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What Could Be The Potential Cause of Chest Pain?
Have you ever felt a deep stabbing pain in your chest or continued discomfort around the chest area? It is time for you to consult a chest pain specialist soon. Do not worry, these pains are not always dangerous. Several causes can create chest pain.
However, most of us predict that chest pain is a result of heart-related problems. In this article, we see some of the possible reasons that cause chest pain.
Different Causes Of Chest Pain
In case you are facing severe chest pain, you should rush to a chest pain specialist immediately. A few probable causes for chest pain are listed below;
Muscle strain
Often muscle pull or inflammation around the ribs causes chest pain. If it grows severe, it can result in muscle spasms. Mostly working out or lifting heavy weight leads to such chest pain.
Rib Injury
In any situation, if you get any injury due to an accident, mainly on the chest or rib area, it can cause chest pain. Due to a broken rib also, any individual can feel a sharp pain in the chest.
Peptic Ulcers
The stomach lining contains peptic ulcers. If you are going through any stomach disorder, this pain can go up to the chest.
Gastric Issues (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is a common reason for chest pain. The food substance does not get digested properly in the stomach, and often, it is pushed upward, causing pain. Moreover, you may feel nausea and a sore throat.
Asthma
The shortness of breath, wheezing, and continuous coughing are a tendency of acute asthma. It can gradually increase with sharp chest pain and causes inflammation or rough blockage in the throat area.
Lung Collapse
When air space is found between the ribs and lungs, it causes tremendous pressure on the chest. Again, due to collapsed lungs, you can feel the fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, and tiredness. Immediately consult a nearby chest specialist.
In this context, you should know chest pain can also occur due to pneumonia. You may feel sharp chest pain along with fever and cough. Tuberculosis is mainly a bacteria that can cause chest congestion inside the lungs with severe pain.
Costochondritis
When the rib cage gets inflammation, it causes costochondritis. In this condition, a person can feel discomfort or pain in the chest area during any physical activity like walking, lying, or even sitting.
Disorder Of Esophagus
Oesophagus disorders are primarily the result of problems in the food pipe. Again, the hypersensitive oesophagus is caused due to formation of acid in the food pipe. In both of these situations, a person can feel chest pain.
Panic or Anxiety
Often depression, stress, anxiety, and panic attacks can cause chest pain. You may feel tiredness, shortness of breath, with a high heartbeat due to this.
Heart Attack
For heart attacks, you may feel chest pain with other salient symptoms such as pain in the jaw and back, weakness, and shortness of breath. There can be other heart-related conditions leading to chest pain such as Angina. Due to Angina, you can feel a squeezing in your heart area. It mainly occurs when the blood cannot flow smoothly to your heart.
Inflamed heart or Myocarditis is the same as a heart attack but causes chest pain. However, you may feel feverish and have a racing heartbeat during this condition.
When Should You Consult A Doctor?
If your chest pain is new or lasting for hours, you should immediately visit the nearby hospital. Consider the following symptoms before going to the doctor;
-A crushing pain in the chest and breastbone
-The chest pain moving towards the left arm and jaw area
-Rapid heartbeat
-Confused state of mind
Conclusion
Always remember prevention is better than cure. Hence, if you face any pain around your chest area and it does not cure you by taking antacid medicines, consult the nearby chest pain specialist at https://www.ilshospitals.com/ immediately.
Know More About Patients with Heart Condition and Corona Virus
More than a year ago, the coronavirus grappled the whole world with pain and anguish. As the invisible monster spread through the world, it devoured more and more people in its might.
The world has not recovered yet, and the wounds are not healed. But now, we have a grasp on the situation and the possible remedy.
Coronavirus is a significant threat to humanity. But doctors and experts have warned about its potency on people with heart conditions. Heart ailments increase the risk of fatality by Coronavirus.
In the following sections, we will see the causes, concerns, effects, and precautions for heart patients impacted with coronavirus.
The Heart and Coronavirus
When the Coronavirus attacks the system, the functioning of the lungs is dreadfully impacted.
