Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally, with inactivity and poor dietary habits being among the top risk factors for heart ailments.
Since exercise and diet make such a big difference, how can you make a move that will see you improving your cardiovascular health? You must give the essential elements of physical activity and diet a chance to work their magic. The following are three ways in which you can improve your cardiovascular health.
Eat heart healthy foods.
You can prevent or manage cardiovascular disease by following a heart healthy diet. The American Heart Association recommends eating a variety of foods from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It also recommends limiting sodium intake and avoiding trans fats, which are found in many processed foods such as margarine and crackers.
Children should follow these guidelines as well because they are at increased risk for cardiovascular problems later in life if they do not eat healthy foods now.
Exercise more often.
Exercise can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as help you manage existing conditions. Regular exercise can also help you lose weight and boost your mood.
Reduce stress. Stress can cause high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Learn how to manage your stress level with relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
Quit smoking if you’re a smoker. Smoking has been linked with heart disease, lung cancer and other types of cancer, so quitting smoking is an important step toward improving your health
Manage your stress levels.
It is important to know that stress is a common factor in cardiovascular disease. It can cause high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.
Stress management will help you maintain your cardiovascular health. Learn how to manage your stress levels.
Take time out for yourself.
Learn relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises.
Exercise regularly and eat healthy foods for good heart health.
Get enough sleep.
Cardiovascular health is vital to your overall health. 80% of Americans suffer from a cardiovascular disease. We hope the readers will do something about it, or at least learn how it can be improved!
A blog about heart health, heart disease and its prevention.
If you have atrial fibrillation, it’s important to work with your doctor to develop a plan of care. And while you should always follow the advice of your doctor, these tips might help you take charge of your health and take it one step beyond what is advised. Check them out if you want to give your heart a little love.
Eat a healthy diet, exercise and stay a healthy weight.
Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. Limit saturated fats and trans fats. Trim the fat from meats. Don’t use butter or margarine. Cut back on sugar-sweetened drinks. Eat less salt (sodium). Choose low-fat dairy products.
Always remember that diet and exercise are two of the most important factors in preventing heart disease. Healthy eating helps lower cholesterol levels, which can help prevent heart disease. Exercise strengthens your heart and lungs, which improves blood flow and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood through the body.
You can also prevent heart disease by avoiding tobacco smoke, lowering stress levels and improving your sleep.
Monitor your blood pressure.
Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against your blood vessels as it flows through your body. High blood pressure (hypertension) is when you have higher than normal blood pressure readings over time. Your doctor may have told you that you have high blood pressure if your systolic (top number) reading is 140 or greater and/or your diastolic (bottom number) reading is 90 or greater.
A healthy blood pressure range is less than 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). Normal blood pressure ranges from 120/80 mm Hg up to 139/89 mm Hg. If you have had high blood pressure for some time, it may be more difficult to lower it than if you have never had high blood pressure before.
Stop smoking or using tobacco products.
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. It increases your risk of heart attack and stroke, and it can cause other serious health problems like cancer and lung disease.
If you smoke or use tobacco products, talk to your doctor about ways to quit. Quitting is never easy, but the sooner you quit, the better for your health.
To help you quit, ask your doctor about programs that can help — such as counseling or medication — or join a support group.
Talk to your doctor about any symptoms.
Symptoms of heart disease vary by condition and severity, but they may include shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, fatigue and weakness, and feeling lightheaded or passing out.
Talk to your doctor about any symptoms that seem unusual or new. Early diagnosis can help prevent serious complications or death.
Heart disease is complicated but it is helpful to have accurate information about it.
A blog around heart health along with other health areas.
Did you know, 1 in 4 deaths in the United States are due to heart disease? That’s approximately 600,000 people each year. While heart disease isn’t the only reason for hospitalization (cancer being the leading cause), we can help you prevent it from occurring by making a few changes in our daily routines, diet, and medication.
One of the most important things we can do to maintain our heart health, is start with a healthy diet. However, it’s not the only thing that counts. To help you stay on top of your heart health, listed below are six easy to incorporate practices that will improve your overall heart health:
It has always been my ambition to become fit and healthy. We all want to live a long life without getting sick or falling ill due to any of the common diseases. So please follow these 6 things below:
Here are 6 things you can do to improve your heart health:
1. Get your blood pressure checked regularly
2. Quit smoking
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables
4. Exercise regularly
5. Manage stress better
6. Don’t drink too much alcohol
Benefits of Healthy Heart
A healthy heart is more than just a nice thing to have. It’s essential for living a long and fulfilling life. Here are some of the benefits of a healthy heart:
Improved circulation: A healthy heart increases blood flow to all parts of the body, including your brain, which helps you think clearly.
