When it comes to heart health, we often picture older people. Unfortunately, studies show that Indians are at least a decade earlier at risk of heart disease than their Western counterparts. This means that the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is increasing among people under the age of 30. India already accounts for one fifth of the deaths due to heart diseases worldwide. And this is also reflected in the younger population, with an age-standardised death rate of 272 per 100,000 population, compared to the global average of 235.
This increased risk of heart disease in young Indians is due to a combination of inherited genes as well as environmental factors. Unfortunately, these environmental factors make the risk worse over time. Working long hours, often in stressful jobs and sleeping less has become the new normal in our lives. Modern work arrangements that involve a lot of sitting and not exercising can almost double the risk of poor heart health.
A 2019 study by SaffolaLife stated that 58 percent of people aged 30 to 40 in top cities who do not exercise regularly are at higher risk of heart disease. Yet 92 percent of them do not consider lack of exercise to be among the top 3 risk factors for heart disease. This lack of awareness adds to the problem.
Among young people, we see a growing awareness of the importance of food in maintaining good health. But the reality is also that after a long and tiring day, it has become easier to order and deliver unhealthy food. Less exercise and frequent consumption of junk food increases your chances of gaining belly fat, which is another major risk factor for heart disease.
Thankfully, there’s good news. Taking care of your heart doesn’t have to be difficult. Once you are aware of the risk factors, you can take the right steps to reduce their impact. Making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can really make a difference. However, the most important thing is to be proactive; The changes we make in our 30s and 40s can go a long way in keeping us heart-healthy.
In your 30s, it’s a good idea to have your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and general health assessed every year. This allows you to be aware of the early symptoms and take corrective action immediately. Develop healthy lifestyle habits such as brisk walking for about twenty minutes a day at least three times a week. Try taking breaks between work hours for deep breathing exercises. Control stress with exercise and yoga instead of emotional/stress eating or staying up late and binge-watching. Make simple and easy changes to your diet, such as eating a portion of raw fruits and vegetables every day at breakfast. Try to include heart-healthy ingredients like nuts, green leafy vegetables, avocados and oats. Using a heart-healthy oil can also be a great and easy change you can make.
Remember that good lifestyle habits are developed early that can help reduce heart risk. So make heart health a priority today.
read all breaking news, breaking news And coronavirus news Here
.