In the medical field, there is a common adage that warns us: "Diseases often strike silently." In our daily lives, we may unintentionally ignore the subtle warnings that our bodies transmit. Especially when it comes to cardiovascular health, these small signs can be important life-saving clues. For example, He Wei, an urban professional, is under tremendous professional pressure every day, and when dealing with urgent work tasks, he began to experience symptoms of chest pressure and shortness of breath. After working overtime late at night, He Wei suddenly suffered severe chest pain, and at this moment, he realized the urgency of the problem. Luckily, he sought medical attention quickly, and the results revealed early signs of heart disease. Cardiovascular health and mood regulation are closely linked. Mastering effective stress management techniques is not only beneficial for mental health, but also essential for maintaining heart function. This is not only the consensus of the medical community, but also a philosophy of life that cares for physical and mental health. Maintaining cardiovascular health should not only be physiological, but also social and emotional. Take Auntie Li, a retired elderly, for example, who has built a deep friendship with her neighbors by actively participating in community activities. This kind of social interaction not only enriched her later life, but also effectively relieved her psychological pressure and indirectly maintained her heart health.
Chest discomfort and pain: Pressure and pain in the chest are the most obvious signs of heart problems. This discomfort is generally concentrated behind the sternum or on the left side of the chest, but it can also occur in other areas, such as the left shoulder, jaw, teeth, throat, left upper arm, upper abdomen, or under the left ribs. Abnormal heartbeat: A fast or slow heartbeat can cause an abnormal heartbeat. In addition to irregular heartbeats, such as premature ventricular contractions or atrial fibrillation, other heart conditions, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, or myocarditis, may also be accompanied by abnormal heartbeats. Shortness of breath: Heart disease can cause a lack of oxygen to the bloodstream, making it difficult to breathe. If daily activities, such as climbing stairs, suddenly become strained, this could be a warning sign of a heart problem. Edema: Heart disease may cause a decrease in the heart's pumping function, resulting in edema of the face and lower extremities, sometimes accompanied by symptoms such as pleural effusion, ascites, pericardial effusion, or decreased urine output. Back pain: Back pain can be a less significant sign of heart disease. High blood pressure, coronary artery disease, aortic dissection or ruptured aneurysm can all cause back pain.
Syncope: Syncope is a transient loss of consciousness caused by insufficient blood flow to the brain. It has a variety of possible causes, but cardiogenic syncope is one of them and may be associated with coronary artery disease or irregular heartbeats.
Regular health assessments: Prevent cardiovascular-related diseases by monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels with regular check-ups. Explore family health history: Because cardiovascular disease is genetically predisposed, knowing family history can help identify an individual's risk level. Reduce sugar intake: Reduce the consumption of processed foods with added sugars, especially to reduce health risks. Avoid fried foods: Although occasionally consumed is not harmful, limit your intake of these foods. Increase dietary fiber intake: Increase fiber intake by eating foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, oats, legumes, and nuts. Manage stress: Long-term stress can take a toll on heart health, and regular exercise is an effective way to reduce stress.
Get enough sleep: Get 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night to reduce your risk of heart disease. Quit smoking: Avoid smoking altogether and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and thirdhand smoke. Walk briskly: Walking briskly every day can be beneficial for heart health and reduce the negative effects of sitting for a long time. Maintain your ideal weight: Increases in weight and waist circumference are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, so it's important to maintain a healthy weight.