FACTORSTOKEEPYOURHEART HEALTHY ASCOVIDCASESAREONRISEIN INDIA
—Dr.RanjitJagtapDaughter
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread in India, it is more important than ever to prioritize your heart health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people with pre-existing heart conditions are at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. In this article by Dr. Ranjit Jagtap, we will explore some of the factors that can help keep your heart healthy during the pandemic.
EAT A HEART-HEALTHY DIET:
A heart-healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. This type of diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and inflammation. Additionally, it is essential to avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of salt, as they can increase the risk of heart disease.
EXERCISE REGULARLY:
Regular exercise can help improve heart health by reducing the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. Exercise can also help strengthen the heart muscle, making it more efficient at pumping blood. During the pandemic, it is important to maintain social distancing guidelines while exercising, such as walking or jogging outdoors or exercising at home.
ManageStress:
Dr.RanjitJagtpDaughter says Stresscanhaveanegativeimpact onhearthealthbyincreasingblood pressureandcausing inflammation.Managingstressis essentialtomaintainahealthy heart.Thiscanincludetechniques suchasmeditation,yoga,deep breathingexercises,andspending timeinnature.Additionally,itis importanttomaintainsocial connectionsduringthepandemic, associalisolationcanincrease stresslevels.
QuitSmoking:
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, as it can damage the heart and blood vessels. Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to protect your heart health. If you need help quitting, talk to your healthcare provider about resources and support available.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke. It is important to limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
GetEnoughSleep:
DrRanjitJagtapNewssaysSleepis essentialforoverallhealth,includingheart health.Lackofsleepcanincreasetheriskof highbloodpressure,obesity,anddiabetes. Aimfor7–8hoursofsleepeachnight,and trytomaintainaconsistentsleepschedule.
Practicing good hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which can also help protect your heart health. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, as this can increase the risk of infection.
PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE: STAY UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINATIONS:
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 can help protect your heart health by reducing the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date on other vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine, as these can also help protect your heart health.
MonitorYourBloodPressureand
CholesterolLevels:
Regularmonitoringofblood pressureandcholesterol levelsisimportantfor maintaininghearthealth, especiallyduringthe pandemic.Ifyouhavehigh bloodpressureorhigh cholesterol,workwithyour healthcareproviderto developaplantomanage theseconditions.
SeekMedicalAttentionif Necessary: Ifyouexperienceany
symptomsofaheartattack orstroke,suchaschest pain,shortnessofbreath,or suddenweaknessor numbness,seekmedical attentionimmediately.Do notdelayseekingmedical careduetoconcernsabout COVID-19,asprompt treatmentcansavelives.
IN CONCLUSION, ADITI JAGTAP PUNE
QUOTED THAT MAINTAINING HEART HEALTH IS CRUCIAL DURING THE COVID-19
PANDEMIC, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WITH PRE-EXISTING HEART CONDITIONS. EATING A HEART-HEALTHY DIET, EXERCISING
REGULARLY, MANAGING STRESS, QUITTING SMOKING, LIMITING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION, AND GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP ARE ALL IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER. BY PRIORITIZING HEART HEALTH, YOU CAN HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE AND OTHER HEALTH COMPLICATIONS DURING THE PANDEMIC.