What’s the reason behind the rise of heart attacks among young people?

 

Earlier people used to think that a heart attack can affect the elderly only. But, nowadays we often hear about heart attacks among youth as well. Before jumping into the details let's first understand what exactly is a heart attack. 

Heart Attack:

The heart needs oxygen to survive. A heart attack occurs when the blood that brings oxygen to the heart gets blocked completely. The most common cause of blockage is a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. Thus, that creates plaque in the arteries that feed the heart (coronary arteries).

A plaque can break and generate a clot, obstructing blood flow. Interrupted blood flow has the potential to harm or destroy a portion of the heart muscle.

Ischemia occurs when the heart muscle lacks oxygen and nutrients. A heart attack is also known as a myocardial infarction. It happens when ischemia causes damage or death to a part of the heart muscle.

Why are heart attacks becoming common in young people?

When the blood flow that delivers oxygen to the heart muscle is significantly or completely cut off, a heart attack ensues. Men over the age of 45 and women over the age of 55 are at a greater risk of developing a heart attack. Heart attacks, on the other hand, are becoming more common among young individuals. Young heart attack victims are frequently smokers, and obese. Also, those who suffer from chronic diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes. As a result, an unhealthy lifestyle can place a lot of strain on the heart. Unfortunately, it leads to exposing young adults to a heart attack.

Symptoms of a heart attack

Though for every individual the symptoms may vary. Few may get mild, severe, or even no symptoms. The most common symptoms are: 

• Pressure, tightness, soreness, squeezing, or aching sensations in your chest or arms, which may spread to your neck, jaw, or back.

• Symptoms such as nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or abdominal pain

• Breathlessness

• Fatigue and cold sweat

• Dizziness

Heart attack symptoms vary

Not all people who get a heart attack have the same symptoms. It varies from individual to individual. Some people experience modest pain, while others experience severe pain. Some people show no signs of illness. For others, the initial symptom could be a cardiac arrest. The more indications and symptoms you have, however, the more likely you are suffering a heart attack.

Although some heart attacks occur unexpectedly. However, many patients have warning signs and symptoms hours, days, or weeks in advance. The first sign could be recurring chest pain or pressure (angina), which is primarily caused by exercise and eased by rest. Angina is usually produced by a brief reduction in blood flow to the heart.

Heart attack after COVID-19

COVID-19 has been linked to cardiac muscle damage and impaired heart function in studies. Experts have proposed numerous explanations for this, including elevated levels of inflammation in the body. The effect on the heart may be more severe in persons who already have heart problems. So, even if you've recovered from COVID, see a doctor if you see any warning signals.

Prevention of heart attack among Youngster

The key to preventing the chance of having a heart attack is a healthy lifestyle. A proper lifestyle can change individual health. Following are some measures that an individual can incorporate in their day-to-day living style.

• Stop smoking. Smoking increases or doubles the risk of having a heart attack.

• Keep track of your vital statistics, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.

• In case you are overweight or obese then reduce weight.

• Have an active life. Exercise regularly even if it's for 30 mins.

• Sugars and unhealthy fats (saturated and trans fats) should be avoided. Increase your consumption of fresh fruits and veggies, as well as entire grains.

• Say no to alcohol.

The connection between yoga and heart

Yoga and the heart share a strong bond. There are five ways in which yoga reduces the risk of heart problems. 

1. Yoga lowers the stress level: Yoga is practiced by people worldwide to relieve stress. Yoga relieves stress by relaxing the body, enhancing breathing, and increasing blood flow. 

Following are the exercises that help in reducing stress:

• Sirshasana the headstand

• Matsyasana the fish pose

• Shishuasana the child pose

• Halasana, Plough pose

• Paschimottanasana, sitting forward bend pose

• Hastapadasana, standing forward bend pose

• Bhramari the humming bee sound

• Bhastrika the bellows breath

2. Yoga controls blood pressure: Stress causes an increase in blood pressure, which is one of the risk factors for heart disease. Because yoga reduces stress, it is great for persons who are at risk for heart disease due to high blood pressure.

 Yoga asanas for lowering the blood pressure:

• Setu Bandhasana(Bridge pose)

• Paschimottanasana, sitting forward bend pose

• Adho mukha svanasana (Downward-facing dog pose)

• Viparita Karani (Legs-up-the-wall pose)

• Uttanasana (Standing forward bend pose)

3. Yoga helps in losing weight: Being active is one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle. In the case of an overweight condition, yoga can help in reducing weight. It has the potential to decrease harmful cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 

Following are the yoga poses:

• Sun Salutation

• Warrior Pose

• Bow Pose

• Angle Pose

• Chair Pose

• Bridge Pose

• Cobra Pose

• Yoga Nidra

4. Yoga gives you a healthy mindset:  Most yoga practitioners begin to take better care of their overall health. That implies you're more likely to make dietary changes that will reduce your risk of heart disease. It also implies that you will be less inclined to smoke, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Asana for healthy mindset:

• TADASANA also called Mountain Pose

• Shoulder stand yoga

• Intense Dorsal stretch

• Cross leg yoga posture

• Plough pose

5. Yoga controls blood sugar: Diabetes puts you at a higher risk for heart disease. In fact, the most common complication of untreated diabetes is heart disease. A vigorous yoga practice will help you lower your blood sugar, lowering your risk of heart disease.

       Poses for controlling sugar:

• Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

• Balasana (Child pose) 

• Bhujangasana (Upward facing dog pose)

• Corpse pose (Shavasana) 

• Legs up the wall (Viparita Karani) 

• Mountain pose (Tadasana) 

• Mandukasana (Frog Pose) 

• Chakarasna (Wheel Pose)

• Halasana (Plow Pose)

• Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the fish pose)

• Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)

• Reclining bound angle pose (Supta baddha konasana)

• Supported shoulder stand (Sarvangasana)

• Upward-facing dog (Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana)

• Supine spinal twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)

When it comes to heart disease, yoga is just as efficient as any other form of exercise in lowering the risk, but it also has the extra bonus of being beneficial for your mind, spirit, and bodily health. This implies that yoga provides you with much more tools to cope with all of the risk factors for heart disease, as well as improve your life in other ways.

Author - Rounak Sharma

What is Depression, Symptoms, Know all.

 

We hear the term depression more commonly in recent days, especially during the pandemic. It is a mental disorder that happens when a person suppresses their thoughts and emotions. For instance, not venting out your emotions when it's needed the most. It is also, thankfully, treatable. Depression produces unhappiness and/or a loss of interest in previously appreciated activities. It can cause a slew of mental and physical issues, as well as a reduction in your capacity to operate at work and at home.

WHO states that 5.0% of adults suffer from depression and it’s one of the prominent reasons contributing to the overall burden of the disease. Depression is different from mood swings. Dive into this article to know A to Z about depression.

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Depression is a major “depressive disorder”. It makes you feel sad, emotionally weak or you may lack interest consistently in almost everything around you.

Depression negatively affects your thought process, feelings, and actions and you may feel lonely. You may feel low most of the time, you may not be able to enjoy a situation that you have enjoyed in the past. For example, a hang out with friends / a weekend party.

There are many types of depression, out of which the most common are major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.

WHY DEPRESSION IS MORE COMMON IN WOMEN?

Depression is common among women due to environmental/lifestyle-related factors. Apart from this women are more sensitive to opinions than men, so the way of socialization has an impact too.

Studies show that women depression is more prevalent among women due to bodily factors like:

(1)Postpartum

(2)Menopause

(3)Hormonal changes

Societal pressure is also an important reason for depression in women if a woman stays to be a homemaker she gets devalued by society whereas a woman who goes to work might face physical or emotional, or sexual attacks by a co-worker.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

You can easily identify depression by observing these symptoms

1. Feeling sad/hopeless all the times

2. High level of frustration even for small issues

3. Lack of concentration in work

4. Sleep-deprived / affected by Insomnia

5. Unable to think clearly

6. Lack of interest in almost all day to day activities

7. Suicidal thoughts/ suicide attempts

8. Loss of appetite

9. Guilt

RISK FACTORS OF DEPRESSION

Depression happens due to various reasons like:

(i)Financial instability / Bankruptcy

(ii)Stressful life with no work-life balance

(iii) Divorce

(iv)Death of a beloved

(v)Prolonged / fatal illness

Though there are a lot of risk factors that can contribute to depression as mentioned above, below is the list of the major factors that prominently causes depression,

1. Hereditary reasons: You may get affected by depression if there is a history of depression in your family.

2. The difference in opinion: Personal turmoil within the close circle might lead to depression.

3. Abuse: Emotional/sexual abuse in the past /present may cause depression.

TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION

Though you can identify depression with these symptoms by yourself, it’s advisable to consult a registered medical practitioner. Preferably a psychologist, who can help you get rid of depression with medications or therapies considering your physical and emotional state.

Generally, doctors prescribe antidepressants to treat depression however depending upon the criticality of depression the treatment differs.

Cognitive behavior therapy(CBT) is the best kind of psychotherapy to treat depression.

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN AYURVEDA AND DEPRESSION

Ayurveda states that 3 kinds of doshas in a person’s body

1. Vata

2. Pita

3. Kapa

If there is an imbalance in these doshas leads to illness and depression.

Ayurveda strongly believes that physical and emotional wellness supports and complements one another and so, to have a healthy mind one should have a healthy body.

Ayurveda provides safe and holistic remedies via herbal supplements, lifestyle, and diet to combat depression and stress. Ayurveda helps us get rid of depression with little or no side effects. Ayurveda provides a long-term solution to depression.

CONCLUSION

It’s always better to get depression diagnosed and treated at an earlier stage so that it will not leave a mark on your life. Hope this article served as an eye-opener to you about depression. Keep the mantra simple, have a healthy and balanced diet. Try to spend quality time with friends and family, and know what’s happening in your kids’ life. Also, hear the kids out every now and then, and have a workout routine. Remember that tough times are like passing clouds, don’t stress upon yourself a lot. Consult a psychologist in case you need and regular counseling could help you avoid depression.

Visit https://www.cureya.in/ , https://www.cureya.in/shop/

Writer - Janani Chandrasekhar

Picture credit Freepik

Understanding Skincare

Beautiful skin isn't just about DNA- your daily habits have a big impact on what you see in the mirror. Yet there are a bewildering number of viewpoints on everything. Topics range from learning the right way to moisturize to mastering how to protect yourself from UV radiation. Different factors also govern skincare viewpoints, such as product reviews, doctor consultations and trends.

Skincare tips before you start

All skin is different and every skin has its type but what is common is the skincare routine. There are four important steps in every skin care regime, that you should adhere to every day :

1. Cleanser - Washing your face

2. Toning - Balancing the skin

3. Moisturizer- hydrating your face

4. Sunscreen - protecting your face

The intention of any skin-care routine is to even out skin complexion (so it looks its best), regulate moisture (so cells turnover faster) and address specific skin care concerns. These concerns can be acne control, wrinkle prevention or even blackheads.

How does food impact your skin?

Most of us know that unhealthy eating is harmful to our skin, but did you know that your diet plays a role in combating the effects of sun damage (ultraviolet rays) on your skin. Exposure to UV light promotes the formation of free radicals, which can damage elastin, collagen, and other ingredients that give the skin its structure and firmness. Over time, this can lead to more pronounced fine lines and wrinkles! The right diet can prevent this!

