| Crucial role of lifestyle, behavioral choices in preventing CVD: Dr Sushil | | | 
early times report
Jammu, July 27: In view of the ever increasing incidence of cardiac ailments and lifestyle diseases Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma held a day long cardiac awareness cum health Checkup camp at Sidh Peeth Hanuman Khaatushyam Dham, Badyal Qazian , R S Pura Jammu for educating masses regarding the importance of primary prevention in decreasing mortality and morbidity associated with cardiovascular diseases
While interacting with the people Dr Sushil stated that Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, posing immense challenges to public health.
Increasingly, scientific research underscores the significant role of lifestyle and behavioral factors in determining cardiovascular risk, often surpassing genetic predisposition and other non-modifiable elements. By synthesizing findings from recent articles published in Circulation, it becomes apparent that a proactive approach emphasizing healthy habits offers immense potential in mitigating cardiovascular risk and saving millions of lives.
He elaborated that growing body of evidence connects certain lifestyle behaviors with markedly reduced risks of hypertension and heart failure. Drawing on data from the longitudinal Nurses’ Health Study II, researchers identified six pivotal lifestyle factors: maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI < 25 kg/m²), consuming a low-sodium diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, engaging in an average of 30 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, moderate alcohol consumption, infrequent use of nonnarcotic analgesics (less than once per week), and regular folic acid supplementation (≥400 µg/day). Adherence to these habits correlated with a substantially lower incidence of self-reported hypertension, suggesting that cardiovascular risk is highly modifiable through deliberate lifestyle choices.
He added that beyond individual habits, broader behavioral patterns emerge as the number one factor driving premature death, outpacing genetic, social, and environmental contributors.
The American Heart Association (AHA) has distilled these critical behaviors into “Life’s Simple 7”: avoiding cigarette smoking, controlling hypertension, preventing obesity, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining healthy blood glucose and cholesterol levels, and following a nutritious diet.
The preventable death toll linked to each factor is staggering—smoking alone claims 465,000 lives annually, while hypertension and obesity account for 395,000 and 216,000 deaths, respectively. Collectively, these patterns offer a clear roadmap to reducing CVD burden on both personal and societal levels, He said
Dr Sushil Sharma in his concluding remarks called for action for Healthier Living.
Our daily choices wield immense power over our cardiovascular health. While genetics cannot be altered, lifestyle and behavioral interventions offer a practical and effective route for securing better health outcomes and extending life expectancy. Adopting a balanced diet, prioritizing regular exercise, avoiding harmful substances like tobacco, moderating alcohol use, and managing body weight are not just individual preferences; they are lifesaving decisions supported by robust scientific evidence.
As healthcare systems and individuals alike seek to confront the rising tide of cardiovascular disease, there is no intervention more accessible or more effective than cultivating healthy behaviors starting today. |
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