Heart Health

Hormone production, fat metabolism, and vitamin D synthesis all rely on waxy, fat like cholesterol. Cholesterol is not the same. The lipoproteins HDL and LDL transport it throughout your bloodstream. There is  good cholesterol  and  bad cholesterol,  which are interchangeable terms. HDL eliminates excess cholesterol, whereas LDL might lead to cardiovascular problems. Keeping your heart and body in good shape demands knowledge about the HDL LDL balance. Understanding Cholesterol Lipoproteins are essential for bodily function. Not only does it help with digestion, but it also makes cells, estrogen, and testosterone. Cholesterol is produced by the liver in sufficient quantities for these functions; nevertheless, it is present in meat, eggs, and cheese. Due to its insoluble nature in blood, cholesterol is transported by use of lipoproteins that it forms with proteins. This balance could be disturbed if cholesterol levels are too high or too low. Low HDL levels may restrict cholesterol clearance, whereas high LDL levels may encourage arterial plaque. (1,2) What Is Good Cholesterol (HDL)? Good cholesterol  refers to high density lipoprotein. It removes accumulated cholesterol from the bloodstream and carries it to the liver, where it is processed and eliminated. Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke with higher HDL levels. Removal of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream is one of the protective benefits of HDL. (1,3) Protective Benefits of HDL Ideal Levels of HDL   In terms of protection against cardiovascular illnesses, higher HDL levels are preferable. (3) What Is Bad Cholesterol (LDL)? The reason LDL is referred to as  bad cholesterol  is because it transports cholesterol to the arterial walls. Although LDL is essential for cell repair, an excess of it might be harmful. Cholesterol deposits on artery walls by LDL cause the formation of plaque, which in turn reduces blood flow by narrowing the arteries. (2) Risks Associated with High LDL Key Differences Between HDL and LDL Feature HDL (Good Cholesterol) LDL (Bad Cholesterol) Function Removes excess cholesterol Carries cholesterol to arteries Impact on Health Protective Harmful when excessive Ideal Levels (mg/dL) >40 (men), >50 (women) <100 (<70 if high risk) Factors Influencing Cholesterol Levels Many lifestyle and genetic variables impact cholesterol.  Causes of High LDL and Low HDL Maintaining Optimal Cholesterol Levels Good and bad cholesterol levels may be balanced by smart lifestyle choices. Lowering LDL Medications:  To learn more about statins and other medications that decrease cholesterol, see your physician. (3) How to Increase HDL  Importance of Regular Cholesterol Monitoring Routine check ups are vital for detecting cholesterol imbalances early. A simple blood test measures the following: Monitoring your cholesterol helps you and your doctor take preventive steps before complications arise. (2,3) Conclusion Heart health depends on knowing good and bad cholesterol. HDL protects your heart, while excessive LDL may cause heart attacks and strokes. You can control your cholesterol and protect your health by eating better, checking your levels, and getting medical guidance. FAQs

A silent heart attack is a type of heart attack that does not have the classic symptoms associated with cardiac events, such as shortness of breath or intense pain in the chest and right hand. Instead, some individuals experience symptoms totally unrelated to the heart but may often get mistaken for other health issues.  The asymptomatic nature of a silent heart attack is not to be confused with its impact because its effects are as damaging as any other heart attack. So, if a silent heart attack goes unnoticed, it can cause serious health implications, making its early detection excessively crucial.   What is a Silent Heart Attack?  A silent heart attack or silent myocardial infarction (SMI) is a heart attack that lacks the typical and sometimes gruesome heart attack symptoms – chest pain, sweating, or shortness of breath. In contrast to conventional heart attacks – which are often accompanied by noticeable symptoms that warrant immediate medical intervention – silent heart attacks can be so quiet that a person doesn’t even know they’ve suffered a serious heart attack. The absence of symptoms in silent heart attacks has many causes. Most of the time, patients experience only undefined feelings – some slight aches, fatigue, or constipation that might be mistaken for stress, anxiety, or other minor conditions. Furthermore, in some populations (older people or people with diabetes, for example), pain perception might be altered, and they aren’t as likely to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack. Due to the absence of classic symptoms, the diagnosis and treatment may be pushed back until there is irreversible harm to the heart muscle.  Causes and Risk Factors  Silent heart attacks are a result of various hidden causes of poor cardiovascular health. Knowledge of these causes and associated risk factors will empower patients to take preventative steps.  Underlying Causes  Common Risk Factors  Age and Gender  Lifestyle Factors  Pre-existing Conditions  Signs and Symptoms  Heart attacks with little or no symptoms are highly deceptive. In contrast to typical heart attacks, which can show a few familiar symptoms, the symptoms of a silent heart attack can be subtle and easy to miss or misunderstand.  Subtle Symptoms to Watch For Why are These Symptoms too Commonly Ignored? Diagnosis and Tests  A silent heart attack can be tricky to diagnose as there are no obvious signs. Therefore, regular health checkups and awareness of personal risk factors are essential for early detection. Practitioners might make use of a number of diagnostic tools to recognize silent heart attacks and monitor cardiovascular function.  Importance of Regular Health Checkups  Diagnostic Tools  ECG (Electrocardiogram) Blood Tests Imaging Techniques  Complications of Silent Heart Attacks  People who don’t pay immediate attention to their heart health after suffering a silent heart attack run the risk of long-term damage to the heart. Silent heart attacks increase the risk of subsequent heart attacks and other potential health issues.  Management and Treatment  Medications, lifestyle modifications, and, in rare instances, specialized rehabilitation programs are used to treat a silent heart attack. They are designed to control risk factors, help patients heal, and lower the risk of subsequent cardiac events. Medications  Lifestyle changes  Surgery  In some cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to address the problems that caused the silent heart attack. Your doctor may perform an angioplasty to unclog a blood vessel. Following this, the doctor might place a stent to keep the artery open and prevent re-narrowing.  Other severe options include:  Prevention Strategies  There are some strategies that can help prevent a silent heart attack: Summing up  Embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle plays a large role in reducing the probability of getting silent heart attacks. You must be armed with the right knowledge and strategies to reduce the impact of a silent heart attack and lead on with your normal life.

