One sunny morning in Hyderabad, Aditi, a spirited 40-year-old school teacher, laced up her running shoes for her routine morning jog. Active by nature, she had always embraced the day with enthusiasm. But that morning was different. As she jogged along her favorite path, she felt an unfamiliar sensation — a mild, nagging discomfort in her chest. She paused, assuming it was a fleeting ache, but the sensation lingered.
In the days that followed, Aditi noticed other changes. Climbing the stairs to her classroom, once an effortless task, now left her feeling unusually winded. She brushed it off as fatigue from her hectic schedule. However, the episodes of breathlessness became more frequent, accompanied by occasional dizzy spells that made her pause and catch her breath.
Aditi, ever the optimist, tried to shake off these signs, attributing them to the stress of her demanding job. But deep down, she knew something was amiss. Her body, which had always been her ally, seemed to be sending her warning signals.
It was a particularly busy Tuesday when the reality of her situation became impossible to ignore. As she ascended the stairs, the familiar shortness of breath was compounded by a wave of fatigue so intense it stopped her in her tracks. Her heart pounded unusually hard against her chest, and the corridors of the school, once filled with the familiar bustle of students, suddenly felt overwhelmingly distant.
That evening, sitting in the quiet of her home, Aditi reflected on these troubling symptoms. The persistent chest discomfort, the uncharacteristic breathlessness, the spells of dizziness — they were not just random occurrences; they were red flags. With a mixture of apprehension and resolve, she picked up her phone and booked an appointment with her doctor.
When his preliminary checks revealed early signs of heart disease, he referred her to a hospital with a full-fledged Cardiology department. Needless to say, Aditi was shocked; as an athlete, she had always been active in her youth. This moment was a turning point. Without resorting to New Year resolutions or lofty goals, she decided to take small, sustainable steps towards a healthier heart. Her journey is a beacon of hope and a real example of how lifestyle changes can significantly impact heart health.
Heart-healthy eating
Realising that health starts in the kitchen, she started to consciously make smarter, heart-friendly food choices. She switched to olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fats that lower bad cholesterol. Her plates became colourful with a variety of greens and vegetables, packed with antioxidants to combat heart inflammation. Whole grains like oats and brown rice became staples, offering cholesterol-lowering fiber. She included omega-3-rich fish like salmon, vital for reducing heart disease risk. Importantly, she reduced processed foods, notorious for harmful trans fats and excess sodium. Aditi’s approach wasn’t about strict dieting but finding a sustainable balance, enjoying her meals while nurturing her heart.
Finding joy in movement
Aditi revamped her exercise regimen to be gentler on her heart while maintaining her fitness. She transitioned from high-impact jogs to brisk walks, enjoying the fresh air for about 30 minutes daily, a frequency recommended for good heart health. Aditi also discovered the calming benefits of Yoga and pranayama, practices known to enhance cardiovascular health by reducing stress and improving lung capacity. Additionally, she joined dance classes twice a week, adding a fun, rhythmic element to her routine. These changes offered her a diverse mix of activities, combining aerobic exercise, flexibility, and stress reduction, crucial for a strong and healthy heart.
Keeping stress away
Aditi’s journey to a healthier heart also meant reevaluating her ‘me’ time. She embraced reading and gardening, finding tranquility in the pages of a book and the nurturing of plants. Recognizing the power of positivity, she took up to penning her thoughts and affirmations. She carved out time from her schedule to meet friends and family members, shared laughter with whom served as a natural stress-buster. Aditi also made time for short holidays, immersing herself in new environments and experiences, taking a much-needed break from the daily grind. These acts of self-care and moments of joy not only helped her unwind but also played a critical role in maintaining her emotional and heart health.
A no smoke – low alcohol policy
Made aware of the dangers of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption by the Cardiologist, Aditi took steps to adopt a more heart-conscious lifestyle. She realised that smoking damages the lining of the arteries, leading to a buildup of fatty material which narrows the artery; which in turn can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Similarly, she understood that excessive alcohol intake can lead to high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, and damage to the heart muscle. Aditi not only gave up the occasional cigarette she smoked socially, but also tried to avoid exposing herself to passive smoke and moderating her alcohol consumption.
Getting regular health check-ups
Once bitten, twice shy, Aditi ensured to schedule regular check-ups with her Cardiologist. During these visits, her doctor conducted various tests like blood pressure measurements, cholesterol screenings, and electrocardiograms (ECGs). These tests provided insights into her heart’s condition, revealing risk factors such as hypertension or high cholesterol levels, which are silent but significant indicators of heart disease. The visits also became educational sessions, where Aditi learned about heart health maintenance, understanding that early detection and ongoing monitoring are key to preventing serious heart complications.
Aditi’s transformation and the ripple effect
A year into her journey, Aditi’s check-up results showed significant improvement. Her dedication inspired her family, friends, and even her fellow teachers to take heart health seriously. Her story is a reminder that the changes don’t have to be drastic; even small steps can lead to big victories for heart health.
Going to the heart of the matter
Like in Aditi’s case, finding a partner who knows, listens, understands, urges and is empathetic is essential for a successful heart-healthy journey. The Cardiology department of Pragma Hospitals in Vanasthalipuram, Hyderabad has doctors who have many, many years of experience in spotting, preventing and reversing heart complications. They understand the importance of a personalised approach to heart health, and offer one-on-one care. Their Cardiology department offers comprehensive services from consultation to diagnostics to surgery to post-op care, but more importantly, they believe in educating and supporting patients like Aditi in their journey towards a healthier heart. Pragma Hospitals provides not just medical expertise but a supportive environment for patients to understand and manage their heart health effectively.
Aditi’s journey underscores the importance of vigilance and lifestyle changes in nurturing a healthy heart. Her story is a powerful reminder that heart health is not just about medical interventions but also about the daily choices we make. From diet and exercise to stress management and regular health check-ups, every small step contributes to a stronger, healthier heart. Her proactive approach towards recognizing symptoms, seeking medical advice, and making sustainable lifestyle changes serves as an inspiration. It shows that taking charge of our heart health is within our grasp, and with awareness and dedication, we can significantly improve our heart’s well-being.