Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

Maintaining a <keyword id="23022" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="healthy-heart" source="Orion">healthy heart</keyword> is essential for overall well-being. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death globally, but the good news is that many heart-related issues are preventable through lifestyle modifications, particularly dietary changes. In this article, we'll explore how adjusting your food habits and diet can significantly contribute to <keyword id="612120" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="heart-health" source="Orion">heart health</keyword> and <keyword id="348929" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="disease-prevention" source="Orion">disease prevention</keyword>. Embrace a Plant-Based Diet Plant-based diets, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, have been linked to lower risks of heart disease. These foods are packed with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and regulate blood pressure. Limit Saturated and Trans Fats Saturated and trans fats found in processed foods, red meat, butter, and fried foods can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Opt for healthier fats like those found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, which support heart health. Choose Lean Protein Sources Incorporate lean protein sources such as fish, poultry (without skin), legumes, and tofu into your diet. These options are lower in saturated fat and can help maintain muscle mass while reducing the risk of heart disease. Monitor Sodium Intake Excessive sodium consumption can lead to high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart disease. Limit processed and packaged foods, which often contain high levels of sodium, and opt for fresh ingredients seasoned with herbs and spices instead. Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, are known for their heart-protective properties. These essential fats help lower triglyceride levels, reduce inflammation, and support overall heart health. Prioritize Fiber-Rich Foods Fiber plays a crucial role in heart health by promoting healthy digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and lowering cholesterol. Incorporate fiber-rich foods such as oats, beans, lentils, fruits, and vegetables into your daily meals to support heart health. Be Mindful of Portion Sizes Overeating can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease. Practice portion control by using smaller plates, listening to your body's hunger cues, and avoiding mindless eating. Focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide satiety without excess calories. Stay Hydrated Adequate hydration is vital for heart health. Opt for water as your primary beverage and limit sugary drinks and excessive caffeine intake. Herbal teas and infused water can be refreshing alternatives that contribute to overall hydration. Limit Added Sugars and Refined Carbohydrates High intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Cut back on sugary snacks, desserts, and sweetened beverages, and choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread instead of refined grains. Practice Moderation and Balance Remember that moderation and balance are key to maintaining a healthy diet. Enjoy occasional treats in small portions, but make sure the majority of your meals consist of whole, nutrient-rich foods that support heart health. Making simple but impactful changes to your food habits and diet can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and promote overall well-being. By embracing a plant-based diet, limiting unhealthy fats and sodium, prioritizing lean proteins, and staying mindful of portion sizes, you can nourish your heart and enjoy a healthier, happier life. Start incorporating these dietary changes today to support your heart health for years to come. Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt.

