Need to create heart-healthy environments

Manav Mander

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Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 28

World Heart Day is celebrated every year on September 29 and the theme this year is “Creating heart-healthy environments”. The places in which we live, work and play should not increase our risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). But individuals frequently cannot make heart-healthy choices due to environmental factors such as the availability of healthy food or smoke-free zones.

“Recently, during the survey, it was found that 60 per cent of Indians are having hypertension. The changing lifestyle is responsible for the same and hypertension is becoming a silent killer. After thirty, one should regularly monitor his/her blood pressure as it is becoming the leading cause of heart attack, strokes and renal failure,” said Dr Gurpreet Singh Wander, chief cardiologist at Hero Heart Dayanand Medical College and Hospital.

He said air-conditioned close compartments at workplaces are proving dangerous for people. “Healthy work environment is a must at workplace and back home one needs to exercise regularly and eat healthy food. Overall it is the lifestyle that affects the heart and one needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle for a healthy heart,” said Dr Wander.

Another city-based cardiologist, Dr Gagandeep Singh, said people, who are more aggressive, have two or three times more chances of having a heart attack.

“Create heart healthy homes by stocking your home with healthy food options. Limit packaged foods that are often high in sugar, fat and salt. Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables in your meals or swap sweet treats for mango or other fresh seasonal fruits,” said Dr Gagandeep Singh.

In addition to this, quit smoking, cut down on TV watching, get active and walk for an hour everyday to keep your heart in a good shape, he said.