World Heart Day 2021
by Premier Hospitals | September 29, 2021 |
Most people believe that heart disease commonly affects elder people who are over 50, but in fact, it can affect anyone from childhood to early adulthood. In addition to this, here are some common myths busted by the top cardiologist in Hyderabad at Premier Hospital. Our heart is the most vital organ as it supplies oxygenated blood to all body parts and requires nutrients to the body cells. If you experience any heart problems, you should take them seriously as they may affect your longevity and survival. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and staying away from tobacco and alcohol are important things to keep in mind to prevent most heart diseases. There are several types of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which include coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease and some other conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heart attacks and strokes account for more than four of every five CVD deaths, and one-third of those deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age. World Heart Day, which is celebrated every September 29, aims to educate people about heart disease and reduce global mortality rates. In the era of COVID, heart attacks are becoming more common and even people in their 40s and 50s are affected by them. So our heart health is becoming more of a priority in the COVID pandemic. Young people are more likely to have heart problems due to a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, drinking alcohol, heavy smoking, or a family history of heart diseases. In order to ensure the health of our hearts, we must adopt a healthy lifestyle. It is incorrect to assume that heart disease affects only the elderly or people over 50, when it is evident that it can strike anyone at any age, from childhood to early adulthood. On the occasion of World Heart Day 2021, our top heart specialist in Hyderabad at Premier Hospital busts some common myths circulating around us about heart diseases. Myth 1: Heart disease is not a concern for young people. Heart disease is more prevalent in older adults. Fact: Heart disease is no longer exclusively associated with old age. It occurs in young people as well. The formation of plaque inside arteries can start as early as childhood and can progress to a blocked artery later in life. Obesity, Diabetes and several other factors tend to cause heart problems even in younger and midlife people. Myth 2: I can eat junk food and exercise is not necessary because I’m younger and completely fit. Fact: A sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy foods are harmful to youngsters. In the early stages of their life, young people must understand that their lifestyle choices will increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later. Myth 3: My diabetes is well under control and it won't affect me in any way. Fact: Keeping diabetes under control by taking medication can reduce your risk of heart disease. Unfortunately, once you acquire diabetes, your risk of heart disease is always high. It is simple to understand why that is so: the same factors that make someone vulnerable to diabetes can also make them more vulnerable to heart disease. A few risk factors among them are high blood pressure (BP), obesity, being physically inactive and smoking. Myth 4: One does not develop high cholesterol at a young age. Fact: Starting at the age of 20, cholesterol levels should be checked at least once every five years. If your family has a history of heart disease, you should have a cholesterol test even earlier. These children can develop heart disease as adults if they have high cholesterol levels as children. Myth 5: Since I have had a family history of heart disease, there is nothing I can do to prevent it. Fact: People with those families having a history of cardiac disease may be at higher risk of acquiring cardiac problems, but they can reduce their risk of heart disease to a greater extent by adopting a healthy lifestyle and preventing them for life long. Maintaining an active lifestyle, keeping cholesterol under control, managing blood pressure, controlling blood sugar levels, quitting smoking, exercising regularly and maintaining that perfect body weight will significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, even if someone has a significant history of cardiovascular conditions in their family. If you think you or anyone in your family is at risk of heart problems, don’t hesitate to consult our cardiologists at Premier Hospital. Our doctors have immense experience in treating various minor to severe heart conditions. Save your heart, save your health.