Lungs and heart work together for maintaining the oxygenation system in the body. When the virus infects the lungs, the heart also takes the hit. The pumping capability of the heart diminishes and can also be fatal.
Risks of Infection
Following are the Coronavirus risk associated with people with weak heart health:
- Older people or people above 65 years of age are more prone to Coronavirus infection. The majority of older people have a weaker immune system putting them at greater risk of Coronavirus infection.
- People with high blood pressure or coronary artery dysfunction are likely to get affected by Coronavirus.
- Coronavirus infects people with a history of heart stroke or heart surgery. Due to the stroke, the oxygenation process is already affected.
And if Coronavirus attacks the system, it further hampers the functioning of the heart. Usually, this restricts the blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body, thus increasing the complications.
- People with congenital heart diseases can also get affected by Coronavirus. Coronavirus makes the blood circulation mechanism worse.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) also increases the risk of increased Coronavirus infection.
Prevention
The government and healthcare institutions have been vocal about the safety precautions from Coronavirus. But are the precautions different for heart patients? Let’s understand.
- Wash hands regularly with soap for at least 30 seconds or use sanitiser with 60% alcohol content
- Avoid touching your eyes and face
- Maintain a social distance with a distance of 6 feet between you and other people
For the patients with heart conditions
- Take this as an opportunity to revise your diet. Eat healthy meals loaded with nutrients and modify your cooking habits
- If you can’t go outside, stay active inside the house. Indulge in exercising and Yoga to maintain good physical and mental health
- The pandemic infused a lot of stress in the environment. Heart patients are remarkably advised to keep the stress at bay. Use stress management techniques to feel relaxed and positive
- If you have a smoking habit, it is an excellent time to end it. Smoking makes the lungs weak, and hence they become prone to Coronavirus infection
- Take your medications regularly
- If you feel any discomfort in your health, immediately consult the doctor
Conclusion
Coronavirus has shaken the whole world. And it’s not the end. But we can always be vigilant for our health and prevention from the virus.
It is in our hands to be safe. It is in our hands to be healthy. If you already have heart conditions, you can visit https://www.ilshospitals.com/ during this covid situation.
How to Choose the Best Heart Hospital in Kolkata
When it comes to the selection of cardiac hospitals, many people have varied opinions. Sometimes, the opinions are valuable, but the other times it adds up the confusion.
If you are looking for the top heart hospital in Kolkata and you are reading this, then you have come to the right place. We have collated some pointers that will help you make the best selection of cardiac hospitals in Kolkata.
5 Points To Choose The Top Cardiac Hospital
Whenever a heart patient is admitted to a cardiac hospital, the patient and the family often consider factors like experienced doctors, facilities, and physical and emotional support. But are these enough to narrow down the best cardiac hospitals?
We will see these and some other factors in the following details:
1 – Team
Cardiac issues are not to be ignored. You always seek and consult a well-experienced and specialised doctor who will understand your ailment and ensure the best treatment for you.
A good hospital is a combined effort of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare and supporting staff. They assure you that you are in good hands.
2 – Position
As said earlier, people give many recommendations about the best cardiac hospitals. Word-of-mouth constitutes the reputation of a heart hospital. But apart from people’s opinions, do a little research on the prestigious awards and recognitions given to the hospital by notable medical bodies.
The top heart hospital in Kolkata embodies skills, recognition, best treatment, and a good experience for the patients and their families.
3 – Top-Notch Technology
It is a differentiating factor for any hospital. The best cardiac hospital pays a considerable amount of time and energy on the latest technologies available for cardiac treatment.
Apart from the treatment, look for hospitals employing faster technology to ease documentation and hassle-free medical procedures.
4 – State-Of-The-Art Cath Lab
The best cardiac hospital uses enhanced technology and infrastructure. Visual imaging tests are essential constituents for diagnosing cardiac issues. Hence, a hospital with a well-establish lab incorporating up-to-date technologies and safety is the best among the rest.
