Lifestyle Diseases That Put Your Heart at Risk
Heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases continue to remain one of the major health concerns across the globe. Time and again, we have been asked to make changes in our lifestyle in order to maintain good health. This is basically to keep the lifestyle diseases at bay, which eventually lead to deadly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), if not taken care of timely. According to World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death across the globe. Thus, it becomes extremely crucial to deeply learn about these sneaky health conditions, which can throw you off guard at any time. In addition, take precautions before it’s too late.
Obesity
It is a condition of excess body fat. Furthermore, obesity is also linked to high blood pressure, which is well known as a silent killer. Therefore, it is extremely crucial to keep your weight in check as per your Body Mass Index (BMI).
High Cholesterol
The cholesterol levels are linked to coronary heart disease, and as soon as your cholesterol level rises, the risk of CHD also increases. According to CDC, high cholesterol usually shows no signs, and a regular check is the only way to get to know if you have disturbed levels of cholesterol.
Kidneys, the bean-shaped organs located in the lower abdomen, play a crucial role in removing waste from the body. They also help in the metabolism of vitamin D, and maintain the pH level of the blood. As such, kidney health is an essential part of overall well-being.
But, kidney cancer — caused when kidney cells become cancerous and form a tumour — is among the 10 most common cancers in both men and women. In the wake of the same, every year June 16 is observed as World Kidney Cancer Day to spread awareness about the disease and how to manage it better.
Blood pressure control
Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products can be beneficial. This eating plan is known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and it is very helpful in lowering blood pressure. According to Dr Rao, the intake of sodium should be reduced. “Even a small reduction in sodium in your diet can improve heart health and reduce blood pressure by about 5 to 6 mm Hg, if you have high blood pressure,” he said. By doing so one can boost the consumption of potassium as that can lessen the effects of sodium on blood pressure. The best source of potassium in food is fruits and vegetables. Reducing the intake of alcohol and caffeine can also be helpful.
“Although the long-term effects of caffeine on blood pressure aren’t clear, it’s possible blood pressure may slightly increase,” he added.
Quit smoking
Experts believe that smoking is a major cause of cancer. Dr Gulati said that quitting smoking can help in reducing blood pressure, too. “Each cigarette you smoke increases your blood pressure for many minutes after you finish. Stopping smoking helps your blood pressure return to normal. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health. People who quit smoking may live longer than people who never quit smoking,” he added. He also suggested dialysis patients to get regular check-ups and opt for an early kidney transplant.
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