Hyderabad: Altogether 57 per cent of Hyderabadis were found to have belly fat which is found to be the major risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, according to a cardiac health survey carried out in the city. Belly fat is one of the risk factors but in the survey it was found that many of the people did not consider it as a risk.
The risk of belly fat leading to the advent of cardiovascular diseases was found in the age group of 41 to 50 years.
The incidence of heart diseases has been noted from the age of 30 years in the city and the other risk factors like lack of sleep, sedentary lifestyle and skipping meals are also present.
A total of 405 people participated in the survey. It was found that 55 per cent of Hyderabadis slept less than 7.5 hours a day and 56 per cent do not exercise regularly.
The survey showed that men in the city were more prone to heart risks at 61 per cent than women at 52 per cent.
Dr. Vasu, Condultant Cardiologist, Virinchi Hospital, said, “Lifestyle habits are a fundamental part of heart health and modifications can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Belly fat, lack of exercise and sleep are major factors and cannot be ignored.”
There have been multiple studies which have time and again stressed on lifestyle and its impact on heart health. Nutritionist Sujatha Stephen
said, “Most of us are guilty of ignoring one or more of these small lifestyle behaviours that can have massive impact on our hearts. Making small, positive changes in our regular lifestyle like eating right, sleeping well, regularly exercising and keeping a track of our belly fat can greatly reduce the risk to our heart.” With hectic work schedules and sedentary lifestyles, there is an increase in heart risks and it becomes important to make small changes to ensure a healthy heart.
