The COVID-10 pandemic has united us while keeping us apart. Countries, communities, and societies have come together, recognized needs, and have acted towards helping each other. These unprecedented times have made us realize the worth of life even more, and how important it is for us to take care of ourselves and the vulnerables in the society.
As compared to others, it’s a known fact that CVD patients (Cardiovascular Diseases) face a greater risk of developing severe forms of virus. Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of deaths which accounts for almost 17.9 million lives each year.
How can I keep my heart healthy?
The first step towards good health is correct knowledge. Once you make yourself aware of the risk factors and symptoms for CVD and act upon the required lifestyle modifications, you can achieve a better quality of life in future.
Risk factors:
Age
Family history
Smoking
Unhealthy diet
High blood pressure
High cholesterol levels
Diabetes
Physical inactivity
Symptoms of heart diseases depend upon the type you are diagnosed with.
Atherosclerosis: Hardening of the arteries
Symptoms – Chest pain, chest tightness, pain, numbness, etc.
Arrhythmia: Heart rhythm abnormalities
Symptoms – Slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, etc.
Congenital heart defects: Heart irregularities present at birth
Symptoms – Blue skin color, swelling in hands or feet, etc.
Cardiomyopathy: Caused due to weak heart muscles
Symptoms – Irregular heartbeats, fatigue, dizziness, etc.
Heart infections: Caused due to bacteria, virus or parasites
Symptoms – Fever, dry cough, skin rashes, weakness, etc.
What lifestyle changes do I need to keep my heart healthy?
Stop Smoking
Eat healthy
Keep a check on your blood cholesterol
Maintain an optimum blood pressure
Be physically active
Keep a check on your weight
Manage your diabetes
Do not stress much
Drink alcohol in moderation
What does a heart-healthy diet include?
You could just simply fine-tune your diet and you’ll be on your way towards a heart-healthy diet.
Keep a track on your portion sizes – How much you eat is equally important as what you eat. Make use of small plates and bowls to help control your portions.
Include vegetables and fruits – Fruits and veggies are a good source of vitamins, minerals and are rich in dietary fiber as well. Consuming more of them may help you cut down on high calorie foods.
Limit fats – To reduce the cholesterol levels and the risk of coronary artery disease, it’s important to limit saturated and trans fat.
Watch your sodium intake – Too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure i.e. a risk factor for CVD. A good step would be to add less salt while cooking your meals.
How can I influence others to maintain a healthy heart?
To influence others, you need to make sure you are setting an example by following a healthy heart lifestyle yourself. Advocating the impact of CVD in the quality of our lives has to be clearly advocated, and people need to be urged to take action on all the necessary changes required for a healthy heart.
World Heart day 2020 – Use Heart to Beat CVD
2020’s theme of World Heart Day, in the light of the current situation of COVID-19 pandemic, is ‘Use Heart to beat CVD’. Through this objective, we aim to understand the importance of heart’s health in tackling severe forms of viruses, support each other- and more importantly the vulnerable ones to steer clear from COVID-19’s complexities.
Disclaimer: Indian Health Bureau does not claim any responsibility for the information contained in this article. The information may not hold good for everyone. The post is for general awareness only and should not be construed as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Please consult your doctor to know what is good for you.
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