Day in and day out we are trapped in our routine unhealthy lifestyle. Lack of physical activity, poor eating habits, excessive body weight, smoking, alcohol consumption and stress puts us at higher risk for heart diseases which are a major threat to our overall wellbeing. Understanding this alarming situation and taking corrective actions within time is the key to keep your health in good condition.

The risk factors that predispose us towards heart diseases are:

1. Unhealthy diet-

Regular consumption of saturated fat in the form of fried and fatty foods, cold drinks, burgers and pizzas, red meat, etc. increases the blood cholesterol. Likewise, foods with high sodium can raise blood pressure which can put you at a higher risk for heart-related conditions.

2. Smoking-

Cigarette smoking is injurious to your heart health. It damages cardiovascular system as the nicotine causes tightening of blood vessels thus reducing the blood flow. It also raises blood pressure, weakens blood vessel walls and increases blood clots. Smoking not only puts your health at risk but is also harmful to the people surrounding you.

3. Obesity-

Excessive body weight (obesity) is one of the major risk factor for heart diseases. Obesity develops over time when you consume more calories and burn few. These unused calories then add up and make you overweight thereby putting you at increased risk for heart diseases.

4. Sedentary Lifestyle-

Our modern lifestyle is mostly confined towards sitting positions that cause more harm to our health. It puts our health at higher risk for metabolic and heart-related disease.

5. Stress-

Stress is a growing concern in modern society. Studies suggest that stress influences blood clotting which in turn increases the risk of a heart attack.

Hence it is correctly said, “Re-set your habits to reinstate your heart health”