Heart health: 5 factors that worsen cardiovascular health in visibly healthy, young people

In its report titled, "Heart Disease: It Can Happen at Any Age", the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) says that obesity in people aged 35 and 64 years of age puts them at a higher risk of developing heart disease. Weight is a silent heart risk and contributes to heart diseases massively. Obesity mostly refers to high waist circumference and abdominal obesity.

Diabetes epidemic is spreading fast, a new study from ICMR-INDIAB has found. The study's findings show that 100 million Indians are currently diabetic and more than 135 million are prediabetic. This figure will be even more alarming when the global status of the metabolic disease is considered. High blood sugar damages blood vessels and affects the normal functioning of the nerve muscles that help heart function properly.

Work from home practice and heavy working hours are making physical activity less important these days. People are more concerned about meeting targets and ignore the physical care they need. The World Health Organisation (WHO) had released the guidelines of physical activity recently. Several studies and health experts warn people of less physical activity and recommend doing at least 150 minutes of intense activity per week.

Workouts are definitely the key to a healthy body and gyms open the path to that. But unhealthy gym habits like not warming up before a workout session and not cooling down after exercises can be life threatening. There are several incidents, which are fatal in nature, that have occurred in the past where the individual's gym habits were seen as a main reason for heart attack. Always have a discussion with your trainer and warm up for 30 minutes before workout.

​Unusual ways magnesium deficiency affects you and why it's important to know about this mineral deficiency​

Elevated blood pressure level is always a bigger threat to the heart. Just like heart diseases, cases of blood pressure are also increasing among young people and unfortunately many of them are unaware of it as the young body has a great strength to endure the initial signs. However, leaving high blood pressure untreated can pose a threat to the heart no matter how young the person is. It is important to get the blood pressure tested.

​​These are the most difficult yoga poses; challenge yourself by doing them​​

In view of the risk factors that worsen the human heart’s health, the only way to save the heart is by making changes to these factors. Consuming less salt, having a good sleep routine, eating seasonal vegetables and fruits, and cutting down on alcohol and tobacco consumption can keep your heart healthy. Engaging in intense physical activity for at least 150 minutes a week can also keep it healthy and safe.