The heart, a small fist-sized organ, supplies blood and nutrients to every single part of the body. Since it takes such a huge responsibility, most heart diseases end up proving life-threatening. Hence, special attention must be given to heart health in order to sustain a long and healthy life.
- World Health Day
- Common Causes of Cardiovascular Diseases
- Tips for a Healthy Heart
- Health Insurance and Its Significance
World Health Day
World Health Day is an initiative by the World Heart Federation to create awareness around cardiovascular diseases. It is observed on 29th September every year with an aim to share information around heart diseases and encourage people to take steps for maintaining cardiovascular health.
Heart diseases or Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, rheumatoid cardiac diseases, congenital heart disease, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. These may include blood vessel abnormalities as well. CVDs have been emerging as the top cause of death in India. In 2016, 27% of total deaths arising out of Non-Communicable diseases were caused due to Cardiovascular diseases.
Common Causes of Cardiovascular Diseases
Also Read: Health Plans for Heart Ailments
Unhealthy eating habits
Intensive smoking and alcohol consumption
Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise
High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Family history of CVD
Older Age
Tips for a Healthy Heart
With a pledge to improve our health this World Heart Day, let’s look at some of the crucial tips which can healthify your heart really soon:
Eating Healthy:
You must consume a wholesome and balanced diet. It is advised to eat whole foods, green leafy vegetables, and fruits. Consuming 2-3 types of fruits and vegetables every day can significantly reduce cholesterol levels and have proven to lower the risk of cancer, stroke, and other heart diseases. At the same time, you must cut down unwanted fats, junk or fried food, salt, and sugars from your diet.
Exercise:
If you are just starting, you can begin with slow-paced cardio or brisk walking 20-30 minutes a day and gradually increase as you get the hang of it. Regular exercise reduces cholesterol levels, improves blood sugar regulation and cardiovascular strength. Exercise also helps in better regulation of your parasympathetic nervous system.
Stop Smoking:
If you smoke, quit today. In addition to permanently harming your heart and blood vessels, cigarette smoke causes CVD by disrupting your blood chemical system and causing plaques to build up in your arteries – the biggest blood vessels that deliver blood from your heart to your body.
Cut Down on Alcohol:
Alcohol reduces your body’s immunity. Cutting down your alcohol consumption will further help in the speedy recovery of your heart.
Regular checkups:
Regular visits to a General Practitioner can help you keep track of your heart health. If you already have heart-related issues, Statins to lower blood cholesterol, low-dose aspirin to avoid blood clots, and blood pressure pills are medications that the doctor may prescribe. Expert supervision and medication will keep any future possibilities of health illnesses at bay.
Health Insurance and Its Significance
Heart disease not only impacts the person but puts severe psychological and financial pressure on his loved ones. A sudden heart-related issue can bring heavy hospitalization and treatment bills. Purchasing the right health insurance plan is a great precautionary step. It is advisable to invest in an excellent health insurance policy, especially when Covid19 is rising.
You can find the best health insurance plan for family and yourself online at Coverfox, where you can choose from the best health plans from the top health insurance companies in India. Coverfox’s high-end customer service makes buying health insurance online easy, smooth, and free of any brokerage charges.
