Overview of Heart Diseases
Do you know that according to estimates by NCBI “The annual number of deaths from CVD in India is projected to rise from 2.2Cardiovascular diseases are one of 6 million (1990) to 4.77 million (2020)”
the leading factors for death in India and worldwide. As a heart specialist in Vadodara, I wish to educate you about the symptoms, and risk factors and guide you about the things you can do to keep your heart healthy.
Symptoms of Heart Disease
Different heart diseases have different symptoms. However in general if you observe the following symptoms then you should consult the best cardiologist in Vadodara.
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in ankles, and legs
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Rapid or irregular heartbeats
- Nausea, chest pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pain, heaviness, or pain in the chest
- Palpitations
- Excessive vomiting or sweating
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
As a cardiologist in Vadodara, I often urge my patients to leave tobacco and liquor addictions. You should always consider the risk factors for heart disease and follow a healthy lifestyle to avoid heart disease.
Source Image: world heart federation
Working at the best heart hospital in Baroda, I often have some patients who are addicted to tobacco and they often question the relationship between heart disease and tobacco. So let me share with you briefly how each of the above factors affects your heart health.
High Blood Pressure
Our arteries are thin flexible tubes with smooth inner linings that supply blood and oxygen to different body organs.
Blood pressure often damages the inner lining of the arteries. As a result, fats in the bloodstream cannot flow freely and stick to the damaged portions of the arteries, making them even stiffer. These obstructions hamper the free flow of blood and damage the heart muscle.
Blood pressure can lead to Coronary artery disease, enlarged heart or heart failure. As one of the best heart specialists in Vadodara, I would recommend you to do regular follow up with your doctor to keep your blood pressure under control and try to do pranayam or yoga to lower it. This should be done in addition to the medicine that you are already taking.
High Cholesterol
High cholesterol leads to fatty deposits in the blood vessels. This hampers the smooth flow of blood through the arteries. Over some time, these deposited materials in arteries can break suddenly and form clots. A clot can cause a heart attack or a stroke, depending on where it is caused.
Obesity
It puts extra pressure on your heart to pump blood, and it can damage the heart in the long run. It is essential to stay physically active and eat healthy food.
Unhealthy diet
Eating junk food or foods rich in oil can lead to plaque building up in the arteries. This leads to pressure on the heart to pump blood, which thereby leads to a heart attack. If you are curious to know about the calorie content that you are consuming, then do read about it here.
Tobacco and alcohol
When you smoke, it leads to an increase in the heart rate. It also tightens the arteries and causes the heart to work harder. This can lead to a heart attack.
Similarly, when you drink, it adds extra calories. If you are physically inactive, it can lead to the buildup of fat in the body, which in turn leads to heart problems.
Diabetes
It causes blood vessel damage, which can lead to heart disease. As a heart specialist in Vadodara, I urge you to get your HbA1c levels checked regularly.
Here are a few things that you can do to prevent heart disease.
Preventive Measures to Stay Away From Heart Diseases
4 Things For a Healthy Heart
- Diet
- Cholesterol
- Reduce Stress
- OTC drugs that harm
Let’s quickly discuss each one of them briefly.
Diet:
Image Source: Williams Integracare Clinic
Your healthy eating place should consist of all of the above in proper balance. 14 portions of meals should be whole grains, 12 vegetables and fruits, 14 proteins, and health and plant oils in moderation, and I would limit my intake of sugary drinks.
Cholesterol:
Cholesterol is essential to building healthy cells. It is present in the blood in the form of a waxy substance. However, high levels of cholesterol can damage your heart.
Image Source: The Healthy
HDL is the good cholesterol, whereas LDL refers to the bad cholesterol. Make food choices that lower the bad cholesterol and help to increase the good cholesterol.
Reduce Stress:
Stress is the number-one factor in heart issues. Stress increases blood pressure, which in turn results in an increase in issues related to the heart.
OTC Drugs to Avoid:
Certain OTC drugs can be harmful to your health. As a cardiologist in Vadodara, I appeal to all of you to avoid OTC medicines as much as possible. If you have other diseases, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, it is best to consult your doctor before taking any medication.
-OTC NSAIDs: ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve, Naproxen)
Dr. Ranjeet Kumar Shukla:
Dr. Ranjeet Kumar Shukla is a reputed cardiologist in Vadodara with over 12 years of experience. He pursued his DM in Cardiology from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh in 2018 and his MBBS from the Rani Durgavati Vishwa Vidyalaya in Jabalpur in 2008. Dr. Ranjeet Kumar Shukla has been registered as a medical practitioner at the Madhya Pradesh Medical Council since 2010. Registration Number – MP-11713