Happy World heart day

Our heart and brain constitute an axis. For a healthy brain we need a disease free heart. Because a little blood clot from heart can cause disaster in brain. The heart brain axis is responsible for many diseases of our brain like stroke, dementia etc.

Many cardiac diseases are preventable. If diagnosed early they can be treated. Regular follow up and appropriate treatment prevent many dangerous complications.

7 STEPS FOR A HEALTHY HEART

1st STEP: Healthy diet

Diet is very important for healthy heart. Increase the leafy vegetables. Decrease fatty foods. Follow the food pyramid.

2nd STEP: Physical exercise

Regular exercise is a blessing for our heart brain axis. 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense exercise weekly is good for both heart and brain (known heart disease patients should consult their cardiologists before starting exercise).

3rd STEP: Control blood sugar

Diabetes is a major risk factor for both heart and brain. So those who are diabetic, must continue with regular medication and regular consultation with their doctors. Many people believe in false propaganda and stop medication for diabetes and land in stroke. Every day we come across patients like this.

4th STEP: Check Cholesterol

Keep cholesterol in check. High cholesterol is bad for your heart and brain.

5th STEP: Keep a healthy weight

Obesity is a major risk factor for your heart. Check your BMI. Keep it below 25.

6th STEP: Monitor blood pressure

High blood pressure is a big enemy for both heart and brain. It’s the major cause of stroke. Regular check your blood pressure. Those having hypertension check every 7 days. Don’t stop antihypertensive medications without consulting your doctor.

7th STEP: Never smoke

Smoking is injurious to both heart and brain. So quit it as soon as you can.

It’s not difficult to take a good care of heart for a healthy brain. Do regular cardiac check ups. Never stop any medication for diabetis, hypertension or previous cardiac disease without consulting your doctor. Believe me there is no magic or any shortcut way to heal these diseases. Your health is in your hand.

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Reference

1: Manea MM, Comsa M, Minca A, Dragos D, Popa C. Brain-heart axis-review article. Journal of medicine and life. 2015 Jul;8(3):266.

2: Vacek JL. Practical strategies for cardiac disease prevention: Basic steps to ensure better heart health. Postgraduate medicine. 2004 Mar 1;115(3):41-4.