Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : February 19, 2016 2:59 PM IST
It is shocking to see that heart disease is now not just confined to the old and ailing, even young people in their 20s are affected by some or the other kind of heart problems. This shows that somewhere we are going wrong when it comes to keeping our heart healthy and strong. Here Dr Sudhir Pillai, Consultant Cardiologist, P D Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai tells us about the habits most of the modern Indians follow that is ruining their heart to the core.
1. Wrong dietary habits: In the past decade-and-a-half, with all the wave of globalisation, commercialisation and changing the economy of the country, India has gone from being a calorie deficit country to a calorie surplus one. Overeating, dependency on junk and pre-packaged meals is one reason why more and more people are suffering from metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors that increases one's chances of suffering from heart diseases, diabetes and stroke. Consuming excess calories leads to fat deposition in the liver and other major organs, which is a prime reason for inflammation, an increase in LDL or bad cholesterol, hypertension and other lifestyle disorders. Another diet disaster that makes our heart pay dearly is the hidden salt in our foods. Probably munching on one pack of your favourite chips can exceed the daily salt requirement of 2.5 to 3 gm. Here are nine other sources of hidden salt that you should know about.
2. Sedentary life: This isn t an unknown factor, but probably you have never calculated how you are increasing your risk by leading a sedentary life. For instance, if you are consuming four samosas sitting at your desk which amounts to approximately 700 calories, you need to run at least for an hour to burn those calories. We are not even getting into the other foods that you are consuming throughout the day, adding to the havoc. Hope this gives you an idea that sitting long hours at desk and keying in numbers (add to it eating unhealthy snacks) is doing no good to your heart. Here are 10 ways to keep you heart healthy.
3. Smoking: This is an age-old risk factor, but the number of people suffering from heart disease due to smoking is just increasing in a frenzied manner. Since the female population has also taken to smoking it is increasing the numbers rapidly. Remember, quitting is not just the answer. It takes your body some 10 years to recover from the wrath of the toxins. And if you have blockage or hypertension despite which you smoke it just worsens your condition faster. Here are 25 things that happen inside your body when you smoke.
4. Binge drinking: There are studies doing the rounds on the internet that says a glass of red wine has flavonoids that can do wonders for your heart health. So you think weekend drinking won t do you much harm but know it will do you worse. Sudden consumption of alcohol means sending toxins directly into your system that can increase your heart rate, set you up for a fit, etc. So it is better to say no to such vices for the sake of your heart. Here is why you should be away from alcohol if you are a diabetic.
5. Snoring: This is considered a parallel risk factor for heart diseases like obesity and diabetes. In fact, people who snore are prone to atherosclerosis (thickening of the arteries) and have reduced blood supply to the brain that can also increase the risk of stroke. Here are seven reasons to take your snoring seriously.
6. Excessive exercise: While exercise is really good for your heart but a sudden burst of exercise can be fatal. Like, increasing your inclination and speed on the treadmill without preparing your body for the same can cost you your life. Remember, putting your body into too much physical strain without gradually increasing your stamina and speed can lead to rupture of small blockage in the arteries or even set you up for a heart attack. Here are 12 signs that say your heart is in trouble.
7. Stress: Stress in an indirect manner increases one's risk of heart diseases. When stressed your heart rate increases, you tend to become physically inactive, overeat and all of which does your heart much harm. Here are 13 reasons to take your stress seriously.
8. Social withdrawal: If you are a loner and prefer it that way it is fine. But if you exhibit signs of social withdrawal all of a sudden this could be detrimental to your heart. How depression and heart disease is related is not know completely but a negative outlook towards life, in general, takes a toll on one s heart. Here are eight signs that differentiate loneliness from depression.
9. Bad dental hygiene: This could lead to gum diseases or periodontal diseases due to plaque build-up along or below the gum lines. When this happens bacteria from the infected gums can break free enters the bloodstream and gets attached to a blood vessel forming a clot. This disrupts smooth circulation and elevates one s blood pressure.
10. Ignoring warning signs: This is the worst we do to our heart is to ignore the warning signs it sends out. Sometimes symptoms life recurrent GERD, burping can be related to heart diseases. Treating these conditions with over-the-counter medications is just going to make your heart weaker with every passing day. Did you know acidity could be a sign of heart diseases?
So change to a better lifestyle and chuck these habits (if you have any) to keep your heart strong and healthy.
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