Common Habits Bringing You Closer to Cardiac Arrest
Following the pandemic and in the wake of some truly trying times, it is quite natural that our lifestyle and habits took a turn for the worse. And for some, the most basic overall health practices are no longer an area of focus. This means less taking part in physical movement and practicing poor eating habits. But among all this chaos the most overlooked part of our health is that of our heart.
According to the WHO, an estimated 17 million people died from cardiovascular diseases in 2019, 85% of which were due to cardiac arrest and stroke. Believe it or not, most of the deaths related to cardiac arrest can be prevented by addressing behavioral risk factors. In this blog, we’ll discuss heart health and the habits that bring you closer to cardiac arrest and the like. Continue reading to learn more.
What is Cardiac Arrest?
According to Mayo Clinic, cardiac arrest is defined as the abrupt loss of heart function in a person who may or may not have a prior heart condition. While a heart attack is the stoppage of blood flow in the arteries of the heart resulting in the death of heart muscle tissue, cardiac arrest is due to the malfunction of the heart-pumping mechanism, resulting in arrested heartbeats and eventual death. Common signs include loss of consciousness along with irregular or absent breathing. Before entering cardiac arrest, individuals may also experience chest pain or nausea.
Here are The Habits Bringing You Closer to Cardiac Arrest
While heart disease and cardiac arrest can be a result of genetics, there are several behavioral risk factors as well.
1. YOU ARE AN ACTIVE SMOKER
If you want to reduce your risk of cardiac arrest to a large extent, it is essential to avoid smoke in any way, shape, or form. Smoking tobacco damages the heart and blood vessels and can raise your blood pressure, leading to the malfunction of the heart muscle. That said, it is tough to quit smoking or change your lifestyle to avoid second-hand smoke, so do not be afraid to ask for support and try a variety of approaches until you find the right fit.
2. YOU INDULGE IN HEAVY ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
The risk of heart attack increases in those that consume large amounts of alcohol because it increases blood pressure. That said, you do not have to quit alcohol completely to keep your heart healthy. It is smart, however, to cut back to the recommended maximum of two drinks a day for men and one drink per day for women.
3. YOU DO NOT HAVE A GOOD DIET
You might not like to spend much time looking at your plate. But overlooking your nutritional needs and food consumption habits can significant consequences. Ultimately, food doesn’t need to be boring to provide you with the nutrition you require. A balanced diet comprised of delicious foods like olive oil, fish, lean protein, nuts, fruit, and whole grains can satisfy those taste buds and also keep your bad cholesterol in check for a healthy heart. These readily-available types of food also help in keeping your heart healthy thanks to their good fats, fiber, and nutrients.
4. YOU DO NOT EXERCISE ENOUGH
Physical activity is one of the best things you can do to help you lose weight, tone out those muscles, and most importantly, prevent you from having chronic heart conditions. If you spend all your time sitting around, chances are good that you’ve already damaged your health in some way. Luckily, you do not need fancy equipment and fitness instructors to start your health journey. Start by taking long walks, stretching, or doing some jumping jacks. Ultimately, any exercise is better than no exercise.
5. YOU SKIP THE ANNUAL HEALTH CHECK-UPS
Healthcare specialists always suggest undergoing a complete medical checkup every year. Skipping health checkups might keep you in the dark about your health stats, including those regarding cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar, which can eventually lead to cardiac arrest.
Consistency is The Name of The Game
With all that being said, Rome was not built in a day. In other words, lifestyle changes are not something that can be made and maintained suddenly. In the end, practice makes perfect, and you should remain mindful of your practices, adding changes slowly but regularly. Whether your goal is to quit drinking or start a healthy diet, try to implement a single habit at a time. Trying everything at once will lead to confusion and demotivation.
Moreover, becoming more curious about right and wrong health practices will make you accountable for your unhealthy habits. Try to keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to live a happy and healthy life. This is only made possible by getting rid of bad habits and being responsible about our daily choices. For information on health testing, check out what 24-7Labs can do for you.
