A balanced lifestyle helps reduce the risk of heart disease in young people

In the face of the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, when there are many changes in life, people must be calm and make efforts to balance work and life. Therefore, it is important to eat properly and in accordance with health, have a healthy lifestyle and take care of a healthy heart.

Doctors at Fortis Healthcare have urged the public, especially the youth, to take care of their heart health, get regular health check-ups and not ignore any serious symptoms.

The age of people with cardiovascular health problems is getting younger and younger.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. In 2016, an estimated 17.9 million people died from heart disease, accounting for 31% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85% were due to heart attacks and strokes.

In particular, people with underlying heart disease will face many challenges when infected with COVID-19.

“Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is a must. Eat right and make sure the exercise you are doing is suitable for your body. According to official guidelines, one should exercise for 45 minutes a day, five times a week. However, many young people are prone to exercise-induced cardiomyopathy or exercise-induced arrhythmic cardiomyopathy, a condition of heart muscle dysfunction leading to heart failure,” says Dr Ajay Kaul, Chairman, Fortis Hospital for Cardiovascular Sciences, Noida.

In addition, many young people tend to consume a lot of processed protein or health supplements that are high in steroids. These steroids cause muscle breakdown and weaken the heart. Furthermore, an unbalanced diet can cause heart attacks. Too much protein will also put a strain on the kidneys, leading to high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks. Excess carbohydrates and fats lead to glucose metabolism, which clogs the arteries, also leading to heart attacks.

“On the other hand, young people are working long hours, are stressed and tired, are not sleeping well, are not eating properly, are consuming caffeine and sugar, are relying on cigarettes to help manage stress, or are not exercising. They are also not going for regular check-ups or annual health checks. As a result, these people are not aware of what is going on inside their bodies. Moreover, some may assume that nothing can happen to them when they are young. All this ultimately leads to delays in diagnosis and can often be fatal,” added Dr. Ajay Kaul.

According to Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director and Head, Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, some diseases are also considered as major risk factors for heart attack or cardiac arrest including diabetes, bad cholesterol, obesity, hypertension, etc. Any symptoms like chest pain or discomfort, unexplained fatigue, rapid heartbeat or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, should be taken seriously and prompt medical attention should be sought.

Finally, experts call on everyone, especially young people, to take their heart health seriously, change their lifestyle, exercise and start eating healthy to improve their health.

According to VOV