Many of us are conscious about our food only when it comes to maintaining our jawline, waistline, and appearance, but what we forget is that food plays a very vital role when it comes to our skin. If you do not give your skin the right food, then it can have an adverse effect on your skin. Give your skin the food it needs, make sure your diet balanced and well rounded with healthy food that is rich in antioxidants.

Different skin type

There are four kinds of skin types which are oily, dry, combined, and normal. Your skin type can change depending on your age and life stage; most of us are born with normal skin, but as we grow older and approach puberty, our genes, hormones, and environmental influences can cause skin types to shift. Identifying your skin type is essential in choosing the right products for you.

Normal Skin

Normal skin type appears to be even and has no discoloration. Skin is smooth and soft and when touched it is neither tight nor greasy. Normal skin holds good elasticity and is hydrating with the least or small visible pores.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is characterized by poor epidermal function and is likely to damage the epidermis, the skin's outer protective layer. Some people have dry skin that can be hereditary or due to improper skincare habits, but for others, there is no obvious reason.
Following are the characteristic of the dry skin type:

1. Skin feels tight and dehydrated 

2. Visible pores

3. Fine lines are visible

4. If not hydrated then feels itchiness

5. Difficult to apply to make up 

6. Peeling of the skin, dry skin is flaky. 

For dry skin, it is very important to take extra precautions and care. In case of lack of attention with such type may lead to further damage of the skin.

Oily Skin

Overproduction of sebum, an oily material that our skin requires to operate correctly, causes oily skin. Too much sebum can lead to acne, while too little can lead to dry, cracked skin.

Characteristics of oily skin:

1. Enlarged and long visible pores

2. Breakouts

3. Difficult to hold makeup 

4. Looks shiny and has less visible wrinkles 

Combination Skin

People frequently hear about mixed skin but are unsure what it is. When we talk about combination skin, we're referring to the fact that we have at least two different types of facial skin and may need to change our skincare routine to cater to the different types.

Combination skin can be either one of the below types:

1. Around the T-Zone area of the face, either oily or normal skin. The nose, forehead, and chin are all included.

2. Around the U-ZONE, which includes the cheeks, mouth, and eyes, the skin might be dry or normal.

The connection between yoga and healthy skin

Like your body, your skin, and especially your face, is a victim of a stressful lifestyle. If you are not eating properly, or if you are stressed, anticipate hormonal fluctuations that may appear in the form of acne and other skin problems.

However, the science of yoga, which is based on the wisdom of ancient India, can provide some relief. Those who practice yoga regularly are very vocal about the enormous impact that yoga has on both the body and mind. Weight loss and healthy skin are some of the visible benefits of yoga.

While yoga improves overall health, certain asanas are especially beneficial for your skin. Doing it regularly will help get rid of toxins and restore your skin to its healthiest condition. Following are some asanas that help in skincare:

1. Shirshasana - It's the king of all asanas, it provides a maximum benefit out of all asanas. It helps in increasing the blood circulation of the face, enhancing your mood and getting rids of toxins 

2. Shishuasana - The downward-facing Shishuasana, also known as the child posture, improves facial circulation, lowers tension, and improves the general health of your skin.

3. Matsyasana - The fish position, or Matsyasana, is recognized for balancing hormones and relaxing muscles. When done regularly, this can help your skin retain its flexibility as you become older.

It's not just the poses that help. A yoga breathing technique known as pranayama (Citali and Sitkari) has a cooling effect on the body and helps reduce acne. It is also believed that techniques such as Jalneti and Shankh Prakshalan play a role in helping the body detoxify and ultimately achieve healthy skin.

Final thoughts

At the the end of the day, skincare is a matter of personal preference. You do what works for you! It is however important to understand your skin and the different factors that affect skin care!

Visit Cureya's Website to know more. Free consultation services with top medical and health professionals. Check out www.cureya.in and www.cureya.in/shop

Credit Author : Rounak Sharma

All photos credited and designed by Freepik.