5 significant factors for a healthy heart by Dr. Naresh Trehan

Famhealth in an exclusive conversation with Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta-The Medicity shares effective tips to keep the heart healthy. He gives us 5 significant factors that ensure a healthy heart.

He advises us all to follow these golden principles to keep your heart healthy for many years:

1. Exercise
“When it comes to cardiovascular fitness it should be a sustained 40 minutes of exercise where heart rate goes up by 50 percent of your resting heart rate. ‘Pranayama, meditation and listening to meditative music are the most effective exercises that one must do regularly to calm one’s mind and body” says Dr. Trehan.

2. Nutrition
Nutrition is the second most important factor which affects the heart and arteries. While poor nutrition will increase the chances of a person in depositing of fats in arteries, therefore one must have a balanced nutrition.
Break up of daily nutrition – 50% carbohydrates; 35 – 40 % proteins and 10 – 15% fats.

3. Genetics
“A history of heart disease in the family doubles the risk of a person suffering from some form of heart disease, Therefore a person must know his genetic profile and accordingly tailor his lifestyle”

4. Oil and fat intake
“Since solid fats like butter etc. are not good for the heart. Any liquid oil like Virgin olive oil, mustard oil, sunflower oil, should be consumed within a limit to ensure healthy cholesterol levels of your heart are maintained” says Dr. Trehan.

5. Quitting smoking plus alcohol consumption.
“Lastly, smoking and alcoholism which affect your arteries directly and thereby damage the heart”, says Dr. Trehan.