Want to know how healthy your heart is? Keep an eye on these 5 things

It is common knowledge that a healthy heart is a sign of good health and well-being. Plus, if you are someone who wants to live a long and happy life, your heart certainly needs to be in good shape. That’s why health experts can’t stop emphasising on adequate nutrition and physical exercise. Following a well-balanced lifestyle is the key to having a healthy heart. But why are we speaking about this? Still wondering?

Well, that’s because of a recent study by the researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital that Indians and south Asians are twice as likely to develop heart diseases, as compared to those who have a European lineage.

In addition, the study has revealed that the risk assessment calculators often fail to take into account the increased risk of disease in South Asians, even though they make up for a quarter of the world’s population. 

The findings also showed that cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke were more prevalent among people from south Asia, as compared to Europeans. The statistics are alarming to say the least — 6.8% of the participants from south Asia have suffered from a cardiovascular event, while 4.4% of those from European ancestry had reported this. 

So how do you know if your heart is healthy or not? Well, there are some prominent indicators. Let’s find out about them!

1. Heart rate

The ideal heart rate lies between 60-100 beats per minute. Some people who exercise regularly have a heart rate as low as 40, which is a great sign!

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2. Blood pressure

For the uninitiated, the ideal blood pressure should be under 120/80. The upper number measures the arterial pressure, while the lower one measures the pressure of your relaxed heart muscle. Anything above 130/80 is a sign that your heart health is at risk.

3. Energy levels

There are times when all of us feel tired, but if you find yourself huffing and puffing all the time, it’s a sign that your energy levels are not in good shape. That’s because your heart is not pumping enough oxygen, and that’s truly a sign of concern.

4. Cholesterol

Again, cholesterol is an important indicator of good heart health. If your LDL levels are too high, there can be blockages in your arteries that can restrict blood flow. This means your risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases automatically rises!

5. Good oral health

This might come across as a surprise, but good oral health is essential for good heart health. If you have a periodontal disease because of a bacterial infection, sore and bleeding gums, it could be a sign of heart disease.