Why regular diagnostic tests, lifestyle changes are a must to keep the heart in good health

 As music lovers mourn his loss and medical experts try to ascertain the cause, the sudden death of singer Krishnakumar Kenneth, popularly known as KM, has drawn attention towards the growing instances of early heart attacks. KM was only 53, and was a seemingly fit and active artist. He died of a heart attack within hours of a live performance at a college fest in Kolkata on May 31.

 

 With what seems to be an increase in younger people suffering from heart ailments, Dr Rajiv Passed, a leading Delhi-based cardiologist, recommends regular diagnostic tests and lifestyle modifications to keep the heart in good health. He lays down the following guidelines:

 Prevention is the key

 Regular tests to check cholesterol levels, kidney and liver function, blood pressure and sugar levels must be done at least once a year. High levels of cholesterol or a lipid disorder can lead to the coronary arteries getting a fatty core, which can ultimately lead to vulnerable plaque. This becomes the basis for heart events. The extent to which the ailment goes—be it a mild heart attack or a severe or fatal one—depends on several other variables.

 Start young,

   start testing at age 40 especially if you have a family history of heart ailments. If your father got a heart attack in his forties, the children—both sons and daughters—must get all necessary tests and a CT cardio angiogram done once a year. Those with a family history of heart disease must be extra careful.

 To Lead a healthier lifestyle

 At 40, you need to bring in lifestyle modifications. If you’ve been a smoker, stop. Cut down or stop alcohol consumption and exercise regularly. While intense workouts can sometimes be counter-productive, moderate, regular exercise is essential.

 Exercise, exercise

 There is no alternative to exercise. Aim to achieve a target of 10,000 to 12,000 steps a day through morning and evening walks and other forms of exercise. A seemingly fit body is not an accurate reflection of what’s going on inside. While a smoker or an unfit person may, possibly, have increased chances of heart disease, it is not entirely correct to assume that fit people cannot have the same. To ascertain your heart health, you need regular tests.

 HIGHLIGHTS

  •  You will burn more calories both at rest and during activities if your metabolism is high.
  •  The rate at which a person's body burns calories for energy is referred to as their metabolism.
  •  Lifestyle adjustments that will rev up your fat-burning furnace and help you reach your weight-loss goals faster.
 

 The rate at which a person's body burns calories for energy is referred to as their metabolism. This is determined by a number of factors, including your age, gender, heredity, body fat, muscle mass, and degree of activity. You will burn more calories both at rest and during activities if your metabolism is high. Here are some lifestyle adjustments that will rev up your fat-burning furnace and help you reach your weight-loss goals faster.

 Find 5 easy hacks that could help lose weight and boost metabolism.

5 Lifestyle hacks that could help lose weight, boost metabolism

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