Ways to keep heart healthy

The number of heart patients is increasing day by day. Changes in lifestyle, dietary habits, and lack of physical activity are contributing to the growing tendency of heart disease. Without timely awareness, a heart attack can occur at any time. 

Cardiologist Doctor  has provided detailed advice on how to maintain a healthy heart through home remedies. 

1. Be conscious about food: 

• Reduce the intake of carbohydrates and fatty foods. 
• Increase the amount of protein in your diet. 

1. Walk for at least half an hour, five days a week: 

•  Avoid taking the elevator. 
• Do not sit for long periods without movement. 

1. Quit smoking: 

Maintain control over weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. 

1. Controlled diet, regular walking, and consuming walnuts can also help manage cholesterol levels. 

Fruits and vegetables are good foods for heart health. Oily foods are particularly harmful to the heart. Regular blood tests are necessary to ensure normal levels of blood sugar and cholesterol. Measuring blood pressure is also crucial. 

In case of a heart attack: The patient should be laid down immediately. Then, place an aspirin tablet under the tongue. If available, place a sorbitrate tablet under the tongue along with the aspirin. After that, arrange for immediate transport to a hospital, as the first hour is when the heart muscle is most damaged. 

What is a heart attack? 

A heart attack, medically known as myocardial infarction, is a serious heart condition where the blood flow to the heart is blocked. Partial obstruction of blood flow can cause chest pain, commonly referred to as angina, which serves as a warning sign of a more severe heart attack if not treated. Complete obstruction of blood flow due to a blood clot can have serious consequences, including death. 

Who is more prone to heart attacks? Can heart attacks be prevented? 

The risk of heart attack is higher in people with: 

• High blood pressure 
• High cholesterol levels 
• Diabetes 
• Lifestyle-related risk factors, such as low physical activity, increased body weight, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. 

However, the good news is that all these risk factors for heart attacks can be prevented or controlled. The following tips can help reduce the risk of a heart attack: 

• Stay physically active—aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. 
• Quit or reduce smoking and alcohol consumption. 
• Manage your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and diabetes by taking prescribed medications and controlling your diet. 

What are the symptoms and warning signs of a heart attack? 

The warning signs can vary depending on whether it is a mild or severe attack. Additionally, the symptoms can differ from person to person. They include: 

• Uncomfortable pressure, pain, tightness, heaviness, or squeezing sensation in the center of the chest, lasting for a few minutes or occurring in a pattern of coming and going. 
• Chest pain or discomfort spreading from the chest to the jaw, neck, arms, shoulders, or back. 
• Feeling weak and lightheaded (dizziness). 
• Shortness of breath. 
• Sweating and nausea. 

How is a heart attack diagnosed? 

The diagnosis of a heart attack is based on: 

• Blood tests 
• A detailed medical history 
• An electrocardiogram (ECG) 
• An angiogram: A commonly performed procedure to identify narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Using local anesthesia, a long, flexible tube is inserted into an artery in the wrist or groin area and guided up to the heart. The narrowed/blocked areas are then identified using a special dye and a series of X-rays. The entire procedure takes less than an hour. 

How can a heart attack be treated? 

When a patient presents with heart attack symptoms, medications are given to restore normal blood flow and relieve pain and anxiety. In many cases, surgery may be required to restore proper blood flow to the heart. 

Angioplasty in Hyderabad 

Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting (PTCA): After the angiogram, a balloon and a soft guide wire are pushed to the site of the blockage. The balloon is then inflated, which opens the blocked vessel. A stent, which is a wire mesh, is then placed to keep the artery open. 

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft, CABG (Heart Bypass Surgery): In this procedure, a healthy artery or vein (usually from the leg or chest) is used to create a bypass for blood flow around a blocked coronary artery. 

How quickly is recovery after a heart attack? 

• Depending on your condition, your doctor will advise you to gradually return to normal physical activity and diet.  
• To ensure a quick and complete recovery, follow the instructions recommended by your doctor. Maintain the lifestyle changes suggested by your cardiologist and dietitian.  
• Continue taking the medications as advised by your cardiologist to minimize the risk of another heart attack.