New Delhi: Cardiovascular diseases are not just happening to adults, it is affecting the younger generation too. According to a report, CVDS is the leading cause of death which accounts for 26.6 per cent of mortalities in the country.
But one of the concerning things currently in India is the rising prevalence of CVD among young Indians.
Dr Hisham Ahamed, Associate Professor and Consultant Cardiologist, at Amrita Hospital, Kochi told News9, “In the fast-paced world we inhabit, our habits play a pivotal role in shaping our overall well-being. A crucial aspect where our habits hold sway is our heart health. The healthy habits we cultivate, especially during our formative years, can have a substantial impact on our heart’s health. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the world’s foremost causes of mortality. The prevalence of hypertension, obesity, diabetes, smoking, and poor eating habits poses a substantial threat to the heart and cardiovascular well-being.”
Inactive Lifestyle: The increasingly sedentary nature of modern life has a significant impact on heart health in young people. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy heart, but many young individuals spend long hours sitting and engaging with digital devices. Those who sit for extended periods face a higher risk of heart issues. A straightforward solution is to allocate just half an hour daily to exercise or leisure activities like gardening. The recommended routine includes 150 minutes of vigorous activity each week, along with two days of strength training.
Stress: Stress is an inevitable part of contemporary existence, and excessive stress has notable implications for heart health. Stress triggers the release of adrenaline, elevating the heart rate and blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to stress can damage blood vessels and increase the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. While addressing stress is multifaceted, engaging in activities such as yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques can substantially contribute to both overall well-being and heart health.
Lack of Sleep: Insufficient sleep disrupts the equilibrium of the cardiovascular system, leading to drops in heart rate and blood pressure. The younger generation’s increased screen time, particularly on social media, has hindered proper sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation results in elevated levels of stress-related hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Aiming for 7-8 hours of sleep per night for adults and 9-10 hours for adolescents and young adults is essential for strengthening cardiac health.
Unhealthy Eating Patterns: Poor dietary choices significantly raise bad cholesterol levels and contribute to arterial plaque buildup, negatively affecting heart health. Diets high in saturated and trans fats, prevalent in fried foods, processed snacks, and fatty meats, elevate LDL cholesterol levels, commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. Excessive consumption of salty snacks further elevates the risk of high blood pressure. Reducing this risk entails reevaluating salt use in cooking and consumption, opting for low-sodium alternatives, and avoiding heavily processed, salt-rich foods.
Prioritising lean proteins, healthier cooking techniques, increased fibre intake, and omega-3s from sources like fish and flaxseeds contribute to heart health.
Tobacco Use: Smoking’s detrimental impact on cardiovascular health is well established. It damages blood vessels by constricting and reducing their flexibility, impeding blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart muscle.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Overindulging in alcohol carries notable risks for the cardiovascular system. It can elevate blood pressure, lead to irregular heartbeats, and weaken heart muscles. Prolonged, excessive drinking also triggers inflammation, disrupting normal heart function.
