FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR HEART

DID you know September 29 is world Heart Day? Considering many first- time Heart attacks Can be fatal, there’s no time like the present to Start taking Care of yourself

than the general population. A high TG/ HDL C ratio generally reflects insulin resistance and is often associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular ailments.

stress is not easily defined. It is difficult to quantify, and dealing with it is often time- consuming and complex. That is why the effect of emotional stress on cardiovascular disease has sometimes been downgraded and even ignored. Lately, however, we have become more aware of the interactions between the body and the mind. It is now acknowledged that emotions and personality can have a huge impact on the functioning of cells, organs and disease mechanisms.

An inactive lifestyle is a risk factor for heart disease. Regular, moderate- to- vigorous physical activity helps reduce the risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Even moderate- intensity activities help, if done regularly and for the long term. Physical activity can help control blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity, as well as help lower blood pressure.

smoking increases the risk of developing heart disease. Cigarettesmoking and shisha are both powerful independent risk factors for sudden cardiac deaths in patients with heart disease. Moreover, exposure to passive smoking increases the risk of heart disease, even for non- smokers.

High blood pressure affects nearly a third of people in the UAE. It increases the heart’s workload, causing the heart muscle to thicken and become stiffer. This stiffening of the heart muscle is not normal, and causes the heart to work improperly. It also increases your risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and congestive heart failure.