RAIPUR: Heart is the most vital organ of the body. Due to irregular routines, the problem of heart attack is on increase. It is now being detected even in young people too. There is a need to take care, said Dr. Smit Srivastava, Head of the Department of Cardiology at the Advanced Cardiac Institute (ACI), Raipur.

On eve of World Heart Day (September 29), Dr Smit Srivastava, HOD Cardiology, ACI of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Medical College Hospital, said every year the number of heart related diseases are on the rise. In 2021, the hospital treated 1,172 cases out of which 6 cases were of children. 1,022 cases have been reported from January 2022 to August 2022 including 21 cases among children.

He said, “Due to lifestyle changes, diabetes, uncontrolled blood pressure, obesity, keeping away from exercise, smoking, irregular diet and routine are few causes of heart-related diseases. Earlier, heart attack was being reported in patients above 50 years. Now even young people are facing it. Heart attack is caused by a clot in the blood vessels of the heart.”

He said, “To keep your heart healthy, eat fruits, salads, fiber-rich foods like whole grain bread, oats, whole grains, green vegetables, and whole grains in the diet. Be careful in consuming fried and fried things, oil and ghee, fast food, fatty milk, milk products and sugar in excess. Stay away from alcohol and smoking. Keep the cholesterol level in the body low. Avoid consuming too much salt. Do regular exercise and yoga, stay relaxed, keep blood sugar levels low, control weight according to age and height. Blood pressure should be controlled.”

He said on September 29, various events will be organized to create awareness under the theme ‘'Cardiovascular Health for Everyone’.