World Heart Day is observed on September 29 every year to raise awareness about heart disease and preventive measures.
Addressing a press meet, doctors of Meenakshi Mission Hospital stressed that everyone, including healthy, younger and individuals, should get regular health checkups to know their health risks related to factors such as blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
Dr N Ganesan, senior consultant and head, department of cardiology, said stress and various mental health challenges, coupled with a deficiency in social wellbeing, characterised by loneliness and unhappy relationships, are taking a heavy toll on the health of the heart in the modern times.
“In the past, the primary emphasis was on ensuring sufficient physical activity, quitting smoking and managing cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels. However, what is equally important now is to explore methods for living a stress-free life, get sufficient sleep, and minimise exposure to air and noise pollution,” he added.
Dr M Sampathkumar and Dr P Jeyapandian, senior consultants, department of cardiology, cautioned against engaging in vigorous physical activities, whether it’s gym workouts or participating in marathons, without knowing personal health risks.
“Use of anabolic steroids, which are primarily employed to stimulate muscle growth, and excessive consumption of high-protein diets too can prove to be counterproductive,” they said.
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