Six happy ways for a healthy heart
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March 23, 2016
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“25 out of 100 Indians are vulnerable to heart diseases. Around 200,000 heart surgeries happen every year in India”
Heart is the hardest working muscle in your body and its health is vital for your wellbeing. However, heart disease and stroke are among the leading causes of disability. According to Registrar General of India (RGI) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there are over 30 million heart patients in India. Most of the heart patients live in urban areas. Heart diseases are seen in 25% of urban people aged 25- 69 years compared 10% of those living in rural India.
Heart diseases emerge from a number of connected factors such as ageing, changing lifestyles, irregular and bad eating habits, and access to healthcare. 1 A recent research showed that heart disease and its risk factors are increasing at alarming rate in Indian population.2 Today, cardiac hospitals in India perform over 200,000 open heart surgeries per year, one of the highest, worldwide.3 It is important to prevent heart diseases because they are troublesome to both health and pocket.4 Here are the six ways to keep your heart healthy.
Here are six fun filled ways to keep your heart healthy.
- Keep Salt at Bay – High salt intake (sodium in the salt) damages blood vessels and it is a cause of hypertension. More than 75 percent of our sodium consumption comes from processed foods and meals at restaurants.
“Cook at home and minimize salt intake”
- Enjoy Music - Did you know that music can lower your blood pressure? Listening to music can decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as your heart rate.
“Just make sure you listen to soothing music”
- Do things you love - Take time off from your phone, computer, TV and mental hang ups. Do other things you truly love.
“Relax your mind and body”
- Dental Hygiene - Weird isn’t it! Not really! In fact, Dental health is a good indication of overall health. It is said that those who have gum disease are at higher risk of heart disease.
“So, brush your teeth and visit dentist regularly”
- Chocolate and Wine - Dark chocolate can reduce blood pressure since it has antioxidant called flavanols. This promotes blood vessel walls to relax and open wider resulting in lower blood pressure. Red wine is anti- ageing.
“Go for it. You are sure to be always young”
- Exercise regularly – Exercise keeps your body energized, mind relaxed, improves circulation, cuts down bad cholesterol, and keeps your blood vessels and heart healthy. Exercise at least for 30 min a day at a stretch.
“Exercise, it is best medicine for mind and body”
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purpose only. Please consult a qualified doctor before taking any decisions regarding recommendations in the article or for more information.
The content developed by Scientific Angle Publications LLP.
Reference:
1. Nutrition Transition in India, 1947 -2007. Ministry of Women and Child Welfare
2. Cardiovascular disease risk factors in Asian Indian population: A systematic review, J Cardiovasc Dis Res. 2013 Dec; 4(4): 222–228.
3. World Heart Day 2015: Heart Disease in India is a Growing Concern, Ansari, Press Trust Of India, Modified: September 29, 2015 12:44 IST
4. World Economic Forum Data, Harvard School of Public Health. Link: http://qz.com/292222/the-cost-of-indias-heart-disease-epidemic-is-over-two-trillion-dollars.