Your body might be signalling early signs of a potential heart attack. But are you listening?  Subtle signs can often mask a looming heart attack. Don’t be fooled by their nature. Some heart attacks strike without warning and can be intense, whereas others may begin slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Therefore, paying attention to the early signs of heart attack can lead to prompt medical attention and potentially prevent this life-threatening condition. According to research, there has been an increase in heart disease-related insurance claims from 9-12% in 2019-2020 to 18-20% in 2023-2024, indicating the prevalence of cardiac issues in India.  In this write-up, we will delve into the common heart attack symptoms in men and women, shedding light on the differences and similarities between the two. Keep reading to stay in the best health! What Is A Heart Attack? Heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, is a condition in which blood flow to the heart is significantly reduced or blocked. This blockage is caused by the buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the heart (coronary) arteries. This usually happens because of plaques (cholesterol-containing deposits). These plaques narrow the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. Some heart attacks occur because of the complete blockage of the heart, while others result from partial blockage. However, this is not the only reason. Other causes of heart attack include coronary artery spasms, certain infections, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack These are some of the silent heart attack symptoms that you should know about: 1. Chest Pain Chest pain is discomfort or an ache that occurs in front of the body, from the neck to the upper stomach. 2. Shortness of Breath  The second prevalent heart attack symptom is shortness of breath – which happens when the heart can’t pump blood as well as it should, and the blood reverses in the veins that transport the lungs to the heart. You will witness shortness of breath: 3. Coughing or Wheezing  If your coughing and wheezing persist over a long period of time, it’s one of the pre-heart attack symptoms that causes fluid to build up in your lungs. During this time, you may also cough up pink and bloody mucus. 4. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet Another sign of heart attack is swelling (oedema) in your lower legs. When the heart doesn’t function well, it leads to slow blood flow that backs up in the veins of your blood. This causes the buildup of fluid in the tissue. Additionally, you will notice some swelling in the stomach and weight gain. 5. Poor Blood Supply to Extremities Clogged arteries also contribute to a higher risk of heart attack in both men and women. Even though clogged arteries aren’t heart disease, plaque buildup in your arteries can narrow the blood vessels and reduce blood flow to other parts of the body. Insufficient blood flow to the leg can lead to: 6. Fatigue  Tiredness is another heart attack symptom that you should watch out for! Sometimes, tiredness can indicate that you just need some rest. But fatigue can be a sign of a serious problem when: 7. Fast or Uneven Heartbeat (Palpitations) When your heart works hard to pump blood efficiently to keep up its function, it starts beating faster. You may also feel a noticeable heart throbbing or racing. A fast or irregular heartbeat could indicate an arrhythmia or a heart rhythm problem. How Heart Attack Symptoms in Women Are Different From Men? Chest discomfort, whether pain or pressure, is a common symptom of heart attack, affecting both men and women. However, women experience more silent heart attack symptoms like fatigue, nausea/ vomiting, shortness of breath, and back or jaw pain. Conclusion Understanding early heart attack symptoms is essential to taking prompt action. You should consider that females experience the symptoms a little more differently than men. Treatment and recovery are very much possible, but when you  these signs and act on them immediately, they can be managed efficiently. If you’re wondering how to prevent heart attacks, consider eating a heart-healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.

