When Milan Kundera wrote in The Unbearable Lightness of Being, “When the heart speaks, the mind finds it indecent to object,” he definitely did not mean an ailing heart. However, if we ask a cardiologist the meaning of Kundera’s quote, it is but obvious, that he or she will relate it to an impending cardiac malfunction. It is true that when the heart speaks, and god forbids if it is the cry of a sick heart, the mind has no option but to obey every word.
Studies have confirmed that heart disease tops the chart of death risks in United States and the country is ranked number one in cases of people dying because of heart attack. Bad news is that India is catching up fast. But the good news is, coronary heart disease is preventable if we take precautions on time.
“Sometimes the symptoms of a heart attack may not be dramatic and therefore, there are chances that it may be missed. Some of the common symptoms prior to a cardiac arrest are excessive sweating, feeling of acidity, nausea, vomiting, feeling of panic and impending doom, discomfort in a very restricted area, breathlessness, fainting etc,” says Dr Parneesh Arora, Senior Consultant, Cardiac Sciences, Fortis Hospital, Noida.
Severe symptoms like chest discomfort in the form of pressure, squeezing and burning sensation, burring in the chest that may radiate to back, arms, jaws or upper part of the stomach are hard to miss. “When a heart attack is suspected, first thing to do is an Electrocardiography (ECG). One ECG may not be diagnostic, hence multiple ECG done over course of a few hours, usually in a hospital, is advisable,” informs Dr Arora.
People with a family history of early heart diseases are more susceptible to developing it in later age. According to doctors, men are at higher risks of developing heart diseases beginning at 45 while women may face the same risk after they reach 55.
But there is much one can do to control the risk factors, prevent a heart attack, and increase one’s chances for a healthy and long life. Following are a few points to keep ones heart healthy.
Smoking
We all know about the bad effects of nicotine. The anti-tobacco campaigns are a constant reminder for smokers to quit the habit. Smoking leads to reduced blood flow in the arteries and blocked arteries trigger heart attack.
High cholesterol
Cholesterols are like the ‘good cop’ and ‘bad cop’ that we see in Hollywood movies. We have low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or ‘bad’ cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or ‘good’ cholesterol. Besides these, there are triglycerides—a fatty substance in the blood. Cholesterol build-up results in arterial blockages. The right level of cholesterol can be maintained by leading a healthy lifestyle, regular exercises and proper food habits.
Obesity
When our Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeds 30, we develop the condition called obesity. Chances of overweight people having a heart attack are higher than people with normal weight. For a healthy heart it is important that we keep our BMI under control. A famous cardiologist once said, “A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world.”
Diabetes
Studies have showed that about two-thirds of those with diabetes die of heart or blood vessel disease. A lifestyle disorder, diabetes, can be prevented or delayed by bringing about a change in food habits and physical activities.
Hypertension
More commonly known as high blood pressure, increases the risk of heart disease, cardiac arrest and congestive heart failure. It is very important to maintain blood pressure level as even a slight rise than the normal increases the risk of heart disease.
However, it is never too early to start caring for your heart. “After the age of 25 years, a person should start taking care of his or her heart and it is always better to get bi-annual health check-ups done,” says Dr J C Mohan, Director, Cardiology Department, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.
He added that one should avoid smoking at all cost and should limit alcohol consumption. “Diet should include food rich in protein, green leafy vegetables, white meat, vitamins and minerals. Diet should be low on carbohydrates and contain very less amount of fat. Vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids are good for heart too,” concludes Dr Mohan.
Doc Speak
Prof (Dr) Upendra Kaul, ED & Dean, Cardiology, Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj brings to us ten questions that one should ask their cardiologist. ,hey go for a check-up.