From stress to weight, risk factors that make you prone to heart attack

Cardiovascular diseases claim close to 18 million lives each year

There are several factors that pose a threat to the normal functioning of the heart which is one of the most important organs of the body. It is vital to take note of the risk factors in view of the stealth nature of heart ailments. Heart related diseases do not occur all of a sudden; they are the consequences of years and years of unhealthy practices and unattended risk factors.

Heart diseases or cardiovascular diseases claim close to 18 million lives each year. As per the WHO data, one-third of the deaths due to heart diseases occur prematurely in people less than 70 years of age.

Heart diseases are claiming young lives these days

Recently with the death of popular Indian singer KK, attention drifted to the fact that heart diseases have been claiming young people in the last few years. Incidence of heart issues in people who are on the right side of 40s are increasing.

Health experts have discussed several risk factors which are responsible for the growing cases of young people getting heart attacks.

Stress

Experts at John Hopkins say stress can cause inflammation which is not good for the heart. Stress can increase the blood pressure which is lethal to heart health. Many other complications like lack of exercise, sleeplessness, and obesity which are dangerous to the heart stem from stress.

Lack of sleep

Less sleep is the root cause of several health related issues and one of them is heart issues. Lack of sleep or insomnia is linked to high blood pressure. An individual experiences this mostly due to stress. In order to maintain good sleeping hours one has to follow a healthy lifestyle like eating early, reading a book before going to bed, and following bedtime.

Excessive alcohol consumption

Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to high blood pressure and increases the risk of heart attack or even heart failure. Apart from this risk, alcohol consumption can increase the weight of an individual which is again another potential risk factor for heart disease.

​Overweight

Weight is the perfect example of how years of mindless eating and not keeping track of a lifestyle can affect you in a massive way. Health experts have always warned us to keep an eye on the weight. Overweight makes an individual prone to several complications like diabetes, blood pressure, osteoarthritis, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea among others.

​Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of formation of plaques in blood vessels. As a result of this deposition, the arteries that carry blood to the heart get narrowed down. The chemicals used in smoking items like cigarettes are also known to thicken blood and cause clots. When clots are formed the flow of blood to the heart is restricted.

​Other risk factors to be taken care of

The other risk factors are:

Family history: One who has a family history of heart diseases is more likely to suffer from one.

High blood cholesterol: High cholesterol level in the blood increases the risk of plaque formation in blood vessels.

Poor diet: Unhealthy eating habits can make the heart unhealthy.

Age: Risk of heart disease increases with age

Male gender: Men are said to be more prone to heart disease

Diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to heart problems.

What are the symptoms one should be careful about?

Heart diseases have the following symptoms:

Breathlessness

Chest pain

Tightness in chest

Pain in arms, neck, jaw, upper abdomen

Dizziness

Irregular heart beat

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This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Natural ways to prevent indigestion and acidity

Acidity and indigestion are common during the winter season. This is when our metabolism tends to get sluggish, leading to bloating, acidity, gas, and other gut-related/indigestion issues. However, many of us tend to use the terms indigestion and acid reflux interchangeably. But there are several differences between these two conditions, and acid reflux can be a lot more severe and last for more than just a few hours.

Acidity is usually characterised by heartburn felt around the lower chest area, which is caused by the stomach acid flowing back up into the food pipe. Meanwhile, indigestion can cause discomfort in your upper abdomen or burning pain behind the breastbone. Very few people realise the unhealthy habits, overeating, and poor lifestyle choices that cause these conditions.

Whether you are suffering from indigestion or acid reflux, you are likely to experience pain and a great deal of discomfort. One needs to pay attention to check what triggers acidity and indigestion. While it could be alcohol or chocolates causing acidity for someone, it could be citrus fruits or carbonated beverages for others.

Here are some common home remedies to treat indigestion. 

* Drink a lot of water: Drinking water can help eliminate toxins from the body and enhance the digestion process. Often, warm water is seen to be helpful.

* Choose the right food: Opt for dishes made using nuts, fruits, and other healthy ingredients like flaxseeds. Cut down on snacks as they are loaded with salt and sugar. Instead, go for roasted, steamed, boiled, and grilled food items.

* Portion control is the key: Make sure that you have small and frequent meals, which will prevent overeating. Regulate your portion size for fried foods and sweets. Eating on a smaller plate will prevent you from binge-eating.

* Usage of natural ingredients: “In case of acidity, antacids with natural ingredients such as Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, and Cowrie Shell Ash or varatika, well-known for its antacid and digestive properties, can be used to provide symptomatic relief from gastritis, hyperacidity, heartburn, and indigestion”, suggests Dr Rajesh Kumawat, Head – Medical Services & Clinical Development, The Himalaya Drug Company.

Also, if you are suffering from indigestion, anti-flatulent and antacid tablets with a combination of natural ingredients like ginger that helps in secretion of gastric juices, and triphala  that helps in intestinal and digestion motility, can help tackle the problem and help you indulge in your favourite foods this season.

Healthy eating habits and consuming antacids with natural ingredients can keep acidity and indigestion at bay. In case of frequent and severe acidity, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement