Cardiovascular diseases claim approximately 17 million lives worldwide each year, with more than half of these deaths attributable to acute myocardial infarction.
In the Chinese mainland alone, over one million new cases of myocardial infarction are reported annually, according to the National Health Commission of China. To raise public awareness and improve treatment capabilities, November 20 has been designated as China's Myocardial Infarction Treatment Day since 2014.
With colder weather approaching, the risk of acute cardiovascular diseases increases. Experts recommend making lifestyle changes and adopting healthier habits to better protect heart health.
Wang Liansheng, chief physician of the Cardiovascular Department at Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital, noted that modern lifestyles are leading to coronary heart disease affecting younger individuals. Unhealthy diets, irregular sleep schedules, and sedentary lifestyles are major risk factors.
\"Long-time sitting can lead to reduced energy expenditure, affecting insulin sensitivity and thereby increasing the risk of diabetes and high cholesterol, both of which are linked to heart disease,\" said Wang.
Additionally, excessive smartphone use before sleep can disrupt sleep patterns and the body's natural rhythm. Exposure to blue light from screens can further disrupt sleep and potentially impact heart health.
Wang emphasized the crucial role of healthy lifestyle habits in preventing cardiovascular diseases. He recommended adopting a Mediterranean-style diet, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, and whole grains while limiting sodium, sugar, sugary drinks, and red meat. Olive oil and other non-tropical vegetable oils should be the primary cooking oils.
Regular exercise is essential for heart health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, such as brisk walking or swimming. Incorporating strength-training exercises can further enhance cardiovascular health. Even for those with sedentary jobs, taking short breaks every hour to get up and move around is important.
According to Wang, maintaining an active lifestyle can help control weight, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels. By making these simple changes, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease and other related health problems.
(Cover: via CFP.)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
