Diabetes increases the rate at which heart disease develops and progresses. People with diabetes are at very high risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes-related death.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not properly produce or use insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches, and other nutrients into energy. One in three people who have diabetes don't know they have it. See a doctor if you have any diabetes symptoms, which include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability, and blurry vision.
Reduce stress
Stress puts excess demand on the heart muscle. During stressful situations, the body releases adrenaline, a hormone that increases heart rate and narrows blood vessels. This in turn increases blood pressure, and the heart works even harder. People under stress may overeat, start smoking or smoke more than they otherwise would. And people with heart disease are more likely to have a heart attack during times of stress. Stress can be reduced through stress management techniques and exercise.
Be active
Regular physical activity helps prevent heart disease by increasing blood flow to your heart and strengthening your heart’s contractions so that your heart pumps more blood with less effort. Physical activity also helps you control your weight and reduce your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and stress.
Get 20 to 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity atleast 4-5 days of the week.
Shed weight
Obesity places you at risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes and heightens your risk of cardiovascular disease. Obesity is becoming an epidemic even in India among adults and children because of unhealthy eating and sedentary lifestyle. Regular physical activity and following a heart-healthy diet are essential to shed weight and prevent heart disease. Even small reductions in weight can be beneficial.
Your Body Mass Index (BMI), which considers your height and weight, will tell you if your weight is healthy. BMI numbers 25 and higher are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Waist circumference is another tool to assess abdominal fat. In general, men are considered overweight if their waist measurement is greater than 36 inches. And women, in general, are overweight if their waist measurement is greater than 32 inches.
Eat healthy
You can lower your chances of getting heart disease by choosing your foods carefully. You should eat less fat, more vegetables, fruits and whole grains and fiber and cut down on salt.
Know Your Heart
