The heart is the most important organs in the human body, tirelessly pumping blood throughout our system to sustain life. However, this organ can sometimes find it difficult to function properly, leading to different cardiovascular diseases.
Common Cardiovascular Diseases and Prevention
One of the top cardiovascular doctor in Delhi explains common Cardiovascular Diseases below:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Coronary Artery Disease occurs when the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked by a buildup of plaque — a mix of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. This restricts blood flow to the heart and causes chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or even heart attacks.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Hypertension is a condition characterized by increased blood pressure levels regularly and repeatedly exceeding 130/80 mmHg. Over time, high blood pressure damage the arteries, leading to heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and health issues.Hypertension exhibits no symptoms.
- Stroke: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can happen due to a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Symptoms include sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking or understanding speech, and difficulty walking.
- Heart Failure: Heart failure means that the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently to meet the body’s needs. This result from conditions damaging the heart muscle, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, or heart attacks. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, and rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Arrhythmias: Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms that can occur too fast, too slow, or erratic heartbeats. While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can be life-threatening. Causes include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, and congenital heart defects. Symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, fainting, or chest discomfort.
How to prevent common Heart Diseases in 2024?
Cardiologist from a reputed hospital in Delhi explains following tips to keep your heart disease free in 2024:
- Maintain a healthy diet low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium.
- Regular physical activity, for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Minimise too much stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
- Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly, consult cardiologists if it is high.
- Follow prescribed medicines for BP and if diagnosed with a BP condition.
Cardiovascular diseases are increasing at a very high rate across the world, especially in India. These can be prevented and if not prevented, can still be postponed if you follow a good and healthy lifestyle. You can always consult the doctors at Kalra Hospital in Delhi and get yourself checked.