Here Are 4 Common Habits That Raise The Risk Of Heart Disease
Over the last decade or so, India’s metropolitan landscape has seen a dramatic transformation in lifestyles. People have adopted many bad behaviors and coping techniques as a result of technological advancements and fast-paced society. Despite discussions about lifestyle disorders, these frequent habits sometimes go unnoticed against the backdrop of stressful times. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), are predicted to account for 60 percent of total adult fatalities in India, according to studies published by The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
CVDs account for more than a quarter of these deaths (26 percent). It is no secret that the bulk of these ailments are avoidable and are exacerbated by lifestyle factors. CVDs strike Indians a decade sooner than they do the rest of the world; in fact, more than half of all deaths from coronary artery disease (CAD) occur in those under the age of 50. We often talk about the significance of eating a healthy, balanced diet, but what about the young Indian population’s daily habits? These may be motivated by ‘feel-good factors or subconscious stress-reduction mechanisms. Dr. Brajesh Kunwar of Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi looks at a handful of the most common ones.
Increased Screen Time
People spend several hours perusing social media or binge-watching OTT series, especially after work hours, after the kids have gone to bed, and on weekends, thanks to the advancement of technology and the internet becoming more advanced and user friendly. According to a study conducted by the University of Glasgow, leisure screen time is a key contributor to sedentary behavior, which is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. CVD risk was nearly twice as high in those with lesser fitness and muscle strength, according to a recent study.
Sleeping at Home
Many people have inconsistent sleep habits during the week due to the stress of meeting deadlines and multi-tasking between chores and other commitments. They assume that sleeping in on weekends or days off will help them recover, so they do so. It’s crucial to keep track of your sleep schedule; getting less than 7-8 hours of sleep on a regular basis might have a negative impact on your mental and physical health in the long run. A recent University of Colorado Boulder study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that sleeping between six and nine hours lowered the chance of having a heart attack by 18 percent among those with a hereditary susceptibility to heart disease.
Culture of Coffee
With the proliferation of coffee shops, younger people aren’t just getting a rush of energy from a cup of their favorite beverage; they’ve also learned to expect it as a stress reliever. When they have responsibilities to complete, they sleep less and drink more coffee. While there has been much disagreement over the advantages of coffee, long-term, heavy coffee drinking can lead to an increase in sugar and fat intake in our bodies, unless you drink black coffee. The link between coffee and lipids is dose-dependent: the more unfiltered coffee you consume, the higher your blood lipids rise, increasing your risk of heart disease.
Sodas
Some folks drink aerated drinks with their meals and reach for a can whenever they watch TV or catch up with a group of friends. This increases the risk of heart disease, which is caused by too much sugar in the body, which raises blood sugar, triglycerides, and thick LDL particles. While moderate consumption of aerated drinks may not be dangerous, excessive consumption can be harmful to your health. For a healthy heart, moderation is the key!
Note: Try walking during work breaks or build your own desk-exercise routine to manage tension, conduct deep breathing or join up for yoga sessions to manage stress, and keep a food diary to track your beverage and cheat meal consumption. Finally, schedule frequent health screenings to address concerns early on, and keep in mind that lifestyle disorders can be addressed with early intervention.