Did you know these habits are harming your heart health?

Heart disease is one of the most concerning health issues plaguing the modern world According to World Health Organization WHO cardiovascular diseases CVDs are the leading cause of death globally taking an estimated 179 million lives each yearWorld Heart Day is observed on September 29 every year to raise awareness about heart health highlighting risk factors and holistic solutionsWhile tobacco and alcohol use junk food and lack of exercise are commonly recognised risk factors of this health concern other overlooked lifestyle habits like sitting for prolonged periods and inadequate hydration are also secretly damaging your heart Dr Talha Meeran Consultant Advanced Cardiac Sciences and Heart Transplant Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital Mumbai highlights ldquoIn our fastpaced lives its easy to overlook the subtle habits that can silently undermine our heart healthrdquoProcessed foodsOne of these habits is the excessive consumption of processed foods without realising the hidden sugars and other additives they containldquoMany people believe theyrsquore eating healthy simply by avoiding junk food However processed foods often hide high levels of sugars and unhealthy transfats that contribute to inflammation and high cholesterolrdquo explains Dr MeeranHe adds ldquoLabel reading is essential yet many of us skip this crucial step unknowingly consuming meals laden with harmful additivesrdquoDr Vivek Mahajan Consultant Interventional Cardiology Fortis Hospital Kalyan backs this explaining ldquoPackaged foods consisting of excessive sugar fat and sodium cause heart damage or severe heart conditions due to the fact that these ingredients gradually increase blood pressure and cholesterol levelsrdquoHydration misstepsAlong with right eating habits proper hydration is also essential for maintaining heart health Dr Meeran informs ldquoDehydration is a common but overlooked issue when it comes to heart health Water is essential for maintaining cardiovascular function Proper hydration supports circulation and helps regulate blood pressurerdquoProlonged sittingIn todayrsquos work and sedentary entertainmentdriven world characterised by spending significant time in front of screens sitting for a prolonged period of time has become a serious health issue Not only does it put people at risk of obesity but also harms heart healthDr Mahajan reveals ldquoLong periods of sitting have been linked with increased risk of heart disease Increased screen time and a sedentary lifestyle that result in weight gain further increase these risksrdquoHow to prevent this Dr Meeran suggests ldquoSmall changes like standing during phone calls or taking brief walking breaks can make a significant differencerdquoNeglecting mental healthThe discourse around mental health concerns has steadily been rising however it is still an overlooked aspect of health Neglecting emotional and mental wellbeing can have an impact on physical health as wellldquoStress anxiety continuous multitasking and sleep deprivation overload the heart which leads to rise in blood pressure and brings a person closer to the risk of heart disease The problem can become worse as most people seek comfort foods or take alcohol as a remedy for their stressrdquo elaborates Dr MahajanStressing on the importance of adequate physical and emotional rest Dr Meeran says ldquoIn our culture of productivity sleep is often sacrificed Poor sleep patterns can elevate blood pressure and contribute to obesity Prioritising adequate rest is not just a personal luxury but a vital component of heart healthrdquoAlso ReadIs your sleep being sabotaged Herersquos why a digital detox is crucialldquoIntegrating stress management techniques such as yoga and regular social interaction is also crucial for holistic heart healthrdquo he concludes