Moreover, no one likes delays in medical reports. Ensure that the labs are well-equipped to diagnose and report at the earliest time.
5 – Cardiac OT
Last but not least is the operation theatre of the cardiac hospital. For an outsider, finding the details about the cardiac OT in a hospital might be difficult. In such cases, share your concerns with your doctor. He/She will address your queries and guide you through the OT procedures.
Conclusion
The top heart hospital takes care of its cardiac patients in the nicest possible way. A reputed hospital is the one with accurate treatment infused with immaculate care and advice.
The best practices of the hospital are reflected in how it attends to its patients. A hospital is deemed well if the patients are content with medical and emotional treatment.
Let’s not ignore the red flags of your cardiac health. Consult the best and experienced doctors to seek their advice and expertise, visit the top heart hospital in Kolkata – https://www.ilshospitals.com/.
The Key to a Healthy Heart
The heart is the engine that keeps a body running. It pumps blood to every part of the body and keeps it functioning like a well-oiled machine. It is essential to keep your heart healthy and strong. A healthy lifestyle reduces the chances of cardiovascular diseases and helps your heart work most efficiently. Cardiovascular or heart disease is on the rise in our country with more and more young people suffering from disease owing to the increasing stress and fast-paced lifestyle.
A lot of doctors suggest making certain basic changes in your lifestyle to improve your health and make your heart stronger, especially after a certain age when the risks are much higher. Here are a few things you should always keep in mind:
- Eat Right & Exercise: An active lifestyle along with a healthy diet can do wonders for your heart. Indulge in some activity like walks, playing a sport, dancing or working out in your daily routine. A sedentary life can be harmful to your heart. Eat healthy fats and avoid trans fat along with portion control and add fruits and vegetables to your diet for more fiber and the right dosage of vitamins and minerals.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking is not just bad for your lungs but also can cause irreversible damage to your heart. Smoking is a major cause of coronary heart disease which can lead to heart attack. It is, in fact, considered one of the top controllable risks factors in case of heart disease. Avoiding tobacco can be a great way to take care of your health.
- Choose Stress-Relieving Hobbies: Stress can be one of the biggest reasons for heart diseases. Picking up hobbies like knitting, listening to calming music, watching fun movies or simply walking around greenery can help relieve stress and keep you happy.
- Get Proper Sleep: Those who don’t get enough sleep are at a higher risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases. Getting proper, restful sleep is essential for good health, overall. Sleeping less than the required hours can lead to fluctuations in blood pressure and inflammation.
- Get Regular Check-ups: Go for regular check-ups to ensure your heart is working to its full capacity without any troubles. Keep a constant check on your levels of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. In case of any issues, go for an angiogram or angiography and further tests to get to the roots of the problem and consult a heart specialist.
It is vital to ensure that you follow a healthy lifestyle and take precautionary measures to avoid cardiovascular issues and other health diseases in the future. However, in case of any symptoms or signs of trouble, it is a necessity to seek medical advice from professionals. ILS Hospitals are one of the leading hospitals in Kolkata for cardiovascular treatment and have an outpatient department in case of emergencies. For regular check-ups or consultations, visit us and stay healthy.
For further details, visit www.ilshospitals.com.
ILS Hospitals’ Guide On A Heart-Friendly Lifestyle
Cardiovascular diseases are on the rise in our country. It’s of paramount importance to keep your heart fit and healthy.
ILS Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala cares for your heart and would like to guide you on having a heart-friendly lifestyle.
Consume a highly nutritious diet
Eating a nutritious diet is not only good for your heart but also for your entire body. Consume lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, lentils, seafood, poultry, dairy, nuts, seeds, and so on.
Avoid unhealthy foods
Some foods are not good for your heart – salty, sugary, fried, and fatty foods. Either avoid or limit their consumption. White flour or maida is strictly not recommended for a healthy heart.
Be physically active
Major reason for heart ailment is due tounhealthy lifestyle. Shun your sedentary lifestyle and involve yourself in favourite physical activities. Get into some sports, dance, do aerobics or swimming.
