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Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally, accounting for 18 million deaths in 2015 and the number is expected to grow to more than 25 million by 2030. Heart disease used to be an old-age ailment, but nowadays people develop cardiovascular ailments at a very young age, due to poor lifestyle choices. One can avert heart diseases by switching to a healthy and active lifestyle. Connect to the cardiology hospital in Kharadi, Pune to know more about heart health or to discuss your concerns with the best cardiologists in Kharadi, Pune.
Alarming Figures and Concerning Causes Behind Heart Diseases
The rate of heart disease in India is twice that of western countries. Heart disease is the number one cause of mortality, especially among young Indians. Almost 50% of all heart attacks occur in less than 50 years of age and 25% of these are less than 40 years of age. Some common causes that increase the risk of heart diseases are:
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Sedentary lifestyle
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High and unmanaged stress level
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Consumption of junk food
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Obesity
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Smoking
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High cholesterol
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High blood pressure
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Diabetes
Some Common Symptoms of Heart Attack
Despite such frightening figures not many of us are aware of the most common heart attack symptoms. Listed below are some common symptoms that may indicate a heart attack.
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Fatigue
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Chest pain
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Persistent cough
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Shortness of breath
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Swelling in the abdomen or legs
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Irregular heart rhythm
Do’s and Don’ts in Case a Heart Attack Occurs
What to do:
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Call for emergency medical help.
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Let the patient lay down flat on a firm surface.
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Loosen the patient’s clothing.
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Do not surround the patient, ask him/her to take a few deep breaths.
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Check the patient’s pulse on any one side of the neck.
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Try giving the patient oxygen if breathless.
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Turn the patient to one side if feeling nauseating and let him vomit so as to prevent aspiration into the lungs.
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Raise the legs of the patient to increase the supply of blood to the heart.
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Isosorbide dinitrate, a vasodilator that widens blood vessels and promotes the supply of blood through them and reaches the heart is available in the form of pills and should be taken sublingually.
- If the person is unconscious, or there is no pulse, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Everyone Should Know CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a medical procedure performed to promote the supply of blood and oxygen in the body of someone whose heart has stopped working. CPR can save a person's life as it keeps the brain and other organs from being damaged by a lack of oxygen.
What not to do:
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Refrain from feeding the patient anything. Also, avoid giving oral medication.
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One must avoid thumping and pumping the chest without knowing the heart rhythm.
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Do not self-treat cough and visit the doctor if it has been there for quite some time.
Lifesaving medications can help in recovering from a heart attack if given within the first few couples of hours of experiencing the symptoms. Therefore, in such situations, time is most crucial as it can save many lives.
Dos and Don’ts for a Heart Patient
Dos:
1. Eat healthy: Consume a balanced diet and choose foods low in cholesterol/fat. One must include plenty of fruits and vegetables, fibre-rich whole grains, fish, nuts, legumes and seeds in the diet. Select lower fat dairy products and poultry (skinless). Limit sugar-sweetened beverages and red meat. If you wish to consume meat then prefer the leanest cuts available.
2. Exercise daily: Include exercising for up to at least 2½ hours (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (e.g., brisk walking) every week or 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) of vigorous physical activity every week.
3. Control lipids: regularly check and monitor.
4. Manage stress
5. Sleep well.
6. Go for regular health checks.
7. Take your medicine as prescribed by the doctor timely without skipping.
8. Regular follow up as advised.
Don’ts:
1. Diabetes: Don’t let it get uncontrolled. Well-maintained blood sugar level also helps in keeping the heart-healthy.
2. Smoking: Quit smoking or reduce it, this will keep your heart stay fit and functioning well.
3. High blood pressure: Unusually high blood pressure which is also called hypertension affects the blood vessels and may also damage the arteries.
4. Obesity: It puts stress on the heart. Losing weight will have a positive impact.
Just a few small changes to our lives can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. We believe that every heartbeat matters, so pay attention to your heart so that it never needs medical attention!
Book an appointment today with the heart hospital in Kharadi, Pune for the treatment of any heart disease. We are amongst the best heart hospitals for cardiac surgery in Pune. At Manipal Hospitals, we have the best cardiac surgeons who offer the best treatment for all heart ailments. Bookmark our blog page to read more about heart health.
Consultant - Interventional Cardiologist
Manipal Hospitals - Kharadi, Pune
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