New Delhi: In view of rising heart problems, it is not at all advisable to take cardiac health lightly. Remember, your heart health matters too, so pay
attention to it. Did you know? Heart health depends not only on medicines and check-ups but also on the everyday habits that you build. So, with self-discipline and consistency, many heart problems can be prevented in individuals. Is your goal to protect your heart?
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Rahul Gupta, Director – Cardiologist, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, explained how consistency can make a difference in maintaining a healthy heart.
The burden of heart diseases is rising across India. Millions of people are losing their lives to heart attack, sudden cardiac death, or heart failure. Heart problems are commonly seen in older people as well as youngsters as young as 25. The causes behind the rising heart problems are poor lifestyle habits; stress, smoking, and lack of regular care make people vulnerable to heart attacks, high blood pressure, and even other cardiovascular issues. Hence, understanding the importance of heart health, recognizing warning signs early, and making small but consistent lifestyle changes can help everyone take utmost care of their heart. Here, we help you understand common heart problems.
Watch out for these heart problems
So, are you aware? Heart problems like coronary artery disease, hypertension, arrhythmia, and heart failure are increasingly common. The symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, swelling of the feet, and unexplained fatigue, should be reported to the doctor. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to severe complications such as heart attacks, strokes, or sudden cardiac arrest, or even loss of precious life.
Why self-discipline and consistency matter?
When it comes to your heart, no shortcuts or quick fixes will work. Skipping medicines, eating unhealthy meals occasionally, or missing physical activity can slowly undo months of effort. Moreover, give importance to preventive health check-ups. It is NOT OKAY to ignore your heart health. You will have to take steps like quitting smoking and alcohol, exercising daily, eating a balanced diet, and prioritising cardiac screening to prevent heart problems. Consistency creates lasting results by helping the body adapt to healthier routines. Self-discipline ensures that we prioritise heart-friendly choices, even on busy or stressful days. It is necessary to be consistent and self-disciplined when it comes to your well-being.
Follow these foolproof steps and maintain self-discipline and consistency:
- Eat nutritious food: So, the focus should be on eating fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and reducing fried foods, sugar, and salt. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking at least 2-3 litres of water per day. Take the help of an expert for what to eat and avoid in the diet. It is the need of the hour to give up on vices such as smoking and alcohol.
- Regular exercise can be beneficial for the heart: At least 45 minutes of walking, jogging, cycling, or yoga for five days a week is recommended to keep the heart healthy. Don’t go overboard while exercising, and know your heart health status before you undertake any fitness routine.
- Stick to the medication schedule as suggested by the doctor: Take prescribed medicines for blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes on time. Skipping medication is not advisable at all, as doing so can land you in trouble.
- Sleep well and save the heart: Get at least 7–8 hours of sleep daily, as irregular sleep can pressurise the heart.
- De-stress and calm down: Try meditation to lower stress and blood pressure. You can do even activities that you like, such as gardening, cooking, or learn any new skill.
Go for timely check-ups to know the cholesterol, sugar levels, and blood pressure levels. Understand that cardiac screening will help you to know about your heart health and take appropriate measures. Being self-disciplined and consistent will make a huge difference and help you to prevent heart problems.
