In India, the reason behind approximately 25% of total deaths is cardiovascular or heart diseases. It is one of the foremost causes of mortality in the urban population. One of the primary reasons can be a lack of awareness regarding heart diseases. People often neglect or ignore the symptoms of heart disease which ultimately leads to severe complications or even death.

Controllable risk factors for heart diseases

• Smoking
• High BP
• Obesity
• Diabetes 
• High cholesterol

The risk of developing heart disease can be reduced to almost 50% by incorporating lifestyle modification and changes in diet. 

• Consume green vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes

• Healthy lifestyle (Healthy eating and physical activeness)

• Avoid saturated fats

• Restrict the consumption of salt

• Try to eat complex carbohydrates and avoid simple carbohydrate

Common symptoms of heart diseases

• Weakness and fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heaviness in the chest

High cholesterol is the main reason for heart diseases

Cholesterol is a waxy and soft-natured material made in the liver. It is present in oily foods including egg yolks, milk fat, organ meats, and shellfish. In order to reduce the high cholesterol level, consume foods such as unsaturated fats, vegetables, and low-calorie foods.

Types of heart diseases

Angina – It refers to the pain originating from the heart. The sensation can be felt as chest pain or tightness of the chest which might migrate to other organs of the body.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) – Arteries are affected that supply blood to the heart muscle. Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease with which we Indians suffer the most. It causes a heart attack because of an insufficient supply of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle.

Heart attack or Myocardial Infarction (MI) - When a portion of the heart muscle suddenly loses its blood supply due to an obstruction of the coronary arteries. The obstruction is typically due to coronary arteriosclerosis.

Cardiac arrhythmia - An arrhythmia is an irregularity in the pace at which the heart beats that, in turn, causes a variation in the pulse rate.

Heart failure - When your heart isn't pumping enough blood, it's a serious but manageable condition.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) - These are problems with the heart's structure that developed in the womb or early development and are present at birth or shortly thereafter. 

Stroke - Stroke occurs when a blood vessel either bursts or is blocked. Many risk factors of this are preventable.

Hypertension – It is a condition where a person's blood pressure is persistently above normal. Untreated HBP damages and scars your arteries, which can have deadly consequences.

(Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.  Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.)