7 Common Mistakes Young People Should Avoid For A Healthy Heart

According to WHO, Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. Poor lifestyle, unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle are some of the factors to blame, Not just adults, youngsters these days also experience heart-related conditions and many are at a higher risk. During the ongoing pandemic, with restricted physical activities individuals are not only restricted to stay at home but are working for prolonged hours and inclined to junk food. The excess use of gadgets and social media has also inclined them towards a sedentary lifestyle. In this article here are some common mistakes youngsters should avoid to safeguard their heart health.

Youngsters should avoid following these-

1. Stress

Stress leads to high blood pressure, chest pain, irregular heart beats which weakens the heart muscles leading to heart diseases. High cortisol levels from long-term stress increases the blood cholesterol, triglyceride and blood sugar levels.

2. Smoking

People who smoke are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease and brain stroke. Almost 1 out of 5 heart related deaths are directly related to smoking. Life expectancy is much lesser in people who are heavy smokers.

Also read: What Are The Common Risk Factors For Heart Attack? Find Out Here

3. Sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of several health conditions. You should exercise for at least 30 minutes a day for a healthy heart. It will also help control other risk factors linked with heart disease such as high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, obesity and much more. 

4. Long working hours

Prolonged and irregular working hours has always been associated with negative health and well being, which too leads to sleep disorders, accidents, worsens mental health and heart attacks. One should take intermittent breaks while working like stretching exercises, keeping right posture and good hydration for a healthy body.

Also read: Suffering From Chronic Pulmonary Heart Disease? Fitness Expert Shares 5 Exercises You Must Try

5. Late night sleep

Sleep has a dramatic effect on your mental as well as physical well-being. It is crucial to ensure 7-8 hours of sleep every day.

6. Junk food

It is rich in instant calories and bad cholesterol. Indulging in junk food too often increases the risk of several health conditions including weight gain, poor cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and more. It is advised to take balanced diet (full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish and poultry).

Also read: Keep Your Heart Healthy, Here's How

7. Associated Diseases-

Diseases like hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and DVT increases the risk of coronary artery disease. Therefore it is crucial to manage these conditions.

Take note- Regular meditation and yoga not only helps in reducing mental stress but also increase the physical wellbeing of the individual keeping them healthy and motivated.

(Dr Vivek Shama is a Clinical Cardiologist, Specialist- Preventive Cardiology & Infectious diseases and Expert COVID-19 Care & Post COVID Lifestyle Management)

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