Heart diseases have become the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming around 17.9 million lives each year.
This includes various conditions like coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and rheumatic heart disease.
Recently, there's been a concerning rise in heart attacks among young people in India, largely due to lifestyle choices.
Docter says highlights this trend and explains that while genetics play a role, lifestyle changes are the main culprits.
To combat this issue, he emphasizes avoiding the 5 'S'—salt, sugar, sitting, sleep, and stress.
Salt is necessary for our bodies, but too much of it is harmful. The World Health Organization warns that excessive salt intake leads to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. It's important to monitor and reduce sodium in our diets to protect our hearts.
Added sugars do more harm than just causing tooth decay. They contribute to obesity and diabetes, which are major risk factors for heart disease. Reducing sugar intake and choosing healthier alternatives is crucial for maintaining heart health.
Sedentary lifestyles are damaging our hearts. Prolonged sitting disrupts metabolic health and increases the risk of heart disease. Incorporating regular physical activity into our daily routine is essential for a healthy heart.
Quality sleep is vital for heart health. Poor or insufficient sleep is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Ensuring you get a good night's sleep is critical for keeping your heart in optimal condition.
Stress is inevitable, but unmanaged stress can severely affect our cardiovascular system. High levels of cortisol from long-term stress can increase blood cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
By following this 5 'S' plan—monitoring salt and sugar intake, staying active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress—you can significantly improve your heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.