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Showing posts with the label Heart Health

Dr. Ramji Mehrotra | Heart-Healthy Habits

Heart-healthy habits encompass a range of practices that promote cardiovascular wellness. Here's a comprehensive list of such habits: 1. Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Activities like walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, and dancing are great for cardiovascular health. 2. Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (such as fish, poultry, beans, and legumes), and healthy fats (like those found in nuts, seeds, and avocados). Limit intake of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars. 3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Strive to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of balanced diet and regular exercise. Excess weight, especially around the midsection, can strain the heart. 4. Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quit. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and can damage blood vessels, leading to cardiovascular issues. 5.

Heart Health and Hydration

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Hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, including heart health. Here are some key points regarding hydration and its impact on the cardiovascular system: Fluid Balance: Adequate hydration helps maintain the balance of fluids in the body, which is essential for optimal heart function. Proper fluid balance supports the circulation of blood and the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to cells. Blood Volume and Pressure: Hydration influences blood volume, which, in turn, affects blood pressure. Insufficient hydration can lead to reduced blood volume, potentially causing an increase in blood pressure. Chronic high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease. Electrolyte Balance: Proper hydration helps maintain electrolyte balance in the body, including crucial minerals like sodium and potassium. Electrolytes play a role in nerve function, muscle contraction, and heart rhythm regulation. Preventing Dehydration: Dehydration can strain the cardiovascula

What Causes Pericarditis?

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  Pericarditis, an inflammatory condition affecting the pericardium - the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart, can be a source of acute chest pain and discomfort. While it is often idiopathic or without a known cause, pericarditis can also be triggered by various factors. Understanding these underlying causes is essential for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention of recurrence. Ø   Viral Infections: One of the primary causes of pericarditis is viral infections, particularly those caused by the coxsackievirus and echovirus. These viruses can directly invade the pericardium, triggering an inflammatory response. The immune system's reaction to the viral presence can lead to the release of inflammatory chemicals, causing the pericardium to become irritated and inflamed. Ø   Bacterial Infections: While less common, bacterial infections can also result in pericarditis. Bacteria such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis can in

Dr Ramji Mehrotra | Does wine keep your heart healthy?

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  Wine is considered as a potential heart-healthy beverage, with some studies suggesting that moderate wine consumption may reduce the risk of heart disease. However, the relationship between wine and heart health is complex, and not all studies have found a protective effect. India’s leading cardiac surgeon Dr Ramji Mehrotra says that one of the main reasons why wine may be beneficial for heart health is that it contains antioxidants, specifically, resveratrol. Resveratrol is a compound found in the skin of red grapes and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. These properties can help to protect the heart by preventing the formation of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, moderate wine consumption has been associated with an increase in "good" cholesterol (HDL) and a decrease in "bad" cholesterol (LDL). This can help to improve the overall cholesterol profile and reduce the risk of

How High Blood Pressure is Risky for Your Heart

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High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious condition that can lead to significant health problems if left untreated. One of the most dangerous effects of high blood pressure is the increased risk it poses to the heart. When blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on the arteries and the heart, which can lead to a number of serious problems. Over time, high blood pressure can cause the arteries to harden and narrow, leading to a condition known as arteriosclerosis. This can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as other cardiovascular problems such as heart failure and aneurysms. In addition to the direct effects on the heart, high blood pressure can also contribute to the development of other conditions that can harm the heart. For example, high blood pressure is a risk factor for diabetes, which can lead to heart disease and other complications. High blood pressure can also lead to kidney damage, which can in turn lead to heart problems