Tips for Your Heart

Change your lifestyle to keep heart problems at bay. Tresa Mathai gives some tips that actually work.

As I am growing older, realization is setting in that it's my body that controls me and not vice-versa. I am in my early thirties but already health hiccups have forced me to take a second look at my lifestyle. 

I resolved to make a start with my heart, since World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that by 2010, India will have the distinction of having about a 100 million people affected with heart disease! Overwhelming figures even for a country which is over a billion in population! I decided not to be another statistic in the next five years.

So I did lots of research and arrived at some basic rules adhered by all who profess to be experts in this field. 

Quit Smoking

We all know this adage; we have heard it umpteen times before, haven’t we? So if you haven’t quit already and don't think you'll be able to kick the habit, try reducing the number you smoke each day. Doesn't sound like much, but believe me every bit counts.

Control  Weight Gain & Diabetes

Keep a check on that waistline. WHO guidelines for Indians state that women need to keep their waist circumference under 32 inches. Men get an extra four inches; beyond that all are in candidature for cardiac problems.

Reduce Salt Intake

Food high in sodium content contribute to high BP, which in turn increases the risk of stroke. Being symptom less, its very important to keep tabs on high BP by getting a regular blood pressure test done.

Eat More Vegetables, Fish & Grains

Do your body a favour treat it right, eat right. Increase vegetable intakes, substitute the red meat with fish occasionally and have grains, more and more of them. Of course, use oil, ghee, butter and the likes sparingly. Your heart will thank you, and you also getting a leaner, meaner body in the bargain.

Be Mobile

Getting active helps. Even people who have the most rudimentary daily exercise routine can decrease their risk of heart attack by 40 percent! So skip the elevator and take the stairs or walk to the market instead of zipping out in the car.

Reduce Stress

Find your stress release system and employ it. Take time out to relax. It is wise to keep in mind that however much your work needs you, your body needs rest more. 

Get Regular Health Check Ups

Applicable for everyone this is a must to keep tabs on your health. The earlier a malady is diagnosed the more are chances of a hundred percent recovery.

In short an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, stress and tobacco consumption puts you in the high risk category. If you feel you are above such dictates do be on the look out for the following symptoms, which signal a heart attack. 

 

Watch Out for These Symptoms 1. Sudden shortness of breath 2. Sudden sweating, flu like symptoms (nausea, body pain) 3. Unusual fatigue, weakness or dizziness 4. Pain in the upper back, neck, jaw or between shoulder blades 5. Severe chest pain

Its important to remember that the first six hours following a heart attack are crucial for treatment and recovery. Being on alert might just save your life or that of someone dear to you. So, take care of yourself, take care of your heart.