It’s important to be aware of the signs of an unhealthy heart and to take steps to maintain heart health. Here are some signs of an unhealthy heart and tips for heart health shared by expert
Women with heart disease have worse outcomes than men and women who show heart disease signs have a 50 per cent higher chance of mortality (Image: Freepik)
New Delhi: Heart attacks and cardiovascular-related diseases remain the leading burden in India. The cardiovascular disease death rate stands at 272 per 100,000 in India as compared with the global average of 255 per 100,000. But what is the major cause behind this rise in heart disease rate in the country?
Dr V. Rajasekhar, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiology & Electrophysiology, Certified Proctor For TAVR & Clinical Director, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad told News9, “It’s important to be aware of the signs of an unhealthy heart and to take steps to maintain heart health. Here are some signs of an unhealthy heart and tips for heart health.”
Signs of an Unhealthy Heart:
1. Chest Pain: One of the most common signs of an unhealthy heart is chest pain or discomfort. This can feel like pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation in the chest.
2. Shortness of Breath: If you find yourself becoming easily winded or experiencing shortness of breath, it could be a sign of an unhealthy heart.
3. Irregular Heartbeat: An irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, can be a sign of a heart problem.
4. Fatigue: Feeling fatigued, even after getting enough rest, can be a symptom of heart issues.
5. Swelling: Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen can be a sign of heart failure.
Tips for Heart Health:
1. Eat a Healthy Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid the intake of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium.
2. Stay Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity weekly exercise. Some of the physical activities may include walking, cycling or swimming.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of heart disease. Aim to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
4. Manage Stress: One of the major contributors to heart problems is chronic stress. For this, you may practice stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises and more.
5. Get Regular Check-ups: Visit your healthcare provider regularly for check-ups and screenings. This can help catch any potential heart issues early on.
6. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage your heart and blood vessels. If you smoke, consider quitting, and limit alcohol intake to moderate levels.
7. Monitor Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are major risk factors for heart disease. Have these levels checked regularly and take steps to keep them within a healthy range.
By being aware of the signs of an unhealthy heart and following these tips for heart health, you can take proactive steps to maintain a healthy heart and reduce your risk of heart disease.
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