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10 tips
for a healthy heart
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A strong heart is a result of healthy lifestyle
choices. Be active and stress-free
Today's fast-paced life and workplace pressures escalate stress levels, taking a
toll on one's heart. We must realise that the healing power of the body
decreases when under stress, leading to many complications like hypertension and
poor immunity. Today, even youngsters are prone to heart ailments. So, it's very
important to stay healthy and manage your stress levels by understanding the
risk factors — high cholesterol levels, stressful lifestyle, smoking, and lack
of exercise — following simple changes in lifestyle.
Avoid smoking
Smoking reduces life expectancy by 15-25 years. If you are a smoker, you are
twice more likely to have a heart attack than a non-smoker. The moment you stop
smoking, the risk of heart attack begins to reduce.
Cut down on salt
Too much salt can cause high blood pressure, which increases the risk of
developing coronary heart disease.
Watch your diet
Try to have a balanced diet. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, starch foods such
as wholegrain bread and rice.
Monitor your alcohol
Too much alcohol can damage the heart muscle, increase blood pressure and also
lead to weight gain. Avoid intake of alcohol or at least limit it to one to two
units a day, gradually decreasing the consumption.
Get active
At least aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Keeping yourself fit not
only benefits the heart but also improves mental health and well-being.
Monitor your BP, blood sugar and cholesterol
levels
Routine medical check-ups will ring an alarm, if you need medical help.
Manage your waist
Cholesterol deposition in blood vessels begins in the first decade of life.
Carrying a lot of extra weight as fat can greatly affect your health. Make small
but healthy changes in your diet.
Manage your stress level
If you find things are getting on top of you, you may fail to eat properly,
smoke and drink too much. This may increase your risk of a heart attack.
Practice yoga/meditation. Take a vacation.
Check your family history
If a close relative is at risk of developing coronary heart disease from
smoking, high BP, high cholesterol, lack of physical activity, obesity and
diabetes, then you could be at risk too.
Laughter is the best therapy
Laughter anytime will work wonders for you. It is an instant way to unleash the
pressure and it makes you feel light.
(Inputs by Dr Kushagra Katariya, chief
cardiothoracic surgeon, Artemis Health Institute, Gurgaon)
Courtesy:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
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