Heart Health Starts at Home: Experts Urge Families to Take Charge

With cardiovascular diseases on the rise across India, health experts stress that good heart practices must begin at home, involving every member of the household.

Balanced Diet and Physical Activity

Satyanarayan Routray, former head of cardiology at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, emphasized the importance of a nutritious diet and regular exercise. He advised families to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in meals, while encouraging physical activities such as walking, yoga, or sports.

Awareness of Risk Factors

Routray highlighted the need for families to stay informed about heart disease risk factors, including family history, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Regular health check-ups—monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol—can help detect silent heart conditions before they become serious.

He also pointed out that high salt intake in certain regions contributes to hypertension and suggested government-led screening initiatives, including programs for college students, to prevent future cardiac issues.

Early Onset of Heart Disease

Susanta Pradhan, senior cardiologist, noted that heart attacks, once mainly seen in people over 50, are now affecting younger populations. He explained that plaque buildup in coronary arteries, which reduces blood flow, begins in childhood and is accelerated by unhealthy diets, stress, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and other health conditions.

Lifestyle Modifications

Pradhan advised families to:

• Reduce children’s mobile usage and ensure adequate sleep.

• Limit alcohol, fast food, smoking, and excessive sugar, salt, and oil intake.

• Encourage home-cooked meals and balanced nutrition.

• Promote active living, such as taking stairs and avoiding prolonged sitting at work.

• Maintain work-life balance to reduce stress.

Family as a Catalyst

Pradhan emphasized the crucial role of families in shaping healthy habits, especially in guiding children toward heart-friendly practices. Parents can help children understand the long-term harm of unhealthy diets and lifestyles, fostering lifelong cardiovascular wellness.

In conclusion, preventive measures, awareness, and lifestyle modifications at the family level are essential strategies to curb the rising incidence of heart disease in India.