heart and lungs, and it is the main contributing factor for atherosclerosis and cancer. Passive smoking is also responsible for CVD, and therefore those who smoke are also putting people around them at an increased risk of developing CVD. . Stress : Stress may lead to an increase in blood pressure and blood lipid levels which may, in turn, increase the risk for CVD.
Some individuals try to cope with stress in wrong ways like smoking, consuming alcohol and indulging in comfort eating like consuming high sugar, high fat foods which may result in obesity further increasing their risk for CVD. Positive stress coping strategies that could be adopted include regular physical activity, pursuing a hobby, travelling, yoga and ofcourse taking a balanced diet. . Diet in CVD A heart healthy diet ensures a calorie balanced diet that is low in cholesterol, saturated fat, sugar, salt and sodium with an adequate supply of omega fatty acids, complex carbohydrate, protein and dietary fibre.
Carbohydrate Complex carbohydrate from whole grains, fruits and vegetables are recommended. Excess consumption of refined carbohydrates like maida and simple sugars coupled with overweight and obesity can lead to elevated LDL and triglyceride levels and lower HDL levels. Dietary fibre Increased consumption of insoluble as well as soluble dietary fibre reduces the risk of developing CVD by lowering serum LDL cholesterol levels. Besides this, dietary fibre binds with bile acids and makes them unavailable for fat digestion.
UNIT - - - NUTRITION IN HYPERTENSION AND CARDIO-VASCULAR DISEASE