Heart Care

It was exactly 5 years back when my grandfather couldn’t return home from his routine morning walk. He never carried a mobile phone. He just had a habit of carrying a pocket diary with him having all the mandatory information like phone numbers etc. We got a call from a stranger; grandfather had collapsed just a few meters away from home. We rushed him to the doctor and he was put on ventilator. It was a heart attack. Doctors told he had a coronary Heart disease. He could survive for not more than 2 days. Very lovingly we called him ‘dadu’; it was very painful to see him leaving us.

It was a lesson learned a hard way. We could have been careful, if consulted a heart doctor and diagnosed his condition at a right time and got him treated for same. Medical science has indeed advanced a lot we just need to observe our body carefully and consult the doctor when needed.

A proper heart care is an index to a healthy life. Checkout below mentioned risk factors signs and symptoms.

Risk factors for heart diseases:-

Sedentary lifestyle

Smoking / substance abuse

Stress (Hurry and worry, not sharing emotions and feelings, excessive materialistic approach towards life etc.)

High Cholesterol (irregular diet, over weight)

High Blood Pressure

Diabetes / Insulin resistance

Family History

Warning Signs that should not be ignored:-

Chest discomfort – Feeling of Pain, tightness, pressure, pinching or burning (It can occur repeatedly during rest as well as during physical activity)

Nausea, indigestion, Heartburn or even stomach pain – Some may even vomit

Any pain starting from chest and radiating towards the left side of body – sometimes pain may radiate even to jaws with or without pain in chest.

Feeling of dizziness or light headedness – shortness of breath and discomfort

Getting exhausted easily, constant feeling of tiredness

Excessive snoring can be linked to unnecessary load on heart

Breaking into cold sweat

Prolonged cough with mucus

Swelling in feet, ankle or legs

Irregular heart beat – which happens at regular interval.

‘These signs may or may not link to cardiovascular disease but before getting late, it’s better to consult a heart doctor’.

Below are simple heart tips for a healthy life:-

Introduce yoga and meditation in your life – it is a miracle

Indulge in some hobby or any activity of your choice – take some time out for yourself

Eat healthy food- avoid junk or unhealthy fats – maintain ideal weight

Stop smoking or any substance abuse – join support or rehab groups

Get good sleep

Regular health screening – Manipal Hospital has a comprehensive panel and best amenities for heart care.

'Care for your heart before it's too late'