Have you heard that smoking and alcohol leads to heart attack? Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure and triglycerides, which are high risk factors for a heart attack. People who smoke cigars or pipes seem to have a higher risk of death from coronary heart disease. Statistics reveal that over 83 percent of people who die of coronary heart disease are 65 or older.
Stop Smoking! It affects the arteries’ inner walls thus reducing the oxygen supply to the lungs. It would lead to an increase in the cholesterol deposition and reduction of blood flow. When you drink alcohol in excess it raises blood pressure causing heart failures too. It creates irregular heart beats. It also leads to other complications such as cancer, obesity, suicidal tendencies, heart attack etc. People who drink moderately can rejoice, as 1 peg a day for women and 2 pegs for men is said to keep your heart in good condition.
Blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and heart attack are related to each other. When your blood cholesterol increases, your risk of coronary heart disease also rises. In addition to this, smoking (tobacco) and high blood pressure augments the risk factor. Your Blood pressure gets affected by your eating habits, age, sex and hereditary factors. Eat low fat diet and fibre rich food such as salads, fruits and vegetables. Avoid oily food and fried eateries. Develop low fat cooking habits.
Blood pressure raises the heart’s workload. With proper exercise you can reduce the heart from thickening and becoming stiffer. Kidney failure, congestive heart failure, stroke are common occurrences due to increase in pressure. Similarly diabetes or blood sugar needs to be kept in control to avoid the risks of heart attack. Uncontrolled diabetes increases atherosclerosis and this should be reduced with the help of physical activity and diet.
It is advised by doctors to go in for an annual or bi annual check up if you are 45 plus. As men or women aged above 45 plus are more prone to heart problems, increased sugar levels, BP etc. An early detection of these will help keep your problems at bay. And you can keep them in check through good eating habits and exercise. In addition to this, Yoga and meditation can bring about a greater stress relief and reduce your health problems such as Blood pressure and stress.
Vijay Koragappa ShettyFind out more about bowel problems: bowel problemsHealthy bacteria: healthy bacteria
