By:- Dr. G Dimpu Edwin Jonathan, Consultant - Interventional Cardiologist, Aster RV Hospital
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The statistics from Southeast Asia and India reveal a very alarming situation. According to the WHO, eight individuals in this region die from heart disease every minute. Nearly half of these deaths occur before the age of 70, highlighting how cardiovascular disease is cutting lives tragically short. In both urban and rural parts of India, younger and working-age populations are increasingly impacted by what was once thought to be a disorder that disproportionately plagued the elderly. About one-third of all deaths in India are caused by heart diseases, with a higher death rate than the global average (around 282 vs. 233 per 100,000 people).
While very few suffer from congenital heart diseases, most patients get this disease owing to a bad lifestyle and irregular food habits. Unregulated food consumption that is not healthy for your heart can lead to high levels of cholesterol and sugar, ultimately leading to a heart attack.
Consuming foods with heavy sugar and saturated fats is not only difficult to digest but also increases cholesterol levels and toxins in the body. Therefore, if you are seeking a healthy lifestyle, it is best to stay away from foods that may cause potential damage to your heart.
Here are a few examples of foods you must avoid to keep your heart healthy:
Refined carbohydrates – White Rice, Bread and Pizza
Foods like white bread, white rice and pizza are rich in carbohydrates that have a high GI (glycemic index). This can cause a spike in the blood sugar levels. Consuming a lot of high-GI foods may increase the overall risk of heart disease.
Excess Salt
High blood pressure is a major contributor to heart disease. Consuming too much salt may increase your blood pressure, which raises the risk of developing heart disease.
Soft Drinks and Sugar-sweetened Juices
Soft drinks can damage your heart as these drinks are packed with huge amounts of sugar. High consumption of sugar leads to obesity, high levels of blood sugar and cardiovascular diseases. Studies show that 200 ml of soft drink each day is enough to increase the risk of heart failure by 23%. High-sugar drinks result in heart failure because they cause weight gain and diabetes.
Processed meat
Processed meat has a preservative called nitrates, which can interfere with the natural ability of your body to produce sugar. This can raise the risk of high blood pressure and obesity, which in turn may lead to a heart attack.
Deep Fried Food
Fried foods contain trans fats, carbohydrates and high levels of sodium that are directly associated with clogging of the arteries. Excessive consumption of fried food may lead to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and obesity. All of which increases the chances of heart failure.
Alcohol
Excessive consumption of alcohol can cause high blood pressure that raises the risk of heart disease. Alcohol can also cause an irregular heart rhythm called ventricular tachycardia that can sometimes be fatal.
Along with keeping a track of the food that is consumed, it is vital to have a check on your heart. Monitoring heart health can help you maintain a diet and keep your heart strong. Your heart beats 1,00,000 times a day for you. What you choose to eat is how you beat for it in return.