10 Food habits and diet changes to prevent heart diseases

<ul><li>Doctors across the globe have reported a spurt in <keyword id="470793" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cardiovascular-problems" source="Orion">cardiovascular problems</keyword> related to Covid-19 throughout the pandemic. </li><li><keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> accounts for at least <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6994761/">one-fifth</a> of the 17.9 million cardiovascular disease-related deaths globally, especially in the younger generation. </li><li>Unhealthy lifestyle, unbalanced diet, stress, smoking and drinking are some of the common reasons cited as the biggest contributors to <keyword id="32015" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heart-problems" source="Orion">heart problems</keyword> in younger people.</li></ul>A spate of cardiovascular-related deaths among young, high-profile Indian media personalities in the last couple of years has turned the spotlight on this group of ailments. Heart problems among Indians have almost doubled in the last decade and it is now afflicting the young too, say doctors and experts. Doctors across the globe have also reported a spurt in cardiovascular problems related to Covid-19 throughout the pandemic. Data from England’s health-care system, for example, shows that people who had been hospitalised with Covid-19 were about three times more likely than uninfected people to face major cardiovascular problems within eight months of their hospitalisation. Last week, comedian-actor Raju Srivastav succumbed to a heart attack. He was 58 years old. In May, noted singer KK died due to cardiac arrest after singing at a concert in Kolkata. He was 53 years old. This is a list that is growing and is shockingly long. The most affected are people from industries that are generally considered high-stress inducing such as the entertainment sector. Last year, actors Sidharth Shukla (40 years old) and Puneeth Rajkumar (46 years) died of heart attacks while Amit Mistry (47 years) died due to cardiac arrest. According to the <keyword id="6356311" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="world-health-organisation" source="Orion">World Health Organisation</keyword>, India accounts for at least <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6994761/">one-fifth</a> of the 17.9 million cardiovascular disease-related deaths globally, especially in the younger generation. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Men, reportedly, have been more prone to these heart problems compared to women. According to the Indian Heart Association, 50% of all heart attacks in Indian men occur under the age of 50, while 25% of all heart attacks in Indian men occur under 40 years of age. The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is high even among people who are slightly older than 45 years. In 2016, India reported 63% of total deaths due to non-communicable diseases, of which 27% were attributed to CVDs, according to a WHO report. CVDs also account for 45% of deaths in the 40-69 year age group. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Global cardiovascular deaths </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">17.9 million (each year) </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">India’s ratio in the global number </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">one-fifth </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">India’s CVD death rate </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">272 per 1,00,000 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Global CVD death rate </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">235 per 1,00,000 </td></tr></tbody></table>Source: WHO, NCBI <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Younger people more prone" comment="subhead" text="Younger people more prone">Younger people more prone</cmsannotation> Lately, many youngsters are being diagnosed with heart problems. Dr Nikhil Parchure, cardiologist at the Apollo Hospital in Navi Mumbai, told PTI that 25% of all heart attack cases are being seen in people below the age of 40 in the last few years. Unhealthy lifestyle, unbalanced diet, stress, smoking and drinking are some of the common reasons cited by doctors as the biggest contributors to heart problems in younger people. Besides these, genes and low birth weight can also be major factors for heart problems in Indians, Dr Sudheer Koganti, consultant cardiologist, Citizens Specialty Hospital, Hyderabad told Business Insider India. “This could be due to low birth weight, a pool of genes, our diet that’s rich in refined carbohydrates, etc. We may not be overall obese, but we have a much greater percentage of body fat, which is concentrated in the abdomen,” Dr. Koganti said. An average European's fat content is 7-8%, whereas for an Indian it is almost 12-23% in terms of visceral adiposity, <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/lifestyle-sleep-food-exercise-reason-of-rise-in-heart-attacks-experts-122082800228_1.html">said</a> Dr. Ajit Menon, consultant, cardiac sciences, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai. Doctors believe that diabetes could also be a leading cause for <keyword id="24480" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heart-diseases" source="Orion">heart diseases</keyword> among young people. India is said to have the most diabetic patients as compared to other countries. It is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8725109/#:~:text=The%20estimates%20in%202019%20showed,of%20these%20individuals%20remain%20undiagnosed.">estimated</a> that India had 77 million diabetic patients in 2019. This number is expected to rise to over 134 million by 2045, with 57% of these diabetic cases going undiagnosed. Lack of awareness and optimal care often lead to late diagnosis and poor outcomes amongst younger patients. It is important for an individual to get regular tests and check-ups. “ We have advanced stages of medical therapies where we can slow the progression of the disease and prevent the chances of sudden cardiac arrest by 90%,” Dr. Udgeath Dhir, director and head – cardio thoracic vascular surgery, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram told Business Insider India. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/indian-markets-take-a-breather-after-huge-sell-off-on-monday/articleshow/94468819.cms">Indian markets take a breather after huge sell-off on Monday</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/oct-1-deadline-for-compulsory-e-invoice-generation-nears-for-firms-with-10-crore-turnover/articleshow/94455741.cms">Oct 1 deadline for compulsory e-invoice generation nears for firms with ₹10 crore turnover</a>