Stay away from stress
We live in a stressful world and it is needless to say that stress causes you more harm than you can imagine. Alleviate stress by practising stress-busting techniques, like listening to music, singing, painting, reading, creative writing, spending time with your pet, do yoga and meditation.
Quit unhealthy habits
In the long run, your unhealthy habits can prove detrimental to your heart. Some unhealthy habits like smoking, excess alcohol consumption, taking drugs, sleeping late at night, getting angry on trivial issues, etc.
Get regular medical check-ups
You need to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure levels at check. For that, you must get medical check-up on a regular basis. Visit a cardiologist annually to ensure that your heart remains healthy.
For any cardiac or medical emergency, visit ILS Hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala.
Signs Of Underlying Heart Disease By The Best Heart Hospital In Kolkata
Cardiovascular conditions are very common in India. We’ve discussed why in this blog: Why Are Indians So Vulnerable To Heart Diseases? Every underlying disease show tell-tale signs for the individual to observe. If the individual observes and takes prompt action then there’s a chance of an effective proper treatment.
The heart is a vital organ that helps in purifying the blood and supplies the body with oxygen and other nutrients. As per expert cardiologists, many patients ignore the body’s signals of underlying heart disease at the crucial initial levels. So, ILS Hospitals, one of the best heart hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala will enlighten you about the signs that indicate an underlying heart disease.
Chronic tiredness
Fatigue after any laborious activity is understandable but constant fatigue when you do not live an active lifestyle is a matter of concern. Chronic exhaustion can indicate towards an underlying cardiovascular condition.
Shortness of breath
Breathlessness can happen due to various reasons. Shortness of breath after climbing forty stairs makes sense, otherwise, breathlessness for no apparent cause is a medical emergency.
Chest pain and discomfort
Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath can be a sign of serious cardiovascular condition. Immediately visit the medical emergency room of your nearest hospital.
Irregular heartbeat
Heart palpitations usually happen after a vigorous workout but that does not mean it is not associated with any medical condition. Observe your heartbeat and visit a cardiologist if you have frequent heart palpitations.
Unusual sweating
Cold sweats are not normal. They can hint at an underlying heart disease.
Swollen feet
If you have swollen feet and ankles, consult a medical professional for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Unexpected body aches
Body aches that are sudden and without any reason should not be overlooked. Unexpected body aches can be due to an insufficient supply of blood to the cardiac muscle.
If you encounter the aforementioned signs in your body, do not delay professional medical supervision. Visit ILS Hospitals, one of the best heart hospitals in Agartala and Kolkata to get proper diagnosis and treatment from our expert cardiologists.
Are You More Susceptible To Heart Attacks If You’re A Man? Let’s Discuss
A distressing fact to convey is that heart attacks are getting more common in our country. The prevalence is strong among men as they get their first heart attack at a younger age compared to women. We do not imply that women cannot get a heart attack. Women usually deals with severe heart attacks after menopause. For any heart-related conditions, the respective person should visit the best heart hospital as the heart deserves timely and appropriate medical supervision. In this blog, we will discover why men are at more risk when it comes to heart attacks. The heart’s anatomy of men and women differ from each other. Women have smaller hearts than men and have finer veins, the response to stressful events of both the gender is contrasting as well. When a man encounters a stressful situation, his blood pressure levels rise, whereas in case of women, instead of blood pressure, we find an increase in the pulse rate which makes her heart to pump more blood. It is interesting to know that symptoms of heart attack are distinct for both the genders as well.
The primary reason that shields women from heart attacks at an early age is the presence of female hormone estrogen, the levels of estrogen drops when a woman enters or is about to enter her menopausal phase. However, after menopause, the risk of women getting a heart attack escalates, so women at the age-group of 50 – 60s should take special care of themselves.
We have discovered that the fault lies in the hormones, which makes men more susceptible to heart attacks. Though there’s a greater chance of men getting a heart attack, surely, not all men might get one in their lives. Let’s find out apart from your gender, are there any other risk factors?