Reduced risk of diseases: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Having a healthy heart can reduce your risk of developing diseases like hypertension and diabetes, which can lead to other complications throughout your body.
Increased energy levels: If you’re not getting enough oxygen because your heart isn’t functioning properly, it can leave you feeling tired all day long! Having a healthy heart will help keep your energy levels high so that you can enjoy life instead of just getting through it!
Following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and trying to maintain the right weight are all proven ways of reducing risk. But don’t forget that your heart also needs regular exercise.
Check with Dr. Ritwick Raj Bhuyan before starting any new exercise regime or increasing the intensity of your current one, to make sure it’s appropriate for you. Don’t forget not to skip breakfast and make sure you drink plenty of water daily. If you live with a family history of heart disease try to adopt these habits from a young age and the benefits could be life-changing.
Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. This can lead to high blood sugar levels. The problem of diabetes has become quite common. Controlling the blood sugar level in the body is very important in the case of diabetes. In such a situation, if you also have the problem of diabetes, then let’s know what you should eat during this time and what things should be kept away from
The problem of diabetes has become quite common in today’s time. Maintaining the blood sugar level of the body is very important in the case of diabetes. In such a situation, by taking a balanced diet, sugar patients can control their blood sugar levels.
There are two types of diabetes – type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes:-.
Type 1 Diabetes- Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age. It is found in children or youth. It is an autoimmune disease. In this, the body stops making insulin. That is the cells of the body attack and destroy the pancreatic cells that make insulin. Type 1 diabetes can occur at an early age or even from birth.
Type 2 Diabetes – There can be many reasons for type 2 diabetes. The main reason for this is obesity, hypertension, and poor lifestyle. In this, less amount of insulin is made in the body. In this, either insulin is made less in the body or the cells of the body are not sensitive to insulin. Type 2 diabetes is found mostly in adults.
If you are a type 2 diabetes patient, then let’s know what you should and should not eat to reduce your blood sugar levels and lead a healthy life.
Type 2 diabetes patients should eat these things: –
Patients with type 2 diabetes should consume such things in which the amount of nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals is very high.
Apart from this, it is important that you include such things in your diet in which healthy fat is found. Healthy fat helps in maintaining the cholesterol level in the body.
Type 2 diabetes patients should include these things in their diet:-
Trans Fats (Fried Foods, Dairy Free Coffee Creamers)
Keep an eye on carbohydrate intake:-
Patients with type 2 diabetes can lower their blood sugar levels by consuming a limited amount of carbs. In such a situation, it is important that you take care of how many carbs you are taking in the meal. Let’s know which things contain carbohydrates-
Wheat, white rice.
Dried beans, pulses, and other legumes
Foods containing potatoes and other starches
Fruits and fruit juices
Milk and Yogurt (curd)
Processed Snacks
What is Keto Diet?
Keto diet is a low carb diet with emphasis on foods rich in proteins and fats. Such as meat, chicken, seafood, eggs, cheese, nuts and seeds. The keto diet includes non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and other leafy vegetables.
It excludes high-carb items including cereals, dry beans, root vegetables, fruits and sweets. It has been revealed in some reports that low carb diet helps in controlling blood sugar level in diabetic patients. This can also improve cholesterol level.
According to a study conducted in the year 2018, consuming a low-carb diet can improve blood sugar levels as well as reduce insulin resistance. Thanks for reading
Dr. Panangipalli Venugopal is the first Indian cardiac surgeon to perform a successful first heart transplant in India in 1994. He performed this miracle on August 3, 1994, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. Dr. Panangipalli was born in Andhra Pradesh, on 6 July 1942. So on his birthday, we will see how and when this miracle is done in this world.
Dr. Panangipalli Venugopal Picture
What is a Heart Transplant
A heart transplant is a surgical procedure in which the heart of a deceased organ donor is placed into the chest of a patient with end-stage heart disease. This operation can be performed in adults, children, or infants. Heart transplants are used to treat people who have end-stage heart failure (a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively), severe coronary artery disease (where there are blockages of the arteries that supply blood to the heart), and certain congenital heart defects (birth defects).
