The heart is one of the most vital organs of the body and has a major role to play. It pumps oxygenated blood through the arteries and receives deoxygenated blood through the veins. But due to a plethora of factors (apart from hereditary reasons) like high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the blood vessels), high blood sugar levels, and high cholesterol levels, the heart has to work harder to maintain blood circulation. When the effort put in by the heart increases, its efficiency gradually decreases, and it is known as heart disease.
Cardiovascular diseases are some of the deadliest ailments in India, causing about one-fourth of the total deaths in the country. Since Covid-19, cases and mortality due to heart ailments have only been ignored. The majority of cases of heart diseases are preventable, yet the number of cases is increasing every day. Apart from affecting the geriatric population, a poor and sedentary lifestyle, in addition to a stressful life, has triggered the onset of coronary artery disease (CAD) among the middle-aged population also. Since many people are ignorant of the symptoms, delayed diagnosis is an important cause of permanent morbidity. It is thus advised that people get tested regularly, especially if one has a family history of diabetes, hypertension, and/or heart ailments. Advanced treatment modules for complicated heart ailments have proven to have excellent outcomes and lead to an improved quality of life.
Though there is no medical evidence to prove the effect of Covid-19 on our heart health, people with pre-existing heart diseases do have high vulnerability to the infection. Lowered immunity and decreased speed of the body’s response to tackling inflammation, along with advanced age and viral myocarditis to some extent, are major factors for heart patients, especially amid the pandemic.
However, not every heart disease patient has the same symptoms or experiences angina. Symptoms may vary from nil to severe. Some have just a mild, uncomfortable feeling similar to indigestion, while others may experience a painful feeling of heaviness or tightness, usually in the centre of the chest, which may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach, palpitation and unusual breathlessness. It is important to be aware of the early symptoms of heart attack since early diagnosis could lead to early treatment and a good outcome. Heaviness of the chest and uneasiness or breathing difficulties are very important to be addressed by meeting a doctor.
High blood pressure can contribute to heart disease too, leading to heart failure with premature mortality and disability. However, following a healthy and natural diet which mainly consists of fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, nuts, grams and low-fat dairy products can help in maintaining a healthy blood pressure and reducing the risk of further complications. To boost immunity, one should also take extra doses of antioxidants, vitamin C, haldi, amla, tulsi, salads and fruits. Walking is one of the simplest exercises one can do. This can be clubbed with basic stretching exercises, along with yoga and meditation for half an hour daily.
Cardiovascular diseases indicate that your heart is not as healthy as it should be. Ultimately, the only way to prevent heart failure is by avoiding a lifestyle and food habits which encourage obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. Heart diseases are the No. 1 cause of death in most countries. But they can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
The author is Chairman, Cardiac Sciences, Max Hospital, Saket.