Globally, millions die each year due to heart disease. Neglected or undiagnosed heart conditions can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots.
An American Heart Association study has shown that while most clinical events of cardiovascular disease (specifically coronary artery disease and stroke) occur in middle and older ages, atherosclerosis begins in childhood and cardiovascular health among adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 it is alarmingly bad. .
Most young people do not consider the fact that it is important to eat and drink healthy, and do not ignore their body’s need for activity, elimination of stress, etc.
Dr. Jennifer Chao says that in the US there was initially a decline in heart disease, as a result of decreased smoking and treatments for high cholesterol. But trends now show an increase in cardiovascular deaths, attributed in large part to the rise in diabetes and obesity.
Dr. Chao lists 6 factors to consider in ETNT:
1. High cholesterol: While it’s true that our bodies need a certain amount of cholesterol to run our hearts, most of us are guilty of overloading our systems with too much. And where does the stock of leftover fats go? Courses through our blood and stocks the walls of blood vessels. Long-term exposure to high cholesterol can lead to heart disease and clogged blood vessels. Some amount of unsaturated fat is fine, but you should cut back on saturated fat and trans fat. An easy way to do this is to use liquid vegetable oils (such as olive oil or canola oil) instead of tropical oils (such as coconut oil) or animal fats (such as butter or lard) in cooking. , advises Dr. Chao.
two. high blood pressure: Hypertension is a silent killer. Our heart pumps blood with a force that fluctuates depending on the situation. For example, if a tiger were to chase you, he needs more oxygen to run, so his heart will beat faster and the flow pressure will increase, which is felt on the dilated walls of the arteries and veins. But if your blood pressure is high most of the time, a tiger or no tiger, you should get checked out by a doctor. Is salt intake too high? Or the stress you are suffering? High blood pressure over time can thicken the heart muscle. A simple way to prevent high blood pressure is to lower your salt intake.
3. Diabetes and Obesity: While type 1 diabetes is often congenital, type 2 diabetes is primarily the result of poor lifestyle choices. Diabetes doubles the risk of heart disease, including stroke, and causes other complications, such as kidney failure, nerve damage, and blindness. Over time, high blood glucose from diabetes damages the blood vessels and nerves in your body. Dr. Chao warns that we must eliminate excess sugar in our diets. Sugar is often called white poison. Excessive consumption of added sugar, especially from sugary drinks, increases the risk of weight gain and can lead to the accumulation of visceral fat. High-sugar diets can lead to obesity, inflammation, and high levels of triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure, all risk factors for heart disease.
Four. Unhealthy diet: We don’t think twice about ordering a meal when we want to eat out. While one specifies the ingredients to add, like jalapenos, olives, bell peppers, etc., how many of us say no to added cheese or triglycerides in the baked base? Our diets are often high in sugars, animal fats, processed foods, trans fats, and salt. Needless to add, all of this is contributing to the rise in diabetes and obesity. The next time you want to order processed foods like pizza, pastry, meat, etc., opt for natural foods like fruits and vegetables. The Mediterranean diet, which consists of fish, whole grains, nuts, and vegetables, has been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk.
5. Lifestyle and work stress: We are all stressed at some point: stressed at work, stressed when facing exams, stressed when experiencing difficulties in life. A certain amount of stress is good as a motivation or driver of our destiny. But chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure and poor lifestyle habits, such as overeating, smoking, and decreased physical activity. Stress can really kill us slowly if we don’t know how to handle it. It is important to be aware of your stress level and incorporate techniques such as therapy sessions, exercise, or meditation into your daily routine.
6. Lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle: Before the COVID-19-induced lockdowns and work-from-home model took effect, people made long commutes and were much more active. While social distancing and isolation have been essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have also led to a more sedentary lifestyle. From time to time, health authorities reiterate that to stay healthy, we all need between 150 and 180 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous activity. Sitting is the next smoking. But those of us who want to use excuses not to move invite trouble of the heart. Change in small steps. Take the stairs. Pick up the newspaper from the newsstands instead of dropping it. Check the plants in the garden. run errands Walking the dog. Your heart will thank you.
The bottom line: It is your heart, your health and your choice. Pay attention to the 6 factors listed above. Make sure your heart health stays in good shape. There are other battles to fight in life.
Disclaimer: The hints and tips mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or dietitian before beginning any fitness program or making changes to your diet.
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