Five Keys to Heart Health According to Dr. Himachal Veligandla

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 610,000 people die of heart attacks in the United States annually. In other words, 25 percent of all deaths are caused by this condition. Obviously, such figures are more than worrisome. Unfortunately, a lot of people are unaware of the hidden danger as they engage in lifestyles that expose them to it. After all, a heart attack is caused by the blockage of coronary arteries. That blockage shows up as a byproduct of excessive cholesterol or fat. So, what are some ways that people can minimize the chances of being the next victim of a heart attack?

Weight Management

Here in Indianapolis, the adult obesity rate is a little over 33 percent. That puts the state of Indiana as the 12th highest in the nation when it comes to overall obesity rates of its residents. Unfortunately, there is a direct correlation between one's body weight and the likelihood of them undergoing a heart attack. According to a cardiovascular specialist with more than 35 years of experience, Dr. Himachal Veligandla, the heavier someone is, the more likely they are to have a blockage in coronary arteries.

The reason why is quite simple and boils down to the fact that excessive body weight tends to come with an unnecessary amount of fat and cholesterol. Over time, these tend to settle in arteries all over the body. As a consequence, they increase the risk of blockage that may lead to a stroke or a heart attack. Therefore, the most important way to minimize the risk of the condition is to manage one's weight. In other words, working out and being active would be a great first step.

Maintaining a Proper Diet

Even though a lack of physical activity leads to an accumulation of fat that is not getting burned, one must first consume that fat for it to be an issue. So, the food that somebody eats will be just as impactful on their odds of having a heart attack as their activity levels. People who tend to consume high-fat meals and pay no attention to the overall nutrient values are likely to exceed the necessary caloric intake. Once that happens, all of the excessive nutrients that they carry will settle around their body.

Well, to avoid storing fat, one should create a detailed plan for dieting. This should include a plethora of high-protein, low-fat meals. Additionally, since fat is necessary for the body to operate properly, people should make healthy sources like fish oil their main provider of this nutrient.

Limit Alcohol and Cigarettes

If food alone can increase one's chances of having a heart attack, things like smoking and drinking are going to be even more dangerous. When it comes to drinking, alcohol tends to lead to higher blood pressure. Also, it is no secret that nearly all drinks come with an abundance of empty calories that people fail to take into account.

Thus, the potential weight gain and an increase in one's blood pressure could lead to a blockage in their arteries. Similarly, smoking has a tendency to raise one's blood pressure to hazardous levels. Not to mention that those who live here in Indianapolis have the 11th highest risk of lung cancer in the nation. Therefore, staying as far away as possible from both of these activities is advised.

Stress

Although they may not be physical, Dr. Himachal Veligandla reminds that things like stress can increase the chances of a heart attack. The most problematic factor related to stress is the fact that it is often the "trigger" for an onset of a heart attack. Meaning, it can raise someone's blood pressure so much that their arteries become blocked. Sadly, however, it is not possible to completely eliminate stress from someone's life. Nevertheless, maintaining a more positive attitude and being calm during difficult times will certainly help.

Sleeping

The fact that most adults need anywhere from six to eight hours of sleep is not just an interesting factoid on a Snapple cap. Instead, those numbers are based on scientific research that investigated how long one's body needs to be at rest for optimal performance. Well, people that fail to get enough sleep will increase their blood pressure as well as the odds of becoming obese. Since both of these are related to heart attacks, it is safe to say that getting enough sleep should be another important priority for every adult.