14.02.2025.
Valentine’s Day is all about love, but what is love without a healthy heart? While we focus on chocolates, flowers, and romantic gestures, it’s also the perfect time to think about heart health.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but the good news is that many of its risk factors are preventable.
This Valentine’s Day, make a commitment to care for your heart and the hearts of those you love.
What is coronary heart disease?
Coronary heart disease occurs when the blood supply to the heart is restricted due to a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Over time, this can lead to heart attacks, angina, and other serious complications.
Symptoms of CHD
CHD can develop silently over many years. Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Causes of CHD
Several factors contribute to the development of CHD, including:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Poor diet
Diagnosis and treatment
Doctors diagnose CHD through tests such as electrocardiograms (ECG), stress tests, echocardiograms, and coronary angiograms.
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical interventions like angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Recovery and lifestyle adjustments
Recovery from CHD often involves cardiac rehabilitation, dietary adjustments, physical activity, and ongoing medical monitoring to ensure the heart remains as healthy as possible.
Prevention: How to keep your heart healthy
The best way to fight CHD is through prevention. Here are key steps to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle:
Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Consume a low-fat, high-fiber diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Reduce salt intake to no more than 6g per day to help maintain healthy blood pressure.
- Avoid saturated fats found in processed foods, butter, and fatty meats, and instead opt for healthy unsaturated fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, seeds, and oily fish.
- Limit sugar intake to reduce the risk of diabetes, which is a major contributor to CHD.
Stay physically active
- Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, such as walking, swimming, or dancing.
- Regular exercise strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Maintain a healthy weight
- Work with a healthcare professional to determine your ideal weight and body mass index (BMI).
- Balance calorie intake with physical activity to prevent obesity, a significant risk factor for CHD.
Quit smoking
- Smoking damages arteries and significantly increases the risk of CHD.
- Seek professional help, support groups, or nicotine replacement therapies to quit smoking effectively.
Reduce alcohol consumption
- Keep alcohol intake within recommended limits (no more than 14 units per week, spread over several days).
- Avoid binge drinking, as it raises the risk of heart complications.
Control blood pressure
- Regularly monitor blood pressure levels and keep them below 135/85 mmHg.
- Reduce sodium intake, engage in regular physical activity, and take prescribed medications if necessary.
Manage diabetes
- Keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range to prevent complications associated with CHD.
- Maintain a balanced diet and exercise routine, and follow medical advice for diabetes management.
Love your heart, love your life
This Valentine’s Day, show love not only to your significant other but also to your heart. By adopting these heart-healthy habits, you can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease and enjoy many more loving moments with those who matter most.
After all, the best gift you can give this Valentine’s Day is a healthy heart that beats strong for years to come!
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on heart health and disease prevention.
SOURCE
NHS (UK)
