World Heart Day

THE HEART IS THE CENTRE OF OUR UNIVERSE, THE MOST IMPORTANT ORGAN OF OUR BODY.

Every human being should have access to the information, care and treatment they need to keep their heart healthy, regardless of race, nationality, gender, age, education or income as conveyed by The World Heart Federation (WHF) Refer to link : https://youtu.be/wqCPa73ffeQ

The CoronaVirus Pandemic has affected each and every organ of our body including the Heart. Many patients with coronavirus disease have underlying cardiac disease.

Heart attacks are usually experienced as a burning or tightness of the chest, radiating to the arm or neck along with unusual shortness of breath. These symptoms can happen a few days before the full-blown attack. So, it is of utmost importance and advisable that the patient is rushed to the hospital even during the pandemic. 

Coronavirus infection can be caught by anyone however the patient with underlying cardiac disease may have a more severe infection than others because of associated comorbidities like Hypertension, Diabetes etc. The virus does not affect the heart directly, but due to the inflammatory effects of the virus, patients may have heart attacks, irregular heartbeats, etc. Therefore, the best way to save yourself during the pandemic is to follow the safety precautions recommended by the health authorities and government. Do not stop or change your medications as it may be very dangerous and may worsen your condition. Everyone can still go around with their day to day life. It is advisable to avoid crowded places, maintain a safe distance, and still use public transport with masks on.  In the end, it all boils down to emotional and physical wellbeing. These are anxious times for everyone. In regular intervals, a smaller healthy diet is a very effective means to stay fit and healthy but one needs to be strict about having fried food items. Good food gives vital minerals and vitamins which help in combating anxiety. Eating sweets shall make you psychologically weak, so avoid. The same goes for alcohol too. Keep it to a minimum. A cup of tea or coffee is helpful for calming or soothing anxious thoughts.

Exercising, walking, performing gentle aerobic movements as well as skipping are very effective for heart patients. Step up to music to alleviate anxiety. Use virtual means of socialising like facetime and Skype to keep connected with family and friends. It will give you something to look forward to. Stay busy with your chores. Rearrange your room. De-clutter the wardrobe, weed the garden, etc. 

Recreational activities like reading a book. knitting, sewing, painting to relax your mind and body. Watch news but only once a day since the constant need to know about coronavirus status and its effects is anxiety-provoking. Last but not the least keep your focus on your BREATH.