So, what factors contribute to cause heart attacks in men? Read the points below to find out if you’re at a risk of experiencing a heart attack:
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High blood pressure or hypertension
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High blood cholesterol
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Diabetes
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Previous cardiovascular conditions
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Chronic stress
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Obesity
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Consumption of alcohol
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Smoking
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Poor nutrition
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Inactive lifestyle
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Social isolation
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Genetics.
People with underlying cardiovascular conditions should be extra watchful about their health. If you notice symptoms like chest discomfort, abnormal sweating, fatigue and irregular heartbeat, rush to ILS Hospitals, one of the best heart hospitals in Kolkata. Because your heart health matters a lot!
Why Are Indians So Vulnerable To Heart Diseases?
We only have one heart and it’s our sole responsibility to take the best care of our heart to make it healthy and keep it in good physical condition. Sadly, there’s an incessant upsurge in heart-related conditions among Indians.
The question that comes to our mind after knowing this fact is why Indians are more susceptible to heart diseases and cardiac emergencies than any other ethnicity? Today, we will talk about 6 reasons why more people are suffering from heart-diseases at an increasing rate in the Indian sub-continent.
1. Chronic stress and hypertension:
Our modern lifestyle is comfortable but stressful. People are constantly stressed about their career, daily commute, personal life and financial conditions. Constant stress is the supreme cause of hypertension or high blood pressure. Healthy blood pressure for an average human is 120/80 mmHg. To manage stress, you should do the following things
– Maintain healthy relationships
– Participate in physical activities
– Eat clean and healthy food
– Get adequate sleep every night
– Practice relaxation techniques.
2. Unhealthy lifestyle choices:
We all know that an unhealthy lifestyle does not benefit our body but still we indulge in them then and now. An unhealthy lifestyle is a lifestyle in which you have harmful habits like smoking, consuming alcohol, eating junk and fast food, and being physically indolent. Take an oath that you would not choose or try to avoid this afore-mentioned lifestyle for yourself.
3. Diabetes:
Diabetes has become a common disease in India and that leads to many cardiovascular diseases. Getting diabetes treatment is paramount as uncontrolled diabetes cause impaired blood vessels of the heart and other vital organs.
4. Obesity:
Indians are getting obese day by day due to various reasons. Many people are suffering from class 3 obesity which can be treated with a bariatric or weight loss surgery.
5. Congenital heart defects:
Many children in India are born with heart abnormalities that lead to serious cardiovascular conditions if not timely diagnosed. It is one of the main factors of increasing heart diseases in our country.
6. Genetic makeup:
Many heart diseases are hereditary and nobody can undo it. Your genetic makeup determines the risk of you or your children inheriting heart-related conditions.
Regrettably, we Indians match the criteria of all the above-mentioned points, and that leads us to be more vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases. If you’ve any heart-related conditions you can easily come to ILS Hospitals, one of the best heart hospitals in Kolkata for your diagnosis and treatment. We will provide you with proper medical advice appropriate for your condition.
Follow These Healthy Tips If You Have High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a condition in which the blood produces a lot of pressure in the artery walls, an important component of your blood vessels.
If your blood pressure reading exceeds the normal blood pressure range of 120/80, then you have high blood pressure which requires immediate attention. You can check your blood pressure from any good hospitals in Kolkata or use BP monitoring machines at home. There are many reasons for high blood pressure like:
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Stress
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Obesity
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Poor nutrition
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Chronic diseases and disorders like diabetes, thyroid, kidney diseases, congenital heart abnormalities etc.
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Sleep apnea
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High alcohol consumption
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High cholesterol
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Smoking
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Lack of physical movement
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Unhealthy lifestyle
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Old age
High blood pressure is a serious condition so maintaining a healthy blood pressure is important for everyone. If you are suffering from high blood pressure, follow these healthy tips as shown below:
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Maintain a healthy body weight: Being overweight or obese is linked with high blood pressure. So, do your best to have a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index) by following a healthy lifestyle and by not being either underweight or overweight.
