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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : October 8, 2014 12:35 PM IST
Friendly neighbours may be good for your heart. Researchers have found that bonding well with your neighbours might extend social support network which is linked to lower cardiovascular disease risk. 'Perceived neighbourhood social cohesion could be a type of social support that is available in the neighbourhood social environment outside the realm of family and friends,' said researchers from University of Michigan in the US.
For the study, the researchers tracked the cardiovascular health of over 5,000 US adults with no known heart problems over a period of four years, starting in 2006. Their average age was 70, and almost two thirds were women and married. All the study participants were taking part in the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative study of US adults over the age of 50, who are surveyed every two years.
During the four year monitoring period, 148 of the 5,276 participants (66 women and 82 men) had a heart attack. Analysis of the data showed that each standard deviation increase in perceived neighbourhood social cohesion was associated with a 22 percent reduced risk of a heart attack. When put another way on the seven-point scale, each unit increase in neighbourhood social cohesion was associated with a 17 percent reduced risk of heart attack. This association held true even after adjusting for relevant sociodemographic, behavioural, biological, and psychosocial factors, as well as individual-level social support. The study appeared in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Here are some tips to keep heart disease at bay
Kick the butt
The chemicals found in tobacco can damage your heart and blood vessels, leading to narrowing of the arteries, which in turn can lead to a heart attack. It also increases your heart rate and blood pressure. Even occasional or 'social smoking' is dangerous and increases the risk of heart disease. The good news is that no matter how long you have been smoking, you will feel better, and begin reaping rewards as soon as you kick the habit. (Also read: Why you should quit smoking)
Eat healthy for your heart
One of the starting points is to revamp your diet and make smart substitutions such as switching to heart-healthy cooking oils like canola oil that is high in mono and polyunsaturated fats which help in reducing the risk of coronary artery disease. Canola oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat, which may decrease your risk of heart attack, protect against irregular heartbeats and lower blood pressure. Limit your intake of salt and sugar as excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure or cholesterol. Add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet. (Read: Take the natural route to heart health home remedies that work!)
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.
Just move it
Avoid leading a sedentary lifestyle; exercising daily is a must, even if it is for 30-45 min. Regular physical activity helps you control your weight and reduce your chances of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, which may put a strain on your heart. Go for a walk; try some yoga, dance or aerobics to stay active, upbeat and positive. Your exercise sessions don't have to be strenuous, even taking the stairs instead of the elevator counts! Read more about World Heart Day 2013: Expert tips to prevent heart disease
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
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