Here’s why heart problems are rising among young Indians

<ul><li>Treatment costs vary based on factors like location, treatment type, condition severity and hospital choice. </li><li>It is recommended to have a <keyword id="6362363" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="health-insurance" source="Orion">health insurance</keyword> policy with a minimum sum assured of ₹10 lakh. </li><li>Annual premiums would range from ₹10,000 to ₹40,000 for family floater policies and ₹8,000 to ₹30,000 annually for individuals. </li></ul><keyword id="6393689" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cardiovascular" source="Orion">Cardiovascular</keyword> diseases (CVDs), including conditions like ischemic heart disease (a condition in which blood flow is restricted) and cerebrovascular disease such as stroke, are responsible for 17.7 million fatalities and stand as the primary cause of death. According to data from the World Health Organization, India alone contributes to one-fifth of these global fatalities, particularly among the younger demographic. While it is important to take care of your body and heart health, it is also important to be adequately insured against heart diseases which are now common even among those who are less than 40 years old. Moreover, understanding what treatment is available at what cost, in a city near you, can help one make important decisions quicker in times of emergency. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What treatment of heart diseases costs across Indian cities" comment="Subhead" text="What treatment of heart diseases costs across Indian cities">What treatment of heart diseases costs across Indian cities</cmsannotation> The treatment of different heart diseases would vary across Indian cities and also across hospitals. In Tier 2 cities the cost will be lower. The actual cost of treatment may vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of treatment required, the severity of the condition, the hospital or clinic where the treatment is received, and the patient's insurance <keyword id="6445915" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="coverage" source="Orion">coverage</keyword>. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Medical Procedure </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Mumbai </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Delhi </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Bangalore </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Chennai </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Kolkata </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Angioplasty </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹1.2 lakh - ₹3 lakh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹1.2 lakh - ₹2.5 lakh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹80,000 - ₹3.5 lakh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹1.2 lakh - ₹3 lakh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹80,000 - ₹3 lakh </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Bypass Surgery </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹2 lakh - ₹6 lakh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹2 lakh - ₹6 lakh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹2 lakh - ₹6 lakh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹1.5 lakh - ₹6 lakh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹1.5 lakh - ₹5.5 lakh </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Stent Implantation </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹30,000 - ₹1.5 lakh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹30,000 - ₹1.5 lakh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹30,000 - ₹1.2 lakh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹30,000 - ₹1.5 lakh </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹30,000 - ₹1.2 lakh </td></tr></tbody></table> Source: Internet It is noteworthy that it is important to speak to a hospital to get an accurate estimate of the cost of treatment. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Get covered for heart ailments" comment="Subhead" text="Get covered for heart ailments">Get covered for heart ailments</cmsannotation> Obtaining comprehensive coverage for heart ailments in India is essential given the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Sum assured" comment="Subhead" text="Sum assured">Sum assured</cmsannotation> Start by securing a comprehensive health insurance policy, especially in metropolitan areas where <keyword id="6354525" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="healthcare" source="Orion">healthcare</keyword> costs can be high. “Normally a ₹10 lakh cover should suffice to take care of most of the health exigencies with reasonable comfort on the treatment front. In the case of a family floater, this amount should go up to Rs 25 lakh. This will ensure decent coverage in most of the medical facilities with an average length of stay of around five-seven days,” says Bhaskar Nerurkar, head, health administration team, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance. One may also add a critical illness rider to their life insurance which will make a lump sum payment for listed critical illnesses which include heart conditions. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Premiums" comment="Subhead" text="Premiums">Premiums</cmsannotation> Annual premiums would range from ₹10,000 to ₹40,000 for family floater policies. Individual health insurance premiums range from ₹8,000 to ₹30,000 annually, depending on factors like age and coverage amount. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Subhead" text="Stay informed">Stay informed</cmsannotation> Be aware of waiting periods, which can vary from 12 to 48 months for pre-existing conditions. Lastly, compare policies from different insurers and consult insurance agents or financial advisors for the most suitable coverage.

