The last one or two decades have seen rapid lifestyle changes in urban landscapes across India. With the rapid advancement of technological advances due to the rapid dynamic environment, people have adopted many unhealthy habits and coping methods. These common behaviors, against the backdrop of demanding times, are often overlooked despite conversations about lifestyle disorders.Also read – This can damage your liver when drinking a single drink
Studies published by The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) show that in India, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), are estimated to be responsible for 60% of total adult deaths. CVD accounts for more than a quarter (26%) of these deaths. It is no secret that most of these are preventable diseases that are caused and worsened by lifestyle factors. CVD affects Indians a decade earlier than the Western population, in fact more than 50% of deaths from coronary artery disease (CAD) occur in individuals under 50 years of age. Also read – YouTuber drinks 2 liters of soda in 18.45 seconds, sets Guinness World Record | Watch
We often talk about the importance of a healthy, balanced diet; But what about the daily habits of the young Indian population? This can be motivated by ‘feeling good’ reasons or unconscious responses to managing stress. Dr. Brijesh Kunwar, Director-Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi, examines some of the most common issues. Also read – Is Diet Soda Better Than Sweet Drinks?
With the rise of technology and the Internet being more sophisticated and user-friendly, people spend many hours browsing through social media or watching OTT shows, especially posting working hours, after children fall asleep and on weekends. According to a University of Glasgow study, such laser screen time contributes greatly to the sedentary behavior associated with a higher risk of CVD. A recent study found that people with low fitness and muscle strength almost doubled their risk of CVD.
During the week, the pressure to meet deadlines, multi-tasking between chores and other responsibilities, many people have irregular sleep schedules. They believe that sleep will help them recover; And they do so on weekends or holidays. Regular sleep arrangements are important; In the long run, insufficient sleep for less than 7-8 hours can affect mental and heart health. A recent University of Colorado boulder study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, which looked at people with a genetic predisposition to heart disease, found that between six and nine hours of sleep reduced the risk of heart attack by 18 percent.
With more and more coffee chains emerging, young people are not only enjoying boosting energy with their favorite drink cups; But they have also become accustomed to it in response to stress. When assignments are to be completed, they reduce sleep and double the amount of coffee. While there has been a great deal of discussion about the benefits of coffee; Even if you drink black coffee, long-term, heavy consumption can increase the amount of sugar and fat in our body. Coffee-lipid association is dose-dependent – the more you drink unfiltered coffee, the higher your blood lipids, which increases your risk of heart disease.
There are people who have meals with aerated drinks and turn to cans whenever they watch TV or meet up with a group of friends. This increases the risk of heart disease, which is caused by excess sugar which in turn raises blood sugar and triglycerides and dense LDL particles. Limited consumption of aerated drinks may not be so harmful, but excessive consumption can adversely affect your health. Moderation is the mantra of a healthy heart!
This is the time to recognize the importance of active heart care. You can start by making small changes and recognizing some common habits in your lifestyle. Exercise plays a major role in the management of lifestyle diseases. Surprisingly, however, a recent study by CefolaLife found that 92% of people in the top metro cities who are at risk for heart disease due to lack of exercise do not count it among the top 3 risk factors.
The three simplest changes you can make: Try walking during work breaks or make your own desk-exercise routine, take deep breaths or sign up for yoga sessions to control stress, check your drink intake and cheat meals. Keep a diary. Finally, be sure to get regular health checkups to address the symptoms actively and remember that lifestyle disorders can be treated with timely intervention.
