Heart is a muscular organ about the size of fist
located in the center of the chest slightly towards left side. It performs
vital function of oxygen supply and removal of carbon dioxide from all parts of
the body through a system of blood and blood vessels. The heart contracts and
relaxes to produce heart beat and pulse. On an average heart beats 70 times in
a minute and pumps the whole 5 liters of blood in the body. The number of beats
varies according to the body requirements. During exercise heart beats faster
to provide more oxygen to the body. Heart gets its own oxygen supply through
small arteries during relaxing phase. The imbalance between oxygen demand and
supply leads to Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD). When the cause of imbalance is
transient or reversible, it is known as Angina. It is felt as squeezing,
pressure, heaviness, tightness, indigestion or pain in the chest that may
radiate to neck and arms. It is usually felt on mild exertion, walking
upstairs, uphill, against strong cold wind, walk or exercise with full stomach
and during laborious work. It does not last long and immediately relieved by
dis-continuing the activity and taking rest. Smoking, high blood pressure,
diabetes, obesity, inactivity, un-healthy diet, high cholesterol levels, sedentary
life style, family history and aging are the main reasons of having Angina.
High Density Lipoproteins(HDL) ,also known as good cholesterol provides natural
protection and its lower levels in Asians is the important cause of increased
risk and prevalence of IHD. The following simple measures help to prevent
the Angina;
Care of Angina
1. Every effort should be made to
quit smoking.
2. More fruits and vegetables
should be added to diet instead of fatty and sweet foods.
3. Healthy weight should be maintained
by regular exercise as extra weight puts burden on the heart.
4. Activities like Walking,
swimming, cycling etc. should be added in daily routine.
5. Never walk or exercise with
full stomach.
6. Avoid exposure to sudden
changes and extremes of temperature.
7. Cholesterol lowering diet such
as neutral fibers, walnuts and almonds help to reduce the bad cholesterol and
increase the good cholesterol which is good for healthy heart.
8. If
the symptoms persist immediately inform your doctor.
0 comments:
Post a Comment