Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai’s governing civic body recently released data in response to a Right to Information (RTI) query. The data revealed that from January to June of 2021 alone, a total of 17,880 people died due to heart attacks. This means that, in the first six months of 2021, over 98 people succumbed to a heart attack every single day. What is even more surprising, only 2,816 people died in the same period in 2020.
For some, this piece of information might just be another set of facts and statistics. It might not feel real. Up until recently, it was the same for me. This changed when I lost someone really young from my circle. I lost a perfectly fine 35-year-old relative shockingly to a heart attack.
Hearing about the demise of close acquaintances due to heart attack has now become common. While the data released only speaks for the city, a similar development has been observed worldwide. Doctors have pointed out that the major cause behind the rise in heart attacks is COVID-19. During or after the treatment of COVID-19, patients usually suffer from a thrombotic (clotting of blood) episode.
This, however, is not the only cause of heart attacks. Doctors have also cited uncertainty in life, job insecurity, unhealthy lifestyle and dietary choices and stress as some of the reasons.
If you have just recovered from COVID-19, it is advisable to take all the precautionary measures and follow what your doctor says.
If you are someone having an unhealthy lifestyle, you might want to start taking corrective actions to improve your overall well being.
Make physical workout a part of your daily routine
Any form of physical exercise can do. Be it yoga or gyming. Exercising or any physical activity strengthens your heart’s muscles which keeps the heart healthy and happy.
Keep your blood pressure level in control
Monitor your heart rate regularly. High blood pressure hampers smooth flow of blood and oxygen to your heart which can eventually lead to a heart attack. Similarly, a low blood pressure also poses a threat. You must take necessary steps to keep your blood pressure under control.
Maintain a healthy diet
Adopting a healthy diet is one of the best ways to fight heart diseases. Keep in intake of Choose nutrient-rich foods which include vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients but which are lower in calories, in your diet. Consume more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish, etc. Limits the consumption of sweets, beverages having high sugar levels, and red meats. Maintain a balanced diet.
Maintain a healthy weight
Your food and physical activity is directly related to your weight. Obesity poses a danger and is one of the primary causes of heart attack. A combination of right diet and physical workout will help you to keep your weight under control. Check your BMI and then start attempting to gain the weight your body requires.
Get adequate sleep
A human body requires a minimum of 7 hours of sleep. Lack of sufficient sleep can lead to health concerns, primarily heart realted issues. Lack of sleep leads to high blood pressure which isn’t good for the heart.
Reduce Stress
Today, humans are constantly running round the clock to make ends meet. This has resulted in rise in stress levels. Stress has adverse effects on one’s health. To reduce stress, you can practice meditation or other physical activities that calm the mind. For your overall well being, it is essential to stay happy and manage your stress.
Taking precautionary steps now, before it’s too late goes a long way in ensuring a happy and healthy life! So when will you take the necessary steps?