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Stay active: Participate in regular physical activities to lower your high blood pressure. Do activities like walking, cycling, dancing, swimming, yoga and so on. The more you move, the better it is for your blood pressure.
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Eat a DASH diet: Have a Dash (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet which is a healthy and balanced diet suitable for people with high blood pressure. The DASH diet includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish and poultry, nuts and bean and low-fat dairy or no-fat dairy products, low-sodium content and high vitamins and minerals.
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Sodium-restricted diet: The less sodium you consume, the more your blood pressure will lower so avoid high-sodium foods and beverages. Also, do not add or sprinkle salt on top of your foods if you have high blood pressure or hypertension.
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Avoid highly-processed foods: High processed foods have a high sodium-content so do not buy them the next time you visit your grocery store.
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Quit smoking: Smoking has no health benefits and it is responsible for high blood pressure and heart diseases. So, stop smoking right now.
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Drink less alcohol: Too much alcohol consumption can raise your already alarming blood pressure. So, limit the amount of alcohol you consume and aim to stop it altogether.
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Be stress-free: It is needless to say that stress causes your blood pressure to increase at an unhealthy level. Try to avoid stress as much as you can because your life matters more than anything in this world.
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Get regular high-blood pressure check-ups: Visit the best hospital in Kolkata for your monthly blood pressure check-ups. It is important to keep a tab on your blood pressure readings if you are already suffering from hypertension.
In conclusion, if you follow these healthy tips you will see a difference in your blood pressure levels. If your hypertension still does not improve then it’s time for you to go to a heart specialist or cardiologist to find the underlying cause behind your high levels of blood pressure. We are one of the best heart hospitals in Kolkata.
Cardiology – Harbor These 5 Healthy Habits for a Healthy Heart
Practice makes one perfect, but habit plays a crucial role in shaping our lives as well. What done once in a while, if becomes a habit, creates a series of complications. Today we will decode 5 habits that will change your heart forever. It will literally restore your heart to its former health and will keep cardiac emergencies at bay.
So, let’s begin the countdown
1. Take good care of your dental health
Though it may sound very irrelevant, but healthy teeth and gums will help you to have an overall healthy self, that includes your heart as well. It has been found that those having periodontal diseases are at more risk of having heart ailments too. The bacteria that causes gum diseases can travel through the bloodstream and causes complications to the heart as well.
To keep it at bay, brush and floss your teeth regularly.
2. Avoid trans-fat at all cost
It is often not possible (or even recommended) to completely eliminate the fat from the diet, but be sure to watch out for the hidden trans-fat in the everyday grocery list. Trans-fat can clog your arteries, which leads to rising of the bad cholesterol and lowering of the good cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Before buying snacks such as fries and crisps, read the label, ensure it has 0% trans-fat.
3. Have adequate sleep
One factor that often skips our mind is the quality and quantity of sleep we have. Insufficient sleep has been linked with the pressure build-up and inflammation in the heart. Special care should be practiced in case you are dealing with loud snoring and sleep apnea, as these might be an early sign for arrhythmias.
Have a sound sleep for six to eight hours a day to keep your body relaxed and disease free.
4. Avert any second hand smoke
Though sharing has been encouraged since childhood to imprint healthy social and emotional impact, sharing second hand smoke can bring catastrophic results. Even if you are not smoking directly, being present on the site or with the person can harm your heart directly by building up plaque in the bloodstream. It can lead to a cardiac emergency.
Avoid hanging out with people who are chain smokers and be firm about your resolution.
5. Increase mobility while sitting or travelling for hours
Sitting idle for long hours at a stretch can be extremely harmful for your health. This is more likely to happen if you are either involved in sitting jobs or often travel to long distance for it. Immobilization for long hours can cause deep vein thrombosis blood clot in the blood vessels.
Try to take a short break every couple of hours during the work and move around to mobilize your muscles.