Positive Health Online

Originally published in First Health India First 16 June 2022

https://indiafirstepaper.com/epaper/

Heart disease is aptly called the silent killer. A case in point: the tragic, untimely demise of Bollywood’s talented singer, Krishnakumar Kunnath, or KK.

Atherosclerosis is ‘hardening’ of our arteries, caused by the gradual build-up of plaque within their wall. It may not only cause angina pectoris, or chest pain, it can also lead to heart attack, or stroke. This isn’t all. In certain cases, it can lead to true Alzheimer’s disease too, represented by frank atherosclerosis of the arteries and arterioles supplying the brain. Diabetes is another. The disorder often worsens when blood flow to the pancreas is inadequate.

A fresh supply of oxygenated blood, as you’d know, is absolutely essential for the proper functioning of every organ in the body. Oxygen pumps life into every cell and tissue and any short supply would lead to deleterious effects of deprivation. A compacted blood supply can lead to reduced production of digestive enzymes in the pancreas. This could lead to improper assimilation. Add to it a shortfall of adequate blood flow to the stomach and small intestine that results in poor digestion, and you have the prospect of colon disease staring in the gut.

Aside from all this, one has to contend with decreased blood supply to the kidneys. This causes improper release of the enzyme, angiotensin – a major cause of high blood pressure, or hypertension. In addition, you have the joints, especially in the lower back, becoming inflamed and painful, thanks to reduced blood flow to the area. This may lead to the progression of arthritis in more than a few joints of the body.

Further along the heart disease trail, one may also present with cold hands and feet. In severe cases, this can lead to gangrene and possible amputation. Other problems include impotence caused by decreased blood flow to the penis, owing to clogged arteries, aside from cancerous growths, and so on, owing to inadequate blood flow. It is also not uncommon for certain immuno-competent cells in the bone marrow and spleen to be affected and compromised.

The big-plus point, or ‘upside,’ is apparent. Most cases of heart disease can actually be prevented, and reversed, if not cured. The best prescription is – you should heed to your body’s signals right from a young age. The moment you see something not in agreement with what is optimal health, you ought to consult your doctor promptly – better still, a cardiologist, a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of heart disease.

You have every right to take care of your heart – it is, after all, the key to your life. What’s more, you should

What you can also quickly do, along with remedial prescriptions from your cardiologist, is, of course, eating right and exercising under professional guidance. This is the first curative step you can take – effectively. As far as preventing heart disease is concerned, or you wish not to fall into the category of every fourth, or fifth, person falling ‘victim’ to it, you may derive healthy benefits by following your doctor’s suggestions, right away. Also, it is never late to start at any point in time, but if you don’t, you won’t be able to start at all.

Don’t think that you are past your prime, or time, for exercise, or feel that you are not the right age for it. It’s never too late to start exercising. Begin with a walking programme. Walking is the safest form of cardiac exercise. It is evidenced to bring your heart rate down in comparison to people who are inactive. This is a healthy sign. A regular exercise regimen will also initiate weight loss, because being overweight, or obese, is going to place greater pressure on your circulatory system and the heart. Exercise also reduces high blood pressure, improves blood flow, HDL (‘good’ cholesterol) and lowers LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol) levels. What’s more, people who don’t exercise at all are twice as likely to develop coronary heart disease than folks who exercise on a regular basis. As for individuals who exercise and suffer a heart attack, their risk of dying from it is half that of people who don’t exercise.

Acknowledgement Citation

Originally published in First Health India First 16 June 2022

https://indiafirstepaper.com/epaper/