Salt’s Effect On Cardiovascular System - Heart Specialist’s Take

Introduction

Most of us know too much salt can be bad for the heart. So, how much salt is too much? And why does it matter? A cardiologist in Kolkata clears the saltiest queries about this matter in the following sections.

 

Salt and heart

Sodium is a mineral that we all require. It plays a part in the healthy function of nerves and muscles and helps keep the body’s fluid levels in the correct balance. But that fluid balance is delicate. Excessive sodium can lead to fluid retention, increasing blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

So, one should keep tabs on their sodium, especially if they have high blood pressure or heart problem or risk of developing them.

Sodium recommendations 

How much sodium is too much? Here’s what the guidelines say.

Recommended sodium guidelines

One should aim to keep sodium consumption below 2,300 milligrams per day. That’s about 1 level teaspoon of salt, says the heart specialist in Kolkata.

If one has high blood pressure

People with enhanced blood pressure should be on a low-sodium diet, which means capping daily sodium at 2,300 mg at the highest. It’s ideal if one can cut it down to less than 1,500 mg per day. Lowering blood pressure is a vital way to reduce the risk of heart disease.

If one has heart failure

Doctors advise that people with heart failure should also consume a low-sodium diet. Excessive salt can cause fluid to build up around the lungs and heart, making the heart work harder.

Studies show that a limit of 2,000 mg per day of sodium is a good goal for heart failure, especially for those with high blood pressure. But there’s an important caveat. Some data suggest deficient levels of sodium may lead to worse outcomes in people with heart failure. Thus, one should discuss their sodium intake with their healthcare provider.

Tips for cutting salt from the diet

The heart specialist in Kolkata offers tips in the following section for keeping sodium levels in the healthy range:

Read labels

Check nutrition labels when buying packaged food. Some pantry staples of people often have more sodium than one can guess by tasting. Many other packaged foods can also be sources of sodium — even if they don’t taste particularly salty.

Get creative

One can look to other spices and seasonings to give a meal some gusto than letting salt do all the talking. One can kick the flavours up a notch by adding new spices available in the market and squeezing fresh lemon or herbs.

Be smart when dining out

Fear of salt shouldn’t hold one back from the occasional restaurant or takeout meal. But they should think about their choices ahead of time by ordering food and asking them to prepare it with no salt (one can add a bit to taste at the table.) 

Don’t be fooled by fancy salt

Many people think that sea salt or Himalayan salt is better for their health than table salt. When it comes to sodium, they similarly affect blood pressure, says the heart doctor in Kolkata.

Is Smoking Bad for Heart Health?

Introduction

“Smoking can cause several complications and problems for the entire cardiovascular system, including the heart, blood and blood vessels”, says the Medithics Clinic’s best heart doctor in Kolkata.

Over time, the continuous exposure of the heart to harmful tobacco can cause health issues like stroke, heart attack and even heart failure.

 

 

List of Cardiovascular Disease caused by Smoking

A cardiologist in South Kolkata, attached to Medithics Clinic, lists the cardiovascular diseases which result from Smoking.

1. High blood pressure - High blood pressure occurs when blood in arteries flows with too much force. Nicotine in cigarettes narrows and hardens the walls of the arteries, increasing blood pressure and heart rate. It stresses the heart and causes a heart attack or stroke. It also makes blood more likely to clot. 

2. Atherosclerosis - Atherosclerosis is a condition that occurs when the arteries become narrow and stiff due to the build-up of plaque. It blocks the flow of blood, making it difficult to reach other parts of the body, and it also causes inflammation. Plaque is made of cholesterol, fat, and scar tissue. Cigarette increases inflammation, which further promotes the accumulation of cholesterol and plaque in the arteries, thus, worsening atherosclerosis. Hypertension caused by Smoking can also increase the risk of atherosclerosis.

3. Arrhythmia - Arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat. Smoking can trigger heart muscle scarring or cardiac fibrosis, leading to an irregular heartbeat or a fast heartbeat. The nicotine in cigarettes also increases heart rate.

4. Coronary heart disease (CHD) - CHD occurs due to the inability of the heart’s arteries, called coronary arteries, to bring enough blood to the heart. It’s also known as coronary artery disease. Smoking contributes to the condition of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure, which leads to CHD. 

5. Stroke - A stroke, or a brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Smoking can lead to a stroke as it stimulates the formation of plaque and clots, which can accumulate in blood vessels throughout the body and hinder the flow of blood to the brain. 

6. Heart attack – As Smoking stimulates plaque build-up and narrows the arteries and blood vessels, the blood flow to the heart gets hindered. This obstruction in the normal flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart damages the heart muscle, causing a heart attack.

7. Heart failure - Heart failure occurs when the damage is so severe that the heart becomes unable to pump the necessary amount of blood to the body. Smoking-related causes of heart failure include CHD and arrhythmia. 

8. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) – The disease occurs when the arteries become too narrow to carry blood to the arms, hands, legs, and feet. Smoking can cause PAD by stimulating inflammation and atherosclerosis. 

9. Abdominal aortic aneurysm - The aorta is a major artery located in the abdomen that delivers blood throughout the body. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can stimulate the formation of plaque and cause inflammation, narrowing the aorta. As a result, the aorta eventually develops a weak spot called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The weak spot can get bigger over time and eventually burst, which can be life-threatening.

If you are a smoker and suffering from any symptoms of heart disease like chest pain or shortness of breath, quit smoking and consult a cardiologist without delay. Visit Medithics Clinic’s top heart specialists in Kolkata.

When Do Women Need Heart-Health Tests – Top Cardiologists Explain

 

Regardless of our age or gender, we need to take good care of our hearts. As we age, several unique health concerns challenge us; specifically, cardiovascular health factors are a matter of great importance, which is especially true for older women.

How does a Heart Disease Affect Women – Ask the Best Heart Doctor in Kolkata

According to the top 10 cardiologists in Kolkata, women aged between 45 and 65 are more prone to developing symptoms of cardiovascular diseases than those who are younger. After the age of 65, one out of three women is at risk of having heart diseases, while one-fifth of the overall deaths among women are due to cardiovascular diseases.

Screening Tests to Protect a Woman’s Heart Health

We spoke to the best cardiologist doctor in Kolkata regarding the screening tests needed by women of various age groups. Women below 40 should get their screening tests done every three to five years to detect any signs of cardiovascular disease, with earlier screening being needed depending on the risk factors. After reaching 40, all women need to undergo routine screenings, irrespective of whether there is a family history or traditional risk factors. Tests that are commonly used include:

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

The ECG helps in measuring the heart’s electrical activity. While the electrical impulses are recorded and visually represented, a heart doctor in Kolkata studies the result and determines if the patient’s heart is getting enough oxygen.

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

High blood pressure & cholesterol can affect both men and women, and if left uncontrolled, these can cause weakened or damaged blood vessels, resulting in plaque build-up.

Ankle Brachial Index

It is a simple test that detects the presence of peripheral artery disease, a condition which starts in the patient’s lower legs and gradually increases the chances of strokes and heart attacks.