Every year, National Heart Health Month is celebrated in the month of February in America. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease is the world’s number one cause of death, killing over 17 million people every year. On this day, awareness related to cardiovascular diseases is spread with the common mission to minimize the massive occurrence of CVD cases and reduce the rate at which heart-related diseases are taking the lives of people. 

Heart

The human heart is a vital organ that pumps blood throughout the body via the vessels of the circulatory system, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and removing carbon dioxide and other metabolic wastes. 

Cardiovascular diseases in India

Cardiologists are noticing a sharp increase in sudden cardiac death in India with young adults being the worst sufferer. According to Global Burden of Disease, nearly a quarter (25%) of all deaths in India is due to CVDs. The increase in the proportion of deaths due to CVD went from 20.4% in 1990 to 27.1% in 2004. Case fatality due to CVD in low-income countries like India appears to be much higher than in middle and high-income countries. In India, the mean age at which people get an MI is 53 years, which is 10 years earlier than their counterparts in developed countries.

Tips to care for your heart

Cholesterol control 

• Eat healthily 
• Move more
• Quit smoking
• Avoid second-hand smoke

Hypertension control

• Less salt
• Eat healthily 
• Be physically active
• Watch your weight
• Manage stress
• Avoid smoke
• Limiting alcohol
• Taking medicines on time with care

Heart healthy living

• Go for regular check-ups
• Regular monitoring of cholesterol and blood pressure
• Control diabetes
• Never skip medicines

Better eating for your heart health

• Consume within the daily calorie limit
• Watch portion size before you eat
• Cut back on red meat, sugary foods, and drinks, saturated and trans fats, amount of sodium intake, processed foods, or canned foods.
• Eat fruits and vegetables that are high in potassium like bananas and oranges. Whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish, and lean meat.
• Consume plenty of fiber

Several studies conducted by the bodies suggest that the country is heading to an epidemic of CVD and its risk factors. The risk factors of CVD include high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and high cholesterol levels. The majority of them are noncommunicable and related to lifestyle and other factors, becoming more prevalent with age. The incidences of CVD are growing beyond limits. It’s high time to take measures that curb the escalating risk factors and awareness is the first step.