A HEALTHY HEART IS A HAPPY HEART

Tragically, heart disease and stroke are the most common causes of death in the world, killing 18.6 million people each year.

The World Heart Federation established World Heart Day, which is celebrated on September 29, to motivate individuals to take action by educating them about how risk factors including cigarette use, poor diet, and physical inactivity can prevent at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke.

Why is heart health such a concern In South Africa?

In South Africa, 14% of people aged 30 to 70 die from cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The South African Medical Journal believes CVD is also behind the deaths of countless children in our country each year.

Routine screening in the form of blood tests, x-rays, and electrocardiograms, along with early treatment, may go a long way toward avoiding the progression. Possible signs of an unhealthy heart The symptoms of CVD vary depending on the type of heart disease you have. The Mayo Clinic advises that the most common symptoms include:

• Tightness or pressure in the chest;

• Having trouble catching your breath; Feeling dizzy or faint;

• Fatigue; A build-up of fluid;

• Palpitations in the heart (heart pounding or racing);

• Numbness or pain in your limbs; and

• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Good habits to keep your heart healthy You probably already know that regular exercise and a healthy diet are beneficial to keeping your heart in good shape, so what more can you do to keep your ticker ticking?

Murray Hewlett, chief executive officer of Affinity Health, recommends the following five things you should do to improve your heart’s performance:.

Stay away from unhealthy fats: Saturated, polyunsaturated, and unsaturated fats are essential in our diet. However, one fat we don’t need is trans-fat, which has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke over time.

This is because trans-fat clogs your arteries by raising your bad cholesterol and lowering your good cholesterol. You can enhance blood flow throughout your body by eliminating trans-fat from your diet.

Maintain good dental care: Dental health is an excellent indicator of overall health, including heart health. Many studies have demonstrated that bacteria in the mouth that contribute to the development of gum disease.

This can enter the bloodstream and produce an increase in C-reactive protein, a marker for blood vessel inflammation.

As a result of these changes, you may be at a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

Make sure you get enough rest: Sleep is crucial to maintaining your heart’s health. You may be at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease if you don’t get enough sleep, regardless of your age or other health practices.

Research has revealed that those who sleep less than six hours per night are twice as likely to have a stroke or heart attack as those who sleep six to eight hours per night.

Keep moving: Sitting for lengthy periods, regardless of how much activity you get, is harmful to your health.

This is bad news for the many people who spend their days sitting at a desk.

It is critical to move throughout the day, whether simply parking further away from the workplace, taking a few short walks throughout the day, or using a standing workstation that allows you to move around.

Avoid second-hand smoke: People who are exposed to second-hand smoke at home or work have a 25% to 30% higher chance of getting heart disease, according to studies.

Tobacco smoke causes roughly 34 000 premature heart disease fatalities and 7 300 lung cancer deaths per year. “Everyone should have access to the knowledge, care, and treatment they need to kee p their hearts healthy,” says Hewlett.

“World Heart Day is the ideal time for all South Africans to come together in the battle against CVD and lower the worldwide illness burden.”

– Supplied