10 commandments for a younger heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of deaths. Overeating, lack of physical exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption are some of the risk factors for diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels that are precursors for cardiovascular diseases. Here are 10 commandments to keep your heart younger:

1. Exercise regularly. Exercising for at least 30-45 minutes per day will help you keep your heart healthy.
2. Keep your salt intake in check. Excess salt can cause elevated blood pressure, increasing the risk for heart disease. Make sure you don’t consume more than 5 gm of salt a day.
3. Quit smoking. If you want to steer clear of heart attacks and cancer, just stop smoking! Period.
4. Excess alcohol consumption can elevate your blood pressure and affect your good cholesterol levels. So, moderation is the key to good health.
5. Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can lead to diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, and other related complications.
6. Consume fresh fruits and vegetables that contain fibre and are packed with vitamins and minerals.
7. Avoid junk food. Junk food is loaded with bad fat and excess salt and calories which can affect your cholesterol levels and block your arteries.
8. Sleep well. A good night’s sleep is the best weapon to fight most health problems because when we are asleep our body goes into a repair mechanism.
9. Eat a balanced diet. Make sure you eat a diet balanced in carbohydrates, fats and proteins and micronutrients like vitamins and minerals.
10. Avoid stress. Take up meditation and yoga for a stress-free life.

(The author is a senior interventional cardiologist, who consults on mfine.)