You’ve just eaten a big meal and feel a burning sensation in the centre of your chest. Is it a heartburn? Or could it be more serious, like a heart attack?’ Both heartburn and heart attack symptoms can cause intense feelings in the chest. However, there are significant differences between them. One of the most significant differences is that – a heart attack feels like pressure, tightness or squeezing rather than pain. The feeling may radiate up towards the left shoulder, arm and neck. Meanwhile, heartburn feels like a burning sensation and travels to the throat. With that said, heart attack symptoms in women can be a bit different than heart attack symptoms in men. Chest pain or discomfort is a common symptom for both genders. However, women may experience silent heart attack symptoms that don’t immediately show up as signs of heart attack. In this write-up, we will understand the differences between heart attack and heartburn – including their symptoms and treatment options. To know more, keep reading: What is A Heart Attack? A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, happens when the blood flow to the heart is blocked, and the heart muscles suffocate because of the lack of oxygen. This lack of oxygenated blood damages the heart, especially if a long time passes before you receive any medical help.  Heart Attack Symptoms  Here are some of the common symptoms of heart attack. Anytime you experience these symptoms, don’t ignore or delay them; seek immediate medical emergency help.  Heart attack symptoms in men​ are different from those in women, with 40% of women reporting that they have experienced similar symptoms to heartburn just before a heart attack. Sometimes, women experience nausea and vomiting along with heart attack symptoms. This is more prone to women above 50 suffering from diabetes or obesity.  What is Heartburn or Indigestion? Heartburn or indigestion is a burning sensation or discomfort in the stomach caused by difficulty digesting food or feeling overly full. It is caused by acid reflux, which causes pain in the oesophagus, which is just behind the breastbone. Because of its location, this pain is often mistaken for a heart attack. Heartburn or Indigestion Symptoms Some symptoms of heartburn include: Black coffee, black tea, alcohol, and fatty foods trigger heartburn. Onions, garlic, dark chocolate, and mint also worsen acid reflux.  Differences Between Heartburns and Heart Attacks Many times, the symptoms of heartburn are mistaken for heart attack. Also, it is difficult to judge based on symptoms alone.  They are not related in any way, and the only common factor between them is that – they cause discomfort in your chest. These are some of the key distinctions between them: Key Takeaways  Heartburn and heart attack symptoms can sometimes feel the same—both cause chest pain, discomfort, and nausea. However, heartburn also leads to pain in the arms, shoulders, and jaws and sweating. On the other hand, heartburn leads to bloating and bleaching.  As mentioned earlier, heart attack symptoms in women are silent and manifest as nausea and vomiting more so than in men. So, this is also a point to bear in mind. Anyone with the potential symptoms of heart attack or pre-heart attack symptoms should seek immediate help. In case of heartburn, over-the-counter antacids can help. Stay tuned to our blog for more such insights related to different types of illnesses.

When we think of hypertension, we usually relate to older adults who are at least above the age of 40 years. However, studies show that hypertension can also affect teenagers and children.  Hypertension is a silent killer, and it is increasingly becoming a concern among the younger generation. As per the reports from the Indian Pediatrics, hypertension can be seen more commonly in children, increasing the number from 1-3% to 4-5% in India.   Hypertension in children can be concerning because the prolonged existence of high blood pressure increases the risk of a heart ailment. Untreated hypertension in children can lead to long-term risks like kidney damage, ventricular hypertrophy, heart attacks, heart failure and stroke. Also, visionary problems can emerge over a period.  Considering the risk factors, parents play a crucial role in determining the symptoms and preventing further distress and suffering. Quick and thorough medical care is essential in treating such conditions. Keep reading the blog to discern the hypertension symptoms and causes in children and teens. Discover what parents can do to keep young hearts healthy.  Understanding Hypertension in Children What is hypertension in children? Is it the same as the adults? The answer is yes, but the alarming rate is much higher.  Hypertension occurs when the artery walls face consistent force from blood flow. When blood flows rapidly, the pressure increases. This is alarming for adults, but it can also affect children. The long-term effects of high blood pressure can cause serious health issues.  What are The Key Factors that Contribute to Hypertension in Kids? Promoting Healthy Lifestyle: A Parental Guide Parents are responsible for shaping their children’s lifestyle. Follow these effective strategies to promote heart-friendly habits right from the start:  1. Let your Children Practice Balanced Diets Nutrition is a factor for kids. Improper management and food choices can even cause portal hypertension. It is when blood pressure develops in the portal veins in the liver. Therefore, it is important to encourage healthy eating through: 2. Encourage Physical Activities Regularly When you think of reducing hypertension in children without changing food habits, introduce physical activities to their daily lives. It helps to maintain a healthy weight and control blood pressure. Try to: 3. Prioritising Monthly Health Checkups Monthly checkups with a paediatrician can help parents recognise early signs. Healthcare providers can prescribe an appropriate hypertension treatment based on age and condition. Parents must go for:  Hypertension Self-Care & Making Your Kids Aware Multiple causes of hypertension exist, so knowledge plays an important role. Educate your children about hypertension, risk factors, and how healthy living keeps everyone happy. Help them understand the basics of hypertension and how improper lifestyle choices can impact it. Try reducing mental stress as much as possible.  The Role of Parents in Preventing Hypertension The increasing prevalence of hypertension in children is an acute concern. However, this can be prevented. As parents, let us do our part of the responsibility to permeate our children. There are different types of hypertension, and each can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing stress levels. To know more about life-enhancing medical topics, consider following our blog space and make your journey to good health seamless.