5 Factors That Impact Heart Heath And Simple Everyday Strategies To Deal With Them

As heart disease increasingly affects the young, workplaces must awaken to this alarming reality. Here's why.

Representational Image. Statistics from Indian Heart Health Association reveal that 50% of all heart attacks in India occur in men under 50 ( Image Source :Getty )

By Dr Anand Chopda

In our fast-paced digital world, juggling work commitments and personal life can be demanding, often sidelining the importance of heart health. It's critical to recognise that heart disease is a concern for all age groups. Statistics from the Indian Heart Health Association reveal that heart attacks are increasingly affecting the youth. Shockingly, 50 percent of heart attacks in India occur in men under 50, with 25 percent striking men under 40. This silent killer doesn't discriminate based on age, so don’t underestimate the need for its awareness and proactive measures.

The Youth And The Heart's Silent Fury

The Indian Heart Association reports that heart disease tends to strike Indians a decade earlier than their Western counterparts. Sedentary lifestyles, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and hypertension are the causes of this early onset. What’s even more concerning is that some victims display no obvious risk factors. This is why it is necessary to spread awareness and perform regular check-ups, even among the young.

Everyday Solution: Stay active throughout the day, whether by taking short breaks for a brisk walk or opting for the stairs. Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.

Workplace Overdrive: A Risk To Heart Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) raise another alarming fact about heart health: prolonged working hours exceeding 55 hours a week have claimed lives due to heart disease and stroke.

Between 2000 and 2016, deaths attributed to excessive work hours surged by 42 percent for heart disease and 19 percent for stroke. The workplace, often a breeding ground for stress, anxiety, and unhealthy lifestyles has become a major concern for heart health.

Everyday Solution: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as deep breathing exercises or short meditation breaks. These practices can significantly reduce stress levels.

The COVID-19 Impact

The pandemic has further complicated matters. Reluctance to seek non-urgent medical care has led to neglected routine check-ups which plays a vital role in heart disease prevention. Companies can address this by sending quarterly health reminders and implementing flex-time policies, allowing employees to schedule check-ups without work disruptions.

Everyday Solution: Dedicate a few minutes each day to relax and unwind, away from work-related stress. Disconnect and engage in activities that bring you joy.

Stress, Anxiety, And Heart Health

The pandemic's social isolation, job uncertainties, and remote work challenges have led to stress and anxiety levels skyrocketing among employees. This mental toll directly impacts your heart health. Encouraging regular physical activity, even within the confines of your home or office can help to mitigate these risks.

Everyday Solution: Practise gratitude daily; jot down things you are thankful for. It can significantly improve your mental well-being and, consequently, your heart health.

Hypertension: A Silent Killer On The Loose

Hypertension, affecting one in three adults worldwide, is a major enabler of heart disease. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthier diet and quitting tobacco, can significantly lower blood pressure. According to WHO, approximately 80 percent of hypertensive individuals are not adequately treated. Scaling up coverage could prevent a staggering 76 million deaths between 2023 and 2050.

Everyday Solution: Monitor your blood pressure regularly, and consult a healthcare professional if needed. Making small dietary changes like reducing salt intake can significantly benefit your heart health.

In today's highly tech-driven age, where the boundaries between work and personal life are a  blur, prioritising heart health is a non-negotiable aspect. Safe and healthy work environments are not just a fundamental right but also foster improved staff retention, optimised work performance, and enhanced productivity. It's time we safeguarded the heartbeats of our workforce, and recognise that a healthy heart is not just a personal treasure but also an organisational asset that paves the way for a brighter future. By adopting simple everyday strategies, we can nurture our hearts and promote a healthier, happier life for all.

The author is consultant cardiologist, Invasive, Non-invasive and Preventive Cardiologist, Connect & Heal.

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