heart month care

In August, Heart Month is celebrated worldwide, an event aimed at raising awareness of the importance of adopting healthy behaviors and preventing cardiovascular diseases such as the dreaded acute myocardial infarction, which affects a large number of people in Chile. And according to the Ministry of Health Department (Minsal), it is one of the leading causes of death in the country, very close to stroke and cancer.

The main and most recognizable symptom of a possible heart attack is chest pain, which is usually located in the center of the chest. Those who experience it describe it as tightness, the feeling of an elephant’s foot pressing on their chest, or even a feeling of impending doom. Also, this pain can spread to the back, jaw and left arm.

In the case of people with diabetes mellitus, they may sometimes have abdominal pain instead of the usual chest pain. Therefore, regardless of the type of pain, it is important that patients consult their SAPU, Cesfam or a hospital’s emergency service immediately.

It is worrying to know that in Chile one person dies every 20 minutes due to diseases of the circulatory system. However, the good news is that most of these deaths, more than 80%, can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes.

Undoubtedly, the improvement of our habits plays a fundamental role in preventing and reducing risk factors, which include: smoking, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol abuse, excessive salt and sugar intake, overweight, obesity, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, others.

It is important to follow a healthy diet, with a high intake of fiber-rich and low-fat foods such as olive oil, fruits, vegetables, fish, turkey and chicken, legumes, nuts, eggs, cereals and whole wheat breads. She goes.

Other beneficial activities include getting at least 30 minutes of physical exercise per day. You should choose the type of exercise that best suits each person’s physical condition, such as walking, dancing, running or participating in outdoor activities. In addition, controlling weight, checking blood pressure and checking cholesterol and glucose levels are essential measures. Learn to manage stress and anxiety and, of course, quit smoking.

This Heart Month, let’s remember that prevention is the best weapon against heart diseases. Let’s take care of our heart, adopt healthy habits and promote an active and balanced lifestyle. Our heart will thank you.

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