World Heart Day: What treatments cost across top Indian cities and how to stay covered

It is <keyword id="51518" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="World-Heart-Day">World Heart Day</keyword> on Sept 29, but the way to a healthy <keyword id="24479" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="heart">heart</keyword> may not be as smooth as we think. Take a look at the following India-specific data (culled from latest surveys and research findings) and you will know why. The nationwide ‘sick heart’ phenomenon affects the country’s economy as well and the <keyword id="43588" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="World-Health-Organization">World Health Organization</keyword> (WHO) estimates that over the next seven years, the economic impact of premature deaths due to <keyword id="22908" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="heart-disease">heart disease</keyword>, <keyword id="6359018" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="diabetes">diabetes</keyword> and metabolic disorders could be a staggering $237 billion. 
 
What’s so dis-heartening in India? 
<li>Recent studies show a growing cardio-vascular disease (<keyword id="6358127" type="TECHNOLOGY" weightage="100" keywordseo="CVD">CVD</keyword>) epidemic in India. The risk for heart disease is now higher in the country than in the <keyword id="6355055" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="USA">USA</keyword> and Western Europe.</li> 
 
<li>India is home to 60% of heart patients worldwide, despite having less than 20% of the world’s population.</li> 
 
<li>An estimated 1.2 billion people in India are suffering from <keyword id="1052431" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Heart-conditions">heart conditions</keyword>.</li> 
 
<li>Heart disease strikes Indians at an early age, almost 33% earlier than other demographics, often without prior warning.</li> 
 
<li>Around 25% of deaths in India in the age group of 25-69 are caused by <keyword id="1178578" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="cardio-vascular-diseases">cardio-vascular diseases</keyword>.</li> 
 
<li>Forget the myth of old and wealthy men getting <keyword id="34194" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="heart-attacks">heart attacks</keyword>. For Indian men, 50% of all heart attacks occur under the age of 50 and 25% of all heart attacks occur under 40 years of age.</li> 
 
<li>Heart conditions affect more <keyword id="624" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Women">women</keyword> than men in India.</li> 
 
<li>Globally, WHO pegs the number of cardiovascular deaths among women at 8.6 million, including 34% women from India.</li> 
 
<li>Nearly two-thirds of CVD deaths in women occur among those who have no history of chest pain.</li> 
 
<li>Almost 71% of women in India sense early warnings of heart attacks with sudden weakness but misunderstand it as flu.</li> 
 To top it all, the VEDNA (Visualising the Extent of Heart Disease in Indian Women) study, recently conducted by HEAL Foundation, has mapped the CVD trends in Indian women and revealed more alarming facts. The survey has found 10-15% rise in cardiac diseases in the 20-40 age group while 54% of the 600 cardiologists interviewed, observe 16-20% overall growth in <keyword id="76316" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="cardiovascular-diseases">cardiovascular diseases</keyword> among women over the past five years. It seems women’s regular hormone shields are down due to a negative lifestyle, <keyword id="23666" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="stress">stress</keyword> and work-life imbalance. Worse still, 83% of the doctors surveyed believe that Indian women are not aware of CVD; 76% observe that women die of heart conditions as they come to the hospital too late and 66% say that CVD deaths among women happen due to late diagnosis. 
 
ALARMED? Don’t be, you can be in control Medics firmly believe that heart conditions are highly preventable. All you require is proper awareness, followed by regular check-ups and a <keyword id="6407404" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Healthy-lifestyle">healthy lifestyle</keyword>. Here are the 5 essentials you need to work upon. 
 
Watch your diet: <keyword id="62976" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="high-cholesterol">High cholesterol</keyword> level and extra fat can expose you to great risks – so it’s time to get your eating habits right. Cut out on fat, salt and sugar-rich food, and give alcohol a wide berth. Avoid all kinds of saturated and trans-fats which can raise your bad cholesterol and lower the good one. Also, switch to healthy oils (olive oil, rice bran oil, etc., instead of the traditional mustard oil), and get as much of omega-3 fatty acids as you can. A diet of seafood and fish will help you there. Include more greens, fruits and nut in your diet to pep up your body. Excessive or binge drinking can also lead to <keyword id="6364492" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Obesity">obesity</keyword>, <keyword id="24294" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="high-blood-pressure">high blood pressure</keyword> and poor cardiovascular health. Interestingly, you will find a large number of people advocating coffee, beer and wine (in moderate dose) for a healthy heart. But it is never clear how much is too much and you should keep your intake to a minimum. 
 
