Guard the Beat: Why Heart Health Matters
This World Heart Day (Sept 29), cardiologist Xu Shiying of Tsinghua University’s Chuiyangliu Hospital shares why proactive prevention can save lives. From emergency stents to marathon comebacks, a strong heart starts with smart habits.
Take the case of a 42-year-old guy with a long history of smoking and insomnia—an emergency stent saved his life, but it was lifestyle changes and rehab that turned him into a marathon finisher one year later! 🏃♂️💨
Myth Busters 🔍
- Only old people get CVD? Nope! Unhealthy habits can trigger artery plaque way before 60.
- Big muscles = healthy heart? Good fitness doesn’t guarantee perfect cardiovascular health—regular checkups matter!
Top Daily Heart Hacks 💡
- Diet makeover: Fill half your plate with veggies & fruits, choose brown rice or multigrain roti, and go easy on spicy curries, sambal & salt (<5g/day) & sugar (<10% of calories).
- Move more: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise—brisk walking, cycling or dancing your favorite tune.
- Sleep tight: 7–8 hours of quality shut-eye helps your heart rest and reset.
- No smoke zone: Kicking the habit lowers your heart’s workload instantly.
- Stress less: Try meditation, journaling or quick catch-ups with pals to keep blood pressure in check.
Balance is key: 20–30% of calories from fats, 15–20% from protein, 50–60% from carbs. Mix in at least 12 different foods daily for max nutrient power! 💪
Start small, stay consistent, and let every beat count. Your heart’s got your back—show it some love! ❤️
Reference(s):
Guard the beat: Key takeaways from a cardiologist for heart health
cgtn.com
