This World Heart Day, learn the ‘ABCDE’ rule to maintain heart health and combat fatal conditions

Dr Akshay Pradhan, head of cardiology at KGMU, said, “Following A, B, C, D, and E will reduce the risk of heart disease by at least 50 per cent.”

What exactly is this rule?

Dr Prateek Chaudhary, senior consultant, cardiology, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, agreed with Dr Pradhan’s statement that following the “ABCDE” rule can significantly reduce the possibility of heart disease. In a conversation with indianexpress.com, Chaudhary explained the rule: “A stands for avoiding alcohol, B for keeping your blood pressure under control, C for managing cholesterol levels and avoiding cigarette smoking, D for controlling diabetes, and E for exercise.”

How can people quit smoking and alcohol consumption?

Dr Chaudhary suggested several approaches to quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, but acknowledged the difficulty in quitting addictions. “First and foremost, focus on saving yourself. If possible, avoid handling it alone — those who have overcome addiction can help others quit or guide them to a skilled de-addiction specialist,” he said.

“There are various medications that can aid in quitting, but the most crucial factor is having a strong determination to stop. Keeping your mind occupied with recreational activities or distractions in daily life can be very helpful,” he said.

Limit saturated fats such as ghee, cheese, and butter, and reduce the amount of salt in your diet. (Source: Getty Imaes/Thinkstock)

How can one monitor and control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes at home?

Dr Chaudhary recommended consulting a medical specialist for managing sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure, following the medications they prescribed and staying in regular contact.

The doctor said the most important aspect of monitoring these conditions is the diet, and suggested limiting saturated fats like ghee, cheese, and butter, as well as reducing salt intake.

“Nowadays, there are electronic blood pressure monitors, glucometers, and sphygmomanometers one can use to check blood pressure and glucose levels regularly in the morning, evening, or whenever you have any concerns,” he said.

What exercise routine is recommended for heart health?

Dr Chaudhary recommended at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day. Moderate intensity means you should walk at a brisk pace, fast enough to break a sweat. “A 30-minute session of moderate-intensity exercise or walking can increase your lifespan by 10 years,” he said.

The doctor also said that if you want to engage in high-intensity exercise or activities at the gym, make sure you consult your doctor for advice and undergo some basic evaluations before pursuing high-intensity workouts.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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