Concerned about heart health in the post-Covid era? Recognizing signs of an unhealthy heart and ways to enhance heart health | Health

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about a myriad of health issues, with heart health being a major concern in the post-Covid era. Reports of increased incidents of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events have raised alarms among health experts. While the impact of the virus and the Covid vaccine is being closely monitored, lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior, stress, and poor dietary habits are also contributing to the rise in heart health issues.

According to experts, the sedentary lifestyle and reliance on processed and junk food are major factors impacting overall health. These foods, low in nutrition and high in sugar and salt, can damage the heart, kidneys, and liver, increasing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

Dr. Ajit Menon, Senior Interventional Cardiologist at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, highlights the impact of Covid-19 on heart health. He explains that the inflammatory nature of the virus can lead to clot formation throughout the body, resulting in heart attacks without typical blockages in the arteries. While some have raised concerns about the Covid vaccine causing complications, Dr. Menon emphasizes the importance of vaccines in mitigating the severity of the pandemic.

The modern lifestyle, characterized by stress, poor dietary habits, and lack of physical activity, is contributing to the increasing incidence of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events. Stress, in particular, can exacerbate existing risk factors such as obesity, high cholesterol, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes. Dr. Menon stresses the need for lifestyle modifications and preventive measures to safeguard cardiovascular well-being.

Recognizing the signs of an unhealthy heart is crucial in preventing heart health woes. Symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and swelling should not be ignored and prompt consultation with a health expert is recommended.

To improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease, Dr. Menon suggests implementing lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, adopting a balanced diet, quitting smoking, managing stress, monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels, controlling diabetes, and limiting salt intake. These changes can go a long way in improving overall cardiovascular well-being.

In conclusion, while the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of heart health, it is essential to address lifestyle factors that contribute to heart disease. By making conscious efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle and paying attention to the signs of an unhealthy heart, individuals can improve their overall quality of life and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks. It is never too late to prioritize heart health and take steps towards a healthier future.