The demographics have changed. Blame the urban stress, the occasional puffs, sedentary lifestyle and a growing appetite for junk food “ heart attacks in the early 20s or 30s are not rare anymore. Five million Indians are already suffering from heart diseases. Spicy food, high in oil and salt diet, lack of exercise, and the low intake of fresh fruits and fiber. Young Indian masculine hearts are particularly at risk. According to the American Heart Association, compared to 5.6 percent heart attacks in under-40 age in the West, India records 12 percent.
The diet
Indian diet is rich in saturated fats and very high in levels of refined carbohydrates. We consume fruits and vegetables at half the rate prevalent in other developed countries. And the mode of prolonged cooking we follow destroys 90 percent of the protective vitamins and folate. A study done by the Public Health Foundation found that oil intake in urban households has increased by a whopping 50 percent from the 90s to now. Fat intake rose from 42 grams a day to 52 grams in the last 12 years. No wonder, heart diseases are the single largest cause of death in India. Vegetarians are predisposed to heart conditions as well. Lack of vitamin B12, which by definition is primarily found in animal products, is a big factor for heart attacks.
Vice central
Smokers have twice the risk of heart attacks than non-smokers. Beer bellies are common among young people who have no idea that truncal (abdominal) obesity is a huge risk factor for heart disease. Low physical activity, low consumption of fruits and vegetables, and binge drinking are the main culprits. Measure your waist. Anything greater than 32 inches for women and 37 inches for men means increased risk.
Walk it off
You may be sleek but do you have the agility and flexibility to run for the door when you’re sunk in your couch? Or the spring in your step to walk up a flight of stairs without panting? It is very important to stay close to your optimal weight to keep your heart healthy. That can only happen if you eat right and exercise enough.
A decent work-life balance and stress management are important for a healthy heart, but the model of work culture India follows leads to frustration and negativity. These emotions pump up the secretion of epinephrine or nonepinephrine in the body and can precipitate vulnerable plaques and massive heart attacks. So, ensure that you do what you can to take care of your heart. Not just for you, for those who you love, and love you back.
