The risk of acquiring a heart disease increases manifolds if one or both parents suffer from a condition. © Shutterstock
As a family, we share happiness, difficult times and a myriad of other aspects of life! However, we also share genes, which is passed between families and so the many diseases that exist among them! We are well aware of families being affected with diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, arthritis etc. This is a reality that we cannot escape. Here Dr Narayan Gadkar, Consultant Cardiologist, Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur, explains how you can dodge the odds.
The incidence of heart disease especially is on the rise, and the alarming fact is that young individuals are now prone to conditions such as high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia and coronary atherosclerosis. These diseases could be attributed to the similar environment we share along with sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle choices that play a major modifying role in the occurrence of heart disease. The risk of acquiring a heart disease increases manifolds if one or both parents suffer from a condition. There are individuals as young as 30 years of age who die of sudden heart attack or show signs of abnormal heart rhythms, fatigue, fainting episodes etc. Admittedly, it is not possible to change or control the genetic make-up of an individual to prevent heart disease (or other inherited conditions) but it is possible to modify the environmental and lifestyle-related factors to reduce the risk:
Here s a list of what can be done to delay, if not prevent the occurrence of heart diseases:
Keep a watch on your weight:Obesity is spreading like an epidemic in the young urban Indians. It is a chief cause of high blood pressure and increases the heart s workload. Obesity increases fat and cholesterol levels that constrict the blood vessels which then have to work under pressure to maintain circulation of blood. By regularly monitoring food intake and BMI (weight in proportion to height, age and sex), one can help the body and of course the heart to perform its functions efficiently.
Choose the right foods: Eat foods high in anti-oxidants like omega-3 fatty acids, consume adequate quantities of vegetables and fruits, avoid red meat and ready-to-eat preserved foods as they have high salt content.
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption: These vices affect your blood vessels like no other.
Get moving: There should be no excuses for not incorporating basic activities in daily routine. Walking, any sporting activity, gym, swimming-take your pick. The important aspect is to enjoy the activity and not make it a chore.
Maintain a positive attitude: This helps you to take care of your health with zeal and prepare yourself better to fight the faulty gene.
Studies have shown that people who make disciplined lifestyle choices lowered their risk of heart disease, despite the associated genetic component.