Quit <keyword id="6357278" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Smoking">smoking</keyword>: Easier said than done, but an absolute must if you want to stay healthy. Smoking can increase CVD risks by 2-4 times. Passive smoking also kills 600,000 people every year and 87% of those deaths are due to <keyword id="1882812" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="CVDs">CVDs</keyword>. 
 
Sleep to keep yourself fit: Eight hours should be standard, but your body often indicates whether it has adequate rest or not. Getting proper rest and getting back the focus have gained such importance that some MNCs have come up with snooze rooms/meditation rooms where you can take a break. <keyword id="31054" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sleep-disorders">Sleep disorders</keyword> can lead to appetite loss, and may further affect your bodyweight, metabolism and blood pressure – leading to CVDs. 
 
Get hold of stress-busters: It’s difficult to escape stress altogether, whether you are at home or workplace. So try to find out that special kind of stress-buster that works for you. Talk to friends and family; get counselling; start doing yoga/meditation; go for a nature walk when you have time or take a clean break during weekends. Keeping away from work phones and work mail also helps. Best of all, start a hobby that you love. It can be as simple as walking your cat or as engaging as building an elaborate roof garden. Just find some time to do what you love (outside your work) and your stress will melt away, along with CVD risks. 
 
<keyword id="6358589" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="exercise">Exercise</keyword>, in small doses: If a tight schedule is leaving you little time for the healthy sweats, do it another way. Of course, signing up for a <keyword id="18974" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="fitness">fitness</keyword> programme is the best, but you can also fit in your fitness bytes without much ado. Walk, whenever you can (I prefer a brisk 30 min walk in the evening); take the staircase, instead of the lift; walk to the coffee machine/canteen/cafeteria as many times as you can; and go, meet your colleague at her desk, instead of calling her or chatting. Even small moves like these will help you lose weight, improve blood circulation, lower <keyword id="32848" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="BP">BP</keyword> and release beneficial hormones. 
 
See your doctor: Whether you are 16 or 60, routine cardiovascular check-ups should not be skipped. Don’t wait for traditional syndromes like chest pain – silent heart attacks actually kill more people worldwide. In fact, an ailing heart can give out signals that can very well resemble the <keyword id="1014746" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="chronic-fatigue-syndrome">chronic fatigue syndrome</keyword> or even a bad flu. So visit your doctor regularly and insist on a <keyword id="1882836" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="cardiovascular-check-up">cardiovascular check-up</keyword>, along with other tests. It is never too early to start. 
 
Your heart will go on… 
Here is one real-life incident for our readers who could be planning long-time treatment and feeling somewhat doubtful about the debility it might bring. We were on a forest trek in Himachal last year where our group met a threesome (dad, mom and their 10-year-old daughter). We spent some thrilling time together, exploring the greens and the valleys near an adventure camp. Our progress was slow at times as I suffer from a slip disc, but we managed to complete the trek. Back at the camp, the couple got busy making an appointment with their family doctor. I was worried and offered to get the camp doctor, thinking the kid was ill. But my new friends assured me all was well. It’s only a routine check-up for ‘dad’ (an engineer in his late thirties), who had a by-pass surgery last year. “But we haven’t given up trekking which we love. We simply do things at our own pace,” the couple said. They have made a point – a lesson in courage and caution that most of us would not forget in a hurry.

You Searched For "Cardiovascular diseases CVDs" and got 4 results

10 Food habits and diet changes to prevent heart diseases

BI India Bureau

Here’s why heart problems are rising among young Indians

Vaamanaa Sethi

World Heart Day: What treatments cost across top Indian cities and how to stay covered

Anagh Pal

Ten Alarming ‘Heart’ Facts And How You Can Deal With Them

Sanghamitra Mandal

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides