THE RISING THREAT OF THE SILENT EPIDEMIC

World Heart Day is an occasion to draw attention to one of the biggest prevalent health issues that the planet is facing today. But the fact of the matter is, we need to have our attention on this issue every day. Cardiac Disease is the ‘Silent Epidemic’ that is a matter of grave concern to the world at large.

When we talk about ‘Use Heart for Every Heart’, let each of us assume the responsibility to be vigilant for ourselves as well as our family, friends, and others. Advise, caution, and help those in need. There are many people who have heart disease waiting to cut their lives short. The good news is, you don’t need to wait for a heart attack to address the issue. Preventive care can save your life. Timely diagnostics act as an early warning system, and good cardiologists can reverse the threat. 

According to WHO, Cardiovascular Disease takes the lives of 17.9 million people each year, which means that 32% of all global deaths occur due to one single disease. Cardiovascular Diseases are also estimated to be the most expensive to treat. 

More and more people are becoming aware of this ‘Silent Epidemic, and taking steps to prevent it. However, a healthy diet, exercise, and stress control, is not enough. Hereditary factors could already have caused complications before a healthy lifestyle was adopted. Which is why, Diagnostics are important. Regular health checkups are essential. Also essential is cutting down stress. Today’s lifestyle is geared towards achieving. People are almost always “busy”. Relaxation is almost always connected to alcohol and crowded bars, pubs, and so on. Take a few steps back to how people relaxed in the past. Read outdoors, go on long walks, take time to focus on your breathing. Yoga and meditation will help you to de-stress and reinvigorate. 

Adopting healthy dietary choices is key to living a long and heart healthy life. Add more vegetables to your diet. Cut down on red meat. Eat more lean meat and fish if you are a non-vegetarian. Reduce the intake of processed foods, and junk food. Add raw vegetables to your diet. Make sure there is lots of colour on your plate at every meal. Eat fresh fruit and nuts with a low fat content. Keep a check on your blood sugar levels, as Diabetes is another key contributor to Heart Disease. Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart.

Above all, have a positive mindset. That alone will take you a long way towards heart health.

Dr. Ramesh Gudapati, MD, DM

Sr. Interventional Cardiologist, Star Hospitals

For Appointments, Call: 040 44 77 77 00