Take care of your heart health
Cardiovascular complications are a common
cause of death around the globe. Every year about 17.9 million people
lose their lives due to heart-related issues, which amounts to 31 per
cent of global deaths. Of all, 85 per cent of deaths happen due to heart
attack and stroke.
Functioning of heart
The heart is a very delicate organ in the
human body. It purifies the blood round the clock, which is transported
all around the body through blood vessels. Your heart health depends on a
lot of factors. Some of them cannot be controlled like your age and
hereditary, but you can reduce the risk by addressing behavioural risk
factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, obesity and physical
inactivity. Here is a list of people more prone to cardiovascular
problems.
High blood pressure
Over time high blood pressure can increase
the risk of developing heart-related complications. Persistent high
blood pressure can damage arteries connecting the heart, which puts a
lot of pressure on the heart, making you vulnerable to heart problems.
High cholesterol
The high level of bad cholesterol or
low-density lipoprotein (LDL) causes the build-up of fatty deposits
within the arteries. The layers of fat deposition reduce or blocks the
flow of blood and oxygen needed by the heart. This causes chest pain,
followed by a heart attack.
Diabetes
The inability of the body to produce enough
insulin or not respond to hormones properly can be another risk factor.
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause a spike in the blood sugar level,
increasing the chances of heart problems.
Obesity
Being overweight is harmful to health in a
number of ways. It increases the risk of kidney problem, type 2
diabetes, high blood pressure, heart stroke and cardiac arrest.
Maintaining a healthy BMI number can prevent several diseases and
increase your longevity.
Lack of physical activity
Eating healthy and staying physically active
both are important to stay at the pink of your health. Being inactive
contributes to high blood cholesterol levels and obesity, both can serve
as the foundation of several health conditions, heart issue being one
of them.
Smoking
Smoking and long term exposure to secondhand
smoking, both are dangerous for heart health. Tobacco can damage the
heart and blood vessels, which can make you more prone to cardiac
issues.
A history of preeclampsia and auto-immune condition
Preeclampsia is a condition that causes high
blood pressure during pregnancy, increasing the lifetime risk of heart
disease. Even having an auto-immune condition like rheumatoid arthritis
or lupus can increase your risk of a heart attack.
Stress
It is true that stress and anxiety are part
and parcels of a modern busy life, which can not be ignored. But it is
essential to manage your stress level by practising yoga or by other
means, else in no time it can turn into a chronic heart condition.
People with a family of heart-related problems
Heart-related issues are common among people
with a family history of cardiovascular issues. Many cardiac issues run
in the family, like congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, coronary
artery disease. It is inherited and cannot be prevented.
Age
As we grow old, the muscles of our internal
organs become weak, making us more prone to different kinds of health
conditions. Men above 45 and women above 55 are more likely to suffer
from heart conditions as compared to younger men and women.