World Heart Day 2024: Did you know these habits are secretly harming your heart health?

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Heart disease is one of the most concerning health issues plaguing the modern world. According to World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year.

World Heart Day is observed on September 29 every year to raise awareness about heart health, highlighting risk factors and holistic solutions.

While tobacco and alcohol use, junk food and lack of exercise are commonly recognised risk factors of this health concern, other overlooked lifestyle habits like sitting for prolonged periods and inadequate hydration are also secretly damaging your heart.

5 habits harming your heart health

2 months agoWEBSTORY

Dr. Talha Meeran, Consultant, Advanced Cardiac Sciences and Heart Transplant, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, highlights, "In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to overlook the subtle habits that can silently undermine our heart health."

Processed foods

One of these habits is the excessive consumption of processed foods without realising the hidden sugars and other additives they contain.

"Many people believe they're eating healthy simply by avoiding junk food. However, processed foods often hide high levels of sugars and unhealthy trans-fats that contribute to inflammation and high cholesterol," explains Dr. Meeran.

He adds, "Label reading is essential, yet many of us skip this crucial step, unknowingly consuming meals laden with harmful additives."

Dr Vivek Mahajan, Consultant Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, backs this, explaining, "Packaged foods consisting of excessive sugar, fat and sodium cause heart damage or severe heart conditions due to the fact that these ingredients gradually increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels."

Hydration missteps

Along with right eating habits, proper hydration is also essential for maintaining heart health. Dr. Meeran informs, "Dehydration is a common but overlooked issue when it comes to heart health. Water is essential for maintaining cardiovascular function. Proper hydration supports circulation and helps regulate blood pressure."

Prolonged sitting

In today's work and sedentary entertainment-driven world, characterised by spending significant time in front of screens, sitting for a prolonged period of time has become a serious health issue. Not only does it put people at risk of obesity, but also harms heart health.

Dr. Mahajan reveals, "Long periods of sitting have been linked with increased risk of heart disease. Increased screen time and a sedentary lifestyle that result in weight gain further increase these risks."

How to prevent this? Dr. Meeran suggests, "Small changes, like standing during phone calls or taking brief walking breaks, can make a significant difference."

Neglecting mental health

The discourse around mental health concerns has steadily been rising, however, it is still an overlooked aspect of health. Neglecting emotional and mental well-being can have an impact on physical health as well.

"Stress, anxiety, continuous multi-tasking and sleep deprivation overload the heart, which leads to rise in blood pressure and brings a person closer to the risk of heart disease. The problem can become worse as most people seek comfort foods or take alcohol as a remedy for their stress," elaborates Dr. Mahajan.

Stressing on the importance of adequate physical and emotional rest, Dr. Meeran says, "In our culture of productivity, sleep is often sacrificed. Poor sleep patterns can elevate blood pressure and contribute to obesity. Prioritising adequate rest is not just a personal luxury but a vital component of heart health."

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"Integrating stress management techniques such as yoga and regular social interaction is also crucial for holistic heart health," he concludes.