How to effectively prevent heart disease?
How To Effectively Prevent Heart Disease?
Introduction
Advances in medical science have now delivered multiple options to effectively prevent heart disease. The most effective approach is to identify risks, and take suitable remedial measures to lessen the risk. Here is a look at important information in reducing risk through preventive methods.
What Precautions Can Be Taken For Preventing Heart Disease?
Here is a look at the top precautions to prevent heart disease. This is a long-term process and individuals needs to ensure that this is practiced diligently. Any let up in the efforts may result in increased risk of heart disease.
- Switch to a diet that is heart-healthy – fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish. Cut down on saturated and trans fats, red meat, processed snacks, salt and sugary foods.
- Exercise – needs to be part of routine. A minimum of 30 minutes of brisk walking, or cycling, or swimming should be part of routine 5 days a week. Exercise should also include strength training exercises.
- Weight management – is very important, and involves monitoring Body Mass Index to maintain a healthy weight. Abdominal fat is a risk factor; hence efforts need to be directed accordingly.
- Blood pressure and cholesterol levels – need to be checked regularly and should be managed to control the levels.
- Blood sugar levels – also need to be checked periodically and controlled accordingly, as diabetes and insulin resistance increase the risk of heart disease.
- Smoking – quitting smoking is essential to prevent damage to blood vessels, increased blood pressure, and risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Alcohol – consumption is to be reduced significantly, as excess alcohol increase blood pressure levels, contributing to heart failure.
In addition to the above, there are various other options that can be used for reducing risk of heart disease. For instance, people at risk are to ensure a minimum of 7 to 9 hours of proper sleep. In the event of sleep apnea or sleep disorders, it is necessary to take suitable treatment to prevent sleep disturbance.
Other important precautions include periodic screenings, intake of medications as explained. Leading a less stressful life is key to reducing risk. Stress is known to indirectly increase risk of heart disease due to the effects that it causes. Similarly, individuals are also advised to avoid remaining seated for a long time. This affects the flow of blood, and impacts heart health, causing risk of heart disease. Ideally, there needs to be a break during the day, to stretch and to exercise, to reduce risk.
Tips For Effective Prevention Of Congenital Heart Disease
While it is not always possible to prevent heart disease that is classified as congenital, the risks can be reduced considerably. These conditions refer to structural heart defects at birth, and steps during pregnancy and preconception can reduce the risk of these defects. Here is a look at some of the effective measures.
- Planning and genetic counseling – people who have a family history of CHD need genetic counseling. Advanced genetic testing facilities in Tamil Nadu offer couples the opportunity to undergo testing. This involves the submission of either blood or saliva samples. Based on the reports, healthcare providers discuss possible risks.
- Chronic conditions – are to be managed effectively. For instance, uncontrolled diabetes can increase the risk of CHD in newborn children.
- Quit alcohol and smoking – during pregnancy to avoid fetal alcohol syndrome. This increases the risks of CHD.
- Take folic acid and vitamins – the use of folic acid supplements can reduce the risk of neural tube defects and CHD. Similarly, prenatal vitamins that contain iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients are also a protective intake.
- Infections – are to effectively treated during pregnancy. For instance, rubella increases the risk of CHD. Proper vaccination is to be undertaken before pregnancy for various infections, that may harm the fetus.
- Medicines and contra-indication – ensure that medications known to be harmful during pregnancy, are replaced with non-toxic medicines. For instance, isotretinoin, epilepsy medications, pesticides, radiation, and other chemicals.
- Weight management – pregnant women who are obese are at risk of causing birth defects, including CHD.
How To Ensure Prevention Of Rheumatic Heart Disease?
This heart disease is attributed to rheumatic fever and strep throat infections. Therefore, preventing or managing the fever can help to prevent RHD.
- Early detection – identify symptoms of strep throat, such as painful sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and swollen tonsils. Timely treatment of these symptoms in children or adolescents, are important.
- Antibiotics – it is essential to complete the prescribed course for strep throat. This is to prevent recurrence and complications, as incomplete treatment increases the risk of rheumatic fever.
- Hygiene – helps to prevent infections. It is important to frequently wash hands before and after meals.
Sharing of personal items such as cooking utensils, cups, or toothbrushes are to be avoided.
Is There Any Unknown Intermittent Fasting Heart Disease Risk?
People often resort to intermittent fasting among the steps to prevent heart disease. However, there is inconclusive evidence regarding the benefits and risks. One study suggested that individuals on one type of intermittent fasting had a 91% higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
While intermittent fasting is known to offer benefits such as improved blood sugar control and weight management, it also carries risks for cardiovascular health. This is mainly under certain conditions, such as people with pre-existing heart disease or cancer.
The reason for inconclusive nature of this finding is that challenges linked with it. Though there is a correlation, it does not affix responsibility for the cause. Experts suggest that the quality of food consumed during fasting windows and underlying health conditions can increase risk. For instance, people on intermittent fasting routines may end up stressed or with malnutrition.
Though intermittent fasting has reported short-term metabolic improvements, like improved insulin sensitivity, this requires additional research to fully understand the effects on heart health on a long term.
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Shetty B s a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).