Quick guide on identifying and warding off cardiac crises:
Heeding Your Heart's whispers: Catch 'em before they cry for help
In the often chaotic whirlwind of daily life, we tend to overlook the subtle voice of our heart. It speaks to us continually through signals we can learn to recognize. Join us as we delve into the world of cardiology with Dr. Serenella Castelvecchio, a seasoned Cardiologist and the Head of the Gender Medicine Program at IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, and Dr. Mauro Luca Agnifili, a distinguished Senior Interventional Cardiologist, both offering a fact-driven and enlightening perspective.
At the heart of the discussion was understanding the true essence of prevention, the habits that work for our heart, and those that put it in peril.
The Fundamental Rules
Kicking off, they shared the eight rules for a healthy living, identified by the American Heart Association:
- Opt for a nutritious diet2.Partake in regular physical activity3.Monitor and manage blood sugar levels (if necessary, insulin too)
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight5.Keep a close eye on cholesterol levels6.Keep a pulse on blood pressure7.Bid adieu to smoking
- Define and prioritize sleep
For Your Benefit
"First and foremost, metabolic prevention, which essentially translates to a healthy diet, is the foundation for effective cardiovascular prevention," Dr. Castelvecchio stressed. "Secondly, regular aerobic physical activity is paramount," Dr. Agnifili added.
The red flag raised by these experts is the escalating occurrence of acute events (heart attacks and/or strokes) at increasingly younger ages, even among individuals aged 35-50. The culprits? "Excessive stress, imbalanced lifestyles, and poor dietary habits."
- Dr. Serenella Castelvecchio, a Cardiologist, emphasized that a healthy diet, as recommended by the American Heart Association, is the foundation for effective cardiovascular prevention.
- Dr. Mauro Luca Agnifili, another Cardiologist, highlighted the importance of regular aerobic physical activity in maintaining heart health.
- The experts noted with concern the increasing number of acute heart events occurring at younger ages, often due to excessive stress, imbalanced lifestyles, and poor dietary habits.
- Sleep management, considered vital for overall health and wellness, plays a significant role in maintaining cardiovascular health.
