Unhealthy lifestyle choices and environmental factors significantly contribute to the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. The most important behavioural risk factors include unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption.
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Maintaining heart health demands a multifaceted strategy including a balanced diet, regular exercise and proactive management of risk factors like hypertension and cholesterol. Regular physical activity, stress management techniques such as yoga or meditation, and routine health check-ups are also vital in preventing heart disease, especially for those with a family history or existing risk factors. These lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and promote long-term cardiovascular health.
Dr Tanmay Kulkarni, Consultant (Cardiology) at Jupiter Hospital, Pune said that heart disease is one of the leading health concerns today but small changes in your lifestyle can make a huge difference in protecting your heart.
He said that focusing on whole-natural foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins and avoiding oily, fried and processed foods high in salt and sugar can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and promote long-term cardiovascular health.
Dr. Purshotam Lal, Chairman of Metro Group of Hospitals said that the major risk factors of cardiovascular disease include unhealthy diets rich in trans fats and sugars, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Stress, often overlooked is a significant contributor, especially in high-pressure environments like urban centers.
He also said that regular exercise, even just 30 minutes of walking, strengthens the heart. Keep a close check on hypertension and cholesterol, as they can silently harm your heart. Managing stress through meditation or spending time with loved ones is equally important to prevent heart disease, he added.
