The human heartbeat is one of the primary vitals checked by doctors worldwide to assess the condition of your body. It is a critical sign of life. 

The human heart is a miraculous organ that works diligently to deliver oxygen and vital nutrition via blood to every part of the body to sustain human life. Hence, it becomes essential to maintain good heart health. 

Heart health was a term coined by cardiologists to underline the necessity of having a good heart and blood vessels to ensure that your heart functions properly.

According to data from the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of fatalities worldwide, which is concerning since maintaining good heart health is easy. Certainly, several uncontrollable variables like genetics and the work environment affect heart health. Yet a few more, like sedentary lifestyles, lead to the development of chronic health conditions and cardiovascular diseases that are purely human-made. 

Hence, with this blog, we aim to explore and highlight different cardiovascular diseases, factors affecting heart health, and the “heart rule” to ensure your heart produces healthy beats for a very long time.

Types of Heart Disease and their Impact:

Just like humans, even the heart is susceptible to multiple diseases. However, the impact of each disorder varies with the type and severity of the illness affecting the heart. These heart conditions reduce the quality of life by increasing the risk of heart attack, cardiac arrest, or other life-threatening conditions. Below are some of the common cardiovascular diseases that impact heart health and the overall health of the human body.

1. Coronary Artery Disease: CAD is the most common type of heart disease, which restricts blood flow to the heart due to blocked arteries. If untreated, it can lead to chest pain, heart attack, and even death.
2. Heart failure: Heart failure indicates that your heart no longer pumps enough blood to meet the body’s needs. 
3. Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms that can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly are termed Arrhythmias. The condition causes dizziness leading to fainting, and has the potential to cause sudden cardiac arrest.
4. Valvular heart disease: The valves of the heart regulate the direction of blood flow in the heart. If there is a problem with valves, it can cause the blood to flow backward or disrupt the amount of blood flowing forward, thereby exerting more pressure on the heart. 
5. Congenital heart disease: Caused by structural problems in the heart, Congenital heart disease is present since birth, and these are correctable with surgical procedures.

Adverse Factors affecting the Health of Your Hearts:

Many risk factors can contribute to poor heart health and increase the risk of developing heart disease. Some of the most common risk factors include:

1. High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.

2. High cholesterol: High levels of LDL cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to heart disease.

3. Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.

4. Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, all of which can contribute to heart disease.

5. Smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.

6. Family history: If someone in your immediate family has had heart disease, you may be at a higher risk of developing it as well.

7. Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, and other risk factors for heart disease.

8. Unhealthy diet: A diet high in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and sugar can increase the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease.

9. Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease.

It’s important to address these risk factors to maintain good heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Keeping Your Heart Healthy:

The good news is that many types of heart disease can be prevented or managed with lifestyle changes and medical treatment. All you have to do is remember the acronym HEART to keep your heart healthy.

• H – Healthy diet: Eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help maintain a healthy weight, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• E – Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, running, swimming, or cycling, can help strengthen the heart muscle, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• A – Avoid smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, so quitting smoking or never starting in the first place is important for maintaining a healthy heart.
• R – Reduce stress: Chronic stress can increase the risk of heart disease, so finding ways to manage stress, such as through meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques, can help promote a healthy heart.
• T – Treat underlying conditions: Managing conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can help reduce the risk of heart disease and promote overall heart health.

Taking care of our hearts means having healthier lives with more vitality and a higher overall quality of life. Visit Vydehi Super Specialty Hospital to speak with a healthcare professional about any worries you have about your cardiovascular health. It’s a chance for you to talk about your specific requirements and learn more about heart disease awareness and preventive steps for heart health.

There’s never been a better moment to visit VSH and get the professional guidance you need to safeguard your heart, thanks to easy online appointments.