Heart being the most vital organ of the body, it needs our utmost care and concern. The heart is the center of the cardiovascular system and is integrally responsible for all the life- supporting factors, ranging from the transportation of oxygen to agility of your immune system. Composed of muscles, the heart pumps blood with vital minerals throughout the body and removes the waste products accumulated in the organs. Every muscle and organ present in the body require oxygen, glucose, and amino acids for efficient functioning and sustainment. Even a slight delay in transporting oxygen and glucose to the brain can lead to severe complications. In simple words, if the heart ceases to pump blood, the body will shut down and eventually die in a matter of seconds.
Did you know, globally, one in every four deaths is caused by a cardiovascular disease. It is the leading cause of death both among men and women. It’s the apt time, to ensure your heart is healthy as it will ensure a healthy you!
Have questions related to heart and related diseases? book a consultation with the best cardiologists in Bangalore at Manipal Hospitals
Here the few commonly asked heart health related queries:
Q 1. What are the common risk factors for a coronary heart disease?
A –The risk factors are classified into modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.
The non-modifiable are the ones that cannot be altered by choice:
- Gender – Male population generally tends to have a higher risk of heart attacks.
- Age- With an increase in age, the chances of heart disease also tend to develop.
- Genes- If heart disease runs in the family hereditary line, there are higher chances of contracting a heart disease.
The modifiable risk factors are the ones that can be altered by the actions and choices of the individual:
- Diabetes- Diabetes is conducive to heart disease. Controlled levels of insulin promote heart health.
- Hypertension- With hypertension and stress in mind, the chances of heart disease doubles up.
- Cholesterol- Change in cholesterol levels gives rise to various heart issues.
- Regular Exercise- A Regular physical activity of 30-40 minutes a day advocate heart health.
- Diet- A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole fibers nurture a healthy heart.
- Smoking- It is directly related to heart disease. The poisonous smoke inhaled ruptures the plagues related to heart and multiplies the chances of heart attack.
Q 2. What types of physical exercises are recommended to promote heart health?
A – Regular physical activity like brisk walking for 30-40 minutes a day, develops and protects the heart from major cardiovascular diseases. While an intense exercise for 20-30 minutes is optional as it concentrates more on body muscle building. A person recovering from a heart attack is advised to rest for 2-3 weeks with minimal physical activity. However, mild cardio exercises and slow walking are very helpful to speed up the recovery process.
Q 3. How bad is alcohol for the heart?
A – In the case of tee-tootlers, it is strongly advisable to prevent alcohol consumption. While for those addicted, alcohol consumption must be limited to 60 ml of hard alcohol or 100 ml of wine in a day. Alcohol, if consumed in levels exceeding the threshold limit, it severely affects the heart health.
Q 4. Can heart rebuild itself after quitting smoking?
A – Smoking is directly linked to heart attack and various other cardiovascular diseases. Even one cigarette can trigger a heart attack. Inhaling the poisonous contents of cigarette smoke results in plaque rupture giving rise to a heart attack. It is highly advisable to quit smoking right away. Upon quitting, the heart rebuilds itself as time escalates. But the rebuilding process takes many years leaving behind incurable scars. Quit it now!
Q 5. Does a bypass surgery guarantee an end to heart disease?
A – Bypass or angioplasty is in no way the end of the treatment for heart disease. It reduces the chances of future heart attack. The recovery depends on upon the efficient containment of the risk factors.
Q 6. Is heart disease hereditary?
A – Predominantly most of the diseases are hereditary. Heart diseases are no different, the genes play a vital role in determining the non-modifiable risk factors for a heart disease. If a parent has suffered a heart attack before the age of 55, even the child has a higher risk of getting one.
Q 7. Are women susceptible to heart attacks?
Men are genetically prone to heart attacks and suffer from heart diseases at a higher rate when compared to women. But that doesn’t rule out the chances of women contracting a heart disease. Women don’t suffer from specific symptoms and the chances of detecting a heart problem are very remorse. Hence, women must never neglect heart-related concerns.
If you are a cardiology patient and have more questions that you want to get an advice on, then visit the best cardiology hospital in Bangalore
A Healthy Heart will lead to a Happy Life!
