Nearly, 7.2 million deaths (12.2% out of a total of 58.8 million deaths) are happening globally due to Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). About 1.46 million deaths (14% out of a total of 10.3 million deaths) took place in India because of CHD. This is the heart throbbing and sad, since most of the times when people don’t have a frequent health check-up, this disease is sudden and fatal. Heart related diseases are very common in India, because one of the main causes of heart disease is stress, and in today’s generation, this has increased manifold.
So I feel there is some need for everyone to know about it.
What is a Coronary Heart Disease?
This is a diseased condition caused due to the blockage of small blood vessels (coronary arteries) that carries blood to the walls of the heart by fatty deposits (like cholesterol) or other waste substances. This blockage narrows the arteries and restricts the flow of blood to the heart, leading to a condition called arteriosclerotic (heart disease).
Risk of Developing CHD Increases if You:
- Smoke (a major cause of heart problems).
- Have a high blood cholesterol level.
- Have high blood pressure (high BP/hypertension)
- Have no regular exercise
- Have diabetes
- Being obese or over weight
- Having a family history of CHD (any of your close relatives).
What are the General Symptoms of CHD?
Heart disease symptoms may be noticeable or sometimes you may not have any symptoms unless diagnosed.
However, the most common symptom one can experience is chest pain (angina). This is caused when the arteries are partially blocked. It can be a mild, uncomfortable feeling similar to indigestion.
Severe angina attack may cause a painful feeling usually in the centre of chest below your sternum. It might also extend to arms, neck, stomach and upper back.
Fatigue, general weakness and shortness of breath are some other symptoms.
Complete blockage of coronary blood vessels leads to heart attack (myocardial infarction) causing cardiac muscle damage. At times, it’s fatal leading to death. And contributing as a major cause of heart attack.
Because of CHD, heart becomes weak making it difficult to pump the blood and thereby fluid gets filled in the lungs making it highly difficult to breathe. Thereby, heart failure takes place sometimes.
How can you take care of not being a Victim to Coronary Heart Disease?
One cannot guarantee you that you would never be prone to any diseases because anything can happen anytime. But, of course, it’s wise on your part to make sure you take all the precautionary measures to protect your health from any illnesses, infections or curable or incurable diseases. And heart disease prevention is a major step towards being free from this fatal disease.
So, if you wish not to be a victim of this coronary heart disease, make sure you live a healthy lifestyle. This involves having a well-balanced diet, avoiding all the unhealthy food, too much of oil, butter, etc., regularly exercising like walking, jogging, cycling, etc.
It also means not being under stress all the time and also knowing about the types of heart diseases, taking sometime out to relax yourself from your daily routine or work pressure by listening to music, singing, dancing or doing anything that will make you happy, otherwise you might be prone to hypertensive heart disease.
Also, socialize as per your convenience and likes, mingle with your friends and relatives to give you a feeling of satisfaction of people being with you. This will not make you feel lonely or depressed, and that satisfaction will have a good result on your heart.
Sources of food that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids or supplements like flaxseed oil or fish oil supplements have also been proven to have a positive effect on your heart. It is advisable to take these supplements for especially after you turn 40.
So friends, do your best to take a well-balanced diet, impart healthy lifestyle for your healthy heart which works for you all the life.
If you want to know more on this disease, do take time to know more about vascular disease and heart bypass surgery.
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Wait and watch for the next article on what foods to be taken for good cardiac health.
Ultimately, Health is wealth
