenario

  Youngsters (20 to 30 years) are falling prey to heart ailments

  Blockage of arteries at young age is not noticed

  Five to six youngsters are undergoing angioplasty in a month

  Highly educated professionals are not aware of basic precautions

Causes

  Obesity among youth is on the rise due to junk food

   Addiction to smoking and alcohol

   High levels of stress among professionals

   No physical activity

Precautions

  Regular check of cholesterol, BMI and other vital body parameters

   Daily physical exercise

   Lifestyle modifications done to slowdown existing blockages

     Give up smoking, alcohol and avoid junk food

For Appointments :  Dr Anuj Kapadiya , MBBS , MD(General Medicine) , DM(Cardiology).