Actor Sushmita Sen recently survived a massive heart-attack and was diagnosed with a 95 per cent blockage in her main artery. However, the 47-year-old actor epitomises resilience and had a positive message for her fans, asking them not to abandon exercise. “I know a lot of you will stop going to the gym and say, see, going to the gym didn’t help her. Not good. It did help me. I survived a very, very big heart attack. It did because I have kept an active lifestyle”. Social media influencer and nutritionist Mohita Mascarenhas commenting on the same in a video says, “Don’t use her having a heart attack as an excuse for skipping your workouts. Regular exercise will only strengthen your heart.” She adds, “I agree that genetics and lifestyle play their part. Make sure to get regular preventive checkups.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mohita | Nutritionist (@keeping_it_narrow) Exercise and heart health According to the American Heart Association (AHA), only about one in five adults and teens get enough exercise to maintain good health. “Science has linked being inactive and sitting too much with higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, colon and lung cancers, and early death. It’s clear that being more active benefits everyone and helps us live longer, healthier lives,” claims AHA. Aerobic exercises are especially known to be good for heart health. “Aerobic (or “cardio”) activity gets your heart rate up and benefits your heart by improving cardiorespiratory fitness”. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sushmita Sen (@sushmitasen47) Speaking to indianexpress.com, Dr G Ramesh, Sr. Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Proctor for Complex Coronary Interventions, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, agrees and shares, “Any aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, skipping swimming is good for the heart as it improves the blood supply to all the essential organs including the heart”. Dr Ramesh says, “guidelines suggest a moderate intensity exercise like brisk walk up to 45 minutes a day for 6 days a week” for maintaining heart health. Regular physical activity can lower your blood pressure and also improve your cholesterol levels. Both of which are good for your heart health. Things to keep in mind Dr Ramesh suggests that before you start any formal exercise regime, get a health check up which includes an ECG echo and a TMT and preferably a physician consultation. “During exercise if you have shortness of breath ,chest pain or excessive palpitations, stop exercise immediately and consult a doctor. Also, extremes of exercise such as heavy weight lifting should be avoided”. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sushmita Sen (@sushmitasen47) Dr Ramesh concludes, “If there is family history of heart diseases, go for regular heart check ups which includes a TMT. One should go for regular health checks above the age of 40 or if you have any risk factors or family history, go for check ups at an even younger age”. Check-ups for heart health Mascarenhas recommends the following test to keep a tab on your heart health: 1. Blood pressure 2. Electrocardiogram or ECG 3. Stress test 4. Lipid profile 5. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test 6. ApoB test Heart-healthy foods Include these heart-healthy foods in your diet, as suggested by Mascarenhas: 1. Dark leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. 2. Amla, berries, citrus fruits, beetroot and pomegranate. 3. Whole grains and beans 4. Fatty fish 5. Avocados 6. Flaxseeds 7. Add an omega-3 supplement to your routine if you don't eat fish 📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don't miss out on the latest updates!
