Studies showthat cardiovascular ailments are the major cause of death in India, with coronaryheart diseases rising from 1 percent in 1960 to 14 percent in 2011 in India's urbanpopulation. An astounding 25 percent of deaths in the age group of 25-69 yearsare because of heart diseases. The vitality of your heart can be ensured byprotecting it the way nature intended.
“Exerciseregularly and walk daily. People above 30 should control their weight and avoidstress. Keep a check on diabetes, cholesterol levels and hypertension. Thoughhereditary tendencies cannot be controlled, one can lead a healthy lifestyle bynot over-indulging in alcohol, not smoking and avoiding junk food and red meat.Heart disease in Indians is known to occur 10 years earlier than it does inWesterners,” says Dr Ricardo Teles, a cardiologist from Margão. “Keep fattyfoods out of your diet and include more fruits and vegetables,” says Dr JyotiKusnur, consultant cardiologist in Porvorim.
If you are inthe high risk category, talk to your doctor before engaging in any vigorousexercise and avoid strenuous activity and lifting heavy weights.
Studies have shown that meditation decreases blood pressure and plaque build-upin arteries and prevents heart attacks, strokes, and premature death. Slow,deep breathing also helps reduce blood pressure. Depression too could be a riskfactor and can be treated with counselling, regaining perspective, finding joyin small things and not stewing over a problem. Research links hostility,impatience, and holding grudges with an unhealthy heart and forgiveness,friends, and optimism are linked with healthier hearts. The health of yourteeth also reflects on the health of your heart. Floss every day and see thedentist regularly. Sleep for a minimum of seven hours and not more than ninehours a day. Studies show that lack of sleep increases stress hormones, raisesblood pressure, and affects blood sugar levels.
It goes withoutsaying that the health of your heart determines your longevity. Make acommitment to a heart-healthy lifestyle.