The procedure is highly specialized and requires extensive training on both sides—surgeons who perform these operations need to be skilled in cardiac surgery as well as transplantation surgery, while potential recipients need to be carefully screened for suitability.
Why Heart Transplant is Important?
Heart transplant is a life-saving medical procedure that can be critical for individuals who suffer from end-stage heart failure or other serious heart conditions that cannot be treated with other methods. Here are some of the important reasons why heart transplant is important:
Improved Quality of Life: Heart transplant can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with end-stage heart failure. With a new heart, patients can return to many of the activities they enjoyed before their condition worsened, such as exercising, working, and spending time with family and friends.
Increased Life Expectancy: Heart transplant has been shown to significantly increase the life expectancy of individuals with end-stage heart failure. According to the American Heart Association, the five-year survival rate for heart transplant recipients is around 75%.
Alternative to Other Treatments: For some individuals with heart failure, heart transplant may be the only viable treatment option. Other treatments, such as medication, lifestyle changes, or implantable devices like pacemakers or defibrillators, may not be enough to treat the severity of their condition.
Advancements in Medical Technology: Advancements in medical technology and surgical techniques have made heart transplant a safer and more effective treatment option over the years. For example, improvements in immunosuppressant medications have helped reduce the risk of rejection of the transplanted heart.
Importance of Organ Donation: Heart transplant is only possible because of the generosity of organ donors and their families. By becoming an organ donor, individuals can help save the lives of others who are in need of life-saving transplants.
In summary, heart transplant is a critically important medical procedure that can improve the quality of life and increase the life expectancy of individuals with end-stage heart failure or other serious heart conditions. With continued advancements in medical technology and increased awareness about the importance of organ donation, heart transplant will remain an important treatment option for those in need.
First Heart Transplant In India
The first successful human heart transplant in India was performed on December 3, 1967, by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in Cape Town, South Africa. At that time, however, the procedure was still experimental. The patient was a 54-year-old woman who had been suffering from endocarditis. The donor was her brother, who died in a car crash.
The first successful pediatric heart transplant was performed in 1984 by Dr. Bruce Reitz at Stanford University Medical Center; he implanted a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) into a child whose heart had been injured by rheumatic fever.
On August 3, 1994, when Doctors get a donor -a woman in her mid-30s who is declared brain dead, whose relatives are willing to donate her heart – they have a recipient ready in AIIMS, New Delhi. “The donor’s relatives were aware of organ donation, so they were ready. the recipient was a, 45- year-old man Devi Ram,
Devi Ram lived until he died of an unrelated brain hemorrhage after 17 years.
A Beautiful Story
In the year 1995, the heart of a Hindu woman was transplanted and put in the chest of a Muslim woman and a Christian doctor was supposed to carry out this work.
33-year-old Hemalatha Soundararajan was crossing a road near Pallavaram. When a car coming from the front hits them. Hemalatha is brought to the hospital. Where doctors declare her brain dead. Hemalatha’s husband used to work in the railways. He agrees to give Hemlata’s organs to any needy. This matter is conveyed to Dr. Cherian. Hemalatha’s heart could stop working at any time, so Cherian contacts hospitals in Cochin, Trivandrum, and Hyderabad to find a suitable receiver. Eventually, he gets a call from General Hospital, Chennai.
Mamoon Biwi, 38, was a heart patient and needed a heart transplant at the earliest. But Maimoon Biwi, who sold handkerchiefs on the railway platform, did not have much money, nor did she have any access. She was admitted to the hospital only because she could get three meals a day.
Doctor Cherian took all the responsibility for his operation on himself. After this, at 9 o’clock in the evening, the doctor starts the Cherian operation. The night-time was kept because Cherian did not want the matter to come to the notice of the media. Hemalatha was a Brahmin, while Maimoon Biwi was a Muslim, there could have been an uproar over this too. That’s why Doctor Cherian carried out this operation in the night itself and his team took 5 hours in this process. The operation was completed at 2 pm.
This was the first Heart transplant in India surgery performed for the first time in India in a private hospital.
Dr. Ritwick Raj Bhuyan is a Cardiothoracic & Vascular surgeon with more than 17 years of working experience in high volume cardiothoracic centers in India and Australia. He has been associated with nearly 15,000 open heart procedures and independently performed about 4500 complex open-heart procedures.
