A Guide to Lead a Happy Life With a Healthy Heart
The cardiovascular statistical report depicts, heart diseases are one of the leading reasons for human death globally, having the highest rates of mortality and despair, irrespective of age, region, etc. The World Heart Federation estimated over one-third of the population over the age of 25 are at risk of heart disease. Approximately 17.5 million people die due to heart problems, contributing to 30 percent of the annual deaths.
In the last few years, the prognostication of heart disorders has been significantly improved with the emergence of medical technologies and awareness, leading to a decline in the mortality rate. A healthy heart is a must to lead a happy and contented life. It demands a great deal of focus in leading a healthy lifestyle, eating habits, disciplined routine, and creating an unpolluted environment benefitting the health and life of hearts. Isn’t it? It is true, prevention of heart disease right from an early stage is necessary, and to make sure of the same, one can start by going through the following aspects.
- Diet – It is an important factor that one can change to get a healthy heart. Food items rich in saturated fats can cause high cholesterol levels. The abnormal blood lipid levels are strongly related to the risk of heart diseases and the diet. The unsaturated fats found in seeds, nuts, fish, vegetables, and dietary supplements with theaflavin are beneficial for the heart. These items contain omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, and they are good for the heart and cannot be produced by the body. Unhealthy eating habits can increase the risk of high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, which ultimately damages the heart.
- Smoking – It is evident that smoking is directly linked to hypertension and cardiovascular problems. As compared to non-smokers, the risk of heart diseases for smokers increases by 1.6 multiples. For those who are chain smokers or are facing heart problems, it is advisable to quit the habit. It is going to be promising and indeed better than getting those lipid-lowering and antihypertensive treatments.
- Exercise – Exercising daily can be positive and beneficial in many ways. Simply sticking to a daily exercising regimen, a disciplined approach can cut down on the body fat levels, boost insulin sensitivity, and delay cardiovascular diseases.
- Hypertension – It is another important factor leading to different cardiovascular disorders. According to the WHO suggestion, the daily intake of salt in our diet must be less than five g. The high sodium diet can partly contribute to stress, anxiety, and hypertension.
- Pollution – Environmental pollution is a more significant concern for genetic heart factors than genetic ones. The fetus build-up is also due to the environmental pollution during pregnancy and leads to a heart problem. Though the evidence is limited and discrepancies exist, recent studies determine that maternal exposure to air pollution can lead to congenital anomalies.
Heart diseases refer to any problem impacting the heart. There are different kinds, and some are preventable too. The symptoms can vary, person to person. A few heart problems show no symptoms at all. As been said, the following symptoms could indicate a heart concern:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty in breathing
- Swelling due to fluid retention
- Fatigue-ness, lightheaded-ness
- A choking kind of feeling
- An irregular heartbeat
- Breathlessness, heart palpitations
In children, the symptoms differ. It could be the inability to exercise, a blue tinge, or cyanosis.
Heart problems occur when there is one or more of the following things happen:
- An issue with the rhythm of the heart
- A low supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart
- A problem with the blood vessels leading to and from the heart
- Damage to a part or all the heart
In many cases, they happen due to genetic reasons. Also, the medical conditions and lifestyle factors enhance the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The treatment options also differ depending on the kind of heart problem a person has. Although, the typical strategies cover making changes in the lifestyle routine, taking medications in dietary supplements that can help prevent heart diseases. Cardiovascular problems are devastating and best fought by undergoing preventive measures, including adopting a healthy lifestyle, a healthy diet, exercising daily, leading to a happy life and a healthy heart.