‘Proper diet, sleep and exercise will keep your heart healthy’
Chennai: Deploring the lack of awareness among the people on heart diseases, senior interventional cardiologist, Apollo Hospitals, Dr Sengottuvelu G claims that many ignore the symptoms and in the case of younger generation there is a marked disbelief that they too are susceptible.
Though adopting a heart-healthy living from childhood through adulthood helps to prevent diseases, recognising the signs and symptoms of heart attack and seeking prompt medical help and regular checks, thereafter, could make life comfortable, he says.
"Heart attack happens suddenly. Many ignore the symptoms like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or pain in the centre of the chest lasting more than a few minutes, pain spreading to shoulders, neck or arms and chest discomfort. Timely medical intervention could help save lives. Further, one should undergo screening to detect heart diseases, if any, early," Dr. Sengottuvelu advices. Nearly 80 per cent of heart diseases are preventable and predictable in cases of persons with cholesterol, he claims and adds that persons with diabetes and hypertension have potential risk.
Heart ailments need not be frightening. Technological advances has enhanced the scope of improving the patient's health. "Every week I see several youngsters and even those aged 40 come with cardiac problems. Heart diseases are no longer related to old age. And the fact is they are predictable, preventable, treatable and in certain cases reversible," Dr Sengottuvelu adds.
Excessive stress, smoking, passive smoking, genetic and cholesterol are the other factors that could wreak havoc on the normal functioning of the heart.
So, the adage: avoiding hurry, worry and curry could help one to have a "healthy" heart. "The present lifestyles, especially the addiction to junk food, not caring to exercise and not getting adequate rest are becoming a cause for concern. It was rather strange, a young man who was about 30 years, who came to me refused to accept he had suffered a heart attack," Dr Sengottuvelu said.
Sleeping for six to seven hours, exercising an hour a day, eating fruits and vegetables is his prescription for a healthy heart. Understanding the signs and symptoms of heart attack and seeking medical help on time and regular check up in the case of patients could make life comfortable.
