Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as efficiently as it should. Narrowed arteries in the heart or high blood pressure can eventually cause this problem. Heart failures can be hereditary too. Whatsoever, heart failure must be discerned as a warning sign from the heart and the body. Moreover, it is very important to take care of your heart even when you haven’t been diagnosed with a heart problem. A few lifestyle changes alone can bring in big changes to a heart.

1. Drink wisely and eat healthily

Fluid buildup is a common phenomenon seen in heart patients. It is an accumulation of water in the body. It is important to keep track and control of the fluid and salt intake as salt or sodium helps the body to hold on to water. Eating foods with less sodium will also help in reducing blood pressure. Foods with saturated and trans fat must be replaced with unsaturated fat to reduce the risk of heart disease. People with heart problems must include whole grains, low-fat dairy products, skinless poultry, nuts, legumes, fish, and a lot of fruits and vegetables in the diet. It is most preferred to avoid sweets, red meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages

2. Identify Symptoms and never skip medicines

People prone to heart failures or those who already have heart problems must always keep track of the symptoms. Any type of discomfort in the heart or any other areas in the upper body part, shortness of breath along with cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness should immediately be taken to a doctor. Sudden numbness, confusion, trouble in walking, severe headache, etc. might be symptoms of stroke and requires immediate medical assistance.

Medicines are also equally important as they can be lifesavers. Patients who never skip medicines reduce the risk of heart failures. Setting medicine alarms or carrying a pillbox around might be helpful in this case.

3. Staying physically active

Every person requires a certain amount of physical exercise. People prone to heart problems must have at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every week. Regular physical activity can help a person in maintaining weight, reducing stress, keeping the BP and cholesterol under check. Physical activities can also enhance the strength, flexibility, and balance of the body.

4. Checkups and keeping everything under control

It is necessary to have a yearly check-up even if you are not a heart patient. This checkup should also include monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, besides the heart checkup.

5. Quit smoking and avoid alcohol and caffeine

Nicotine content in tobacco can increase the risk of heart diseases. Smoking can cause stickiness or clumping in the blood vessels. Being smoke-free can not only reduce the risk for heart failures but improves the entire body mechanism. Similarly, alcohol and caffeine intake must also be brought under control. Although a moderate amount of intake is admissible, it is always better to consult a doctor before making decisions on these matters.

6. A healthy lifestyle with a healthy weight

A healthy lifestyle is a key to heart-care. Making a few lifestyle changes can be a real game-changer. It is also necessary to keep these as a regular routine for attaining ultimate results. A healthy lifestyle should include healthy and rich food, exercises, meditation, and a lot more. Along with making a healthy lifestyle a habit, it is also important to maintain a healthy weight. Sudden weight gain/loss can be a symptom of developing heart failure. Heart patients must weigh themselves every day before breakfast, preferably one time before urinating and one time after urinating. Notable fluctuation in weight changes should be taken to the doctor.

7. Staying positive

Make yoga/meditation a part of a healthy lifestyle. This will help a person in managing stress. People having heart diseases have a higher chance of falling into depression. This should also be taken into notice. It is important for that patient to talk with the doctor or an immediate family member about what they are going through. Any treatment or precaution will only work on a mind which stays positive.

Bengaluru is a runner’s paradise. The cool and comfortable weather makes it ideal for people to wear their running shoes and hit the road. Marathon running is picking up, not just in Bangalore but all over the world. Marathoners run a stupendous 42.2km course. Marathons originated in ancient Greece, in commemoration of the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, a messenger from the Battle of Marathon to Athens, who reported the victory. While modern marathoners may be channeling their inner Pheidippides to conquer this incredible feat, it begs the question - just because they can, should they?

There has been a lot of speculation around marathon running and its effect on heart health. Although a healthy lifestyle is essential for maintaining heart health, running a marathon may be doing the opposite. Without the right training, the right lifestyle and a clean bill of health from your doctor, signing up for a marathon may be a bad idea.

The human body is not meant for extreme sports, in fact, research suggests that humans aren’t meant for running. While walking comes naturally to people, running much like swimming takes skill, preparation and could potentially injure the runner if done poorly. As such, running puts a lot of stress on the body, but 26 miles pushes your body to its extreme.

While running a marathon may not necessarily be considered bad, coupled with a family history of heart disease and the sedentary lifestyle it could be causing people to collapse during their attempt at taking on the might marathon.

If you are planning on running long distances, the first thing to do is get a clean bill of health. Even preparing to run requires some amount of exertion that needs to be ‘okayed’ by a medical professional. As an aspiring runner, you must focus on your overall health, all year round. By maintaining a good diet,  by sleeping on time and being conscious of your weight are just a few things that are absolutely essential.

Even a 5K ‘ joy run’ is a strenuous event. Ensure that you’ve had enough water before and during the run. If at some point you feel tired or feel like you are about to faint, take a break. The point of the marathon is not to come ‘first’. You have to understand that your competition is with yourself and listening to your body is an absolute must!

 

Research shows there could be physiological connections too. The biological and chemical factors that trigger mental health issues can also influence heart disease. Whether someone is clinically depressed or just anxious, they need follow-up care. Contact us athttp://www.vikramhospital.com/cardiac-hospital-bangalore.php for help.

Consult a Cardiologist if you spot the early signs and stay safe.
Contact us at http://www.vikramhospital.com/cardiac-hospital-bangalore.php to book an appointment.