Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is a condition that occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked. This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. IHD is the leading cause of death in the world, and it is important to know how to prevent it.
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing IHD, including:
If you have any risk factors for IHD, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.
According to a study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), in 2019, ischaemic heart disease alone took roughly 1.5 million lives in India. But how to prevent ischaemic heart disease? This is one of the most common questions asked.
Preventing ischaemic heart disease (IHD) requires a multifaceted approach that comprises a healthy lifestyle and eliminating risk factors. In this blog, we will explore ischaemic heart disease prevention strategies to reduce your chances of experiencing this issue.
Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD), commonly known as coronary artery disease, is a disorder in which the blood flow reduces due to weakened heart muscles. This is related to coronary artery blockage or obstruction. A decrease in blood flow can cause chest pain (angina) or, in severe cases, a heart attack.
The deposition of plaque (atherosclerosis) in the arteries is the primary cause of IHD. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity are the primary risk factors. Understanding IHD is the first step to knowing how to prevent ischaemic heart disease and managing it.
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Preventing Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD) is necessary to reduce risk factors associated with the condition. Key strategies for ischaemic heart disease prevention are as follows:
Dietary Guidelines:
Adopt a diet high in fruits (apples, oranges, blueberries) and vegetables (tomatoes, cabbage, okra), whole grains, and lean proteins.
Reduce your consumption of saturated fats. They are found in red meat, full-fat dairy products, and processed foods. Replace them with healthy fat sources like avocados, almonds, and olive oil.
Minimise your salt intake to keep your blood pressure under control. Avoid highly processed and quick foods like packaged snacks and sugary drinks, frequently heavy in salt.
Regular Physical Activity:
Engage in moderate or vigorous aerobic activities. Exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling are also advantageous.
Strength training exercises should be included to increase muscle and improve overall heart health.
To lower the risk of heart disease, maintain a healthy weight. A nutritious diet and frequent physical activity can help significantly.
Smoking is a key cause of heart disease because it destroys blood vessels and increases the likelihood of blood clots. Thus, it is highly recommended to quit tobacco smoking.
To minimize the risks associated with alcohol, adults who are of legal drinking age have two options.
They can either abstain from alcohol entirely or, on days when they do drink, limit their intake to no more than two drinks (60 ml) per day for men and one drink (30 ml) per day for women.
Engage in stress management strategies such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or mindfulness.
Regular exercise and effective communication with friends and family can help reduce stress.
Scheduled check-ups with your healthcare professional are recommended to assess your heart health. They can keep track of risk variables like blood pressure and cholesterol levels and offer suitable preventive or therapeutic measures.
Take medicines as your doctor suggests for illnesses like high blood pressure or cholesterol. These medications can aid in the management of risk factors for heart disease.
Preventing ischaemic heart disease (IHD) typically involves a comprehensive approach, categorised into three levels:
In conclusion, Ischaemic heart disease prevention is accomplished through a well-balanced diet, frequent exercise, weight management, and more. By addressing these variables, you can lower your risk of IHD and live a healthier, longer life.
Remember that little, long-term changes can lead to significant gains in heart health over time. For more information on how to prevent ischaemic heart disease, you can contact HexaHealth. The consultants at HexaHealth can guide you in the prevention and management of IHD or any other medical issue. Get in touch!
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Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD) is largely preventable through a combination of healthy lifestyle choices and risk factor management. However, complete prevention may not always be possible due to genetic factors or pre-existing conditions.
The effective ways to prevent ischaemic heart disease are:
Healthy diet
Regular exercise
Quit smoking
Limit alcohol intake
Manage stress
Maintain a healthy weight
Regular medical check-ups
Here are the ways to lower their risk of developing ischaemic heart disease:
Maintain a healthy weight
Adopt a balanced diet
Engage in regular physical activity
Don't smoke
Limit alcohol consumption
Manage stress
Control blood pressure
Steps to minimise the chances of ischaemic heart disease are:
Maintain a balanced diet
Engage in regular physical activity
Control blood pressure
Manage cholesterol levels
Maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking
The three levels of prevention for heart disease are:
Primary Prevention: Aimed at reducing risk factors to prevent the development of heart disease.
Secondary Prevention: Focused on early detection and management of heart disease in at-risk individuals.
Tertiary Prevention: Aimed at improving the quality of life and reducing complications in individuals with heart diseases.
Primary prevention of ischaemia involves reducing the risk of developing ischaemic heart disease. This is done through lifestyle changes, such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and not smoking.
Secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease involves strategies to detect and manage IHD in individuals who are at risk.
People who have already been diagnosed with the condition are also targeted. This includes medical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and cardiac rehabilitation to prevent the progression of IHD.
Here are specific habits and behaviours to adopt for preventing Ischaemic Heart Disease:
Healthy diet
Regular exercise
Smoking cessation
Limit alcohol intake
Stress management
Cholesterol management
Weight control
Regular check-ups
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, helps prevent ischaemic heart disease. These steps reduce risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. They also support overall heart health and ensure better blood flow.
Diet plays a significant role in preventing ischaemic heart disease. A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps reduce the risk of IHD. They lower cholesterol levels, control blood pressure, and promote cardiovascular health.
Medical interventions, such as using medications like antiplatelet drugs, can aid in the prevention of ischaemic heart disease. They control risk factors like high cholesterol and reduce the risk of blood clots.
However, lifestyle modifications are often the first line of prevention. Medications are typically prescribed when these measures are insufficient.
The 10 ways to keep your heart healthy are:
Maintain a balanced diet
Engage in regular physical activity
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Manage stress effectively
Control blood pressure
Keep cholesterol levels in check
Maintain a healthy weight
Get regular check-ups
Take prescribed medications as directed
Prioritise sleep and rest
All the articles on HexaHealth are supported by verified medically-recognized sources such as; peer-reviewed academic research papers, research institutions, and medical journals. Our medical reviewers also check references of the articles to prioritize accuracy and relevance. Refer to our detailed editorial policy for more information.
Last Updated on: 15 December 2023
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